Nevin Manimala

BMC Oral Health. 2024 Nov 20;24(1):1416. doi: 10.1186/s12903-024-05160-2.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Congenitally missing permanent canines (CMPC) have a significant impact on function and aesthetics. The prevalence is low, and the availability of rigorous studies on this issue in China is limited. This study was designed to investigate the prevalence and distribution of CMPC in patients and concomitant anomalies. Additionally, we aimed to compare the prevalence of CMPC between two age groups.

METHODS: A total of 10,447 patient’s panoramic radiograph (PR) images from August 2021 to December 2023 were reviewed and data regarding the location and number of CMPCs were recorded. Age and gender were obtained from the clinical records. Additionally, concomitant anomalies such as persistent primary canines, congenitally missing other permanent teeth, supernumerary teeth and microdontia were also recorded in patients with CMPC. 10,447 patients were divided into two groups: group A (< 121 months of age) and group B (≥ 121 months of age) to record the number of patients with CMPC. The data were presented as counts (n) and percentages (%), and statistically analysed using the Chi-square test.

RESULTS: The average age of patients with CMPC was 9.2 years, with a prevalence of 0.69% (n = 72). The difference between genders was not statistically significant (p = 0.950). The prevalence of CMPC in group B (1.08%, 26/2400) was significantly greater than that in group A (0.57%, 46/8047) (p = 0.008). 89.42% (93/104) of the missing permanent canines had visible primary canines in patients. CMPC were more likely to occur in the maxilla (91.67%) than in the mandible (6.94%) (p<0.001). No significant difference was found between the left and right sides (p = 0.844). With respect to concomitant anomalies among those with CMPC, 22 patients had 58 congenitally other permanent teeth missing, 3 patients had 3 supernumerary teeth, and 12 maxillary lateral incisors from 7 patients presented with microdontia.

CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of CMPC was 0.69%. CMPC were more likely to occur in the maxilla in the presence of persistent primary canines and were not influenced by gender or side. Early panoramic radiographs can improve the detection rate of CMPC, thereby facilitating prompt intervention and timely management.

PMID:39568013 | DOI:10.1186/s12903-024-05160-2

Ital J Pediatr. 2024 Nov 20;50(1):248. doi: 10.1186/s13052-024-01820-9.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The potential roles of viral infections in neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) have been suggested based on previous studies. Given the high prevalence of human herpesviruses (HHVs), the associations between HHVs infection and the risk of NDDs warrant explored.

METHODS: Our study employs a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis and systematic review with meta-analysis to investigate whether genetically predicted HHVs infection are linked to three main childhood NDDs-autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and Tourette syndrome (TS). We utilized genetic variants associated with HHV infections in genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary datasets of European populations to establish instrumental variables and statistics for three NDDs obtained from Psychiatric Genomics Consortium. MR analysis was performed using inverse-variance weighted, MR Egger, weighted median, simple median, weighted mode, and MR-PRESSO. In addition, publications associating HHVs infection with three NDDs were systematically searched using PubMed, Web of Science, and three Chinese databases for meta-analyses.

RESULTS: The MR results found no evidence to support a link between genetically predicted HHVs infection and the risk of NDDs based on existing datasets. Twenty-seven observational studies on children with HHVs infection and NDDs were considered eligible. Meta-analysis showed that cytomegalovirus and HHV-6 infection were related with ASD, while Epstein-Barr virus and cytomegalovirus infection were associated with TD in Chinese population.

CONCLUSIONS: These results contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the possibilities underlying HHV infections in affecting childhood NDDs. Further research is necessary to include larger and more robust statistics of HHV infections and NDDs.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: This systematic review was registered at PROSPERO as CRD42024554169. Retrospectively registered 26 July 2024.

PMID:39568007 | DOI:10.1186/s13052-024-01820-9

BMC Oral Health. 2024 Nov 20;24(1):1414. doi: 10.1186/s12903-024-05149-x.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: A comprehensive understanding of the root form and canal anatomy is essential for successful endodontic treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the root canal anatomy of mandibular premolars in the Pakistani population using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and to classify the findings with the new classification proposed by Ahmed et al. METHODS: Ethical exemption was obtained from Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi. A total of 707 CBCT scans from Karachi and Lahore were included, comprising 592 scans from a tertiary care hospital in Karachi and 115 scans from a radiology center in Lahore. The study focused on sound, fully formed mandibular first and second premolars, excluding those with significant caries, restorations, or prior root canal treatments. Scans from different equipment were used, and calibration was achieved between a specialist endodontist and two dental residents. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software, version 26. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests to determine association between the variables, and a significance level set at 5% (p <0.05) were utilized.

RESULTS: A total of 2403 mandibular premolars were analyzed. The most common configuration was ¹MPM¹ (82.90%), with rare variations such as ¹MPM^1-3-1 (0.04%) and ²MPM^{1 B1 L2} (0.04%). Single-rooted premolars were predominant (98.87%), and no significant differences were observed when data was stratified by age or gender.

CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study in Pakistan involving multiple centers and using the classification system by Ahmed et al. to understand the anatomy of mandibular premolars. The findings indicate that while most premolars have a single root and canal, variations exist. These variations highlight the importance of understanding canal morphology for improving the success of endodontic treatment. Future studies should include a larger and more diverse dataset to fully represent the Pakistani population.

PMID:39568006 | DOI:10.1186/s12903-024-05149-x

Plant Methods. 2024 Nov 20;20(1):176. doi: 10.1186/s13007-024-01298-w.

ABSTRACT

In soybean breeding programs, a great deal of time is devoted to the use of methods that perform selection of individual plants during the initial generations. Our hypothesis is that BLUPIS (simulated individual BLUP) can be efficient when applied in the initial stages of soybean breeding programs. This study aimed to explore the potential of BLUPIS in the early generations of a soybean breeding program, as well as to assess the viability of the strategy of dividing the useful area of experimental plots for estimating genotypic effects and plant selection. The experiment involved 84 segregating populations and 15 soybean parents in the F₂ and F₃ generations. Yield data was collected from the 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 cropping seasons. In the F₂ generation, different data exploration methods were applied to determine the most suitable adaptation to be used in the F₃ generation. The individual BLUP (BLUPI) was compared with BLUPIS using information from different replications and/or equal to the information used in BLUPI. The selection conducted by BLUPIS and BLUPI showed high concordance regarding the selected plants. In the F₃ generation, segregating populations were selected based on positive genotypic effects, and individual plants within these populations were further selected according to the number of plants determined by BLUPIS. The division of the plot area was an efficient strategy for selecting segregating populations and individual plants within superior populations in the F₃ generation, resulting in genetic gains of approximately 1.56 g per plant. When combined with the strategy of advancing generations in the off-season, the BLUPIS approach reduces the time required to achieve a high level of homozygosity. Therefore, BLUPIS proved to be a powerful statistical tool for early selection based on grain yield in soybeans.

PMID:39567990 | DOI:10.1186/s13007-024-01298-w

BMC Womens Health. 2024 Nov 20;24(1):614. doi: 10.1186/s12905-024-03464-7.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The death of women as a result of violent crime has become a major social and health problem worldwide. Most of these crimes are committed by their partners. The Covid-19 pandemic seems to have amplified the problem, given that measures to contain the spread of the disease have exposed women to more prolonged contact with their aggressors.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiological profile of lethal and intentional violent crimes committed against women in the state of Alagoas, Brazil, from March 2018 to February 2020 (before the pandemic) and from March 2020 to December 2021 (during the first two years of the Covid-19 pandemic).

METHODS: This is an observational study involving all deaths of women due to lethal and intentional violent crimes. The data was obtained from the Alagoas State Secretariat for Public Security. The variables age, type of crime, means used, day of the week and time of the crime were analyzed. The specific mortality rate was calculated for the entire study period. Population data was obtained from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data.

RESULTS: There were 316 deaths during the study period. The mortality rate in 2020 (5.33/100,000) was higher than in the years prior to the pandemic (3.88/100,000 in 2018 and 4.84/100,000 in 2019). There was a predominance of the 18-29 (31.31%) and 30-39 (27.95%) age groups in both periods. The proportion of female homicides was 55.19% in the pre-pandemic period and 64.20% in the pandemic period. The proportion of beating deaths was 1.7 times higher in the pandemic period than in the non-pandemic period (15.23% vs. 8.97%). There was also an increase in beatings on Saturdays, with a proportion 1.60 times higher than in the pre-pandemic period (19.75% vs. 12.34%).

CONCLUSION: The victims were predominantly young women, the crimes classified as homicides and with the use of firearms. The study emphasizes that the context of the Covid-19 pandemic may have contributed to the increase in violent crimes against women in Alagoas, highlighting the urgency of preventive measures and support for victims.

PMID:39567966 | DOI:10.1186/s12905-024-03464-7

Chiropr Man Therap. 2024 Nov 20;32(1):35. doi: 10.1186/s12998-024-00558-9.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Research enables a profession to establish its cultural authority, validate its professional roles and ensure ongoing improvement in the quality of its academic programming. Despite the clear importance of research, a mature research culture has eluded the chiropractic profession. A fostering institutional culture that enables, values, and supports research activity is essential to building research capacity. Our study aimed to collect information about the existing research capacity and culture at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC) and explore the views, attitudes and experiences of faculty members regarding research.

METHODS: We conducted a sequential explanatory mixed methods study with quantitative priority between April and July, 2023. Quantitative data were collected using the Research Capacity and Culture (RCC) tool. Survey results guided the qualitative data collected from four faculty focus groups with varying levels of research experience. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics by domain and stratified by research education and workload. The qualitative data were thematically analyzed and then integrated with the quantitative results to provide deeper meaning to the results.

RESULTS: The faculty survey response rate was 42% (59/144). Attributes at the organization or department level were consistently rated as either moderate or high; however, research skills at an individual level were more variable and influenced by factors such as research workload and highest research-related academic qualification. Qualitative focus group data were categorized under four themes: institutional factors, resource allocation, career pathways and personal factors. Lower scores for survey items related to mentorship, research planning and ensuring faculty research career pathways, as well as the identified workload and time-related barriers (e.g., other work roles and desire for work/life balance) for engaging in research were supported by each of the four themes. Research motivators included keeping the brain stimulated, developing skills and increasing job satisfaction.

CONCLUSION: The quantitative and qualitative information in this study provides a baseline evaluation for RCC and identifies key factors impacting RCC at the CMCC. This information is critical for planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating future interventions to enhance research capacity. Ultimately, these efforts are aimed at maturing the research culture of the chiropractic profession.

PMID:39567963 | DOI:10.1186/s12998-024-00558-9

BMC Public Health. 2024 Nov 20;24(1):3227. doi: 10.1186/s12889-024-20620-8.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive degenerative neurological disorder that negatively affects the quality of life of affected individuals as well as their care givers. There is limited information in both epidemiological data and awareness level on PD in the Middle East. Considering the increasing prevalence of PD, the lack of awareness and negative attitudes toward PD pose a barrier in the provision of appropriate care for individuals with PD.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to validate scales to explore the knowledge and attitude towards PD among the general population in Lebanon and identify the associated factors related to the knowledge and attitude assessment. This study’s results would guide awareness strategies in the country including public health strategies, campaigns and education sessions for the general population as well as targeted people.

METHODOLOGY: An online cross-sectional study was conducted between July and September 2023 in Lebanon. Snowball sampling was used to recruit 400 Lebanese adults living in Lebanon. The validity and reliability of the knowledge and attitude scales were assessed, followed by a thorough statistical analysis to explore the factors associated with these scales.

RESULTS: The knowledge and attitude scales generated by this study were valid and reliable; Cronbach’s alpha values for knowledge and attitude scales were 0.697 and 0.901, respectively. Using these scales, 91.8% demonstrated inappropriate knowledge and 93% showed positive attitude towards PD. Higher knowledge scores were significantly associated with female gender (Beta = 1.130), being a healthcare professional (Beta = 2.514), having heard about PD (Beta = 5.338), obtaining the source of information from electronic databases (Beta = 1.283), from pharmacist or physician (Beta = 1.212), from personal readings (Beta = 2.386), and having PD or knowing someone with PD; a friend or a family member (Beta = 1.179). However, being illiterate or having primary or secondary education (Beta = -0.874), having a higher household crowding index (Beta = -1.890), not knowing if contents from sources provide negative images about PD (Beta = – 1.908) and preferring not to say to which social class they belong (Beta = – 1.602) were significantly associated with lower knowledge scores. Believing that contents from sources provide negative images about PD (Beta = 8.246) was significantly associated with a higher attitude score, i.e., a more negative attitude towards PD.

CONCLUSION: This study showed low levels of knowledge and an overall positive attitude towards PD in Lebanon. Factors associated with higher knowledge and attitude scores, including gender, education level, profession, knowing someone with the disease, household crowding index, social class, source of information and contents of such sources, reflect the need to consider those when implementing targeted corrective actions. Future studies can focus on educational campaigns to improve public awareness, reduce misconceptions and limit barriers to the early diagnosis and provision of optimal care to the affected patients.

PMID:39567959 | DOI:10.1186/s12889-024-20620-8

BMC Oral Health. 2024 Nov 20;24(1):1417. doi: 10.1186/s12903-024-05184-8.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Oral diseases are a significant global public health challenge. Current evidence indicates that several chronic conditions are individually associated with tooth loss. People are living with more than one chronic condition, known as multimorbidity (MM). Considering the common risk factors for oral and chronic diseases, this study aimed to evaluate the association between MM and tooth loss in the Chilean population.

METHODS: Cross-sectional study with secondary data from the latest Chilean National Health Survey (ENS 2016-17). The number of remaining teeth was classified into four groups: functional dentition (≥ 20 remaining teeth), moderate tooth loss (10 to 19), severe tooth loss (1 to 9), and edentulism (0). MM was defined based on the number of chronic conditions as a binary variable (MM_{≥ 2}) and as a 4-level categorical variable (MM_G0-G3), G0: none, G1: 1, G2: 2-4, and G3: ≥5 conditions. Stratified analysis by age group (< 65, ≥ 65 years) was performed. Mean and SD were calculated for crude and adjusted remaining teeth. Significance level was set to 0.05. Prevalence ratios were estimated with Poisson regression models with robust variance, crude and adjusted for sex, age, geographic area, and educational level. Logistic regressions models were fitted to calculate odds ratios as a sensitivity analysis.

RESULTS: Of 4,151 adults aged 17-98, 54.9% had MM and the prevalence of moderate, severe tooth loss and edentulism was 25.4%, 6.9% and 4.8% respectively. Adults aged ≥ 65 years with MM_{≥ 2} were 1.66 [1.04-2.66] times more likely to have severe tooth loss than those without MM. Adults aged < 65 years with MM_G3 were 1.76 [1.12-2.77] times more likely to have moderate tooth loss and 2.55 [1.02-6.36] times more likely to have severe tooth loss than those without MM.

CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we found statistically significant associations between the number of chronic conditions and moderate/severe tooth loss in both analyzed age groups. These findings highlight the need to provide oral health care for adults with multimorbidity using a person-centred model and to seek strategies to prioritize health care.

PMID:39567956 | DOI:10.1186/s12903-024-05184-8

BMC Womens Health. 2024 Nov 20;24(1):617. doi: 10.1186/s12905-024-03458-5.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The use of immediate postpartum intrauterine contraceptive devices during the postpartum period supports women’s need for spacing births and prevents them from unplanned pregnancies. However, in developing countries, utilization of immediate postpartum contraceptives is low. This increases the risk of maternal morbidity, maternal mortality, preterm birth, child mortality, low birth weight, and small gestational age in subsequent pregnancy with interpregnancy interval.

OBJECTIVE: To assess immediate postpartum intrauterine contraceptive device utilization and the associated factors among women who gave birth in Hospitals in West Wolegga Zone in 2020.

METHODS AND MATERIALS: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted in public hospitals in the West Wolegga Zone from 1 April 2020 to 30 April 2020 among 290 postpartum women. The sample size was proportionally allocated to six hospitals by considering their monthly delivery. Study subjects were taken by systematic sampling technique (Kth=N/n =1025/290=3.53), thus every 4th woman who gave birth in the hospital was recruited in each hospital until the total sample size for this study was obtained. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the association of independent variables with immediate postpartum intrauterine device utilization. A significance level of 0.05 was used to assess the statistical significance of the study’s associations.

RESULTS: In this study, the magnitude of the Immediate postpartum intrauterine contraceptive device utilization was 19.3%.factors like Early initiation of antenatal care [AOR=4.46 95% CI:1.84-10.78], Planning of future pregnancy [AOR=3.7(95% CI: 1.43-9.54)], Ever heard of the immediate postpartum intrauterine contraceptive device [AOR=2.67(95% CI: 1.08-6.58)] and Counseling about postpartum intrauterine contraceptive device [AOR=5.15(95% interval: 2.00-13.28] were associated with immediate postpartum intrauterine device utilizations.

CONCLUSION: The use of immediate postpartum intrauterine contraceptive devices is low compared to other studies conducted in Ethiopia. Age, early antenatal care initiation, pregnancy planning, hearing of the immediate postpartum intrauterine device immediately inserted after delivery, and counselling on the immediate postpartum intrauterine device were significantly associated with mothers’ use of immediate postpartum intrauterine devices. Health Program directors should develop strategies to increase the use of immediate postpartum intrauterine contraceptive devices.

PMID:39567955 | DOI:10.1186/s12905-024-03458-5

J Orthop Surg Res. 2024 Nov 21;19(1):778. doi: 10.1186/s13018-024-05274-x.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Hidden blood loss (HBL) is a notable complication in spinal endoscopic procedures. This study aims to compare tissue damage and hidden blood loss between two minimally invasive spinal techniques: unilateral biportal endoscopic lumbar discectomy (UBE) and percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar discectomy (PEID). Furthermore, the study examines the risk factors contributing to hidden blood loss in each procedure.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: A single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted on 86 patients who underwent unilateral biportal endoscopic lumbar discectomy (UBE) and 73 patients who received percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar discectomy (PEID) between January 2021 and December 2023.Demographic data, blood loss parameters, and serum levels of creatine kinase (CK) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were recorded. Pearson or Spearman correlation analyses were conducted to evaluate associations between patient characteristics and HBL. Additionally, multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify independent risk factors for HBL.

RESULTS: A total of 159 consecutive patients were included in this study, consisting of 83 females and 76 males. The average hidden blood loss (HBL) was 431.00 ± 160.52 ml in the UBE group and 328.40 ± 87.71 ml in the PEID group, showing a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). Pearson or Spearman correlation analysis indicated that in the UBE group, HBL was associated with operation time, preoperative hematocrit (Hct), ASA classification, and paraspinal muscle thickness. In the PEID group, HBL was correlated with operation time, preoperative activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), paraspinal muscle thickness, and the presence of diabetes (P < 0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated a positive correlation between HBL and operation time in both groups (P < 0.05), identifying operation time as an independent risk factor for HBL. Furthermore, CRP and CK levels were generally lower in the PEID group compared to the UBE group, particularly on postoperative day 3 for CRP and postoperative day 1 for CK. Both total blood loss and hidden blood loss were significantly lower in the PEID group than in the UBE group.

CONCLUSION: Compared to UBE, PEID shows superior results regarding surgical trauma, total blood loss, hidden blood loss (HBL), and postoperative hematocrit (Hct) reduction. Consequently, PEID is recommended as the treatment of choice for younger patients or those with compromised baseline perioperative conditions.Additionally, Hidden blood loss remains a critical factor, and surgical duration presents a shared risk in both procedures.

PMID:39567947 | DOI:10.1186/s13018-024-05274-x