Tag: pubmed

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

BMC Psychol. 2025 Sep 17;13(1):1011. doi: 10.1186/s40359-025-03370-z.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Depression is a prevalent mental health concern among university students, particularly those in healthcare fields like pharmacy. The introduction of the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program in Egypt has brought new academic and professional pressures, making it critical to evaluate its impact on students’ mental well-being.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 576 PharmD students in Egypt using an online survey. The survey collected demographic information and assessed depression levels using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Statistical analyses, including Mann-Whitney U tests and logistic regression, were used to identify predictors of depression.

RESULTS: The study found that 40.5% of participants exhibited borderline to moderate depression, while 24.7% displayed significant depressive symptoms. Key predictors of higher depression scores included socioeconomic status and type of university. Students attending public universities had significantly higher depression scores compared to those in private institutions (p = 0.033). Financial strain was strongly associated with higher depression levels, with students experiencing insufficient funds throughout the year showing the highest depression scores. Other demographic factors, such as sex, residence, and family involvement in healthcare, were not significantly associated with depression levels.

CONCLUSION: Depression is highly prevalent among PharmD students in Egypt, particularly those facing financial challenges or attending public universities. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted mental health interventions and financial support programs to alleviate the psychological burden on pharmacy students.

PMID:40963148 | DOI:10.1186/s40359-025-03370-z

J Eat Disord. 2025 Sep 17;13(1):204. doi: 10.1186/s40337-025-01407-7.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Eating disorders (EDs) affect individuals across all genders, but men remain underrepresented in ED treatment settings. Stigma related to EDs in men may impede help-seeking, particularly for symptoms that deviate from traditional masculine ideals. This study investigates whether stigma-related perceptions of EDs in men specifically moderate the association between disordered eating symptoms and help-seeking intentions in men, i.e., whether there is a gender-specific component of ED stigma.

METHODS: In a cross-sectional survey, n = 242 men and n = 249 women completed questionnaires on various disordered eating symptoms (“traditional” thinness-oriented, muscularity-oriented, orthorexic, and avoidant/restrictive eating behaviors), stigma-related perceptions of EDs in men, and help-seeking intentions. Moderator analyses were conducted by gender to explore interactions between symptom severity and stigma in predicting help-seeking intentions.

RESULTS: Help-seeking intentions increased with the severity of disordered eating symptoms in both men and women, except for avoidant/restrictive eating behavior in both genders and muscularity-oriented symptoms in men. Stigma-related perceptions of EDs in men moderated the association between symptoms and help-seeking intentions in men, which was exclusively the case for “feminized” ED symptoms (i.e., thinness and weight concerns). No moderation effects were observed for other symptom domains or among women.

CONCLUSIONS: Results support the notion of a gender-specific role of stigma in men’s help-seeking behaviors for EDs. Such stigma, which seems to be related to “feminized” ED symptoms, may contribute to men’s reluctance to seek help for EDs. These findings emphasize the need for interventions tailored to reduce stigma, particularly regarding men’s experiences of EDs, to support equal access to healthcare.

PMID:40963138 | DOI:10.1186/s40337-025-01407-7