Tag: nevin manimala

Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2025 Jan 8:S0889-5406(24)00510-9. doi: 10.1016/j.ajodo.2024.11.006. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate the stability of palatal rugae patterns after slow maxillary expansion (SME) treatment and the reliability of the rugae region as a reference region in digital superimposition.

METHODS: The SME group comprised 21 subjects with Angle Class I or Class II dental malocclusion with unilateral or bilateral crossbite and constricted maxilla and were selected before the pubertal peak. Intraoral scans were captured via the intraoral scanner iTero Element software (version 1.13; Align Technology, San Jose, Calif) before treatment and after completion of 12 rotations of the screw in the expansion appliance. Patients rotated the screw once a week by the established protocol. The digital data of the impressions were analyzed using GOM Inspect 3D analysis software (version 2018; GOM GmbH, Braunschweig, Germany). Dimensional changes in rugae after SME were measured with MeshLab software (version 2022.02, the Visual Computing Lab of CNR-ISTI, Italy). For the statistical analysis, the Shapiro-Wilk test was used to assess normality, whereas the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests were applied for group comparisons.

RESULTS: According to digital superimposition data, the root mean square value of the rugae region in the SME group was found to be 0.195 ± 0.086 mm. The greatest dimensional change was found in the third rugae (1.70 ± 0.42 mm, P <0.001). Post-hoc pairwise comparisons revealed a statistically significant difference between the dimensional changes of the first and third rugae (P <0.05). No statistically significant difference was found as a result of pairwise comparisons of the right and left rugae points (P = 0.083 and P = 0.200, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS: The observed transverse dimensional changes in the rugae, particularly in the third rugae, indicate that caution should be exercised in using the rugae region as a reference in superpositions after SME treatment.

PMID:39772337 | DOI:10.1016/j.ajodo.2024.11.006

Afr J Reprod Health. 2024 Dec 31;28(12):175-185. doi: 10.29063/ajrh2024/v28i12.18.

ABSTRACT

Folic acid (FA) plays a crucial role in various biological processes. Insufficient intake of FA during pregnancy can lead to serious clinical complications, including neural tube defect. The current study sought to assess the awareness, knowledge, and usage of FA among young females in Jazan region of Saudi Arabia. This cross-sectional descriptive study involved 472 adult females from October 1 to 9, 2023, in Jazan region, Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire of the study was randomly distributed among females. The data showed that awareness and usage of FA supplementation were poor to fair among females. Furthermore, socio-demographic variables, including age, marital status, monthly income, education levels, number of pregnancies, and current pregnancy status, were found to be associated with awareness and utilization of FA supplementation. The study highlights the need to enhance awareness and knowledge of FA supplementation among females in the Jazan region. Introducing educational programs is essential in Saudi Arabia, particularly in the Jazan region, to enhance the knowledge and awareness of FA within the community.

PMID:39772308 | DOI:10.29063/ajrh2024/v28i12.18

Afr J Reprod Health. 2024 Dec 31;28(12):148-164. doi: 10.29063/ajrh2024/v28i12.16.

ABSTRACT

With 25% of teenagers pregnant by age of 19 and about half of these married before their 18th birth day, Uganda exhibits one of the highest rates of teenage pregnancy and child marriage globally. Comprehensive data on the drivers and barriers to addressing repeat teenage pregnancies and early child marriages remains limited. Using the narrative inquiry approach, the paper explores the key socio-cultural drivers and barriers to addressing repeat teenage pregnancies and early/forced marriages among stakeholders in the districts of Mbale, Kween, Namayingo and Kalangala. Guided by purposive sampling, a total of 125 qualitative interviews (80 key informant interviews (KIIs) and 45 focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted. Data analysis was done using deductive thematic analysis in Atlas ti software. The drives of repeat teenage pregnancy (RPT) include the distorted community understanding of repeat teenage pregnancy; poverty at the household; norms, traditions and beliefs; cultural and traditional practices; lack of comprehensive sex education, school dropout, Peer pressure and influence, and vulnerable populations. The results point to a strong relationship between teenage pregnancy, early child/forced marriage and repeat teenage pregnancy across all the four districts and to poverty as the driving force.

PMID:39772306 | DOI:10.29063/ajrh2024/v28i12.16

Afr J Reprod Health. 2024 Dec 31;28(12):127-138. doi: 10.29063/ajrh2024/v28i12.14.

ABSTRACT

Through implementing a bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) study, the causal effects between gut microbiome and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) were analyzed. Summary statistics for PCOS were acquired from the FinnGen consortium R8 release data, which included 27,943 cases and 162,936 controls. The inverse-variance weighting (IVW) method was adopted for analysis. Additionally, the causality involving exposure plus the outcome was evaluated by means of MR-Egger, weighted median, simple mode methods, as well as weighted mode. The IVW estimate showed that the genera Streptococcus plus Enterorhabdus served as protectors of PCOS. By contrast, the phylum Tenericutes, genera Anaerofilum, Coprococcus 2, Lachnospiraceae ND3007 group and Ruminiclostridium 5 were identified as risk elements of PCOS. Based on reverse MR analyses from PCOS on the intestinal microbiome based on the IVW method, the phyla Tenericutes, Actinobacteria, class Actinobacteria, genera Ruminococcaceae UCG004 and Christensenellaceae R 7group exhibited a down-regulation effect after PCOS onset. The genera Bacteroides, Barnesiella, Erysipelotrichaceae UCG003, Ruminococcus gnavus group, and Veillonella were up-regulated. No horizontal pleiotropy or significant IV heterogeneity was observed. We conclude that there is a causality relationship between gut microbiome and PCOS, where some bacterial taxa can be used as biomarkers to promote targeted diagnosis and therapy for PCOS.

PMID:39772304 | DOI:10.29063/ajrh2024/v28i12.14

Afr J Reprod Health. 2024 Dec 31;28(12):116-126. doi: 10.29063/ajrh2024/v28i12.13.

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the professional values of midwifery students and the factors influencing these values. Conducted from January 6 to March 6, 2021, it involved 715 midwifery students who participated voluntarily. Data was collected using a Descriptive Data Sheet and the Professional Values of Midwives Scale. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, two-way ANOVA, Independent Samples T Test, and Bonferroni Correction. The mean age of participants was 20.63 years; 99.2% were single, and 29.7% were second-year students. Participants mostly graduated from the following schools to Anatolian high schools (57.5%) and predominantly lived in cities (55.1%), with 81.1% from nuclear families. A significant number of parents had a primary education (mothers: 50.8%, fathers: 35.4%). The mean score on the Professional Values of Midwives Scale was high. Significant differences in scores were noted based on age, high school type, long-term residence, family type, parental education, and interest in midwifery. However, the difference was not significant found. related to academic year, willingness to choose midwifery, preference ranking, self-suitability for the profession, or shifts in perspective before and after education. These findings emphasize the multifaceted nature of professional values in midwifery students and the various factors shaping their attitudes.

PMID:39772303 | DOI:10.29063/ajrh2024/v28i12.13

Vet Ital. 2024 Sep 30;60(3). doi: 10.12834/VetIt.2572.25516.2.

ABSTRACT

This cross-sectional study aimed to estimate the seroprevalence and the potential risk factors of Brucella infection among goats in family farms in the southern east of Algeria. A total of 196 sera samples were randomly collected from 59 family farms and tested in parallel by Rose Bengal test (RBT) and indirect ELISA (iELISA). A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on potential risk factors. Apparent seroprevalence values were 8.7% (95% CI: 5.49-13.45) and 2.04% (95% CI: 0.8-5.13) for RBT and iELISA respectively. The estimated true prevalence values were 11.1% (95% CI: 6.87-17.42) for the RBT test and 1.58% (95% CI: 0.3-4.74) for iELISA. Dog presence in family farm was significantly associated with Brucella spp. seropositivity (p=0.03) using iELISA, with at least 38 times the odds of brucellosis seropositivity (OR: 38.55, 95% CI: 1.42-1049.17). Goats with previous history of stillbirth were significantly associated with Brucella spp. seropositivity (p=0.04) using RBT, with almost six (6) times higher odds (OR: 6.62, 95% CI: 1.06-41.55). Origin of animals reared on family farms was also significantly associated with Brucella spp. seropositivity (p=0.05) using iELISA with higher odds in foreign goats (OR: 12.99, 95% CI: 1.03-163.22) and lower odds in goats born in farms (OR: 0.08, 95% CI: 0.01-0.97). Based on these findings, further epidemiological studies related to the perception of the disease by animal owners and brucellosis in herding dogs needed to be conducted.

PMID:39772293 | DOI:10.12834/VetIt.2572.25516.2

Viruses. 2024 Dec 20;16(12):1949. doi: 10.3390/v16121949.

ABSTRACT

Rotavirus group A (RVA) is a major cause of pediatric acute gastroenteritis (AGE). Vaccination is an effective public health strategy and Angola implemented it in 2014. This hospital-based study aimed to estimate the prevalence of RVA infection and the severity of AGE in children under five years of age treated at six hospitals in Luanda Province. Between April 2021 and May 2022, 1251 fecal samples were screened by an immunochromatographic rapid test (SD Bioline). Data on socio-demographic profile, nutritional status, and clinical assessment were obtained. The association of RVA infection and AGE severity with possible risk factors was evaluated with a binary logistic regression model. Overall, the detection rate was 57.8% and girls tend to be more often infected than boys (55.2%). Infection was more common in the youngest group (1 to 6 months, 60.3%). Important sources of RVA infection were drinking water kept in tanks (57.9%) and private sanitary facilities with piped water (61%). Surprisingly, according to the Vesikari Scale score, the most severe symptoms were observed in children vaccinated with two doses (80.7%). RVA prevalence remains high despite vaccination, and further studies should address the association between infection sources and disease severity, as well as the causes underlying vaccine (un)effectiveness.

PMID:39772256 | DOI:10.3390/v16121949

Viruses. 2024 Dec 19;16(12):1950. doi: 10.3390/v16121950.

ABSTRACT

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a demyelinating disease caused by the JC polyomavirus (JCPyV). Based on the clinical criteria, PML is diagnosed via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection of JCPyV DNA in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in combination with neurological and imaging findings. Although the utility of CSF JCPyV testing using ultrasensitive PCR assays has been suggested, its potential requires further evaluation. This study retrospectively analyzed the detection performance of ultrasensitive PCR for CSF JCPyV in patients who underwent brain tissue examination based on the pathological diagnostic criteria for PML. Of the 110 patients with pathologically confirmed definite PML or not PML, standard and ultrasensitive CSF testing was performed for 36 and 74 patients, respectively. The sensitivity of ultrasensitive CSF JCPyV testing of the initial specimens was 85%. With the addition of the follow-up testing, this figure increased to 95%. The specificity and false-positive rate of ultrasensitive CSF JCPyV testing, including follow-up, were 100% and 0%, respectively. No statistically significant correlation was observed between CSF and brain JCPyV levels. The results of this study demonstrate the high sensitivity and accuracy of ultrasensitive CSF JCPyV testing and provide essential information for the clinical diagnosis of PML.

PMID:39772255 | DOI:10.3390/v16121950

Viruses. 2024 Dec 18;16(12):1934. doi: 10.3390/v16121934.

ABSTRACT

Ebola virus (EBOV) causes severe disease in humans, with mortality as high as 90%. The small-molecule antiviral drug remdesivir (RDV) has demonstrated a survival benefit in EBOV-exposed rhesus macaques. Here, we characterize the efficacy of multiple intravenous RDV dosing regimens on survival of rhesus macaques 42 days after intramuscular EBOV exposure. Thirty rhesus macaques underwent surgical implantation of telemetry devices for the fine-scale monitoring of body temperature and activity, as well as central venous catheters, to enable treatment administration and blood collection. Treatment, consisting of a loading dose of RDV followed by once-daily maintenance doses for 11 days, was initiated 4 days after virus exposure when all animals were exhibiting disease signs consistent with incipient EBOV disease as well as quantifiable levels of EBOV RNA in plasma. In the RDV treatment groups receiving loading/maintenance doses of 5/2.5 mg/kg, 10/5 mg/kg, and 20/10 mg/kg, a total of 6 of 8 (75%), 7 of 8 (87.5%), and 5 of 7 (71.4%) animals survived, respectively. In the vehicle control group, one of seven animals (14.3%) survived. The improved survival rate compared to the control group was statistically significant only for the 10/5 mg/kg RDV treatment group. This treatment regimen also resulted in a significantly lower systemic viral load compared to the vehicle control after a single RDV treatment. All three RDV regimens produced a significantly lower systemic viral load after two treatments. For most animals, RDV treatment, regardless of dose, resulted in the amelioration of many of the clinical-pathological changes associated with EBOV disease in this model.

PMID:39772240 | DOI:10.3390/v16121934

Viruses. 2024 Dec 13;16(12):1912. doi: 10.3390/v16121912.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the epidemiology and clinical course of chickenpox in children based on 6 years of self-reported observations.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The medical records of 350 patients under 18 years of age hospitalised in the Department of Paediatrics, Infectious Diseases, and Hepatology between 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2023 were analysed retrospectively.

RESULTS: During the analysed period, 350 children were hospitalised due to chickenpox, the fewest in the pandemic period, the greatest number in 2023. Complications of chickenpox were diagnosed in 297 children (84.86%). The most commonly diagnosed complications were bacterial dermatitis (168, 48%) and lower respiratory tract infections (13.42%). After the pandemic period, a generalised inflammatory reaction was observed significantly more often (p ≤ 0.01069). Among children hospitalised in 2023, 5.90% of patients with bacterial dermatitis required surgical intervention due to skin abscess or fasciitis. In 2023, 41.46% of cultures from swabs taken from skin lesions grew Streptococcus pyogenes. After the pandemic, children with chickenpox and gastrointestinal symptoms were hospitalised significantly less frequently (p ≤ 0.00001).

CONCLUSIONS: In the post-pandemic period, there were more hospitalisations of patients with chickenpox complicated by bacterial skin infection progressing to a generalised inflammatory reaction or septicaemia, related to the increase in invasive group A streptococcal infections observed in Europe. On the other hand, thanks to the widespread adaption of hygiene practices and infection prevention measures, the number of patients with gastrointestinal symptoms significantly decreased.

PMID:39772219 | DOI:10.3390/v16121912