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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Evaluation of the Topical Effect of Probiotic Mouthwash in the Treatment of Patients with Peri-Implant Mucositis

J Long Term Eff Med Implants. 2022;32(1):85-91. doi: 10.1615/JLongTermEffMedImplants.2021039490.

ABSTRACT

Peri-implant mucositis is a reversible inflammatory process of the soft tissue surrounding a dental implant. If left untreated, peri-implant mucositis can evolve into peri-implantitis, which leads to the loss of the supporting bone around the implant. The treatment of peri-implantitis is of special importance, since peri-implantitis can be very expensive and troublesome for both the patient and the dentist and a lack of complete resolution can lead to a low probability of implant success. This study aims to evaluate the effects of probiotic tablets on the condition of patients with peri-implant mucositis after scaling. In this double-blind randomized intervention trial, packages containing 14 probiotic capsules or a single-dose placebo were provided to 25 volunteer patients after scaling among those called to a private clinic in Mashhad. During the research process, we used the probing depth (PD) index and the bleeding on probing (BOP) index to diagnose peri-implant mucositis before and after the 28-day period. According to the study findings, on the day of scaling and 4 weeks after scaling and mouthwash use, there was a statistically significant difference in BOP index values between the probiotic group and the placebo group (P < 0.001). There was no difference in PD index values between these two groups. In conclusion, probiotic treatment can be used in interventions, prevention, and dentists’ recommendations to alleviate or eradicate peri-implant mucositis.

PMID:35377998 | DOI:10.1615/JLongTermEffMedImplants.2021039490

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

STAT3, VEGF, and PSMA Expression Patterns in Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors, Malignant Melanomas, and Glioblastomas: Does Staining Percentage and Intensity Have an Effect on Survival?

J Environ Pathol Toxicol Oncol. 2022;41(1):45-53. doi: 10.1615/JEnvironPatholToxicolOncol.2021039719.

ABSTRACT

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs), glioblastomas (GBMs), and malignant melanomas (MMs) are neural crest-originating aggressive tumors with a poor prognosis. Signal transducer and transcription activator 3 (STAT3) plays a role in many biological processes, including cell life and proliferation, the acute phase response, chronic inflammation, autoimmunity, metabolism, and cancer progression, It is also known to be a prooncogenic transcription factor. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is one of the most potent proangiogenic stimuli ever identified. It mediates tumor neovascularization, and is associated with angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. The prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) folate hydrolase I, despite its name, has been found in tissues other than the prostate. It is overexpressed in prostate cancer cells and several other cancers, and has the potential to be a target for radioligand therapy. We investigated the value of STAT3, VEGF and PSMA immunohistochemical expression patterns and their effects on survival in MPNSTs, GBMs, and MMs. Their expression patterns were evaluated in 25 MPNSTs, 27 GBMs, and 25 MM cases. All GBM cases stained positively for STAT3 and VEGF. In the other groups, the staining patterns were heterogeneous. None of the cases showed positive staining with PSMA. There was no statistically significant difference in survival between cases with differing VEGF and STAT3 staining patterns in the MPSNT and MM groups, but there was an increase in mortality as the VEGF score increased in the GBM group. The suppression of VEGF and STAT3 may be a promising avenue for treatment of MPNSTs, GBMs, and MMs, although further research is needed.

PMID:35378003 | DOI:10.1615/JEnvironPatholToxicolOncol.2021039719

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Histological Evaluation of Bone Regeneration Using Hydroxyapatite Based Bone Substitute Derived from Antler: An Animal Study

J Long Term Eff Med Implants. 2022;32(1):77-84. doi: 10.1615/JLongTermEffMedImplants.2021039830.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Guided bone regeneration (GBR) is considered as a prerequisite in some cases of implant dentistry. For this purpose, bone materials are commonly used. Calcium compounds and Ca-P based materials like hydroxyapatite (HA, Ca10 (PO4)6(OH)2), due to their similarity with the human bone, can be used as graft materials for bone regeneration. This study aimed to evaluate biocompatibility of antler xenograft and compare the osteoconduction effects of antler xenograft with Cerabone in regeneration of calvarium bony defects of rabbits.

METHODS AND MATERIALS: Five defects with a diameter of 6 mm and a depth of 3 mm were prepared in the calvarium of four rabbits. Thereafter, two defects were randomly grafted with antler xenograft, two defects were filled with Cerabone, and one defect remained as the untreated group. Histological evaluations, including measuring percentage of new regenerated bone and the amounts of osteoblast, osteoclast, and osteocyte cells, were also performed. To do statistical analyses, paired t-test, chi-square, and Fisher tests were applied.

RESULTS: The percentage of new bone formation was significantly higher in antler xenograft (73.33%) and in Cerabone (48.91%) compared to the untreated group (18.91%). The amounts of osteocytes and osteoblasts were obtained as 3.52 ± 0.17 and 2.41 ± 0.24 in the Antler xenograft and as 2.57 ± 0.29 and 2.31 ± 0.32 in the Cerabone group, respectively. Bone marrow formation were significantly higher in antler xenograft (6.66 ± 5.34) and Cerabone (1.99 ± 3.17) compared to the untreated group.

CONCLUSION: According to this pilot study, results of using antler xenograft as an osteoconductive materials in regeneration of rabbit calvarial defects are comparable with Cerabone. Although more clinical studies are needed.

PMID:35377997 | DOI:10.1615/JLongTermEffMedImplants.2021039830

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Commonly Used Implant Dimensions in the Posterior Maxilla – A Retrospective Study

J Long Term Eff Med Implants. 2022;32(1):25-32. doi: 10.1615/JLongTermEffMedImplants.2021038617.

ABSTRACT

Implant therapy is a treatment option to ensure prosthesis survival rate and it is also done as a fixed dental prosthesis for replacing single and multiunit gaps. Posterior maxilla often has insufficient bone quality and quantity; for this reason it makes implant placement challenging in the site. Posterior edentulous maxilla presents special challenges to implant surgeons that are unique to this region compared to other regions of the maxilla. Thus, the aim of this study is to determine the common implant dimensions used in posterior maxilla. Completed case sheets were collected from a private dental hospital software system. Case sheets were taken from June 2019 to March 2020. Data was retrieved and evaluated by two reviewers. The parameters taken were patients, age groups, gender, teeth indicated for implants (maxillary premolars and molars), implant height, and implant width. Two-hundred fifty-four implants have been placed on the posterior maxilla of which 139 were premolars and 115 were molars. There was no statistical significance between the implants placed in both males and females (p value: 0.274). Between the age groups, the highest number of implants was seen in 41-60 years (n = 146) followed by 17-40 years (n = 78) and finally > 61 years (n = 30). The p value was 0.000, which was statistically significant. Various implant sizes for posterior maxilla have been introduced due to its challenging site. Thus in our study, we can see there is a difference in sizes for premolars and molars. Implant dimensions with increased height are used in the premolars compared to the molars. Implant dimensions with increased width are used in the molars compared to the premolars. In general, implant width and implant height can range from 3.6 to 4.5 mm and implant height ranging from 9.50 to 12.00 mm.

PMID:35377991 | DOI:10.1615/JLongTermEffMedImplants.2021038617

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Retrospective Multivariate Clinical Analysis of 2707 Dental Implants with Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic Surfaces: Survival Rates after Up to 5 Years

J Long Term Eff Med Implants. 2022;32(1):65-71. doi: 10.1615/JLongTermEffMedImplants.2021039884.

ABSTRACT

The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the long-term predictability of treatment using implants with hydrophobic and hydrophilic surfaces, according to clinical parameters and survival rates. Records from all patients who received dental implants between January 2013 and December 2014 at ILAPEO College were fully evaluated by two graduate dentists. Records with incomplete or unclear data were excluded from the study. The variables evaluated were demographic data, design of implants and prosthetic components, type of loading, data related to the patients’ general health, and survival of implants and prostheses. The final retrospective sample comprised 776 patients with 2707 implants, with up to 5 years of follow-up. Survival rates of implants and prostheses were 97.93% and 98.77%, respectively. Implants with hydrophobic (97.87%) and hydrophilic (98.34%) surfaces exhibited similar survival rates. Considering the different types of loading, there was no statistically significant difference between loading protocols regarding implant survival rates. Unsuitable healing capacity, uncooperative and not motivated patient, loss of prosthesis, and peri-implant bone loss were confirmed statistically to be factors that may contribute to implant loss, according to hazard ratio and odds ratio. The present study showed similar and high overall survival rates for implant with both types of surfaces, in the long term. The surface treatment, implant model and loading protocol had no significant influence on implant loss. Therefore, the evaluated implant systems were able to offer a high predictability for both hydrophobic and hydrophilic implants.

PMID:35377995 | DOI:10.1615/JLongTermEffMedImplants.2021039884

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Evaluation of Soft Tissue and Airway Changes in Individuals Treated with Mini-Implant Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (MARPE)

J Long Term Eff Med Implants. 2022;32(1):7-18. doi: 10.1615/JLongTermEffMedImplants.2021038874.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Mini-implant assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) is gradually becoming the treatment of choice to correct the transverse dimension, exceeding the limitations of conventional RME devices. One of the key factors for orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning apart from a stable occlusion is a balanced and aesthetic facial profile that is influenced by maxillary expansion. Similarly, it also affects the anatomy and physiology of the nasal cavity since nasal airflow is a continuous stimulus for lowering of the palate and for lateral maxillary growth. Hence, there is a need to conduct further research on the effects of MARPE on the facial soft tissues as well as the airway, enabling the orthodontist to reach a more accurate diagnosis as well as aid in the treatment planning process.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This retrospective three-dimensional study was planned and designed with the objective of measuring facial soft tissue and airway changes in individuals treated with mini-implant assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) using CBCT.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was carried out on CBCT records of 10 patients in the age group of 18-30 years. These records were then imported into Romexis software and calibrated. The facial soft tissue and airway parameters were measured for each individual at selected landmarks and compared before and after expansion.

RESULT: Statistically significant differences in the soft tissue parameters were observed, which included an increased H-angle, increased soft tissue subnasal to H-line and a decreased soft palate surface area after MARPE.

PMID:35377989 | DOI:10.1615/JLongTermEffMedImplants.2021038874

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Trajectory-based characteristic analysis and decision modeling of the lane-changing process in intertunnel weaving sections

PLoS One. 2022 Apr 4;17(4):e0266489. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266489. eCollection 2022.

ABSTRACT

Existing lane-changing models generally neglect the detailed modeling of lane-changing actions and model lane-changing only as an instantaneous event. In this study, an intertunnel weaving section was taken as the background, the lane-changing duration and distance in the lane-changing process were taken as the main research objects. The detailed modeling of a lane-changing action was emphasized. Aerial videos of intertunnel weaving sections were collected, and accurate vehicle trajectory data were extracted. Basic data analysis shows that the lane-changing duration has a lognormal distribution and the lane-changing distance has a normal distribution. To analyze the difference of the lane-changing behavior characteristics in different lane-changing environments, based on the lead spacing and lag spacing in the target lane, a hierarchical clustering algorithm was applied to classify the lane-changing environment into six different types. Then, a deep neural network regression model was applied to model the lane-changing process for each environment type. The results show that the horizontal distribution, vertical distribution and statistical characteristics of the lane changing points under different lane-changing environments are significantly different. The prediction accuracy of the lane-changing distance after classification is improved by at least 61%, and the prediction accuracy of the lane-changing duration after classification is improved by at least 57%. It is also found that lane-changing behavior characteristics with large or small lag spacing are easier to predict, while in the other cases, the randomness of the lane-changing behavior characteristics is more obvious. The research results can be incorporated into lane-changing decision assistance systems and micro traffic simulation models to make the assistance system safer and more effective, and the simulation outputs should be more realistic and accurate.

PMID:35377917 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0266489

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Introducing the EMPIRE Index: A novel, value-based metric framework to measure the impact of medical publications

PLoS One. 2022 Apr 4;17(4):e0265381. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0265381. eCollection 2022.

ABSTRACT

Article-level measures of publication impact (alternative metrics or altmetrics) can help authors and other stakeholders assess engagement with their research and the success of their communication efforts. The wide variety of altmetrics can make interpretation and comparative assessment difficult; available summary tools are either narrowly focused or do not reflect the differing values of metrics from a stakeholder perspective. We created the EMPIRE (EMpirical Publication Impact and Reach Evaluation) Index, a value-based, multi-component metric framework for medical publications. Metric weighting and grouping were informed by a statistical analysis of 2891 Phase III clinical trial publications and by a panel of stakeholders who provided value assessments. The EMPIRE Index comprises three component scores (social, scholarly, and societal impact), each incorporating related altmetrics indicating a different aspect of engagement with the publication. These are averaged to provide a total impact score and benchmarked so that a score of 100 equals the mean scores of Phase III clinical trial publications in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) in 2016. Predictor metrics are defined to estimate likely long-term impact. The social impact component correlated strongly with the Altmetric Attention Score and the scholarly impact component correlated modestly with CiteScore, with the societal impact component providing unique insights. Analysis of fresh metrics collected 1 year after the initial dataset, including an independent sample, showed that scholarly and societal impact scores continued to increase, whereas social impact scores did not. Analysis of NEJM ‘notable articles’ showed that observational studies had the highest total impact and component scores, except for societal impact, for which surgical studies had the highest score. The EMPIRE Index provides a richer assessment of publication value than standalone traditional and alternative metrics and may enable medical researchers to assess the impact of publications easily and to understand what characterizes impactful research.

PMID:35377894 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0265381

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Mental health disorders among post graduate residents in Kenya during the COVID-19 pandemic

PLoS One. 2022 Apr 4;17(4):e0266570. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266570. eCollection 2022.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Healthcare workers, including residents, are prone to various mental health disorders especially given the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Residents, particularly, are already under undue stress due to their respective training program demands.

METHODS: This cross-sectional, online survey-based study from August to November 2020 collected demographic and mental health measurements from all residents at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi. The questionnaire investigated demographic variables, information regarding direct care of COVID-19 patients, prior history of mental health and mental health outcomes using the Patient Health Questionnaire, Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale, Insomnia Severity Index, Impact of Event Scale-Revised Questionnaire and Stanford Professional Fulfillment Index Questionnaire.

RESULTS: A total of 100 residents completed the survey (participation rate 77.5%). Participants were about equal in gender (women [53%]), with a median age of 31.28 years, and majority were single (66.7%). A total of 66 participants (66%) were directly engaged in COVID-19 care. Depression: 64.3%, anxiety: 51.5%, insomnia: 40.5%, distress: 35.4%, and burnout: 51.0% were reported in all participants. Statistical significance was found in median depression, professional fulfillment and interpersonal disengagement when comparing frontline resident directly involved in care of COVID-19 patient versus second line residents.

CONCLUSION: Residents directly involved with caring for COVID-19 patients had statistically higher incidences of depression and interpersonal disengagement and lower professional fulfillment compared to second line residents. Keeping in mind the limited resources in sub-Saharan Africa, urgent and geographically specific strategies are needed to help combat mental health disorders in this specific population.

PMID:35377909 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0266570

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

A retrospective study on the socio-demographic factors and clinical parameters of dengue disease and their effects on the clinical course and recovery of the patients in a tertiary care hospital of Bangladesh

PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2022 Apr 4;16(4):e0010297. doi: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010297. eCollection 2022 Apr.

ABSTRACT

Dengue, a mosquito transmitted febrile viral disease, is a serious public health concern in Bangladesh. Despite significant number of incidences and reported deaths each year, there are inadequate number of studies relating the temporal trends of the clinical parameters as well as socio-demographic factors with the clinical course of the disease. Therefore, this study aims to associate the clinical parameters, demographic and behavioral factors of the dengue patients admitted in a tertiary care hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh during the 2019 outbreak of dengue with the clinical course of the disease. Data were collected from the 336 confirmed dengue in-patients and analyzed using SPSS 26.0 software. Majority of the patients were male (2.2 times higher than female) who required longer time to recover compared to females (p < 0.01), urban resident (54.35%) and belonged to the age group of 18-40 years (73.33%). Dengue fever (90.77%) and dengue hemorrhagic fever (5.95%) were reported in most of the dengue patients while fever (98%) was the most frequently observed symptom. A significantly positive association was found between patient’s age and number of manifested symptoms (p = 0.013). Average duration of stay in the hospital was 4.9 days (SD = 1.652) and patient’s recovery time was positively correlated with delayed hospitalization (p < 0.01). Additionally, recovery time was negatively correlated with initial blood pressure (both systolic (p = 0.001, and diastolic (p = 0.023)) and platelet count (p = 0.003) of the patients recorded on the first day of hospitalization. Finally, a statistical model was developed which predicted that, hospital stay could be positively associated with an increasing trend of temperature, systolic blood pressure and reduced platelets count. Findings of this study may be beneficial to better understand the clinical course of the disease, identify the potential risk factors and ensure improved patient management during future dengue outbreaks.

PMID:35377886 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pntd.0010297