Tag: pubmed

ACS Nano. 2026 Jan 26. doi: 10.1021/acsnano.5c20466. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Multiplexed profiling of microRNAs (miRNAs) is central to refining diagnosis and prognosis, yet conventional fluorescence-based strategies remain vulnerable to environmental interference and signal crosstalk and rarely provide ground-truth validation of nanoprobe conformation. Here, we report pattern-verifiable heterowalkers (HW-TDONs) that integrate three DNAzyme walking modules confined on a triangular DNA origami nanosheet, each tethered to a size-distinct gold nanoparticle (10/15/20 nm) for the concurrent sensing of miRNA-10b, miRNA-21, and miRNA-155. Target recognition triggers autonomous DNAzyme walking that cleaves substrate strands, activating orthogonal fluorophores, and reconfiguring the origami pattern via AuNP detachment from predesignated sites. This dual-mode output quantitatively couples tricolored fluorescence with atomic force microscopy (AFM)─resolvable nanopattern statistics, thereby self-validating signal generation and mitigating false interpretations. This reliable and versatile platform enables combinatorial miRNA quantification in cell lysates and permits simultaneous imaging of multiple miRNAs in living cells, thereby supporting precise cell subtype discrimination. By coupling nanoscale conformational inspection to orthogonal optical readouts, HW-TDONs provide a programmable and scalable toolkit for facilitating multiplexed nucleic acid analysis and marker-associated pathological exploration with expansible potential for integrating patient-specific biomarkers in biomedical applications.

PMID:41587407 | DOI:10.1021/acsnano.5c20466

J Vet Med Educ. 2026 Jan 22:e20250107. doi: 10.3138/jvme-2025-0107. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Substantial expansion of enrollment in US veterinary medical educational programs is well underway. Meanwhile, important downward trends have been reported in high school and undergraduate student enrollments nationally, raising the critical question of potential concurrent downward trends in the size of the US veterinary medical applicant pool and the related applicant-to-seat ratio. This study was designed to analyze the total number of applicants to US colleges/schools of veterinary medicine longitudinally and to consider potential relationships to ongoing national undergraduate student enrollment trends. Historical data on the veterinary medical applicant pool and the number of first-year seats available were obtained from the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges. Undergraduate enrollment data, both historical and projected, were obtained from the US Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics. Regression analyses revealed a negative relationship between these two variables, which is counterintuitive. Based on these findings, projections of the applicant pool were performed using the simple ratio of undergraduate student enrollment to veterinary medical applicants in recent years. These projections were combined with information currently available on the expansion of veterinary medical educational programs to consider potential trends in applicant-to-seat ratios. Results suggest an upcoming softening of the applicant-to-seat ratio. This information will be useful for veterinary medical enrollment management planning-including formulation of proactive and progressive recruitment strategies-going forward.

PMID:41587406 | DOI:10.3138/jvme-2025-0107

J Vet Med Educ. 2026 Jan 21:e20250031. doi: 10.3138/jvme-2025-0031. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift to online veterinary education, posing challenges for teaching practical skills. Although instructional videos have long supported medical and veterinary education, the impact of video storytelling (VST) using specific content-creation techniques for student engagement and achieving success for learning outcomes remains underexplored. Our research compared traditional lecturer-generated Brightspace videos (BSVs) with VST content to evaluate their effect on student experience and grades in a practical task. Students were assessed on their performance, and they used standardised questionnaires to evaluate their perceptions of the online material and the impact it had on practical skill acquisition. In both phases, students answered questionnaires using Likert scales. Responses were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Comparison between groups for qualitative data were conducted using binomial or chi-square tests, with multiple comparisons controlled for using the Bonferroni correction method. For quantitative data, comparisons between groups were performed using the Mann-Whitney U test. In Phase 1 (2020), 106 final-year students were provided with BSV content ahead of a simulated assessment. All students in the year enrolled voluntarily in this observational study. However, 33/106 students (31.1%) did not view the content. No significant performance differences were observed between those who watched the videos and those who did not (p = 0.711). In Phase 2 (2023), 148 preclinical stage 3 students voluntarily participated in a randomised, blinded, controlled trial comparing BSV (75 students) with VST (73 students). The VST group reported significantly lower stress and anxiety levels (p = 0.002), felt better prepared for Directly Observed Practical Skill (DOPS) assessments (p < 0.001), and achieved higher practical assessment scores (p = 0.001). As online and blended learning continue to expand, veterinary programs should consider investing in high-quality VST to support student well-being, promote deeper learning, and more effectively prepare students for clinical practice.

PMID:41587399 | DOI:10.3138/jvme-2025-0031

Clin Exp Dent Res. 2026 Feb;12(1):e70297. doi: 10.1002/cre2.70297.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Periodontitis is a common oral disease that affects populations globally, however, awareness of periodontal disease prevention remains limited. Since periodontal health knowledge may influence oral hygiene behaviors, which are essential for disease prevention and long-term maintenance, this study aimed to assess periodontal health-related knowledge and its association with oral hygiene practices among an adult cohort in Thailand using the validated Adult Periodontal Health Knowledge and Belief Questionnaire.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of Thai adults (≥ 18 years) was conducted from December 2023 to January 2024. The questionnaire captured demographics, oral hygiene practices (brushing and interdental cleaning), and periodontal health knowledge (ALPHA-K). Descriptive statistics, non-parametric tests, exploratory factor analysis, and multiple linear regression were used.

RESULTS: A total of 1770 participants completed the survey. The mean ALPHA-K score was 11.83 (2.88), which represents 59.2% of total score. While most recognized that plaque as the cause of gum disease, and smoking and diabetes as risk factors, misconceptions persisted (e.g., floss only removes food; tooth loss is inevitable with ageing; fluoride prevents gum disease). Higher periodontal health knowledge was associated with favorable flossing practices, brushing practices (longer brushing duration, extra-soft/soft bristles, manual toothbrush use) and higher education, higher income, and urban residence.

CONCLUSIONS: A significant knowledge deficit regarding periodontal health exists in this Thai cohort, particularly among rural residents, individuals with lower income, and those reporting inadequate brushing duration or preference for hard bristle brushes or electric toothbrushes in Thailand. Disseminating accurate information on periodontal health and disease is essential to enhance self-care practices and overall periodontal health outcomes.

PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: Thai adults, particularly those with lower education levels and living in rural areas, demonstrated considerable gaps in periodontal health knowledge. Addressing these gaps through tailored educational interventions is important for improving population-level periodontal health outcomes.

PMID:41587398 | DOI:10.1002/cre2.70297

Clin Exp Dent Res. 2026 Feb;12(1):e70298. doi: 10.1002/cre2.70298.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: This RCT study aimed to investigate the clinical performance of IPS e.max endocrowns as an alternative option compared to conventional crowns to restore damaged molar teeth after an 18-month follow-up.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A sample of 30 patients with 40 molars, who needed a single-tooth restoration, was enrolled to receive either a conventional crown (n = 20) or an endocrown (n = 20). After molar preparation, all crowns were manufactured with the IPS e.max press system, then cemented using dual-cure resin. All crowns were assessed using the modified United States Public Health Service criteria (USPHS) at baseline, 6, 12, and 18 months following placement. Patient satisfaction was evaluated using a questionnaire. Statistical analyses were performed using Mann-Whitney U and Friedman tests (95% confidence interval).

RESULTS: All teeth in the conventional crown group and endocrown group showed 100% clinical success with no failure at 6, 12, and 18 months after placement in terms of marginal adaptation, contact points, and surface texture. No significant difference was found between endocrowns and conventional crowns in adhesive failure at 6 months (p = 0.075), 12 months (p = 0.317), and 18 months (p = 1.000). 100% of patients were very satisfied with the esthetics and comfort of the prosthesis. The function percentage was 93.3%.

CONCLUSIONS: Both restorative options are durable and maintain their integrity. Adhesive failure occurred in a notable number of cases in the endocrown group compared to the conventional crown group. Patient satisfaction was high with both restoration types.

PMID:41587396 | DOI:10.1002/cre2.70298

Cardiol Young. 2026 Jan 26:1-7. doi: 10.1017/S1047951125111177. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Critical CHD often requires surgical intervention or results in infant mortality. We aimed to determine the association between critical CHD categories and exposure levels to pollutants.

METHODS: A retrospective study of n = 1484 infants who underwent complex cardiac surgery in early infancy from 1996 to 2021. The association between critical CHD categories (compared to a reference category with chromosomal abnormality) and exposure levels during early pregnancy to nitrogen dioxide, ozone, fine particulate matter (<2.5 micrometers diameter), and air quality from smoke was determined. Spatial heterogeneity was accounted for using geographically weighted multinomial logistic regression.

RESULTS: For fine particulate matter exposure, 0.34% of locations displayed statistically significant negative associations with critical CHD categories, clustered in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. These regions exhibited small spatial extents. For ozone exposure, 15.1% of locations exhibited statistically significant negative associations with critical CHD categories, with the majority originating from Alberta and a smaller fraction in Saskatchewan. Differences in significant associations with locations were observed before and after spatial adjustment. Air quality from smoke and nitrogen dioxide exposure demonstrated no statistically significant associations with critical CHD categories.

CONCLUSION: Differences before and after geographic spatial adjustment underscored the importance of accounting for spatial heterogeneity to uncover patterns of association between environmental pollutants and critical CHD categories. The negative associations likely reflected pollution acting as a second hit to markedly increase the risk for critical CHD in those with genetic predisposition.

PMID:41582861 | DOI:10.1017/S1047951125111177

Scand J Work Environ Health. 2026 Jan 26:4275. doi: 10.5271/sjweh.4275. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Occupational exposures to dust have been associated with pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) in case series, but population-based epidemiological data are needed.

METHODS: We identified 286 cases of PAP from the Swedish National Patient Register and the Cause-of-Death Register between 1991 and 2022. For the present analysis, we included 212 cases aged 20-65 years with available occupational information before the index date or within two years thereafter. Controls matched on age and sex were drawn from the population register and assigned the same index date as their corresponding case; of these, 1438 controls had available occupational information and were included in the analyses. We linked cases and controls to Swedish registries to obtain socioeconomic status and occupational data. We applied an established job-exposure matrix to characterize occupational exposure to inorganic dust, with the subset silica dust, fumes, vapors and gases and organic dust. We used adjusted conditional logistic analyses to estimate the odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the occupational exposures in the year before index date and PAP.

RESULTS: None of the occupational exposures analyzed showed a statistically significant association to PAP. The OR for inorganic dust was 1.08 (95% CI 0.75-1.55); silica dust alone was 1.55 (95% CI 0.75-3.23) and organic dust was 1.48 (95% CI 0.92-2.38). Among men, however, exposure to organic dust was associated with PAP [OR 1.92 (95% CI 1.18-3.23)]. Among women, the results were inconclusive.

CONCLUSIONS: There were no associations between occupational exposure to fumes, vapors and gases and inorganic dust and risk of PAP. Among men, exposure to organic dust was associated with increased risk for PAP. Some occupational inhalants may increase the risk of PAP.

PMID:41582849 | DOI:10.5271/sjweh.4275

J Periodontol. 2026 Jan 26. doi: 10.1002/jper.70056. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the influence of the implant platform apico-coronal position on the crestal bone level of adjacent teeth, focusing on the anterior and premolar regions.

METHODS: Ninety-six patients with 117 implants were included. The vertical distance from the implant platform to the crestal bone level of adjacent teeth was measured, and bone level changes were assessed from loading to the last follow-up. The implant position was categorized into two subgroups based on the vertical distance (≤2 or > 2 mm). Associations between vertical distance, bone loss on adjacent teeth and implants, and other variables were analyzed using linear regression and multivariate generalized estimating equations (GEE).

RESULTS: Linear regression showed a significant association between implant vertical distance and bone loss on adjacent teeth, but not at implant sites. Multivariate GEE analysis revealed that a vertical distance of > 2 mm, a convex prosthesis emergence profile, and female sex were significantly associated with a greater bone loss on adjacent teeth. After adjusting for sex, implants with a vertical distance of > 2 mm combined with a convex profile presented greater bone loss compared with a concave profile. In contrast, when the vertical distance was ≤2 mm, no statistically significant difference was found between implants with convex or concave profiles.

CONCLUSION: An implant positioned more than 2 mm vertically relative to the crestal bone level of the adjacent teeth was associated with a greater crestal bone loss on these teeth. This suggests that clinicians should carefully consider vertical implant positioning to prevent bone loss around the adjacent teeth.

PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: This study looked at how the vertical position of a dental implant affects the bone levels around nearby natural teeth, especially in the front and premolar areas of the mouth. Our team reviewed records from 96 patients who received a total of 117 implants. We measured the distance between the top of each implant and the bone level of the teeth next to it. The implants were grouped into two categories: those placed 2 millimeters or less below the bone level of nearby teeth, and those placed more than 2 millimeters below. The results showed that when implants were placed more than 2 millimeters below the nearby teeth, there was more bone loss around those natural teeth over time. This was especially true when the implant crown had a rounded (convex) shape at the gumline and in female patients. However, when the implant was placed closer to the bone level (≤2 mm) of the adjacent teeth, the amount of bone loss was smaller and less affected by the crown shape. Dentists should carefully consider how deep they place implants in relation to the surrounding teeth. Placing implants too far apical of the bone level of nearby teeth may lead to unwanted bone loss in those teeth, especially if the implant crown has a rounded (convex) profile. Proper implant positioning can help to reduce the risk of bone loss and improve long-term outcomes.

PMID:41582845 | DOI:10.1002/jper.70056

Prim Health Care Res Dev. 2026 Jan 26;27:e12. doi: 10.1017/S1463423626100838.

ABSTRACT

AIM: This exploratory project aimed to develop online learning materials with interactive narratives for supporting persons living with dementia, with particular focus on initial diagnosis and helping children to understand changes which may occur.

BACKGROUND: Dementia is a range of neurological conditions that cause the ongoing decline in brain function, manifesting as loss of memory, language, and problem-solving abilities. Over 55 million people worldwide are living with dementia, straining health and social care resources in their ability to provide information, care, and support for the family. There is a need for easily accessible, high-quality, and nationally scalable resources for dementia support for this growing population.

METHODS: Twine was used to produce online digital storytelling media titled ‘Grandad Forgot My Name’, following the narrative of dementia care for family members. Design, theming, artwork, and story pathways reflected key aspects of dementia and dementia care to facilitate additional support for readers, and health and social care workers. Usage statistics were monitored and readers answered evaluative surveys with numerical scoring and descriptive free responses. Story pathways and information were continuously updated following survey responses.

FINDINGS: Twine and interactive storytelling had potential to reach a wide audience at minimal cost, bridging the gaps between initial concerns, diagnosis, and appointment. However, there were issues with stakeholder adoptability and uptake when sharing materials which must be resolved in full-scaled outputs. Grandad Forgot My Name successfully demonstrated key design and logistical considerations when creating support resources of national impact, with cross-generational communication and reader-centric design optimising engagement.

PMID:41582825 | DOI:10.1017/S1463423626100838

Harefuah. 2026 Jan;166(1):42-47.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The optimal method for cervical ripening during labor remains debated.

AIMS: To determine the effective cervical ripening method based on fetal indications.

METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a single tertiary center (2010-2021). Enrolled nulliparous women had a Bishop score of ≤6 and vertex presentation undergoing labor induction for fetal well-being indications (including non-reassuring fetal heart rate). Participants were categorized based on the ripening method used: prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) or cervical ripening balloon (CRB).

RESULTS: The study included 716 nulliparous women: 462 (64.53%) induced by PGE2 and 254 (35.47%) induced by CRB. The duration from induction to delivery was similar for both PGE2 and CRB inductions (25 [15-41] vs. 26 [20-39] hours, p=0.34). There were no differences in delivery mode. Rates of chorioamnionitis and obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASIS) were lower with PGE2 (3.5% vs. 7.1%, p=0.021; 2.2% vs. 5.1%, p=0.034, respectively). No other significant differences were observed, including neonatal outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS: Neither method demonstrated overall superiority in terms of efficacy or neonatal outcomes, although PGE2 exhibited a lower maternal risk profile. This point should be taken into consideration.

DISCUSSION: The study found similar efficacy between PGE2 and CRB for labor induction due to fetal indications in nulliparous women, with no difference in time to delivery or cesarean delivery (CDs). PGE2 demonstrated lower rates of chorioamnionitis and OASIS, suggesting better maternal safety. In cases of nulliparous women with an unripe cervix and fetal indications for induction, PGE2 and CRB are similarly effective. Nevertheless, PGE2 is associated with a lower risk of maternal complications.

PMID:41582797