Nevin Manimala

Sci Rep. 2023 Dec 9;13(1):21806. doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-49221-y.

ABSTRACT

In March 2020, the world went into lockdown to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), with immediate impacts on wildlife across ecosystems. The strict 2-year long lockdown in Grand Cayman provided an unprecedented opportunity to assess how the ‘human confinement experiment’ influenced the community composition of reef fish. Using a suite of multivariate statistics, our findings revealed a stark increase in reef fish biomass during the 2 years of lockdown, especially among herbivores, including parrotfish, with drastic increases in juvenile parrotfishes identified. Additionally, when comparing baseline data of the community from 2018 to the 2 years during lockdown, over a three-fold significant increase in mean reef fish biomass was observed, with a clear shift in community composition. Our findings provide unique insights into the resilience of reef fish communities when local anthropogenic stressors are removed for an unprecedented length of time. Given the functional role of herbivores including parrotfish, our results suggest that reductions in human water-based activities have positive implications for coral reef ecosystems and should be considered in future management strategies.

PMID:38071390 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-023-49221-y

Sci Rep. 2023 Dec 9;13(1):21838. doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-49376-8.

ABSTRACT

Austria started its COVID-19-vaccination program in December 2020 with three different vaccines. As the vaccination program continues, we encountered increased 2-[18F] FDG-activity not only in axillary lymph nodes ipsilateral to the injection site but also in other organs. The aim of this retrospective study is to present results of the metabolic activity of ipsilateral axillary lymph nodes, liver, blood pool, spleen, and bone marrow after three different vaccines. To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine systemic response changes in relation to time after COVID-19 vaccination using three different vaccines. The collected data of 220 eligible vaccinated patients (127 with BioNTech/Pfizer BNT162b2, 61 with Moderna, and 32 with AstraZeneca) examined with 2-[18F] FDG-PET/CT were enrolled. The PET/CT examinations were evaluated from day 1 to day 135 (SD: 23.2, median: 26) after different vaccinations. Seventy-one out of these 220 patients underwent a pre-vaccination 2-[18F] FDG -PET/CT. SUVmax of axillary node(s), and blood pool, liver, spleen, and bone marrow as reference organs were calculated. The ratio of SUVmax activity of axillary lymph node to reference organs was also compared in all patients. The tracer activity dynamics were investigated in three different vaccines. After BioNTech/Pfizer vaccination 2-[18F] FDG activity in axillary lymph nodes shows a steady decrease in all patients. Ten days after vaccination the 2-[18F] FDG uptake was at its highest activity. Seventy days after vaccination, tracer activity is not different from the background activity of 2-[18F] FDG in the axillary region. This result also applies to other two vaccines; however, in the 4th week after Moderna vaccination SUVmax in lymph nodes showed the highest peak of tracer activity. With AstraZeneca the highest activity was at the earlier days. There was no significant statistical difference of SUVmax of lymph nodes or its ratios to other reference organs between three groups of vaccines. SUVmax in lymph nodes was statistically significant lower than SUVmax in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow with p-values of < 0.001, 0.044, and 0.001, respectively. In the group of 71 patients with a pre-vaccination PET/CT examination, the median SUVmax of lymph nodes increased significantly after vaccination from 0.82 (IQR 0.59-1.38) to 1.80 (IQR 1.07-3.89)(p < 0.001). In contrast median tracer activity in the liver decreased from 3.37 (IQR 2.83-3.91) to 3.11 (2.56-3.70) (p = 0.032). There was no significant change of tracer activity after vaccination in other reference regions (mediastinum, spleen, and bone marrow). In this group of 71 patients, there was also no significant difference in tracer activity in different types of vaccines. Local site and ipsilateral axillary lymph node activity in 2-[18F] FDG PET/CT after COVID19-vaccination is suggested in many studies. The main challenge is recognizing the changes in lymph nodes during time after vaccination to minimize false interpretation, foremost in patients with oncological diagnoses. Moreover, different vaccines cause different system metabolic changes. The knowledge of vaccine type, the time interval between vaccination and PET/CT scan is essential, especially in therapy evaluation.

PMID:38071353 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-023-49376-8

BMC Pediatr. 2023 Dec 9;23(1):625. doi: 10.1186/s12887-023-04450-y.

ABSTRACT

Emergent literacy skills are vital for children’s reading and writing development. While touchscreen devices have been linked to enhanced emergent literacy in developed countries, their impact in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), with limited access to quality apps, is underexplored. Thailand, classified as an upper-middle-income country, presents a unique context with its specific challenges in educational technology, which have not been extensively studied. This study examined the relationship between touchscreen device usage and emergent literacy development in Thai preschool children. Using a cross-sectional design, we analyzed data from 317 Thai children aged 5-6 years, assessing their emergent literacy skills and examining the association with touchscreen device usage through logistic regression analysis. Our findings showed that 79.5% of participants engaged with touchscreen devices, and there was an observed trend suggesting that exclusive tablet users might exhibit enhanced phonological awareness, letter naming, and rapid automatized naming skills. However, these potential improvements did not reach statistical significance when primary caregiver characteristics were taken into account. Our findings highlight the complexity of this relationship and underscore the need for further research to elucidate the potential influences of application quality and screen time engagement on emergent literacy, particularly in LMICs.

PMID:38071329 | DOI:10.1186/s12887-023-04450-y

Blood Cancer J. 2023 Dec 10;13(1):179. doi: 10.1038/s41408-023-00953-0.

ABSTRACT

Primary induction failure (PIF) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients is associated with poor outcome, with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) being the sole curative therapeutic option. Here, we retrospectively evaluated long-term outcomes of 220 AML patients undergoing allogeneic HCT after PIF who never achieved remission, and identified clinical and molecular risk factors associated with treatment response and ultimate prognosis. In this high-risk population, disease-free survival was 25.2% after 5 years and 18.7% after 10 years, while overall survival rates were 29.8% and 21.6% after 5 and 10 years of HCT, respectively. 10-year non-relapse mortality was 32.5%, and 48.8% of patients showed disease relapse within 10 years after allogeneic HCT. Adverse molecular risk features determined at initial diagnosis, poor performance status at the time of allogeneic HCT, and long diagnosis-to-HCT intervals were associated with unfavorable prognosis. Collectively, our data suggests that immediate allogeneic HCT after PIF offers long-term survival and cure in a substantial subset of cases and that high-risk AML patients who never achieved complete response during induction might benefit from early donor search.

PMID:38071327 | DOI:10.1038/s41408-023-00953-0

BMC Oral Health. 2023 Dec 9;23(1):990. doi: 10.1186/s12903-023-03666-9.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: There is growing evidence supporting the presence of oral manifestations associated with COVID-19. The study investigates the knowledge of dental undergraduates and recently graduated dentists concerning oral presentations related to COVID-19.

METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study in Saudi Arabia comprised 305 individuals, including undergraduate dental students, interns, and freshly graduated dentists. Data were collected using a questionnaire disseminated to approximately 500 subjects via WhatsApp groups and other applications. The questionnaire was tested in a pilot study for validity, edited, and validated by 2 supervisors at the College of Dentistry, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire consisted of questions regarding sociodemographic attributes, the level of expertise of dental practitioners, and their knowledge and perspectives regarding COVID-19 and the implementation of oral lesions interrelated to it. The data was subjected to analysis through the utilization of descriptive statistics and chi-square tests, employing the statistical software SPSS (version 24).

RESULTS: About 43.9% of subjects stated that COVID-19 causes oral symptoms. Respondents most frequently reported COVID-19-related dry mouth. Oral ulcers, Candida infection, Hyperpigmentation, tongue coating, atrophy, Petechiae, Herpes, white lesions, Gingivitis, and Periodontitis are further symptoms. COVID-19’s oral manifestation was unknown to 41.0% of subjects, and 37.7% of respondents lacked knowledge regarding the most impacted locations of oral manifestations. Oral signs and COVID-19 symptoms are debated and significantly associated with higher educational levels.

CONCLUSION: The dental students and freshly graduated dentists in this study have proper knowledge of COVID-19 and its symptoms. Also, most dental students and newly graduated dentists recognize the potential correlation between COVID-19 and oral manifestations with an average to excellent knowledge of the types and sites commonly affected. The level of awareness was associated with higher educational levels.

PMID:38071326 | DOI:10.1186/s12903-023-03666-9

Sci Rep. 2023 Dec 9;13(1):21821. doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-48610-7.

ABSTRACT

Elevated Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels are often suggestive of cholelithiasis, and previous studies have indicated that GGT is highly expressed in the urinary system. Therefore, we hypothesized that there may be an association between GGT levels and calculus of kidney (CK) incidence. To investigate this potential causal relationship, we employed Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. Additionally, we analyzed the levels of other liver enzymes, including alanine transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). The relationship between GGT levels and CK incidence was analyzed using two-sample Mendelian randomization. Summary Genome-Wide Association Studies data were utilized for this analysis. 33 single nucleotide polymorphisms known to be associated with GGT levels were employed as instrumental variables. We employed several MR methods including IVW (inverse variance weighting), MR-Egger, weighted median, weighted mode, and MR-PRESSO (Mendelian Randomization Pleiotropy RESidual Sum and Outlier). Furthermore, we conducted tests for horizontal multivariate validity, heterogeneity, and performed leave-one-out analysis to ensure the stability of the results. Overall, several MR methods yielded statistically significant results with a p-value < 0.05. The results from the IVW analysis yielded an odds ratio (OR) of 1.0062 with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 1.0016-1.0109 (p = 0.0077). Additional MR methods provided supplementary results: MR-Egger (OR 1.0167, 95% CI 1.0070-1.0266, p = 0.0040); weighted median (OR 1.0058, 95% CI 1.0002-1.0115, p = 0.0423); and weighted mode (OR 1.0083, 95% CI 1.0020-1.0146, p- = 0.0188). Sensitivity analyses did not reveal heterogeneity or outliers. Although potential horizontal pleiotropy emerged, we speculate that this could be attributed to inadequate test efficacy. However, subsequent use of MR-PRESSO did not provide evidence of pleiotropy. Our analysis suggests a positive association between elevated GGT levels and CK incidence, indicating an increased risk of CK development. However, no causal relationship was observed between levels of ALP or ALT and CK incidence.

PMID:38071316 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-023-48610-7

BMC Oral Health. 2023 Dec 9;23(1):991. doi: 10.1186/s12903-023-03625-4.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Pulp inflammation is complex interactions between different types of cells and cytokines. To mimic the interactions of different types of cells in inflamed dental pulp tissues, dental pulp cells (DPCs) were cocultured with different ratios of macrophages (THP-1) or LPS treatment.

METHODS: DPCs were cocultured with various ratios of THP-1, then photographed cell morphology and determined cell viability by MTT assay at preset times. Total RNA was also extracted to measure the inflammation marker-IL-6 and IL-8 expressions by RT-Q-PCR. The DPCs and THP-1 were treated with 0.01 – 1μg/ml lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and extract RNA at preset times, and detected IL-6 and IL-8 expression. DPCs were cocultured with various ratios of THP-1 with 0.1 μg/mL LPS, and detected IL-6 and IL-8 expression after 24 and 48 h. The data were analyzed by unpaired t-test or Mann-Whitney test. Differences were considered statistically significant when p < 0.05.

RESULTS: THP-1 and DPCs coculture models did not suppress the viability of DPCs and THP-1. Cocultured with various ratios of THP-1 could increase IL-6 and IL-8 expressions of DPCs (p = 0.0056 – p < 0.0001). The expressions of IL-6 and IL-8 were stronger in higher ratio groups (p = 0.0062 – p < 0.0001). LPS treatment also induced IL-6 and IL-8 expressions of DPCs and THP-1 (p = 0.0179 – p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0189 – p < 0.0001, separately). Under the presence of 0.1 μg/mL LPS, DPCs cocultured with THP-1 for 24 h also enhanced IL-6 and IL-8 expression (p = 0.0022). After cocultured with a higher ratio of THP-1 for 48 h, IL-6 and IL-8 expressions were even stronger in the presence of LPS (p = 0.0260).

CONCLUSIONS: Coculturing dental pulp cells and macrophages under LPS treatment aggravate the inflammatory process. The responses of our models were more severe than traditional inflamed dental models and better represented what happened in the real dental pulp. Utilizing our models to explore the repair and regeneration in endodontics will be future goals.

PMID:38071305 | DOI:10.1186/s12903-023-03625-4

Cost Eff Resour Alloc. 2023 Dec 9;21(1):95. doi: 10.1186/s12962-023-00504-1.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis, an immune-mediated chronic inflammatory disease primarily affecting skin and joints, has varying prevalence rates globally. It manifests in five types, with chronic plaque psoriasis being the most common. Treatment, which has no definitive cure, aims for complete resolution of skin symptoms and depends on disease extent, severity, and impact on patients’ lives. Biologics are an emerging treatment for psoriasis, targeting specific inflammatory pathways for potentially safer, more effective outcomes. However, these come with significant costs, necessitating more research to ensure value for money. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Risankizumab versus Adalimumab, the most commonly utilized biologic for managing psoriasis in Saudi Arabia.

METHODS: This study retrospectively compared the effectiveness and direct medical cost of Risankizumab and Adalimumab in treating chronic plaque psoriasis in adults from two Saudi Arabian healthcare centers. The Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and body surface area (BSA) were used to assess treatment effectiveness, with patient data sourced from electronic medical records. Multiple regression analysis was performed to examine various factors affecting treatment outcomes. An economic evaluation was conducted to examine the cost-effectiveness of the two drugs, considering four scenarios with varying dosage patterns and costs. Analysis was performed from the perspective of public healthcare payers and considered all utilized health services.

RESULTS: The data for 70 patients were analyzed, with comparable baseline characteristics between groups. While Risankizumab led to a greater reduction in PASI scores and BSA affected, these results were not statistically significant. The annual treatment cost for Risankizumab was higher than Adalimumab. Various scenarios were studied, considering real acquisition costs, double dosing for Adalimumab, and the use of biosimilars. A scenario assuming double dosing for Adalimumab and a 40% discount for Risankizumab demonstrated both cost and efficacy advantages in 71.25% of cases.

CONCLUSIONS: This study compared the effectiveness and cost of Risankizumab and Adalimumab for treating chronic plaque psoriasis in Saudi Arabian hospitals. Although Risankizumab showed a greater reduction in symptoms, the difference was not statistically significant. However, under certain scenarios, Risankizumab demonstrated cost and efficacy advantages. These findings may influence treatment decisions for psoriasis, but further research is needed.

PMID:38071302 | DOI:10.1186/s12962-023-00504-1

BMC Oral Health. 2023 Dec 9;23(1):986. doi: 10.1186/s12903-023-03739-9.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Although piezosurgery is now commonly used for various applications in maxillofacial surgery, its advantages over conventional rotary instruments in terms of postoperative edema, ecchymosis, postoperative morbidity, and prolonged osteotomy time have been questioned.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study aimed to compare the efficiency, postoperative morbidity, and complication rates of piezosurgery and conventional methods in harvesting autogenous ramus grafts. In this randomized controlled trial, 21 patients (32 sides) underwent autogenous graft harvesting from the ramus area, with 16 sites treated using piezosurgery and 16 using the conventional method. The primary outcomes measured were osteotomy time, total operation time, and postoperative morbidity. Complication rates were also evaluated.

RESULTS: The final analysis encompassed 19 patients, accounting for a total of 30 donor sites, following the exclusion of two patients who were unable to attend the scheduled follow-up visits. A total of 19 patients (30 donor sites) were included in the final analysis. No statistically significant difference was found in the mean osteotomy time between the piezosurgery group (mean: 10.35, SD: 2.74 min) and the conventional group (mean: 8.74, SD: 2.74 min) (95% CI: -3.67 to 0.442, p = 0.119). The total operation time, postoperative pain, and swelling were not significantly different between the two groups (p > 0.05). The complication rates, including wound dehiscence and inferior alveolar nerve exposure, were similar in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS: Piezosurgery can be safely used for harvesting autogenous ramus grafts and does not increase osteotomy or total operation time compared to the conventional method. The postoperative morbidity and complication rates were also similar, indicating that both techniques can be effectively employed in clinical practice.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: The protocol was registered on clinicaltrials.gov (ID: NCT05548049, First registration date: 21/09/2022).

PMID:38071300 | DOI:10.1186/s12903-023-03739-9

BMC Oral Health. 2023 Dec 9;23(1):989. doi: 10.1186/s12903-023-03659-8.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Despite the implementation of various government policies to retain Thai dentists in public sector, a high turnover rate among early career dentists has persisted for decades. This study aims to explore factors relating to early career dentists’ choice of the public sector as their preferred workplace and decisions relating to staying, resigning, or relocating from the workplace after one-year employment.

METHODS: A one-year cross-sectional survey was conducted among Thai early career dentists who began working in 2020 using two sets of online questionnaires. The first survey assessed factors influencing dentists’ decision to choose the public sector as their preferred workplace at the beginning of the year. The second survey investigated factors influencing dentists’ decision to stay, resign, or relocate from the same workplace at one-year after employment. Descriptive statistics and multivariable binary logistic regression were used for data analysis.

RESULTS: A total of 198 early career dentists completed the online survey questionnaire at the starting point (December 2020-January 2021), and 186 dentists completed the one-year employment questionnaire. The living environment and provided amenities and facilities were the most influential factors in their decision to choose and remain in the public sector. Conversely, their attitude toward unrelated job descriptions and an increased opportunity to pursue postgraduate studies were the most relevant factors when deciding to relocate to a new workplace. Factors such as delayed authority in bureaucracy, hometown location, and being in relationship status were the most significant contributors to resignation from the public sector.

CONCLUSIONS: The major factors influencing dentists’ choice and retention in the public sector include the living environment, supportive supervisors and colleagues, and the availability of opportunities for further postgraduate education. Meanwhile, factors impacting retention after one year of work are related to hometown location and the bureaucracy system. Collaborations among ministries, tailored to each local community’s specific requirements, may enhance dentists’ retention in public sectors.

PMID:38071294 | DOI:10.1186/s12903-023-03659-8