Categories
Nevin Manimala Statistics

The geography of femicide in Sergipe, Brazil: matriarchy, human development, and income distribution

Rev Bras Epidemiol. 2021 Apr 16;24(suppl 1):e210016. doi: 10.1590/1980-549720210016.supl.1. eCollection 2021.

ABSTRACT

AIM: This research analyzed a joint spatial distribution and explored the possible associations between epidemiological aspects and feminicide rates, in towns of the Sergipe State in Northeastern Brazil.

METHODOLOGY: An exploratory ecological study investigated the global spatial autocorrelation of epidemiological aspects with femicide rates from towns in Sergipe State, Brazil, (n = 75), in the 2013-2017 period, using the “global” and “local” Moran statistic method and a multiple spatial regression. The exposure variables included socioeconomic and demographic conditions, services and health condition, and femicide rates. We used the software Stata 11.0, SPSS 18.0 and GeoDa 0.95-i.

RESULTS: The spatial distribution of femicide rates was not random and showed high spatial autocorrelation and predominance of significant spatial groupings of towns with the highest mortality rates due to femicide in the central region of Sergipe State. In the multiple regression analysis, the percentage of women in charge of families and the Municipal Human Development Index were positively associated with the femicide rates in towns in Sergipe’s municipalities in the studied period (p < 0.05). The opposite situation occurred between the Income Concentration Index (GINI) and the femicide rates.

CONCLUSION: This is the first study that has analyzed the factors associated with the spatial clusters of femicide rates in a geographical space where there is a predominance of patriarchal culture. There was a femicide increase in locations with the lowest social inequality, the highest human development and authority exercised by women in the family environment.

PMID:33886889 | DOI:10.1590/1980-549720210016.supl.1

Categories
Nevin Manimala Statistics

Geographic Information System-based association between the sewage network, geographical location of intermediate hosts, and autochthonous cases for the estimation of risk areas of schistosomiasis infection in Ourinhos, São Paulo, Brazil

Rev Soc Bras Med Trop. 2021 Apr 12;54:e0851. doi: 10.1590/0037-8682-0851-2020. eCollection 2021.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Ourinhos is a municipality located between the Pardo and Paranapanema rivers, and it has been characterized by the endemic transmission of schistosomiasis since 1952. We used geospatial analysis to identify areas prone to human schistosomiasis infections in Ourinhos. We studied the association between the sewage network, co-occurrence of Biomphalaria snails (identified as intermediate hosts [IHs] of Schistosoma mansoni), and autochthonous cases.

METHODS: Gi spatial statistics, Ripley’s K12-function, and kernel density estimation were used to evaluate the association between schistosomiasis data reported during 2007-2016 and the occurrence of IHs during 2015-2017. These data were superimposed on the municipality sewage network data.

RESULTS: We used 20 points with reported IH; they were colonized predominantly by Biomphalaria glabrata, followed by B. tenagophila and B. straminea. Based on Gi statistics, a significant cluster of autochthonous cases was superimposed on the Christoni and Água da Veada water bodies, with distances of approximately 300 m and 2200 m from the points where B. glabrata and B. straminea were present, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: The residence geographical location of autochthonous cases allied with the spatial analysis of IHs and the coverage of the sewage network provide important information for the detection of human-infection areas. Our results demonstrated that the tools used for direct surveillance, control, and elimination of schistosomiasis are appropriate.

PMID:33886822 | DOI:10.1590/0037-8682-0851-2020

Categories
Nevin Manimala Statistics

Temperature-triggered formation of a cellulose II nanocrystal network through regioselective derivatization

Nanoscale. 2021 Apr 7;13(13):6447-6460. doi: 10.1039/d0nr08597a. Epub 2021 Mar 24.

ABSTRACT

The two ends of rodlike cellulose II nanocrystals (CNC-II) were regioselectively functionalized either with gold nanoparticles or thermosensitive polymer chains. In the first case, after the introduction of sulfur atoms at both ends of the rods, CNC-II were labelled using a method based on the in situ nucleation and growth of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) from soluble derivatives. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images showed that such a method resulted in the grafting of one monodisperse AuNP at each extremity of the CNC-II, i.e. to the formation of hybrid dumbbell-shaped objects. No AuNP was detected on the lateral surfaces of the CNC-II and almost all observed CNC-II exhibited this dual labeling. This result confirmed with a good statistics when compared to previous works the possibility to derivatize only the two ends of the CNC-II, thanks to the antiparallel arrangement of cellulose chains in these nanoparticles. In the second case, the localized grafting of temperature-sensitive macromolecules onto the ends of the CNC-II was performed using an oxidation reaction followed by a peptide coupling. This end-specific grafting of thermosensitive chains onto CNC-II enhanced their colloidal stability when the temperature was below the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of the polymer. Above the LCST, the TEM images revealed the formation of a network extending to tens of microns resulting from end-to-end associations of the derivatized rods through attractive interactions between collapsed polymer chains. Rheology experiments further evidenced a temperature-induced sol-gel transition from a liquid-like (sol) behavior below the LCST to solid-like (gel) behavior above the LCST, in agreement with a change from purely repulsive interactions to interconnections via the hydrophobic collapsed chains. Importantly, all results concurred with a full reversibility of the phenomena upon cooling and reproducibility when samples were subjected to temperature cycles around the LCST. This work reveals that the dual site-specific derivatization of CNC-II can provide symmetric hybrid particles with innovative assembling and macroscopic properties that cannot be obtained through homogeneous chemical modifications.

PMID:33885525 | DOI:10.1039/d0nr08597a

Categories
Nevin Manimala Statistics

An assessment of the efficacy of clinical skills simulation using standardized patient in teaching behavior management and modification skills in Pediatric Dentistry to dental undergraduate students: A double-blinded, randomized, controlled trial

J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent. 2021 Jan-Mar;39(1):90-94. doi: 10.4103/jisppd.jisppd_504_20.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Clinical skills simulation (CSS) is an important tool in teaching and learning. The literature review showed a scarcity of research data regarding the use of CSS,in teaching, especially in dentistry. The use of CSS in dental teaching was found restricted to the use of low fidelity typhodonts fitted to phantom heads used in teaching cavity preparation and crown cutting.

AIM: The aim of the study was to determine the efficacy of CSS using standardized patient in teaching behavior management and modification skills to dental undergraduate students.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This double-blinded, randomized controlled trial was undertaken among 3rd year dental undergraduate students, and the study was undertaken at the Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty, 3rd year BDS students were randomly allotted to simulation and nonsimulation groups. Baseline data regarding their knowledge in the behavior management of child patients were assessed. Simulation group was further divided into group of six students and underwent CSS with standardized patient. Pretest and posttest knowledge regarding behavior management was assessed in the simulation group using questionnaires approved by an expert committee. The results were analyzed to see if there is any improvement in their knowledge after CSS. Students in simulation and nonsimulation groups were assessed for their behavior management skills during patient management, by an independent observer, using a checklist.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Mean, standard deviation (SD), and unpaired student t-test were done to assess the baseline knowledge of students who participated in the study. Mean, SD, and paired t-test were used to compare the pretest and posttest score of students who underwent simulation. Mean, SD, and unpaired t-test were used to compare the behavior management skills of both groups of students.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The knowledge of students in both groups before the study was comparable with no statistically significant differences. There was a statistically significant improvement in the knowledge of students who underwent CSS regarding behavior management of child patients. The unpaired Student’s t-test showed a significant difference in the behavior management skill of dental undergraduate students when treating a child patient. The students who underwent CSS fared better compared to students who were taught behavior management methods by traditional methods only. Clinical skill simulation using standardized patient is an effective adjunct to be used along with traditional method of teaching while teaching behavior management and modification skills to dental undergraduate students.

PMID:33885394 | DOI:10.4103/jisppd.jisppd_504_20

Categories
Nevin Manimala Statistics

Conductance switching of azobenzene-based self-assembled monolayers on cobalt probed by UHV conductive-AFM

Nanoscale. 2021 Apr 14;13(14):6977-6990. doi: 10.1039/d1nr00106j. Epub 2021 Apr 7.

ABSTRACT

We report the formation of self-assembled monolayers of a molecular photoswitch (azobenzene-bithiophene derivative, AzBT) on cobalt via a thiol covalent bond. We study the electrical properties of the molecular junctions formed with the tip of a conductive atomic force microscope under ultra-high vacuum. The statistical analysis of the current-voltage curves shows two distinct states of the molecule conductance, suggesting the coexistence of both the trans and cis azobenzene isomers on the surface. The cis isomer population (trans isomer) increases (decreases) upon UV light irradiation. The situation is reversed under blue light irradiation. The experiments are confronted to first-principle calculations performed on the molecular junctions with the Non-Equilibrium Green’s Function formalism combined with Density Functional Theory (NEGF/DFT). The theoretical results consider two different molecular orientations for each isomer. Whereas the orientation does not affect the conductance of the trans isomer, it significantly modulates the conductance of the cis isomer and the resulting conductance ON/OFF ratio of the molecular junction. This helps identifying the molecular orientation at the origin of the observed current differences between the trans and cis forms. The ON state is associated to the trans isomer irrespective of its orientation in the junction, while the OFF state is identified as a cis isomer with its azobenzene moiety folded upward with respect to the bithiophene core. The experimental and calculated ON/OFF conductance ratios have a similar order of magnitude. This conductance ratio seems reasonable to make these Co-AzBT molecular junctions a good test-bed to further explore the relationship between the spin-polarized charge transport, the molecule conformation and the molecule-Co spinterface.

PMID:33885499 | DOI:10.1039/d1nr00106j

Categories
Nevin Manimala Statistics

Remineralization efficacy of nonfluoride versus herbal-based pediatric dentifrice in demineralized primary teeth

J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent. 2021 Jan-Mar;39(1):67-73. doi: 10.4103/jisppd.jisppd_62_21.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Dental caries is one of the most prevalent posteruptive bacterial infections worldwide, characterized by a progressive demineralization process that affects the mineralized dental tissues. Although the decline of dental caries prevalence can be attributed to the widespread use of dentifrices that contain fluoride, yet there is a need for an advanced alternative nonfluoride remineralizing dentifrice. Yet, there is a need for an advanced alternative nonfluoride remineralizing dentifrice.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the remineralizing effect of nonfluoride-based and herbal-based pediatric dentifrice in demineralized primary teeth with an ideal in vitro method of pH cycling and evaluating the values under Polarized Light Microscope (Olympus BX43) using image analysis software (ProgRes, Speed XT core3).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 30 tooth samples were collected and placed in the demineralizing solution for 96 h to produce a demineralized lesion of approximately 100 μm, and then cut longitudinally into 60 sections that were randomly assigned to two groups with 27 samples each, Group A – nonfluoride-based dentifrice (Mee Mee®), Group B – herbal-based dentifrice (Mamaearth), after which they were subjected to pH cycling for 7 days along with dentifrice slurry preparation. The sections were evaluated under the polarizing light microscopy for remineralizing efficacy. The lesion depth was measured and tabulated to be sent for statistical analysis.

RESULTS: The mean demineralization value for nonfluoride and herbal-based dentifrice groups were 7.8730 μm and 28.3174 μm, respectively. Hence, it can be inferred that since lesion depth measured was lesser in nonfluoride than herbal-based dentifrice, remineralization has occurred in the nonfluoride-based dentifrice group.

CONCLUSION: Nonfluoride-based dentifrice showed significant results in remineralizing the demineralized lesion, while herbal-based dentifrice showed poor efficiency in remineralizing the demineralized lesion.

PMID:33885390 | DOI:10.4103/jisppd.jisppd_62_21

Categories
Nevin Manimala Statistics

Synchrotron radiation-based micro-computed tomographic analysis of apical transportation of different Nickel-Titanium rotary systems in curved root canals: An in vitro study

J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent. 2021 Jan-Mar;39(1):74-78. doi: 10.4103/jisppd.jisppd_16_21.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: In the last few decades, the availability of synchrotron sources has initiated revolutionary advances in X-ray imaging.

AIMS: The study aimed to evaluate the incidence of apical transportation after root canal preparation with ProTaper Gold (PTG), Hyflex electro discharge machining (HEDM), Reciproc (RPC), and WaveOne Gold (WOG) using synchrotron radiation-based micro-computed tomographic (SR-μCT) analysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty mandibular molars were assigned to four experimental groups (n = 10) according to the file system used for the root canal preparation: Group 1: PTG (25/0.08), Group 2: HEDM (25/0.08), Group 3: RPC (25/0.08), and Group 4: WOG (25/0.07). The specimens were scanned on SR-μCT system before and after the root canal preparation. Apical transportation was assessed at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 mm section.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Two-way analysis of variance and Wilcoxon Mann-Whitney test was used.

RESULTS: No significant difference was found between the groups. Transportation in the mesial direction was of greater magnitude than distal transportation for all the files systems.

CONCLUSION: SR-μCT can be used as a reliable diagnostic tool for further implications.

PMID:33885391 | DOI:10.4103/jisppd.jisppd_16_21

Categories
Nevin Manimala Statistics

Evaluation of the clinical efficacy of 38% silver diamine fluoride in arresting dental caries in primary teeth and its parental acceptance

J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent. 2021 Jan-Mar;39(1):85-89. doi: 10.4103/jisppd.jisppd_34_21.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Early childhood caries (ECC) has been regarded as one of the most prevalent chronic diseases in children. Conventional restorative management of ECC is difficult to perform in very young and apprehensive children. Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) can be a useful tool in the management of dental caries by arresting the carious lesion in primary teeth. After SDF treatment, the dentinal staining that is associated with SDF influences the acceptance of this treatment among parents of young children.

AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of biannual application of 38% SDF followed by 5% sodium fluoride (NaF) varnish for arresting dental caries in children and its parental acceptance.

METHODS: Twenty-six children aged 2-5 years with 107 active caries lesions in primary teeth were enrolled. At the baseline examination, status of carious lesions was recorded and scored according to the International Caries Detection and Assessment System II. Lesion activity was assessed by visual inspection and tactile detection. Carious lesions with score 3, 4, 5, and 6 were treated with 38%SDF application, followed by 5% NaF varnish. Children were re-evaluated at 3 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months. Parental acceptance of SDF treatment was evaluated.

RESULTS: This study demonstrated that 38% SDF was 92.31% effective in arresting dental caries in primary teeth and was well accepted by parents. Chi-square test was used to assess the significant difference among the arrested lesions which was statistically significant (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Thirty-eight percent SDF can be effectively used in arresting caries in primary teeth in young and uncooperative children.

PMID:33885393 | DOI:10.4103/jisppd.jisppd_34_21

Categories
Nevin Manimala Statistics

Comparison of staining potential of silver diamine fluoride versus silver diamine fluoride and potassium iodide under tooth-colored restorations: An in vitro study

J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent. 2021 Jan-Mar;39(1):47-52. doi: 10.4103/jisppd.jisppd_533_20.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is one of the effectual cariostatic agents widely used in minimal intervention dentistry. However, the major drawback of SDF is dark staining after its application.

AIM: In the present study, the staining of 38% SDF alone and 38% SDF and potassium iodide (KI) was compared after restoration with glass-ionomer cement (GIC) and resin composite using ImageJ software.

METHODS AND MATERIAL: Forty extracted carious primary teeth were sorted into four groups. In Group I and II, SDF was applied and restored with GIC and composite restorations, respectively. In Group III and IV, SDF application was followed by KI and restored with GIC and composite restorations, respectively. Images were captured after initial applications on day 1 and day 14 after restoration. The captured images were imported to ImageJ software and mean gray values were calculated.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The mean gray values obtained were subjected to statistical analysis using paired t-test and independent sample t-test. There was statistically significant if P < 0.05.

RESULTS: Following the application of SDF and RIVA STAR, the baseline mean gray values showed no statistical significance. On day 1, the mean gray values were highest in Group IV (208.30) and lowest in Group I (178.51). Similarly, on day 14, the highest mean gray values were observed in Group IV (208.45) and lowest in Group I (147.6) which were statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS: The restorations after SDF application attained dark stain eventually, whereas with the application of SDF followed by KI (RIVA STAR), the restorations showed the least staining.

PMID:33885387 | DOI:10.4103/jisppd.jisppd_533_20

Categories
Nevin Manimala Statistics

Metallic insignia in primary teeth: A biomarker for Autism Spectrum Disorders

J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent. 2021 Jan-Mar;39(1):61-66. doi: 10.4103/jisppd.jisppd_485_20.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Lead accumulations have been found in teeth and related to behavior deficits in children, but there is a dearth of studies in exploring the role of zinc and manganese dysregulations in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) using the primary tooth as biomarker.

AIMS: The objectives of the study were to evaluate and compare the concentrations of zinc and manganese in the primary teeth serving as biomarker, in typically developing children and children with ASD.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Twelve primary incisors indicated for extraction were collected from children between the age group 6 and 9 years, for the study. Six primary incisors were obtained from children who had been diagnosed with ASD (study group). The other six teeth were obtained from typically developing children, in the similar age group.

METHODS: The primary incisors obtained were analyzed for metal concentrations using the technique Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: This study was statistically analyzed by student’s t-test.

RESULTS: It was observed that there are significant differences in metal concentrations found between tooth samples of ASD children and typically developing children. Zinc concentrations were double and manganese concentrations were three times, in teeth of ASD children group as compared to the children in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS: Results of the current study indicate that there are considerable differences in concentrations of zinc and manganese between the two groups and support the contention that there might be an association between metal exposures of a pregnant mother and child during early years of childhood and incidence of ASD.

PMID:33885389 | DOI:10.4103/jisppd.jisppd_485_20