Tag: statistics

J Dent (Shiraz). 2025 Dec 1;26(4):317-324. doi: 10.30476/dentjods.2025.105054.2566. eCollection 2025 Dec.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Maxillofacial trauma constitutes a major public health concern due to its potential for severe complications and substantial impact on quality of life.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to elucidate the factors influencing the occurrence of maxillofacial trauma in patients presenting with traumatic injuries at Peymaniyeh Hospital in Jahrom, Iran.

MATERIALS AND METHOD: This cross-sectional study examined trauma patients at Peymaniyeh Hospital in Jahrom, Iran, from April 2022 to March 2023. A census approach included all trauma patients whose data were recorded in the National Trauma Registry of Iran. Data were collected using a tailored checklist that captured demographic and contextual variables along with injury mechanisms. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 22.

RESULTS: Of 924 trauma patients, 218 were diagnosed with maxillofacial trauma and 706 with non-maxillofacial trauma. The majority of the trauma patients were male (76.4%), and the distribution of age groups was not statistically different between the two types of injuries (p= 0.571). Univariate analysis revealed that substance (p= 0.007) and alcohol use (p< 0.001), road traffic accidents (RTAs) (p= 0.001), and representation of motorcyclists (p= 0.001) were significantly more prevalent in maxillofacial injury compared to non-maxillofacial injury category. Logistic regression analysis revealed that substance use (OR= 2.04, 95% CI 1.03-3.99, p= 0.040), alcohol consumption (OR= 2.89, 95% CI 1.37-6.09, p= 0.005), and experiencing RTAs (OR= 12.80, 95% CI 6.07-26.98, p< 0.001) and falling (OR= 3.69, 95% CI 1.68-8.11, p= 0.001) were significantly associated with the occurrence of maxillofacial injuries.

CONCLUSION: This study underscores the prominence of RTAs, particularly those involving motorcyclists, as a primary cause of maxillofacial injuries. The significant association between alcohol and substance use and the elevated risk of these injuries is evident. These findings highlight the need for targeted prevention strategies to promote safe driving practices, and implement public health policies aimed at mitigating alcohol and substance use disorder to reduce the incidence of such injuries.

PMID:41268591 | PMC:PMC12627946 | DOI:10.30476/dentjods.2025.105054.2566

J Dent (Shiraz). 2025 Dec 1;26(4):325-335. doi: 10.30476/dentjods.2025.103049.2416. eCollection 2025 Dec.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Endodontic therapy plays a pivotal role in dentistry, with effective removal of intracanal medications crucial for successful treatment. The lingering presence of calcium hydroxide within dentinal walls can impede sealer adhesion and compromise treatment outcomes.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare the efficacy of various methods for removing calcium hydroxide from different regions of the root canal wall.

MATERIALS AND METHOD: In this in vitro randomized trial study, 108 extracted teeth underwent canal cleaning and shaping using the Dentsply Protaper Gold rotary system. Subsequently, except for the negative control group, all teeth were filled with calcium hydroxide and divided into eight groups. These groups underwent different cleaning protocols involving Gentle Brush or Gentlefile #021 files or master apical file in combination with ethylene-diamine-tetra-acetic acid or sodium hypochlorite solutions. After tooth splitting, stereomicroscopic images were taken, and Digimizer software was utilized to calculate residual calcium levels in coronal, middle, and apical regions. Mann-Whitney test was used to check the effect of the cleaning method and type of washing solution among the methods employed. All the analyses were conducted using SPSS 22.

RESULTS: The results indicated that the Gentle Brush method’s superior efficacy in calcium hydroxide removal compared to other files, which was statistically significant (p Value <0.01). Similarly, the ethylene-diamine-tetra-acetic acid rinse solution proved more effective than sodium hypochlorite in clearing calcium hydroxide from the canal wall (p< 0.05).

CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that a Gentle Brush combined with an ethylene-diamine-tetra-acetic acid washing solution represents the most effective method for canal cleaning and calcium hydroxide removal. This study underscores the importance of employing efficient techniques to enhance treatment quality in endodontic practice.

PMID:41268590 | PMC:PMC12627951 | DOI:10.30476/dentjods.2025.103049.2416

J Dent (Shiraz). 2025 Dec 1;26(4):309-316. doi: 10.30476/dentjods.2025.104402.2534. eCollection 2025 Dec.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Micronutrients and trace elements have been linked to the development of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, the role of these elements in the etiology of HNSCC remains unclear.

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to investigate the association between micronutrient and trace element levels and the risk of HNSCC.

MATERIALS AND METHOD: In this case-control study, serum concentrations of iron, selenium, zinc, copper, and calcium were measured in 40 patients with HNSCC and compared to those of 37 healthy subjects. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Mann-Whitney test, Chi-square test, and independent t-test.

RESULTS: The mean ages of the case and control groups were 62.80±13.029 and 57.92± 9.367, respectively, with 45% of HNSCC patients and 59.5% of control subjects being male (p= 0.205). Serum concentrations of calcium and copper were higher, and those of selenium, zinc, and iron lower in the case group than in the control group. Adjusted logistic regression showed only copper, calcium, and iron concentrations to be significantly different between the two groups (p= 0.003, p= 0.018, and p= 0.047, respectively).

CONCLUSION: The case group had lower levels of iron, zinc, and selenium, and higher levels of calcium and copper than the control group. Evaluating serum concentrations of these trace metals could be useful for further screening of individuals at high risk.

PMID:41268589 | PMC:PMC12627947 | DOI:10.30476/dentjods.2025.104402.2534

J Dent (Shiraz). 2025 Dec 1;26(4):336-345. doi: 10.30476/dentjods.2025.103996.2500. eCollection 2025 Dec.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Root canal treatment is one of the most critical dental treatments that help to maintain teeth. However, the growth of microorganisms leads to treatment failure. Considering the widespread use of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) in endodontic treatment, in vitro comparison of antibacterial, antifungal and anti-adherence activities of new types of MTA materials is indispensable.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate and compare the antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-adhesion properties of three types of MTA, including A.G.M MTA (Andishe Gostar Masud, Tehran, Iran), Ortho MTA (BioMTA, South Korea), and Ultradent™ MTA Flow (Ultradent MTA Flow, USA).

MATERIALS AND METHOD: In this laboratory study, the antibacterial activity of three MTA substances against the strain of Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) was carried out by the modified direct contact test (MDCT) method in 1, 3, 7, and 14 days. Antifungal activity of MTA against Candida albicans (C. albicans) was performed using a tube-dilution test in 1, 24, and 72 hours. The antibiofilm property of three MTA substances against E. faecalis strain was determined using the crystal violet staining method and measurement by ELISA.

RESULTS: Ortho MTA, A.G.M MTA, and MTA Flow showed intense antibacterial activity. The difference in the antibacterial effect of the three types of MTA was not statistically significant in all periods (p Value> 0.05). In the investigation of antifungal properties after 72 hours, all three types of MTA had antifungal properties (p< 0.050). Comparing the anti-adhesion properties of three MTA substances on E. faecalis, it is not significant (p< 0.05).

CONCLUSION: A.G.M MTA showed the highest antibacterial activity, and Ultradent MTA Flow and Ortho MTA showed stronger antifungal activity than A.G.M MTA. The highest anti-bacterial property was related to A.G.M MTA.

PMID:41268588 | PMC:PMC12627950 | DOI:10.30476/dentjods.2025.103996.2500

J Dent (Shiraz). 2025 Dec 1;26(4):346-354. doi: 10.30476/dentjods.2025.105157.2574. eCollection 2025 Dec.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Fixed orthodontic appliances, such as stainless steel and titanium brackets, might become exposed to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) during treatment. However, the effects of MRI on microleakage and thermal changes in these brackets have not been thoroughly investigated. This study addresses these gaps to ensure safety and efficacy in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment while exposed to MRI.

PURPOSE: This study investigates and compares the effects of 1.5 tesla (T) MRI exposure on microleakage and temperature changes in stainless steel and titanium orthodontic brackets, evaluating their safety and bond integrity during orthodontic treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHOD: In this in vitro study, forty non-carious, freshly extracted human maxillary premolars were randomly divided into stainless steel and titanium bracket groups (n=20). Each group was further subdivided into MRI-exposed (case) and non-exposed (control) subgroups. The case subgroups were subjected to a 1.5 T MRI scan for 20 minutes. Microleakage was evaluated using dye penetration under a stereomicroscope, and temperature changes were measured before and after MRI exposure. Statistical analysis included Kruskal-Wallis tests and paired t-tests. Significance was set at p Value <0.05.

RESULTS: Microleakage at the enamel-adhesive interface was slightly higher than at the bracket-adhesive interface in all groups, but the differences were not statistically significant (p> 0.05). No significant differences in microleakage or temperature changes were observed between stainless steel and titanium brackets following MRI exposure (p> 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Exposure to a 1.5 T MRI magnetic field does not significantly affect microleakage or temperature changes in stainless steel or titanium brackets. These findings suggest that fixed orthodontic appliances do not need to be removed prior to MRI examinations, provided artifacts or image interference are not a concern.

PMID:41268586 | PMC:PMC12627945 | DOI:10.30476/dentjods.2025.105157.2574

J Dent (Shiraz). 2025 Dec 1;26(4):302-308. doi: 10.30476/dentjods.2025.104073.2502. eCollection 2025 Dec.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The accessory maxillary sinus ostium (AMO) is one of the anatomical variations in the maxillary sinus. The acquired or congenital nature of AMO has not been proven. In theory, mucus drained from the principal ostium may reenter the sinus through the accessory ostium and cause maxillary rhinosinusitis.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study is to investigate the AMO frequency and its correlation with some anatomical and pathological variables in the area using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images.

MATERIALS AND METHOD: This was a descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study. CBCT images were obtained from 273 individuals and a total of 461 maxillary sinuses. The presence of AMOs and their relationship with age, sex, sinus mucosa condition, patency of the principal ostium, septal deviation, and sinus dimensions were measured.

RESULTS: The AMO frequency was 35.6% and 14.63% of sinuses had more than one AMO. AMO was more common in men. There was a statistically significant relationship between AMO presence and abnormal mucosal status of maxillary sinus. The present study showed a statistically significant relationship between the presence of AMO and the anterior-posterior dimension of the sinus.

CONCLUSION: AMO occurred more frequently in the sinuses with abnormal mucosal status. However, when the abnormal sinus mucosa has reached the nasal fontanelle, it is not possible to check the presence of AMO by CBCT images.

PMID:41268583 | PMC:PMC12627953 | DOI:10.30476/dentjods.2025.104073.2502

J Nutr Metab. 2025 Nov 12;2025:2102446. doi: 10.1155/jnme/2102446. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to explore the association between dietary sources of aromatic amino acids (AAAs) from both animal and plant sources and the risk of developing metabolic syndrome (MetS).

OBJECTIVE: The primary goal of this research was to examine how the intake of AAAs correlates with the incidence of MetS.

METHODS: The current prospective observational study was conducted on collected data from 4920 adult individuals aged between 19 and 74 years, participants from Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study. Dietary data and usual intake of AAAs such as phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan were calculated using a validated semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire.

RESULT: In this study, median intakes of AAAs were 5.9 g/d (IQR: 4.7-7.4 g/d), which corresponded to 2.8 g/d (2.2-3.4 g/d) of animal sources and 2.5 g/d (1.8-3.2 g/d) of plant sources. An increased intake of total AAAs (HR: 1.28; 95% CI: 1.05, 1.57) and AAAs from animal sources (HR: 1.30 and 95% CI: 1.03, 1.65) was positively linked to a higher risk of MetS, even after controlling for confounding variables. In different strata of BMI, the risk of MetS was positively associated with MetS only in obese subjects in the highest tertile of total AAAs intake (HR: 1.36 and 95% CI: 1.02-1.87) and for AAAs from animal sources (HR: 1.16 and 95% CI: 1.09-2.12). Nevertheless, none of the three BMI groups showed a statistically significant association between incident MetS and AAAs from plant sources. Also, no significant interactions were found between sex and AAAs intake and its constituents on MetS risk.

CONCLUSION: The intake of AAAs, particularly from animal sources, was positively associated with the risk of MetS, especially in obese individuals. However, more studies are needed in this area.

PMID:41268578 | PMC:PMC12629699 | DOI:10.1155/jnme/2102446

Gates Open Res. 2025 Nov 18;9:103. doi: 10.12688/gatesopenres.16372.1. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: There has been steady progress and advancement of research in Africa. However, African researchers face numerous challenges among them, limited international recognition. This is due to the low discoverability and inclusion of their research outputs by indexers and databases. A lot of initiatives have attempted to address the challenge, however, there is a need for support to enhance the discoverability and inclusion of research outputs from Africa.

METHODS: We conducted a desk review of 1,116 journals hosted on the Sabinet journal repository and the African Journal Online (AJOL) platform. The factors that were considered to influence journals’ discoverability and inclusion include (i) the journals’ Open Access (OA) status, (ii) OA journals’ listing in the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), (iii) the journals’ presence on the International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) portal, (iv) the membership of the journals’ publishers on the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), (v) the journals’ hosting on International Network for Advancing Science and Policy (INASP) and (vi) geographic location of the journals’ online publisher.

FINDINGS: A total of 1,116 journals were identified from the Sabinet and AJOL platforms. The highest proportion of journals was neither discovered by Google Scholar nor included in Scopus (63.2%). The study established one significant predictor of journal discoverability by Google Scholar and inclusion in Scopus. This was the journal listing on the ISSN portal which increased the odds of the journal being discoverable by Google Scholar and inclusion in Scopus by 2.033 and 5.451 respectively. Journals listed in the DOAJ but whose publishers were COPE members had significantly reduced odds of being discoverable by Google Scholar and being included in Scopus by 0.334 and 0.161 respectively. This suggests that the journal’s discoverability and inclusion are more nuanced and not always straightforward hence quality markers need to be aligned.

PMID:41268572 | PMC:PMC12626968 | DOI:10.12688/gatesopenres.16372.1

Front Immunol. 2025 Nov 5;16:1585421. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2025.1585421. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

The specificity of the immune response is critical to its biological function, yet the generality of immune recognition implies that antibody binding is multispecific or degenerate. The current work explores and quantifies this paradox through a systems analysis approach that incorporates set theoretic ideas and an application of structural and statistical modeling to prior experimental immunological and biochemical data. Order-of-magnitude estimates are computed for the average degeneracies and specificities of antibodies and epitopes using a chemico-spatial model for epitope diversity and a binary model for antibody-antigen binding. The results illustrate and quantify how the humoral immune system achieves both high specificity and high degeneracy simultaneously by effectively decoupling the two properties, similarly to programs in cryptography called secure hash algorithms (SHAs), which display the same paradoxical features. In addition, an antibody-epitope interaction probability model is used to help show how newly formed antibodies may avoid cross-reactivity with self-antigens despite their high degree of multispecificity and how the requirement of polyclonal binding likely improves the overall specificity of the immune response. Because they describe the relationships between various statistical parameters in humoral immunity, the models developed here may also have predictive utility.

PMID:41268549 | PMC:PMC12627013 | DOI:10.3389/fimmu.2025.1585421

J Med Educ Curric Dev. 2025 Nov 18;12:23821205251391961. doi: 10.1177/23821205251391961. eCollection 2025 Jan-Dec.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Scholarly activity is a key requirement in pediatric subspecialty fellowship training. However, clear guidance on how to effectively support fellows in their scholarly endeavors remains limited.

OBJECTIVE: This study assesses the impact of a week-long departmental scholarship curriculum designed to enhance fellows’ research competencies.

METHODS: In 2024, a curriculum was designed and delivered to first-year pediatric subspecialty fellows over 5 days, combining group learning sessions with individualized tasks. Pre- and post-curriculum surveys assessed fellows’ confidence and knowledge across key scholarly domains. Daily session evaluations provided additional feedback. Fourteen fellows from 9 pediatric subspecialty programs participated.

RESULTS: All first-year fellows (n = 14, 100%) participated. Improvements in fellows’ confidence were observed across all domains (P < .05). While knowledge scores increased, the gains were not statistically significant. Participants rated the overall curriculum positively, and notably, appreciated the individualized tasks and experience of presenting their developing project.

CONCLUSIONS: This week-long curriculum increased fellows’ confidence in their scholarly abilities, highlighting the value of a structured, departmental approach to fostering academic engagement. While knowledge improvements were modest, the overwhelmingly positive evaluations support this curriculum approach as a potential model for enhancing scholarly activity in fellowship programs. Further research is needed to explore the long-term impacts on fellows’ scholarly productivity and career development.

PMID:41268531 | PMC:PMC12627373 | DOI:10.1177/23821205251391961