Category: Nevin Manimala

Anim Microbiome. 2023 Feb 4;5(1):7. doi: 10.1186/s42523-023-00229-9.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Anthropogenic disturbance has the potential to negatively affect wildlife health by altering food availability and diet composition, increasing the exposure to agrochemicals, and intensifying the contact with humans, domestic animals, and their pathogens. However, the impact of these factors on the fecal microbiome composition of wildlife hosts and its link to host health modulation remains barely explored. Here we investigated the composition of the fecal bacterial microbiome of the insectivorous bat Kuhl’s pipistrelle (Pipistrellus kuhlii) dwelling in four environmental contexts with different levels of anthropogenic pressure. We analyzed their microbiome composition, structure and diversity through full-length 16S rRNA metabarcoding using the nanopore long-read sequencer MinION™. We hypothesized that the bacterial community structure of fecal samples would vary across the different scenarios, showing a decreased diversity and richness in samples from disturbed ecosystems.

RESULTS: The fecal microbiomes of 31 bats from 4 scenarios were sequenced. A total of 4,829,302 reads were obtained with a taxonomic assignment percentage of 99.9% at genus level. Most abundant genera across all scenarios were Enterococcus, Escherichia/Shigella, Bacillus and Enterobacter. Alpha diversity varied significantly between the four scenarios (p < 0.05), showing the lowest Shannon index in bats from urban and intensive agriculture landscapes, while the highest alpha diversity value was found in near pristine landscapes. Beta diversity obtained by Bray-Curtis distance showed weak statistical differentiation of bacterial taxonomic profiles among scenarios. Furthermore, core community analysis showed that 1,293 genera were shared among localities. Differential abundance analyses showed that the highest differentially abundant taxa were found in near pristine landscapes, with the exception of the family Alcaligenaceae, which was also overrepresented in urban and intensive agriculture landscapes.

CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that near pristine and undisturbed landscapes could promote a more resilient gut microbiome in wild populations of P. kuhlii. These results highlight the potential of the fecal microbiome as a non-invasive bioindicator to assess insectivorous bats’ health and as a key element of landscape conservation strategies.

PMID:36739423 | DOI:10.1186/s42523-023-00229-9

Biomed Eng Online. 2023 Feb 4;22(1):8. doi: 10.1186/s12938-023-01069-z.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The probability density analysis was applied to automatically characterize the center of pressure (COP) data for evaluation of the stroke patients’ balance ability.

METHODS: The real-time COP coordinates of 38 stroke patients with eyes open and closed during quiet standing were obtained, respectively, from a precision force platform. The COP data were analyzed and characterized by the commonly used parameters: total sway length (SL), sway radius (SR), envelope sway area (EA), and the probability density analysis based parameters: projection area (PA), skewness (SK) and kurtosis (KT), and their statistical correlations were analyzed. The differences of both conventional parameters and probability density parameters under the conditions of eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC) were compared.

RESULTS: The PA from probability density analysis is strongly correlated with SL and SR. Both the traditional parameters and probability density parameters in the EC state are significantly different from those in the EO state. The obtained various statokinesigrams were calculated and categorized into typical sway types through probability density function for clinical evaluation of the balance ability of stroke patients.

CONCLUSIONS: The probability density analysis of COP data can be used to characterize the posturography for evaluation of the balance ability of stroke patients.

PMID:36739411 | DOI:10.1186/s12938-023-01069-z

J Transl Med. 2023 Feb 4;21(1):79. doi: 10.1186/s12967-023-03924-y.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) is a novel biomarker to predict the prognosis of some malignant tumors based on neutrophil, platelet, and lymphocyte counts. Evidence is scarce about the prognostic value of SII for prostate cancer patients. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to explore the prognostic value of the SII in prostate cancer.

METHODS: The PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library (CENTRAL) databases were searched to determine eligible studies from inception to August 15, 2022. Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were extracted to pool the results. Statistical analyses were conducted by using Stata 17.0 software.

RESULTS: A total of 12 studies with 8083 patients were included. The quantitative synthesis showed that a high SII was related to poor overall survival (OS) (HR = 1.44, 95% CI 1.23-1.69, p < 0.001). Furthermore, a subgroup analysis showed that a high SII was associated with poor OS in the groups of any ethnicity, tumor type, and cutoff value. An increased SII was also associated with inferior progression-free survival (PFS) (HR = 1.80, 95% CI 1.27-2.56, p = 0.001). In the subgroup analysis, a high SII value was related to poor PFS in Asian patients (HR = 4.03, 95% CI 1.07-15.17, p = 0.04) and a cutoff value > 580 (HR = 1.19, 95% CI 1.04-1.36, p = 0.01).

CONCLUSION: Based on the current evidence, a high pretreatment SII may be associated with poor OS and PFS. The SII may serve as an important prognostic indicator in patients with prostate cancer. More rigorously designed studies are needed to explore the SII and the prognosis of prostate cancer.

PMID:36739407 | DOI:10.1186/s12967-023-03924-y

BMC Oral Health. 2023 Feb 4;23(1):71. doi: 10.1186/s12903-023-02732-6.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Cancer treatment-induced bone loss (CTIBL) is the most common adverse event experienced by patients affected by breast cancer (BC) patients, without bone metastases. Bone modifying agents (BMAs) therapy is prescribed for the prevention of CTIBL, but it exposes patients to the risk of MRONJ.

METHODS: This multicentre hospital-based retrospective study included consecutive non-metastatic BC patients affected by MRONJ related to exposure to low-dose BMAs for CTIBL prevention. Patients’ data were retrospectively collected from the clinical charts of seven recruiting Italian centres.

RESULTS: MRONJ lesions were found in fifteen females (mean age 67.5 years), mainly in the mandible (73.3%). The mean duration of BMAs therapy at MRONJ presentation was 34.9 months. The more frequent BMAs was denosumab (53.3%). Ten patients (66.7%) showed the following local risk factors associated to MRONJ development: periodontal disease (PD) in three cases (20%) and the remaining six (40%) have undergone PD-related tooth extractions. One patient presented an implant presence-triggered MRONJ (6.7%). In five patients (33.3%) no local risk factors were observed.

CONCLUSIONS: This is the first case series that investigated BC patients under BMAs for CTIBL prevention suffering from MRONJ. These patients seem to have similar probabilities of developing MRONJ as osteo-metabolic ones. Breast cancer patients under BMAs for CTIBL prevention need a regular prevention program for MRONJ, since they may develop bone metastases and be treated with higher doses of BMAs, potentially leading to a high-risk of MRONJ.

PMID:36739399 | DOI:10.1186/s12903-023-02732-6

BMC Med Imaging. 2023 Feb 4;23(1):23. doi: 10.1186/s12880-023-00980-0.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The variability in the maxillary sinus anatomy makes dental implant planning challenging. One of the anatomical landmarks that could affect the decision for implant placement around the maxillary sinus is the sinus septa. This study aimed to retrospectively determine the prevalence, anatomical distribution, and morphology of the maxillary sinus septa.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 309 CBCT images that were analyzed to determine the prevalence, height, location, and orientation of the maxillary sinus septa. Descriptive statistics, Mann‒Whitney U tests, and Kruskal‒Wallis tests were used for data analysis.

RESULTS: A total of 618 maxillary sinuses were analyzed. Maxillary septa were present in 30% (n = 188) of the sinuses and in approximately 45% of the analyzed images. The mean height of the septa was 5.09 mm. The presence of bilateral septa was evident in 49 subjects (35.25%). Female subjects were significantly more likely to have only one septum (n = 67, 53.6%, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: The presence of septa is very common, found in one-third to approximately half of the evaluated cases, which warrants careful examination before any surgical interventions to avoid possible complications.

PMID:36739395 | DOI:10.1186/s12880-023-00980-0

Parasit Vectors. 2023 Feb 4;16(1):53. doi: 10.1186/s13071-023-05666-8.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Opportunistic infections are a ubiquitous complication in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients. Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, and Enterocytozoon bieneusi are common opportunistic intestinal pathogens in humans. In China, despite the number of HIV/AIDS patients being extremely large, only a few studies have investigated opportunistic infections caused by intestinal pathogens in this patient population. The aims of this study were to elucidate the occurrence and genetic characteristics of Cryptosporidium spp., G. duodenalis, and E. bieneusi in HIV/AIDS patients.

METHODS: We collected fecal specimens from 155 HIV/AIDS patients (one from each patient). All of the specimens were examined for the presence of the pathogens by genotyping using polymerase chain reaction and sequencing of the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene for Cryptosporidium spp.; the triosephosphate isomerase, β-giardin and glutamate dehydrogenase genes for G. duodenalis; and the internal transcribed spacer region of the rRNA gene for E. bieneusi. The Cryptosporidium-positive specimens were further subtyped by polymerase chain reacion and sequencing of the 60-kDa glycoprotein gene.

RESULTS: Six (3.9%), three (1.9%), and eight (5.2%) HIV/AIDS patients were positive for Cryptosporidium spp., G. duodenalis, and E. bieneusi, respectively. No statistical differences were observed in occurrence rate between the groups by gender, clinical symptom (diarrhea), and CD4⁺ cell count. Four Cryptosporidium species were identified: Cryptosporidium hominis (n = 2), Cryptosporidium parvum (n = 1), Cryptosporidium meleagridis (n = 1), and Cryptosporidium andersoni (n = 2). Furthermore, two C. hominis subtypes (IeA12G3T3 and IaA28R4) were detected. Three G. duodenalis-positive specimens were successfully amplified and sequenced at the triosephosphate isomerase and β-giardin loci, which led to the identification of assemblages C and B, respectively. Seven genotypes (D, Type IV, EbpC, Peru11, EbpD, A, and I) were identified in E. bieneusi-positive specimens.

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings should increase awareness of AIDS-related opportunistic intestinal pathogens, and indicate the need for routine examination in clinical practice for the detection of Cryptosporidium spp., G. duodenalis, and E. bieneusi. Homology analyses of the three intestinal pathogens at the nucleotide and/or amino acid levels indicated their zoonotic potential.

PMID:36739387 | DOI:10.1186/s13071-023-05666-8

BMC Med Res Methodol. 2023 Feb 4;23(1):34. doi: 10.1186/s12874-023-01855-2.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This analysis addresses the characteristics of two emergency department (ED) patient populations defined by three model diseases (hip fractures, respiratory, and cardiac symptoms) making use of survey (primary) and routine (secondary) data from hospital information systems (HIS). Our aims were to identify potential systematic inconsistencies between both data samples and implications of their use for future ED-based health services research.

METHODS: The research network EMANET prospectively collected primary data (n=1442) from 2017-2019 and routine data from 2016 (n=9329) of eight EDs in a major German city. Patient populations were characterized using socio-structural (age, gender) and health- and care-related variables (triage, transport to ED, case and discharge type, multi-morbidity). Statistical comparisons between descriptive results of primary and secondary data samples for each variable were conducted using binomial test, chi-square goodness-of-fit test, or one-sample t-test according to scale level.

RESULTS: Differences in distributions of patient characteristics were found in nearly all variables in all three disease populations, especially with regard to transport to ED, discharge type and prevalence of multi-morbidity. Recruitment conditions (e.g., patient non-response), project-specific inclusion criteria (e.g., age and case type restrictions) as well as documentation routines and practices of data production (e.g., coding of diagnoses) affected the composition of primary patient samples. Time restrictions of recruitment procedures did not generate meaningful differences regarding the distribution of characteristics in primary and secondary data samples.

CONCLUSIONS: Primary and secondary data types maintain their advantages and shortcomings in the context of emergency medicine health services research. However, differences in the distribution of selected variables are rather small. The identification and classification of these effects for data interpretation as well as the establishment of monitoring systems in the data collection process are pivotal.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: DRKS00011930 (EMACROSS), DRKS00014273 (EMAAGE), NCT03188861 (EMASPOT).

PMID:36739382 | DOI:10.1186/s12874-023-01855-2

BMC Cardiovasc Disord. 2023 Feb 4;23(1):67. doi: 10.1186/s12872-023-03097-y.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: An increased leukocyte count is a sign of inflammation and has been demonstrated to be a predisposing factor and complication of atrial fibrillation. Similarly, albumin, the major protein in the serum, is also considered an acute phase reactant protein that has osmotic and anti-inflammatory properties, and a low albumin level is a known factor associated with severity in many pathologies, including atrial fibrillation. The neutrophil percentage-to-albumin ratio (NPAR) and other emerging leukocyte counts/albumin ratios have been reliable systemic inflammation-based predictors of mortality and complications in various diseases, but they have not yet been used with atrial fibrillation. This study’s aim was to explore whether the leukocyte to albumin ratio could also serve as a useful index in estimating atrial fibrillation severity, including the severity of atrial fibrillation secondary to stroke, to provide a new and more objective tool than the conventional and medical history-based CHA2DS2-VASc score.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were retrospectively collected from the Wuhan University Zhongnan Hospital database from January 1st to December 31st, 2021. The patients were classified into 2 groups: Group 1-low severity and Group 2- moderate to high severity, and diverse statistical analyses were conducted to evaluate the relationship between the leukocyte-to-albumin ratio and AF severity.

RESULTS: Only 2329 test subjects met the inclusion criteria. We had 727 test subjects (381 males and 346 females) categorized into the low severity cohort and 1601 test subjects (932 males and 670 females) in the moderate to high severity group. The difference in mean age between the two groups was significant (95% CI [-2.682 to -0.154] p = 0.028), and the difference in the LAR mean rank between the two groups was significant (p = 0.00). The Chi-square test of association yielded the following results: the relationship between the LAR level and category of severity was statistically significant (p = 0.00), and the Mantel‒Haenszel statistic association odds ratio was OR = 0.657. 95% CI OR [0.549-0.787] p = 0.000. The association between sex and atrial fibrillation severity also reached statistical significance. However, sex and LAR were found to be independent factors in atrial fibrillation (Chi-square p value = 0.564).

CONCLUSION: It has been demonstrated throughout this investigation that the leukocyte to albumin ratio could provide key clues in clinical practice and contribute to thromboembolism risk assessment in the setting of atrial fibrillation.

PMID:36739380 | DOI:10.1186/s12872-023-03097-y

BMC Pediatr. 2023 Feb 4;23(1):61. doi: 10.1186/s12887-023-03877-7.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Feeding practices in the first two years of life have a direct impact on nutritional status and adiposity. The purpose of this study was to identify the differences in feeding practices during the first two years of life by sex and type of feeding in the first semester of postnatal life and their relationships with adiposity in toddlers.

METHODS: An analytical cross-sectional study that included 150 toddlers aged 12 to 24 months who were healthy, full-term, and had adequate weight for their gestational ages, was conducted at the New Civil Hospital and at a private practice in Guadalajara. Body compositions were obtained by bioelectrical impedance (BIA) measurements, and a modified questionnaire was used. Then, the parents completed two 24-h dietary recalls. In addition to the descriptive statistics, ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests were used in the contrast analysis of the quantitative variables. To analyze the qualitative variables, we used X² tests. Afterward, linear regression tests were conducted to identify the relationships between adiposity and feeding practices during the first two years.

RESULTS: There were direct relationships between adiposity and duration of full breastfeeding (r = 0.610, p = 0.021), age of introduction of ultra-processed products (r = 0.311, p = 0.011), sugar (r = 0.186; p = 0.024) and age at which eggs were introduced (r = -0.202; p = 0.016).

CONCLUSIONS: Adiposity was related to feeding practices in the first two years of life in toddlers.

PMID:36739378 | DOI:10.1186/s12887-023-03877-7

BMC Oral Health. 2023 Feb 4;23(1):72. doi: 10.1186/s12903-023-02772-y.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Teledentistry has demonstrated to expedite oral health consultations, diagnosis, and treatment planning while mitigating COVID-19 transmission risk in dental offices. However, the use of teledentistry by clinicians remains suboptimal. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the perceptions and practices of teledentistry among dentists during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario, Canada, and identify associated factors.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study using an online 39 item survey was conducted among Ontario dentists in December 2021. The questionnaire inquired about socio-demographic attributes, as well as perceptions of teledentistry use during the pandemic, and its future application. Descriptive statistics including frequency distribution of categorical variables and univariate analysis of continuous variables were conducted. Chi-square test was used determine the associations between professionals’ attributes such as age, gender, years of practice, and location of practice, and respondents use of teledentistry. SPSS Version 28.0 was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS: Overall, 456 dentists completed the survey. The majority were general dentists (91%), worked in private practices (94%), were between 55 and 64 years old (33%), and had over 16 years of professional experience (72%). Approximately 49.3% reported using teledentistry; 13% started before the pandemic, and 36% during the pandemic. The most common reason for non-utilization was a lack of interest (54%). Respondents identified patient triage, consultation, and patient education as the three most important uses of teledentistry. Female dentists (p < 0.05), dentist working in private practice (p < 0.05), and those who worked in a single dental office (p < 0.05) adopted teledentistry more during the pandemic. Respondents who accessed more resources were more likely to report greater utilization of teledentistry, while those who reported being unconformable with teledentistry (p < 0.05) reported less utilization. Additionally, participants who reported feeling comfortable discussing teledentistry with others (p < 0.05), were more inclined to use it in the future.

CONCLUSIONS: Participants expressed mixed perceptions toward teledentistry with more than half indicating it is reliable for patient triaging and patient follow-ups. Despite the increased utilization during the COVID-19 pandemic, participants’ lack of interest in teledentistry emerged as a barrier to its use. More education and knowledge dissemination about teledentistry’s areas of application and technical aspects of use can increase interest in this tool, which may lead to a greater uptake by dental professionals.

PMID:36739377 | DOI:10.1186/s12903-023-02772-y