Nevin Manimala

Minerva Dent Oral Sci. 2024 Oct 29. doi: 10.23736/S2724-6329.24.04961-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Following an episode of hereditary angioedema (HAE), dental anxiety commonly arises, and many patients find it challenging to access proper care. While the use of virtual reality (VR) for pain and anxiety management in dentistry is on the rise, its application in individuals with angioedema remains largely unexplored. In a case series conducted at a specialized dental clinic, three patients with a history of acute angioedema attacks and dental anxiety engaged with 360° VR videos while seated in the dental chair, utilizing a virtual reality device.

METHODS: Three patients with hereditary angioedema were treated by subjecting them to virtual immersion using VR glasses. Intraoperative reactions were analyzed using VAS scales in order to report the patients’ level of anxiety and pain.

RESULTS: The outcomes, evaluated through a standard observation tool, surveys, and interviews, encompass the assessment of patient anxiety and pain, responses to VR, and the evaluation of system usability along with its impact on the dental team’s workflow Three individuals underwent examination, from which three reliable questionnaires were obtained, demonstrating a success rate of 99.9%. The group included one male and two females, with their ages spanning from 6 to 58 years. The findings revealed an average anxiety score of 1.80 with a standard deviation of 0.6 points, and an average pain score of 1.98 with a standard deviation of 0.3, thus validating full immersion in distraction. Statistical analysis using independent-sample t-tests and ANOVA indicated no significant differences in anxiety levels among the patients based on gender. Both patients wore the VR device throughout the procedure, expressing that it was comfortable, diverting, and held the potential to alleviate anxiety and pain. The dentist noted a positive influence on patient anxiety levels and procedure completion times, expressing an intention to continue employing VR with other angioedema patients and across diverse clinical populations.

CONCLUSIONS: Virtual reality can be an excellent distraction tool in patients with hereditary angioedema who present at least one acute attack per year.

PMID:39470592 | DOI:10.23736/S2724-6329.24.04961-1

Acta Otolaryngol. 2024 Oct 29:1-5. doi: 10.1080/00016489.2024.2411350. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a critical treatment for various hematologic malignancies but can lead to complications, including ototoxicity.

AIM/OBJECTIVES: This study aims to explore the relationship between patient-specific factors and ototoxicity in adult HSCT patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 129 adult patients who underwent HSCT between 2003 and 2020. Age, gender, transplant indications, conditioning regimens, and pre- and post-transplant audiometry thresholds data were collected from patient files. A hearing loss of 10 decibels or more at two consecutive frequencies or a hearing loss of 20 decibels or more at a single frequency was considered as significant hearing loss (SHL). Statistical analyses were performed to describe factors associated with SHL.

RESULTS: SHL occurred in 16.3% of patients. Older age was significantly associated with an increased risk of SHL (p = .035). Poorer pretransplant hearing thresholds at 4000 Hz and 6000 Hz were also significant predictors of SHL (p = .039 and p = .014, respectively). There was no significant relationship between the donor type of HSCT (autologous vs. allogeneic) and ototoxicity (p = .45), and between conditioning regimens and ototoxicity (p = .860).

CONCLUSIONS: Age and pre-existing hearing levels are significant predictors of ototoxicity post-HSCT. Careful management and monitoring are essential to prevent and address hearing loss in HSCT patients to improve hearing-related quality of life.

PMID:39470587 | DOI:10.1080/00016489.2024.2411350

Medicine (Baltimore). 2024 Oct 25;103(43):e39710. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000039710.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Recently, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has emerged as a leading technique for investigating schizophrenia (SZ) pathological mechanisms, prompting an increase in related studies. This study aims to examine the field’s research status and trends via bibliometric analysis.

METHOD: The publications on SZ and MRI over the past decade were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC) On October 15, 2023. CiteSpace and VOSviewer were used to conduct scientometric and visualized analysis, covering countries, institutions, authors, journals, co-cited literature, and keywords.

RESULTS: A total of 4840 publications were retrieved from 2014 to 2023. The United States leads with 1863 articles, followed by China with 1127 articles. King’s College London had the highest number of publications, with 332 articles. Schizophrenia Research ranks first in the journal that published the research on schizophrenia and MRI, the most published journal, Neuroimage is the most cited journal. Calhoun is the most prolific author with 145 articles, and Fischl is the most cited author, receiving 1188 citations. The literature co-citation network (2014 to 2023) revealed 16 clusters with robust structure (Q = 0.8719) and high confidence (S = 0.9421) involving MRI studies of SZ, genetic imaging and treatment of schizophrenia. Keywords include MRI, psychosis and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), MRI and neuroimaging, MRI and neuroimaging and white matter and diffusion tensor imaging.

CONCLUSION: This study offers an overview of the research status and trends of publications on SZ and MRI, aiming to inspire future research directions.

PMID:39470568 | DOI:10.1097/MD.0000000000039710

Medicine (Baltimore). 2024 Oct 25;103(43):e40093. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000040093.

ABSTRACT

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common male sexual health problem that can be associated with obesity. This study aimed to identify serum metabolic differences and pathways related to ED in obese men using non-targeted metabolomics techniques. We included 54 obese male patients with (n = 27) and without (n = 27) ED. We collected 5 mL of fasting elbow vein blood and analyzed serum metabolites using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Multivariate statistical methods (principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis) were used to identify differential metabolites between the groups. Finally, pathway analysis using the Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes database identified 4 differential metabolic pathways in obese men with ED compared to obese men without ED. A total of 77 differential metabolites were identified in obese men with ED compared to the control group (obese men without ED) using a threshold of variable importance in the projection > 1 and P < .05. Pathway analysis revealed 4 main differences: glycine, serine and threonine metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, and D-glutamine and D-glutamate metabolism. Specific metabolites associated with these pathways included betaine aldehyde, choline, L-threonine, phosphatidylcholine, L-serine, and D-glutamine. Our findings suggest abnormalities in fatty acid metabolism, phospholipid metabolism, and amino acid metabolism between obese men with and without ED. Metabolites such as betaine aldehyde, choline, L-threonine, phosphatidylcholine, L-serine, and D-glutamine may be potential biomarkers for distinguishing obese men with ED.

PMID:39470567 | DOI:10.1097/MD.0000000000040093

Medicine (Baltimore). 2024 Oct 25;103(43):e40147. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000040147.

ABSTRACT

Given the need to measure parents’ perceptions of their children’s exposure to tobacco smoke, the Parental Perceptions of Children’s Exposure to Tobacco Smoke (PPE) instrument was developed and validated in Hebrew and later translated into English and Portuguese. The PPE has already been translated and adapted to the Brazilian context but a more robust sample is necessary to investigate the measurement properties. Thus, this study evaluated the measurement properties of the Brazilian version of the PPE instrument. Reliability and validity study were conducted with 161 parents with children up to 18 years of age. Perception of parental smoking status was investigated using analysis of variance. The instrument showed excellent reliability (Cronbach α = 0.92 and intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.91). The exploratory factor analysis identified 4 factors with a total accumulated variance of 71.6%. Confirmatory factor analysis validated this structure with 4 factors. It was necessary to exclude a question that presented low commonality. Analysis of variance demonstrated that nonsmoking and former smoking parents have similar scores, although they are higher than those of current smokers. Our findings provide evidence that the PPE version translated and adapted for the Brazilian context is a reliable and valid instrument. Thus, it can help us understand how parents cope with exposure to tobacco smoke.

PMID:39470565 | DOI:10.1097/MD.0000000000040147

Waste Manag Res. 2024 Oct 29:734242X241291939. doi: 10.1177/0734242X241291939. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Zimbabwe’s tourism industry, renowned for its natural wonders and cultural heritage, faces a looming energy crisis rooted in the detrimental over-reliance on fossil fuels and the underutilization of substantial waste resources that lie dormant. The article investigates multifaceted relationship between six independent variables: landfill gas recovery and anaerobic digestion, pyrolysis and gasification, incineration, biogas production, biodiesel production, ethanol production and syngas fermentation and one dependent variable: energy development and sustainability. In this study, a quantitative methodology was adopted, involving the gathering of data from 519 stakeholders in the tourism supply chain through a simple random sampling technique, with the sample size determined using the Krejcie and Morgan table. The distribution of questionnaires was facilitated through Google Forms, and the data analysis was conducted using Smart PLS. Statistical findings indicate direct significant relationship between variables, and t-statistic values all hypotheses were all greater than the threshold of 1.96, ranging from a minimum of 2.911 to a maximum of 9.431. These findings underscore the robustness of the relationships between the waste-to-energy technologies and energy development and sustainability within Zimbabwe’s tourism sector. This empirical evidence highlights the substantial potential for these innovative technologies to play a pivotal role in mitigating the energy crisis and fostering sustainable energy development.

PMID:39469843 | DOI:10.1177/0734242X241291939

J Sci Food Agric. 2024 Oct 29. doi: 10.1002/jsfa.13982. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Xiushui Ninghong tea (XSNH) has a long history and is renowned both in China and internationally. Based on different processing techniques, XSNH can be classified into Ninghong Congou, Ninghong Tea Jinhao, Ninghong Tea Longxucha and other types. To investigate the differences in nutrient compounds and mineral element contents among various types of XSNH, 34 samples from seven types were collected, primarily from tea-producing areas.

RESULTS: Statistical analysis indicated no significant differences in the contents of crude polysaccharides, K, Mg and Fe, whereas significant differences were observed in the levels of moisture, free amino acids, caffeine, tea polyphenols, thearubigin, theaflavins, Zn, P, Mn, Cu and Se. The data were analyzed using various statistical methods such as hierarchical cluster analysis, principal component analysis and partial least squares discriminant analysis. Characteristic compounds and elements such as theaflavin, Se, free amino acids, P and tea polyphenols were identified as key differential components for distinguishing different sample types.

CONCLUSION: Our research has highlighted the differences in chemical indicators among various types of XSNH, providing a crucial theoretical basis for the future classification and grading of XSNH quality. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

PMID:39469833 | DOI:10.1002/jsfa.13982

Ginekol Pol. 2024 Oct 29. doi: 10.5603/gpl.103145. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) is defined as a chronic inflammatory skin disease that most often involves lesions on the mucous membranes of the vulva with a tendency to progress to the anal skin. The etiopathogenesis of VLS remains unknown and is likely multifactorial. Data emphasize the role of immunological factors – more than 25% of VLS cases coexist with autoimmune diseases. The purpose of the present study was to determine the correlation of the prevalence of anti-thyroid antibodies – IgG class antibodies against thyroid peroxidase and IgG class antibodies against thyroglobulin in women with vulvar lichen sclerosus, and the appropriateness of screening tests for autoimmune thyroid diseases in women with vulvar lichen sclerosus.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty women with vulvar lichen sclerosus were enrolled in the study. The control group consisted of 41 healthy women. A detailed medical history was taken with all patients, followed by laboratory determinations – anti-thyroid antibodies – IgG class antibodies against thyroid peroxidase and IgG class antibodies against thyroglobulin.

RESULTS: Antibodies to thyroid peroxidase were present in 12% of the study group with vulvar lichen sclerosus and 4.88% of the control group, and this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.41). Anti-thyroglobulin antibodies were detected in 4% of the patients with vulvar lichen sclerosus and 4.88% of the control group, and this difference was not statistically significant either (p = 0.76).

CONCLUSIONS: The study did not confirm the association of VLS with autoimmune thyroid diseases. Undoubtedly, based on the data available in the literature, further studies are needed to determine the mechanisms behind the association between vulvar lichen sclerosus and autoimmune thyroid diseases.

PMID:39469822 | DOI:10.5603/gpl.103145

Ginekol Pol. 2024 Oct 29. doi: 10.5603/gpl.101029. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The effects of posterior vaginal wall prolapse on pelvic floor function have not been adequately investigated, particularly for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). We aimed to investigate the effects of isolated posterior compartment prolapse on LUTS.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted as a PROSPECTIVE: cross-sectional study with female patients with isolated posterior prolapse who presented with any LUTS. All patients were evaluated according to the POP-Q system. A total of 41 patients with stage 2-3 isolated pelvic organ prolapse were included in the study group. The control group consisted of a total of 41 patients without significant pelvic organ prolapse. Study and control groups were compared in terms of demographic data and UDI-6, IIQ-7, ICIQ-FLUTS, LUTS QoL, FLUT Sex scales.

RESULTS: The incidence of SUI, UI, frequency, nocturia, abnormal evacuation, difficulty in passage and vaginal farting in the study group was found to be statistically significantly higher than the control group. In the study group, the total scores on the UDI-6, IIQ-7, and LUTS QoL measures were significantly higher. While the total scores of the ICIQ-FLUTS Scale “Filling” and “Incontinence” subgroups were significantly higher in the study group, no significant difference was found in the “voiding” subgroup. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of their total FLUT Sex scores.

CONCLUSIONS: It has been shown that isolated posterior prolapse may be associated with an increase in lower urinary tract system symptoms and a decrease in quality of life.

PMID:39469821 | DOI:10.5603/gpl.101029

Ginekol Pol. 2024 Oct 29. doi: 10.5603/gpl.98199. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the impact of Pilates exercises on premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms, perceived stress levels, and pain intensity.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-six women with PMS participated in this study and were assigned to the intervention and control groups based on their willingness to participate. The intervention group undertook Pilates practices via video recording twice a week for 8 weeks, while the control group did not engage in regular exercise during the same period. PMS symptoms were assessed using the Premenstrual Syndrome Scale (PMSS), premenstrual stress levels were evaluated using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and premenstrual pain levels were assessed using the McGill Melzack Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) at both the beginning and end of the study.

RESULTS: There was a significant difference observed in the PMSS, PSS and MPQ evaluations of the intervention group following their participation in Pilates practices (p < 0.05). Conversely, no significant difference was observed in the PMSS, PSS and MPQ evaluations of the control group at the end of the study (p > 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in PMSS evaluation (p > 0.05) at the end of the study. However, a statistically significant difference was detected in PSS and MPQ evaluations (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Pilates exercise can affectively decrease the perceived stress level and pain severity in PMS affected women. This study highlights the efficacy of Pilates for physiotherapists in PMS symptom reduction. Moreover, the implementation of a self-guided video-based home exercise program could provide patients with practical and time-efficient alternatives.

PMID:39469819 | DOI:10.5603/gpl.98199