Category: Nevin Manimala

J Math Biol. 2026 Apr 26;92(5):77. doi: 10.1007/s00285-026-02359-5.

ABSTRACT

A stochastic model for an SIR epidemic among a population of households that contains J types of individuals is considered. Infectives make two kinds of contacts: local contacts with individuals in their own household and global contacts with individuals from the entire population. Global mixing is proportionate. The behaviour of the model as the population size tends to infinity is analysed. An approximating branching process for the early stages of an epidemic is used to determine several different reproduction numbers and the early exponential growth rate. The means of certain final outcome quantities of an epidemic which takes off are determined, together with an associated multivariate central limit theorem. The assumption of proportionate global mixing leads to considerable simplification in both the calculation and proof of asymptotic properties, since key underlying processes are one-dimensional rather than J-dimensional.

PMID:42036476 | DOI:10.1007/s00285-026-02359-5

Clin Exp Dent Res. 2026 Apr;12(2):e70361. doi: 10.1002/cre2.70361.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the flexural strength, monomer release, and wear resistance between conventional, milled polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), and 3D-printed resins built at 90° and 60° printing angles for occlusal splints.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: 60-rectangular and 100-disc specimens were fabricated from heat-cured PMMA (Oracryl [HP], Bracon Dental, United Kingdom), milled PMMA (Kerox Premia [KP], Kerox Dental, Hungary), and 3D-printed resins (FreePrint Splint2.0 [FS], Detax, Ettlingen, Germany, and KeySplint Hard [KS], Keystone Industries, Myerstown, USA) at 90° and 60° printing angles. Specimens for flexural strength and wear tests were immersed immediately in 37°C water for 50 h and thermally aged for 20,000 cycles. Flexural strength was evaluated using a three-point bend test. Wear was tested using a chewing simulator for 140,000 cycles, and volume loss was calculated using Autodesk MeshMixer software. Monomer release was analyzed via UV spectrophotometry over 7 days. Statistical analysis was performed using the Shapiro-Wilk test and one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s multiple comparison tests.

RESULTS: KP showed the highest mean flexural strength (115.5 ± 5.3 MPa, p < 0.0001), followed by HP (86.6 ± 10.8 MPa, p < 0.0001), with 3D-printed resin showed the lowest. Meanwhile 90° FS showed greater flexural strength (60.5 ± 3.8 MPa) compared to 60° FS (p < 0.001) and KS (p < 0.01). The difference between 90° and 60° KS were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Monomer release peaked on Day 3 for all groups, with KS consistently showing the highest concentration (29.7 ± 3.6 ppm), followed by FS (28.8 ± 3.8 ppm), HP (27.9 ± 4.9 ppm), and lastly, KP showed the lowest concentration (24.9 ± 3.8 ppm). KP demonstrated the lowest mean volume loss (2.5 ± 1.3 mm³, p < 0.01), followed by HP (4.4 ± 1.7 MPa), whereas 3D-printed resin showed the highest. No significant wear differences were observed between 90° and 60° printing angles.

CONCLUSION: Milled PMMA outperformed other materials, followed by conventional PMMA, while 3D-printed resin showed inferior performance in flexural strength, wear resistance, and monomer release. Printing angles significantly influenced flexural strength but not wear properties in 3D-printed resins.

PMID:42035479 | DOI:10.1002/cre2.70361

Clin Exp Dent Res. 2026 Apr;12(2):e70300. doi: 10.1002/cre2.70300.

ABSTRACT

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and periodontitis using an umbrella meta-analysis (MA).

METHODS: PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar databases were systematically searched before December 2025. MAs reporting odds ratios (OR) for the association between OSA and periodontitis were included. Methodological quality was assessed using AMSTAR-2, and certainty of evidence was evaluated using GRADE. Random-effects MA was performed. Egger’s test and trim-and-fill analysis were used to assess the publication bias.

RESULTS: Seven MAs encompassing over 225,000 participants were included. A significant association was found between OSA and periodontitis (OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.68-2.29, p < 0.0001), with substantial heterogeneity (I² = 69.5%). After using trim-and-fill method to adjust for publication bias, the association strengthened (OR 2.24, 95% CI 1.92-2.60, p < 0.0001). A dose-response pattern emerged, with severe OSA showing higher odds (OR 2.25) compared to mild-moderate OSA (OR 1.82), though not statistically different (p = 0.44). The association remained consistent among different study qualities and sample sizes. The GRADE assessment rated the certainty of evidence of the main outcome as low due to heterogeneity and publication bias. Further, a high overlap ratio of 26.8% was observed among the included MAs.

CONCLUSIONS: The results of this review suggest a significant association between OSA and periodontitis, with a greater association of severe OSA with periodontitis. Future studies should examine the impact of periodontal therapy on OSA severity and vice versa.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION: CRD420251241137.

PMID:42035465 | DOI:10.1002/cre2.70300

Clin Exp Dent Res. 2026 Apr;12(2):e70352. doi: 10.1002/cre2.70352.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major systemic disease, predisposing patients to inflammatory conditions, and it is considered a grade modifier of periodontitis. However, its association with peri-implant diseases is still under investigation. This study aimed to investigate the possible association between diabetes and peri-implant disease.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventy patients (35 with T2DM and 35 non-diabetic) were included, for a total of 227 dental implants in function for at least 1 year. Patient characteristics, implant features, and peri-implant diseases (including peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis) were recorded.

RESULTS: The overall prevalence of peri-implant diseases was not statistically different between diabetic and non-diabetic subjects (80% vs. 77%, p = 0.99). When distinguishing between peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis, the prevalence of peri-implant mucositis (51% in diabetic patients vs. 63% in non-diabetic individuals; p = 0.47) and peri-implantitis (51% in diabetic patients vs. 43% in non-diabetic individuals; p = 0.63) did not differ significantly between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings did not suggest different occurrence of peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis in diabetic and non-diabetic subjects. Therefore, type 2 diabetes may not play a relevant role in peri-implant diseases.

PMID:42035463 | DOI:10.1002/cre2.70352

Clin Exp Dent Res. 2026 Apr;12(2):e70348. doi: 10.1002/cre2.70348.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of unilateral chewing among Italian university students and investigate its association with sex, anxiety, and somatic symptom severity.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 1536 students completed a self-administered questionnaire. Prevalence of unilateral chewing behavior, anxiety, and somatic symptoms was described using frequencies and percentages. Anxiety and somatic symptoms were measured using the self-reported Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15). Pearson Chi-square and Cramér’s V examined the association between sex and unilateral chewing behavior. Differences in GAD-7 and PHQ-15 scores across unilateral chewing categories were analyzed using ANOVA-based methods with post hoc tests. Ordinal logistic regression was performed to assess the association between unilateral chewing behavior, anxiety, and somatic symptom severity while controlling for age and sex.

RESULTS: Overall, 19% of participants reported unilateral chewing “most” or “all of the time.” Moderate-to-severe anxiety and somatic symptoms were each reported by 45% of participants, assessed separately. A significant weak to moderate association between sex and unilateral chewing was reported (p < 0.001). Unilateral chewing behavior was significantly associated with total anxiety scores (p < 0.001), with “all of the time” chewers having four points higher scores than “none of the time” or “a little of the time,” and three points higher scores than “some of the time” chewers. A significant association (p < 0.001) was also observed between unilateral chewing and PHQ-15 scores, with “all of the time” chewers having three points higher scores than “none of the time” and two points higher scores than “a little of the time.” Ordinal regression analysis confirmed these associations, although the effect sizes were modest.

CONCLUSION: Frequent unilateral chewing behavior is associated with higher levels of anxiety and somatic symptoms. Assessing unilateral chewing may help guide interventions promoting bilateral mastication and mindful eating.

PMID:42035459 | DOI:10.1002/cre2.70348

Int J Methods Psychiatr Res. 2026 Jun;35(2):e70072. doi: 10.1002/mpr.70072.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) is a widely used tool for assessing depressive symptoms. This study examined its psychometric properties in a sample of 1738 university students in Bogotá.

METHODS: Instrumental study with a cross-sectional, single-center design with two-stage sampling. Exploratory and two-factor factorial analyses were applied, along with reliability estimates and subgroup analyses by gender and social stratum.

RESULTS: Exploratory factor analysis revealed a three-factor structure (depressive affect, positive affect, and social aspects), which explained 56% of the total variance. The KMO index was 0.95, and Bartlett’s sphericity test was significant (χ² = 17,902.82, df = 190, p < 0.001). The bifactor model showed a strong overall factor (hierarchical omega = 0.85; ECV = 0.71), supporting the use of a total score. Internal consistency was high (α = 0.93; ω = 0.94). Women scored significantly higher than men (p < 0.001). Differentiated cut-off points by sex are proposed: ≥ 52 for women and ≥ 45 for men.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings support the validity and reliability of the CES-D as a unidimensional measure of depressive symptoms in the Colombian university population and highlight its usefulness as a screening tool in public health settings, particularly within Latin American regional contexts where early detection of mental health problems is a priority.

PMID:42035458 | DOI:10.1002/mpr.70072

Mult Scler. 2026 Apr 26:13524585261435415. doi: 10.1177/13524585261435415. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Depression is prevalent among individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) yet frequently goes undetected and untreated. Time constraints are a barrier to depression screening in MS clinics. We evaluated the clinical utility, diagnostic accuracy and feasibility of the Two-Question Screening tool (2QS) for routine, in-clinic depression screening.

OBJECTIVES: A prospective cross-sectional study of 207 consecutively recruited adults with MS (Mage = 47.3 ± 12.7, 77.3% female) was conducted at a metropolitan MS Clinic. Clinicians administered the 2QS during in-clinic or telehealth consultations. To assess the sensitivity and specificity of the 2QS in identifying depression, participants underwent a Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders – Fifth Edition (SCID-5) for major depressive disorder (MDD), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). Internal consistency, convergent validity and clinician feasibility were assessed.

RESULTS: The 2QS had 100% (95% CI: 71%-100%) sensitivity and 68% (95% CI: 60%-76%) specificity for detecting MDD. Clinician screening adherence was 76%. For the in-clinic subsample, clinician-administered 2QS correlations were SCID-5 MDD, r = 0.39 (r = 0.60 with subthreshold depression symptoms added); PHQ-9, r = 0.73; and DASS-D, r = 0.74.

CONCLUSIONS: Clinician-administered 2QS is valid and feasible for routine depression screening at MS clinic appointments. With high sensitivity and acceptable specificity, the clinician-administered 2QS is suitable to improve depression detection in people with MS.

PMID:42035454 | DOI:10.1177/13524585261435415

Vet Med Sci. 2026 May;12(3):e70937. doi: 10.1002/vms3.70937.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Giardiasis is a common protozoal infection in cats, often treated with nitroimidazole derivatives such as metronidazole and secnidazole. However, there are concerns about resistance to nitroimidazoles and their adverse effects. Recent in vitro studies suggest that omeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor, exhibits anti-giardial effects by inhibiting giardial triosephosphate isomerase. No clinical studies have evaluated its efficacy in naturally infected cats.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess and compare the anti-giardial efficacy of omeprazole, metronidazole, and secnidazole in cats naturally infected with Giardia duodenalis, based on faecal cyst shedding and clinical parameters.

METHODS: Forty-eight naturally infected cats were randomly assigned to four groups: omeprazole (1 mg/kg/day for 7 days), metronidazole (25 mg/kg twice daily for 7 days), secnidazole (30 mg/kg single dose), and placebo. Faecal cyst shedding was evaluated using the zinc sulphate flotation technique on days 0, 7 and 14. Faecal consistency was scored daily, and haematological parameters were assessed on days 0, 7 and 14.

RESULTS: By day 7, faecal cyst positivity was 50% in both the omeprazole and metronidazole groups, 58.3% in the secnidazole group, and 83.3% in the placebo group. The reduction observed in the omeprazole and metronidazole groups was statistically significant compared with the placebo (p < 0.05). By day 14, cyst positivity further decreased to 33.3% (omeprazole), 41.7% (metronidazole), and 50% (secnidazole), with omeprazole showing the lowest positivity rate among the treatments. Faecal scores improved significantly earlier in the omeprazole and metronidazole groups compared with secnidazole and placebo (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Omeprazole demonstrated promising anti-giardial efficacy, with reductions in cyst shedding and improvements in faecal consistency comparable to metronidazole. These findings suggest that omeprazole may serve as a potential alternative treatment option for feline giardiasis.

PMID:42035445 | DOI:10.1002/vms3.70937

Echocardiography. 2026 May;43(5):e70475. doi: 10.1111/echo.70475.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Gaucher disease type 1 (GD1) is a rare, multisystemic lysosomal storage disorder in which cardiac involvement may remain clinically silent for years. Conventional echocardiographic indices often fail to detect early myocardial dysfunction. Speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) allows the assessment of subclinical myocardial deformation and may provide incremental prognostic information. This study aimed to investigate the association between ventricular deformation parameters and worsening disease severity, assessed by the Disease Severity Scoring System (DS3), using a bootstrap-based statistical approach suitable for rare disease cohorts.

METHODS: Patients with GD1 underwent comprehensive transthoracic echocardiography, including STE-derived left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV GLS) and right ventricular (RV) longitudinal strain analysis. Conventional systolic parameters were also recorded. Multivariable regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of worsening DS3 score. To enhance statistical robustness in this small cohort, bootstrapping with 10 000 resamples was applied.

RESULTS: Conventional systolic parameters, including left ventricular ejection fraction, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, peak systolic velocity of the tricuspid annulus, and RV fractional area change, were within normal ranges and did not differ significantly between GD1 patients and healthy controls (p = NS for all). In contrast, STE revealed significantly reduced longitudinal deformation in GD1 patients for both the LV (-20.1% ± 1.3 vs. -22.4% ± 2.6, p = 0.029) and RV (-22.2% ± 2.3 vs. -25.4% ± 3.7, p = 0.036). In the bootstrap-adjusted multivariable model, LV GLS was the only independent predictor of worsening DS3 score (B = 26.024, p < 0.001; 95% CI: 2.669-47.893).

CONCLUSION: Myocardial deformation abnormalities precede detectable changes in conventional systolic indices in GD1. LV GLS is a robust and independent predictor of increasing disease severity. STE may therefore represent a valuable tool for early detection of subclinical cardiac involvement and risk stratification in this rare disease population.

PMID:42035441 | DOI:10.1111/echo.70475

Orv Hetil. 2026 Apr 26;167(17):651-660. doi: 10.1556/650.2026.33525. Print 2026 Apr 26.

ABSTRACT

The authors provide an overview of the effects of physiotherapy on the immune response. Immunomodulation plays a decisive role in the analgesic and anti-inflammatory mechanisms underlying physiotherapy. Exercise is the most prominent physiotherapy treatment, for which the most evidence exists. The skeletal muscle is a secretory organ that releases myokines in response to movement. One of the best-known of these is irisin, a movement-induced myokine. Irisin plays an important role in inhibiting oxidative stress, reducing systemic inflammatory responses, and providing neuroprotection. It also has a positive effect on the functions of regulatory T cells, modulates immune cells, and increases the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Physiotherapy plays a significant role in improving the clinical condition of patients with autoimmune diseases. The beneficial tumor-immunological effects of regular physical activity are not accompanied by harmful side effects. Physiotherapy increases the number of natural killer cells, which play an important role in the defense against tumors. Massage, electrotherapy, and photomodulation treatments also affect the immune response. Following radon and sulfur bath treatments, statistically significant reductions in cytokine levels and other inflammatory biomarkers were observed. The anti-inflammatory effect of whole-body cryotherapy may also be due to a decrease in interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor levels. Knowledge of the effects of physiotherapy treatments on the immune response may be an important consideration when choosing a treatment strategy for these diseases. Orv Hetil. 2026; 167(17): 651-660.

PMID:42035409 | DOI:10.1556/650.2026.33525