Tag: pubmed

Folia Med (Plovdiv). 2021 Jun 30;63(3):413-421. doi: 10.3897/folmed.63.e53716.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: In fixed orthodontics, formation of white spot lesions, enamel demineralization, and tooth decay around appliances are common complications which mar the outcome.

AIM: The aims of this study were the determination of the shear bond strength (SBS) and adhesive remnant index (ARI) of orthodontic adhesive doped with N-GO, as well as the assessment of antimicrobial activities of the modified orthodontic adhesive against Streptococcus mutans.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: N-GO was characterized by a scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transformation infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Zeta potential. The SBS and ARI of modified orthodontics adhesive containing different concentrations of N-GO (0, 1, 2, 5, and 10 wt%) were then measured. The influences of adding N-GO on antimicrobial properties of orthodontic adhesive were determined against S. mutans by disc agar diffusion (DAD) testing and biofilm formation inhibition assay.

RESULTS: The SEM, FTIR, XRD, and Zeta potential analysis indicated the successful synthesis of N-GO. Orthodontics adhesive doped with 5 wt% N-GO showed the highest concentration of N-GO and SBS value (21.71±7.45 MPa, p<0.05) simultaneously with no significant differences in adhesive remnant index compared with the control group. SBS in the 1, 2, and 5% N-GO were significantly higher than that in 10% N-GO (p=0.025, p=0.036, p=0.041, respectively). The disinfection ability of the modified orthodontic adhesive doped with N-GO against S. mutans in the DAD and biofilm formation inhibition assays were positively associated with increased in N-GO concentrations (p<0.05). However, the 5 and 10 wt% N-GO showed a statistically significant decrease the CFU/mL of the test microorganisms in biofilm structures (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: It could be concluded that 5 wt% of N-GO can be considered as an orthodontic adhesive additive to reduce the microbial count and biofilm with no adverse effect on SBS and ARI.

PMID:34196145 | DOI:10.3897/folmed.63.e53716

Folia Med (Plovdiv). 2021 Jun 30;63(3):337-347. doi: 10.3897/folmed.63.e55256.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Chronic nasal congestion in patients with allergic rhinitis can lead to sleep disorders and to sleep apnoea which, in combination with fatigue, can induce systemic effects, including irritability, weakness, malaise, and decreased appetite, growth retardation in adolescents, resulting in severe worsening of quality of life. Also, allergic rhinitis can affect social life, school performance, and productivity, especially in patients with severe disease.

AIM: The aim of the present case-control study was to investigate the impact of quality-of-life impairment and the main contributing symptoms in patients with allergic rhinosinusitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: During the survey from January to December 2018, 139 participants (111 with allergic rhinitis and 28 controls) were enrolled in the study. Participants in the clinical and control groups were invited to complete a quality-of-life questionnaire for patients with sino-nasal pathology (SNOT-22). For results, a comparison in terms of eye affecting itching, burning, redness, and tearing sensation, a 10-grade visual analogue scale table was presented.

RESULTS: Comparing the clinical and control groups of healthy patients in the first SNOT-22, the value was significantly elevated as expected. The mean score (SNOT-22 total score) of the twenty-two symptom scores in patients was 2.52±0.93 (0-5); by comparison, the value in the control group was only 0.64±0.11, with the difference being statistically significant (p=0.001). The results of the visual analogue scale for which the patients were asked to note the level of eye impairment: redness, burning, itching, and tearing that contributed to their negative sense of the quality of life, were eloquent. A statistically significant difference was found between participants with intermittent and persistent forms (6.06±0.20 vs. 3.00±0.25, p=0.001), and between the entire clinical group with AR and the healthy controls included in the study (4.48±0.22 versus 0.21±0.03, p=0.000).

CONCLUSIONS: Summarising the results of our study and the available literature, we have concluded that nasal congestion and the abundance of secretions are symptoms that disrupt mostly the quality of life in AR patients and significantly affect the quality of sleep and are inevitable consequences of both daytime tone and productivity.The rich palette of symptoms that lead to deterioration of the mental and physical well-being of those affected by AR necessitates the need to sharpen the attention of professionals working for this type of pathology in order to strive to detail and differentiate the specific complaint and degree of quality of life deterioration.

PMID:34196149 | DOI:10.3897/folmed.63.e55256

J Sex Med. 2021 Jun 27:S1743-6095(21)00472-0. doi: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2021.05.004. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: To date, there is no certain method for diagnosis of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) and vaginal atrophy.

AIM: We aim to evaluate vaginal wall thickness (VWT) using 3D high frequency endovaginal ultrasound (3D EVUS) in GSM and also to investigate whether there is any association between VWT and postmenopausal sexual dysfunction.

METHODS: Postmenopausal women applied for routine gynecologic examination were assessed at the Outpatient Clinic of Gynecology, Maltepe University Hospital. After pelvic examination, GSM symptoms were questioned for all women and vaginal health scoring tool was applied. Twenty women with GSM and 20 women without GSM were included in the study.

OUTCOMES: All patients filled in the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and underwent 3D EVUS to evaluate VWT.

RESULTS: The women with GSM had significantly lower anterior and posterior VWT (P=.007 and P=.049, respectively). The total FSFI score, lubrication and pain sub-scores in patients with GSM was significantly lower than the patients without GSM. Anterior VWT was positively correlated with BMI and pain sub-score of FSFI (r=0.279, P=.047; r=0.344, P=.013, respectively). A significant negative correlation was detected between anterior vaginal VWT and age, time since menopause and satisfaction sub-score of FSFI (r=-0.332, P=.017; r=-0.354, P=.011; r=-0.301, P=.032, respectively). Posterior VWT was positively correlated with FSFI total score, arousal, lubrication and pain sub-scores (r=0.451, P=.001; r=0.437, P=.001; r=0.415, P=.002; r=0.335, P=.016; respectively).

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Based on our results, measurement of VWT using 3D EVUS can be a useful non-invasive tool for the objective diagnosis of GSM.

STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: Considering that only total vaginal thickness can be measured with traditional transabdominal and transvaginal techniques, the main strength of the study is the use of 3D EVUS for separate measurement of anterior and posterior VWT. The study has sufficient statistical power. The small sample size of study is the main limitation.

CONCLUSION: The 3D EVUS can be used for objective diagnosis of GSM and can also shed light on the causes of various sexual dysfunction symptoms in postmenopausal women, as it enables measuring the anterior and posterior walls of the vagina separately. Peker H, Gursoy A. Relationship Between Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause and 3D High-Frequency Endovaginal Ultrasound Measurement of Vaginal Wall Thickness. J Sex Med 2021;XX:XXX-XXX.

PMID:34193368 | DOI:10.1016/j.jsxm.2021.05.004

Urol Oncol. 2021 Jun 27:S1078-1439(21)00230-1. doi: 10.1016/j.urolonc.2021.05.022. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer screening has reduced its mortality in 21%. However, this has also led to an increased number of biopsies in order to establish the diagnosis, many of them unnecessary. Current screening guidelines prioritize use of prostatic magnetic resonance and new biomarkers to reduce unnecessary biopsies, however, their implementation in developing countries screening programs is mainly limited by its costs.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate Prostate Biopsy Risk Collaborative Group (PBCG) and Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial Risk Calculator (PCPTRC) 2.0 predictions accuracy in Mexican patients in order to guide prostate biopsy decision making and reduce unnecessary biopsies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed patients between 55 and 90 years old who underwent prostate biopsy in a high-volume center in Mexico between January 2017 and June 2020. Clinical utility of PBCG and PCPTRC 2.0 to predict high-grade prostate cancer (HGPCa) biopsy outcomes was evaluated using decision curve analysis and compared to actual biopsy decision making. Receiver operating characteristics area under the curve (AUC) was used to measure discrimination and external validation.

RESULTS: From 687 patients eligible for prostate biopsy, 433 met selections criteria. One hundred and thirty-five (31.17%) patients were diagnosed with HGPCa, 63 (14.54%) with low-grade disease and 235 (54.27%) had a negative biopsy. PCPTRC 2.0 ≥15% threshold got a standardized net benefit (sNB) of 0.70, while PBCG ≥30% and ≥35% had a sNB of 0.27 and 0.15, respectively. Use of both models for guiding prostate biopsy decision resulted in no statistical difference for HGCPa detection rates, while achieved a significant difference in reducing total and unnecessary biopsies. However, this difference was lower (better) for PCPTRC 2.0, being statistically significative when compared against PBCG thresholds. Both models were well calibrated (AUC 0.79) and achieved external validation compared with international cohorts.

CONCLUSIONS: Our study is the first to effectively validate both PCPTRC 2.0 and PBCG predictions for the Mexican population, proving that their use in daily practice improves biopsy decision making by accurately predicting HGPCa and limit unnecessary biopsies without representing additional costs to screening programs.

PMID:34193378 | DOI:10.1016/j.urolonc.2021.05.022

Int Dent J. 2021 Jun 27:S0020-6539(21)00100-3. doi: 10.1016/j.identj.2021.05.004. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is the most common sleep-related breathing disorder. Dentists should play an essential role in OSA screening, referral, and management. However, few studies have investigated dentists’ knowledge and attitude towards OSA.

OBJECTIVE: This cross-sectional survey aimed to assess the level of knowledge and attitude regarding OSA amongst dentists and evaluate whether the level of knowledge affects their attitude towards OSA.

METHODS: Using the Google Forms platform, an online questionnaire was distributed via e-mail to all Ministry of Health dentists (N = 352). The questionnaire included 3 sections: demographics, knowledge, and attitude. Participant responses were stratified by professional title (general dentists, specialists, or consultants) and practice sector (primary health care centres or hospitals). Descriptive statistics, independent t tests, one-way analyses of variance, and Pearson’s correlation were used to analyse the data.

RESULTS: Of the 352 dentists, 191 responded to the questionnaire (54.55%). Although 80.6% of the respondents reported having previous OSA knowledge in the self-assessment question, 65.58% scored below 12 in the total knowledge scores, and 63.35% scored below 3 in the total attitude scores based on Bloom’s cutoff. The mean total knowledge score was 9.86, while the mean total attitude score was 2.08. No significant differences between the mean total knowledge and attitude scores were found based on sex, professional title, or practice sector. A positive and statistically significant correlation was found between total knowledge and attitude scores (P value = .001).

CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that dentists had a low OSA-related knowledge and a negative attitude towards OSA, and a positive association was seen between knowledge level and attitude. Dental practitioners with high knowledge scores tended to have a positive attitude towards OSA. These findings suggest that dentists in Jeddah require more education and clinical training in sleep medicine to maximise patient benefits and minimise adverse outcomes.

PMID:34193341 | DOI:10.1016/j.identj.2021.05.004

J Pediatr Surg. 2021 Jun 8:S0022-3468(21)00432-2. doi: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2021.05.022. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Improved post-operative outcomes following gastroschisis repair are attributed to advancement in perioperative and post-operative care and early enteral feeding. This study evaluates the role of standardized postoperative feeding protocols in gastroschisis.

STUDY DESIGN: A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies published from January 2000 to April 2019 in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library databases and Google Scholar was conducted. Primary outcomes were duration to full enteral feeding and cessation of parenteral nutrition. Secondary outcomes included days to first enteral feeding, length of stay, compliance, complication and mortality rates. Meta-analysis was done using the RevMan Analysis Statistical Package in Review Manager (Version 5.3) using a random effects model and reported as pooled Risk Ratio and Mean Difference. p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: Eight observational cohort studies were identified and their data analyzed. Significant heterogeneity was noted for some outcomes. Standardized feeding protocols resulted in fewer days to first enteral feeding by 3.19 days (95% CI: -4.73, -1.66, p < 0.0001) than non-protocolized feeding, less complication rates, reduced mortality and better compliance to care. The duration of parenteral nutrition and time to full enteral feeding were not significantly affected.

CONCLUSION: Protocolized feeding post-gastroschisis repair is associated with early initiation of enteral feeding. There is a likelihood of reduced rates of sepsis; shorter duration of parenteral nutrition, length of hospital stay and time to full enteral feeding. However, the latter trends are not statistically significant and will require further studies best accomplished with a prospective randomized trial or more cohort studies.

PMID:34193345 | DOI:10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2021.05.022

Contracept Reprod Med. 2021 Jul 1;6(1):20. doi: 10.1186/s40834-021-00164-7.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Each year, the current level of modern contraceptive use averts 188 million unintended pregnancies, which in turn results in 112 million fewer abortions. Of the 867 million women in the developing world who are sexually active and want to avoid becoming pregnant, approximately 222 million of them have an unmet need for modern contraception. In spite of several advantages and potential effectiveness of Intra Uterine Contraceptive Device, its utilization still too low in Sub Saharan African countries including Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVES: To identify the determinant factors for utilization of intra uterine contraceptive device among women visiting primary health care facilities in Mekelle city.

METHOD: Facility based unmatched case-control study design was conducted among 234 women (78 cases and 156 controls). Data was collected by structured questionnaire. Data entry and cleaning was done using EPI- Info version 5.3.1 and analysis done using SPSS version 20.0 statistical software. During analysis the variables were defined, categorized and the difference in variables was determined. Odds ratio used to show degree of association between independent variables with Intra Uterine Contraceptive Device.

RESULT: Marital status ([AOR (95%CI) =8.59(2.60-28.43)], number of pregnancies (AOR (95%) CI = 5.69(1.020-31.802), number of alive children [AOR (95%CI) =3.5 (1.03-11.9) are variables continued to have statistically significant association with use of Intra Uterine Contraceptive Device. Other determinants found to have significant association includes awareness about Intra Uterine Contraceptive Device, visual exposure to Intra Uterine Contraceptive Device, and participants told about availability of health care provider able to insert Intra Uterine Contraceptive Device.

CONCLUSION: This study has identified marital status, Gravidity, number of alive children and awareness to Intra Uterine Contraceptive Device as major determinants for use of Intra Uterine Contraceptive Device. Thus, it is vital at addressing the aforementioned determinants will be vital to improve utilization of Intra Uterine Contraceptive Device. Among long acting reversible modern contraceptive methods, Intra Uterine Contraceptive Devices (IUCDs) are the most reliable and effective as well as with fewer side effects. Despite these advantages and cost effective potential of Intra Uterine Contraceptive Device its utilization is still too low in Sub Saharan countries like Ethiopia. Thus, this study intended to identify the factors that limit the utilization of Intra Uterine Contraceptive Device among women of Ethiopia in Mekele City. The study identify that the utilization of Intra Uterine Contraceptive Device was determined by the marital status of the women, the number of previous pregnancy and recent alive children and the level of awareness about Intra Uterine Contraceptive Device of the women. Therefore, providers training that focus on promoting Intra Uterine Contraceptive Device, centering on increasing awareness and practice about Intra Uterine Contraceptive Device is very important.

PMID:34193318 | DOI:10.1186/s40834-021-00164-7

Prehosp Disaster Med. 2021 Jul 1:1-9. doi: 10.1017/S1049023X21000601. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Performance feedback on clinical care and patient outcomes is a cornerstone of medical education, yet it remains lacking in the prehospital environment. Research seeking to establish the quantity of feedback provided to Emergency Medical Services (EMS) has been limited and studies focused on complimentary feedback or how feedback relates to EMS job satisfaction are lacking. The objectives of this study were to measure the frequency and nature of feedback received by EMS agencies and to identify the importance of receiving feedback as it relates to EMS job satisfaction.

METHODS: This was an anonymous, survey-based study of twenty-nine Basic Life Support (BLS) and fifteen Advanced Life Support (ALS) agencies located in Southeastern Minnesota (USA). Descriptive statistics and Fisher exact tests were used. The study was deemed exempt by the Mayo Clinic Institutional Review Board.

RESULTS: Ninety-four responses were included from nineteen different EMS agencies, including sixty-one (64.9%) paramedics and thirty-three (35.1%) emergency medical technicians (EMTs). One-half of all respondents reported that they had not received any type of feedback in the past 30 days, while another 43.6% of respondents indicated that they had only received feedback one to three times in the same time period. Twenty (60.6%) EMTs reported receiving no feedback in the past 30 days, compared with twenty-seven (44.3%) paramedics (P = .123). Of respondents receiving feedback, 65.9% reported never or rarely receiving positive reinforcing feedback and 60.6% reported never or rarely receiving constructive criticism or feedback regarding something that did not go well with patient care or transport. The majority of respondents were dissatisfied with the quantity (86.1%) and quality (73.4%) of feedback received. An overwhelming majority (93.6%) indicated that feedback on patient care or outcomes was important in influencing their overall job satisfaction. This high importance was maintained across all demographic groups.

CONCLUSION: Within the cohort of survey respondents, a paucity of feedback received by EMS personnel is a source of dissatisfaction for EMS providers. Feedback on patient care strongly relates to overall job satisfaction. These findings suggest system-wide opportunities for structured feedback processes, focusing upon both quality and quantity of delivered feedback, to improve both patient care and staff satisfaction.

PMID:34193330 | DOI:10.1017/S1049023X21000601

Antimicrob Resist Infect Control. 2021 Jun 30;10(1):101. doi: 10.1186/s13756-021-00967-y.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Vancomycin‑resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA) is a serious public health challenging concern worldwide.

OBJECTIVES: Therefore, the objective of present study of 62 published studies was to evaluate the prevalence of VRSA based on different years, areas, isolate source, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and the genetic determinants.

METHODS: We searched the relevant articles that focused on the prevalence rates of VRSA in PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science from 2000 to 2019. Statistical analyses were conducted using STATA software (version 14.0).

RESULTS: The prevalence of VRSA was 2% before 2006, 5% in 2006-2014, and 7% in 2015-2020 that showed a 3.5-fold increase in the frequency of VRSA between before 2006 and 2020 years. The prevalence of VRSA was 5% in Asia, 1% in Europe, 4% in America, 3% in South America, and 16% in Africa. The frequencies of VRSA isolated from clinical, non-clinical, and mixed samples were 6%, 7%, and 14%, respectively. The prevalence of VRSA was 12% using disk diffusion agar method, 7% using MIC-base methods, and 4% using mixed-methods. The prevalence of vanA, vanB, and vanC1 positive were 71%, 26%, and 4% among VRSA strains. The most prevalent genotype was staphylococcal cassette chromosomemec (SCCmec) II, which accounted for 57% of VRSA. The most prevalent staphylococcal protein A (spa) types were t002, t030, and t037.

CONCLUSION: The prevalence of VRSA has been increasing in recent years particularly in Africa/Asia than Europe/America. The most prevalent of genetic determinants associated with VRSA were vanA and SCCmec II. This study clarifies that the rigorous monitoring of definite antibiotic policy, regular surveillance/control of nosocomial-associated infections and intensive surveillance of vancomycin-resistance are required for preventing emergence and further spreading of VRSA.

PMID:34193295 | DOI:10.1186/s13756-021-00967-y

Ir Vet J. 2021 Jun 30;74(1):19. doi: 10.1186/s13620-021-00199-x.

ABSTRACT

Chlamydia spp. are prevalent zoonotic pathogens that infect a wide variety of host species. Chlamydia abortus (C. abortus) infection in yaks has been reported in Gansu and Qinghai province, China. However, no data about C. abortus infection are available in yaks in Tibet, China. A total of 938 serum samples was collected from yaks in Tibet, China and specific antibodies against C. abortus were detected by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results showed that the overall seroprevalence of C. abortus in yaks was 104/938 (11.1 %, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 9.1-13.1). The prevalence in female and male yaks was 59/556 (10.6 %, 95 % CI 8.0-13.2) and 45/382 (11.8 %, 95 % CI 8.5-15.0), respectively with no significant difference (p > 0.05). The seroprevalence of antibodies to C. abortus in yaks ranged from 8.0 to 18.2 % among the six different areas, and the difference was also without statistical significance (p > 0.05). The prevalence among different age groups ranged from 7.0 to 15.9 %, with a higher prevalence among 1 to 2 years age category. The results demonstrate the presence of C. abortus infection in yaks in Tibet and may pose a risk for the general yak populations in addition to its potential impact on public health and the local Tibetan economy. To our knowledge, this is the first seroprevalence survey of C. abortus in yaks in Tibet, China.

PMID:34193296 | DOI:10.1186/s13620-021-00199-x