Research Institute of Health Sciences

Abstract Purpose Facial expression recognition has gained significance as a means of providing artificial agents with the capacity to discern the emotional states of users. Notable performance has been achieved by deep learning approaches; however, its direct use for recognizing facial expressions in individuals with intellectual disabilities has not yet been studied in the literature, to the best of our knowledge. The aim of this work is to thoroughly explore the applicability of these systems to people with intellectual disabilities. Methods To address this objective, we work with a set of 12 convolutional neural networks (CNNs) in different approaches, including an ensemble of datasets without individuals with intellectual disabilities and a dataset featuring such individuals. Further, we apply the explainable artificial intelligence technique LIME that allows understanding the important regions considered by the CNN. Results Our examination of the outcomes, both the performance and the important image regions for the models, reveals significant distinctions in facial expressions between individuals with and without intellectual disabilities, as well as among individuals with intellectual disabilities. Conclusions Our findings show the need of facial expression recognition within this population through tailored user-specific training methodologies, which enable the models to effectively address the unique expressions of each user.

During the past decade, our group has induced electroconvulsive seizures (ECS) in rodent models of early-life stress to prove clear differences in antidepressant-like efficacy mainly driven by sex and age, with females and adolescents showing diminished responses (as opposed to males and adult rodents). Moreover, we have proven a role for sex hormones in this response, since letrozole, an inhibitor of the biosynthesis of estrogens, improved the antidepressant-like efficacy of ECS in adolescent female rats. In this follow-up study, we utilized selective estrogen receptor modifiers (tamoxifen and clomiphene) to evaluate how they interact with the antidepressant-like response induced by ECS in male and female adolescent rats. Early-life stressed Sprague-Dawley rats through maternal separation were treated during adolescence with tamoxifen (1 mg/kg, 7 days) or clomiphene (10 mg/kg, 5 days) and/or with ECS (95 mA, 0.6 s, 100 Hz, 1 session/day, 5 days). Antidepressant-like responses were measured behaviorally under the stress of the forced-swim test, and through hippocampal markers (cell proliferation and neurogenic differentiation, and BDNF protein level). The main results proved that tamoxifen improved the expected antidepressant-like response of ECS in adolescent rats, as observed in the forced-swim test, while boosted hippocampal proliferation and neurogenic differentiation. Contrarily, clomiphene did not alter ECS' response at the behavioral level and even showed some negative signs on the neuroplasticity markers evaluated (decreased neurogenic differentiation and BDNF content). Therefore, when considering an estrogen receptor modifier to enhance the antidepressant-like potential of ECS in adolescence, tamoxifen emerges as a promising option due to its positive behavioral and neuroplastic effects.

Labour is a profound and often stressful event in a woman’s life, accompanied by significant pain and heightened anxiety. Despite being a natural physiological process, institutional deliveries often lack the emotional support women need, as many hospitals restrict the presence of companions during childbirth. The World Health Organization (WHO) strongly recommends birth companionship as a simple, cost-effective intervention to improve maternal comfort, reduce anxiety, and facilitate better labour outcomes. In India, however, its practice remains limited in most institutional settings. This quasi-experimental study was conducted at Rajiv Gandhi Government Women & Children Hospital (RGGW&CH), Puducherry, with 60 parturient mothers. Thirty mothers in the experimental group were supported by trained female birth companions, while 30 in the control group received standard hospital care. The companions underwent a structured educational programme focusing on emotional reassurance, comfort measures, encouragement of mobility, and support during labour. Labour pain was measured using a standardized pain assessment scale, and anxiety was assessed using a Visual Analogue Scale. Findings revealed that mothers accompanied by educated birth companions had significantly reduced pain and anxiety compared with the control group (p<0.05). In addition, mothers in the experimental group expressed higher satisfaction and better coping ability. Significant associations were noted between demographic factors such as parity and gravida with maternal outcomes. The study concludes that educational programmes for female birth companions represent a low-cost and effective nursing intervention. Wider integration of trained birth companions into institutional maternity care can positively transform childbirth experiences.

Diabetic patients undergoing phacoemulsification for cataracts face an elevated risk of intraoperative and postoperative complications due to systemic and ocular pathophysiological changes. This narrative review aims to systematically compare visual outcomes and complication profiles between diabetic and non-diabetic individuals following phacoemulsification, while identifying current best practices and future research directions. With rising global diabetes prevalence, cataract surgery in diabetic patients is increasingly common. Understanding the interaction between diabetes-related ocular changes and phacoemulsification outcomes is vital for improving surgical planning, reducing complications, and enhancing patient satisfaction. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science using Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and free-text terms. Eligible studies from 2020 to 2025 were selected based on predefined criteria. Data were narratively synthesized across themes, including intraoperative challenges, visual acuity outcomes, macular health, adjunctive therapies, and long-term prognosis. Diabetic patients exhibit higher risks of poor pupil dilation, capsular fragility, macular edema, and slower visual recovery. However, with good glycemic control, preoperative retinal evaluation, and adjunctive therapies, outcomes can closely approximate those of non-diabetics. Tailored perioperative management and interdisciplinary care models are critical for optimizing outcomes in diabetic cataract surgery. Future studies should focus on stratified risk assessment and long-term visual prognosis.

Background: Labor is defined as regular and painful uterine contractions that cause progressive dilation and effacement of the cervix. The labor has three clinical stages such as First stage (dilation of cervix up to 6cm), Second stage (complete dilation of the cervix 10 cm and ending with expulsion of the fetus), Third stage (delivery of placenta). Perineal injuries of varying degrees occur in 53–89% of women experiencing vaginal delivery, with the highest incidence in primiparous women and with 4% to 11% sustaining an obstetrical anal sphincter injury episiotomy a surgically planned incision on the perineum and the posterior vaginal wall during the second stage of labor. It is a selective procedure rather than routine. It used to minimize overstretching and rupture of the perineal muscles and fascia to reduce the stress and strain on the fetal head. During the second stage of labor perineal massage is very effective in relaxing the perineum, reducing the perineal pain, preventing laceration and also helps in easier pushing of fetus from the floor of the pelvis by increasing the blood supply to perineum, increasing the elasticity of perineal muscle. Method: For this study the reference are taken from the randomized clinical trials (RCT) and systematic review, published over the last 10 years, on the perineal massage on second stage of labor. Conclusion: perineal massage during second stage of labour have demonstrated consistent benefits, including lower rates of episiotomy, reduced incidence of obstetric anal sphincter injuries.

Study aim(s): This study aimed to investigate the relationship between Sports Science Faculty students’ perceptions of peer pressure and their levels of career anxiety. Additionally, the study sought to determine whether peer pressure and career anxiety differ based on demographic variables such as gender, grade level, and academic department. Although these relational dynamics and demographic comparisons are not explicitly reflected in the study title, they are fully addressed and clarified within this section. Methods: A correlational survey model was used in this study. The study group consisted of 250 university students enrolled in various departments within the Faculty of Sports Sciences, including Sports Management, Physical Education Teaching, Coaching, and Recreation. Data were collected using the Peer Pressure Scale and the Career Anxiety Scale. Parametric tests were applied to analyze the data after confirming that the necessary assumptions were met. The methodology framework was designed to examine both the relationships between peer pressure and career anxiety and the differences in these variables across demographic subgroups. Results: Students reported high levels of peer pressure (x̄ = 3.87) and moderate levels of career anxiety (x̄ = 3.26). Female students perceived higher peer pressure than male students, whereas male students exhibited higher levels of career anxiety. Significant differences were observed according to grade level: first-year students reported lower peer pressure but higher career anxiety. No significant differences were found according to department. Correlation analysis revealed a positive and significant relationship between peer pressure and career anxiety. Regression analysis indicated that peer pressure explained 45% of career anxiety. Conclusion: The findings indicate that peer pressure is a significant predictor of career anxiety among university students. Consequently, social environment and peer influences should be carefully considered in career planning and counselling practices. These results align with current literature emphasizing the critical role of social dynamics in shaping students’ career-related psychological outcomes.

Background: Obesity and insomnia are prevalent public health issues with shared behavioral and physiological pathways. However, their interplay remains understudied in occupational cohorts. Obesity and insomnia are prevalent public health issues with shared behavioral and physiological pathways. However, their interplay remains understudied in occupational cohorts. This study aimed to evaluate the associations of sociodemographic factors, lifestyle habits, and insomnia severity with multiple obesity indices in a large population of Spanish workers. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 84,898 workers (2021–2024). Data were obtained from annual occupational health assessments conducted across multiple Spanish regions between 2020 and 2024. Insomnia severity was assessed using the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), dietary quality using the 14-item Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS-14), and physical activity using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire—Short Form (IPAQ-SF). Adiposity was measured using Body Mass Index (BMI), waist-to-height ratio (WtHR), the Clínica Universidad de Navarra–Body Adiposity Estimator (CUN-BAE), and the Metabolic Score for Visceral Fat (METS-VF). Multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine associations adjusted for age, sex, education, and occupational social class. Results: Higher ISI scores were significantly and independently associated with elevated adiposity across all indices, with the strongest association observed for METS-VF (odds ratio = 1.19, 95% CI 1.14–1.25, p < 0.001). Women showed higher mean CUN-BAE and METS-VF values than men (CUN-BAE: 37.4 ± 6.2 vs. 25.6 ± 6.4; p < 0.001; METS-VF: 5.7 ± 0.7 vs. 6.4 ± 0.6; p < 0.001), despite lower BMI (25.3 ± 4.8 vs. 26.8 ± 4.3; p < 0.001). Lower physical activity (OR = 5.70; 95% CI 4.91–6.50), poor adherence to the Mediterranean diet (OR = 3.29; 95% CI 2.88–3.70), smoking (OR = 1.29; 95% CI 1.22–1.36), and lower occupational class (Class III: OR = 1.77; 95% CI 1.56–1.97) were also significantly associated with higher obesity markers. Associations were more pronounced among women and participants with severe insomnia symptoms. Conclusions: Insomnia severity, sociodemographic disadvantage, and unhealthy behaviors (low physical activity, poor diet, smoking) were all independent correlates of general and visceral adiposity. The findings underscore the need for comprehensive workplace health programs that integrate sleep quality assessment, dietary improvement, and physical activity promotion to prevent obesity and its metabolic consequences.

Introduction: According to WHO, Alzheimer’s disease was estimated at 74.4 million cases in 2023, which will increase by 152.8 million cases in 2050. The therapeutic options available in the market for the treatment of AD are only capable of reducing the symptoms of dementia but not preventing progressive degeneration. Memantine is a non-competitive NMDAR antagonist used for the treatment of patients with moderate-to-severe AD, but it has a high toxicity profile. To counter this, the Memantine Schiff base derivatives were designed as simple and lowtoxicity compounds. Materials and Methods: Molecular docking was performed against the targeted enzymes Acetylcholinesterase and Butyrylcholinesterase using AUTODOCK 1.5.7 software. A series of novel Memantine derivatives of Schiff base were synthesized by condensing Memantine with various aryl aldehydes and screened for their invitro-cholinesterase inhibitory activity towards Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) by Ellman’s method. Results and Discussion: Among the designed compounds, compounds LMV and LMC showed maximum binding scores of -10.35 kcal/mol and -10.12 kcal/mol, respectively, than the standard Donepezil (-8.78 kcal/mol) against Acetylcholinesterase. The compounds LMONB and LMDMB produced significant binding scores of -9.31 kcal/mol and -9.11 kcal/mol, respectively, compared to the standard Donepezil (-7.57 kcal/mol) against Butyrylcholinesterase. Also, compounds LMV (30.9 ± 2.13 μM) and LMDMB (13.51 ± 1.12 μM) showed potent inhibitory activity against the AChE and BChE. These compounds possess drug-like characteristics and are also capable of crossing the Blood Brain Barrier (BBB). Conclusion: The studied compounds LMV and LMDMB, being non-toxic, obey Lipinski’s rule of 5 and are potential inhibitors against targeted enzymes, which may be promising clinical candidates for treating Alzheimer’s disease.