Nevin Manimala

Turk J Med Sci. 2025 Oct 13;56(1):265-273. doi: 10.55730/1300-0144.6160. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the impaction level and angulation of third molars and the incidence of caries in the adjacent second molars.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 690 panoramic radiographs obtained from patients at Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University between May 2022 and January 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. Third molars were classified based on their eruption status using the Pell and Gregory classification (levels A, B, and C), and angulation (mesioangular, distoangular, vertical, horizontal, and inverted). The presence of caries in adjacent second molars was assessed using the international caries detection and assessment system/international caries classification and management system. The association between third molar position and the presence of caries in second molars was statistically evaluated.

RESULTS: Among the 1164 third molars assessed, 52.9% were located in the mandible, and 75.2% were in a vertical position. Carious lesions were identified in 22.3% of third molars. Adjacent mandibular second molars had caries in 53.2% of cases, compared to 35.6% in the maxilla. According to the Pell and Gregory classification, class I, level A mandibular third molars were associated with the highest incidence of caries in adjacent second molars (159 out of 616). Furthermore, when only impacted teeth were considered, mesioangular impactions were associated with the highest prevalence of caries, observed in 41.1% of cases (51 out of 123).

CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that the position and angulation of third molars play an important role in the risk of caries development in adjacent second molars. In the mandible, level A third molars in vertical (65.2%) and mesioangular (41.1%) positions had the greatest risk for caries development in adjacent second molars, whereas in the maxilla, the highest risk was found in vertical (47.3%) and mesioangular (25.7%) impactions. These results underscore the importance of early clinical evaluation and the implementation of preventive strategies to minimize caries risk in second molars associated with impacted third molars.

PMID:41816725 | PMC:PMC12974290 | DOI:10.55730/1300-0144.6160

Turk J Med Sci. 2025 Aug 19;56(1):256-264. doi: 10.55730/1300-0144.6159. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/AIM: Healthcare workers (HCWs) face increased risks of COVID-19 infection due to occupational exposure. Understanding infection sources, risk factors, and workforce losses is crucial for mitigating these impacts in future pandemics. This study aimed to evaluate the risk factors, infection sources, and sickness absenteeism among HCWs diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection, providing insights to enhance infection control strategies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 2153 HCWs diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 between March 2020 and February 2023 at a tertiary care hospital in Türkiye. Demographic, clinical, and professional characteristics, personal protective equipment (PPE) usage, infection sources, and vaccination data were analyzed. Statistical analyses were conducted using the R programming language.

RESULTS: Among infected HCWs, 68.5% were female, and nurses accounted for 39.4% of cases. PPE compliance was significantly higher in COVID-19-specific units compared to non-COVID-19 units (p < 0.001), yet inappropriate PPE use was observed in 10.5% of exposures. Infections were community-acquired in 35.4%, hospital-acquired from colleagues in 24.9%, and from patients in 7.2% of cases, while 32.5% of infections had unidentified sources. Vaccination data revealed that 73.7% of HCWs missed opportunities for timely vaccination, and nearly half of the vaccinated HCWs were not within the protective window at the time of infection. Sickness absenteeism totaled 23,454 days, exceeding expected workforce loss by 2891 days. Hospitalization occurred in 4.1% of cases, with one fatality.

CONCLUSION: The findings highlight the critical importance of comprehensive infection control measures, improved vaccination uptake, and robust workforce management to protect HCWs and sustain healthcare systems during pandemics.

PMID:41816722 | PMC:PMC12974273 | DOI:10.55730/1300-0144.6159

Turk J Med Sci. 2026 Jan 22;56(1):169-175. doi: 10.55730/1300-0144.6150. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/AIM: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of knee pain among healthcare workers in surgical units and to explore whether the use of knee panels during surgical hand scrubbing is associated with persistent knee pain.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This single-center cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2023 and March 2025. A total of 400 physicians and nurses working in surgical and nonsurgical departments were included. Participants completed a structured and modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, as well as knee pain assessment tools, including a visual analog scale (VAS) and the Kujala score for anterior knee pain-related symptoms. Occupational exposure among surgical staff was additionally evaluated. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics.

RESULTS: The prevalence of knee pain was 54.8% among surgical personnel and 39.5% among nonsurgical personnel. VAS scores were significantly higher in the surgical group, while there was no significant difference between groups in terms of Kujala scores. Knee panel use was common and more than half of the users reported discomfort during use; however, there was no statistically significant association between panel use and persistent knee pain. Regression analysis identified increasing age, longer duration of surgical experience, and employment in a surgical unit as factors independently associated with knee pain.

CONCLUSION: Employment in a surgical unit is associated with a higher prevalence of knee pain among healthcare workers. However, the use of knee panels during surgical hand scrubbing does not appear to be associated with persistent knee pain. Multicomponent ergonomic interventions should be implemented to prevent musculoskeletal disorders.

PMID:41816721 | PMC:PMC12974304 | DOI:10.55730/1300-0144.6150

Dialogues Health. 2026 Feb 26;8:100287. doi: 10.1016/j.dialog.2026.100287. eCollection 2026 Jun.

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to describe and categorize the eating practices and beliefs of trans women using a mixed-methods approach. Conducted in Cali, Colombia, the study included 33 trans women aged 18 years or older who voluntarily participated in August 2021. Food consumption and eating practices were assessed through structured questionnaires, and the data were analyzed using a Bayesian statistical approach and the Healthy Eating Practices Index (HEPI). In addition, discussion groups were conducted to explore participants’ experiences and food-related beliefs. The results showed that 55% of the trans women presented low levels of healthy eating practices, characterized by limited dietary diversity in recommended food groups and a higher frequency of consumption of less recommended foods. Being under 30 years of age, belonging to a middle socioeconomic level, having lower levels of education and income, living with a partner, and regularly having a salt shaker on the table were factors individually associated with a higher likelihood of unhealthy eating practices. The multiple inequalities faced by the transgender population generate structural barriers that shape food practices within the community as adaptive responses to their living conditions, perpetuating unfavorable dietary patterns. These findings highlight the need for primary health care strategies with a gender-sensitive and trans-affirmative approach, in which nutrition and food practices are addressed through the lens of the social determinants of health. Transforming hegemonic social imaginaries is essential for building inclusive health environments that respect and reflect human diversity.

PMID:41816685 | PMC:PMC12972529 | DOI:10.1016/j.dialog.2026.100287

Front Med (Lausanne). 2026 Feb 24;13:1744123. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2026.1744123. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Program directors (PDs) play a crucial role in selecting candidates for the Saudi Board of Restorative Dentistry (SBRD) program. However, their views on selection and possible differences in opinions based on candidate characteristics remain unelucidated.

METHODS: This study surveyed restorative dentistry PDs in Saudi Arabia using a pre-validated questionnaire consisting of 30 questions grouped into seven domains to gather views on the selection process for the SBRD program. Responses from 30 participants were analyzed using means and standard deviations. We examined differences in PD variables, such as sex and years of experience using Student’s t-tests. Variations related to geographic location, years of experience as a PD, and hospital setup were assessed using analysis of variance.

RESULTS: The top preferences of the PDs were working as service residents, skill and reputation during electives, and dressing well for interviews. Electives abroad, multiple recommendation letters, and being on the dean’s honor list were less important. Interview was the most favored domain (4.04 ± 0.78), followed by service and electives (4.01 ± 0.47); recommendations were the least favored (3.41 ± 0.77). While differences existed among variables, they weren’t statistically significant, except for the interview domain (p = 0.015), where experienced PDs relied more on interviews compared to first-time PDs.

CONCLUSION: PDs showed diverse responses to all evaluated factors. Interviews and service/electives were most preferred. Service residencies, skills/reputation during electives, and being well dressed during interviews were favored for candidate selection. However, the results should be interpreted cautiously, given the potential limitations of statistical power associated with relatively small sample size.

PMID:41816683 | PMC:PMC12971420 | DOI:10.3389/fmed.2026.1744123

Front Med (Lausanne). 2026 Feb 24;13:1739128. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2026.1739128. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The aim is to systematically evaluate the clinical efficacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in the treatment of cancer related anemia (CRA), and to provide higher quality evidence-based medical evidence for the treatment of CRA with TCM.

METHODS: Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane library, Scopus, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China Biology Medicine Disk (CBM) and WanFang were searched for the literature on TCM treatment of CRA included in the databases from the establishment of the databases to December 2025. Meta-analysis was performed using ReVman5.3 software.

RESULTS: 6,201 relevant literatures were retrieved. According to inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 58 literatures were included, with a total of 4,308 patients, including 2,157 patients in the treatment group and 2,151 patients in the control group. The treatment group was better than the control group in improving hemoglobin level, clinical efficacy, KPS score, TCM syndrome efficacy, TCM Syndrome Score, immune function and red blood cell count, the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). By drawing a funnel figure of hemoglobin levels, it was found that the left and right sides of the funnel figure were basically symmetrical, indicating that the publication bias of this study was low. It can be considered that TCM treatment can significantly improve hemoglobin and improve the anemia of patients.

CONCLUSION: Traditional Chinese Medicine can significantly improve CRA, enhance TCM syndrome and immune function, and improve patients’ quality of life.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: https://www.chictr.org.cn, identifier [ChiCTR2300077699].

PMID:41816680 | PMC:PMC12971527 | DOI:10.3389/fmed.2026.1739128

Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2026 Mar 11. doi: 10.1111/apt.70596. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Metabolic dysfunction (MetD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) frequently coexist as synergistic risk factors for steatotic liver disease. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are established therapies for MetD, including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity. Recent studies suggested potential beneficial effects of GLP-1RA to decrease addictive behaviours in AUD. We evaluated the outcomes of GLP-1RA therapy compared with FDA-approved pharmacotherapies for AUD, including naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram, in patients with dual risk factors of MetD and AUD.

METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients at Stanford Health Care (2017-2025). Eligible patients had a concurrent diagnosis of alcohol-related complications meeting criteria for AUD and MetD, including obesity (BMI > 25) and/or a history of T2DM with HbA1c > 5.7. Those with advanced liver disease within 1 year of diagnosis were excluded. Exposure groups included ≥ 6 months of GLP-1RA therapy (semaglutide or tirzepatide) in comparison with FDA-approved pharmacotherapies for AUD. Propensity score matching was employed to reduce the effects of confounding factors.

RESULTS: In total, 1946 patients were diagnosed concurrently with AUD and MetD. Of them, 274 patients were exposed to GLP-1RA, 1272 to naltrexone, 232 to acamprosate, and 168 to disulfiram. Patients were followed for an average of 1341 days. Patients exposed to GLP-1RA had higher BMI (35.5 vs. 30.1) and more T2DM (66% vs. 14%). GLP-1RA therapy was associated with lower 1-year AUD relapse [IRR 0.55, 95% CI 0.42-0.73; p < 0.01], greater BMI reduction (-1.3 vs. -0.3; p = 0.004), and HbA1c improvement (-1.0 vs. +0.1; p = 0.02). The incidence of decompensated cirrhosis trended lower but was not statistically significant [HR 0.52, p = 0.09]. Mortality was similar.

CONCLUSIONS: GLP-1RAs are a promising option for patients with concurrent MetD and AUD, improving relapse rates and metabolic outcomes compared with currently FDA-approved pharmacotherapies for AUD. Trends toward better liver outcomes support further prospective evaluation.

PMID:41813606 | DOI:10.1111/apt.70596

Int J Cancer. 2026 Mar 11. doi: 10.1002/ijc.70412. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Multiple myeloma (MM) is the most common plasma cell dyscrasia in the United States with tremendously high burden. MM is preceded by a premalignant condition, monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). Although several risk factors for progression have been identified (e.g., older age, male sex, black race, obesity, chemical exposure), their relative contributions remain unclear. Unlike other malignancies, such evidence is lacking for MM despite its high burden. To identify potential intervention strategies that can effectively prevent progression in patients with MGUS, we quantified contributions of the identified modifiable risk factors in the United States Veteran population with MGUS. Compared to the general population, this population is particularly vulnerable to MM as its higher proportions of male and older age as well as the potential prior Agent Orange exposure. We conducted a retrospective cohort study in the Veterans Health Administration and calculated multivariable-adjusted population attributable fractions (aPAFs) of progression accounting for competing risk of death. The aPAF estimates the proportion of progression burden in the population with MGUS that is statistically attributable to a specific risk factor, independent of other factors. In the cohort of 35,073 Veterans with MGUS, among all evaluated risk factors (both modifiable and non-modifiable), excess body mass index (BMI ≥25 kg/m²) was the leading factor (Black: aPAF = 27.1%, 95% CI 19.5%-34.0%; White: 27.2%, 95% CI 20.3%-33.4%; All: aPAF = 27.1%, 95% CI 22.1%-31.9%). Our study highlights the potential of weight management and lifestyle modification for informing the design of targeted MM prevention strategies for Veterans diagnosed with MGUS.

PMID:41813601 | DOI:10.1002/ijc.70412

Alzheimers Dement. 2026 Mar;22(3):e71274. doi: 10.1002/alz.71274.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Sleep disturbances are common and distressing for people with dementia and their family caregivers, with limited treatment options. The DREAMS START (Dementia RElAted Manual for Sleep; STrAtegies for RelaTives) multi-component intervention for sleep disturbance in people at home with dementia is clinically and cost-effective at 8 months. In this long-term follow-on study, we assessed 2-year clinical effectiveness.

METHODS: We recruited dyads of people with dementia and their family caregivers from community settings, for a two-arm, multi-center, single-blind, parallel-arm, superiority trial with the primary outcome Sleep Disorders Inventory (SDI). Analyses were intention to treat.

RESULTS: We randomized 377 dyads, 189 to treatment-as-usual (TAU) and 188 to intervention; 177 dyads (46.9%) were followed up at 24 months. Two-year adjusted mean SDI score was lower in the intervention arm than TAU (-5.40; 95% CI -9.14 to -1·67; p = 0·005).

DISCUSSION: In this follow-on study we demonstrate 2-year improvement in sleep disruption for people with dementia. DREAMS START has potential for delivery at scale.

PMID:41813600 | DOI:10.1002/alz.71274

DNA Cell Biol. 2026 Mar 11:10445498261421790. doi: 10.1177/10445498261421790. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in women and the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Advances in genetic technology have highlighted the heterogeneity of breast cancer, composed of various biological subtypes, with genetic profiling playing a crucial role in predicting chemotherapy response. This underscores the importance of identifying sensitive diagnostic and prognostic markers for early detection and developing more efficient targeted therapies. Among these, survivin, a protein linked to apoptosis inhibition and cell cycle regulation, is strongly expressed in various cancers, including breast cancer, where its overexpression is associated with poor prognosis and reduced survival rates. To analyze the effects of survivin gene inhibition in a triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) model. The MDA-MB-231 cell line was stably transfected with short hairpin RNA targeting survivin, and the inhibition was validated via RT-qPCR and Western blot. Morphological evaluation, proliferation and migration assays, and a differential gene expression analysis using the GeneChip™ Human Gene 2.0 ST Array were performed. Statistical analyses were conducted with GraphPad Prism version 8 and Transcriptome Analysis Console. Survivin-inhibited MDA-MB-231-KD cells exhibited evident morphological changes, reduced migration capacity, and altered expression of genes such as BCL2, COX1, COX2, VGF, BIR2, and CDC20, involved in key cancer signaling pathways. Inhibition of survivin in this TNBC model induces critical cellular changes and significantly alters gene expression associated with tumor progression, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target.

PMID:41813598 | DOI:10.1177/10445498261421790