Tag: pubmed

PLoS One. 2026 Aug 11;21(8):e0342631. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0342631. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Oral hygiene is linked with dental caries experience. This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the associations between oral hygiene status, the frequency of tooth brushing, and the prevalence of dental caries in Nigeria. It also examined how the geographical zones and dentition type moderate these associations, and identified the tools commonly used for oral hygiene maintenance.

METHODS: The systematic review and meta-analysis was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022367763). A search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, African Journals Online, African Index Medicus, and Google Scholar in January 2026 for studies conducted between January 2001 and December 2025. Observational studies and clinical trials reporting baseline caries prevalence were included. There was no language restriction. Studies were excluded if they did not provide information on the sample size, had no study outcome data, featured duplicate samples, or were review articles, meta-analyses, case reports, case series, in vitro studies, commentaries/letters (editorials, opinion pieces) devoid of primary data. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) were estimated using random-effects models. Subgroup analyses were conducted by dentition type, geopolitical zone, study design, publication year, mean age, and sample size.

RESULTS: Twenty-three cross-sectional studies were included, of which 20 (86.9%) were conducted in Southern Nigeria. Pooled data from 10 studies suggested poor oral hygiene was associated with 100% higher odds of dental caries (95% CI: 1.26-3.96; p = 0.003). After removing an influential outlier, the analysis showed a 76% increase in dental caries prevalence associated with poor oral hygiene (95% CI: 1.41-2.18; p = 0.003; I² = 0.00%). Brushing at least twice daily was associated with reduced dental caries (p < 0.001). Dentition type and publication year were significant moderators. The most common oral cleaning tool was a toothbrush with toothpaste, though chewing sticks, cotton wool, and other traditional tools were also reported.

CONCLUSION: Poor oral hygiene was linked to increased odds for dental caries, while twice-daily tooth brushing was protective in Nigeria. The type of cleaning tool was not significantly associated with dental caries risk, highlighting the importance of brushing frequency over tool type. Studies reporting on oral hygiene and dental caries in Northern Nigeria are needed to improve the national representativeness of the data.

PMID:42579706 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0342631

PLoS One. 2026 Aug 11;21(8):e0354482. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0354482. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the role of Nesprin-1 in the development and progression of isoproterenol (ISO)-induced heart failure (HF) and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms.

METHODS: HF was induced in mice via daily intraperitoneal injections of ISO (5 mg/kg/day) for 24 consecutive days. Cardiac function was evaluated using transthoracic echocardiography to measure diastolic left ventricular diameters (LVDd), systolic left ventricular end diameter (LVDs), ejection fraction (EF), and fractional shortening (FS). The HF model was validated through gross cardiac observation, WGA staining, and Western blot analysis of B-type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP). Histological changes were assessed via H&E staining. Oxidative stress was evaluated by quantifying malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. The expression and localization of Nesprin-1, Connexin 43 (Cx43), DNA damage markers (53BP1, γH2AX), and epigenetic markers (H3K9me3, H3K27me3) were examined using immunofluorescence and Western blotting. The activation of the ERK signaling pathway was also analyzed.

RESULTS: Compared with the control group, ISO-induced HF mice exhibited significant increases in body/heart weight and cardiomyocyte cross-sectional area, alongside elevated BNP expression (P < 0.01). Echocardiography revealed increased LVDd and LVDs with markedly reduced EF and FS (P < 0.01). Histopathologically, the model group showed disorganized myocardial structures, vascular proliferation, and hemorrhage. Crucially, Nesprin-1 expression was significantly downregulated (P < 0.01), accompanied by abnormal nuclear membrane localization and morphological changes in myocardial cell nuclei. Significant nuclear distortions in the model group included increased area, perimeter, and length-to-diameter ratio alongside reduced roundness. Parallel to these changes, the model group showed increased malondialdehyde levels and decreased superoxide dismutase activity (P < 0.05). Notably, several markers showed highly significant differences (P < 0.01), including the downregulation of Connexin 43 and the upregulation of DNA damage markers γH2AX and 53BP1. Significant epigenetic remodeling, characterized by elevated H3K9me3 and H3K27me3, was also observed. Finally, a marked hyperactivation of the ERK signaling pathway was recorded, also reaching statistical significance at (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that the downregulation of Nesprin-1 is closely associated with HF pathogenesis. In the ISO-induced HF model, diminished Nesprin-1 expression correlated with disrupted nuclear homeostasis, reduced Cx43 expression, severe oxidative stress, DNA damage accumulation, and epigenetic disturbances, which may be mediated through the abnormal activation of the ERK signaling pathway.

PMID:42579703 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0354482

PLoS One. 2026 Aug 11;21(8):e0355843. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0355843. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Meningitis in neonates remains a major public health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Despite its high morbidity and mortality, evidence on treatment outcomes and determinants of poor prognosis is limited. This study aimed to assess treatment outcomes of meningitis and its associated factors among neonates admitted to public hospitals in Harar town, Ethiopia.

METHODS: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 506 neonates diagnosed with meningitis admitted between October 2020 and October 2024. Data were extracted from medical records. Treatment outcomes were categorized as good or poor. Binary and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with poor treatment outcomes. Statistical significance was declared at a p-value <0.05 using adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS: A total of 169 (33%) neonates experienced poor treatment outcomes. Assisted vaginal delivery (AOR = 3.70; 95% CI: 1.42-9.69), positive cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture (AOR = 3.74; 95% CI: 1.76-7.96), elevated CSF white blood cell count >2500 cells/mm³ (AOR = 6.10; 95% CI: 2.54-14.69), high CSF protein >400 mg/dL (AOR = 5.43; 95% CI: 2.84-10.36), low CSF glucose <10 mg/dL (AOR = 3.57; 95% CI: 1.64-7.80), seizures at admission (AOR = 5.07; 95% CI: 2.71-9.46), seizures after admission (AOR = 3.88; 95% CI: 1.82-8.25), early-onset neonatal sepsis (AOR = 4.27; 95% CI: 2.03-8.99), and non-exclusive breastfeeding (AOR = 2.20; 95% CI: 1.06-4.57) were predictor of poor treatment outcomes.

CONCLUSION: About one-third of neonates with meningitis experienced poor treatment outcomes. Factors associated with poor outcomes included assisted vaginal delivery, severe CSF abnormalities (positive culture, high white blood cell count, elevated protein, and low glucose), seizures at or after admission, early-onset neonatal sepsis, and non-exclusive breastfeeding. These findings highlight the need for early risk stratification and timely interventions to improve neonatal care and treatment outcomes.

PMID:42579702 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0355843

PLoS One. 2026 Aug 11;21(8):e0356066. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0356066. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Whether screening for Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) can improve health outcomes may depend in part on screening being acceptable and accurate. Screening modality and context may be important determinants of these characteristics.

OBJECTIVE: We compared telephone ACE screenings by 211LA (a health and human services information and referral center) to self-completed screenings during well-child visits and identified family factors associated with differences in ACEs reporting.

PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: This is a secondary analysis of data from the intervention arm (n = 51) of a pilot randomized trial of telephone ACE care coordination via 211LA versus usual care at three Federally Qualified Health Centers. Children who had ≥ 1 ACE on the Pediatric ACEs and Related Life-events Screener (PEARLS) administered during a well-child visit and were randomized to the intervention were connected to 211LA 1-2 weeks after their clinic visit. 211LA then administered a subsequent telephone PEARLS screening.

METHODS: A within-subjects design examined whether scores differed between clinic and 211LA screening. Linear regressions tested whether trust in healthcare providers, parent stress, financial security, education, income, child age/sex, Latine ethnicity, and English proficiency predicted higher 211LA than clinic scores.

RESULTS: In paired t-tests, mean ACE scores were higher (2.08 vs. 1.35, p = 0.002) through 211LA than through clinics. In linear regressions, greater trust in healthcare providers (β = 0.64, p = 0.049), more parental stress (β = 0.06, p = 0.028), and speaking English “Well” versus “Very well” (β = 1.85, p = 0.043) were associated with a greater difference in 211LA versus clinic scores.

CONCLUSIONS: Telephone-based screening may be effective for sensitive questions. Specific family factors may affect which screening approaches are preferable.

PMID:42579699 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0356066

PLoS One. 2026 Aug 11;21(8):e0354367. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0354367. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

The non-medical use of sedatives and prescription opioids is a growing public health concern, particularly among Latino populations. This study aim was to identify individual and social determinants associated with non-medical use of sedatives and prescription opioids among Latinos in the United States. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using the National Institute of Health All of Us Dataset. The sample included 22,457 Hispanic/Latino adults with complete data. The main outcomes were lifetime street opioids use, and past 3-month non-medical use of sedatives and prescription opioids. Independent variables included depression, discrimination, education, income, nativity, and language spoken at home. The non-medical use of sedatives and opioids in the past 3 months was low (0.4% sedatives, 0.2% opioids). Older age, being male, and reporting depression, discrimination, and neighborhood disorder were associated with increased odds of opioids use. Higher education, income, foreign-born status, and non-English language spoken at home were protective factors. Findings highlight the need for culturally tailored interventions targeting high-risk adult Latino subgroups to address opioid and non-medical use of sedatives disparities.

PMID:42579686 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0354367

J Vet Med Educ. 2026 Aug 11:e20260040. doi: 10.3138/jvme-2026-0040. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The study objective was to evaluate changes in senior veterinary students’ perceptions of companion animal primary care and career preferences following a primary care clinical rotation. A multi-institutional survey was administered to veterinary students at 10 US colleges of veterinary medicine before and after a companion animal primary care rotation between January 2024 and July 2025. Survey items were organized into six conceptually defined perception groupings. Changes in perception scores and agreement with a career goal were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models with random intercepts for student and school. Career preferences were assessed using ordinal rankings of eight career paths, and free-text responses were analyzed using structured, AI-assisted inductive thematic analysis. A total of 442 students completed the pre-rotation survey, and 83 had a paired post-rotation survey. Post-rotation, modest but statistically significant increases were observed in perceptions of clinical complexity and intellectual engagement (β = 0.13, 95% CI 0.01-0.26) and scope and holistic practice (β = 0.09, 95% CI 0.00-0.18). Agreement that companion animal primary care was a career goal also increased (β = 0.21, 95% CI 0.07-0.36). School-level clustering accounted for little variance, while student-level clustering was substantial. Companion animal practice was the only career path for which the median rank improved. Free-text responses reflected greater appreciation of the breadth, complexity, and intellectual demands of primary care following the rotation. Overall, primary care rotations were associated with small but consistent shifts toward more informed and favorable perceptions of companion animal primary care.

PMID:42579334 | DOI:10.3138/jvme-2026-0040

J Hum Nutr Diet. 2026 Aug;39(4):e70330. doi: 10.1111/jhn.70330.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Short Questionnaire for the Evaluation of Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and Nutritional Sustainability (MedQ-Sus), which excludes alcohol consumption and simultaneously assesses adherence to the Mediterranean diet and a sustainable diet, in adults.

METHODS: The study included 138 adults, of whom 39.9% were male and 60.1% were female, with a mean age of 34.3 ± 12.7 years. The MedQ-Sus is a brief questionnaire that generates a Mediterranean Diet score and a Sustainable Diet score from the same eight food-group consumption data using different scoring criteria. Dietary intake was assessed using 3-day food records. Validity was evaluated by comparing the MedQ-Sus scores with corresponding food-group and nutrient intakes derived from the food records and by examining construct validity using a modified alternate Mediterranean Diet score (aMED) and the Planetary Health Diet Index (PHDI). Associations and agreement were assessed using Spearman correlation coefficients, Bland-Altman analysis, and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) based on absolute agreement, as appropriate. Test-retest reliability was evaluated in 71 randomly selected participants 4 weeks after the initial administration.

RESULTS: Statistically significant and positive correlations were found between the consumption levels of all food groups associated with the Mediterranean Diet score components. The Sustainable Diet score showed positive correlations with all food groups except legumes and fresh fruits (p < 0.05). The strongest relationship for both the Mediterranean Diet score (r = 0.490) and the Sustainable Diet score (r = 0.488) was observed in the consumption of fish and fish products (p < 0.001). Bland-Altman analysis indicated an acceptable level of agreement between the MedQ-Sus scores and the corresponding estimates derived from the food records. As adherence levels measured by the MedQ-Sus increased, intakes of fish, olive oil, dietary fibre, magnesium, zinc, monounsaturated fatty acids, and omega-3 fatty acids increased, whereas polyunsaturated fatty acid intake decreased. In the test-retest analysis, strong positive correlations were observed for the Mediterranean Diet score (r = 0.782) and the Sustainable Diet score (r = 0.813) (both p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: The MedQ-Sus demonstrated good validity and reliability as a practical screening tool for simultaneously assessing adherence to the Mediterranean diet and adherence to a sustainable diet among the adults included in this study, while its exclusion of alcohol consumption may support its use across different adult population groups.

PMID:42579329 | DOI:10.1111/jhn.70330

Eur J Prev Cardiol. 2026 Aug 11:zwag412. doi: 10.1093/eurjpc/zwag412. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIMS: To investigate the effect of long-term beta-blocker therapy on physical activity (PA) level after myocardial infarction (MI) in patients without heart failure.

METHOD: The BETAMI trial, randomised patients hospitalised with a MI without heart failure (LVEF ≥40%) to beta-blocker or no beta-blocker. In this pre-planned sub-study PA level was assessed by guideline-recommended PA level (≥30 minutes moderate activity ≥5 days/week) or not and self-reported hours/week with light to moderate and vigorous PA. Between-group differences in PA from baseline before randomisation to 18-months were estimated by linear mixed models. Exploratory analysis assessed treatment effects on a composite of all-cause mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events using Cox proportional hazards model.

RESULTS: Of the 2867 randomised patients, 2185 (76%) responded to the PA questions and were included in this analysis. Mean age was 62.5 (SD 10.1) years, 20.6% were women. No differences in guideline-recommended PA level or mean hours of light to moderate and vigorous PA were reported between the beta-blocker and non-beta-blocker group at baseline or during 18-months follow-up. At 12-month follow-up, 37.0% in the beta-blocker group and 36.7% in the no beta-blocker group reported guideline-recommended PA level (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.69-1.37). Exploratory, hypothesis-generating analyses did not demonstrate a statistically significant interaction (p for interaction = 0.06) between treatment assignment and baseline PA level for recurrent clinical events.

CONCLUSIONS: Beta-blocker therapy did not result in a change in PA level in post-MI patients without heart failure during the 18 months follow-up.

PMID:42579327 | DOI:10.1093/eurjpc/zwag412

Cranio. 2026 Aug 11:1-11. doi: 10.1080/08869634.2026.2715421. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate short-term clinical and ultrasonographic changes in the masseter muscle following botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) injection in participants clinically assessed as having bruxism.

METHODS: Seventeen participants received standardized bilateral BoNT-A injections. Masseter muscle thickness was measured by ultrasonography at baseline, 14 days, and 90 days. Pain intensity (VAS), histogram parameters, and fractal dimension were also assessed. Bilateral measurements were averaged for statistical analysis.

RESULTS: VAS scores and masseter muscle thickness decreased significantly at days 14 and 90 compared with baseline, with no significant difference between follow-up visits. Histogram and fractal dimension analyses showed no significant changes over time.

CONCLUSION: BoNT-A significantly reduced pain and masseter muscle thickness, whereas ultrasonographic texture parameters remained unchanged during the 90-day follow-up.Clinical trials number: NCT07545200.

PMID:42579291 | DOI:10.1080/08869634.2026.2715421

JASA Express Lett. 2026 Aug 1;6(8):081201. doi: 10.1121/10.0044581.

ABSTRACT

Monitoring the abundance and distribution of marine mammals is essential for evaluating human and environmental effects. Passive acoustic monitoring offers a non-visual alternative, but estimating animal numbers remains difficult. We introduce Spatial Counting of Animal Numbers (SCAN), a method that counts unique bearings of detected calls to estimate a conservative minimum number of animals present. SCAN is a complementary metric to traditional presence/absence results and calibrated density estimates. The method is demonstrated using sei whale calls recorded by a four-element array on an autonomous glider. SCAN increases the information on marine mammal populations derived from passive acoustic recordings.

PMID:42579286 | DOI:10.1121/10.0044581