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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Statistical assessment of natural radioactivity, radon activity, and associated radiological exposure due to artisanal mining in Atiwa West district of the Eastern region, Ghana

Heliyon. 2024 Jul 17;10(14):e34705. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e34705. eCollection 2024 Jul 30.

ABSTRACT

The activity concentration of natural radionuclides, radon activity concentration, mass and area exhalation rates have been studied in soils from gold mining communities in Atiwa West district. The natural radionuclides were determined by gamma ray spectrometry method while radon concentrations were measured using CR-39 detectors. The mean activity concentrations were found to be 26.9 ± 1.7 Bq/kg, 57.5 ± 3.6 Bq/kg, 237.5 ± 17.6 Bq/kg and 560.0 ± 54 Bq/m3 for Ra-226, Th-232, K-40 and Rn-222 respectively. The evaluated mass exhalation rates ranged from 2.8 ± 0.3 to 6.5 ± 0.7 × 10-5 Bq/kg/h while the area exhalation rates were from 0.8 ± 0.09 to 2.0 ± 0.21 × 10-3 Bq/m2/h. Some mining and farming areas recorded high exhalation rates indicating that the use of soils as building materials from such areas could pose a level of radiation hazard to the population. The evaluated radiological risks were below reference levels. A good linear correlation was observed between Ra-226 and Rn-222 activity concentrations and in the investigated soils. The Pearson correlation coefficient, cluster analysis and principal component analysis were used to study the relationship between the determined parameters of the study.

PMID:39130404 | PMC:PMC11315202 | DOI:10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e34705

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Quantium Consciousness Index and Quantium Noxious Index in Ketamine Subdose Administration Compared with Fentanyl and Midazolam in Postoperative ICU Patients: A Prospective, Observational Study

Indian J Crit Care Med. 2024 Jun;28(6):581-586. doi: 10.5005/jp-journals-10071-24734.

ABSTRACT

AIMS AND BACKGROUND: In postoperative patients in the intensive care units (ICUs), not only analgesics are needed but also sedation so that the patient can remain calm during treatment, especially patients with mechanical ventilation. By using the measurement parameters of the quantum consciousness index (qCON) and quantum noxious index (qNOX) in measuring the depth of sedation and adequacy of analgesics, the use of subdose ketamine instead of fentanyl and midazolam as sedative, analgesic agents can be performed as a new alternative to nociceptive monitoring methods with more objective results. This study aims to obtain results of comparing qCON and qNOX in postoperative patients by administering subdose ketamine compared with a combination of fentanyl and midazolam in RSUP Haji Adam Malik Medan.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized clinical trial with a double-blind approach has been used in this study. A total of 44 experimental samples were gathered and randomly split into two groups after meeting the criteria for inclusion. Group A administered a ketamine subdose, whereas Group B administered a mixture of fentanyl and midazolam. The research data obtained were tested using Statistical Product and Science Service (SPSS).

RESULTS: There were differences in the median, minimum, and maximum values of qCON and qNOX in the groups given subdose ketamine and fentanyl and midazolam, but these were not statistically significant (p > 0.05) at T0, T1, and T2.

CONCLUSION: Administering a subdose of ketamine can provide sedation and analgesia comparable to fentanyl and midazolam.

HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Masharto AR, Lubis AP, Bangun CG, Wahyuni AS. Quantium Consciousness Index and Quantium Noxious Index in Ketamine Subdose Administration Compared with Fentanyl and Midazolam in Postoperative ICU Patients: A Prospective, Observational Study. Indian J Crit Care Med 2024;28(6):581-586.

PMID:39130399 | PMC:PMC11310667 | DOI:10.5005/jp-journals-10071-24734

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Is “Less be More” Still a Valid Concept in Intensive Care? A Review of Critical Care Randomized Clinical Trials from the New England Journal of Medicine

Indian J Crit Care Med. 2024 Jun;28(6):533-551. doi: 10.5005/jp-journals-10071-24717.

ABSTRACT

The concept of “Less is more” has been gaining increasing awareness and acceptance in Critical Care. In 2017, we attempted to systematically answer the question “Can less be more in intensive care” with empirical data. We reviewed all the critical care randomized clinical trials (RCTs) between 1 January 2008 and 5 October 2016 in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM). This article attempts to repeat the earlier exercise using data from 5 October 2016 to 31 December 2023. This analysis of critical care RCTs in the NEJM has shown three findings. Approximately three-quarter of RCTs in critical care in the NEJM between 2008 and 2023 failed to show benefit or harm. In the years 2008-2016, patients in the intervention cohort had a higher mortality compared to controls, but in the years 2016-2023, the difference in overall mortality in patients in the intervention and control arms was not statistically significant. Compared to the years 2008-2016, in the years from 2016 to 2023, the number of RCTs showing harm decreased and those showing benefit increased.

HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Kapadia F, Bharadwaj S, Sharma R. Is “Less be More” Still a Valid Concept in Intensive Care? A Review of Critical Care Randomized Clinical Trials from the New England Journal of Medicine. Indian J Crit Care Med 2024;28(6):533-551.

PMID:39130397 | PMC:PMC11310669 | DOI:10.5005/jp-journals-10071-24717

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Comparison between Effect of Indirect Calorimetry vs Weight-based Equation (25 kcal/kg/day)-guided Nutrition on Quadriceps Muscle Thickness as Assessed by Bedside Ultrasonography in Medical Intensive Care Unit Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Indian J Crit Care Med. 2024 Jun;28(6):587-594. doi: 10.5005/jp-journals-10071-24737.

ABSTRACT

AIM AND BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia is a substantial contributor to intensive care unit (ICU)-acquired weakness and is associated with significant short- and long-term outcomes. It can, however, be mitigated by providing appropriate nutrition. Indirect calorimetry (IC) is believed to be the gold standard in determining caloric targets in the dynamic environment of critical illness. We conducted this study to compare the effect of IC vs weight-based (25 kcal/kg/day) feeding on quadriceps muscle thickness (QMT) by ultrasound in critically ill patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study was conducted on 60 mechanically ventilated patients randomized to two groups [weight-based equation (WBE) group or the IC group] in medical ICU after obtaining institutional ethics committee approval, and fed accordingly. The right QMT measurement using ultrasound and caloric targets were documented on day 1, 3 and 7 and analyzed statistically. The IC readings were obtained from the metabolic cart E-COVX ModuleTM.

RESULTS: The baseline demographics, APACHE-II, NUTRIC score, and SOFA scores on day 1, 3, and 7 were comparable between the two groups. The resting energy expenditure (REE) obtained in the IC group was significantly less than the WBE energy targets and the former were fed with significantly less calories. A significantly less percent reduction of QMT in the IC group compared with the WBE group was observed from day 1 to day 3, day 3 to day 7, and day 1 to day 7.

CONCLUSION: From our study, we conclude that IC-REE-based nutrition is associated with lesser reduction in QMT and lesser calories fed in critically ill mechanically ventilated patients compared from WBE. CTRI registration-CTRI/2023/01/049119.

HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Chandrasekaran A, Pal D, Harne R, Patel SJ, Jagadeesh KN, Pachisia AV, et al. Comparison between Effect of Indirect Calorimetry vs Weight-based Equation (25 kcal/kg/day)-guided Nutrition on Quadriceps Muscle Thickness as Assessed by Bedside Ultrasonography in Medical Intensive Care Unit Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Indian J Crit Care Med 2024;28(6):587-594.

PMID:39130394 | PMC:PMC11310671 | DOI:10.5005/jp-journals-10071-24737

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Increasing the fracture strength of MOD restorations with Ribbond fibers

J Clin Exp Dent. 2024 Jun 1;16(6):e707-e713. doi: 10.4317/jced.61608. eCollection 2024 Jun.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the fracture strength of two different Ribbond Fiber (Ribbond, Ribbond Inc., Seattle, WA, USA) restoration strategies in 5 mm deep standardized MOD cavities without interaxial dentin.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: 34 extracted human molars were randomly divided into two groups and restored as follows: Group 1 restoration with Ribbond Fiber placed at the cavity floor incorporated in Estelite Bulk-Fill Flow Universal composite (Tokuyama Dental Corporation Inc., Tokyo, Japan); Group 2 restoration with RF placed at 3 mm from the occlusal plane over a 2mm layer of Estelite Bulk-Fill Flow. The occlusal plane in both groups was restored with Ceram.x Spectra ST (Dentsply Sirona, Ballantyne Corporate Pl, Charlotte, NC, USA). The restored teeth were subjected to thermal cycling by immersing them for 30 seconds in hot water (55±2°C) followed by 30 seconds in cold water (5±2°C), for 2000 cycles.Their fracture strength was then evaluated using an Instron device. Data were analyzed with Two-sample T Test statistical test to compare fracture strength among groups. Finally, a descriptive analysis of the failure location was performed.

RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was found between groups 1 and 2 (P<0.001) in terms of fracture strength. Group 2 exhibited a higher percentage of recoverable fractures compared to group 1. Group 1 had a mean fracture load of 833N and a SD of 248 while group 2 had a mean fracture load of 1286N and SD of 447.

CONCLUSIONS: RF placed at 3 mm depth from the occlusal plane, on a 2 mm layer Estelite Bulk-Fill Flow Universal composite (Tokuyama Dental Corporation Inc., Tokyo, Japan) contributes to improve fracture resistance in vital teeth without interaxial dentin and reduces the risk of non-recoverable fractures compared to when it is placed at a 5 mm depth. Key words:Ribbond fiber, composite restoration, fracture resistance, Instron machine.

PMID:39130368 | PMC:PMC11310981 | DOI:10.4317/jced.61608

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Influence of root canal taper on the measurement of two different electronic apex locators

J Clin Exp Dent. 2024 Jun 1;16(6):e733-e739. doi: 10.4317/jced.61352. eCollection 2024 Jun.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This research aimed to analyze the influence of root canal taper on the accuracy of two Electronic Apex Locators (EALs).

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-five disto-vestibular roots from extracted human upper molars belonging to the tooth bank were used in this study. To determine the File Position (FP), access was made using a spherical diamond tip #1014, and the crowns were sectioned using a diamond tip #3080. The initial anatomic file used was a size K #10, which was introduced into the root canal until its tip was visualized (foraminal patency) with the aid of a clinical microscope (16X magnification). Teeth without foraminal patency and calcifications were excluded from the study. Odontometric readings were performed using two different EALs (Root ZX II and Romiapex A-15), considering the electronic reference point 0.0 (apex) for each device. All measurements were taken in triplicate, and the arithmetic mean of the three values was used. Digital calipers were used to record the measurements, which were then entered into an Excel spreadsheet. After visual verification using file K #10, the canals were instrumented with a #25.01 file to standardize the apical region, then successively instrumented with files #25.02, #25.04, #25.06, #25.08, #25.10, and #25.12, with electronic odontometry checked after each instrumentation using #25.02. Measurement 0.0 was adopted, with error margins of ±0.5 and ±1.0. Discrepancies between visual and electronic readings were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and Bonferroni tests, with significance considered when P<0.05.

RESULTS: Using the 0.0 mark and a ±1.0 error margin, it was observed that readings from the devices were similar in canals with different tapers (P>0.05), showing a tendency towards underestimation. However, when using the measurement variation margin of ±0.50, a statistically significant difference was found in the Romiapex A-15 group (P=0.0248) when comparing the results of the two EALs.

CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, it was concluded that the canal taper did not significantly influence the accuracy of the evaluated EALs, using the reference point 0.0. When using the ±0.5 variation margin, the Romiapex A-15 device showed greater accuracy, and finally, at the ±1.0 error margin, both EALs exhibited excellent precision. Key words:Endodontics, Odontometry, Eletronic Apex Locator, Root Canal Preparation.

PMID:39130363 | PMC:PMC11310975 | DOI:10.4317/jced.61352

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The role of protective liners and glass ionomer in managing pulp temperature during light curing

J Clin Exp Dent. 2024 Jun 1;16(6):e749-e754. doi: 10.4317/jced.61703. eCollection 2024 Jun.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the thermal insulation of protective liners and glass ionomer cement during light-curing procedures.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Human third molars underwent Class I preparations with dimensions 5 mm long × 4 mm wide × 4 mm deep in a standardized manner ensured a consistent ±0.5 mm dentin thickness at the pulpal floor. The teeth were attached to a customized oral cavity chamber simulator with a circulating bath at a standardized temperature of 34.2 ± 1oC. The temperature variations at the pulpal floor were captured in real-time by video using an infrared thermal camera (FLIR ONE Pro, FLIR Systems). The materials evaluated were: Dycal (Dentsply), TheraCal LC (Bisco), Activa (Pulpdent), and Fuji II LC (GC). All light-activation procedures were performed with the same light-curing unit (Valo Grand, Ultradent) in standard mode, 1000 mW/cm2, and time of exposure following manufacturer instructions. A power analysis was conducted to determine the sample size considering a minimal power of 0.8, with α=0.05. Statistical analyses were performed using ANOVA and Tukey’s test for multiple comparisons.

RESULTS: The temperature at the pulpal floor increased above the 5.5 ºC safety threshold difference for clinical scenarios tested. None of the materials provided proper thermal insulation for light-curing procedures (p = 0.25). The higher the number of light-cured steps, the longer the pulp remained above the 5.5 ºC temperature threshold.

CONCLUSIONS: The materials tested provided improper thermal insulation (Δ > 5.5 ºC). Thus, prolonged or multiple light-curing exposures can be harmful to the pulp tissues. Therefore, for indirect pulpal capping procedures, self-cured materials or a reduced number of steps requiring light curing must be adopted to reduce the amount of time the pulp remains above the 5.5 ºC safety temperature threshold. Key words:Dental Pulp Capping, Calcium hydroxide, Bioactive, Thermal Damage.

PMID:39130362 | PMC:PMC11310984 | DOI:10.4317/jced.61703

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Evaluation of anatomical variants and pathological findings of the maxillary sinus prior to sinus floor elevation: A Cone Beam CT retrospective study in 660 patients

J Clin Exp Dent. 2024 Jun 1;16(6):e740-e748. doi: 10.4317/jced.61624. eCollection 2024 Jun.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Maxillary sinuses may present a wide spectrum of anatomical variations and pathological lesions whose recognition is mandatory for the clinician, especially prior to any surgical intervention in the area, such as in cases of sinus floor elevation. The goal of this study was the evaluation, mapping and prevalence of sinus anatomical variants and pathoses in Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scans of dental patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: 660 CBCT examinations of adult patients involving both sinuses were obtained (between 2017 and 2023) and analyzed. The following anatomic variants and pathologic findings were evaluated: antral septa (AS), posterior superior alveolar artery (PSAA), sinus hypoplasia, sinusitis, odontogenic cysts, retention cysts, antroliths, and various less common lesions (e.g.: benign fibro-osseous dysplastic lesions, neoplasms etc.). Investigation of the association of the findings with patients’ age and gender was performed using the Chi-square test (X2), Fisher’s exact test, t-test, and ANOVA (P<0.05). Differences in prevalence between findings, based on their location (right and/or left sinus), were investigated using z-test and t-test.

RESULTS: AS were found in 38.6%, and PSAA was identifiable in 90.2% (mean distance from the sinus floor=6.44 mm) of the patients respectively. 3% of patients had hypoplasia, 15.6% sinusitis, 2.7% odontogenic cysts, 16.1% retention cysts, 8.6% antroliths, and 1.7% uncommon lesions (e.g. malignant neoplasms and fibrous dysplasia). A statistically significant association was found between gender and PSAA diameter, PSAA distance from the sinus floor, hypoplasia, sinusitis, and retention cysts, as well as a statistically significant association between age and PSSA diameter and sinusitis.

CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of various anatomical variants and pathologic findings of the maxillary sinus did not differ based on their location. However, some of these findings appear to be related to either gender or age. CBCT is a valuable diagnostic tool to identify various anatomical variants and pathological findings of the maxillary sinus. Key words:Sinus, anatomy, pathology, CBCT.

PMID:39130358 | PMC:PMC11310974 | DOI:10.4317/jced.61624

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Development of Environmental Sound Perception in Children with Cochlear Implant within 4 Months of Implantation

Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2024 Aug;76(4):3088-3093. doi: 10.1007/s12070-024-04607-w. Epub 2024 Mar 16.

ABSTRACT

AIM: The aim of the study was (1) to investigate the development of identification of environmental sounds in children with Cochlear Implantation (CI) within four months from switch on (i.e. at 0, 2 and 4 months) and (2) to see the effect of family type in the perception of environmental sounds.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A longitudinal study design was utilized on a total of 18 children using CI within the chronological age range of 3 to 7 years. All participants underwent a closed set test of Environmental Sound Perception (ESP) to measure the longitudinal outcomes of ESP, at 0 (within 1 week of switch on), 2 months and 4 months of implant age. They were asked to identify the sounds by pointing at the picture representing the sound.

RESULTS: Results using One-way and Two-way ANOVA demonstrated that at 0 month of implant age, the scores were 0%. At 2 months of implant age the scores ranged from 0 to 25% and at 4th month the scores ranged from 0 to 40%. There was a statistically significant improvement observed in ESP at every 2 months of testing from 0 to 4 months of implant age. However, effect of family type revealed no significant differences between the performances across the implant age.

CONCLUSION: The current study reveals that identification of environmental sounds are one of the foremost benefits and early outcomes of CI in children. The perception of environmental sounds are constantly but gradually developing with increasing implant age. This information is useful to predict the performance of CI during rehabilitation and to set the therapy goals accordingly.

PMID:39130335 | PMC:PMC11306886 | DOI:10.1007/s12070-024-04607-w

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Which is Better in Predicting CT Scores in Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis after Medical treatment-Baseline Rhinosinusitis Disability Index (RSDI) or Endoscopic Score?

Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2024 Aug;76(4):3418-3423. doi: 10.1007/s12070-024-04708-6. Epub 2024 Apr 23.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Rhinosinusitis disability index (RSDI) questionnaire is used to assess the severity of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) from the patient’s perspective. The severity of CRS can be measured objectively with the endoscope and computed tomogram (CT) using the Lund-Kennedy endoscopic score and Mackay-Lund scores respectively. The objective of the study is to evaluate whether baseline RSDI and Lund-Kennedy (LK) endoscopy scoring can help predict the Mackay-Lund CT (MKLCT) scores after medical treatment in patients with CRS.

METHODOLOGY: This is a prospective, observational study, carried out from 1st October 2017 to 30th September 2019 in the ENT out- patient department at a tertiary hospital in Northern India. 90 patients diagnosed with CRS were enrolled consecutively in the study. RSDI questionnaire was filled out for all the participants. They all underwent a diagnostic endoscopy and CRS was graded according to the Lund-Kennedy endoscopic scores. All participants were given medical treatment. Patients underwent CT of the paranasal sinuses after medical treatment and the MLKCT scores were calculated. The baseline RSDI and Lund-Kennedy scores were correlated with the MKLCT scores using Spearman’s Rank correlation tests. The diagnostic ability of the RSDI and LK endoscopy scores to predict the least MKLCT scores was compared using the receiver operator characteristics curves (ROC).

RESULTS: A statistically significant correlation was seen with LK endoscopy scores and MKLCT scores (r = 0.396, p < 0.001) Among the individual parameters of the LK endoscopy scores only the polyp score had a statistically significant correlation with MKLCT scores (r = 0.593, p < 0.001). A weak negative correlation (r = – 0.058, p = 0.586) was seen between the RSDI scores and MKLCT scores. AUC in ROC curves for a LK endoscopy scores and RSDI scores were 0.690 and 0.462 respectively. Cut-off for predicting a MKLCT score of one or more for RSDI score was 25, with a sensitivity of 61% and specificity of 38.5%. Similarly, the cut-off for LK endoscopic score was 4.5, with a sensitivity of 68.8% and specificity of 61.5%.

CONCLUSION: Statistically significant (p < 0.001) association was found between baseline Lund-Kennedy endoscopic scores and Mackay-Lund CT scores post medical treatment. No significant association was found between RSDI scores and Mackay-Lund CT scores. ROC analysis indicated that Lund- Kennedy endoscopy score is a more accurate tool than RSDI score to predict a Mackay-Lund CT scores after medical treatment.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12070-024-04708-6.

PMID:39130314 | PMC:PMC11306677 | DOI:10.1007/s12070-024-04708-6