Tag: pubmed

Aust Endod J. 2025 Nov 22. doi: 10.1111/aej.70035. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study assessed the diagnostic accuracy of periapical radiography and cone-beam computed tomography for detecting external cervical resorption. An electronic search was conducted in seven databases. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO, and the risk of bias was assessed with QUADAS-2. Retrospective studies using human dental images were included. A bivariate random-effects model estimated pooled diagnostic values using MetaDisc v1. Four studies met the inclusion criteria. Three demonstrated a high risk of bias in patient selection. The meta-analysis revealed specificity values of 0.93 for periapical radiography and 1.00 for cone-beam computed tomography, with corresponding sensitivity values of 0.85 and 1.00, respectively. Cone-beam computed tomography showed statistically superior diagnostic accuracy (p = 0.0016). The GRADE assessment rated the overall certainty of the evidence as ‘very low.’ Cone-beam computed tomography showed superior accuracy to periapical radiography in detecting external cervical resorption, but the very low certainty of evidence highlights the need for further studies.

PMID:41273117 | DOI:10.1111/aej.70035

Aust Endod J. 2025 Nov 22. doi: 10.1111/aej.70039. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study evaluated the association of ambroxol hydrochloride with calcium hydroxide paste as intracanal medication to enhance antimicrobial action on biofilm without affecting pH, solubility and cytotoxicity. Calcium hydroxide (CH) paste and formulations with different ambroxol concentrations were placed into artificial teeth conditioned in distilled water. pH and solubility were measured. Dentine discs infected with E. faecalis were covered with pastes, and biofilm viability was analysed using live/dead assay and confocal microscope. Cytotoxicity was analysed using MTT assay on fibroblast and osteoblast-like cells. Data were statistically compared (p < 0.05). Ambroxol showed an acidic pH after 7 days, compared to CH, but the 30% concentration became more alkaline after 30 days. While CH’s pH decreased over time, ambroxol groups maintained stability. Solubility decreased for all groups over time. All groups showed significant antimicrobial differences from the control group. The association did not alter CH’s cytotoxicity. Further research is needed for optimal ambroxol concentration.

PMID:41273116 | DOI:10.1111/aej.70039

Neurorehabil Neural Repair. 2025 Aug 26:15459683251363241. doi: 10.1177/15459683251363241. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BackgroundStroke is the leading cause of long-term disability, making the search for successful rehabilitation treatment one of the most important public health issues. A better understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying impairment and recovery is critical for optimizing treatments. Objective: We studied the longitudinal changes in brain oscillatory modes, linked to GABAergic system activity, and determined their importance for residual upper-limb motor functions and recovery.MethodsTranscranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) was combined with scalp Electroencephalography (EEG) to analyze TMS-induced brain oscillations in a cohort of 66 stroke patients in the acute (N = 60), early (N = 48), and late subacute stages (N = 37).ResultsA data-driven parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) approach to tensor decomposition extracted brain oscillatory modes, which significantly evolved longitudinally across stroke stages (permutation tests, p_Bonf < 0.05). Notably, the observed decrease of the α-mode, known to be linked with GABAergic system activity, was mainly driven by the recovering patients and was supportive of stroke recovery at the group level (Bayesian Kendall correlation, moderate to strong statistical evidence).ConclusionsOverall, longitudinal evaluation of brain modes provides novel insights into functional reorganization of brain networks after a stroke. Notably, we propose that the observed α-mode decrease could correspond to a beneficial disinhibition toward the late subacute stage that fosters plasticity and facilitates recovery. These results confirm the relevance of future individual and direct monitoring of post-stroke modulations in inhibitory system activity, with the ultimate goal of designing electrophysiological biomarkers and refining therapies based on personalized neuromodulation.

PMID:41273103 | DOI:10.1177/15459683251363241

Head Neck. 2025 Nov 21. doi: 10.1002/hed.70102. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Tracheostomy is frequently performed during flap-based reconstruction for head and neck cancer, but predictive factors and complications are not well established.

METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted per PRISMA guidelines. Studies of adult patients undergoing free or pedicled flap reconstruction were included. Pooled tracheostomy rates, predictors, and complications were analyzed using random-effects models. Heterogeneity was assessed with the I² statistic.

RESULTS: Twenty-six studies (27 029 patients) were included. The pooled tracheostomy rate was 54.6%, decreasing to 42.4% when routine tracheostomy studies were excluded. Advanced tumor stage, oropharyngeal site, bilateral neck dissection, prior radiotherapy, and smoking predicted tracheostomy. Flap type was not significantly associated. The overall complication rate was 16.3%, including airway issues (2.6%). No significant change in tracheostomy rates was observed over 30 years.

CONCLUSIONS: Tracheostomy use is influenced by tumor, surgical, and patient factors. Selective tracheostomy and validated risk tools may improve outcomes. Further prospective studies are needed.

PMID:41273066 | DOI:10.1002/hed.70102

Multivariate Behav Res. 2025 Nov 21:1-15. doi: 10.1080/00273171.2025.2570250. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Bayesian statistics have gained significant traction across various fields over the past few decades. Bayesian statistics textbooks often provide both code and the analytical forms of parameters for simple models. However, they often omit the process of deriving posterior distributions or limit it to basic univariate examples focused on the mean and variance. Additionally, these resources frequently assume a strong background in linear algebra and probability theory, which can present barriers for researchers without extensive mathematical training. This tutorial aims to fill that gap by offering a step-by-step guide to deriving posterior distributions. We aim to make concepts typically reserved for advanced statistics courses more accessible and practical. This tutorial will cover two models: the univariate normal model and the multilevel model. The concepts and properties demonstrated in the two examples can be generalized to other models and distributions.

PMID:41273045 | DOI:10.1080/00273171.2025.2570250

Womens Health (Lond). 2025 Jan-Dec;21:17455057251399891. doi: 10.1177/17455057251399891. Epub 2025 Nov 21.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Uterine rupture is a rare but serious complication in obstetrics, associated with maternal and fetal risks. This study evaluates its prevalence and outcomes in a Portuguese hospital.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of uterine rupture in pregnancy, as well as the associated maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality, in a hospital setting in Portugal.

DESIGN: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted.

METHODS: Retrospective review of complete uterine rupture cases (2019-2024) at the Local Health Unit of Tâmega e Sousa. Data included maternal characteristics, obstetric history and outcomes.

RESULTS: Among 10,447 deliveries, 13 cases of uterine rupture occurred (12.44/10,000), primarily in women with prior caesarean sections (84.6%). Abnormal cardiotocography (76.9%) and abdominal pain (23.1%) were common signs. Fetal extrusion occurred in 69.2%. No maternal deaths were recorded, but perinatal mortality was 7.7%. Post-partum haemorrhage affected 61.5%, with five transfusions required.

CONCLUSION: The prevalence of uterine rupture aligns with rates in developed countries. Caution is advised when using oxytocin in women with prior caesareans. Prompt detection and intervention are crucial to minimize complications.

PMID:41273021 | DOI:10.1177/17455057251399891

Brain Behav. 2025 Nov;15(11):e71042. doi: 10.1002/brb3.71042.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Mitochondrial D-loop methylation leads to abnormal cerebral angiogenesis. This study examines its role in vascular phenotypes of moyamoya disease (MMD).

METHOD: Blood samples from 96 intracranial artery stenosis/occlusion (ICASO) patients (35 MMD, 61 non-MMD) and healthy controls underwent methylation analysis. D-loop methylation levels were analyzed using chi-square, T-test, and Wilcoxon tests. Propensity score matching (PSM) adjusted for age and gender disparities. Combine clinical information with methylation data to build a diagnostic model. Further studies included the methylation levels in MMD patients carrying the RNF213 p.R4810K mutation and the methylation levels and possible mechanisms of human brain microvascular endothelial cells (hCMEC/D3) with RNF213 knockdown.

RESULTS: Healthy controls showed higher D-loop methylation than MMD (p < 0.05). Post-PSM, non-MMD ICASO patients showed higher D-loop methylation than MMD (p < 0.05). The AUC of the prediction model was 0.891 (95% CI, 0.821-0.961) after combining clinical information with methylation data. MMD patients with the RNF213 mutation exhibited reduced methylation at most sites, though not statistically significant (p > 0.05). RNF213 knockout in hCMEC/D3 enhanced proliferation, migration, and tube formation, while reducing apoptosis and DNMT1 expression, leading to decreased D-loop methylation and ROS level, increased ATP production and mitochondrial membrane potential.

CONCLUSION: There are differences in the methylation levels in the mitochondrial D-loop region between MMD and non-MMD ICASO. The methylation-metabolism-angiogenesis axis may represent a promising research direction for elucidating MMD pathogenesis.

PMID:41273014 | DOI:10.1002/brb3.71042

Brain Behav. 2025 Nov;15(11):e70851. doi: 10.1002/brb3.70851.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: While chemotherapy contributes to the survival of cancer patients, it also leads to various psychological and physiological problems, increasing the need for supportive care. This study aimed to determine the relationship between psychological resilience, chemotherapy symptoms, and supportive care needs in patients undergoing chemotherapy.

METHOD: This is a descriptive and correlational study. Data were collected using the Descriptive Characteristics Form, the Psychological Resilience Scale (PRS), the Nightingale Symptom Assessment Scale (N-SAS), and the Supportive Care Needs Scale-Short Form (SCNS-SF). Data collection was conducted face-to-face in the chemotherapy unit of a university hospital. Analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 29.0 and Hayes Process Macro V3.4.

RESULTS: A total of 113 patients participated in the study. The mean age of the participants was 56.91 years (SD = 10.917), the mean PRS score was 106.59 (SD = 5.194), the mean N-SAS score was 2.14 (SD = 0.423), and the mean SCNS-SF score was 72.58 (SD = 9.250). The effect of PRS on N-SAS was primarily direct and statistically significant (β = -0.019; p = 0.011). However, the effect of PDÖ on SCNS-SF was not statistically significant (β = 0.017; p = 0.752). Participants generally demonstrated high levels of psychological resilience, a low impact of symptoms on quality of life, and moderate levels of supportive care needs.

CONCLUSION: The psychological resilience levels of the patients were generally high. The impact of symptoms on patients’ quality of life was low. While an increase in symptoms negatively affected psychological resilience, the effect of psychological resilience on supportive care needs was limited and indirect.

PMID:41273000 | DOI:10.1002/brb3.70851

J Pediatr Orthop. 2025 Nov 6. doi: 10.1097/BPO.0000000000003153. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Although the Ponseti method is a gold-standard, noninvasive treatment for clubfoot, the bracing phase is often associated with complications, such as skin reddening, pressure sores, callus, pain, etc, leading to noncompliance and risk of recurrence. Despite its clinical relevance, very few studies have incidentally reported these. This study aims to assess the prevalence, progression, and resolution of brace-related complications to optimize brace design, improve compliance, and reduce recurrence rates.

METHODS: This prospective study was conducted at the MiracleFeet-supported Clubfoot Clinic in Khyber Teaching Hospital, Pakistan. Ninety-one clubfoot patients under age 2 years with postcasting Pirani score “0” were enrolled through convenience sampling. Complications were recorded at 24 hours, day 7, day 14, and day 30 using a standardized, pilot-tested questionnaire. Brace ease-of-use was assessed using an adapted USAID MiracleFeet tool. Descriptive statistics were applied using SPSS v29.

RESULTS: Among the recorded complications, skin reddening (75.8%) and pain (88%) were the most common complications at 24 hours, followed by blisters/sores (42.9%) and distal tibial swelling (26.4%). Both sores and swelling were notably consistent till day 7, affecting 41.8% and 25.3% of the patients, respectively. While most complications declined significantly by day 30, muscle atrophy and weakness peaked at 32% on day 14 and persisted in 24.2% of patients. Callus formation was also reported in 10% of patients. Sweating-related discomfort and abduction bar breakage (9 cases) appeared as late issues. Parental feedback showed generally favorable brace usability, with heel placement being most difficult. Most complications declined over time, although several persisted or appeared later, such as muscle atrophy and swelling; however, brace compliance was high regardless. No relapse occurred during the 6-month study period.

CONCLUSIONS: Given the lack of focused research, these findings underscore the need for improved brace design, more personalized follow-ups, and effective caregiver guidance. In low-resource settings, these will improve treatment protocols and help prevent disease recurrence.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV-Prospective case series on early brace-related complications in Ponseti-treated clubfoot patients.

PMID:41272987 | DOI:10.1097/BPO.0000000000003153

J Appl Clin Med Phys. 2025 Dec;26(12):e70379. doi: 10.1002/acm2.70379.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study evaluates the dosimetric accuracy of three image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) imaging modalities, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), megavoltage computed tomography (MVCT), and image-guided kilovoltage computed tomography (IG-kVCT), using modality-specific HU-to-density (HU-D) calibrations. Dose calculations from IGRT images were compared to computed tomography simulation (CT-sim) references in phantoms and validated against measurements from head and neck and prostate patient plans to assess the feasibility of each modality for precise dose calculation in adaptive radiotherapy (ART).

METHODS: Two phantoms, the Tomo phantom HE and CIRS Thorax phantom, were used for HU-to-density (HU-D) calibration. IGRT images were acquired using Elekta Synergy XVI (CBCT) and Radixact X9 (MVCT and IG-kVCT), and calibration curves were generated for each modality. Dose distributions calculated from IGRT images were then compared with those from CT-sim in phantom studies. For measurement-based evaluation, 10 patient plans (head and neck and prostate cases) were delivered to a phantom and measured using the ArcCHECK system, and recalculated doses on CT-sim and IGRT images were compared to the measured doses. Gamma analysis was performed to assess dosimetric accuracy.

RESULTS: IG-kVCT showed the closest agreement with CT-sim, achieving gamma passing rates (GPR) of 99.8% ± 0.3% for 3%/3 mm and 98.5% ± 0.7% for 3%/2 mm criteria, with dose differences below 1%. CBCT and MVCT demonstrated slightly lower accuracy, with GPRs of 97.2% ± 1.1% and 96.5% ± 1.3% for 3%/3 mm, respectively, and dose differences up to 2%. Similar trends were observed when compared to measured doses. All IGRT modalities showed clinically acceptable agreement, and no statistically significant differences were found between CT-sim and any IGRT modality.

CONCLUSION: All three IGRT modalities demonstrated clinically acceptable accuracy for adaptive dose calculation with modality-specific HU-D calibration curves.

PMID:41272933 | DOI:10.1002/acm2.70379