Nevin Manimala

Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants. 2025 Mar 17;0(0):1-25. doi: 10.11607/jomi.11283. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The investigation of implant osseointegration is crucial for ensuring the long- term stability of implants. Employing bibliometric analysis allows for a comprehensive understanding of the current research landscape and emerging trends in this domain, thereby informing future research directions.

METHODS: Utilizing the Web of Science database, we conducted a comprehensive search for articles pertaining to oral implant bone grafting published between January 1, 2014, and November 20, 2024. Our analysis encompassed several bibliometric parameters, including the number of publications, publication year, journal, impact factor, title, author, institution, keywords, and citation count. We employed VOSviewer to perform keyword co-occurrence network analysis and co-citation network analysis, and CiteSpace was utilized for national collaboration analysis and coupled clustering. Additionally, we leveraged online platforms for further visualizations.

RESULTS: A comprehensive search yielded 384 articles published across 143 journals, authored by 2,066 individuals affiliated with 714 institutions spanning 52 countries, and encompassing 1,886 distinct keywords. The journals “Clinical Oral Implants Research” and “International Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Implants” exhibited the highest publication volumes. Seoul Natonal University emerged as the most prolific institution in this doain. China was identified as the leading country in terms of publication output, while the United States demonstrated the highest level of international collaboration. The term “osseointegration” was the most frequently occurring keyword.

CONCLUSION: This study presents a quantitative and statistical analysis of literature pertaining to oral implant bone grafting over the past decade. The findings offer valuable insights into the key areas of interest and the latest advancements in the clinical application of this field.

PMID:40096515 | DOI:10.11607/jomi.11283

J Pediatr Rehabil Med. 2024 Dec;17(4):397-402. doi: 10.1177/18758894241299901. Epub 2024 Dec 8.

ABSTRACT

PurposeThis study aimed to survey individuals who regularly use urinary catheters to understand health insurance coverage and out-of-pocket costs they experience to advocate for health-policy change.MethodsSurvey content was generated by non-profit organizations and programmed into Qualtrics. It was distributed in Spanish and English via email and social media accounts. The survey was open from 1/19/21-2/15/21 and only included individuals who either used catheters themselves or were the care partner of an individual who used catheters. For non-normally distributed data, log-transformed confidence intervals were used to achieve approximately normal distributions; data was then transformed to be analyzed using an approximate 95% confidence interval (CI), and a Mann-Whitney U test was completed to test the equality of medians between groups. Associations between catheter types and out-of-pocket costs were performed using the Kruskal-Wallace non-parametric test.ResultsOne thousand two hundred and forty seven individuals responded. An equal percentage (43%) of catheter users were covered by public/government or private insurance plans only; 14% had both. Among those with public/government insurance, 8% reported their insurance did not cover any catheter costs versus 17% of those with private insurance. The median yearly out-of-pocket costs for privately insured respondents who paid anything was $1200 compared to $540 for those with public/government insurance.ConclusionOut-of-pocket expenses for catheters vary. Those with public/government insurance pay less out-of-pocket.

PMID:40096507 | DOI:10.1177/18758894241299901

Sensors (Basel). 2025 Mar 6;25(5):1614. doi: 10.3390/s25051614.

ABSTRACT

This study calibrates an affordable, solar-powered LoRaWAN air quality monitoring prototype using the research-grade Palas Fidas Frog sensor. Motivated by the need for sustainable air quality monitoring in smart city initiatives, this work integrates low-cost, self-sustaining sensors with research-grade instruments, creating a cost-effective hybrid network that enhances both spatial coverage and measurement accuracy. To improve calibration precision, the study leverages the Super Learner machine learning technique, which optimally combines multiple models to achieve robust PM (Particulate Matter) monitoring in low-resource settings. Data was collected by co-locating the Palas sensor and LoRaWAN devices under various climatic conditions to ensure reliability. The LoRaWAN monitor measures PM concentrations alongside meteorological parameters such as temperature, pressure, and humidity. The collected data were calibrated against precise PM concentrations and particle count densities from the Palas sensor. Various regression models were evaluated, with the stacking-based Super Learner model outperforming traditional approaches, achieving an average test R² value of 0.96 across all target variables, including 0.99 for PM_2.5 and 0.91 for PM_10.0. This study presents a novel approach by integrating Super Learner-based calibration with LoRaWAN technology, offering a scalable solution for low-cost, high-accuracy air quality monitoring. The findings demonstrate the feasibility of deploying these sensors in urban areas such as the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, providing a valuable tool for researchers and policymakers to address air pollution challenges effectively.

PMID:40096496 | DOI:10.3390/s25051614

Sensors (Basel). 2025 Mar 6;25(5):1608. doi: 10.3390/s25051608.

ABSTRACT

Forcecardiography (FCG) uses force sensors to record the mechanical vibrations induced on the chest wall by cardiac and respiratory activities. FCG is usually performed via piezoelectric lead-zirconate titanate (PZT) sensors, which simultaneously record the very slow respiratory movements of the chest, the slow infrasonic vibrations due to emptying and filling of heart chambers, the faster infrasonic vibrations due to movements of heart valves, which are usually recorded via Seismocardiography (SCG), and the audible vibrations corresponding to heart sounds, commonly recorded via Phonocardiography (PCG). However, PZT sensors are not flexible and do not adapt very well to the deformations of soft tissues on the chest. This study presents a flexible FCG sensor based on a piezoelectric polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) transducer. The PVDF FCG sensor was compared with a well-assessed PZT FCG sensor, as well as with an electro-resistive respiratory band (ERB), an accelerometric SCG sensor, and an electronic stethoscope for PCG. Simultaneous recordings were acquired with these sensors and an electrocardiography (ECG) monitor from a cohort of 35 healthy subjects (16 males and 19 females). The PVDF sensor signals were compared in terms of morphology with those acquired simultaneously via the PZT sensor, the SCG sensor and the electronic stethoscope. Moreover, the estimation accuracies of PVDF and PZT sensors for inter-beat intervals (IBIs) and inter-breath intervals (IBrIs) were assessed against reference ECG and ERB measurements. The results of statistical analyses confirmed that the PVDF sensor provides FCG signals with very high similarity to those acquired via PZT sensors (median cross-correlation index of 0.96 across all subjects) as well as with SCG and PCG signals (median cross-correlation indices of 0.85 and 0.80, respectively). Moreover, the PVDF sensor provides very accurate estimates of IBIs, with R² > 0.99 and Bland-Altman limits of agreement (LoA) of [-5.30; 5.00] ms, and of IBrIs, with R² > 0.96 and LoA of [-0.510; 0.513] s. The flexibility of the PVDF sensor makes it more comfortable and ideal for wearable applications. Unlike PZT, PVDF is lead-free, which increases safety and biocompatibility for prolonged skin contact.

PMID:40096462 | DOI:10.3390/s25051608

Sensors (Basel). 2025 Mar 5;25(5):1601. doi: 10.3390/s25051601.

ABSTRACT

Using mobile crowd sourcing/sensing (MCS) noise monitoring can lead to false sound level reporting. The methods used for recruiting mobile phones in an area of interest vary from selecting full populations to randomly selecting a single phone. Other methods apply a clustering algorithm based on spatial or noise parameters to recruit mobile phones to MCS platforms. However, statistical t tests have revealed dissimilarities between these selection methods. In this paper, we assign these dissimilarities to (1) acoustic characteristics and (2) outlier mobile phones affecting the noise level. We propose two clustering phases for noise level monitoring in MCS platforms. The approach starts by applying spatial clustering to form focused clusters and removing spatial outliers. Then, noise level clustering is applied to eliminate noise level outliers. This creates subsets of mobile phones that are used to calculate the noise level. We conducted a real-world experiment with 25 mobile phones and performed a statistical t test evaluation of the selection methodologies. The statistical values indicated dissimilarities. Then, we compared our proposed method with the noise level clustering method in terms of properly detecting and eliminating outliers. Our method offers 4% to 12% higher performance than the noise clustering method.

PMID:40096454 | DOI:10.3390/s25051601

J Bras Nefrol. 2025 Apr-Jun;47(2):e20240180. doi: 10.1590/2175-8239-JBN-2024-0180en.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Renal neoplasia is a complex and heterogeneous disease, characterized by high morbidity and mortality.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the temporal trend of hospitalization rates (HRs) for renal neoplasia in Brazil, segmented by region, states (UFs, Unidades da Federação in Portuguese), and population characteristics, from 2013 to 2023.

METHODS: Ecological study using data from the Hospital Information System, by analyzing Hospital Admission Authorizations, covering the period from 2013 to 2023. The annual trend of HRs was analyzed using generalized linear regression with the Prais-Winsten method by calculating the Annual Percentage Change (APC), considering sex, age, race/color, and region/state (UF). A significance level of 5% was adopted for the analyses.

RESULTS: A total of 31,388 hospitalizations for renal neoplasia were recorded in Brazil during the period, showing a significant upward trend in HRs (APC: 9.12; 95%CI: 5.30; 13.1; p < 0.001). The increase was observed in both sexes and in all regions. Among the states, most showed stationary trends. The highest average HRs were identified among young elderly individuals (3.31/100,000) and long-lived elderly individuals (2.51/100,000).

CONCLUSION: HRIs due to renal neoplasia in Brazil showed a significant upward trend between 2013 and 2023, with regional variations, a predominance in males, and a higher incidence in the over-60 age group.

PMID:40096414 | DOI:10.1590/2175-8239-JBN-2024-0180en

Sensors (Basel). 2025 Feb 28;25(5):1518. doi: 10.3390/s25051518.

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to retrospectively and prospectively explore associations between running biomechanics and hamstring strain injury (HSI) using field-based technology. Twenty-three amateur sprinters performed 40 m maximum-effort sprints and then underwent a one-year injury surveillance period. For the first 30 m of acceleration, sprint mechanics were quantified through force-velocity profiling. In the upright phase of the sprint, an inertial measurement unit (IMU) system measured sagittal plane pelvic and hip kinematics at the point of contact (POC), as well as step and stride time. Cross-sectional analysis revealed no differences between participants with a history of HSI and controls except for anterior pelvic tilt (increased pelvic tilt on the injured side compared to controls). Prospectively, two participants sustained HSIs in the surveillance period; thus, the small sample size limited formal statistical analysis. A review of cohort percentiles, however, revealed both participants scored in the higher percentiles for variables associated with a velocity-oriented profile. Overall, this study may be considered a feasibility trial of novel technology, and the preliminary findings present a case for further investigation. Several practical insights are offered to direct future research to ultimately inform HSI prevention strategies.

PMID:40096384 | DOI:10.3390/s25051518

Zhonghua Er Ke Za Zhi. 2025 Mar 17;63(4):411-417. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn112140-20240930-00692. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Objective: To analyze a novel intronic variant in the SPTB gene and explore its effect on SPTB mRNA splicing. Methods: Clinical data of a child diagnosed with hereditary spherocytosis (HS) and admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University in February 2022 were analyzed retrospectively. Whole genome sequencing was used to identify disease-causing mutations and the results were validated with Sanger sequencing, mRNA sequencing was used to determine the SPTB gene’s mRNA expression level, and bioinformatics tools were used for splicing site prediction and analysis. Results: The proband is a 2-month-old Han male child, clinically presenting with anemia and jaundice. In the past, jaundice appeared early and was severe during the neonatal period, with significantly elevated indirect bilirubin (203.5 μmol/L), accompanied by moderate anemia. This family consisted of four generations, eight of whom suffered from splenomegaly, jaundice, and anemia. In their peripheral blood, the percentage of microglobular erythrocytes was between 5% and 10%. Under scanning electron microscopy analysis of the proband’s father’s peripheral red blood cells, about 6% exhibited a mouth-shaped morphology, about 4% were spherical, and about 3% were oval. Following the splenectomy, the father’s anemia and jaundice recovered to normal level. Whole genome sequencing analysis of the proband identified a heterozygous variant in the SPTB gene (NM_ 001355436.2 (SPTB):c.6022+4_6022+18delinsTGGCTCCTCCGTGAAGGGACAGTCCTGC), which was verified to be co-segregating with the disease in this family line by Sanger sequencing. The results of the SPTB gene mRNA expression level detection showed that the expression levels of the SPTB variant gene were statistically increased in the proband and affected family members (father, grandmother, cousin, second cousin, great-grandmother, great-aunt) (all P<0.05). The SPTB gene’s intron can undergo selective splicing, as demonstrated by analysis using the bioinformatics program ESE Finder. Additionally, predictions from the SpliceAI and SpliceTool software indicated that activation of a new covert splicing donor can result in a code-shift mutation that introduces an early termination codon and nonsense-mediated degradation of the mRNA, which prevents the synthesis of proteins. Conclusion: A new mutation site c.6022+4_6022+18delinsTGGCTCCTCCGTGAAGGGACAGTCCTGC was found in SPTB gene. This mutation was the pathogenic factor of HS. By affecting the splicing process, this mutation triggers the nonsense mediated mRNA degradation pathway, resulting in inactivation of gene function.

PMID:40090920 | DOI:10.3760/cma.j.cn112140-20240930-00692

J Forensic Sci. 2025 Mar 16. doi: 10.1111/1556-4029.70023. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Current processing techniques for harvesting DNA from osseous elements are destructive, and success rates vary widely. When skeletal elements are homogenized into a fine powder, endogenous DNA may be subjected to fragmentation, and the likelihood of introducing co-purified inhibitory substances to the sample increases. While a limited number of articles in the relevant literature have challenged the status quo of pulverization, powdering hard tissue samples before DNA isolation continues to be standard practice in the forensic and ancient DNA communities. In this work, we have developed and optimized an alternative front-end processing method for demineralizing and slicing cortical bone using aged and weathered bovine skeletal samples as a model for degraded human bone. Additionally, this study evaluated the enzymatic digestion of demineralized bone slices using collagenase I as a powder-free alternative for cell isolation. The efficacy of pulverization, demineralized slices, and collagenase-digested demineralized slices was assessed via DNA quantitation and STR profile data. The combined treatment incorporating collagenase digestion of demineralized slices did not improve the recovery of endogenous DNA yields or STR profile development; however, profiles developed from demineralized slices retained a significantly greater percentage of expected alleles and higher peak heights than samples processed with conventional powdering and organic chemistry extraction. By eliminating pulverization of bone and employing modified silica-based extraction chemistry, the susceptibility to inhibitory and competitive effects from native and foreign components often found in degraded skeletal remains can be minimized when utilizing total demineralization of small fragments with subsequent slicing before lysis.

PMID:40090872 | DOI:10.1111/1556-4029.70023

Aust Occup Ther J. 2025 Apr;72(2):e70002. doi: 10.1111/1440-1630.70002.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Occupational therapy is underpinned by the belief that occupation facilitates health and wellbeing. However, evidence suggests that occupational therapists encounter challenges to implementing occupation-centred practice. The aim of this study was to investigate the uptake, acceptability and impact of a workplace intervention designed to enhance occupation-centred practice of occupational therapists in an acute adult physical context.

METHODS: A concurrent mixed methods study using a pre-post design was employed. The setting was a regional and rural health service in Queensland. Data were collected using an online survey of occupational therapists’ knowledge, attitude and confidence regarding occupational therapy models, an audit of medical charts and focus group discussion and in-depth interviews. Quantitative data were presented using descriptive statistics, and discussions were thematically analysed.

CONSUMER AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: No involvement.

RESULTS: Survey results revealed minimal difference between pre- (n = 8) and post- (n = 8) interventions. The medical chart audit (pre = 40, post = 28) revealed an increase in occupational language over medically based language. Four themes were identified from the qualitative data (pre = 5, post = 6): change in theoretical awareness and acceptance of occupational therapy models; facilitators for adoption of occupational therapy models in the acute setting; what it takes: the qualities and efforts required of individuals; and enhanced professional identity. The themes revealed that participants varied in their knowledge and implementation of occupation-centred practice pre-intervention and could feel constrained by the workplace context. Post-participants recognised that actively practising occupation centredness impacted positively on their practice.

CONCLUSION: Participation in an initiative to increase occupation-centred practice resulted in changed behaviours and beliefs for occupational therapists in this study. Participants recognised that their individual contribution and the concerted efforts of their occupational therapy peers led to increased professional identity and understanding of occupational therapy contribution in the acute adult physical setting.

PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: Occupational therapists promote health and wellbeing by working with people of all abilities to participate in the everyday occupations of life. However, within some hospital settings, occupational therapists face a number of challenges to implementing their desired approach due to time restrictions and dominance of other professions. Because of this, consumers and health colleagues in hospitals are unclear on the role or value of occupational therapists, and occupational therapists feel misunderstood. This may impact on job satisfaction, retention of staff in this setting and missed opportunities for identifying needs for consumers. In a regional and rural setting, this may be further complicated by occupational therapists working in isolation from direct professional support. In this project, occupational therapists in a regional and rural health service participated in an activity aimed to enhance their communication and confidence in their unique approach. The activity involved developing and using tools and resources for a hospital context that were ‘occupation-centred’ or were based on ‘occupational therapy models’. Despite occupational therapists reporting that making this change required effort, they recognised that with persistence and collaboration, there was an improved understanding of occupational therapy contribution in the setting and better job satisfaction for occupational therapists. The tools and resources that were developed can be easily adopted by other organisations. These findings show that occupational therapists working in hospitals can alter their behaviours and beliefs to be more true to the profession. And that this benefits occupational therapists, consumers and the broader health-care team.

PMID:40090870 | DOI:10.1111/1440-1630.70002