Category: Nevin Manimala

BMC Oral Health. 2025 Dec 1;25(1):1859. doi: 10.1186/s12903-025-07156-y.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Dentin hypersensitivity (DH) is characterized by short and sharp pain that impacts quality of life. Effective management focuses on occluding exposed dentinal tubules. This study compared the effectiveness of intermittent and simultaneous calcium phosphate (CP) application with cyanoacrylate (CA) in tubule occlusion.

METHODS: Eighty extracted human premolars without periodontal disease were used to prepare standardized root dentin specimens. After removal of the crowns and apical thirds, disk-shaped fragments were obtained and treated with EDTA to remove the smear layer. The specimens were then randomly allocated to eight groups and treated with CP, CA, or their combination using different protocols (single, multiple, intermittent, or simultaneous layers). All samples were stored in artificial saliva until examination. Dentin tubule occlusion was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and quantitative measurements of tubule exposure and diameter were performed. Statistical analyses were conducted using nonparametric tests, with the significance level set at p < .05.

RESULTS: The CA and CP + CA groups were most effective in occluding dentinal tubules (p < .01). Intermittent CP application showed similar results to these groups and was more effective than simultaneous application (p < .01). In addition, a positive correlation was found between the number and diameter of exposed tubules across all groups (p < .01).

CONCLUSION: Intermittent CP application enhanced tubule occlusion compared with simultaneous use. Under the limitations of this in vitro study, the addition of CA to CP produced outcomes comparable to those of intermittently applied CP.

PMID:41327149 | DOI:10.1186/s12903-025-07156-y

BMC Med Inform Decis Mak. 2025 Dec 2;25(1):437. doi: 10.1186/s12911-025-03271-6.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) offers state-of-the-art volume, function, fibrosis and oedema imaging. Quality assurance (QA) tasks, such as quantitative parameter reproducibility assessments, the evaluation of AI methods, and the assessment of trainees have become essential to CMR. However, the explainability of how qualitative differences impact quantitative differences remains underexplored. Our aim is to demonstrate a semi-automated QA tool, Lazy Luna’s (LL) applicability to typical CMR QA application cases.

METHODS: A software feature error-tracing is designed that allows for quickly pinpointing qualitative reasons for quantitative differences and outliers. Three QA application cases were designed. First, LL was applied to perform outlier detection for inter- and intraobserver analyses to detect failure cases and provide qualitative explanations. Outlier detection was performed on several typical images types. Second, LL supported an Artificial intelligence (AI) evaluation, in which an AI method was compared to a CMR-expert of 144 patients. LL assessed the acceptability of AI biases for left and right ventricular (LV, RV) end-systolic, -diastolic, and stroke volumes (ESV, EDV, SV), ejection fractions (EF) and the myocardial mass (LVM). Annotations were examined to explain the qualitative differences that resulted in good and poor parameters. The AI investigation was recorded as a video. Third, LL was used to provide a Trainee Feedback to a CMR beginner. The trainee was compared to an expert on several imaging techniques to investigate outliers.

RESULTS: For the outlier detection, LL detected segmentation differences that caused parameter differences on multiple sequences. For the AI evaluation calculated clinical parameter biases to be: LVESV:-3.1 ml, LVEDV:2.1 ml, LVSV:6.5 ml, LVEF:3.0 ml, RVESV:0.3 ml, RVEDV:-3.8 ml, RVSV:-4.2 ml, RVEF:-1.4 ml, LVM:-2 g. Inspecting the causes for outlier differences revealed that juxtaposed basal slice failures caused unacceptable LVSV deviations between AI and expert. For the trainee assessment, LL showed that trainee parameters exceeded tolerance ranges. The segmentations could be improved to better mirror expert segmentations and close the parameter gaps.

CONCLUSION: Lazy Luna, as a semi-automated quality assurance tool, is applicable to several quality assurance application cases in CMR.

PMID:41327147 | DOI:10.1186/s12911-025-03271-6

BMC Infect Dis. 2025 Dec 1. doi: 10.1186/s12879-025-12237-y. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Anemia is the most common hematological manifestation among visceral leishmaniasis patients. The cause of anemia is multifactorial: sequestration and destruction of red blood cells in an enlarged spleen, immune mechanisms, and alterations in RBC membrane permeability have been implicated. Studies on the magnitude of anemia among visceral leishmaniasis patients were inconsistent. Therefore, this review aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of anemia among visceral leishmaniasis patients in Ethiopia.

METHODS: This systematic review and meta-analysis followed the PRISMA guidelines. Comprehensive searches were conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Science Direct, African journals online, and grey literatures like Google Scholar and Google, of studies published from inception to January 2025, supplemented by manual searches to identify relevant studies. Three authors independently selected studies, extracted data, and assessed the critical appraisal of studies. The JBI critical appraisal tool was used for quality appraisal. Statistical analyses were performed using Stata 11.0 software. The I² test statistic was used to test the heterogeneity of the included studies. Moreover, Funnel plots analysis and Egger-weighted regression tests were done to detect publication bias. The overall pooled prevalence was calculated using the random-effects model.

RESULTS: A total of 9 eligible studies with 2,075 study participants were included to estimate the pooled prevalence of anemia among visceral leishmaniasis patients. The combined prevalence of anemia among visceral leishmaniasis patients was 88.91% (95% CI: 84.45-93.37). Regionally, the highest prevalence of anemia among studies conducted in the Tigray region was 96.0% (95% CI; 92.0-99.9). Moreover, the prevalence of anemia among visceral leishmaniasis patients according to the study design was 88.0% (95% CI; 81.8-94.1), 93.6% (95% CI; 87.9-99.3), and 85.5% (95% CI; 82.0-88.9) in a retrospective cross-sectional study, cross-sectional study, and the retrospective cohort study respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review and meta-analysis found a high prevalence of anemia among visceral leishmaniasis patients in Ethiopia. Red blood cell parameters should be assessed regularly to prevent and monitor anemia disorders in those study groups.

PMID:41327144 | DOI:10.1186/s12879-025-12237-y

BMC Med Educ. 2025 Dec 1;25(1):1665. doi: 10.1186/s12909-025-08272-7.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The education of health professionals plays a crucial role in developing the competence-based learning that is essential for their future practice. Increased student engagement and participation has been shown to significantly enhance academic achievement compared to passive knowledge integration during lectures or tutorials. However, the effectiveness of different learning strategies can vary depending on the individual and the context. This study investigated the impact of note-taking and generating multiple-choice questions (MCQs) on physiotherapy students’ performance in summative examinations, as well as their preferences for using these methods.

METHODS: A cluster-randomised controlled crossover study was conducted among first-year undergraduate physiotherapy students enrolled in a psychology course at a Polish medical university. The study included 173 students (116 females, 57 males), aged 18-23 years. Following the psychology module, students completed a homework assignment, either a written note or an MCQ, which was subsequently reviewed by instructors. These materials were intended to support students’ preparation for the final psychology examination. The effectiveness of each method as a tool for knowledge consolidation was evaluated using summative exam scores. Additionally, students provided qualitative feedback on their preferred learning method via an open-ended question.

RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference at the 5% level in students’ summative exam performance between the two learning methods. Overall, students expressed a preference for note-taking over the MCQ format, citing greater familiarity due to its use during their secondary education. However, students who began the learning process with the MCQ method demonstrated a slightly higher preference for that approach.

CONCLUSIONS: Given the diversity of student preferences, the integration of note-taking and MCQ learning methods may optimise the educational experience in psychology training. Further research should investigate their equivalence, taking into account students’ choice of learning method.

PMID:41327143 | DOI:10.1186/s12909-025-08272-7

BMC Oral Health. 2025 Dec 1;25(1):1860. doi: 10.1186/s12903-025-07254-x.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Detecting the second mesiobuccal (MB2) canal in maxillary first molars is challenging, even with cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Artificial intelligence (AI), especially deep learning, has been explored as a tool to aid detection.

OBJECTIVES: This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of AI in identifying MB2 canals on CBCT.

METHODS: Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive electronic search across five databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus Secondary) retrieved 52 articles. After removing duplicates and screening titles/abstracts, 7 full texts were assessed, of which 4 met the inclusion criteria. Studies were eligible if they applied AI algorithms for MB2 detection in CBCT images and reported diagnostic performance outcomes. Data extraction included study design, dataset size, AI model architecture, and diagnostic metrics. Pooled estimates of sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed with the I² statistic, and publication bias was evaluated with Egger’s test.

RESULTS: Four studies were included. AI models achieved a pooled sensitivity of 0.82 and specificity of 0.74. Deep learning models outperformed traditional machine learning, with higher sensitivity (0.87 vs. 0.80), specificity (0.90 vs. 0.68), and accuracy (0.84 vs. 0.75). Considerable heterogeneity and small sample sizes limited generalizability.

CONCLUSION: AI, particularly deep learning, shows promise in detecting MB2 canals on CBCT. While current evidence is preliminary, standardised AI training and reporting protocols, together with larger multicenter studies, are needed to validate these tools. Clinically, AI could serve as a supplementary aid to improve diagnostic consistency and reduce missed canals during endodontic treatment.

PMID:41327142 | DOI:10.1186/s12903-025-07254-x

BMC Urol. 2025 Dec 1;25(1):298. doi: 10.1186/s12894-025-01973-7.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Premature ejaculation (PE) is a prevalent male sexual dysfunction with limited comparative data on pharmacological treatments. This randomized clinical trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of four active pharmacological interventions for lifelong PE.

METHODS: A prospective randomized trial was conducted from June 2024 to March 2025 at Beni-Suef University Hospital. Four hundred eligible patients diagnosed with lifelong PE were randomly allocated to one of four active treatment groups (n = 100 per group): (1) citalopram 20 mg/day, (2) silodosin 4 mg/day, (3) dapoxetine 30 mg on-demand (1-3 h before intercourse), or (4) dapoxetine 30 mg daily. The primary outcome was the change in intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT) measured by stopwatch. Secondary outcomes included changes in the Premature Ejaculation Profile Questionnaire (PEPQ) scores and the incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA with post-hoc tests for continuous variables and chi-square tests for categorical data.

RESULTS: All four treatment groups demonstrated significant within-group improvements in IELT from baseline (p < 0.001 for all). The citalopram group exhibited the greatest mean IELT increase (from 110.4 ± 31.5s to 391.2 ± 45.9s; 260% median gain), outperforming the daily dapoxetine (220%), on-demand dapoxetine (197%), and silodosin (149.5%) groups. Improvements in PEPQ scores mirrored the IELT findings, with citalopram showing a 300% improvement compared to 225%, 166.7%, and 175% in the daily dapoxetine, on-demand dapoxetine, and silodosin groups, respectively. In inter-group comparisons, citalopram was superior to silodosin in all PEPQ domains (p < 0.001) and to both dapoxetine regimens in the domain of interpersonal difficulty (p < 0.01). Adverse event profiles differed: silodosin was associated with a higher incidence of ejaculatory dysfunction (23% retrograde ejaculation), while daily dapoxetine led to more systemic effects (18% dizziness).

CONCLUSION: In this direct head-to-head comparison of active treatments for lifelong PE, daily citalopram (20 mg) demonstrated superior efficacy in prolonging IELT and improving psychosocial outcomes compared to daily or on-demand dapoxetine and silodosin. The findings suggest that citalopram is a highly effective first-line option, while the dose-dependent efficacy of dapoxetine and the distinct side-effect profile of silodosin provide alternative considerations for personalized treatment strategies.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: This clinical trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier NCT07113145) on 7 August 2025 after the enrollment of the first participant and is therefore retrospectively registered.”

PMID:41327131 | DOI:10.1186/s12894-025-01973-7

BMC Public Health. 2025 Dec 1;25(1):4197. doi: 10.1186/s12889-025-23513-6.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Effective Birth preparedness remain one of the most important intervention to reduce the risk of complications such as postpartum hemorrhage, obstructed labor, fetal distress, uterine rupture, pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, infections, still birth and unsafe abortion. Despite the efforts to encourage women to give birth in healthcare facilities, improvement has remained stagnant, particularly in remote Indigenous Maasai population in northern Tanzania. This study utilizes the Social Ecological Model (SEM) as a guiding framework to assess the multilevel determinants influencing health facility birth preparedness practices among Indigenous Maasai women. The study explores how individual, interpersonal, community, and societal-level factors influence maternal health behaviors.

METHODOLOGY: The study employed a community-based analytical cross-sectional study design, which was conducted among 355 Indigenous Maasai women who had given birth within the last 24 months, from 11th April 2024 to 30th June 2024. The study employed a multistage sampling technique to select the study participants. A structured questionnaire adapted from previous studies was used to collect data. The univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression model was used to analyze determinants of birth preparedness practices, and the statistical significance was declared at 95% CI, and p < 0.05.

RESULTS: The mean age of study participants was 29.6 years ± 7.4 (SD), only 10.14% of the participants were prepared for health facility birth. The determinants influencing health facility birth preparedness practices included higher average monthly income (AOR = 11.702, 95% CI: 1.306, 104.835, p = 0.028), adequate knowledge of obstetric danger signs (AOR = 85.273, 95% CI: 2.282, 3186.398, p = 0.016), availability of drugs and supplies (AOR = 5.901, 95% CI: 1.013, 34.385, p = 0.048), accessible roads throughout the year (AOR = 8.602, 95% CI: 1.420, 52.107, p = 0.019), and perceived quality of services at health facility (AOR = 21.661, 95% CI: 2.212, 212.072, p = 0.008).

CONCLUSION: This study reveals low health facility birth preparedness among Indigenous Maasai women, influenced by socioeconomic challenges, limited knowledge, and poor infrastructure. To address this, multifaceted interventions are needed to improve financial access, education, and healthcare quality. A sustainable approach requires collaboration between the health sector, local government, and community leaders. Ensuring equity in maternal healthcare is crucial, particularly for marginalized indigenous populations. Addressing systemic barriers like poor road infrastructure is essential to improving access. These strategies are vital for better birth preparedness and maternal health outcomes in the region.

PMID:41327113 | DOI:10.1186/s12889-025-23513-6

BMC Oral Health. 2025 Dec 1;25(1):1862. doi: 10.1186/s12903-025-06963-7.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this observational case‒control study was to compare the oral health (OH) status of Bone metastatic cancer (BMC) patients (case Group 1), head and neck cancer HNC patients (case Group 2) and systemically healthy patients (control group). The secondary objective was to identify any risk factors associated with poor OH status.

METHODS: This study was conducted from 2018-2024, and all patients were evaluated at the Oral Medicine, Head and Neck Department-Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli-IRCSS, Rome. The OH status was clinically and radiographically evaluated using the DMFT index, a full periodontal chart and a radiological examination (orthopantomography). The OH status was defined as “poor” in patients with stage III or IV periodontitis and/or a DMFT score ≥ 13. The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore (ID-5746). Univariate statistical analysis was performed to detect associations between different clinical variables and OH. The associated variables were subjected to multivariate logistic regression to retrieve the independent risk factors for poor OH.

RESULTS: A total of 510 (170 per group) patients were analyzed. Logistic regression analysis revealed that HNC patients showed significantly worse oral conditions when compared to BMC patients and controls. HNC patients showed an OR of 2.36 (95% CI: 1.35-4.13, p = 0.003) for poor OH when compared to control group. No differences were found between BMC patients and control group. Smoking habits (OR: 3.22, 95% CI: 1.93-5.35, p < 0.0001), and age > 70 years (OR: 17.44, 95% CI: 8.78-34.66, p < 0.0001) were other significant risk factors for poor OH. The risk decreased for younger patients: for patients aged 60-69 years, the OR was 5.17 (95% CI: 2.74-9.75, p < 0.0001); for patients aged 50-59 years, it was 4.22 (95% CI: 2.30-7.76, p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS: HNC patients exhibit significantly poorer OH than BMC patients and healthy controls, highlighting the need for enhanced dental care in oncologic management. Nevertheless, smoking habits and age remain important risk factors.

PMID:41327109 | DOI:10.1186/s12903-025-06963-7

BMC Infect Dis. 2025 Dec 1. doi: 10.1186/s12879-025-12252-z. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Occult hepatitis B virus infection (OBI) poses a significant challenge to blood transfusion safety, as it occurs in HBsAg-negative blood donors who are anti-HBc positive and carry detectable hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA. The lack of additional serological screening and accessible molecular testing in blood banks allows blood units with anti-HBc positivity and HBV DNA to be transfused. The aim of the study was to determine the residual transfusion risk and to identify OBI genotypes among blood donors at the Yaoundé Central Hospital.

METHODS: This cross-sectional, analytical, and descriptive study involved 269 blood donors between February and June 2025 at the Yaoundé Central Hospital blood bank and at the Centre Pasteur du Cameroun. Informed consent was obtained from all participants. HBsAg was screened through both Rapid Diagnostics Test (RDTs) and Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). ELISA was used for the detection of Anti-HBc IgM and IgG antibodies. Testing for occult HBV infection in the HBsAg-negative, anti-HBc-positive subjects was performed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). HBV genotypes were determined by sequencing a fragment of the surface gene (PreS1) and then performing phylogenetic analysis of the nucleotide sequences. Statistical analysis was performed using R software 4.4.3.

RESULTS: Of the 269 donors, 168 (62.45%) were HBsAg-negative and anti-HBc-positive. HBV DNA was detected in 9 donors, confirming occult HBV infection with a residual transfusion risk of 3.34%. The number of prior donations was significantly factor negatively associated with HBV DNA presence (p = 0.021, OR [95% CI]: 0.13 [0.0-0.80]). Sequencing of the PreS1 gene fragment from 3 isolates revealed co-circulation of HBV genotypes A and E in the studied population.

CONCLUSION: This study highlights that only sensitive HBV DNA screening would improve blood safety since anti-HBc screening would exclude 60% of donors in a situation of blood shortage. However, the cost of such testing, even in the low yield pools of 6 as practice in some countries, is likely prohibitive in Cameroon. In present Cameroon situation, systematic, compulsory, vaccination would be the best affordable prevention of OBI transfusion transmission.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study protocol was reviewed and approved by the Regional Ethics Committee for Human Health Research of the Center (CRERSH/C) (Number 000734/ CRERSHC/2025) and adhered to the ethical guidelines outlined in the 1975 Declaration of Helsinki.

PMID:41327108 | DOI:10.1186/s12879-025-12252-z

BMC Public Health. 2025 Dec 2. doi: 10.1186/s12889-025-25651-3. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The rapid proliferation of social media has reshaped how young adults access and engage with health information. This study investigates the relationship between social media usage, sexual health literacy, and healthy lifestyle skills among university students. The aim is to explore whether social media serves as a facilitator or barrier to health-promoting behaviors in this population.

METHODS: A cross-sectional, descriptive design was employed. The study population included 4,500 students from faculties of health sciences and social sciences at a Turkish university. Using the known population sampling formula, the minimum sample was calculated as 350; however, 598 university students voluntarily participated. Data were collected via an online questionnaire comprising a socio-demographic form, the Social Media Usage Scale, the Sexual Health Literacy Scale, and the Healthy Lifestyle Skills Scale. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS 24.0. Normality was tested using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Parametric tests (t-test, ANOVA) and Pearson correlation analysis were used. Reliability of instruments was assessed using Cronbach’s Alpha.

RESULTS: Participants reported good levels of sexual health literacy (mean score: 51.26 ± 9.03) and moderate levels of healthy lifestyle skills (63.13 ± 11.62). A significant positive correlation was found between sexual health literacy and both social media usage and healthy lifestyle skills (p < 0.01). Participants with prior education in sexual health or media literacy scored significantly higher in both outcome measures. Demographic factors such as gender, income, and urban residence were also associated with healthier lifestyle behaviors.

CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate that responsible social media use may contribute positively to young adults’ sexual health literacy and health-promoting behaviors. These results highlight the importance of integrating media literacy and sexual health education into public health policies and university curricula. Developing targeted, evidence-based digital interventions could empower youth to navigate health information critically and foster long-term improvements in individual and public health outcomes.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not applicable.

PMID:41327098 | DOI:10.1186/s12889-025-25651-3