Category: Nevin Manimala

Stomatologiia (Mosk). 2022;101(3):7-11. doi: 10.17116/stomat20221010317.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To determine a comparative evaluation between the shear bond strength (SBS) of total etch adhesive system and the SBS of universal adhesive system in various etching techniques.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: There were made 60 sections of teeth for the laboratory research. The studied samples had been divided into 4 groups (15 samples in each group). The control group of the study was the Adper SingleBond 2 total etch adhesive system. The SingleBondUniversal adhesive system had been used in three comparison groups: the first group was the total etch technique; the second group was selective etch technique; the third group was self-etching techinque. The Zwick Roell Z010 testing machine had been used for the study. The received results were fixed. The statistical data were processed. Comparison of researched groups were performed in pairs using the nonparametric Mann-Whitney U test.

RESULTS: In the control group the average value of the shear bond strength (SBS) was 15.01±5.2 MPa, in the first comparison group – 15.6±4.8 MPa, in the second comparison group – 19.7±6.04 MPa, in the third comparison group – 17.9±5.85 MPa. The groups with SingleBondUniversal adhesive system in selective etch technique (19.74 MPa) and self-etching (17.9 MPa) technique had the highest average values of the shear bond strength. The universal adhesive system with total etch technique and the total etch adhesive system had statistically similar data (p≥0.05). The control group with Adper SingleBond 2 total etch adhesive system had the lowest shear bond strength (15.01 MPa).

CONCLUSIONS: The universal adhesive system had high average values of SBS in all etching techniques. During the comparative evaluation there were established correspondence between average values of SBS of universal adhesive system and SBS of total etch adhesive system. The universal adhesive system in selective etch technique had the highest shear bond strength (SBS) with enamel and dentin.

PMID:35640172 | DOI:10.17116/stomat20221010317

Hum Mol Genet. 2022 May 28:ddac124. doi: 10.1093/hmg/ddac124. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified more than 75 genetic variants associated with Alzheimer’s disease (ad). However, how these variants function and impact protein expression in brain regions remains elusive. Large-scale proteomic datasets of ad postmortem brain tissues have become available recently. In this study, we used these datasets to investigate brain region-specific molecular pathways underlying ad pathogenesis and explore their potential drug targets. We applied our new network-based tool, Edge-Weighted Dense Module Search of GWAS (EW_dmGWAS), to integrate ad GWAS statistics of 472 868 individuals with proteomic profiles from two brain regions from two large-scale ad cohorts [parahippocampal gyrus (PHG), sample size n = 190; dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), n = 192]. The resulting network modules were evaluated using a scale-free network index, followed by a cross-region consistency evaluation. Our EW_dmGWAS analyses prioritized 52 top module genes (TMGs) specific in PHG and 58 TMGs in DLPFC, of which four genes (CLU, PICALM, PRRC2A, NDUFS3) overlapped. Those four genes were significantly associated with ad (GWAS gene-level false discovery rate < 0.05). To explore the impact of these genetic components on TMGs, we further examined their differentially co-expressed genes at the proteomic level and compared them with investigational drug targets. We pinpointed three potential drug target genes, APP, SNCA, and VCAM1, specifically in PHG. Gene set enrichment analyses of TMGs in PHG and DLPFC revealed region-specific biological processes, tissue-cell type signatures, and enriched drug signatures, suggesting potential region-specific drug repurposing targets for ad.

PMID:35640139 | DOI:10.1093/hmg/ddac124

J Phys Chem A. 2022 May 31. doi: 10.1021/acs.jpca.2c01802. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The reaction between cyano radicals (CN, X²Σ⁺) and cyanoethene (C₂H₃CN) has been investigated by a combined approach coupling crossed molecular beam (CMB) experiments with mass spectrometric detection and time-of-flight analysis at a collision energy of 44.6 kJ mol^-1 and electronic structure calculations to determine the relevant potential energy surface. The experimental results can be interpreted by assuming the occurrence of a dominant reaction pathway leading to the two but-2-enedinitrile (1,2-dicyanothene) isomers (E– and Z-NC-CH═CH-CN) in a H-displacement channel and, to a much minor extent, to 1,1-dicyanoethene, CH₂C(CN)₂. In order to derive the product branching ratios under the conditions of the CMB experiments and at colder temperatures, including those relevant to Titan and to cold interstellar clouds, we have carried out RRKM statistical calculations using the relevant potential energy surface of the investigated reaction. We have also estimated the rate coefficient at very low temperatures by employing a semiempirical method for the treatment of long-range interactions. The reaction has been found to be barrierless and fast also under the low temperature conditions of cold interstellar clouds and the atmosphere of Titan. Astrophysical implications and comparison with literature data are also presented. On the basis of the present work, 1,2-dicyanothene and 1,1-dicyanothene are excellent candidates for the search of dinitriles in the interstellar medium.

PMID:35640168 | DOI:10.1021/acs.jpca.2c01802

Eur J Cardiothorac Surg. 2022 May 28:ezac324. doi: 10.1093/ejcts/ezac324. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: There is increasing evidence that performing superior cavopulmonary connection at 3 months reduces mortality: reducing the risky ‘interstage’ period, volume off-loading the ventricle and reducing coronary steal, hopefully preserving ventricular function. Our objective was to describe our experience of early superior cavopulmonary connection with preoperative CT assessment compared to later connection at 6 months.

METHODS: Patients undergoing Norwood procedure from 2005 to 2020 were divided into Two eras were described and compared. Era 1 from 2005-2016 when superior cavopulmonary connection was undertaken at 6 months: and era 2 (2017-2020) when an earlier operation was performed. Demographics, mortality (interstage, early and late following superior cavopulmonary connection) and data on post-operative course and complications were recorded.

RESULTS: In era 1, 191 patients underwent Norwood (120 survivors to superior cavopulmonary connection) and 28 patients (23 survivors) in era 2. There were no significant differences in the demographics. Interstage mortality was 17.8% in era 1 and 8.0% in era 2 but not significantly significant (p = 0.22). The median (IQR) age at pre-imaging and superior cavopulmonary connection was significantly lower: 99 (81-120) vs 77 (47-102) days and 175 (117-208) vs 106 (102-122) day in era 1 vs era 2 (P < 0.005). Weight was lower at superior cavopulmonary connection in era 2 (mean (SD) 6.2 kg (1.2) vs 5.1 kg (0.8), p < 0.05). Intubation time and total length of stay were not statistically different. Median Intensive care unit stay was statistically significantly longer, but not clinically significant): 2.5 (2-4) vs 3 (3-5) days respectively (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in early or late mortality, rates of diagnostic or interventional catheter, post-operative MRI/CT or stroke. Logistic regression analysis demonstrates increasing age at superior cavopulmonary connection was associated with increased chance of stroke or early death (p = 0.043).

CONCLUSIONS: Early superior cavopulmonary connection with CT assessment is feasible and although intensive care unit length of stay was slightly longer there was no change in the overall length of stay and no change in post-operative mortality or complications.

PMID:35640135 | DOI:10.1093/ejcts/ezac324

Rheumatology (Oxford). 2022 May 28:keac320. doi: 10.1093/rheumatology/keac320. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To identify barriers to the use of nailfold capillaroscopy as a diagnostic tool for patients presenting with Raynaud’s phenomenon in UK rheumatology centres, and to obtain rheumatologists’ views on a proposed internet-based standardised system for clinical reporting of nailfold capillaroscopy images.

METHODS: An online survey was developed using expert opinion from clinicians, scientists and health service researchers. The survey was piloted and sent to UK-based rheumatologists using established electronic mailing lists between October 2020 and March 2021. Survey data were analysed using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS: 104 rheumatologists representing rheumatology centres across the UK responded to the survey. Wide variations in terms of workloads and practices were described. 34 (33%) respondents reported using nailfold capillaroscopy only at their own centre, 33 (32%) referred to other centres, 9 (9%) did both and 28 (27%) did not use capillaroscopy at all. Of the 43 respondents using capillaroscopy on site, 25 (58%) used either a dermatoscope or USB microscope, and 9 (21%) used videocapillaroscopy. Amongst the 61 respondents not undertaking capillaroscopy on site, barriers included lack of equipment (85%), lack of experience in acquiring images (69%) and lack of expertise in interpreting images (67%). Sixty-six respondents (63%) expressed interest in an internet-based, standardised automated system for reporting images.

CONCLUSION: Most UK rheumatologists currently do not perform nailfold capillaroscopy on site. An internet-based nailfold capillaroscopy system, for use with low cost microscopes as well as with videocapillaroscopy, could help increase uptake of capillaroscopy and thereby facilitate early diagnosis of systemic sclerosis across the UK.

PMID:35640131 | DOI:10.1093/rheumatology/keac320

Eur J Cardiothorac Surg. 2022 May 28:ezac310. doi: 10.1093/ejcts/ezac310. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:35640126 | DOI:10.1093/ejcts/ezac310

Eur J Cardiothorac Surg. 2022 May 28:ezac328. doi: 10.1093/ejcts/ezac328. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Concerns exist about higher rates of pacemaker implantation using the extended superior transseptal approach for mitral valve surgery. This study aims to compare the extended superior transseptal and the left-atrial approach regarding the need for pacemaker implantation after mitral valve surgery.

METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of the data of patients undergoing mitral valve surgery through either a sternotomy and transseptal approach or a mini-thoracotomy and left-atrial approach in a single center in the period 01/2010-05/2021. The primary outcome was the evaluation of the postoperative pacemaker implantation rate.

RESULTS: Overall, 677 patients were included, 333 with transseptal and 344 with left-atrial approach, and 58 (8.6%) patients underwent pacemaker implantation postoperatively. There was no significant difference in the rate of pacemaker implantation between the two groups [overall: 34(10.2%) vs 24(7%), p = 0.133; for sinus node dysfunction: 12(3.6%) vs 9(2.6%), p = 0.459; for high-degree atrioventricular block: 22(6.6%) vs 15(4.4%), p = 0.199; transseptal vs left-atrial approach respectively]. A subgroup analysis of the relative effect of transseptal vs left atrial approach on the rate of postoperative pacemaker implantation revealed mitral replacement as a statistically significant confounder (p = 0.019). The exclusion of patients undergoing concomitant cardiac procedures did not lead to a statistically significant difference in the pacemaker implantation rate between the two approaches.

CONCLUSIONS: The analysis of the data of these patients shows no significant difference in the rate of permanent pacemaker implantation between the extended superior transseptal and the left-atrial approach for mitral valve surgery.

PMID:35640119 | DOI:10.1093/ejcts/ezac328

Stat Methods Med Res. 2022 May 29:9622802221102624. doi: 10.1177/09622802221102624. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Precision medicine is a medical paradigm that focuses on making effective treatment decision based on individual patient characteristics. When there are a large amount of patient information, such as patient’s genetic information, medical records and clinical measurements, available, it is of interest to select the covariates which have interactions with the treatment, for example, in determining the individualized treatment regime where only a subset of covariates with treatment interactions involves in decision making. We propose a marginal feature ranking and screening procedure for measuring interactions between the treatment and covariates. The method does not require imposing a specific model structure on the regression model and is applicable in a high dimensional setting. Theoretical properties in terms of consistency in ranking and selection are established. We demonstrate the finite sample performance of the proposed method by simulation and illustrate the applications with two real data examples from clinical trials.

PMID:35635269 | DOI:10.1177/09622802221102624

J Med Econ. 2022 May 28:1-40. doi: 10.1080/13696998.2022.2084234. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIMS: Provide the first national description across the US of variations in healthcare measures in 2018 among Medicaid beneficiaries with schizophrenia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult beneficiaries with ≥2 diagnoses for schizophrenia, and continuous enrollment with consistent geographical data in all of 2018 were identified from Transformed Medicaid Statistical Information System (T-MSIS) Analytic Files (TAF) data for 45 of 50 states. Antipsychotic (AP) utilization rates, including long-acting injectable APs (LAIs), quality metrics, and all-cause healthcare resource utilization and costs for claims submitted to Medicaid were reported nationally and by state. Pearson correlation evaluated associations between LAI utilization and total healthcare costs at state and county levels.

RESULTS: Across the US 688,437 patients with schizophrenia were identified. The AP utilization rate was 51% (state range: 24%-77%), while the LAI utilization rate was 13% (range: 4%-26%). The proportion of patients adherent to any AP was 56% (range: 19%-73%). Within 30 days post-discharge from an inpatient admission, 22% (range: 8%-58%) of patients had an outpatient visit, and 12% (range: 4%-48%) had a readmission. The proportion of patients with ≥1 inpatient admission and ≥1 emergency room visit was 34% (range: 19%-82%) and 45% (range: 20%-70%). Per-patient-per-year total healthcare costs averaged $32,920 (range: $717-$93,972). At the county level, a weak negative correlation was observed between LAI utilization and total healthcare costs.

LIMITATIONS: This study included Medicaid beneficiaries enrolled with pharmacy and medical benefits, including beneficiaries dually eligible for Medicare; results cannot be generalized to the overall schizophrenia population or those with other payer coverage.

CONCLUSIONS: In 2018, half of beneficiaries with schizophrenia did not submit any claims for APs to Medicaid, nearly half had an emergency room visit, and one-third had an inpatient admission. Moreover, healthcare measures varied considerably across states. These findings may indicate unmet treatment needs for Medicaid beneficiaries with schizophrenia.

PMID:35635250 | DOI:10.1080/13696998.2022.2084234

Stat Methods Med Res. 2022 May 29:9622802221104239. doi: 10.1177/09622802221104239. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Causal multimediation analysis (i.e. the causal mediation analysis with multiple mediators) is critical for understanding the effectiveness of interventions, especially in medical research. Deriving the path-specific effects of exposure on the outcome through a set of mediators can provide detail about the causal mechanism of interest However, existing models are usually restricted to partial decomposition, which can only be used to evaluate the cumulative effect of several paths. In genetics studies, partial decomposition fails to reflect the real causal effects mediated by genes, especially in complex gene regulatory networks. Moreover, because of the lack of a generalized identification procedure, the current multimediation analysis cannot be applied to the estimation of path-specific effects for any number of mediators. In this study, we derive the interventional analogs of path-specific effect for complete decomposition to address the difficulty of nonidentifiability. On the basis of two survival models of the outcome, we derive the generalized analytic forms for interventional analogs of path-specific effects by assuming the normal distributions of mediators. We apply the new methodology to investigate the causal mechanism of signature genes in lung cancer based on the cell cycle pathway, and the results clarify the gene pathway in cancer.

PMID:35635267 | DOI:10.1177/09622802221104239