Nevin Manimala

J Neurol Surg B Skull Base. 2024 May 11;86(3):332-341. doi: 10.1055/s-0044-1786738. eCollection 2025 Jun.

ABSTRACT

Background Natural language processing (NLP), a subset of artificial intelligence (AI), aims to decipher unstructured human language. This study showcases NLP’s application in surgical health care, focusing on vestibular schwannoma (VS). By employing an NLP platform, we identify prevalent text concepts in VS patients’ electronic health care records (EHRs), creating concept panels covering symptomatology, comorbidities, and management. Through a case study, we illustrate NLP’s potential in predicting postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks. Methods An NLP model analyzed EHRs of surgically managed VS patients from 2008 to 2018 in a single center. The model underwent unsupervised (trained on one million documents from EHR) and supervised (300 documents annotated in duplicate) learning phases, extracting text concepts and generating concept panels related to symptoms, comorbidities, and management. Statistical analysis correlated concept occurrences with postoperative complications, notably CSF leaks. Results Analysis included 292 patients’ records, yielding 6,901 unique concepts and 360,929 occurrences. Concept panels highlighted key associations with postoperative CSF leaks, including “antibiotics,” “sepsis,” and “intensive care unit admission.” The NLP model demonstrated high accuracy (precision 0.92, recall 0.96, macro F1 0.93). Conclusion Our NLP model effectively extracted concepts from VS patients’ EHRs, facilitating personalized concept panels with diverse applications. NLP shows promise in surgical settings, aiding in early diagnosis, complication prediction, and patient care. Further validation of NLP’s predictive capabilities is warranted.

PMID:40351873 | PMC:PMC12064303 | DOI:10.1055/s-0044-1786738

Bioinform Adv. 2025 Apr 8;5(1):vbaf066. doi: 10.1093/bioadv/vbaf066. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

SUMMARY: TRACK is a user-friendly Snakemake workflow designed to streamline the discovery and comparison of tandem repeats (TRs) across species. TRACK facilitates the cataloging and filtering of TRs based on reference genomes or T2T transcripts, and applies reciprocal LiftOver and sequence alignment methods to identify putative homologous TRs between species. For further analyses, TRACK can be used to genotype TRs and subsequently estimate and plot basic population genetic statistics. By incorporating key functionalities within an integrated workflow, TRACK enhances TR analysis accessibility and reproducibility, while offering flexibility for the user.

AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION: The TRACK toolkit with step-by-step tutorial is freely available at https://github.com/caroladam/track.

PMID:40351869 | PMC:PMC12064168 | DOI:10.1093/bioadv/vbaf066

J Adv Prosthodont. 2025 Apr;17(2):92-100. doi: 10.4047/jap.2025.17.2.92. Epub 2025 Apr 25.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The location of the edentulous area in the dental arch can influence the design of the bridge prosthesis in the surrounding region and the forces it will encounter. This study assessed the fracture strength of restorations with various geometric designs produced using different additive and subtractive manufacturing methods.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Co-Cr metal and zirconia fixed partial denture (FPD) frameworks were designed in both linear and curved geometries. The Co-Cr metal frameworks were produced through casting (C) and laser sintering (L), while the zirconia (Z) frameworks were obtained through milling (n = 10). After veneering the frameworks, a four-point bending test was conducted on the specimens to assess their fracture strength. All obtained values were statistically analyzed (P < .05).

RESULTS: In both linear and curved groups, Z group showed the lowest fracture resistance values followed by C and L groups and the differences between the groups were found statistically significant (P < .05). In L group, curved FPDs showed statistically significantly higher fracture resistance values than linear FPDs (P < .05). In both Z and C groups, curved FPDs showed statistically significantly lower fracture resistance values than linear FPDs (P < .05).

CONCLUSION: The geometric configuration of the restoration and manufacturing technique affects the fracture resistance of different framework materials in FPDs.

PMID:40351862 | PMC:PMC12059370 | DOI:10.4047/jap.2025.17.2.92

J Adv Prosthodont. 2025 Apr;17(2):70-82. doi: 10.4047/jap.2025.17.2.70. Epub 2025 Apr 25.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Digitalization in dentistry has increased interest in the use of intraoral scanners (IOs) in clinical practice. However, knowledge of implant digitalization is primarily limited to in vitro studies. This study aimed to compare implant-supported fixed dental prostheses (FDP) fabricated following complete digital workflow using various implant scan bodies (SB) in treatment of short-span partial edentulism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with 25 short-span posterior edentulous sites, each receiving two implants to support a fixed restoration, were included. Digital implant records were made consecutively with original, non-original, and generic SBs using IOs. A practitioner implemented a two-stage full-arch scanning protocol, beginning with continuous arch scanning, followed by individual scanning of SBs. For clinical evaluation, each site received screw-retained full-contour restorations to qualify the connection fit to the implants and contacts to the adjacent and antagonist teeth. For analytical comparison, implant axes calculated from SB scans were quantified using reverse engineering software to compare the differences three-dimensionally. Restorative outcomes and implant axes records were statistically analyzed using the chi-square test and generalized estimating equations, respectively.

RESULTS: Clinical delivery conditions did not differ significantly among the three intraoral SBs (P > .05). The analytical implant-position calculations for non-original and generic SBs did not present significant differences compared to original SBs (P > .05).

CONCLUSION: SBs with different hardware and software characteristics for an implant system are clinically acceptable for fabricating screw-retained short-span implant-supported FDPs using a complete digital workflow.

PMID:40351861 | PMC:PMC12059372 | DOI:10.4047/jap.2025.17.2.70

Dent Res J (Isfahan). 2025 Apr 24;22:16. doi: 10.4103/drj.drj_545_24. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have indicated that assessing the expression levels of cancer stem cell markers is critical in predicting the behavior of these neoplasms. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the expression levels of CD44 and epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) markers in pleomorphic adenoma (PA) and mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) using immunohistochemistry.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study, 20 samples each of PA and MEC were selected from Kashani Hospital, Isfahan, Iran, based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Specimens were prepared using immunohistochemical methods and analyzed under an optical microscope. Pathologists evaluated microscopic grade, staining intensity and percentage, and the staining intensity distribution (SID) index. Statistical analysis was conducted with SPSS (version 26), employing the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, t-test, Chi-square, and Fisher’s exact test.

RESULTS: The mean frequency of stained cells for both CD44 (P = 0.39) and EpCAM (P = 0.40) markers showed no statistically significant differences between the PA and MEC groups. Similarly, the mean intensity of staining did not differ significantly for either CD44 (P = 0.40) or EpCAM (P = 0.18). The average SID index for the EpCAM marker in the MEC group was significantly higher than the PA group (P = 0.03) and for the EpCAM marker, there was a significant difference between the average SID index and all three variables of microscopic grade (P = 0.01), clinical stage (P = 0.00), and 3-year prognosis (P = 0.02).

CONCLUSION: The use of EpCAM immunohistochemical marker may help to predict the behavior of salivary gland tumors and obtain better treatment measures for patients.

PMID:40351859 | PMC:PMC12063989 | DOI:10.4103/drj.drj_545_24

Dent Res J (Isfahan). 2025 Apr 24;22:14. doi: 10.4103/drj.drj_382_24. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The use of 3D printers in dentistry is expected to increase in the future. However, there is limited information available on the accuracy of dental 3D printers for creating dental and implant models. This study aimed to compare the accuracy of 3D-printed casts and traditional plaster casts for the fabrication of tooth-supported and implant-supported restorations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This in vitro study involved a dental model with implant analogs placed at the sites of the right first premolar and molar for an implant-supported bridge and the left first premolar and molar that received preparation for a tooth-supported bridge. Addition silicone impressions were made and poured with dental stone to create 10 plaster casts. The model was scanned using an intraoral scanner, and 20 casts were 3D-printed using digital light processing (DLP) and liquid crystal display (LCD) printers (10 casts for each method). All 30 casts, including the reference model, were scanned using a laboratory scanner, and the obtained Standard Triangle Language files were superimposed in Geomagic software. Data analysis revealed violations of normality and homogeneity of variances. As a result, the Kruskal-Wallis H test, a nonparametric method, was employed to compare root mean square (1 RMS = 100 μm) values across three groups. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 27. RMS values were calculated (P < 0.05).

RESULTS: The RMS value was significantly lower in the conventional plaster cast group compared to the LCD group (P = 0.002). However, there was no significant difference between the LCD and DLP groups (P = 0.214) or between the conventional and DLP groups (P = 0.345). The interdental distance in the conventional group was significantly lower than that in the 3D-printed groups (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between the two printing methods (P = 0.31). The interimplant distance was lower in the 3D-printed groups compared to the conventional group, and this difference was significant between the DLP and conventional groups (P = 0.02).

CONCLUSION: Although plaster casts demonstrated higher accuracy, 3D-printed casts using additive technology yielded accurate results within the clinically acceptable range (<200 μm).

PMID:40351858 | PMC:PMC12063992 | DOI:10.4103/drj.drj_382_24

Dent Res J (Isfahan). 2025 Apr 24;22:17. doi: 10.4103/drj.drj_711_23. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological effectiveness of transcrestal sinus elevation and simultaneous implant placement using osseodensification (OD) and crestal approach sinus (CAS) instruments.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized controlled double-blinded clinical trial included 20 participants with edentulous spaces requiring 20 implants having residual bone height >5 mm in the posterior maxilla. Participants were randomly allocated into the CAS group and OD group. Indirect sinus elevation with simultaneous implant placement was performed in both groups. Implant stability (IS) was evaluated at baseline and 3 months. Crestal bone loss (CBL) was measured at 3, 6, and 12 months. Apical bone gain (ABG) was measured at 6 and 12 months. Surgical time and patient comfort using the Visual Analog Scale were assessed during the surgery. Unpaired t-test, ANOVA, and Friedman tests were used for inter- and intragroup comparisons. P ≤ 0.05 was deemed statistically significant.

RESULTS: Sinus elevation and simultaneous implant placement showed good clinical and radiological outcomes in both groups. Intergroup comparison showed a significantly greater primary and secondary IS (P = 0.005, 0.008) in the OD group. CBL was less in the OD group (P = 0.02 and 0.03 on mesial and distal sides) than in the CAS group at 6 months of evaluation. ABG was higher in the OD group (4.164 ± 0.293) than the CAS group (2.819 ± 0.415). The average surgical time taken was greater (87.00 ± 15.49 min) in the CAS group than in the OD group (69.00 ± 20.24 min).

CONCLUSION: Both CAS and OD groups showed significant improvement in all parameters. OD group showed greater benefits in terms of enhanced primary stability, less CBL, enhanced ABG, and lesser surgical time compared to the CAS group.

PMID:40351857 | PMC:PMC12063990 | DOI:10.4103/drj.drj_711_23

Dent Res J (Isfahan). 2025 Apr 24;22:13. doi: 10.4103/drj.drj_238_24. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Any deficiency or problem in the shear bond strength between restoration and tooth surface can lead to recurrent decay, gingival issues, and associated esthetic concerns. Cement acts as a material to bond restorations to the tooth surface, filling the void space between the tooth and the restoration to establish this bond. This study aims to investigate the bonding strength of two common types of cement – polycarboxylate and zinc phosphate – with Sintron alloy (chromium-cobalt) in dental restorations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This research is conducted in vitro on 24 Sintron alloy discs cemented with two types of polycarboxylate (Poly-F, Dentsply, US) and zinc phosphate cement (Harvard Cement, Germany) on 24 extracted maxillary central incisors. Teeth were sandblasted with 50-micrometer aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) particles. Disc-shaped alloy specimens with specific dimensions were prepared. The specimens were then bonded to the teeth surface using each cement and were subjected to shear bond strength testing using a Universal Testing Machine (Instron, 3367, Canton, MA, USA). An independent sample t-test was performed with P value significance of lower than 0.05.

RESULTS: The t-test with P = 0.150 showed no significant difference between the zinc phosphate and polycarboxylate cement groups.

CONCLUSION: The study found no statistically significant difference in the bond strength of Sintron alloy when using zinc phosphate and polycarboxylate cement. Therefore, it can be concluded that the bond strength is similar for both cements.

PMID:40351855 | PMC:PMC12063988 | DOI:10.4103/drj.drj_238_24

J Abdom Wall Surg. 2025 Apr 25;4:14176. doi: 10.3389/jaws.2025.14176. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The laparoscopic intraperitoneal onlay mesh (IPOM) technique has been widely used for ventral hernia repair; however, concerns regarding mesh-related complications have led to the development of alternative approaches. The enhanced-view totally extraperitoneal (eTEP) technique has emerged as a promising alternative, offering improved anatomical restoration and reduced postoperative morbidity. This study compares the clinical outcomes of eTEP and IPOM for ventral hernia repair.

METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary referral centre in Thailand. Patients who underwent laparoscopic ventral hernia repair using either eTEP or IPOM between January 2016 and December 2021 were included. Demographic data, hernia characteristics, perioperative variables, and postoperative outcomes were analysed. Statistical comparisons were performed using parametric and non-parametric tests, with a significance threshold of p < 0.05.

RESULTS: A total of 70 patients were included, with 32 undergoing eTEP and 38 undergoing IPOM. Both groups were comparable in baseline characteristics, with most cases classified as incisional hernias. The mean operative time was significantly longer in the eTEP group (360 vs. 240 min, p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed significantly lower postoperative pain scores at 12 and 24 h in the eTEP-RS and eTEP-TAR groups compared to the IPOM group (p < 0.001). The mean VAS scores at 12 h were 4 (eTEP-RS), 3 (eTEP-TAR), and 7.5 (IPOM), while at 24 h, they decreased to 2 (eTEP-RS), 2 (eTEP-TAR), and 4 (IPOM). Complication rates were comparable between groups; however, minor bowel injury was reported in some IPOM cases. The one-year recurrence rate was 3.1% for eTEP and 7.9% for IPOM (p = 0.620), increasing to 6.2% and 15.8% at 2 years, respectively (p = 0.275).

CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic eTEP is a safe and effective alternative to IPOM for medium to large ventral hernias, demonstrating lower postoperative pain and recurrence rates. However, its technical complexity and longer operative time highlight the importance of careful patient selection and surgical expertise. Further prospective studies with larger sample sizes are needed to validate these findings and optimise clinical outcomes.

PMID:40351840 | PMC:PMC12061722 | DOI:10.3389/jaws.2025.14176

Ther Adv Vaccines Immunother. 2025 May 8;13:25151355251337622. doi: 10.1177/25151355251337622. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Human papillomaviruses are the most common sexually transmitted infections, and persistent infection can lead to cervical cancer. In line with WHO recommendations to prevent cervical cancer, human papillomavirus vaccination is considered mandatory. Despite various challenges influencing decision-making for HPV vaccination, including HPV vaccine hesitancy, efforts are made to promote its uptake.

METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 1 to April 30 among 400 parents of adolescents. A simple random sampling technique was used to select study participants. A structured questionnaire was employed for data collection, and the data were gathered through interviews. Subsequently, the data were entered into EPI data 3.1 statistical software and analyzed using SPSS version 25. The association between variables was analyzed using bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models, and a p-value <0.05 at 95% confidence interval was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: A total of 400 participants were included with a response rate of 99.3%. The prevalence of HPV vaccine hesitancy among parents of daughters was 54%. Multivariable logistic regression showed that educational status (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 0.8, 95% CI: (0.69-0.93)), effectiveness of HPV vaccine (AOR = 1.9, 95% CI: (1.14-3.17)), knowledge (AOR = 0.5, 95% CI: (0.13-0.75)), and obtained information (AOR = 3.1, 95% CI: (2.24-4.29)) were significantly associated with human papillomavirus vaccine hesitancy.

CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that parents’ hesitance to vaccinate their daughters with the human papillomavirus vaccine was high. Parents’ hesitance to vaccinate their daughters with the human papillomavirus vaccine was strongly associated with the effectiveness of the HPV vaccine, obtained information about the HPV vaccine, knowledge, and educational status.

PMID:40351827 | PMC:PMC12064895 | DOI:10.1177/25151355251337622