Tag: pubmed

J Oral Biol Craniofac Res. 2026 May-Jun;16(3):101444. doi: 10.1016/j.jobcr.2026.101444. Epub 2026 Mar 28.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Salivary glycoproteins contribute to enamel protection, lubrication, and microbial regulation, making them useful biochemical indicators of oral health.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of Cocos nucifera oil (CNO) mouthwash on total salivary protein and selected salivary glycoproteins (MUC5B, albumin, globulin, and amylase) in adults with moderate caries over 28 days.

METHODS: In this double-blind, parallel-group randomized trial, 40 adults aged 18-40 years (DMFT >3) were assigned to use either CNO mouthwash (10 mL, 10 min daily) or amine fluoride (AF) mouthwash (15 mL, 1 min daily) for 28 days. Unstimulated saliva was collected at baseline and day 28 to assess total protein, MUC5B, albumin, globulin, and amylase. Salivary glycoproteins and total salivary protein may reflect different aspects of oral biochemical defence and should be interpreted independently. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS version 23.0. Within-group comparisons were conducted using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, while between-group comparisons were performed using the Mann-Whitney U test. Statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05.

RESULTS: Both mouthwashes produced modest biochemical changes after 28 days. CNO resulted in a statistically significant increase in total salivary protein compared with amine fluoride (p = 0.035). No significant between-group differences were observed for MUC5B, albumin, globulin, or amylase.

CONCLUSION: CNO mouthwash produced a modest increase in total salivary protein; however, specific glycoproteins showed no significant changes. These results provide preliminary biochemical evidence only, and no clinical inferences regarding caries prevention or oral defense can be made. Larger trials with clinical endpoints are required.

PMID:41953932 | PMC:PMC13054032 | DOI:10.1016/j.jobcr.2026.101444

Contemp Clin Dent. 2026 Jan-Mar;17(1):39-47. doi: 10.4103/ccd.ccd_486_25. Epub 2026 Mar 26.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The microRNA-223 (miR-223)/FBXW7/FBXO8 molecular network governs ubiquitin-proteasome proteostasis, a cardinal process in cellular protein turnover. Dysregulation amplifies inflammatory cascades and expedites tissue degradation. This study elucidates stage-specific expression divergences of miRNAs-223 and its cognate F-box regulators in periodontitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This observational study enrolled 100 participants, categorized into five groups comprising periodontally healthy individuals and patients with Stage I-IV Grade B periodontitis. Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) was collected using calibrated microcapillary pipettes. Total RNA was isolated from the GCF specimens, followed by complementary DNA (cDNA) conversion. Expression levels of miRNAs-223, FBXW7, and FBXO8 across all groups were assessed through the real-time quantitative PCR methodology. In silico target prediction analyses for miRNAs-223 and functional enrichment analyses were performed using the bioinformatic tools.

RESULTS: Expression analysis of GCF across Groups A (Healthy) to E (Stage IV) revealed statistically significant upregulation of miR-223 (25.38 ± 2.56; P = 0.001), accompanied by marked downregulation of FBXW7 (0.02 ± 2.05; P = 0.001) and FBXO8 (0.11 ± 2.04; P = 0.02). miR-223 levels positively correlated with clinical parameters, while FBXW7 and FBXO8 showed inverse correlations, strengthening with disease severity. Notably, miR-223 exhibited significant negative associations with both F-box proteins. Receiver operating characteristic analysis confirmed its diagnostic utility (AUC 0.919), highlighting miR-223 as a potential molecular signature for periodontal disease.

CONCLUSION: The pathophysiological derangement of the miR-223/FBXO8/FBXW7 signaling axis is entwined with aberrant proteolytic dynamics in periodontal pathology, accentuating the indispensable role of F-box-dependent ubiquitin-mediated degradation and positioning this molecular ensemble as a promising conduit for therapeutic stratagem.

PMID:41953918 | PMC:PMC13056218 | DOI:10.4103/ccd.ccd_486_25

Contemp Clin Dent. 2026 Jan-Mar;17(1):3-8. doi: 10.4103/ccd.ccd_566_25. Epub 2026 Mar 26.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: During endodontic treatment, exposure of coronal dentin to various endodontic chemical substances (ECS) impacts its structural integrity, thereby affecting therapy’s success. This study employs preendodontic dentin hybridization (PEDH) to shield the coronal dentin from ECS.

AIM: This study evaluates the influence of chemicals used during endodontic therapy on coronal dentin microhardness and resin-dentin microshear bond strength (µSBS) and the protective effect of PEDH.

METHODOLOGY: Eighty square-shaped coronal dentin specimens were divided into four groups according to the time of chemical exposure: Control: No exposure to ECS. Late Dentin Hybridization (LDH): Exposed to ECS followed by dentin hybridization (DH); PEDH: DH followed by ECS; Ultrasonic LDH (ULDH): ECS followed by Ultrasonic repreparation then DH. Ten samples in each group were restored with composite and subjected to shear stresses under a Universal testing machine. The remaining 10 samples were tested for microhardness using a Vickers micro indenter.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Data were analyzed with one-way analysis of variance and Tukey’s test.

RESULTS: LDH causes a significant reduction in bond strength compared to all groups. The PEDH group exhibits µSBS and microhardness values close to the control group. ULDH group showed increased bond strength values compared to the LDH group, but exhibited a significant reduction in microhardness values compared to all experimental groups.

CONCLUSION: Chemical exposure deteriorates properties of coronal dentin, thereby reducing µSBS and microhardness, whereas PEDH acts as a shield on coronal dentin, which effectively preserves its properties, producing outcomes close to untreated controls without the need for ultrasonic repreparation.

PMID:41953917 | PMC:PMC13056221 | DOI:10.4103/ccd.ccd_566_25

Health Sci Rep. 2026 Apr 6;9(4):e72280. doi: 10.1002/hsr2.72280. eCollection 2026 Apr.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Dengue fever is a rapidly expanding vector-borne disease that poses significant global epidemiological and public health challenges. Accurate and interpretable forecasting is essential for timely interventions, yet most models overlook spatiotemporal, sex-specific, and country-level heterogeneity in disease dynamics. This study aimed to develop a robust explainable AI (XAI) framework to predict dengue incidence globally and identify key environmental, health system, and socio-economic drivers.

METHODS: A Convolutional Long Short-Term Memory (ConvLSTM) network was applied to predict dengue incidence across 118 countries from 2000 to 2021. The data set included total, male, and female dengue incodence alongside 20 climatic, environmental, health system, and socio-economic predictors. The model was trained using data from 2000 to 2018 and tested on 2019-2021. Model performance was evaluated using RMSE, MAE, R², and adjusted R². Feature contributions were assessed through multiple XAI approaches: SHAP values, permutation importance, ±50% perturbation sensitivity perturbations, integrated gradients (IG), and layer-wise relevance propagation (LRP).

RESULTS: ConvLSTM achieved the best predictive performance (R² = 0.7731), demonstrating suitability for national-level public health planning. Sex-specific analysis revealed that annual freshwater withdrawals (SHAP: 44.37%; IG: 0.41; LRP: 0.38) dominated male dengue incidence, whereas hospital bed density had a greater influence for females (SHAP: 31.86%; IG: 0.34; LRP: 0.32). Temperature anomalies contributed consistently to both sexes (SHAP: 11.51%; IG: 0.18; LRP: 0.17). Country-level contributions highlighted electricity access (India: 97.35%; Bangladesh: 89.62%) and UHC coverage (Bangladesh: 8.33%) as key socio-economic determinants, with environmental and healthcare factors such as community health resources (Afghanistan: 35.42%; Brazil: 9.00%) further shaping sex-specific patterns. Sensitivity analysis indicated dengue incidence varied from -65% to +91% under ±50% predictor perturbations, underscoring model responsiveness and targeted intervention potential.

CONCLUSION: By integrating SHAP, IG, and LRP, the ConvLSTM-XAI framework provides transparent, sex-aware, and country-specific dengue forecasts. The results support targeted, climate-resilient, and equitable dengue control strategies.

PMID:41953901 | PMC:PMC13053675 | DOI:10.1002/hsr2.72280

Health Sci Rep. 2026 Apr 6;9(4):e72286. doi: 10.1002/hsr2.72286. eCollection 2026 Apr.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)-induced gastric ulcer is a public health challenge in Pakistan. The current study examined the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding H. pylori-induced gastric ulcers among the general Pakistani population.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Lahore, Pakistan’s second-largest city, involving 385 participants from the general population selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected via interview-administered questionnaires. Statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics, χ ² tests, and binary logistic regression, were performed using SPSS version 25.

RESULTS: Among the participants, 51.4% were male and 48.6% female, primarily 54.1% were aged 18-24 with 57.4% holding bachelor’s degrees. In general Pakistani population majority have moderate knowledge of H. pylori-induced gastric ulcers, with 49.1% having heard of the condition and many were unsure about its symptoms and transmission. Regarding attitude, 86.8% recognized it as a serious health issue, and only 40.0% believed they could be infected. Preventive practices such as regular hand washing (52.2%) and proper food hygiene (43.8%) were common, but lifestyle factors like smoking and diet affected knowledge and attitudes significantly. Regression analysis highlighted that individuals aged 18-24 (odds ratio (OR) = 2.592, p = 0.014) and students (adjusted odds ratio (ORa) = 20.849, p < 0.001) showed higher knowledge, while low education (ORa = 0.151, p = 0.004), low income (ORa = 0.230, p = 0.001), and smoking (ORa = 0.379, p = 0.026) were associated with poorer attitudes. Students (ORa = 0.130, p = 0.005), and unemployment (ORa = 0.173, p = 0.013) were linked to poorer practices.

CONCLUSION: The results of the current study highlight significant knowledge, attitude, and practice gaps regarding H. pylori-induced gastric ulcers in the general Pakistani population. Targeted educational interventions are important to address misconceptions, promote healthy behaviors, and improve management strategies for H. pylori-induced gastric ulcers in Pakistan.

PMID:41953899 | PMC:PMC13053671 | DOI:10.1002/hsr2.72286

Int J Nanomedicine. 2026 Apr 3;21:583269. doi: 10.2147/IJN.S583269. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Aerobic and facultative anaerobic bacteria are most commonly found in failed root canal cases. Among those, Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) is the most resistant intracanal microbe. Hence, the antibacterial effectiveness of various intracanal medicaments (ICMs) is primarily tested against E. faecalis. To eliminate such resistant bacteria from the entire root canal system, various contemporary intracanal medicaments (ICMs) with an effective antibacterial action are evaluated. The purpose of the study is to compare the antimicrobial efficacy of intracanal medications, Phytosphingosine nano-emulsion (PHSN), Chitosan nano-emulsion (CHN), and Triple Antibiotic Paste (TAP) against E. faecalis in endodontics.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Assuming the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of 15.93 and SD 1.53 with estimated error of 1, 80% power, and 5% alpha error, the sample size was calculated as 9. All three ICMs were prepared following the standard protocols. These ICMs were categorised into 3 groups as follows: Group I: PHSN; Group II: CHN; Group III: TAP. The antibacterial property of these ICMs was evaluated using MIC and disk diffusion methods. ANOVA and post hoc Tukey’s tests.

RESULTS: The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was found to be 1 μg/mL for PHSN, 32 μg/mL for CHN, and 4.0 μL/mL for TAP against E. faecalis. PHSN showed the largest zone of inhibition (38.3 ± 1.48), followed by CHN (8.16 ± 0.966), and TAP (6.30 ± 1.71). Thus, PHSN showed significantly higher antimicrobial efficiency compared to CHN and TAP (p < 0.05). Although CHN showed a higher zone of inhibition than the TAP, the difference between them was statistically nonsignificant.

CONCLUSION: Phytosphingosine nano-emulsion (PHSN) has maximum efficacy against E. faecalis, and it can hinder its growth with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 1μg/mL. Chitosan nano-emulsion (CHN) shows slightly more efficacy than Triple Antibiotic Paste (TAP), but without any statistical significance.

PMID:41953859 | PMC:PMC13055908 | DOI:10.2147/IJN.S583269

Indian J Palliat Care. 2026 Jan-Mar;32(1):45-50. doi: 10.25259/IJPC_29_2025. Epub 2025 Jul 31.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Anxiety is a common concern among breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. This study aimed to explore the impact of relaxation therapy combined with natural expressions of gratitude, either towards God or in a non-religious context, on anxiety levels in these patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A quasi-experimental study was conducted with 46 breast cancer patients aged 18-65 years at Ngoerah Hospital One Day Care Chemotherapy Clinic from March to December 2023. Participants underwent a 15-minute relaxation therapy. Following the session, they were naturally assigned to one of two groups based on their response: 26 participants expressed gratitude towards God, and 20 participants expressed plain gratitude. Anxiety levels were measured using the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) before and after the intervention. Data were analysed statistically.

RESULTS: The gratitude to God group showed a greater reduction in BAI scores (mean difference = 10.93, standard deviation [SD] = 5.73) compared to the plain gratitude group (mean difference = 5.56, SD = 3.43). Paired t-tests indicated significant reductions in anxiety for both groups (P < 0.001 for both). The independent t-test revealed a significant difference in anxiety reduction between the two groups (t[44] = 3.24, P < 0.01, 95% confidence interval = 0.89-8.27), with the gratitude to God group experiencing a larger decrease in anxiety levels.

CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that relaxation therapy, particularly when accompanied by a natural expression of gratitude directed towards a higher power, may be more effective in reducing anxiety among breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

PMID:41953835 | PMC:PMC13054332 | DOI:10.25259/IJPC_29_2025

Indian J Palliat Care. 2026 Jan-Mar;32(1):91-96. doi: 10.25259/IJPC_51_2025. Epub 2026 Feb 10.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine the mediating effect of spiritual well-being on the relationship between social support and depression among family caregivers of cancer patients (FCPC) undergoing chemotherapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 180 families of cancer patients participated in this study, meeting the following inclusion criteria: Individuals aged 18-65 years, providing care for a patient with cancer in 4 months, residing with the patient and demonstrating no communication difficulties. Convenience sampling was conducted in two hospitals located in Yogyakarta and Jember, Indonesia, from May to August 2024. A valid and reliable self-reported structured questionnaire was used to collect data on depression, spiritual well-being and social support. The characteristic respondent questionnaire was also used. The unpaired t-test, analysis of variance and Pearson correlation were used to examine the relationships between depression and respondent characteristics, as well as the correlations among depression, spiritual well-being and social support. In addition, the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) PROCESS macro version 4.2 was used to examine the mediating factor model hypothesis confirmation.

RESULTS: The results showed that, based on the correlational test, spiritual well-being and social support were interconnected. The occupational status of the respondents correlated with depression. Social support positively affected spiritual well-being (B = 0.245; P < 0.001), and spiritual well-being was negatively affected by depression (B = -0.248; P < 0.001). In addition, social support was directly affected by depression (B = -0.236; P < 0.001). Bootstrap analysis supported the relationship between social support and depression with spiritual well-being as a mediating factor (B = -0.061; P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: This study indicated that social support was a significant predictor of depression in FCPC undergoing chemotherapy, with spiritual well-being acting as a mediating factor. Therefore, nurses should integrate spiritual nursing care and incorporate significant others to mitigate depression. Future studies are needed to explore further mediators and develop specific interventions for reducing depression.

PMID:41953834 | PMC:PMC13054333 | DOI:10.25259/IJPC_51_2025

Indian J Palliat Care. 2026 Jan-Mar;32(1):65-71. doi: 10.25259/IJPC_108_2025. Epub 2026 Feb 10.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Community health workers (CHWs) are the frontline workers providing primary care. This study aimed to assess the impact of training on CHWs’ knowledge and perceptions of palliative care (PC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A mixed-method research design was adopted. The participants included CHWs posted in a block of North India. Using a pre-post quasi-experimental design, the PC knowledge questionnaire-basic (PCKQ-B) was used to assess the PC knowledge of CHWs before and after a 3-day PC training programme. Paired t-tests, one-way analysis of variance, and Tukey post hoc tests were used to determine the pre- and post-training differences in knowledge within and between groups. Responses to the open-ended questions and participants’ narratives during the training were coded, thematically analysed and triangulated with quantitative results.

RESULTS: Of 49 CHWs who attended the training, 45 completed both pre- and post-tests. The training was associated with a statistically significant increase in mean PCKQ-B score (18.4 ± 2.942 post-training vs. 12 ± 3.422 pre-training; P < 0.001). Six out of seven domains showed improvement in the perception of CHWs regarding PC, with the highest impact on bereavement care (1 ± 0.00 post-training vs. 0.54 ± 0.501 pre-training; P < 0.001). Baseline PC knowledge and improvement in knowledge post-training were significantly associated with participants’ designation and gender. Training improved participants’ perception of PC from being just basic nursing care (pre-training) to a holistic care which extends beyond death to include bereavement care (post-training) and the importance of communication skills in fostering trust and reducing anger and frustration. Fear and anxiety about cancer, poverty, lack of resources, poor trust in public facilities, myths, lack of health awareness, social stigma and non-supportive families were identified as challenges to providing PC in the community.

CONCLUSION: Short-term PC training contextualised to the local needs improved CHWs’ knowledge and perceptions of PC. Future trainings should emphasise addressing the psycho-social and spiritual domains of care.

PMID:41953824 | PMC:PMC13054359 | DOI:10.25259/IJPC_108_2025

Front Plant Sci. 2026 Mar 24;17:1800142. doi: 10.3389/fpls.2026.1800142. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to characterize sapling regeneration in typical Quercus forests in Beijing, investigate the relationship between sapling density and environmental factors, and provide a theoretical basis for sustaining the ecological stability of Quercus forests in northern China.

METHODS: During June-September 2023, sapling density (individuals with diameter at breast height [DBH]1-5 cm) and environmental variables were surveyed across 17 plots in five Quercus forest types. Correlation analysis, random forest variable importance ranking, and multiple linear regression were used to identify key environmental factors affecting sapling density.

RESULTS: In Q. mongolica stands, sapling density (>1000 stems/ha) and mean DBH were the highest, while the stands of the other four Quercus species each maintained densities below 500 stems/ha with comparable DBH values. Sapling density was positively correlated with total stem number (N), canopy density (CD), and stand density (SD), but negatively with mean DBH (MD) and available copper (ACu). Random Forest analysis ranked the variables with relative importance exceeding 5% in the following order: MD > altitude (AL) > SD > Shannon-Wiener index (H´) > ACu > humus layer thickness (HLT) > N > CD. Multiple linear regression identified slope aspect, SD, and ACu as the primary environmental factors affecting sapling density.

DISCUSSION: Sapling abundance and growth status vary across Quercus forests in Beijing, with regeneration density co-regulated by multiple environmental factors. Therefore, forest management should integrate both biotic and abiotic factors to promote natural regeneration.

PMID:41953814 | PMC:PMC13055438 | DOI:10.3389/fpls.2026.1800142