Category: Nevin Manimala

J Conserv Dent Endod. 2025 Mar;28(3):253-257. doi: 10.4103/JCDE.JCDE_859_24. Epub 2025 Mar 3.

ABSTRACT

CONTEXT: Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) may be used in the future to detect infecting microorganisms. LAMP assays exist for the endodontic pathogens Enterococcus faecalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum, but not yet for Porphyromonas endodontalis.

AIM: To develop a LAMP assay for detecting P. endodontalis.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN: It was an in vitro benchtop study.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The National Center for Biotechnology Information GenBank Basic Local Alignment Search Tool was used to identify a segment of the dipeptidyl peptidase 11 (DPP11) gene unique to P. endodontalis. A primer design tool was used to generate six primers required for developing the LAMP assay. WarmStart Colorimetric LAMP 2X Master Mix was used to evaluate the LAMP assay, using purified P. endodontalis DNA as a control.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Statistical parameters for sensitivity and specificity.

RESULTS: The assay was performed in triplicate on pure DNA from P. endodontalis and P. gingivalis and on the DNA that was extracted from P. endodontalis, P. gingivalis, F. nucleatum, and E. faecalis cells and diluted two-fold from 1/2 to 1/256. Assays for the diluted samples were performed in triplicate, and the contingency tables indicated the LAMP assay to be 82% sensitive and 90% specific for P. endodontalis.

CONCLUSIONS: LAMP assay could be a highly sensitive and specific chairside detection method for P. endodontalis.

PMID:40256705 | PMC:PMC12007742 | DOI:10.4103/JCDE.JCDE_859_24

J Conserv Dent Endod. 2025 Mar;28(3):264-268. doi: 10.4103/JCDE.JCDE_841_24. Epub 2025 Mar 3.

ABSTRACT

OVERVIEW: Residual pathogens lead to treatment failure. Microbes like Enterococcus faecalis, Candida albicans, and Actinomyces israelii are often isolated after failed root canal therapy. Therefore, the antimicrobial efficacy of sealers is critical for treatment outcomes.

AIM: To evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of endodontic sealers against E. faecalis and C. albicans.

METHODOLOGY: The agar diffusion test was used to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of four sealers: MTA Fillapex, Bio-C-Sealer, Sealapex, and Seal-Pex. Each microorganism’s bacterial suspension was added to agar plates separately. The sterile discs were then placed on the plates; later, a freshly mixed sealer was coated on the sterile discs. After 24 h of incubation, inhibition zones were measured.

RESULTS: The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to analyze the data, and the Mann-Whitney U-test was used for post hoc pairwise comparison. The results demonstrated that Seal-Pex has potent antibacterial activity against E. faecalis (P < 0.05). Against C. albicans, both MTA Fillapex and Seal-Pex were effective, with MTA Fillapex showing a statistically significant difference compared to Bio-C Sealer and Sealapex.

CONCLUSION: Seal-Pex, an epoxy resin-based sealer, exhibited a significant antimicrobial efficacy against E. faecalis. Conversely, MTA Fillapex demonstrated notable antifungal activity against C. albicans, surpassing other tested sealers. These findings highlight the differential antimicrobial and antifungal properties of the sealers.

PMID:40256703 | PMC:PMC12007748 | DOI:10.4103/JCDE.JCDE_841_24

J Conserv Dent Endod. 2025 Mar;28(3):274-278. doi: 10.4103/JCDE.JCDE_863_24. Epub 2025 Mar 3.

ABSTRACT

CONTEXT: The most common cause for endodontic failures has been ascribed to improper obturation of root canal space. An ideal endodontic filling should approximate the obturation material in close contact with the root canal wall to minimize the sealer content. Voids cause a problem of harboring bacteria leading to treatment failure.

AIMS: The aim of the present study was to compare and analyze filled area after using single cone, cross-linked gutta-percha core-carrier systems, and injection-molded thermoplasticized obturation technique.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Thirty-nine human mandibular premolars with a single oval canal were selected. Biomechanical preparation was done using HyFlexCM. Samples were categorized into three groups and filled with single cone, cross-linked gutta-percha core-carrier systems, and injection-molded thermoplasticized obturation technique. Sectioning was done at 3, 6, 9, and 12 mm from the apex. The percentage of gutta-percha-filled areas (PGFAs) and percentage of void areas (PVA) were analyzed using a stereomicroscope.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Analysis of variance-one way.

RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was not found in terms of PGFA and PVA at 3 mm among the three groups. However, the cross-linked carrier-based and injection-molded thermoplasticized groups showed overall highly significant differences with the single-cone obturation group at 6, 9, and 12 mm (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: The cross-linked carrier-based and injection-molded thermoplasticized groups exhibited more gutta-percha filled area than single-cone obturation technique and thus turned out to be more effective in achieving homogenous root canal filling.

PMID:40256701 | PMC:PMC12007746 | DOI:10.4103/JCDE.JCDE_863_24

J Conserv Dent Endod. 2025 Mar;28(3):269-273. doi: 10.4103/JCDE.JCDE_874_24. Epub 2025 Mar 3.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Vital pulp therapy has gained significant attention in modern clinical practice. However, direct pulp capping (DPC) success rates remain low due to bacterial contamination.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study explored novel techniques of preoperative disinfection and photobiomodulation with diode laser to enhance outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty patients were divided into two groups: Group A: Calcium hydroxide pulp capping, Group B: Preoperative disinfection with sodium hypochlorite (one minute) + photobiomodulation with diode laser + composite restoration.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Cochran’s Q Test compared pain, tooth sensibility, and radiographic changes at 1, 3, and 6 months (p<0.05).

RESULTS: The study yielded success rates of 80% and 90% for groups A and B, respectively. Group B showed increased success rates, although not statistically significant which can be attributed to the laser’s biostimulation properties.

CONCLUSION: This study suggests that combining preoperative disinfection and photobiomodulation with diode laser may improve DPC success rates, offering a promising approach in vital pulp therapy. Further research is warranted to confirm these findings.

PMID:40256696 | PMC:PMC12007735 | DOI:10.4103/JCDE.JCDE_874_24

J Conserv Dent Endod. 2025 Mar;28(3):231-236. doi: 10.4103/JCDE.JCDE_842_24. Epub 2025 Mar 3.

ABSTRACT

CONTEXT: The removal of intracanal medicament is essential for sealer penetration and the success of endodontic therapy.

AIMS: To evaluate and compare the dentinal tubule penetration of a silicone-based endodontic sealer following N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) intracanal medicament removal using ultrasonic agitation and laser-activated irrigation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-one extracted single-rooted mandibular premolars were decoronated and prepared with ProTaper Universal rotary files up to MAF F3. To prepare medicament, NAC powder was mixed with propylene glycol in the ratio of 1:1, placed using a size #30 Lentulospiral, and specimens stored in an incubator for 14 days. The specimens were then instrumented with #30 Hedström and divided into three groups according to final irrigant activation techniques: Group I: Diode laser activation, Group II: Passive Ultrasonic agitation, Group III: No agitation (positive control). Canals were obturated with GuttaFlow bioseal sealer mixed with 0.1% Rhodamine B dye and gutta-percha cones and incubated for 7 days. The specimens were sectioned horizontally to obtain 1 mm thick sections from 2, 5, and 8 mm from the apex. Sections were examined under Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope to measure the depth of sealer penetration (in µm).

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: One-way analysis of variance and Tukeys multiple post hoc test.

RESULTS: The highest mean depth of penetration of 728.52 µm was seen with Group I, followed by Group II and least was seen in Group III.

CONCLUSIONS: Diode laser activation group was most effective in the removal of NAC intracanal medicament from all the three regions of the root canal.

PMID:40256695 | PMC:PMC12007743 | DOI:10.4103/JCDE.JCDE_842_24

J Conserv Dent Endod. 2025 Mar;28(3):258-263. doi: 10.4103/JCDE.JCDE_833_24. Epub 2025 Mar 3.

ABSTRACT

AIMS: The study aimed to assess and compare the cavity disinfection efficacy of 2% chlorhexidine, 940 nm diode laser, and photodynamic therapy (PDT) with Rose Bengal-functionalized chitosan nanoparticles (CS-NPs) in deep carious lesions.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This randomized controlled, parallel clinical trial was conducted in the Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Government Dental College and Hospital, Ahmedabad. A simple randomization technique was used for randomization of samples. A total of 90 patients participated in this study.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Ninety participants with reversible pulpitis were randomly assigned to three groups, each receiving a different cavity disinfectant: 2% chlorhexidine, 940 nm diode laser, and PDT with Rose Bengal-functionalized CS-NPs. Dentinal samples were collected before and after cavity disinfection, and microbiological analysis for total viable count (TVC), Streptococcus mutans, and Lactobacillus count was conducted. Clinical and radiographic evaluation was done at 1 and 6 months.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Statistical analysis involved the Wilcoxon signed-rank, Kruskal-Wallis, and Tukey’s tests.

RESULTS: Intragroup comparison showed high significant reductions in TVC, S. mutans, and Lactobacillus count in all the groups. The Kruskal-Wallis test revealed that the chlorhexidine group had the greatest reduction in bacterial counts, followed by PDT and diode laser groups. No differences in clinical success rates were observed among the three groups up to 6-month follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS: All three cavity disinfectants significantly reduced total vital count, S. mutans, and Lactobacillus count. However, chlorhexidine showed the best results.

PMID:40256694 | PMC:PMC12007745 | DOI:10.4103/JCDE.JCDE_833_24

Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2025 Apr;40(4):e70079. doi: 10.1002/gps.70079.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to describe the clinical and social determinants associated with delirium in elderly patients hospitalized in the geriatrics department of Hospital Universitario San Ignacio (HUSI), in Bogotá, Colombia, between June 2019 and June 2022.

METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analytical study. Data were extracted from the hospital’s electronic medical records. The primary outcome was delirium upon admission. Exposure variables included clinical (e.g., malnutrition, dementia, oropharyngeal dysphagia) and social factors (e.g., living alone, social networks). Associations between delirium and exposure variables were assessed using a multivariate logistic regression model.

RESULTS: The studied cohort comprised 4601 patients, mean age of 83.93 years and 56.26% were women. The prevalence of delirium upon admission was 22.39%. Key factors associated with delirium included older age (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01-1.06), malnutrition (OR 2.42, 95% CI 1.93-2.79), dementia (OR 2.57, 95% CI 2.02-3.38), functional impairment (OR 2.50, 95% CI 1.74-3.59), and oropharyngeal dysphagia (OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.08-1.99). Social determinants such as female sex, limited social networks, living alone, and enrollment in the subsidized health regime were not significantly associated with delirium.

CONCLUSION: Delirium upon admission is highly prevalent among elderly inpatients and is associated with clinical factors, particularly malnutrition, dementia, and oropharyngeal dysphagia. Although no significant associations were found between social determinants of health (SDH) and delirium in this cohort, further research in diverse healthcare settings is needed to better understand the broader impact of SDH on delirium risk.

PMID:40254716 | DOI:10.1002/gps.70079

Sci Rep. 2025 Apr 21;15(1):13652. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-98632-6.

ABSTRACT

We evaluated the reliability and validity of the Korean translation of the quality of oncology nursing care scale (K-QONCS) and verified its suitability as a tool to assess the quality of cancer patient care in Korea. To validate the content validity of the K-QONCS, five oncology nurse experts assessed the suitability of the adapted tools. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to assess construct, convergent, discriminant, and criterion validity. A survey of 235 adults aged > 18 years who had been diagnosed with cancer and were receiving treatment was conducted to validate the K-QONCS. The QONCS was translated and appropriately modified to reflect expert opinion, and its content validity was confirmed to be high through indicators such as item-level content validity index, scale-level content validity index using an averaging calculation (S-CVI/Ave), and S-CVI/universal agreement. Eight factors were derived by EFA; each factor reflected different aspects of quality of care. The scale exhibited convergent and discriminant validity, demonstrated by multitrait-multimethod matrix analysis and correlation analysis with the Nursing Satisfaction Scale. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was 0.92, indicating high overall internal consistency. We demonstrated the reliability and feasibility of the K-QONCS. The K-QONCS may help oncology nurses to improve patient care experiences and outcomes as well as advance oncology nursing practices in South Korea.

PMID:40254715 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-98632-6

Int J Legal Med. 2025 Apr 21. doi: 10.1007/s00414-025-03496-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The Suchey-Brooks (S-B) standard is one of the most frequently applied approaches for age-at-death estimation in modern forensic practice. However, classification accuracy is known to vary across different populations. At present, there is a paucity of research related to the assessment of biological attributes in Indonesia, particularly the estimation of age-at-death. The use of computed tomography (CT) in S-B phase assignments has been validated in the literature. In considering further validating the use of CT, transition analysis (TA), and Bayesian statistics in age-at-death estimation, this study evaluated the accuracy of the S-B standard on a sample obtained from Indonesia. TA and Bayesian statistics are incorporated to address methodological issues such as age mimicry. A total of 378 multi-slice CT scans were analysed in OsiriX^®. TA and Bayesian statistics were used to derive age-at-death estimation models. Overall bias values were at – 6.0 years for females and – 13.1 years for males, while inaccuracy was at 9.6 years for females and 14.6 years for males. When applying the original S-B age ranges, 92.0% of females and 73.3% of males were correctly classified. Likewise, mean ages per S-B phase were higher in the Indonesian sample, except for females assigned to Phase VI. TA and Bayesian statistics derived age-at-death distribution models specific to the Indonesian population. The dissemination of an appropriate age-at-death estimation standard in the literature is of considerable benefit to casework conducted domestically in Indonesia, and also serves to further inform aspects of general forensic practice globally.

PMID:40254709 | DOI:10.1007/s00414-025-03496-0

Clin Transl Oncol. 2025 Apr 21. doi: 10.1007/s12094-025-03919-9. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The research activity is fundamental to improve knowledge in Medicine. In the setting of clinical oncology, radiotherapy (RT) represents a cornerstone for patients treated with curative intent.

PURPOSE: The aim of this snapshot was to investigate the number and the characteristics of clinical trials currently ongoing in the Lombardy (Italy) RT divisions highlighting involved resources and eventual needs to improve the process of study activation.

METHODS: In April 2024, a survey composed of two parts, a snapshot of clinical and research activity and a database to report data on ongoing clinical trials, was proposed to the 30 RT centers in Lombardy. The snapshot consisted of 19 short answer questions.

RESULTS: A total of 26 (87%) centers answered the survey. The total number of active studies was 161. The median age among principal investigators was 51 years. Most studies were multicentric (61%) national (76%). Among 72 studies with available phase, 43% resulted phase III studies. Fifty-three (33%) studies were sponsored. IRCCS (Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a carattere scientifico) RT have a median of 11 active studies vs versus 6 in non-IRCCS structures. More resources are available in IRCCS centers compared to non-IRCCS: data management service 50% vs 25%, dedicated scientific nurses 20% vs 0%, clinical statistics services 60% vs 25%. The main difficulties in conducting clinical trials were bureaucratic difficulties with ethics committees (5 centers), time constraints (5 centers), and a lack of resources and staff (15 centers). The most frequently (58% of the centers) proposed solution was an increase in resources and staff.

CONCLUSION: While the RT centers in Lombardy demonstrate a commendable commitment to clinical research, disparities in resources and infrastructure remain significantly challenging.

PMID:40254696 | DOI:10.1007/s12094-025-03919-9