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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Unravelling driver genes as potential therapeutic targets in ovarian cancer via integrated bioinformatics approach

J Ovarian Res. 2024 Apr 23;17(1):86. doi: 10.1186/s13048-024-01402-7.

ABSTRACT

Target-driven cancer therapy is a notable advancement in precision oncology that has been accompanied by substantial medical accomplishments. Ovarian cancer is a highly frequent neoplasm in women and exhibits significant genomic and clinical heterogeneity. In a previous publication, we presented an extensive bioinformatics study aimed at identifying specific biomarkers associated with ovarian cancer. The findings of the network analysis indicate the presence of a cluster of nine dysregulated hub genes that exhibited significance in the underlying biological processes and contributed to the initiation of ovarian cancer. Here in this research article, we are proceeding our previous research by taking all hub genes into consideration for further analysis. GEPIA2 was used to identify patterns in the expression of critical genes. The KM plotter analysis indicated that the out of all genes 5 genes are statistically significant. The cBioPortal platform was further used to investigate the frequency of genetic mutations across the board and how they affected the survival of the patients. Maximum mutation was reported by ELAVL2. In order to discover viable therapeutic candidates after competitive inhibition of ELAVL2 with small molecular drug complex, high throughput screening and docking studies were used. Five compounds were identified. Overall, our results suggest that the ELAV-like protein 2-ZINC03830554 complex was relatively stable during the molecular dynamic simulation. The five compounds that have been found can also be further examined as potential therapeutic possibilities. The combined findings suggest that ELAVL2, together with their genetic changes, can be investigated in therapeutic interventions for precision oncology, leveraging early diagnostics and target-driven therapy.

PMID:38654363 | DOI:10.1186/s13048-024-01402-7

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

A mixed methods evaluation of the impact of ECHO® telementoring model for capacity building of community health workers in India

Hum Resour Health. 2024 Apr 23;22(1):26. doi: 10.1186/s12960-024-00907-y.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: India has the largest cohort of community health workers with one million Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs). ASHAs play vital role in providing health education and promoting accessible health care services in the community. Despite their potential to improve the health status of people, they remain largely underutilized because of their limited knowledge and skills. Considering this gap, Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO)® India, in collaboration with the National Health System Resource Centre (NHSRC), implemented a 15-h (over 6 months) refresher training for ASHAs using a telementoring interface. The present study intends to assess the impact of the training program for improving the knowledge and skills of ASHA workers.

METHODS: We conducted a pre-post quasi-experimental study using a convergent parallel mixed-method approach. The quantitative survey (n = 490) assessed learning competence, performance, and satisfaction of the ASHAs. In addition to the above, in-depth interviews with ASHAs (n = 12) and key informant interviews with other stakeholders (n = 9) examined the experience and practical applications of the training. Inferences from the quantitative and qualitative approaches were integrated during the reporting stage and presented using an adapted Moore’s Expanded Outcomes Framework.

RESULTS: There was a statistically significant improvement in learning (p = 0.038) and competence (p = 0.01) after attending the training. Participants were satisfied with the opportunity provided by the teleECHO™ sessions to upgrade their knowledge. However, internet connectivity, duration and number of participants in the sessions were identified as areas that needed improvement for future training programs. An improvement in confidence to communicate more effectively with the community was reported. Positive changes in the attitudes of ASHAs towards patient and community members were also reported after attending the training. The peer-to-peer learning through case-based discussion approach helped ensure that the training was relevant to the needs and work of the ASHAs.

CONCLUSIONS: The ECHO Model ™ was found effective in improving and updating the knowledge and skills of ASHAs across different geographies in India. Efforts directed towards knowledge upgradation of ASHAs are crucial for strengthening the health system at the community level. The findings of this study can be used to guide future training programs. Trial registration The study has been registered at the Clinical Trials Registry, India (CTRI/2021/10/037189) dated 08/10/2021.

PMID:38654359 | DOI:10.1186/s12960-024-00907-y

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Enhancing clinical reasoning for management of non-communicable diseases: virtual patient cases as a learning strategy for nurses in primary healthcare centers: a pre-post study design

BMC Med Educ. 2024 Apr 23;24(1):441. doi: 10.1186/s12909-024-05440-z.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: In Rwanda, nurses manage all primary care at health centres, and therefore are their clinical reasoning skills important. In this study, a web-based software that allows the creation of virtual patient cases (VP cases) has been used for studying the possibility of using VP cases for the continuous professional development of nurses in primary health care in Rwanda. Previous studies in pre-service education have linked VP cases with the enhancement of clinical reasoning, a critical competence for nurses. This study investigated the feasibility of continuous professional development through VP cases to further train in-service nurses in clinical reasoning.

METHOD: The study used a pre-post test design. Initially, seventy-six participants completed a questionnaire as part of the pre-test phase, subsequently invited to engage with all four VP cases, and finally responded to the post-test questionnaire evaluating clinical reasoning skills. Fifty-six participants successfully completed the entire study process and were considered in the analysis. The primary outcomes of this study were evaluated using a paired t-test for the statistical analysis.

RESULTS: The results show that the mean score of clinical reasoning increased significantly from the pre-test to the post-test for all four illness areas (p < 0.001). The study findings showed no statistically significant difference in participants’ scores based on demographic factors, including whether they worked in urban or rural areas. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: Utilizing VP cases appears to significantly enhance the continuous professional development of nurses, fostering a deliberate learning process that enables them to reflect on how they manage cases and, in turn, refine their clinical reasoning skills. This study strongly recommends incorporating VP cases in the continuous professional development of nurses at the primary health level (health centers). This is especially pertinent in a context where nurses are required to perform diagnostic processes similar to those employed by physicians.

PMID:38654323 | DOI:10.1186/s12909-024-05440-z

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Comparative outcomes of obese and non-obese patients with lumbar disc herniation receiving full endoscopic transforaminal discectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2024 Apr 23;25(1):322. doi: 10.1186/s12891-024-07455-5.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the impact of full endoscopic transforaminal discectomy (FETD) on clinical outcomes and complications in both obese and non-obese patients presenting with lumbar disc herniation (LDH).

METHODS: A systematic search of relevant literature was conducted across various primary databases until November 18, 2023. Operative time and hospitalization were evaluated. Clinical outcomes included preoperative and postoperative assessments of the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, conducted to delineate improvements at 3 months postoperatively and during the final follow-up, respectively. Complications were also documented.

RESULTS: Four retrospective studies meeting inclusion criteria provided a collective cohort of 258 patients. Obese patients undergoing FETD experienced significantly longer operative times compared to non-obese counterparts (P = 0.0003). Conversely, no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed in hospitalization duration, improvement of VAS for back and leg pain scores at 3 months postoperatively and final follow-up, improvement of ODI at 3 months postoperatively and final follow-up. Furthermore, the overall rate of postoperative complications was higher in the obese group (P = 0.02). The obese group demonstrated a total incidence of complications of 17.17%, notably higher than the lower rate of 9.43% observed in the non-obese group.

CONCLUSION: The utilization of FETD for managing LDH in individuals with obesity is associated with prolonged operative times and a higher total complication rate compared to their non-obese counterparts. Nevertheless, it remains a safe and effective surgical intervention for treating herniated lumbar discs in the context of obesity.

PMID:38654321 | DOI:10.1186/s12891-024-07455-5

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Analysis of the mediating effect between ehealth literacy and health self-management of undergraduate nursing students’ mental health literacy

BMC Nurs. 2024 Apr 23;23(1):264. doi: 10.1186/s12912-024-01920-1.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Good health self-management positively affects the health of healthcare providers and their ability to manage their patients’ health. This study explored the relationship between ehealth literacy, health self-management skills, and mental health literacy among undergraduate nursing students. Some studies have confirmed the correlation between e-health literacy and health self-management skills, while mental health literacy may be correlated with both, and this study aims to explore the relationship between the three.

METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted at a medical university in northwestern China among 385 Chinese undergraduate nursing students. Participants completed the General Information Questionnaire, the Adult Health Self-Management Skills Rating Scale, the Mental Health Literacy Rating Scale, and the eHealth Literacy Scale, and provided valid responses. The IBM SPSS 27.0 statistical software was used for data entry and descriptive analysis, t-test, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation analysis. The IBM Amos 26.0 was used to construct the mediation effect model, and the Bootstrap method was employed to test mediating effects.

RESULTS: Mental health literacy, ehealth literacy, and health self-management skills of undergraduate nursing students were at a moderate to high level. Mental health literacy, ehealth literacy, and health self-management were positively correlated. Mental health literacy, particularly, played a partial mediating role of 31.1% ( 95% CI [0.307-1.418] ) between ehealth literacy and health self-management.

CONCLUSIONS: Undergraduate nursing students’ mental health literacy partially mediates the link between eHealth literacy and health self-management skills. Schools should emphasize the development of nursing students’ e-health literacy and mental health literacy in order to improve their health self-management skills, which will not only bring about a better health outcome for the students, but will also benefit the health of the social population.

PMID:38654311 | DOI:10.1186/s12912-024-01920-1

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

In vitro study examines posterior torque impact on 3D mechanics of anterior teeth in clear aligner treatment

BMC Oral Health. 2024 Apr 23;24(1):486. doi: 10.1186/s12903-024-04240-7.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: This study utilizes investigate the impact of posterior torques on the three-dimensional force exerted on the lower anterior teeth during the retraction in orthodontic clear aligners treatment.

METHODS: Four groups of mandibular dental arch light-cured resin models will be created, including: mandibular posterior teeth with standard torque, mandibular posterior teeth with labial torque, and mandibular posterior teeth with lingual torque. Each group will consist of 12 sets of clear aligners. The aligners will be worn, and measurements will be taken using the six-axis measurement platform to evaluate the three-dimensional force exerted on the lower anterior teeth under various initial torques applied to the mandibular posterior teeth. SPSS 26.0 used for ANOVA analysis, α = 0.05 significance level.

RESULTS: Comparing mandibular posterior teeth with standard torque to those with labial torque, no statistically significant changes were observed in buccolingual force. In the mesiodistal direction, mandibular incisors exhibited a significant decrease in distal force, while canines showed a significant increase. Both findings had a significance level of P < 0.05; Lingual torque on mandibular posterior teeth, compared to standard torque, led to a significant increase in lingual force for incisors and a significant increase in labial force for canines in the buccolingual direction (P < 0.05). Additionally, mandibular incisors exhibited a significant decrease in distal force in the mesiodistal direction (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Varying initial torques on mandibular posterior teeth significantly impact force on lower anterior teeth. Labial torque reduces lingual force on incisors and increases distal force on canines. Lingual torque increases lingual force on incisors and labial force on canines.

PMID:38654276 | DOI:10.1186/s12903-024-04240-7

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Relationship between workplace spirituality with organization-based self-esteem and workplace deviant behaviors among Iranian nurses

BMC Nurs. 2024 Apr 23;23(1):262. doi: 10.1186/s12912-024-01908-x.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Despite the numerous studies conducted on workplace spirituality, there is still lack of studies that have explored the relationship between workplace spirituality with organization-based self-esteem and workplace deviant behaviors. This study aims to examine the relationship between workplace spirituality with organization-based self-esteem and workplace deviant behaviors among Iranian nurses.

METHODS: 236 nurses from 5 hospitals participated in this descriptive, analytical, and cross-sectional study from August to December 2022. Data was gathered by four questionnaires: demographic information, workplace spirituality, organization-based self-steam, and workplace deviant behaviors. The data were analyzed by SPSS 26 based on descriptive and inferential statistics (Independent Two-sample t Test, Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple regression).

RESULTS: Based on the findings, nurses had a moderate level of perception of workplace spirituality and organization-based self-esteem while having a low level of perception regarding the occurrence of workplace deviate behaviors. Results of Pearson correlation coefficient test showed a positive and statistically significant relationship between workplace spirituality and organization-based self-esteem. Additionally, there was an inverse and significant relationship between workplace spirituality and organization-based self-esteem with workplace deviant behaviors. Results of multiple regression analyses indicate that by controlling the demographic characteristics of nurses, the meaningful work and sense of community have a significant relationship with organization-based self-esteem. Furthermore, by controlling the demographic characteristics of nurses, permanent employment status, sense of community, alignment with the organization’s values, and organization-based self-esteem have a significant relationship with workplace deviant behavior.

CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests that organizations must prioritize promoting workplace spirituality and organization-based self-esteem to ensure a healthy work environment and prevent workplace deviant behaviors.

PMID:38654274 | DOI:10.1186/s12912-024-01908-x

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Volar fixed plating of distal radius fractures: optimizing plate position for enhanced clinical outcomes

BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2024 Apr 23;25(1):320. doi: 10.1186/s12891-024-07415-z.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The precise influence of plate position on clinical outcomes in the context of volar fixed-angle plating for distal radius fractures is not fully understood. This article aims to investigate the influence of plate position on clinical results, and functional outcomes in patients treated with volar fixed plating for distal radius fractures.

METHODS: A total of 58 patients with 64 distal radius fractures were included in the study. Patient demographics, fracture characteristics, surgical details, and radiographic data were collected. Post-operative AP and Lat views of all patients taken on the first day after surgery were evaluated. Volar Tilt, Radial Inclination and Radial Height measurements were used as reduction criteria. In the follow-up, the patients were called for their last control, flexion and extension angles of the wrist and Mayo Wrist Scores, the distance of the plate to the joint line and the angle between the plate and the radial shaft were measured and recorded.

RESULTS: A total of 64 distal radius fractures, with a mean age of 46.9 years, and the mean follow-up period 24.9 months were included in this study. There was a significant relationship between the Radial Inclination and Plate-Shaft Angle variables and the Mayo Wrist Score at a 99% confidence interval. Additionally, a relationship was observed between the Radial Height variable and the Mayo Score at a 90% confidence interval. A significant positive association was observed between radial inclination and achieving a Good-to-Excellent Mayo score (OR = 1.28, 95% CI [1.08-1.51], p = 0.004). Plate distance to joint line demonstrated a marginally significant positive association with a Good-to-Excellent Mayo score (OR = 1.31, 95% CI [0.97-1.77], p = 0.077). Univariate analysis revealed a significant negative association between plate-shaft angle and achieving a Good-to-Excellent Mayo score (OR = 0.71, 95% CI [0.52-0.99], p = 0.045). This negative association remained statistically significant in the multivariate analysis (p = 0.016).

CONCLUSION: Radial inclination, plate distance to joint line, and angle between plate and radius shaft were identified as significant factors associated with improved Mayo Wrist Scores.

PMID:38654260 | DOI:10.1186/s12891-024-07415-z

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

The crossroads of work and home: linkages between smoke-free policies at work and household environments

BMC Public Health. 2024 Apr 23;24(1):1127. doi: 10.1186/s12889-024-18658-9.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Tobacco use causes over eight million global deaths annually, with seven million directly attributed to tobacco use and 1.2 million to second hand smoke (SHS). Smoke-free environments are crucial to counter SHS. Although India banned smoking in public places in 2008, SHS exposure remains high. Studies have noted that limiting smoking in workplaces, restaurants, etc., helps to reduce overall smoking and reduce SHS exposure. Under this background, the study explores the linkages between smoke-free workplaces and living in smoke-free homes in India.

METHODS: The two rounds of the GATS India (2009-10 and 2016-17) have been used for the study. The study focuses on male tobacco smokers working indoors or outdoors or both indoors and outdoors. The sample for the study was 2,969 for GATS 1 and 2,801 for GATS 2. Dependent variables include living in a smoke-free home, while the independent variables were adherence to a smoke-free office policy and socio-demographic variables. The two rounds of the GATS data were pooled for analysis. Statistical analysis involves bivariate and multivariate analysis.

RESULTS: Findings reveal that 41% of respondents worked in smoke-free workplaces in GATS 2. Nationally, smoke-free homes increased from 35% in 2009-2010 to 44% in 2016-17. Individuals with smoke-free workplaces were more likely to have smoke-free homes. The Southern region consistently exhibited the highest proportion of smoke-free homes. Urban areas and higher education correlated with increased smoke-free homes. Logistic regression analysis confirmed that workplace smoke-free status is a significant predictor of smoke-free homes. In GATS 2, respondents aged 30 years and above were less likely to have smoke-free homes, while education and Southern region residence positively influenced smoke-free homes.

CONCLUSIONS: The correlation between smoke-free workplaces and smoke-free homes is linked to stringent workplace no-smoking policies, potentially deterring individuals from smoking at home. Opportunities exist for the expansion and stringent implementation of the smoke-free policies among Indian working adults, leveraging the workplace as a key setting for evidence-based tobacco control. The study highlights positive trends in India’s smoke-free homes, crediting workplace policies. Effective policies, education, and regional strategies can advance smoke-free homes, stressing the pivotal role of workplace policies and advocating broader implementation.

PMID:38654247 | DOI:10.1186/s12889-024-18658-9

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Life satisfaction and job and personal resources among public workers with non-standard work schedules

BMC Public Health. 2024 Apr 23;24(1):1133. doi: 10.1186/s12889-024-18575-x.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: While the link between non-standard work schedules and poor health outcomes is established, few studies have examined how resources both in and outside of work can support the well-being of workers with non-standard work schedules.

METHODS: Using a cross-sectional survey, we assessed the association between one facet of well-being, life satisfaction, and job and personal resources. In 2019, an electronic survey was administered to two unionized, public service populations who work non-standard work schedules: transportation maintainers and correctional supervisors. We assessed life satisfaction with a 10-item scale; a broad set of job resources (reward satisfaction, supervisor support, co-worker support, schedule satisfaction, and working hours fit); and a broad set of personal resources (health status, sleep, physical activity, and finances). We used log-binomial regression models to estimate prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals among statistically significant univariate predictors.

RESULTS: Of the 316 workers surveyed, the majority were male (86%), White (68%), and reported positive life satisfaction (56%). In multivariate models, the prevalence of positive life satisfaction was higher in workers reporting reward satisfaction (PR:1.35, 95% CI: 1.11, 1.65; p = 0.003), good work schedule fit (PR:1.43, 95% CI: 1.12, 1.83; p = 0.004), good health (PR:2.92, 95% CI: 1.70, 4.99; p < 0.0001), and good finances (PR:1.32, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.72; p = 0.04).

CONCLUSION: Employers should consider increasing work recognition, as well as improving schedule fit, financial well-being, and overall good health in support of worker life satisfaction and ultimately well-being.

PMID:38654243 | DOI:10.1186/s12889-024-18575-x