Category: Nevin Manimala

Georgian Med News. 2025 May;(362):198-203.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Energy drink consumption has increased among college students, but its impact on health measures like body mass index (BMI) is not well understood, particularly in Iraqi populations.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to characterize energy drink intake patterns and investigate associations with BMI among undergraduate students at Alnoor University in Iraq.

METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of 270 students collected data on demographics, energy drink intake frequency, sleep duration, physical activity levels, and measured BMI. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and Fisher’s exact tests analyzed relationships between variables.

RESULTS: Over 45% of students consumed energy drinks, with 9.3% drinking them ≥4 times/week. Males consumed energy drinks more frequently than females (p<0.001). Energy drink intake frequency was not significantly associated with BMI categories (p=0.399) or sleep duration (p=0.632). Half of students slept ≤6 hours/night and 53.7% exercised <1 hour/week. Based on BMI, 35.9% were overweight, 13% obese, and 1.1% morbidly obese.

CONCLUSION: Energy drink consumption was common in this Iraqi college population, especially among males, but was not significantly related to BMI or sleep duration. Students had high rates of overweight/obesity and insufficient sleep and physical activity. Universities should promote healthy lifestyles in this at-risk group.

PMID:40737669

Georgian Med News. 2025 May;(362):186-193.

ABSTRACT

AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of photodynamic laser therapy (PDT) on the condition of gingiva and dental plaque in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances (FOA) at various time intervals during orthodontic treatment.

METHODOLOGY: This research is a randomized controlled trial involving 60 patients with fixed orthodontic appliances, divided into two groups of 30 each. The first group served as the control, while the second group received the photodynamic treatment. Assessments of gingival and plaque conditions were conducted at two different time intervals. On the first day (T1), the gingival condition and dental plaque levels were evaluated using the gingival index (GI) and the dental plaque index (DPI) based on the Löe-Sillness and Sillness-Löe indexes. The test group was administered PDT with methylene blue, while the control group did not receive laser activation. On the 30th day (T2), gingival and plaque conditions were re-evaluated using the GI and DPI. Results were analyzed with SPSS, using independent samples t-tests and repeated measures ANOVA.

RESULTS: In T1, the gingival condition according to GI in the test group was 50% mild inflammation, 36.7% normal, and 13.3% moderate inflammation. In T2, it shifted to 50% normal, 43.3% mild, and 6.7% moderate inflammation. Dental plaque at T1 according to DPI: 40% had film on the gingival margin, 36.7% moderate deposits in pocket, 16.7% no plaque, and 6.7% abundant soft matter. At T2: 56.7% film on margin, 30% no plaque, 13.3% moderate deposits in pocket. ANOVA revealed significant differences in GI and DPI (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: PDT with methylene blue demonstrates a statistically significant improvement in gingival health and reduction in dental plaque accumulation in patients undergoing FOA. This suggests that PDT could be a valuable adjunct to traditional oral hygiene practices for managing gingivitis and plaque-related issues in orthodontic patients.

PMID:40737667

Georgian Med News. 2025 May;(362):171-179.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus and thyroid dysfunction are the two most prevalent endocrine disorders. Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus are more likely to experience both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism than nondiabetic. Uncontrolled T2DM can cause insulin resistance affecting thyroid. Thyroid autoimmunity is caused by autoantibodies.

AIM: This research aims to evaluate the Association between Anti- Thyroid Peroxidase (ATPO) level and Thyroid function profile in Type 2 Diabetic Patients in Ajman-UAE.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on patients at Thumbay Hospital, Ajman, UAE. FBG (Fasting Blood Glucose) sample collected in Fluoride oxalate anticoagulant, whole blood EDTA for HbA1c and Serum tube collected for A-TPO, Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), Free T3(FT3), Free T4 (FT4). Glucose was measured spectrophotometrically and A-TPO, TSH, FT3, FT4 were analyzed based on Electrochemiluminescence technology. HbA1c was analyzed immunoturbidimetric method.

RESULTS: A total of 250 individuals were participated in this study (125 males and females with type 2 diabetes mellitus disease compared to 125 males and females with non- diabetic). The results revealed a statistically significant difference in fasting blood glucose (FBG), HbA1c, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free T3 (FT3), and anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody (A-TPO) levels between type 2 diabetic patients and non-diabetic controls. Among diabetic participants, there was a significant difference in the mean values of HbA1c, FBG, TSH, and A-TPO between controlled and uncontrolled diabetic groups. Additionally, significant differences in HbA1c, FBG, TSH, and free T4 (FT4) levels were observed between male (43%) and female (57%) diabetic patients. A positive correlation was also identified between A-TPO levels and FBG, HbA1c, and TSH, indicating a potential link between thyroid autoimmunity and glycemic control.

CONCLUSION: T2DM patients who have elevated anti-TPO antibodies are at risk of developing functional thyroid problems in the future. In summary, there is a noteworthy distinction between those with diabetes and those without, and the moderate positive association between serum TSH and A-TPO in T2DM patients suggests that autoimmunity plays a part in Type 2 diabetes. We conclude that patients with diabetes mellitus require regular thyroid disease screening.

PMID:40737665

Georgian Med News. 2025 May;(362):139-144.

ABSTRACT

AIM: To find the efficacy of virgin coconut oil mouthwash on gingivitis in 18-22 years old dental students.to compare the efficacy between once or twice daily wash and also to compare the efficacy between males and females.

METHODS: This study was undertaken in Mosul city during the academic year 2023-2024. The sample consisted of 60 students (30 males and 30 females) with mild to moderate gingivitis, who were collected from the College of Dentistry at the University of Mosul and ranged in age from 18 to 22 years. The sample was divided into two groups of 30 participants each, as follows: Group (1): (30 students) were instructed to swish with (10 ml) of coconut oil for (1-2) minutes once daily after having breakfast. Group (2): (30 students) were instructed to swish with (10 ml) of coconut oil for (1-2) minutes twice daily, the first time in the morning after breakfast and the other time in the evening after brushing before going to sleep. The period of study was 30 days. the gingival index was assessed at baseline, after 15 days, and after 30 days.

RESULTS: A statistically significant decrease in the gingival index was noticed from day 15, and the scores continued to decrease during the period of study. The gingival index decreased in both groups, in Group 1 from a mean value (2.05) to (0.42) and in Group 2 from (2.04) to (0.44). Non-significant side effects were reported during the study, and there was non-significant difference between group (1) and group (2). There was significant difference in response between male and female participants.

CONCLUSION: Swishing using coconut oil is an effective adjuvant procedure in decreasing gingivitis.

PMID:40737661

Georgian Med News. 2025 May;(362):133-138.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is one of the main death causes around the world. Molecular chaperones (MCs) are heavily implicated in the pathogenesis of CAD. The role of recently discovered MCs called Hero-proteins in the CAD development is still unknown, hence we are set out to study the effect of genes encoding Hero proteins – BBLN and SERF2 – on the CAD risk.

METHODS: The research included 2164 unrelated Russians (836 patients with CAD and 1328 healthy controls). SERF2 SNP rs4644832 and C9orf16 SNP rs2900262 were genotyped using allele-specific probe-based PCR. Statistical analysis was done using PLINK v1.9.0-b.7.7 and R software. The analysis was carried out in the whole group and additionally in the groups stratified by sex and smoking status.

RESULTS: The T allele of rs2900262 BBLN is a risk allele for females (OR=1.74, 95%CI 1.07-2.82, P=0.02), and, in contrast, has a protective effect in males (OR=0.56, 95%CI 0.36-0.88, P=0.01). The G allele of rs4644832 SERF2 is a risk allele for smokers (OR=1.34, 95%CI 1.004-1.79, P=0.047). Furthermore, in females the G allele is associated with a higher thrombocyte count (p=0.04) and a higher extent of left coronary artery damage (p=0.04).

CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals the novel genetic association between rs2900262 BBLN, rs4644832 SERF2 and the risk CAD risk. It allows to suggest that both Hero-proteins are involved in the pathogenesis of CAD via regulation of proteostasis.

PMID:40737660

Georgian Med News. 2025 May;(362):129-132.

ABSTRACT

Edentulism impairs quality of life. Complete dentures are a common solution, though outcomes vary. The OHIP-5 provides a brief, validated measure of oral health impact.

AIM: The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of complete dentures on oral health-related quality of life using the OHIP-5.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 100 edentulous patients was conducted. Inclusion required healthy oral conditions; exclusions included xerostomia and poor tissue health. Participants completed the OHIP-5 questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS v22.0 with descriptive statistics. Higher scores indicated greater negative impact.

RESULTS: Among 100 edentulous participants (50% male, 50% female), responses to the OHIP-5 indicated variable impacts of complete dentures. Most reported minimal issues with chewing (35.29%) and pain (33.65%), while psychological concern and taste disturbances were more frequent in a proportion of patients (31.96% and 28.87%, respectively).

DISCUSSION: The findings demonstrate generally positive adaptation to complete dentures, though functional and psychosocial challenges persist in a significant minority. Pain, psychological discomfort, and prosthesis misfit were key contributors to reduced satisfaction, consistent with prior studies emphasizing the multidimensional nature of denture-related quality of life.

CONCLUSION: Complete dentures have a measurable impact on OHRQoL. While most patients adapt satisfactorily, individualized management, follow-up care, and improved communication are essential for addressing residual discomfort. The OHIP-5 is a valid tool for monitoring patient-centered outcomes in prosthodontics.

PMID:40737659

Georgian Med News. 2025 May;(362):122-128.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The intermediate type of diabetes, known as latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA), has traits in common with both type 1 and type 2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM). Initial insulin independence leads to misdiagnosis of type 2 diabetes.

AIM: This study sought to ascertain the prevalence and features of LADA in patients with type 2 diabetes in Port Sudan, Sudan.

METHODS: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from April 2020 to January 2024 at the Osman Degna Hospital and Ahmed Hassan Diabetic Center, Port Sudan. A total of 250 T2DM patients were recruited: 150 insulin-requiring patients after years of diagnosis (study group) and 100 non-insulin-requiring patients (control group). Structured interviews were used to gather demographic and clinical information, and a fully automated chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) was used to quantify the blood levels of C-peptide, GAD-65A (glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 autoantibody), and IA-2A (Insulinoma-Associated Protein 2 Autoantibody) autoantibodies. SPSS version 26 was used for statistical analysis, and p<0.05 was chosen as the significance level.

RESULTS: 10.7% of patients with type 2 diabetes had LADA. Compared to the non-LADA group (1.47±0.04 ng/ml, p<0.0001), the C-peptide levels in the LADA group were significantly lower (0.50±0.18 ng/ml). Compared to non-LADA patients, GAD-65A and IA-2A autoantibody titers were higher in LADA patients (p<0.0001). Patients with LADA had lower waist circumferences (79.62±15.42 cm vs. 92.55±17.24 cm, p<0.0001) and BMIs (Body Mass Index) (21.02±4.21 kg/m2 vs. 24.02±3.48 kg/m2, p<0.0001). Furthermore, 68.75% of patients with LADA had a first-degree family history of diabetes, compared to 50% of non-LADA patients.

CONCLUSION: LADA is underdiagnosed, with a prevalence of 10.7% among T2DM Sudanese patients. GAD-65A autoantibodies are the most sensitive biomarker. For prompt diagnosis and treatment, early screening is recommended.

PMID:40737658

Georgian Med News. 2025 May;(362):92-97.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a prevalent metabolic disorder associated with long-term complications. Metformin, the first-line therapy for T2DM, has been implicated in nutrient malabsorption, particularly vitamin B12, potentially leading to hyperhomocysteinemia and related metabolic dysfunction.

OBJECTIVES: This study examines how serum levels of vitamin B12, folic acid, homocysteine, and glycemic control markers are affected in patients with type 2 diabetes by metformin and other oral antidiabetic medications (OADs).

METHODS: A total of 330 participants were recruited and split into four groups: 30 healthy controls, 100 newly diagnosed T2DM patients not taking any medication, 100 T2DM patients taking other OADs, and 100 T2DM patients taking metformin. Vitamin B12, folic acid, homocysteine, fasting blood glucose (FBG), HbA1c, and creatinine were measured using CMIA and enzymatic techniques in fasting blood samples. Kruskal-Wallis, independent t-tests, and Pearson’s correlation were all used in the statistical analysis.

RESULT: Compared to other groups, Group A (metformin users) had significantly higher homocysteine levels and significantly lower levels of folic acid and vitamin B12 (p<0.001). Age (r=-0.30), HbA1c (r=-0.54), homocysteine (r=-0.64), and FBG (r=-0.46) all showed a significant negative correlation with vitamin B12. Patients who took more than 1000 mg of metformin per day for more than five years had significantly lower vitamin B12 levels (p<0.001). Weight, creatinine, and BMI did not significantly differ between groups.

CONCLUSION: In patients with type 2 diabetes, prolonged high-dose metformin use is linked to worsened glycemic control, increased homocysteine, and vitamin B12 deficiency. For patients receiving long-term metformin therapy, routine vitamin B12 monitoring is advised to reduce the risk of complications from deficiencies.

PMID:40737654

Georgian Med News. 2025 May;(362):86-91.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Medical statistics is a core competency for medical students, yet factors influencing learning outcomes remain understudied, particularly in resource-limited settings. This study examines how gender, learning attitudes, and teaching evaluations jointly shape learning outcomes in medical statistics education.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was employed to conduct a questionnaire survey and performance analysis among 243 medical students at a medical college in Anhui Province. Single-factor analysis, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression models were used to examine the effects of gender, learning attitude, and teaching evaluations on performance.

RESULTS: The mean learning outcome score was 72.39±12.96. Female students demonstrated significantly better outcomes than males (74.23 vs. 60.67, p < 0.001). The total learning attitude score positively correlated with learning outcomes (r=0.192), with value judgment (r=0.208) and effort level (r=0.204) being significant contributors (both p<0.05). Multivariate regression identified female gender (β=0.349, 95% CI: 8.72-17.61), favorable course evaluations (β=0.137), and positive learning attitudes (β=0.147) as independent predictors of improved learning outcomes.

CONCLUSION: Gender differences, learning attitudes, and teaching evaluations collectively influence learning outcomes in medical statistics. Targeted interventions for male students and enhanced emphasis on course value recognition may improve educational effectiveness.

PMID:40737653

Georgian Med News. 2025 May;(362):73-79.

ABSTRACT

Low back and neck pain are widespread issues with significant social and economic implications, often resulting from disc degeneration. While disc and vertebral degeneration are interconnected, variations in degeneration patterns between the cervical and lumbosacral regions remain underexplored. Understanding these differences is crucial for diagnosing and treating spinal disorders effectively. This study aims to compare the onset and progression of disc degeneration in the cervical and lumbosacral regions and perform an intra-patient analysis to assess region-specific degeneration patterns within the same individuals. We conducted a comprehensive MRI analysis of 150 patients, categorized into three groups: cervical spine MRI, lumbosacral spine MRI, and combined cervical/lumbosacral MRI. Disc degeneration was graded using the Pfirrmann classification, endplate degeneration with the Modic classification, osteophytes and hemangiomas were also assessed. Statistical analyses included tests of normality, Spearman’s rank correlation, logistic regression, and descriptive statistics to examine degeneration patterns and correlations between Pfirrmann grades and Modic changes. Cervical and lumbar regions both showed moderate to advanced degeneration (Pfirrmann grades 2-4), but severe degeneration (grade 5) was more prevalent at lower lumbar levels (L4/L5, L5/S1) compared to the cervical spine. Modic changes were more frequent in the lumbar spine, particularly at L4/L5 and L5/S1. Intra-patient analysis revealed stronger correlations between degeneration at adjacent lumbar levels compared to cervical levels, indicating more widespread and severe degeneration in the lumbar region. Logistic regression demonstrated a significant association between hemangiomas and higher Pfirrmann grades in the lumbar spine. The findings suggest distinct patterns of disc degeneration between the cervical and lumbar spine, with more severe and widespread degeneration in the lumbar region. This observation underscores the possible association of hemangiomas with spinal degeneration, suggesting a potential role in the degenerative process.

PMID:40737651