Tag: nevin manimala

Transl Vis Sci Technol. 2024 Mar 1;13(3):10. doi: 10.1167/tvst.13.3.10.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Compare estimated sensitivities of SITA-Standard to the RATA-Standard algorithm of the Radius virtual reality perimeter (VRP), and measure concordance in glaucoma staging.

METHODS: One hundred adult glaucoma patients-half with suspect or mild glaucoma, and half with moderate or severe-from five clinics performed four 24-2 visual field tests during a single visit, two with the Humphrey Field Analyzer (HFA) and two with Radius, in randomized order: HRHR or RHRH. Only one eye was tested per participant. We used the Wilcoxon rank sum test with Bonferroni correction to compare distributions of estimated sensitivities across all 54 test locations over the 15 to 40 dB measurement range of the Radius. Weighted kappa measured concordance in glaucoma staging between two masked glaucoma experts using Medicare definitions of severity.

RESULTS: A total of 62 OD and 38 OS eyes were tested. Estimated sensitivities for SITA-Standard and RATA-Standard were not significantly different for OD, but were for OS-likely because of SITA-Standard OD and OS being significantly different in our sample, but not for RATA-Standard. Low agreement was observed between 15 to 22 dB. Concordance in glaucoma staging was high for both graders: kappa = 0.91 and kappa = 0.93. Average test duration was 298 seconds for RATA-Standard and 341 seconds for SITA-Standard. The correlation in mean deviation was 0.94.

CONCLUSIONS: Estimated sensitivities of RATA-Standard are comparable to SITA-Standard between 23 to 40 dB with high concordance in glaucoma staging.

TRANSLATIONAL RELEVANCE: Radius VRP is statistically noninferior to HFA when staging glaucoma using Medicare definitions.

PMID:38488433 | DOI:10.1167/tvst.13.3.10

Stat Med. 2024 Mar 15. doi: 10.1002/sim.10042. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Statistical modeling of epidemiological curves to capture the course of epidemic processes and to implement a signaling system for detecting significant changes in the process is a challenging task, especially when the process is affected by political measures. As previous monitoring approaches are subject to various problems, we develop a practical and flexible tool that is well suited for monitoring epidemic processes under political measures. This tool enables monitoring across different epochs using a single statistical model that constantly adapts to the underlying process, and therefore allows both retrospective and on-line monitoring of epidemic processes. It is able to detect essential shifts and to identify anomaly conditions in the epidemic process, and it provides decision-makers a reliable method for rapidly learning from trends in the epidemiological curves. Moreover, it is a tool to evaluate the effectivity of political measures and to detect the transition from pandemic to endemic. This research is based on a comprehensive COVID-19 study on infection rates under political measures in line with the reporting of the Robert Koch Institute covering the entire period of the pandemic in Germany.

PMID:38487994 | DOI:10.1002/sim.10042

J Prosthodont. 2024 Mar 15. doi: 10.1111/jopr.13835. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate the effect of the interproximal contour of single external hexagon implant restorations on the prevalence of peri-implantitis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Records of 96 patients and 148 external hexagon (EH) implants with time in function ranging from 1 to 17 years were included in the study. The most recent clinical and radiographic data were collected from records and the prevalence of peri-implantitis was defined according to the 2017 World Workshop on the Classification of Periodontal and Peri-implant Diseases and Conditions. Marginal bone level (MBL), emergence angle (EA), emergence profile (EP), and crown/implant platform horizontal ratio (CIHR) were obtained from periapical radiographs. Dichotomous variables at the patient- and implant level were compared with association tests. Mann-Whitney U-Test was performed to compare continuous quantitative values between the studied groups. Binomial logistic regression was conducted to identify risk indicators associated with the peri-implantitis event at the patient- and implant level, with the significance level set at 5% for all tests.

RESULTS: Nineteen patients (19.2%) and 24 implants (16.2%) with a mean time in function of 5.0 ± 4.7 years were classified as having peri-implantitis. No statistically significant differences concerning gender, mean age, implant location in the jaw, or time in function were observed between patients with or without peri-implantitis (p > 0.05). Of 24 implants with peri-implantitis 10 (41.7%) displayed EA ≤ 30° (16.4%) while 14 (58.3%) presented EA > 30° with no statistical difference between the groups (p > 0.05). No statistically significant associations were identified between EA, EP, or CIHR and the prevalence of peri-implantitis.

CONCLUSION: The findings seem to indicate that the EA, EP, and CIHR of single restorations over external hexagon implants are not associated with the presence of peri-implantitis. However, prospective studies with larger samples are required to better ascertain such an association in the long term.

PMID:38487989 | DOI:10.1111/jopr.13835

Phytochem Anal. 2024 Mar 15. doi: 10.1002/pca.3339. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Fructus Tribuli, the dried ripe fruit of Tribulus terrestris L., has various beneficial effects, including liver-calming and depression-relieving effects. Raw Fructus Tribuli (RFT) and stir-fried Fructus Tribuli (SFT) are included in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020 edition (Ch. P 2020). However, owing to the lack of specific regulations on SFT-processing parameters in Ch. P 2020, it is difficult to ensure the quality of commercially available SFT.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to screen the quality markers (Q-markers) of RFT and SFT and optimize the processing technology of SFT based on the identified Q-markers.

METHODS: First, the ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS) technology as well as multiple statistical analysis along with network pharmacology was used to comprehensively identify the Q-markers of RFT and SFT. Then, based on single-factor experiments, the Box-Behnken design (BBD) response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the processing technology of SFT and perform process validation.

RESULTS: A total of 63 components were identified in RFT and SFT extracts. Terrestrosin D and Terrestrosin K were initially considered the Q-markers of RFT and SFT, respectively. The optimum processing technology conditions were 208°C, 14 min, and 60 r·min^-1 . Three batches of process validation were performed, and the mean composite score was 56.87, with a relative standard deviation (RSD) value of 1.13%.

CONCLUSION: The content of steroidal saponin components in RFT was significantly different before and after stir-frying. Terrestrosin D and Terrestrosin K were validated as the Q-markers of RFT and SFT, respectively. The identification of Q-markers for RFT and SFT offered a clear index for optimizing the SFT-processing technology and provided a basis for the quality control of RFT and SFT decoction pieces.

PMID:38487966 | DOI:10.1002/pca.3339

Int J Dent Hyg. 2024 Mar 15. doi: 10.1111/idh.12794. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Pharmacology is an increasingly important area of study for oral hygienists, as it provides the scientific basis for safe and effective oral healthcare. However, a lack of fundamental understanding of the discipline among clinical graduates can present significant challenges. Oral hygienists require pharmacological training to meet the requirements of their scope of practice. Pharmacology knowledge assists with the diagnosis and treatment of oral conditions and forms the foundation for further clinical competency development. The knowledge and perceptions of pharmacology for pharmacy, nursing and medical students have been well documented; however, little information is present for Bachelor of Oral Hygiene (BOH) students. This paper sets out to evaluate BOH students’ and recent graduates’ knowledge and perceptions of pharmacology at a single higher institution in Pretoria to identify possible gaps and weaknesses.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was used to collect data using an online questionnaire. The English-language questionnaire consisted of the self-reported perceptions and knowledge and actual knowledge of pharmacology of undergraduate BOH students and recent graduates. The questionnaire consisted of multiple choice questions, true or false questions and Likert scale questions. Ethics was obtained from the institution’s Research Ethics Committee (REC 350/2021).

RESULTS: Overall, the participants perceived the pharmacology module positively and understood its importance. Concerns were raised about insufficient time for studying and that assessments were more aligned to gaining factual knowledge than the development of problem-solving skills. Students rated their knowledge between 57.24% and 69.44%, with BOH III students and graduates having a statistically significant greater self-rated knowledge of antivirals, antifungals and common agents used to treat oral conditions in comparison with BOH I and BOH II students. Overall, BOH students and graduates’ actual knowledge was between 45.24% and 66.84%. Although not statistically significant, the total self-rated knowledge of BOH III students and recent graduates tended to be higher than their actual knowledge. Knowledge deficits were evident with some pharmacological concepts across the various BOH groups, such as pharmacokinetics, pain, drugs altering dental treatment I: central nervous system drugs, drugs altering dental treatment II: respiratory and endocrine drugs, drugs altering dental treatment III: cardiovascular drugs, drug-drug interactions and common agents used to treat oral conditions.

CONCLUSION: Self-rated knowledge deficiencies were noted by students and recent graduates for certain pharmacological concepts and were supported by the measurement of their actual knowledge. Further investigation into knowledge deficiencies is needed to guide curriculum review to further strengthen oral hygienists’ pharmacological competencies and ensure alignment to their scope of practice.

PMID:38487937 | DOI:10.1111/idh.12794

Int J Environ Health Res. 2024 Mar 15:1-16. doi: 10.1080/09603123.2024.2328741. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Climate-induced health hazards are increasingly evident and frequent, with mental health emerging as a critical concern. Our study focuses on assessing mental health challenges related to climate variability in Northeastern Thailand. Using descriptive cross-sectional analysis and the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems 10th Revision (ICD-10), we analyzed mental health morbidity from 2018 to 2022. High average monthly temperatures exceeding 30°C and exposure to floods or droughts elevate the risk of mental health challenges. To address these risks, a holistic approach integrating Sustainable Development Goals and mental health initiatives is essential. This approach should prioritize understanding the impacts of climate change on the environment and human health. Supporting marginalized communities with indigenous knowledge and evidence-based programs can effectively prioritize sustainable mental health support, especially for vulnerable populations, fostering progress in human development and wellbeing.

PMID:38487936 | DOI:10.1080/09603123.2024.2328741

Genet Test Mol Biomarkers. 2024 Mar 15. doi: 10.1089/gtmb.2023.0606. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Background: Micro RNAs are new diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets in breast cancer research. miR-107 and miR-126 have been reported to be linked with the pathogenesis of breast cancer. The present study investigates the levels of expression of miR-107 and miR-126 in patients with breast cancer to find their correlation with the risk of breast cancer in Amritsar, Punjab, Northwest India. Material and Methods: In total, 200 subjects, 100 patients with breast cancer and 100 controls, were enrolled to screen the expression of miR-107 and miR-126 using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique. The Livak method (2^-ΔΔCt) was used to calculate the fold change of the expression of micro RNAs. Student t-test was used to calculate the significant change in the expression of miRNAs in patients as compared with controls. Spearman rank correlation coefficient and ROC were conducted. The value of p < 0.05 was considered to indicate a statistically significant difference. Results: miR-107 was downregulated in patients with breast cancer as compared with controls (fold change = 0.467; p = 0.114) but not statistically significant. The expression of miR-126 was found to be 5.37 times elevated in patients with breast cancer, specifically in stage I and stage III patients (p = 0.009), compared with controls, which may indicate its oncogenic activity. The ROC analyses revealed that miR-126 could be a potential diagnostic marker. In conclusion oncogenic behavior of miR-126 is suggestive of its role in pathogenesis in patients with breast cancer.

PMID:38487920 | DOI:10.1089/gtmb.2023.0606

Circ Cardiovasc Interv. 2024 Mar 15:e013738. doi: 10.1161/CIRCINTERVENTIONS.123.013738. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Suboptimal coronary reperfusion (no reflow) is common in acute coronary syndrome percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and is associated with poor outcomes. We aimed to develop and externally validate a clinical risk score for angiographic no reflow for use following angiography and before PCI.

METHODS: We developed and externally validated a logistic regression model for prediction of no reflow among adult patients undergoing PCI for acute coronary syndrome using data from the Melbourne Interventional Group PCI registry (2005-2020; development cohort) and the British Cardiovascular Interventional Society PCI registry (2006-2020; external validation cohort).

RESULTS: A total of 30 561 patients (mean age, 64.1 years; 24% women) were included in the Melbourne Interventional Group development cohort and 440 256 patients (mean age, 64.9 years; 27% women) in the British Cardiovascular Interventional Society external validation cohort. The primary outcome (no reflow) occurred in 4.1% (1249 patients) and 9.4% (41 222 patients) of the development and validation cohorts, respectively. From 33 candidate predictor variables, 6 final variables were selected by an adaptive least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression model for inclusion (cardiogenic shock, ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction with symptom onset >195 minutes pre-PCI, estimated stent length ≥20 mm, vessel diameter <2.5 mm, pre-PCI Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction flow <3, and lesion location). Model discrimination was very good (development C statistic, 0.808; validation C statistic, 0.741) with excellent calibration. Patients with a score of ≥8 points had a 22% and 27% risk of no reflow in the development and validation cohorts, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: The no-reflow prediction in acute coronary syndrome risk score is a simple count-based scoring system based on 6 parameters available before PCI to predict the risk of no reflow. This score could be useful in guiding preventative treatment and future trials.

PMID:38487882 | DOI:10.1161/CIRCINTERVENTIONS.123.013738

Brief Bioinform. 2024 Jan 22;25(2):bbae091. doi: 10.1093/bib/bbae091.

ABSTRACT

Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has emerged as a powerful tool for investigating cellular heterogeneity through high-throughput analysis of individual cells. Nevertheless, challenges arise from prevalent sequencing dropout events and noise effects, impacting subsequent analyses. Here, we introduce a novel algorithm, Single-cell Gene Importance Ranking (scGIR), which utilizes a single-cell gene correlation network to evaluate gene importance. The algorithm transforms single-cell sequencing data into a robust gene correlation network through statistical independence, with correlation edges weighted by gene expression levels. We then constructed a random walk model on the resulting weighted gene correlation network to rank the importance of genes. Our analysis of gene importance using PageRank algorithm across nine authentic scRNA-seq datasets indicates that scGIR can effectively surmount technical noise, enabling the identification of cell types and inference of developmental trajectories. We demonstrated that the edges of gene correlation, weighted by expression, play a critical role in enhancing the algorithm’s performance. Our findings emphasize that scGIR outperforms in enhancing the clustering of cell subtypes, reverse identifying differentially expressed marker genes, and uncovering genes with potential differential importance. Overall, we proposed a promising method capable of extracting more information from single-cell RNA sequencing datasets, potentially shedding new lights on cellular processes and disease mechanisms.

PMID:38487851 | DOI:10.1093/bib/bbae091

Brief Bioinform. 2024 Jan 22;25(2):bbae086. doi: 10.1093/bib/bbae086.

ABSTRACT

Causal discovery is a powerful tool to disclose underlying structures by analyzing purely observational data. Genetic variants can provide useful complementary information for structure learning. Recently, Mendelian randomization (MR) studies have provided abundant marginal causal relationships of traits. Here, we propose a causal network pruning algorithm MRSL (MR-based structure learning algorithm) based on these marginal causal relationships. MRSL combines the graph theory with multivariable MR to learn the conditional causal structure using only genome-wide association analyses (GWAS) summary statistics. Specifically, MRSL utilizes topological sorting to improve the precision of structure learning. It proposes MR-separation instead of d-separation and three candidates of sufficient separating set for MR-separation. The results of simulations revealed that MRSL had up to 2-fold higher F1 score and 100 times faster computing time than other eight competitive methods. Furthermore, we applied MRSL to 26 biomarkers and 44 International Classification of Diseases 10 (ICD10)-defined diseases using GWAS summary data from UK Biobank. The results cover most of the expected causal links that have biological interpretations and several new links supported by clinical case reports or previous observational literatures.

PMID:38487847 | DOI:10.1093/bib/bbae086