Category: Nevin Manimala

Zhongguo Dang Dai Er Ke Za Zhi. 2023 Feb 15;25(2):140-146. doi: 10.7499/j.issn.1008-8830.2209142.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To study new biomarkers for the early diagnosis of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) by analyzing the differences in blood metabolites based on liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and metabolomics.

METHODS: Dried blood spots were collected from 21 infants with ROP (ROP group) and 21 infants without ROP (non-ROP group) who were hospitalized in the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from January 2013 to December 2016. LC-MS/MS was used to measure the metabolites, and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis was used to search for differentially expressed metabolites and biomarkers.

RESULTS: There was a significant difference in blood metabolic profiles between the ROP and non-ROP groups. The pattern recognition analysis, Score-plot, and weight analysis obtained 10 amino acids with a relatively large difference. Further statistical analysis showed that the ROP group had significant increases in blood levels of glutamic acid, leucine, aspartic acid, ornithine, and glycine compared with the non-ROP group (P<0.05). The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that glutamic acid and ornithine had the highest value in diagnosing ROP.

CONCLUSIONS: Blood metabolites in preterm infants with ROP are different from those without ROP. Glutamic acid and ornithine are the metabolic markers for diagnosing ROP. LC-MS/MS combined with metabolomics analysis has a potential application value in the early identification and diagnosis of ROP.

PMID:36854689 | DOI:10.7499/j.issn.1008-8830.2209142

Sci Rep. 2023 Feb 28;13(1):3401. doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-29975-1.

ABSTRACT

This study describes the clinical anatomical topography and relationship of the terminal branches of the maxillary artery to the bony wall of the maxillary sinus in the pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) to estimate the bleeding risk during surgical interventions. Using contrasted computer tomography records, (i) the route of the maxillary artery in the infratemporal fossa, (ii) the number of the arteries in the critical PPF surgery plane, (iii) the diameter of the largest artery in the area and (iv) its relation to the posterior wall of the maxillary sinus were examined. Furthermore, measurements were extended with (v) the minerality of the bony posterior wall of the maxillary sinus on bone-window images. For statistical analyses Student’s t- and Fisher-test were applied. 50 patients (n = 50, 100 cases including both sides) were examined in this study. The maxillary artery reached the pterygomaxillary fissure on the lateral side of the lateral pterygoid muscle in 56% of the cases (n = 32), in 37% (n = 23) on its medial side and in 7% (n = 4) on both sides. The number of arteries at the level of the Vidian canal in the PPF varied between 1 and 4 with a median of 2. The diameter of the biggest branch was 1.2-4.7 mm, the median diameter was 1.90 mm. In 41% (n = 30) of the cases the biggest artery directly contacted the posterior wall of the maxillary sinus, and the mineral density of the posterior wall was decreased in 14.3% (n = 12) of all investigated cases. The present description and statistical analysis of the vasculature of the PPF optimizes operative planning-like clip size or the type and direction of the surgical approach-in this hidden and deep head/neck region.

PMID:36854685 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-023-29975-1

Nat Commun. 2023 Feb 28;14(1):1131. doi: 10.1038/s41467-023-36490-4.

ABSTRACT

Mendelian randomization using GWAS summary statistics has become a popular method to infer causal relationships across complex diseases. However, the widespread pleiotropy observed in GWAS has made the selection of valid instrumental variables problematic, leading to possible violations of Mendelian randomization assumptions and thus potentially invalid inferences concerning causation. Furthermore, current MR methods can examine causation in only one direction, so that two separate analyses are required for bi-directional analysis. In this study, we propose a ststistical framework, MRCI (Mixture model Reciprocal Causation Inference), to estimate reciprocal causation between two phenotypes simultaneously using the genome-scale summary statistics of the two phenotypes and reference linkage disequilibrium information. Simulation studies, including strong correlated pleiotropy, showed that MRCI obtained nearly unbiased estimates of causation in both directions, and correct Type I error rates under the null hypothesis. In applications to real GWAS data, MRCI detected significant bi-directional and uni-directional causal influences between common diseases and putative risk factors.

PMID:36854672 | DOI:10.1038/s41467-023-36490-4

Int J Environ Health Res. 2023 Feb 28:1-13. doi: 10.1080/09603123.2023.2185209. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

In this study, it is aimed to examine the relationship between green behaviors of health professionals and green practices in the workplace. The study sample consisted of 174 health professionals from 34 Family Healthcare Centers (FHCs) in Turkey. Number, percent, mean, standard deviation, student’s test, Mann – Whitney U test, One Way Anova test, Kruskal-Wallis H test, linear regression analysis were used for statistical analysis. Energy-saving (β: 0.197; 95%CI: 0.040;0.266) and waste reduction practices (β: 0.174; 95%CI: 0.019;0.256) in the workplace were positive associated with environmental sensitivity. Waste reduction practices (β: 0.228; 95%CI: 0.093;0.478) in the workplace were positive associated with environmental participation. Recycling bins (β: 0.181; 95%CI :0.084;0.799) and using solar energy (β: 0.198; 95%CI: 0.030; 0.785) in the workplace were positive associated with technological sensitivity. Health professionals who work in workplaces with energy-saving, waste reduction practices, recycling bins and using solar energy more likely to display green behaviors.

PMID:36854645 | DOI:10.1080/09603123.2023.2185209

Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2023 Feb 26:S0889-5406(23)00065-3. doi: 10.1016/j.ajodo.2022.10.030. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate the possible effects of maxillary molar distalization on maxillary sinus mucosa thickness and sinus volume in 3-dimensions.

METHODS: The study was conducted with 46 patients: 73.9% (n = 34) females and 26.1% (n = 12) males. The patients had a mean age of 27.89 ± 6.62 years, ranging from 18 to 45 years. The study included patients who were admitted to the Faculty of Dentistry at Van Yüzüncü Yıl University between 2010 and 2021 and underwent cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) before and after orthodontic treatment for various reasons. The CBCT scans of patients were divided into 2 groups: the first group underwent orthodontic treatment and maxillary molar distalization with Class II elastic, whereas the second group consisted of patients who did not get orthodontic treatment (control). In CBCTs, sinus mucosa thickness was measured on the anterior, posterior, medial, lateral, superior, and inferior walls of the maxillary right and left sinuses. Three-dimensional volume calculations were made using CBCT images taken before and after the treatment of both orthodontic treatment patients and control patients. Statistical significance was set at P <0.05.

RESULTS: The orthodontic treatment group had a mean distalization of 2.86 ± 0.27 mm. The mean distalization time was 8.01 ± 0.64 months. When the differences between the pretreatment and posttreatment CBCT scans were examined in terms of sinus mucosa thickness in the anterior, posterior, medial, lateral, and superior walls of the right and left sinuses, there was no statistically significant difference between treatment and control groups (P >0.05). The change in sinus mucosa thickness in the right and left sinus inferior wall from T1 to T2 was significantly higher in the control group than treatment group (P <0.05). In addition, the increase in maxillary sinus volume was statistically significantly higher in the treatment group than in the control group (P <0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: We observed that maxillary molar distalization caused an increase in maxillary sinus volume. The change in sinus mucosa thickness in the right and left sinus inferior wall was lower in the maxillary molar distalization group.

PMID:36854641 | DOI:10.1016/j.ajodo.2022.10.030

BMJ Support Palliat Care. 2023 Feb 28:bmjspcare-2021-003503. doi: 10.1136/spcare-2021-003503. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Social and therapeutic horticulture (STH) is little known in palliative care. This evaluation sets out to explore the effectiveness of STH in relieving distress, managing symptoms and supporting people with advanced and terminal illness to live well throughout each stage of the disease trajectory.

METHODS: STH was provided for 218 patients in an indoor hospice setting during a 2-year period (April 2018 to March 2020). Nature-based interventions, such as potting up plants, floristry and creating miniature gardens, were adapted for all participants to create a nature connection experience while indoors. The Distress Thermometer (DT) was used to measure perceived distress before and after each session, and patients’ reports of their subjective experience were recorded verbatim.

RESULTS: Results showed a statistically significant reduction in DT scores of between 54% and 60%. Patients also self-reported an improvement in quality of life and well-being and in management of symptoms including a reduction in pain.

CONCLUSIONS: This evaluation shows that STH is effective in relieving distress in palliative care and may be considered a valued therapeutic intervention. The findings can inform planning within hospices and palliative care settings to enhance the care of patients and their family members.

PMID:36854616 | DOI:10.1136/spcare-2021-003503

BMJ Open. 2023 Feb 28;13(2):e066512. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-066512.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Burn registers can provide high-quality clinical data that can be used for surveillance, research, planning service provision and clinical quality assessment. Many countrywide and intercountry burn registers now exist. The variables collected by burn registers are not standardised internationally. Few international burn register data comparisons are completed beyond basic morbidity and mortality statistics. Data comparisons across registers require analysis of homogenous variables. Little work has been done to understand whether burn registers have sufficiently similar variables to enable useful comparisons. The aim of this project is to compare the variables collected in countrywide and intercountry burn registers internationally to understand their similarities and differences.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Burn register custodians will be invited to participate in the study and to share their register data dictionaries. Study objectives are to compare patient inclusion and exclusion criteria of each participating burn register; determine which variables are collected by each register, and if variables are required or optional, identify common variable themes; and compare a sample of variables to understand how they are defined and measured. All variable names will be extracted from each register and common themes will be identified. Detailed information will be extracted for a sample of variables to give a deeper insight into similarities and differences between registers.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: No patient data will be used in this project. Permission to use each register’s data dictionary will be sought from respective register custodians. Results will be presented at international meetings and published in open access journals. These results will be of interest to register custodians and researchers wishing to explore international data comparisons, and countries wishing to establish their own burn register.

PMID:36854585 | DOI:10.1136/bmjopen-2022-066512

J Dent Hyg. 2023 Feb;97(1):56-65.

ABSTRACT

Purpose Chronic kidney disease is highly prevalent in the general population and can progress to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The purpose of this pilot study was to assess dental hygiene and dental therapy students’ knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions towards ESRD and evaluate the feasibility of a larger scale study.Methods A convenience sample (n=59) of dental hygiene (DH) and dual degree DH/dental therapy students were invited to participate in an electronic survey for the pilot study. The investigator designed survey consisted of a total of 37 items: demographics (4), perceived knowledge, confidence, importance and attitudes (14), knowledge of chronic kidney disease (18). The knowledge questions were adapted from the Chronic Kidney Disease Self-Management Knowledge Tool (CKD-SMKT) with permission. Descriptive statistics and the non-parametric two-sample Wilcoxon rank sum test were used to analyze the data.Results Twenty-five participants completed the survey for a 42% response rate. Fewer than half (36%) perceived having some knowledge regarding ESRD, its oral manifestations (28%) and mental health implications (12%). The importance of managing oral health for ESRD was rated by most respondents as “very important” or “extremely important” (76%). Respondent attitudes indicated high interest (68%) regarding employment in hospital settings to care for individuals with ESRD.Knowledge scores from the CKD-SMKT were low in the categories of general knowledge of ESRD and dental hygiene care modifications for individuals with ESRD.Conclusion Results of this pilot study indicate that using a validated instrument on a national sample is feasible to determine the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of dental hygiene students regarding ESRD. Future research should include knowledge and awareness of hypertension, diabetes, and the role that management of chronic kidney disease plays in the prevention of ESRD.

PMID:36854578

Drug Alcohol Rev. 2023 Feb 28. doi: 10.1111/dar.13627. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Online alcohol purchasing and home delivery has increased in recent years, accelerated by the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. This article aims to investigate the purchasing and drinking behaviour of Australians who use online alcohol delivery services.

METHOD: A cross-sectional self-report survey with a convenience sample of 1158 Australians ≥18 years (49.3% female) who used an online alcohol delivery service in the past 3 months, recruited through paid social media advertisements from September to November 2021. Quota sampling was used to obtain a sample with age and gender strata proportional to the Australian adult population. Descriptive statistics were generated and logistic regression used to explore variables that predict hazardous/harmful drinking (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test score ≥8).

RESULTS: One-in-five (20.1%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 17.8-22.5) participants had used an alcohol delivery service to extend a home drinking session because they had run out of alcohol and wanted to continue drinking and, of these, one-third (33.9%, 95% CI 27.9-40.4) indicated that if the service was not available they would have stopped drinking. Using delivery services in this way was associated with six times higher odds of drinking at hazardous/harmful levels (odds ratio 6.26, 95% CI 3.78-10.36). Participants ≤25 years were significantly more likely to report never having their identification verified when receiving their alcohol delivery at the door compared with purchasing takeaway alcohol in-person at a bottle shop (p < 0.001, McNemar).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Given the risks associated with alcohol delivery, regulation of these services should be improved to meet the same standards as bricks-and-mortar bottle shops.

PMID:36853829 | DOI:10.1111/dar.13627

New Microbiol. 2023 Feb;46(1):18-23.

ABSTRACT

Existing evidence about HIV and SARS-CoV-2 co-infection has, so far, yield conflicting results. Methods: This is a cohort, single center, clinical study aimed at identifying possible characteristics of PLWH that could correlate with the risk of acquiring SARS-CoV-2 and would influence the outcome. 155 cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection were compared with 307 PLWH who tested negative. No variable was associated with an increased risk of infection. SARS-CoV-2 PLWH were completely asymptomatic in 20.6% of cases. Factors associated with severe COVID-19 were age (P=0.001), diabetes (P=0.009) hypertension (P=0.004), cardiovascular disease (P=0.001) or an increasing number of chronic co-morbidities (P=0.002); only the first two variables retained statistical significance in a multivariable model. Only older age and a lower CD4 count were statistically associated with death in the multivariate model. Sixteen PLWH not included in the analysis were infected by SARS-Cov-2 after vaccination. In 4 cases the infection was completely asymptomatic, while in the remaining 12 cases the infection was mild and resembled a flu-like syndrome. Conclusions: No baseline characteristic defines patients at greater risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Older age and the presence of multi-comorbidities are risk factors for a severe clinical course. Lower CD4 counts correlate with a fatal outcome.

PMID:36853813