Category: Nevin Manimala

J Prosthet Dent. 2024 Oct 28:S0022-3913(24)00691-7. doi: 10.1016/j.prosdent.2024.09.030. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Speed sintering techniques have been introduced to shorten the sintering time of zirconia ceramics, yet their impact on multilayered zirconia properties remains understudied.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to assess the effect of speed sintering on the optical properties and the mechanical flexural strength of multilayered zirconia materials.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 360 disks (Ø14 ±2 mm ×1.2 ±0.02 mm) were fabricated by following the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 6872:2015 standard using 2 types of Vita A2 shade multilayered zirconia materials: IPS e.max ZirCAD Prime (ZP) and IPS e.max ZirCAD Prime Esthetic (ZPE). Each material comprised translucent (Tr), gradient l (Gr), and dentin (De) layers, with 60 disks per layer. Half were sintered using a standard sintering protocol and half using a speed sintering protocol. Biaxial flexural strength was accessed using a universal testing machine equipped with the Blue Hill Universal software program by following the ISO 6872:2015 standard, with 20 disks per subgroup. The spectrophotometric analysis of optical properties (contrast ratio [CR], translucency parameter [TP], and total transmittance [Tt%]) was performed using a dual-beam spectrophotometer (Ultrascan VIS) in accordance with the ISO 7491:2000 standard, with 10 disks per subgroup. The comparison of the optical properties and the mechanical flexural strength between the speed and standard protocol was analyzed using an unpaired t test (α=.05).

RESULTS: Speed sintering reduced biaxial flexural strength in all ZP layers (P<.05) and in ZPE-Gr (P<.05). A statistically significant difference in the CR was observed in the ZP-Tr, ZP-Gr, and ZPE-Gr layers (P<.05). The TP of the ZP-Gr, ZP-De, and ZPE-Gr layers was significantly lower when using the speed sintering protocol. Tt% was significantly lower with speed sintering for both materials (P<.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Speed sintering statistically changed both the optical (CR, TP, Tt%) and mechanical (flexural strength) properties of multilayered zirconia materials, but the differences may not be clinically relevant.

PMID:39472162 | DOI:10.1016/j.prosdent.2024.09.030

J Prosthet Dent. 2024 Oct 28:S0022-3913(24)00687-5. doi: 10.1016/j.prosdent.2024.09.027. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: As part of the growing digitization of the dental field, clinicians are looking for ways to simplify digital workflow, reduce chairside time, and provide new work patterns for future applications. Whether scanning with a multifunctional apparatus (MFA) scan body results in improved scanning is unclear.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the horizontal, vertical, and angular deviations with the MFA scan body with a commercially available scan body (SBIO).

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixteen identically printed edentulous maxillary models were used to plan two Ø3.8×11.5-mm implants in the right maxillary first molar and left maxillary central incisor locations. Two implants in each model were installed using a surgical guide. The models were scanned using an intraoral scanner with MFA and then rescanned twice, with SBIO using the intraoral scanner and a laboratory 3D scanner. The implants were digitally positioned according to the scanned MFA and SBIO locations in standard tessellation language (STL) files. These STL files were superimposed on the reference laboratory 3D scanner STL files. Linear measurements included implant apex/cervical horizontal/vertical deviations, as well as implant axis angular deviations. Normality was evaluated with the Shapiro-Wilk test. Paired samples t tests (2 sided) were used for the mean SBIO-MFA deviation difference. To compare the molar/incisor sites, paired samples Wilcoxon tests were used (α=.05 for all tests).

RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found between the MFA/ SBIO deviations, for each of the 10 sites × deviation combinations (P>.05). Overall, the lowest endpoint of the 95% confidence intervals among the 8 linear measurement comparisons was -0.107 mm (coronal vertical deviation, right maxillary first molar site) and -0.30 degrees between the 2 angular measurement comparisons.

CONCLUSIONS: The current in vitro study demonstrated high accuracy for the novel MFA device, similar to that of the standard SBIO scan body. Furthermore, the current study offers an alternative technique to evaluate the accuracy of implant placement by using scanning and back programming over the traditional postplacement cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanning.

PMID:39472161 | DOI:10.1016/j.prosdent.2024.09.027

Ultrasound Med Biol. 2024 Oct 28:S0301-5629(24)00369-7. doi: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2024.09.023. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Arterial stiffening serves as an early indicator for a variety of cardiovascular diseases. Arterial Dispersion Ultrasound Vibrometry (ADUV) is a method that leverages acoustic radiation force to stimulate arterial wall motion, assess wave propagation characteristics, and subsequently calculate the arterial shear modulus. Previously, we introduced an inversion technique based on a guided cylindrical wave model, which proved effective in rubber tube phantom experiments. In this study, we broaden the scope of our investigation from phantom experiments to in vivo examination of common carotid arteries in human subjects, identify the challenges, and provide solutions, leading to a systematic protocol for ADUV application and robust estimation of the elastic modulus of common carotid arteries.

METHODS: We achieve this by analyzing ADUV data from 59 subjects categorized as (a) confirmed atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (n = 27), (b) with cardiovascular risk factors (n = 20), and (c) healthy (n = 12). A crucial aspect of this work is the development of metrics to differentiate high-quality ADUV data from unusable data.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: With the proposed metrics, in our cohort, we observed 82% of diameter data and 78% of motion data as usable data. Future work will involve applying this protocol to a larger cohort with subsequent statistical analysis to assess and validate the resulting biomarkers.

PMID:39472160 | DOI:10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2024.09.023

Zhonghua Lao Dong Wei Sheng Zhi Ye Bing Za Zhi. 2024 Oct 20;42(10):757-762. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn121094-20231218-00159.

ABSTRACT

Objective: To investigate the health status and the influencing factors of abnormal lung function of welding fumes exposure workers in Tianjin from 2020 to 2022, and to provide theoretical basis for the protection and intervention of key occupational diseases. Methods: In October 2023, the relevant data of occupational health examination of welding fumes exposure workers in Tianjin from 2020 to 2022 (10831, 10758 and 21717 in 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively) were collected from the China Disease Prevention and Control Information Platform. The electrocardiogram, chest radiograph and lung function abnormalities of workers in each year were analyzed, as well as the association between lung function abnormalities and gender, age, working age, region, etc. With gender, age and years of service as independent variables, logistic regression analysis was performed year by year on the influencing factors of abnormal lung function. Results: From 2020 to 2022, electrocardiogram, chest radiograph and lung function abnormality rates of workers exposed to welding fumes had statistical significances (χ(2)=301.79, 7.87, 1614.54, P<0.05), and the lung function abnormality rate showed a downward trend year by year (χ(2)(trend)=1516.19, P<0.001). The abnormal rates of lung function in male workers exposed to welding fumes were higher than those in female workers (χ(2)=61.65, 8.04, 15.22, P<0.05). With the increase of age, the abnormal rate of lung function showed an increasing trend (χ(2)(trend)=6.47, 10.81, 4.72, P<0.05). The abnormal rates of lung function in the four districts around the city in each year were 22.05% (318/1442), 8.91% (171/1919) and 6.48% (273/4212), respectively. Year by year logistic regression analysis showed that females were the protective factors for abnormal lung function (OR=0.369, 0.568, 0.546; 95%CI: 0.298-0.458, 0.367-0.879, 0.388-0.767; P<0.05) . Conclusion: Attention should be paid to the health status of welding fumes workers in Tianjin, focusing on the protection of middle-aged male workers, and effective prevention measures should be taken for key areas and industries such as the four districts around the city.

PMID:39472139 | DOI:10.3760/cma.j.cn121094-20231218-00159

Zhonghua Lao Dong Wei Sheng Zhi Ye Bing Za Zhi. 2024 Oct 20;42(10):743-745. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn121094-20230609-00200.

ABSTRACT

Objective: To analyse the characteristics of micronuclus and chromosomal aberrations and the lens opacity in different working years, ages and work type of radiation workers with lens opacity. Methods: In January 2022, we selected 400 radiation workers with lens opacity who had undergone occupational health examination in Hangzhou Hospital for the Prevention and Treatment of Occupational Disease from March 2014 to December 2021 as research objects. To analyze the differences of micronucleus, chromosome aberration and the lens opacification rates of different length of service, type of work, age radiologic workers. Results: The results showed that radiation the micronucleus abnormality (0.59‰) and chromosome aberration (2.67%) in peripheral blood in workers who served more than 20 years were significantly higher than that of micronucleus abnormality (0.18‰) and chromosome aberration (0.31%) in workers served less than 20 years, the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). The micronucleus abnormality (0.32‰) and chromosome aberration (0.57%) in the interventionist were higher than oral radiation workers (0.12‰ and 0.19%) and diagnostic radiologist (0.05‰ and 0.12%), the differences were statistically signcficant (χ(2)=23.98, 6.72, P<0.05) . Conclusion: The rates of micronucleus and chromosome aberration of the interventionaist are higher than oral radiation workers and the traditional radiologist. Workers engaged in radiation should improve personal protection and undertake regular occupational health examinations.

PMID:39472136 | DOI:10.3760/cma.j.cn121094-20230609-00200

Blood Adv. 2024 Oct 29:bloodadvances.2024013926. doi: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2024013926. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Disease-modifying therapies are standard of care (SOC) for sickle cell disease (SCD), but hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) has curative potential. We compared outcomes prospectively through 2-years after biologic assignment to a Donor or No Donor (SOC) Arm based on the availability of an HLA-matched sibling or unrelated donor (BMTCTN 1503; NCT02766465). A donor search was commenced after eligibility confirmation. The primary endpoint was the comparison of survival 2 years after biologic assignment between treatment arms. Power calculations required 60 participants on the Donor Arm and 140 on the No Donor Arm to determine if early transplant-related mortality might be balanced by disease-related mortality over a longer period of follow-up. Secondary objectives compared changes in SCD-related events, functional outcomes, and organ function. Data were analyzed by the intent-to-treat principle. A total of 113 participants were enrolled, 28 on the Donor and 85 on the No Donor Arm The 2-year probabilities of survival were 89% and 93%, on the Donor and No Donor Arms, respectively. Vaso-occlusive pain (VOC) was less frequent on the Donor Arm in the second year after biologic assignment (p < 0.001). On PROMIS-57 surveys there was decreased fatigue (p=0.003) and an increased ability to participate in social roles and activities (p=0.003) on the Donor Arm 2-years after biologic assignment. Differences in other secondary outcomes did not reach statistical significance. Barriers to accrual prevented an objective comparison of survival. Assignment to the Donor Arm led to improvements in VOC, fatigue, and social function.

PMID:39471440 | DOI:10.1182/bloodadvances.2024013926

Mil Med. 2024 Oct 29:usae503. doi: 10.1093/milmed/usae503. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a leading cause of death from infectious diseases worldwide. Military personnel are particularly vulnerable to TB because of the factors like deployments to endemic regions and close-quarters living. This study aims to compare the characteristics and outcomes of symptomatic TB cases between military and civilian patients treated at 2 French military hospitals, with a specific focus on diagnostic delay.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective observational study included patients over 18 years old with culture-confirmed symptomatic TB treated between 2008 and 2021. Military patients (Group A) were compared to civilian patients (Group B), matched by age and sex. Data collected included demographic details, diagnostic delay, clinical presentations, and treatment outcomes. Statistical analyses were performed using chi-squared tests and Mann-Whitney tests, with significance set at P < .05.

RESULTS: A total of 17 military and 38 civilian patients were included in the study. The median diagnostic delay was shorter for military patients at 49 days, compared to 64 days for civilians, although this difference was not statistically significant (P = .42). In the military group, 59% had been deployed to TB endemic regions, with 35% showing symptoms during operational missions. Clinical presentations and microbiological findings were similar between the two groups. Notably, two military patients were infected with Mycobacterium canettii, likely linked to deployments in Djibouti, where this strain is endemic. The military population showed a significant burden of physical sequelae, with 25% experiencing lasting physical impairments post-treatment.

CONCLUSION: Tuberculosis presentation and outcomes in military and civilian patients were generally comparable. Early diagnosis remains essential to minimize disease severity and operational impact, particularly in military settings.

PMID:39471417 | DOI:10.1093/milmed/usae503

Eur J Endocrinol. 2024 Oct 29;191(5):E5-E9. doi: 10.1093/ejendo/lvae129.

ABSTRACT

Researchers frequently come across sample size calculations in the scientific literature they read, in projects undertaken by their peers, and likely within their own work. However, despite its ubiquity, calculating a sample size is often perceived as a hurdle and not fully understood. This paper provides a brief overview of sample size estimation to guide readers, researchers, and reviewers through its fundamentals.

PMID:39471402 | DOI:10.1093/ejendo/lvae129

JMIR Form Res. 2024 Oct 29;8:e60370. doi: 10.2196/60370.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Hazardous alcohol consumption is highly prevalent for men who have sex with men (MSM). The 4 treatments currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration for alcohol use are reaching an alarmingly low percentage of people who would benefit from a reduction in their alcohol use. There is increasing interest in alternative methods of treatment, such as herbal supplements, to address hazardous drinking. However, research on the acceptability of alternative pharmacotherapies among MSM remains limited.

OBJECTIVE: We examined the prevalence and correlates of expressing interest in using herbal supplements for alcohol treatment among MSM with hazardous alcohol consumption.

METHODS: We conducted a secondary data analysis from a cross-sectional study of MSM who use alcohol, conducted from March 2015 to July 2017 in San Francisco, California, to assess the overall prevalence of interest in using herbal supplements to help reduce alcohol consumption. Associations between expressing interest in herbal supplements and demographic, social, and clinical characteristics were examined using bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models.

RESULTS: One-third (66/200, 33%) of the participants expressed interest in an herbal supplement for reducing alcohol consumption. In the multivariable analyses, weekly binge drinking (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.85, 95% CI 1.17-6.93), interest in abstaining from alcohol use (aOR 5.04, 95% CI 1.46-17.40), higher severity of alcohol dependence score (aOR 1.22, 95% CI 1.04-1.41), and interest in naltrexone (aOR 3.22, 95% CI 2.12-4.91) were independently associated with higher odds of being interested in using an herbal supplement to reduce alcohol consumption, adjusting for age, race or ethnicity, and education.

CONCLUSIONS: We found that MSM who have hazardous drinking habits, more severe alcohol dependence, and interest in pharmacotherapy were more likely to express interest in using an herbal supplement for reducing alcohol consumption. To our knowledge, this is the first study that has evaluated correlates of interest in herbal supplements for alcohol use among MSM. As researchers implement novel alcohol treatment studies, they should focus on recruitment efforts among MSM with a motivation to reduce their alcohol use patterns.

PMID:39471379 | DOI:10.2196/60370

JMIR Mhealth Uhealth. 2024 Oct 29;12:e55239. doi: 10.2196/55239.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Despite the growing availability of smoking cessation apps, low engagement and cessation rates have remained a significant challenge. To address this issue, we used a user-centered design to iteratively develop a mobile app (MO) to provide comprehensive, tailored, and evidence-based content to support smokers in their quitting journey.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the acceptability, use, and preliminary efficacy of the MO app for smoking cessation. Specifically, we sought to understand smokers’ preferred features, engagement, and satisfaction with MO; identify concerns in using the app and ways to improve the app; and evaluate its smoking cessation outcomes.

METHODS: Through 3 cohorts, we recruited 10, 12, and 85 adult smokers who attempted to quit smoking to pilot-test the MO app between December 2019 and July 2022. Participants were instructed to complete a baseline survey, interact with the app for 6 weeks, and fill in a postsurvey at week 6. Participants in cohort 3 completed an additional postsurvey at week 12. Participants’ app use was tracked and analyzed. The primary outcome measures were participants’ 7-day point prevalence abstinence at 6 and 12 weeks.

RESULTS: Participants reported high levels of satisfaction with the MO app across all 3 cohorts, rating it between 4.40 and 4.76 on a scale of 5 for acceptability. Users engaged with app activities for an average of 89 to 159 times over 35 days. The most liked features of the app included “quit plan,” “tracking,” “reminders and notifications,” “MOtalks,” and “motivational quotes.” The 7-day point prevalence abstinence rate of the modified intention to treat population in cohort 3 was 58% at 6 weeks and 52% at 12 weeks. Those who interacted more frequently with app features and engaged with more diverse activities were more likely to maintain abstinence at weeks 6 and 12. For each additional time logged into the app, the odds of staying abstinent at week 12 increased by 5% (odds ratio [OR] 1.05, 95% CI 1.01-1.08). Participants who earned >5000 points during app use also had higher odds of quitting at both 6 weeks (OR 3.12, 95% CI 1.25-7.75) and 12 weeks (OR 4.65, 95% CI 1.83-11.76), compared with those who earned <5000 points.

CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated that MO is a feasible mobile phone app with high acceptability and usability and can effectively deliver smoking cessation support to individuals who want to quit. Implications for developing and evaluating mobile phone apps for smoking cessation are discussed.

PMID:39471372 | DOI:10.2196/55239