Tag: pubmed

Indian J Public Health. 2025 Sep 17. doi: 10.4103/ijph.ijph_508_24. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Noise-induced nonauditory effects and hearing loss are increasingly recognized as significant occupational health risks.

OBJECTIVES: The study investigates the nonauditory and auditory effects of daily noise exposure on traffic policemen in Chandigarh, focusing on their knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes toward noise pollution.

METHODS: A cross-sectional design was employed, comparing 100 traffic policemen exposed to noise pollution with a control group of policemen working in quieter office settings.

RESULTS: The Chi-square test showed a statistically significant association between stress and irritation among traffic policemen compared to their office-based counterparts (P < 0.05). However, no significant differences were found in responses regarding disturbance, headache, loss of sleep, or hypertension (P > 0.05). Self-assessment of auditory effects revealed that 56% of traffic policemen experienced symptoms of tinnitus, compared to 29% of general policemen. Diurnal noise levels at various traffic junctions in Chandigarh showed the highest (Leq) near the airport light point junction (79.9-78.8 dB) and the lowest at the Sukhna Lake entry point (72.0-69.89 dB). Average noise levels across all locations ranged from 76.04 to 75.30 dB, both during peak and nonpeak hours, well above the World Health Organization’s recommended limit of 65 dB for traffic areas. Most traffic policemen were unaware of the harmful effects of noise pollution and did not consider it an occupational hazard.

CONCLUSION: This study highlights the need for stricter enforcement of noise control policies and increased awareness of noise pollution to reduce its impact on public health, particularly regarding noncommunicable diseases.

PMID:40964735 | DOI:10.4103/ijph.ijph_508_24

Hand (N Y). 2025 Sep 18:15589447251369031. doi: 10.1177/15589447251369031. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) may occur after surgical fixation of a distal radius fracture (DRF) and can result in muscle atrophy and permanent nerve damage if untreated. Despite increased surgical treatments for DRFs, the frequency and risk factors for secondary carpal tunnel release (CTR) after DRF fixation remain unclear. This study aims to identify the frequency of secondary CTR after DRF fixation and factors associated with secondary release.

METHODS: Adult patients who underwent either a secondary CTR within 1 year after surgical fixation of the DRF (secondary release case group) or a concomitant CTR (concomitant release control group) between 2001 and 2023 were identified. Secondary release cases were matched 1:4 to concomitant release controls. Patient, diagnosis, and treatment characteristics were collected and analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression using backward selection was performed to identify risk factors for secondary CTR.

RESULTS: Of 6612 surgically treated DRFs, 77 patients (1.2%) underwent secondary release within the first year, and 948 patients (14.3%) underwent concomitant release. Nerve compression symptoms before initial surgical fixation of the DRF were observed in 26 patients (33.8%). Multivariable logistic regression revealed that hypothyroidism and osteoporosis were statistically significant predictors for secondary CTR after surgical fixation of the DRF. The scores of Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS)-Upper Extremity were clinically similar for both groups of patients.

CONCLUSION: Of all patients undergoing CTR within 1 year of DRF fixation, 92.5% underwent concomitant release, and 7.5% underwent secondary release. Patients diagnosed with hypothyroidism or osteoporosis were significantly more likely to undergo a secondary surgery for CTR.

PMID:40964734 | DOI:10.1177/15589447251369031

Hum Vaccin Immunother. 2025 Dec;21(1):2555698. doi: 10.1080/21645515.2025.2555698. Epub 2025 Sep 18.

ABSTRACT

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains a public health burden, with non-Hispanic Asian/Pacific Islander and non-Hispanic Black persons disproportionately impacted. Social determinants of health influence vaccination rates and healthcare access. This study used HBV vaccination to identify potential drivers of health disparities associated with multidose HBV vaccines, understand how patients and healthcare providers (HCPs) approach HBV vaccine decision-making and selection, and evaluate the patient and HCP preferences for multidose HBV vaccines. Patients (n = 805) and HCPs (n = 300) were recruited through an online survey. Social vulnerability index was used to identify health disparities linked to demographics and socioeconomic status. Results revealed challenges to vaccination, including lengthy appointment durations (40% spending more than 2 hours), high visit costs (27% paying over $100), and appointment cancellations due to affordability concerns (31%). 38% of patients with higher SVI missed an appointment due to cost. Logistic regression analysis for patients’ likelihood for vaccine dose decisions did not show significance, despite reported preference for a two-dose HBV vaccine. A multinomial logistic regression showed that when HCPs were aware of a two-dose HBV vaccine, they had 78.5% lower odds of recommending a three-dose HBV vaccine (OR = 0.215, 95 CI [0.101, 0.458], p < .001). 97% of HCPs agreed that their responsibilities include discussing vaccination with patients, but only 33% did so. There is an opportunity to improve low HBV vaccination rates through HCP influence. This study exposed barriers that patients face in accessing preventive healthcare. The two-dose HBV vaccine may address healthcare disparities and, by reducing appointment burden, could assist socially vulnerable individuals.

PMID:40964698 | DOI:10.1080/21645515.2025.2555698

Int J Endocrinol. 2025 Sep 9;2025:4478977. doi: 10.1155/ije/4478977. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

Background: Socioeconomic status (SES) influences a wide range of health outcomes, including hepatic steatosis and liver fibrosis, which are increasingly concerning. The aim of the study was to investigate the association between SES and hepatic steatosis and liver fibrosis and examine the potential mediating effects of body mass index (BMI) in this association. Methods: We used the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2021-2023 data to conduct a cross-sectional study. Occupation, insurance, family income level, and education level were employed as indicators of SES. Hepatic steatosis and liver fibrosis were quantified by controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) and liver stiffness measurement (LSM), respectively. Mediation analysis was used to estimate the direct and indirect associations of SES with hepatic steatosis and liver fibrosis through BMI after adjustment for potential confounders. Results: The study included 4455 participants. Compared to individuals with low SES, those with high SES had a lower risk of hepatic steatosis (odds ratios [OR] = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.69-0.94, p < 0.01) and liver fibrosis (OR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.61-0.97, p=0.03). However, after adjusting for confounding factors, the associations were no longer statistically significant (hepatic steatosis: OR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.75-1.08, p=0.25; liver fibrosis: OR = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.67-1.15, p=0.32). BMI differed significantly across SES grades (p=0.04). Restricted cubic spline analysis revealed a significant nonlinear positive association between BMI and hepatic steatosis (p < 0.01), and a linear positive association with liver fibrosis (p=0.11). Moreover, BMI accounted for 32.8% of the mediation effect between SES and hepatic steatosis and 18.2% of the mediation effect between SES and liver fibrosis. Conclusion: People with higher SES are less likely to develop hepatic steatosis and liver fibrosis, although the associations were attenuated after adjustment for confounding factors. SES might contribute to hepatic steatosis and liver fibrosis through the involvement of BMI.

PMID:40964692 | PMC:PMC12440650 | DOI:10.1155/ije/4478977

Front Nutr. 2025 Sep 2;12:1645063. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2025.1645063. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Bakery products formulated with wheat flour as the major constituent are unfit for consumption for people with gluten sensitivity. Hence, there is a need to utilize other substitutes as a major ingredient in food commodities for individuals suffering from gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, without compromising consumer acceptability.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the current study was to develop gluten-free cookies by partial substitution of the cookie’s rice flour with date fruit pulp and pit powder.

METHODS: Cookies were formulated by adding 100 g rice flour, 13.5 g eggs, 54 g sugar, 49.5 g shortening, and 2-3 drops of vanilla essence. Moreover, the proportion of date fruit pulp/date paste was 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100%, respectively, in groups T₁, T₂, T₃, T_4, and T₅. Similarly, the proportion of date pit powder varied from 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25%, respectively, in groups T₁, T₂, T₃, T_4, and T₅. Nutritional (proximate) composition, physical attributes, and sensory parameters of the prepared cookies were determined. Data were analyzed statistically using ANOVA and compared using Tukey’s Least Significance Difference (LSD).

RESULTS: The utilization of date paste and pit powder improved the proximate composition of cookies with increasing levels of added paste, whereas physical parameters showed a decrease in values with increasing levels of substitution. Organoleptic characteristics exhibited that biscuit quality was acceptable under various treatments.

CONCLUSION: Rice-based cookies with added date fruit and pit powder could be a practical and acceptable substitute for individuals with gluten sensitivity.

PMID:40964681 | PMC:PMC12436297 | DOI:10.3389/fnut.2025.1645063

J Conserv Dent Endod. 2025 Sep;28(9):899-904. doi: 10.4103/JCDE.JCDE_91_25. Epub 2025 Sep 5.

ABSTRACT

CONTEXT: The removal of intracanal medicament is necessary to promote adequate sealing.

AIMS: This study evaluated three techniques (conventional irrigation, Ultrasonic activation, and XP-endo Finisher) to remove intracanal medication (Ultracal XS and Bio-C Temp) using micro-computed tomography.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The roots were randomly divided into six groups (n = 10) according to the intracanal medication and the irrigation protocol employed to remove the pastes: Ultracal and Manual (UC/M); Ultracal and XP-endo Finisher (UC/XP); Ultracal and Ultrasonic activation (UC/US); Bio-C Temp and Manual (BIO/M); Bio-C Temp and XP-endo Finisher (BIO/XP) and Bio-C Temp and Ultrasonic activation (BIO/US) The samples were then subjected to microcomputed tomography scan to assess the total volume of filling and remaining medication after removal protocol.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The Shapiro-Wilk normality test indicated a normal distribution of the data. Then, to compare the groups, one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc tests were performed. For all statistical tests used, the significance level established was 5%.

RESULTS: When the samples were evaluated after applying the protocols regarding the root canal thirds, there was a greater remaining volume of Bio C Temp in the cervical third compared to the middle and apical thirds in the Bio C Temp/M and Bio C Temp/XP groups (P < 0.05). Ultrasonic activation removed the volume of Bio C Temp from the cervical third to similar levels of the middle and apical thirds (P > 0.05). In the cervical third, the Bio C Temp/XP, Bio C Temp/M group obtained a greater volume of remaining material than Bio C Temp/US, Ultracal/M, Ultracal/XP, and Ultracal/US (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: In the present study, the activation methods of intracanal medications did not differ in the removal capacity between the two types of root canal dressing and none of the removal protocols were able to completely remove dressings from the root canal.

PMID:40964648 | PMC:PMC12440337 | DOI:10.4103/JCDE.JCDE_91_25

J Conserv Dent Endod. 2025 Sep;28(9):892-898. doi: 10.4103/JCDE.JCDE_83_25. Epub 2025 Sep 5.

ABSTRACT

AIM: Despite the advancement in dental care, dental caries remains the most prevalent oral disease, necessitating the need for effective, preventive, and minimally invasive treatment options. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) in arresting initial approximal carious lesions in adults.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a randomized, triple-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two arms (A or B). One randomly selected lesion received either treatment (SDF solution) or placebo (water). Lesions were followed at 6- and 12-month using bitewing radiographs. Lesion progression was assessed via three evaluation methods: (1) pairwise comparison of bitewing radiographs (visual assessment), (2) assessment of subtraction radiographs (digital subtraction radiography [DSR]), and (3) histogram analysis of subtraction radiographs (HA). All the statistical analyses were performed using R software (the R Foundation, Vienna, Austria) at the 5% significance level.

RESULTS: Over 12-month period, more than 90% of the lesions were arrested in both groups. The SDF group performed significantly better according to the DSR method between baseline and 6 months (P = 0.05). There were no significant differences between the groups at the 12-month follow-up.

CONCLUSION: SDF treatment was superior in arresting initial approximal caries lesions during the first 6 months of use. This is significant for disease control in high-risk individuals who present to the clinic with multiple initial approximal caries lesions. Further studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness.

PMID:40964644 | PMC:PMC12440336 | DOI:10.4103/JCDE.JCDE_83_25

J Conserv Dent Endod. 2025 Sep;28(9):937-942. doi: 10.4103/JCDE.JCDE_468_25. Epub 2025 Sep 5.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The constant demand for innovative and minimally invasive procedures aimed at preserving tooth structure challenges the effectiveness of conventional methods. One such approach is partial radicular pulpotomy, which necessitates further clinical trials to validate its efficacy over traditional full pulpectomies and root canal treatments.

AIM: This study aims to evaluate and compare the outcome of full pulpotomy and partial radicular pulpotomy using Biodentine, in mature permanent molars with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis and spontaneous pain.

METHODS: Fifty patients with exposed carious pulp and symptomatic irreversible pulpitis were included, aged 15-35 years, randomly allocated to two groups: full pulpotomy (Group I) and partial radicular pulpotomy (Group II). Both the pulpotomies were performed following standardized protocols, with Biodentine.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Success was assessed clinically and radiographically for up to 12 months using the intragroup Friedman test and the intergroup Mann-Whitney test.

RESULTS: Group I exhibited 78.3%, while for Group II, it was 86.4% success at 12 months, but the results were nonsignificant (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Partial radicular pulpotomy can be introduced as a successful new treatment option in cases of symptomatic irreversible pulpitis in mature permanent molars.

PMID:40964643 | PMC:PMC12440327 | DOI:10.4103/JCDE.JCDE_468_25

J Conserv Dent Endod. 2025 Sep;28(9):925-930. doi: 10.4103/JCDE.JCDE_463_25. Epub 2025 Sep 5.

ABSTRACT

CONTEXT: Successful root canal treatment (RCT) depends on effective irrigant activation to enhance disinfection and minimize the risk of apical periodontitis. Laser-activated irrigation (LAI) has shown promise; however, its periapical safety remains to be fully evaluated.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to assess and compare the periapical safety of erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er: YAG) and diode laser irrigation protocols with passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) during RCT.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This was a quantitative in vitro experimental study.

METHODS: Sixty-six extracted human single-rooted teeth were standardized and fixed into a 96-well plate containing 300 μL of a pH indicator solution. Teeth were randomly allocated to three groups: PUI, diode laser, and Er: YAG laser. Irrigation with 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) was activated using the designated technique. Apical extrusion of NaOCl was quantified using ELISA-based spectrophotometry.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Kruskal-Wallis and post hoc pairwise comparison tests were performed (P < 0.05).

RESULTS: All groups showed apical extrusion. The Er: YAG group had significantly less extrusion than the diode and PUI groups (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Within the study’s limitations, Er: YAG and diode LAI reduced apical NaOCl extrusion compared to PUI, indicating improved periapical safety. Further clinical studies are needed.

PMID:40964642 | PMC:PMC12440348 | DOI:10.4103/JCDE.JCDE_463_25

J Conserv Dent Endod. 2025 Sep;28(9):911-915. doi: 10.4103/JCDE.JCDE_413_25. Epub 2025 Sep 5.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Irrigation is an essential component of successful endodontics. Various chemical irrigants have been assessed for their efficacy. Newer alternatives are being currently investigated to overcome the shortcomings of the currently used irrigants.

AIMS: The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of phytic acid in calcium ion removal and its effect on the microhardness of the root canal dentin during endodontic procedure.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This was an in vitro study conducted on 45 recently extracted single-rooted human mandibular premolars. They were decoronated and sectioned. One half of the tooth was used to evaluate calcium ion loss, while the other half was used to analyze microhardness.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The data were analyzed using analysis of variance and Tukey’s post hoc analysis was used. P <0.001 was considered significant.

RESULTS: There was a less significant decrease in calcium level of root dentin after treatment with phytic acid as compared with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). There was no significant difference between phytic acid and EDTA in relation to calcium ion loss and microhardness with their respective control group.

CONCLUSION: 1% Phytic acid is a suitable irrigating solution compared to 17% EDTA, due to its less demineralizing effect on radicular dentin.

PMID:40964641 | PMC:PMC12440339 | DOI:10.4103/JCDE.JCDE_413_25