Nevin Manimala

PeerJ. 2025 Apr 16;13:e19263. doi: 10.7717/peerj.19263. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: As life expectancy rises, age-related decline in mobility and physical function poses challenges for older adults. While traditional exercise can help, limitations and injury risks persist. This study explores low-frequency vibration training as a potential alternative to improve walking ability and body composition in older adults.

METHODS: A lottery was used to randomly assign 50 participants (mean age 80.08 years) to either a vibration group (n = 25, 10 males, 15 females) or a control group (n = 25, 11 males, 14 females). While the control group continued their regular daily schedule, the vibration group completed 8 weeks of low-frequency vibration training (frequency: 4-13 Hz; amplitude: two mm), three sessions per week, with each session lasting 20-30 minutes. The walk ability was assessed using the 30-second Chair Stand Test (30-s CST), Timed Up and Go (TUG), and six-meter (six m) walk speed, while body composition was measured via body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, and waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR).

RESULTS: Low-frequency vibration training significantly increased walking speed in the six m walk speed (F _(1,36) = 4.50, p = 0.04, η _p ² = 0.11) and TUG (z = – 2.72, p = 0.007), compared with the control group. Observed improvements on the 30-s CST were not statistically significant (F _(1,36) = 0.05, p = 0.81, η _p ² = 0.002). In the WC, the effect of time (F _(1,36) = 7.19, p = 0.01, η _p ² = 0.16) was significant. The main effect of the group for HC (F _(1,36) = 0.06, p = 0.80, η _p ² = 0.002) and WHR (F _(1,36) = 2.00, p = 0.16, η _p ² = 0.05) were not significant, but the interaction effects for HC (F _(1,36) = 6.37, p = 0.01, η _p ² = 0.15) and WHR (F _(1,36) = 9.08, p = 0.005, η _p ² = 0.20) were significant. However, the intervention showed no statistically significant effects on BMI and body fat percentage.

CONCLUSION: Low-frequency vibration training significantly enhanced walking speed and WHR in older adults. This low-intensity intervention is especially beneficial for those with exercise limitations or a high risk of injury. Although its effects on BMI and body fat percentage were limited, the study offers valuable insights for developing personalized vibration training programs.

PMID:40256731 | PMC:PMC12009026 | DOI:10.7717/peerj.19263

PeerJ. 2025 Apr 16;13:e19231. doi: 10.7717/peerj.19231. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is a minimally invasive and safe procedure. However, lung deflation during the operation causes anatomic landmark distortion, complicating small nodules detection. Computed tomography (CT)-guided hookwire localization promotes the success rates of VATS, but faces issues with hookwire dislodgement, potentially losing intraoperative tumor reference. This study was conducted to identify the relative importance ranking of potential factors influencing dislodgement in CT-guided hookwire localization.

METHODS: This retrospective study reviewed 123 cases of CT-guided hookwire localization followed by VATS resection. Variables analyzed included sex, age, nodule size, emphysema, chest wall/muscle/total depth, distance from the nodule (DNP) or wire tip to the pleura (DWP), procedure time, nodule subtypes, multiple localization, post-procedural hemorrhage, pneumothorax, nodule penetration, and time intervals between completion of procedure to initiation of surgery (PS interval). Variables were compared using chi-square tests or Mann-Whitney tests. A random forest model, enhanced with the Synthetic Minority Over-sampling Technique (SMOTE) for oversampling, was employed to determine the relative importance of each variable. The relative importance of variables was presented using the mean decrease Gini and mean decrease accuracy metrics. For sensitivity analysis, relative variable importance was analyzed using extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) model, and the relative importance of variables was presented using the gain metric.

RESULTS: Among the 123 cases, dislodgement occurred in 15. In univariable analysis, only the PS interval was statistically significant (134.1 ± 73.1 vs. 104.1 ± 46.1 minutes in dislodgement or non-dislodgement, p = 0.031). The random forest and XGBoost model identified the top five important variables as the PS interval, DWP, DNP, total depth, and age. The top five factors demonstrated a distinct difference when compared to the other factors.

CONCLUSIONS: The study identified the PS interval as the most critical factor in hookwire dislodgement, along with DNP, DWP, total depth, and age. These results identified the presence of modifiable factors within the hospital and can assist practitioners and surgeons in recognizing the dislodgement risk of procedures based on various patient factors.

PMID:40256726 | PMC:PMC12009025 | DOI:10.7717/peerj.19231

Chin Herb Med. 2025 Feb 11;17(2):315-321. doi: 10.1016/j.chmed.2025.02.001. eCollection 2025 Apr.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to analyse fungal composition and exploit application potential in the Bantou (BT) agarwood-forming trunk of Aquilaria sinensis.

METHODS: BT agarwood is a naturally formed agarwood that was collected after cutting. Total genomic DNA of the fungi in BT agarwood was extracted by the hexadecyltrimethy ammonium bromide (CTAB) method, followed by PCR amplification and library construction. The effective tags were obtained by the HiSeq2500 platform, and the data were subjected to bioinformatics and statistical analyses.

RESULTS: A total of 7 850 040 effective tags were obtained, Ascomycota was the most abundant fungus at the phylum level, with a relative abundance of 56.36%-61.44%, followed by Basidiomycota, with a relative abundance of 10.49%-20.39%. Dothideomycetes, Agaricomycetes and Sordariomycetes were dominant at the class level, accounting for 26.21%-33.88%, 8.40%-17.66%, and 18.41%-24.11%, respectively. Lignosphaeria, Phaeoacremonium and Hermatomyces were dominant at the genus level, with relative abundances of 6.25%-7.64%, 1.95%-9.05% and 1.5%-5.4%, respectively. Diversity and richness analysis showed that the fungal composition in the agarwood formation sites (agarwood layer, upper agarwood layer and lower agarwood layer) were significantly lower than those in the decomposing layer and the healthy layer. That is, the fungal diversity and richness were significantly reduced during agarwood formation by the action of open wounds. The fungal community structure in the decomposing layer and agarwood formation sites obviously differed from that in the healthy layer. The number of Aspergillus taxa in agarwood formation sites decreased significantly (healthy layer is 0.5%, decomposing layer is 0.022%, upper agarwood layer is 0.012%, agarwood layer is 0.01%, and lower agarwood layer is 0.013%), indicating that agarwood may contain potential substances to inhibit the growth of Aspergillus.

CONCLUSION: Agarwood from agarwood formation sites contains potential substances that inhibit Aspergillus, which provides valuable information for the control of the genus of Aspergillus.

PMID:40256724 | PMC:PMC12009086 | DOI:10.1016/j.chmed.2025.02.001

J Conserv Dent Endod. 2025 Mar;28(3):253-257. doi: 10.4103/JCDE.JCDE_859_24. Epub 2025 Mar 3.

ABSTRACT

CONTEXT: Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) may be used in the future to detect infecting microorganisms. LAMP assays exist for the endodontic pathogens Enterococcus faecalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum, but not yet for Porphyromonas endodontalis.

AIM: To develop a LAMP assay for detecting P. endodontalis.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN: It was an in vitro benchtop study.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The National Center for Biotechnology Information GenBank Basic Local Alignment Search Tool was used to identify a segment of the dipeptidyl peptidase 11 (DPP11) gene unique to P. endodontalis. A primer design tool was used to generate six primers required for developing the LAMP assay. WarmStart Colorimetric LAMP 2X Master Mix was used to evaluate the LAMP assay, using purified P. endodontalis DNA as a control.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Statistical parameters for sensitivity and specificity.

RESULTS: The assay was performed in triplicate on pure DNA from P. endodontalis and P. gingivalis and on the DNA that was extracted from P. endodontalis, P. gingivalis, F. nucleatum, and E. faecalis cells and diluted two-fold from 1/2 to 1/256. Assays for the diluted samples were performed in triplicate, and the contingency tables indicated the LAMP assay to be 82% sensitive and 90% specific for P. endodontalis.

CONCLUSIONS: LAMP assay could be a highly sensitive and specific chairside detection method for P. endodontalis.

PMID:40256705 | PMC:PMC12007742 | DOI:10.4103/JCDE.JCDE_859_24

J Conserv Dent Endod. 2025 Mar;28(3):264-268. doi: 10.4103/JCDE.JCDE_841_24. Epub 2025 Mar 3.

ABSTRACT

OVERVIEW: Residual pathogens lead to treatment failure. Microbes like Enterococcus faecalis, Candida albicans, and Actinomyces israelii are often isolated after failed root canal therapy. Therefore, the antimicrobial efficacy of sealers is critical for treatment outcomes.

AIM: To evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of endodontic sealers against E. faecalis and C. albicans.

METHODOLOGY: The agar diffusion test was used to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of four sealers: MTA Fillapex, Bio-C-Sealer, Sealapex, and Seal-Pex. Each microorganism’s bacterial suspension was added to agar plates separately. The sterile discs were then placed on the plates; later, a freshly mixed sealer was coated on the sterile discs. After 24 h of incubation, inhibition zones were measured.

RESULTS: The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to analyze the data, and the Mann-Whitney U-test was used for post hoc pairwise comparison. The results demonstrated that Seal-Pex has potent antibacterial activity against E. faecalis (P < 0.05). Against C. albicans, both MTA Fillapex and Seal-Pex were effective, with MTA Fillapex showing a statistically significant difference compared to Bio-C Sealer and Sealapex.

CONCLUSION: Seal-Pex, an epoxy resin-based sealer, exhibited a significant antimicrobial efficacy against E. faecalis. Conversely, MTA Fillapex demonstrated notable antifungal activity against C. albicans, surpassing other tested sealers. These findings highlight the differential antimicrobial and antifungal properties of the sealers.

PMID:40256703 | PMC:PMC12007748 | DOI:10.4103/JCDE.JCDE_841_24

J Conserv Dent Endod. 2025 Mar;28(3):274-278. doi: 10.4103/JCDE.JCDE_863_24. Epub 2025 Mar 3.

ABSTRACT

CONTEXT: The most common cause for endodontic failures has been ascribed to improper obturation of root canal space. An ideal endodontic filling should approximate the obturation material in close contact with the root canal wall to minimize the sealer content. Voids cause a problem of harboring bacteria leading to treatment failure.

AIMS: The aim of the present study was to compare and analyze filled area after using single cone, cross-linked gutta-percha core-carrier systems, and injection-molded thermoplasticized obturation technique.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Thirty-nine human mandibular premolars with a single oval canal were selected. Biomechanical preparation was done using HyFlexCM. Samples were categorized into three groups and filled with single cone, cross-linked gutta-percha core-carrier systems, and injection-molded thermoplasticized obturation technique. Sectioning was done at 3, 6, 9, and 12 mm from the apex. The percentage of gutta-percha-filled areas (PGFAs) and percentage of void areas (PVA) were analyzed using a stereomicroscope.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Analysis of variance-one way.

RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was not found in terms of PGFA and PVA at 3 mm among the three groups. However, the cross-linked carrier-based and injection-molded thermoplasticized groups showed overall highly significant differences with the single-cone obturation group at 6, 9, and 12 mm (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: The cross-linked carrier-based and injection-molded thermoplasticized groups exhibited more gutta-percha filled area than single-cone obturation technique and thus turned out to be more effective in achieving homogenous root canal filling.

PMID:40256701 | PMC:PMC12007746 | DOI:10.4103/JCDE.JCDE_863_24

J Conserv Dent Endod. 2025 Mar;28(3):269-273. doi: 10.4103/JCDE.JCDE_874_24. Epub 2025 Mar 3.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Vital pulp therapy has gained significant attention in modern clinical practice. However, direct pulp capping (DPC) success rates remain low due to bacterial contamination.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study explored novel techniques of preoperative disinfection and photobiomodulation with diode laser to enhance outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty patients were divided into two groups: Group A: Calcium hydroxide pulp capping, Group B: Preoperative disinfection with sodium hypochlorite (one minute) + photobiomodulation with diode laser + composite restoration.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Cochran’s Q Test compared pain, tooth sensibility, and radiographic changes at 1, 3, and 6 months (p<0.05).

RESULTS: The study yielded success rates of 80% and 90% for groups A and B, respectively. Group B showed increased success rates, although not statistically significant which can be attributed to the laser’s biostimulation properties.

CONCLUSION: This study suggests that combining preoperative disinfection and photobiomodulation with diode laser may improve DPC success rates, offering a promising approach in vital pulp therapy. Further research is warranted to confirm these findings.

PMID:40256696 | PMC:PMC12007735 | DOI:10.4103/JCDE.JCDE_874_24

J Conserv Dent Endod. 2025 Mar;28(3):231-236. doi: 10.4103/JCDE.JCDE_842_24. Epub 2025 Mar 3.

ABSTRACT

CONTEXT: The removal of intracanal medicament is essential for sealer penetration and the success of endodontic therapy.

AIMS: To evaluate and compare the dentinal tubule penetration of a silicone-based endodontic sealer following N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) intracanal medicament removal using ultrasonic agitation and laser-activated irrigation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-one extracted single-rooted mandibular premolars were decoronated and prepared with ProTaper Universal rotary files up to MAF F3. To prepare medicament, NAC powder was mixed with propylene glycol in the ratio of 1:1, placed using a size #30 Lentulospiral, and specimens stored in an incubator for 14 days. The specimens were then instrumented with #30 Hedström and divided into three groups according to final irrigant activation techniques: Group I: Diode laser activation, Group II: Passive Ultrasonic agitation, Group III: No agitation (positive control). Canals were obturated with GuttaFlow bioseal sealer mixed with 0.1% Rhodamine B dye and gutta-percha cones and incubated for 7 days. The specimens were sectioned horizontally to obtain 1 mm thick sections from 2, 5, and 8 mm from the apex. Sections were examined under Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope to measure the depth of sealer penetration (in µm).

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: One-way analysis of variance and Tukeys multiple post hoc test.

RESULTS: The highest mean depth of penetration of 728.52 µm was seen with Group I, followed by Group II and least was seen in Group III.

CONCLUSIONS: Diode laser activation group was most effective in the removal of NAC intracanal medicament from all the three regions of the root canal.

PMID:40256695 | PMC:PMC12007743 | DOI:10.4103/JCDE.JCDE_842_24

J Conserv Dent Endod. 2025 Mar;28(3):258-263. doi: 10.4103/JCDE.JCDE_833_24. Epub 2025 Mar 3.

ABSTRACT

AIMS: The study aimed to assess and compare the cavity disinfection efficacy of 2% chlorhexidine, 940 nm diode laser, and photodynamic therapy (PDT) with Rose Bengal-functionalized chitosan nanoparticles (CS-NPs) in deep carious lesions.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This randomized controlled, parallel clinical trial was conducted in the Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Government Dental College and Hospital, Ahmedabad. A simple randomization technique was used for randomization of samples. A total of 90 patients participated in this study.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Ninety participants with reversible pulpitis were randomly assigned to three groups, each receiving a different cavity disinfectant: 2% chlorhexidine, 940 nm diode laser, and PDT with Rose Bengal-functionalized CS-NPs. Dentinal samples were collected before and after cavity disinfection, and microbiological analysis for total viable count (TVC), Streptococcus mutans, and Lactobacillus count was conducted. Clinical and radiographic evaluation was done at 1 and 6 months.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Statistical analysis involved the Wilcoxon signed-rank, Kruskal-Wallis, and Tukey’s tests.

RESULTS: Intragroup comparison showed high significant reductions in TVC, S. mutans, and Lactobacillus count in all the groups. The Kruskal-Wallis test revealed that the chlorhexidine group had the greatest reduction in bacterial counts, followed by PDT and diode laser groups. No differences in clinical success rates were observed among the three groups up to 6-month follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS: All three cavity disinfectants significantly reduced total vital count, S. mutans, and Lactobacillus count. However, chlorhexidine showed the best results.

PMID:40256694 | PMC:PMC12007745 | DOI:10.4103/JCDE.JCDE_833_24

Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2025 Apr;40(4):e70079. doi: 10.1002/gps.70079.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to describe the clinical and social determinants associated with delirium in elderly patients hospitalized in the geriatrics department of Hospital Universitario San Ignacio (HUSI), in Bogotá, Colombia, between June 2019 and June 2022.

METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analytical study. Data were extracted from the hospital’s electronic medical records. The primary outcome was delirium upon admission. Exposure variables included clinical (e.g., malnutrition, dementia, oropharyngeal dysphagia) and social factors (e.g., living alone, social networks). Associations between delirium and exposure variables were assessed using a multivariate logistic regression model.

RESULTS: The studied cohort comprised 4601 patients, mean age of 83.93 years and 56.26% were women. The prevalence of delirium upon admission was 22.39%. Key factors associated with delirium included older age (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01-1.06), malnutrition (OR 2.42, 95% CI 1.93-2.79), dementia (OR 2.57, 95% CI 2.02-3.38), functional impairment (OR 2.50, 95% CI 1.74-3.59), and oropharyngeal dysphagia (OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.08-1.99). Social determinants such as female sex, limited social networks, living alone, and enrollment in the subsidized health regime were not significantly associated with delirium.

CONCLUSION: Delirium upon admission is highly prevalent among elderly inpatients and is associated with clinical factors, particularly malnutrition, dementia, and oropharyngeal dysphagia. Although no significant associations were found between social determinants of health (SDH) and delirium in this cohort, further research in diverse healthcare settings is needed to better understand the broader impact of SDH on delirium risk.

PMID:40254716 | DOI:10.1002/gps.70079