Nevin Manimala

J Oral Maxillofac Pathol. 2024 Apr-Jun;28(2):178-181. doi: 10.4103/jomfp.jomfp_462_23. Epub 2024 Jul 11.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Stress is faced by every individual in their day-to-day life activities. During pandemic, most people have experienced multiple episodes of depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Several medical and dental problems are reported with stress and the fastest and easiest way to study and investigate is through body fluids, mainly saliva. Hence, we aim to study salivary α amylase in disabled individuals and hypothesize that salivary α amylase could be a reliable stress biomarker in disabled individuals.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study was conducted including 200 individuals grouped into controls (100) and disabled individuals (100). Disabled individuals were further grouped into physically (50) and mentally (50) disabled. Stimulated and unstimulated saliva was collected from all the participants and were investigated for salivary α-amylase by direct substrate method. The enzyme activity was analyzed using a spectrophotometer and the obtained were analyzed statistically.

RESULT: Salivary α-amylase showed significant difference between controls and disabled group (p = 0.000). Salivary α-amylase was least in the mentally disabled group compared to physically disabled group. Age related comparison of salivary α-amylase was higher in physically disabled whereas gender related comparison showed females in physically disabled group to be more affected than controls.

CONCLUSION: Saliva, the easy and most researched fluid, is rich in salivary α-amylase. Salivary α-amylase is a potential biomarker to assess stress. Further diagnostic studies are required to know the salivary changes and their influence on individual general health status.

PMID:39157841 | PMC:PMC11329072 | DOI:10.4103/jomfp.jomfp_462_23

J Oral Maxillofac Pathol. 2024 Apr-Jun;28(2):247-252. doi: 10.4103/jomfp.jomfp_168_23. Epub 2024 Jul 11.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Nodal involvement in squamous cell carcinoma is an important feature directly associated with the poor prognosis in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). There are no clear cut indicators available currently to identify the lymph node metastases and overall prognosis in HNSCC. Thus, the current study was conducted to correlate the immunoexpression of cytokeratins (CK) 8, 10, and 14 with lymph node metastases and tumour differentiation in patients with HNSCC.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study population included 61 retrospective cases of HNSCC with lymph node metastases (n = 31) and without lymph node metastases (n = 30). Expression of CK 8, 10, and 14 was assessed by immunohistochemical staining procedure. Using Pearson’s Chi-square test and Spearman’s correlation coefficient, the correlation of these markers with lymph node metastases and tumour differentiation was statistically analysed.

RESULTS: The expression of CKs in HNSCC cases was higher than in controls. In nodal metastasis cases, CK 8 expression was noted in >50% of the tumour cells at the invasive tumour front (ITF) (P value 0.008), and in cases without nodal metastasis, <1% or negative expression was noted. CK 10 expression gradually decreased as the tumour grade increased. Association of CK 10 expression and tumour differentiation exhibited statistically significant results (P value 0.03). CK 14 expression was noted in the entire epithelium and at the ITF, strongly in most cases; however, CK 14 did not correlate with the lymph node metastasis and tumour differentiation as well.

CONCLUSION: We found a strong correlation of CK 8 expression with nodal metastasis in HNSCC, and it can be utilised as a reliable prognostic indicator.

PMID:39157840 | PMC:PMC11329098 | DOI:10.4103/jomfp.jomfp_168_23

J Oral Maxillofac Pathol. 2024 Apr-Jun;28(2):347-350. doi: 10.4103/jomfp.jomfp_454_23. Epub 2024 Jul 11.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Forensic odontology plays an important role in mass disasters, house fires, criminal deaths, identification of missing persons, and child abuse cases. Teeth are the most stable part of the human body and are resistant to thermal, mechanical, and chemical insults. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of mandibular intercanine distance and mesiodistal width of mandibular first molar in gender determination.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study comprised 100 participants (50 males and 50 females) in the age group of 18-23 years. The mandibular impressions were made, and casts were prepared using dental stone. The intercanine distance and mesiodistal width of the right mandibular first molar were measured using digital vernier callipers. The data obtained was statistically analysed using SPSS software version 23.

RESULTS: The mean mandibular intercanine distance was found to be 27.2 ± 2.3 in males and 25.94 ± 1.76 in females (P = 0.03). There was no statistical difference in the mesiodistal width of the mandibular molar between males and females (P = 0.166). However, the mean mesiodistal width of males was higher when compared to females.

CONCLUSION: Males have a greater intercanine width and mesiodistal dimension when compared to females. This result will be helpful in forensic medicine, anthropology, orthodontic treatments, and clinical dentistry.

PMID:39157835 | PMC:PMC11329082 | DOI:10.4103/jomfp.jomfp_454_23

J Oral Maxillofac Pathol. 2024 Apr-Jun;28(2):205-210. doi: 10.4103/jomfp.jomfp_28_24. Epub 2024 Jul 11.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The global outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) presents numerous obstacles for healthcare professionals. The present study aimed to evaluate and compare the role of serum biomarkers like- C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and D-dimers in the severity of COVID-19 infection.

METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional, observational retrospective pilot study was conducted in Udaipur, Rajasthan, wherein data was collected from 250 subjects, out of which, data of 100 subjects were included as per the inclusion criteria. The data was recorded retrospectively among the health professionals via Google Forms in Udaipur, Rajasthan.

RESULTS: There were 1 (1%), 3 (3%), 31 (31%) and 65 (65%) participants with minor elevation (0.3-1.0), moderate elevation (1-10), marked elevation (10-50) and severe elevation (>50) of CRP respectively. The difference between the groups was statistically highly significant with a significantly higher number of study participants with a severe elevation of CRP levels (χ² = 107.84, P < 0.001). The results showed that there was a significant difference between the groups with IL6 in 0-7 range while 96 (96%) study participants had >7 IL6, and the difference was statistically highly significant (2 = 84.640, P 0.001).

CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the existing body of research indicates a discernible correlation between COVID-19 infection and the fluctuation of biomarker levels. This supplement has the potential to be utilised in clinical practice as a means of informing treatment decisions and determining the necessity of admission to the intensive care unit (ICU).

PMID:39157833 | PMC:PMC11329092 | DOI:10.4103/jomfp.jomfp_28_24

J Oral Maxillofac Pathol. 2024 Apr-Jun;28(2):240-246. doi: 10.4103/jomfp.jomfp_38_24. Epub 2024 Jul 11.

ABSTRACT

CONTEXT: The variance in the prevalence of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) around the world has been associated with a number of sociocultural traits, significant regional variations in risk factors, variations in data gathering, and the degree of health service development in different populations. Here, we undertake a 26 years institutional review and analysis of OSCC cases.

AIM: To evaluate and analyse 26 years Institutional Data of OSCC.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology’s archives, Government Dental College and Hospital, Nagpur, Maharashtra, and observational cross-sectional study.

METHODS AND MATERIAL: This study examines instances of OSCC that were histologically diagnosed between 1997 and 2022. All information pertaining to cases of OSCC was obtained from the departmental archives.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Data tabulated and then subjected to descriptive statistical analysis with the SPSS statistical software.

RESULTS: The total number of the patients included 1508 (69.6%) males and 660 (30.4%) females, whose age ranged from the second decade to the tenth decade of life with a mean age of 55.5 years with a range of 20-91 years. The incidence was the highest in the fifth and sixth decades (n = 603, 27.8% and n = 572, 26.4%), respectively. The left buccal mucosa recorded the maximum number of cases (left buccal mucosa 559, 25.8%). There were 1405 (64.8%) cases of well-differentiated SCC, 301 (13.9%) cases of moderately differentiated SCC, and 51 (2.4%) cases of poorly differentiated SCC.

CONCLUSIONS: The overall incidence and prevalence of OSCC can be estimated using baseline epidemiological data from our institution.

PMID:39157828 | PMC:PMC11329084 | DOI:10.4103/jomfp.jomfp_38_24

MethodsX. 2024 Jul 14;13:102863. doi: 10.1016/j.mex.2024.102863. eCollection 2024 Dec.

ABSTRACT

Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) and spinach (Spinacea oleracea) are species with elevated levels of oxalic acid, an antinutrient that interferes in the bioaccessibility of minerals such as calcium and iron. Evaluating methods to determine oxalic acid content with reduced matrix interference, such as employing Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (FAAS), can enhance the specificity of determinations. The different matrices of purslane (whole plant, leaves, and juice) and spinach (whole plant) were tested using three extraction methods (M1, M2, and M3). The oxalic acid content was evaluated by UV-vis spectrophotometry and FAAS (Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry). The absence of the precipitation step in M1 resulted in high levels of oxalic acid in the investigated matrices. The quantification of oxalic acid by FAAS for M2 (6M HCl for 1 hour at 100°C) and M3 (0.25N HCl for 15 minutes at 100°C) in the samples of purslane leaves and spinach whole plants yielded statistically similar results. However, the analysis by UV-vis spectrophotometry for M2 and M3 showed significant discrepancies in all evaluated samples, suggesting interference from colored compounds in the food matrix.•Comparison of methods of extraction•Comparison of UV-vis spectrophotometer and FAAS in the quantification of oxalic acid•Analysis of antinutrients in plant matrices.

PMID:39157815 | PMC:PMC11326941 | DOI:10.1016/j.mex.2024.102863

EClinicalMedicine. 2024 Jul 27;75:102758. doi: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2024.102758. eCollection 2024 Sep.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Ischemic stroke remains a major contributor to global mortality and morbidity. This study aims to provide an updated assessment of rates in ischemic stroke prevalence, incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) from 1990 to 2021, specifically focusing on including prevalence investigation alongside other measures. The analysis is stratified by sex, age, and socio-demographic index (SDI) at global, regional, and national levels.

METHODS: Data for this study was obtained from the 2021 Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD). To quantify temporal patterns and assess trends in age-standardized rates of ischemic stroke prevalence (ASPR), incidence (ASIR), mortality (ASDR), and DALYs, estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs) were computed over the study period. The analyses were disaggregated by gender, 20 age categories, 21 GBD regions, 204 nations/territories, and 5 SDI quintiles. R statistical package V 4.4.2 was performed for statistical analyses and plot illustrations.

FINDINGS: In 2021, the global burden of ischemic stroke remained substantial, with a total of 69,944,884.8 cases with an ASPR of 819.5 cases per 100,000 individuals (95% UI: 760.3-878.7). The ASIR was 92.4 per 100,000 people (95% UI: 79.8-105.8), while the ASDR was 44.2 per 100,000 persons (95% UI: 39.3-47.8). Additionally, the age-standardized DALY rate was 837.4 per 100,000 individuals (95% UI: 763.7-905). Regionally, areas with high-middle SDI exhibited the greatest ASPR, ASIR, ASDR, and age-standardized DALY rates, whereas high SDI regions had the lowest rates. Geospatially, Southern Sub-Saharan Africa had the highest ASPR, while Eastern Europe showed the highest ASIR. The greatest ASDR and age-standardized DALY rates were observed in Eastern Europe, Central Asia, as well as North Africa, and the Middle East. Among countries, Ghana had the highest ASPR, and North Macedonia had both the highest ASIR and ASDR. Furthermore, North Macedonia also exhibited the highest age-standardized DALY rate.

INTERPRETATION: Regions with high-middle and middle SDI continued to experience elevated ASPR, ASIR, ASDR and age-standardized DALY rates. The highest ischemic stroke burden was observed in Southern Sub-Saharan Africa, Central Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East.

FUNDING: None.

PMID:39157811 | PMC:PMC11327951 | DOI:10.1016/j.eclinm.2024.102758

MicroPubl Biol. 2024 Aug 2;2024. doi: 10.17912/micropub.biology.001243. eCollection 2024.

ABSTRACT

Ormia ochracea is a parasitoid fly notable for its impressive hearing abilities relative to its small size. Here, we use it as a model organism to investigate if minor size differences in paired sensory organs may be beneficial or neutral to an organism’s perception abilities. We took high-resolution images of tympanal organs from 21 O. ochracea specimens and found a statistically significant surface area asymmetry (up to 6.88%) between the left and right membranes. Numerical experiments indicated that peak values of key sound localization variables increased with increasing tympanal asymmetry, which may explain features of the limited available physiological data.

PMID:39157807 | PMC:PMC11327869 | DOI:10.17912/micropub.biology.001243

Front Digit Health. 2024 Aug 2;6:1397557. doi: 10.3389/fdgth.2024.1397557. eCollection 2024.

ABSTRACT

Mental health professionals have relied primarily on clinical evaluations to identify in vivo pathology. As a result, mental health is largely reactive rather than proactive. In an effort to proactively assess mood, we collected continuous neurophysiologic data for ambulatory individuals 8-10 h a day at 1 Hz for 3 weeks (N = 24). Data were obtained using a commercial neuroscience platform (Immersion Neuroscience) that quantifies the neural value of social-emotional experiences. These data were related to self-reported mood and energy to assess their predictive accuracy. Statistical analyses quantified neurophysiologic troughs by the length and depth of social-emotional events with low values and neurophysiologic peaks as the complement. Participants in the study had an average of 2.25 (SD = 3.70, Min = 0, Max = 25) neurophysiologic troughs per day and 3.28 (SD = 3.97, Min = 0, Max = 25) peaks. The number of troughs and peaks predicted daily mood with 90% accuracy using least squares regressions and machine learning models. The analysis also showed that women were more prone to low mood compared to men. Our approach demonstrates that a simple count variable derived from a commercially-available platform is a viable way to assess low mood and low energy in populations vulnerable to mood disorders. In addition, peak Immersion events, which are mood-enhancing, may be an effective measure of thriving in adults.

PMID:39157805 | PMC:PMC11327156 | DOI:10.3389/fdgth.2024.1397557

J Reprod Infertil. 2024 Apr-Jun;25(2):140-147. doi: 10.18502/jri.v25i2.16008.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Trans-abdominal ultrasound (TAUS) and transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) are used for embryo transfer. However, few studies were conducted to compare the methods and assess their effect on pregnancy outcomes.

METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at Mahdieh Hospital in Tehran, analyzing 506 ICSI cycles with fresh embryo transfer. The study period was from April 2019 to March 2022. Following the evaluation of patients’ profile, they were divided into two groups of TAUS (n=250) and TVUS (n=256). The pregnancy outcomes included positive test of β-HCG, history of miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy (EP), clinical pregnancy, and the duration of the embryo transfer were compared between two groups. Mann-Whitney U test, Pearson Chi-Square test, Fisher’s exact test, and logistic regression were used for data analysis.

RESULTS: The rate of chemical and clinical pregnancy in the TAUS group was higher compared to the TVUS group, which was statistically significant (p<0.05). The rate of live term birth and live preterm birth was higher in the TAUS group compared to the TVUS group, though the difference was insignificant. Moreover, EP and abortion rates were higher in TVUS group compared to the TAUS group, but the differences were not statistically significant. The odds ratio of achieving pregnancy was higher with TAUS compared to TVUS, but this was only statistically significant for the age variable.

CONCLUSION: The use of TAUS method appears to be associated with improved pregnancy outcome, including higher rates of chemical and clinical pregnancy, compared to TVUS. Yet, further research is needed to confirm these findings and elucidate underlying mechanisms.

PMID:39157802 | PMC:PMC11327424 | DOI:10.18502/jri.v25i2.16008