Nevin Manimala

Korean J Orthod. 2024 Aug 12. doi: 10.4041/kjod23.206. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To determine the correlation between dentoskeletal parameters related to craniofacial morphology and the upper airway (UA) volume.

METHODS: Cone-beam computed tomography images of 106 randomly selected orthodontic patients were analyzed using NemoFab Ortho software. The dentoskeletal variables assessed were anterior facial height (AFH), posterior facial height (PFH), PFH/AFH ratio, hyoid position, maxillary width (MW), and palatal depth. The UA volume (evaluation in anatomical regions and as a whole) was also assessed using the same software. We also evaluated potential differences in UA variables between age and sex groups. The correlation between the dentoskeletal parameters and UA volume was calculated using the Pearson correlation coefficient (R). Analysis of variance and Student’s t test were performed to assess differences between age and sex for UA variables. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software (version 26 for Windows).

RESULTS: This study found that PFH, AFH, and MW were the dentoskeletal parameters most strongly correlated with UA volume. However, the ANB angle did not show any significant correlation with UA volume. Additionally, differences in UA volumes were observed between age groups. Sex differences were found in both the “8-12” and “≥ 16” age groups for oropharyngeal and pharyngeal volumes.

CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, our findings indicate a significant correlation between UA volume and dentoskeletal parameters, particularly those related to facial height and MW.

PMID:39128860 | DOI:10.4041/kjod23.206

Pediatr Obes. 2024 Aug 11:e13160. doi: 10.1111/ijpo.13160. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly changed the lifestyle and dietary habits of societies worldwide. The aim of the study was to assess changes in the distribution of fat tissue and skinfold thickness in adolescents (aged 11-15) from Kraków during the COVID-19 pandemic period.

METHODS: Two cross-sectional studies conducted in 2020 and 2022 (before and after the pandemic) involved 1662 adolescents from the Kraków population. Skinfold thickness measurements were taken. The trunk adiposity index, limbs-to-trunk fat ratio and limbs-to-total skinfold ratio were calculated. Statistical analysis employed a two-way ANOVA, Tukey’s HSD test and the Kruskal-Wallis test, depending on the normality of the distribution.

RESULTS: Higher skinfold thicknesses were observed in the majority of age groups in both sexes from the 2022 cohort in comparison with the 2020 cohort. Additionally, higher values of the trunk adiposity index and the limbs-to-total skinfold ratio in most age groups were observed. However, an inverse trend was observed in the limbs-to-trunk fat radio.

CONCLUSIONS: The introduced restrictions such as lockdown, remote learning, reduced physical activity and changes in dietary habits could have influenced the distribution of fat tissue and skinfold thickness amongst adolescents from Kraków.

PMID:39128856 | DOI:10.1111/ijpo.13160

J Dermatolog Treat. 2024 Dec;35(1):2389174. doi: 10.1080/09546634.2024.2389174. Epub 2024 Aug 11.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Topical treatments are the foundation for patients with psoriasis; however, adherence can be limited by patient preferences and treatment burden.

METHODS: The Harris Poll conducted an online survey of US patients with psoriasis who use prescription topical therapy to examine their preferences and perspectives on topical treatments.

RESULTS: Among patients with psoriasis who use topical treatment (n = 507), most participants described their psoriasis symptoms as mild (31%) or moderate (59%). The body areas most often reported to be affected by psoriasis were the scalp, elbows, legs, intertriginous areas, arms, and knees. Participants reported psoriasis affecting the scalp (39%), elbows (20%), and legs (excluding knees; 19%) caused the greatest impact on quality of life. Most participants (76%) preferred topical therapies to treat their psoriasis, while 20% preferred pills, and 4% preferred injections. The most common product attributes that participants wanted in a topical psoriasis treatment and that would help them to continue to use the treatment were: improvement in plaques (68%), itch relief (68%), and easy to apply (63%).

CONCLUSION: The respondents to this survey reported that they prefer topical treatments to pills or injections (76%) and most (89%) reported they are interested in trying a new topical treatment.

PMID:39128848 | DOI:10.1080/09546634.2024.2389174

Int J Hyperthermia. 2024;41(1):2362998. doi: 10.1080/02656736.2024.2362998. Epub 2024 Aug 11.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Focused ultrasound ablation surgery (FUAS) has been widely employed to treat patients with uterine fibroid (UF). This study aimed to estimate myometrial stiffness changes in patients who received FUAS for UFs or myomectomy (ME) and compare the recovery of surrounding myometrium between FUAS and ME groups. Our results may provide more evidence for guiding the proper conception timing in patients with UF.

METHODS: This study enrolled 173 patients from May 2022 to August 2023. Shear wave elastography (SWE) was used to dynamically monitor myometrial elasticity changes in patients before and after surgery. Moreover, our study monitored and analyzed the stiffness changes in the targeted fibroid after FUAS, as well as in the myometrium around after FUAS or ME.

RESULTS: The stiffness of the myometrium around the resected fibroid was significantly higher than at the preoperative level until 6 months. Conversely, the stiffness of the surrounding myometrium was only temporarily increased 1 day after FUAS. The comparison between FUAS and ME groups regarding the stiffness of the surrounding myometrium showed that nonsignificant differences were detected between the two groups before the treatment. The stiffness of the surrounding myometrium in the ME group was statistically significantly higher than that of the FUAS group 1 day as well as 1, 3, and 6 months after the treatment, respectively.

CONCLUSION: The FUAS had less impact on the surrounding myometrium than the ME, which may be more conducive to the recovery of myometrial elasticity in patients with UF.

PMID:39128847 | DOI:10.1080/02656736.2024.2362998

Environ Technol. 2024 Aug 11:1-18. doi: 10.1080/09593330.2024.2388313. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

High-salinity wastewater, owing to its intricate composition and challenging treatment requirements, poses a significant hurdle in water environmental governance. In this study, low-temperature evaporation technology is used to tackle wastewater containing the volatile organic compound such as N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAC). Utilisation of comprehensive approaches involving experimental testing, mathematical modelling, and Aspen Plus software simulations, The influence of DMAC on evaporation efficiency is researched through the following factors which encompassing its effects on boiling point elevation, partial molar activation energy, and the formation of by-products. Additionally, the comparation of the impact of temperature, ionic strength, intermolecular interactions on the evaporation rate and the concentration of the volatile component DMAC in the condensate is also conducted in this study. After conducting a multiple linear regression analysis of evaporation efficiency using the Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) tool, it was discovered that temperature serves as the primary determinant influencing the evaporation rate. Additionally, ionic strength impacts solution viscosity, intermolecular interactions, and saturated vapour pressure by altering the intermolecular forces, thereby indirectly influencing both the evaporation rate and the quality of condensate water. The comparative analysis of single-effect and double-effect evaporation indicates that the optimal operating condition for double-effect evaporation yields an evaporation rate of 70%, with a remarkable 88% reduction in steam consumption compared to single one. Based on heat and mass balance principles, the mathematical model for double-effect evaporation is established to offer crucial data support for practical industrial applications.

PMID:39128844 | DOI:10.1080/09593330.2024.2388313

Glob Public Health. 2024 Jan;19(1):2386979. doi: 10.1080/17441692.2024.2386979. Epub 2024 Aug 11.

ABSTRACT

We piloted the delivery of a prototype couples-focused intervention, ‘Diabetes Together’ with 14 people living with diabetes (PLWD) and their partners, in Cape Town, South Africa in 2022. We aimed to: assess feasibility of recruiting couples in this setting; explore acceptability of intervention materials and changes needed; and investigate whether our prespecified logic model captured how the intervention may work. We used questionnaires, interviews and focus groups after each workshop and after couples completed counselling. We conducted a process evaluation to identify intervention modifications and used inductive thematic analysis to explore whether the data supported our logic model. Twelve of the 14 couples completed the second workshop and 2 couples completed two counselling sessions post-workshop. Feedback showed participants appreciated the intervention and limited improvements were made. Thematic analysis identified four main themes: (1) involving partners matters; (2) group work supports solidarity with other couples; (3) improving communication between partners is crucial; and (4) taking part helped couples to take control of diabetes. Data suggested the logic model should explicitly acknowledge the importance of group education and of equalising partners’ knowledge. This pilot suggests that ‘Diabetes Together’ increased knowledge and skills within couples and could facilitate improved, collaborative self-management of diabetes.

PMID:39128837 | DOI:10.1080/17441692.2024.2386979

Eur J Pharmacol. 2024 Aug 9:176877. doi: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176877. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common and malignant tumor diagnosed in women, with 2.9 million cases in 2023 and the fifth highest cancer-causing mortality worldwide. Recent developments in targeted therapy options for BC have demonstrated the promising potential of small interfering RNA (siRNA)-based cancer therapeutic approaches. As BC continues to be a global burden, siRNA therapy emerges as a potential treatment strategy to regulate disease-related genes in other types of cancers, including BC. siRNAs are tiny RNA molecules that, by preventing their expression, can specifically silence genes linked to the development of cancer. In order to increase the stability and effectiveness of siRNA delivery to BC cells, minimize off-target effects, and improve treatment efficacy, advanced delivery technologies such as lipid nanoparticles and nanocarriers have been created. Additionally, combination therapies, such as siRNAs that target multiple pathways are used in conjunction with conventional chemotherapy agents, have shown synergistic effects in various preclinical studies, opening up new treatment options for breast cancer that are personalized and precision medicine-oriented. Targeting important genes linked to BC growth, metastasis, and chemo-resistance has been reported in BC research using siRNA-based therapies. This study reviews recent reports on therapeutic approaches to siRNA for advanced treatment of BC. Furthermore, this review evaluates the role and mechanisms of siRNA in BC and demonstrates the potential of exploiting siRNA as a novel target for BC therapy.

PMID:39128807 | DOI:10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176877

Hellenic J Cardiol. 2024 Aug 9:S1109-9666(24)00170-2. doi: 10.1016/j.hjc.2024.08.003. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to leverage real-world electronic medical record (EMR) data to develop interpretable machine learning models for diagnosis of Kawasaki disease, while also exploring and prioritizing the significant risk factors.

METHODS: A comprehensive study was conducted on 4,087 pediatric patients at the Children’s Hospital of Chongqing, China. The study collected demographic data, physical examination results, and laboratory findings. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 26.0. The optimal feature subset was employed to develop intelligent diagnostic prediction models based on the Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LGBM), Explainable Boosting Machine (EBM), Gradient Boosting Classifier (GBC), Fast Interpretable Greedy-Tree Sums (FIGS), Decision Tree (DT), AdaBoost Classifier (AdaBoost), and Logistic Regression (LR). Model performance was evaluated in three dimensions: discriminative ability via Receiver Operating Characteristic curves, calibration accuracy using calibration curves, and interpretability through Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) and Local Interpretable Model-Agnostic Explanations (LIME).

RESULTS: In this study, Kawasaki disease was diagnosed in 2,971 participants. Analysis was conducted on 31 indicators, including red blood cell distribution width and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. The EBM model demonstrated superior performance compared to other models, with an Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 0.97, second only to the GBC model. Furthermore, the EBM model exhibited the highest calibration accuracy and maintained its interpretability without relying on external analytical tools like SHAP and LIME, thus reducing interpretation biases. Platelet distribution width, total protein, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were identified by the model as significant predictors for the diagnosis of Kawasaki disease.

CONCLUSIONS: This study employed diverse machine learning models for early diagnosis of Kawasaki disease. The findings demonstrated that interpretable models, like EBM, outperformed traditional machine learning models in terms of both interpretability and performance. Ensuring consistency between predictive models and clinical evidence is crucial for the successful integration of artificial intelligence into real-world clinical practice.

PMID:39128707 | DOI:10.1016/j.hjc.2024.08.003

Arthroscopy. 2024 Aug 9:S0749-8063(24)00551-6. doi: 10.1016/j.arthro.2024.07.023. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the change in hip distractive stability after a cam over-resection, labral tear, repair, labrectomy, or circumferential 6-mm or 10-mm labral reconstruction in a biomechanical model.

METHODS: Ten fresh-frozen matched pair human cadaveric hips were analyzed using a materials testing system to measure the force and distance required to disrupt the suction seal of the hip (1) with an intact capsule and labrum, (2) after a capsulectomy and labral repair, (3) after a capsulectomy, 5-mm cam over-resection and labral repair, (4) after a capsulectomy, 5-mm cam over-resection and labral tear, (5) after a capsulectomy, 5-mm cam over-resection and labrectomy, and (6) after a capsulectomy, 5-mm cam over-resection, and a 6- or 10-mm circumferential labral reconstruction with iliotibial band (5 hips each). Each specimen was retested at 0° flexion, 45° flexion, and 45° flexion and 15° internal rotation and analyzed using non-parametric statistical methods.

RESULTS: The Friedman test of differences was significant among structural conditions and hip positions (P = 0.001). In all positions, the resistive force that opposed the disruption of the suction seal in an intact hip was significantly greater compared to all other conditions. The resistive force for the capsulectomy, 5-mm cam over-resection and labrectomy condition was significantly less compared to almost all other conditions and hip positions. A qualitative suction seal was achieved in 20% of hip specimens with a 6-mm labral reconstruction while a seal was in achieved 60% of specimens with a 10-mm labral reconstruction.

CONCLUSIONS: After a cam over-resection, a circumferential labral reconstruction improves the distractive stability of a labral deficient hip, comparable to a labral repair or tear in a biomechanical model.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Circumferential labral reconstruction may be a viable treatment option for patients with ongoing symptoms after hip arthroscopy with evidence of a cam over-resection and a deficient labrum.

PMID:39128683 | DOI:10.1016/j.arthro.2024.07.023

Brain Res Bull. 2024 Aug 9:111048. doi: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2024.111048. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Imagine if our brains could unconsciously predict future events. This study explores this concept, presenting evidence for an inherent ‘foreseeing’ ability, termed anomalous cognition (AC). We introduce a new experimentally verifiable approach to explain anomalous information anticipation (AIA), a type of AC, based on an innovative, quantum-like model of implicit learning, grounded in Nonlocal Plasticity Theory (NPT).

METHODS: Our research involved 203 participants using methods such as continuous flash suppression, random dot motion, and advanced 3D EEG neuroimaging, along with IBM quantum random event generators for precise measurements across 144 trials. These trials tested contingencies between undetectable sensory stimuli and dot movements, focusing on participants’ prediction abilities. The design conditions were strictly experimental, violating fundamental classical learning principles, particularly reflex conditioning. If these principles were immutable, their violation would prevent any systematic behavioral changes, resulting in random responses. This violation was implemented through two quantum physics concepts: the mathematical principle of nonlocality and entanglement.

RESULTS: Despite the sensory stimulus being inaccessible, our results showed a significant prediction between the contingencies and an increase in AIA accuracy, with explained variances between 25 and 48%. EEG findings supported this, showing a positive link between brain activity in specific regions and AIA success. Electrochemical activations were detected in the posterior occipital cortex, the intraparietal sulcus, and the medial temporal gyri. AIA hits exceeded the threshold value corresponding to one standard deviation above the expected mean, showing moderate effect sizes in the experimental group (Cohen’s d = 0.461). Analyzing the learning curve using the derivation technique, we identified the acceleration point of the wave function, indicating systematic implicit learning. This result showed that from repetition 63 onwards, AIA hits increased significantly.

CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that, despite violating fundamental classical learning principles, cognitive processes produced changes in participants’ responses susceptible to neuromodulation, considering quantum physics principles of nonlocality and entanglement (both present in NPT). We discuss (a) why the priming effect does not explain the significant results; (b) the potential discovery of a new form of quantum-like implicit learning, which could scientifically resolve phenomena associated with anomalous cognitions (e.g., AIA or extraocular vision); and (c) future research directions, including potential applications and clinical impact.

PMID:39128676 | DOI:10.1016/j.brainresbull.2024.111048