Search

(1) Background: This study examines vitamin D's impact on dental caries to inform prevention strategies, given its critical role in bone and calcium regulation, vital for dental health. (2) Methods: Data from 18,683 participants of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2016 were analyzed. NHANES collects U.S. population data through interviews, physical exams, and tests, including vitamin D levels and dental health assessed using both the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index and the presence of untreated dental caries. Vitamin D levels were measured according to serum 25(OH)D concentrations, and the analyses adjusted for confounders such as body mass index (BMI) and socioeconomic status (SES) using Chi-square, Mann–Whitney U, Kruskal–Wallis tests, as well as logistic and Poisson regression. (3) Results: This study found a mean DMFT score of 7.36 and a 33.2% prevalence of untreated dental caries. A higher caries prevalence was correlated with a lower SES (p < 0.001), the male gender (p < 0.001), and a higher BMI (p < 0.001). Severe vitamin D deficiency (<25 nmol/L) doubled the risk of dental caries, with odds ratios of 2.261 and 1.953 after adjusting for demographic factors and BMI. (4) Conclusions: Our study confirms a significant relationship between low vitamin D levels and an increased risk of dental caries nationwide, even after accounting for sociodemographic factors, emphasizing the importance of maintaining sufficient vitamin D levels for preventing caries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Xanthogranulomatous Pyelonephritis (XGP) is a serious and rare inflammatory disease of unknown etiology. This systematic review analyzes XGP cases. We performed a literature search for “Pyelonephritis, Xanthogranulomatous.” The primary composite outcome was recovery with post-surgery complications, partial recovery, death, or chronic kidney disease. The secondary outcome was any presentation or treatment complication. Predictor variables consisted of demographics, history, symptoms, and diagnosis/management. Among the 251 patients, the mean age was 36.1 years, and 57.4% were female. The most common symptom and finding were fever (55.0%) and renal stones (53.8%), respectively. There were 15.5% with the composite outcome. There were 51.0% with any presentation or treatment complication. Multivariate logistic regression analysis for the composite outcome showed that kidney of both/horseshoe (OR:3.86, 95% CI:1.01, 14.73, p = 0.048), dialysis required (OR:8.64, 95% CI:2.27, 32.94, p = 0.002), and operative treatment of nephrostomy or nephrostomy followed by nephrectomy (OR:4.57, 95% CI:1.58, 13.17, p = 0.01) were each significantly associated with increased odds. Fever (OR:3.04, 95% CI:1.63, 5.67, p <0.001) and renal stones (OR:2.55, 95% CI:1.35, 4.81, p = 0.004) were each significantly associated with increased odds for any presentation/treatment complication. In conclusion, XGP patients with involvement of both or horseshoe kidneys, dialysis requirements, or treatment of nephrostomy or nephrostomy followed by nephrectomy may require aggressive treatment to mitigate poor patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) is the standard of care for primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). Four dimensional computed tomography(4DCT) and F‐18 Fluorocholine positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FCH PET/CT) localize adenomas accurately to perform MIP. We aimed to conduct a systematic review and metanalysis to evaluate the diagnostic performance of 4DCT and FCH PET/CT scan for quadrant wise localisation in PHPT patients and to do head‐to‐head comparison between these two modalities. Design, Patients and Measurement : After searching through PubMed and EMBASE databases, 46 studies (using histology as a gold standard) of 4DCT and FCH PET/CT were included. Results: Total number of patients included were 1651 and 952 for 4DCT scan (studies n = 26) and FCH PET/CT scan (studies n = 24) respectively. In per patient analysis, FCH PET/CT and 4DCT had pooled sensitivities of 92% (88−94) and 85% (73−92) respectively and in per lesion analysis, 90% (86−93) and 79% (71−84), respectively. In the subgroup with negative conventional imaging/persistent PHPT, FCH PET/CT had comparable sensitivity to 4DCT (84% [74−90] vs. 72% [46−88]). As per patient wise analysis, FCH PET/CT had better detection rates than 4DCT ([92.4 vs. 76.85], odds ratio −3.89 [1.6−9.36] p =.0024) in the subpopulation where both FCH PET/CT and 4DCT were reported. Conclusion: Both 4DCT and FCH PET/CT scan performed well in newly diagnosed patients, patients with persistent disease and in those with inconclusive conventional imaging results. FCH PET/CT scan had a higher pooled sensitivity than 4DCT in detecting patients with PHPT in head to head comparison. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacteria that enhance plant growth and development and are found in the vicinity of roots are referred to as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria. Some beneficial bacteria help plant tolerance to many hazardous chemical elements. In this context, Cupriavidus basilensis , Novosphingobium humi , Bacillus zanthoxyli , Bacillus sp., Paenibacillus alvei , Ancylobacter aquaticus and Ralstonia syzygii metal-tolerant rhizospheric bacteria were isolated from rhizospheric soil associated with Bacopa monnieri. The beneficial effects of rhizospheric bacteria on B. monnieri plant physiology and biochemical responses were investigated under pot conditions at two levels (100 μM and 500 μM) of CuSO4 or FeCl3. N. humi , A. aquaticus and R. syzygii bacterial strains were associated with significantly increased height and biomass under normal and stress conditions. An assay for indole acetic acid in isolated rhizospheric bacteria found differential secretion except Bacillus zanthoxyli. Bacoside A is a major phytocompound in B. monnieri with medicinal value; maximum induction was observed in the R. syzygii treatment. High concentration of copper and iron salts negatively influenced height, biomass and photosynthetic pigments; however N. humi , A. aquaticus , Bacilllus sp. and R. syzygii beneficial bacterial helped plants under stress conditions. Moreover, a significant enhancement in chlorophyll a and b was noticed in C. basilensis , B. zanthoxyli , Bacilllus sp., P. alvei and R. syzygii treatments, without much influence on carotenoid levels. Therefore, the present study emphasises the importance of isolating plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria for use in bacopa plants exposed to metals such as copper and iron in soil. Beneficial rhizospheric bacteria are essential for plant growth and development and help under stressful conditions. Owing to industrial effluent and application of synthetic fertilisers, the concentration of heavy metal salts is increasing in soil, and this negatively influences plant growth and production. In this research, we isolated bacteria contributing to resistance to heavy metals (copper and iron) from rhizospheric soil associated with Bacopa monnieri. We studied their importance for plant growth and secondary metabolite synthesis under salt stress in pot experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-dose computed tomography-based lung cancer screening represents a complex clinical undertaking that could require multiple referrals, appointments, and time-intensive procedures. These steps may pose difficulties and raise concerns among patients, particularly minority, under-, and uninsured populations. The authors implemented patient navigation to identify and address these challenges. They conducted a pragmatic randomized controlled trial of telephone-based navigation for lung cancer screening in an integrated, urban safety-net health care system. Following standardized protocols, bilingual (Spanish and English) navigators educated, motivated, and empowered patients to traverse the health system. Navigators made systematic contact with patients, recording standardized call characteristics in a study-specific database. Call type, duration, and content were recorded. Univariable and multivariable multinomial logistic regression was performed to investigate associations between call characteristics and reported barriers. Among 225 patients (mean age 63 years, 46% female, 70% racial/ethnic minority) assigned navigation, a total of 559 barriers to screening were identified during 806 telephone calls. The most common barrier categories were personal (46%), provider (30%), and practical (17%). System (6%) and psychosocial (1%) barriers were described by English-speaking patients, but not by Spanish-speaking patients. Over the course of the lung cancer screening process, provider-related barriers decreased 80% (P = 0.008). The authors conclude that patients undergoing lung cancer screening frequently report personal and health care provider-related barriers to successful participation. Barrier types may differ among patient populations and over the course of the screening process. Further understanding of these concerns may increase screening uptake and adherence. Clinical Trial Registration number: (NCT02758054). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The generation of surrogate potential energy functions (PEF) that are orders of magnitude faster to compute but as accurate as the underlying training data from high-level electronic structure methods is one of the most promising applications of fitting procedures in chemistry. In previous work, we have shown that transition state force fields (TSFFs), fitted to the functional form of MM3* force fields using the quantum guided molecular mechanics (Q2MM) method, provide an accurate description of transition states that can be used for stereoselectivity predictions of small molecule reactions. Here, we demonstrate the applicability of the method for fit TSFFs to the well-established Amber force field, which could be used for molecular dynamics studies of enzyme reaction. As a case study, the fitting of a TSFF to the second hydride transfer in Pseudomonas mevalonii 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (PmHMGR) is used. The differences and similarities to fitting of small molecule TSFFs are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Laparoscopy is a widely used procedure in gynecological cases both for diagnostic and operative procedures. It is recommended due to lesser hospital stay, less post operative pain and better panoramic vision. Aim of the study is to assess the effectiveness of laparoscopic intervention of adnexal masses with benign pathology in recent series of consecutive patient. The focus is on pathology findings, length of stay, operating time, complications and laparotomy conversion rate. Material And Methods: This was a prospective observational study conducted at tertiary care hospital in Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology during period of 1st August 2018 to 31st July 2020.This study consists of 70 patients, who presented with symptoms like pain in abdomen, bleeding per vaginum, irregular menses, excessive white discharge, distension of abdomen, infertility visiting outdoor patient department either diagnosed clinically(sign and symptoms) or by ultrasonography of adnexal masses. Result: Maximum patients in this study were in age group 21-30 years. Maximum patients (21.42%) were having simple cyst. Among laparoscopic procedure most common procedure was left ovarian cystectomy (38.57%). Mean operative duration was 40.78 min and average duration of hospital stay was 3 days. There were minimal peri-operative complications; commonest being postoperative fever. Conclusion: Adequate surgical skill, case selection, multi disciplinary team approach and expert laproscopic surgical team are imperative for good patient outcome. This study gives an overview of experience in favour of laproscopic management of benign adnexal mass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrasound-guided popliteal blocks for postoperative pain management have grown in popularity within foot and ankle surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of popliteal block in preventing postoperative emergency department visits after foot and ankle surgery. We compared rates of presentation to the emergency department for pain following foot and ankle surgery between surgeries with a popliteal block and those with local field block alone. We identified 101 charts, of which 26 presented to the emergency department for postoperative pain following popliteal block. Our results demonstrated that popliteal blocks did not perform better than local blocks, and that there is no statistically significant difference between the 2 methods of postoperative pain control in terms of rates of presentation to the emergency department for pain. Levels of Evidence: Level III, All statistical analyses were carried out using the R statistical package by the primary author (NS) (R Developmental, Core Team. R: A Language and Environment for Statistical Computing, 2012. http://www.R-project.org ). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The number of emergency department (ED) visits within 30 days after elective surgery has been utilized as a quality measure by many institutions. The significance of the measure as a postoperative complication in foot and ankle surgery, and risk factors for it, are unknown. We conducted a retrospective cohort study involving 386 patients to determine risk factors associated with ED visits after outpatient foot and ankle surgeries. After adjusting for clinically relevant covariates, we found that previous ED visits within 6 months of surgery, and nonelective surgeries were associated with the postoperative ED visit. Having private insurance was protective against postoperative ED visits. Though these risk factors may not be easily modifiable by surgeons, understanding them may improve patient education and transitional care to prevent overcrowding of the ED. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bleeding p/v is a threat or a warning sign for continuation of present pregnancy, which can be converted into a normal pregnancy by early detection and intervention. This study was conducted to determine the obstetric outcome in cases presented with bleeding per vaginum in first trimester of pregnancy. Method: This was a prospective study conducted on the patients admitted in Maternity wards of L.G. hospital, Obstetrics and Gynaecology department, AMC MET Medical College, Ahmedabad. The cases were studied and observed with detailed history(menstrual and obstetric) of patients and clinical examination were carried out and detailed investigations including ultrasonography were done. Patients were offered different treatment according to etiological features. Cases were followed up to term and also in early perinatal periods. Results: The data were compiled and evaluated. In our study most of the patients had bleeding PV due to abortion(98%).74 patients had threatened abortion.24 patients had aborted their pregnancy due to various different type of abortion. Out of 74 patients 14 were delivered preterm. 30 subjects developed complications in which most common complication were preterm delivery and PROM followed by pregnancy induced hypertension and placenta previa. Conclusions: By knowing the etiology fetomaternal outcome of bleeding per vaginum in first trimester, we can predict the complication which will occurs in later pregnancy so we can manage it properly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Superficial cervical plexus block can provide analgesia in head and neck surgeries. This study aimed to evaluate analgesic efficacy of superficial cervical plexus block (SCPB) in various head and neck surgeries, with the primary objectives of assessing time to first rescue analgesic, total dose of rescue analgesics in 24 hours, intraoperative analgesic requirement and associated perioperative complications. Methods: Sixty patients of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical class II,III (30 patients in each group) were included. Group A received general anaesthesia(GA) with systemic analgesia and group B received GA followed by SCPB with injection bupivacaine 0.25% 10ml on each side according to site of surgery. Visual analogue scale(VAS) scores, intra and postoperative analgesic requirement in 24 hours, time of first rescue analgesic demand and peri-operative complications were noted. All quantitative data were analysed by student-t test and qualitative data was analysed by chi-square test. Results: Time of first rescue analgesia was earlier and intraoperative fentanyl requirement and postoperative total rescue analgesic requirement were higher in group A (32.33+_38.39, 38.33+_12.61, 2566.667 + _504.006) than group B(1092+_396.55 minutes, 10.66+_13.11, 833.33+_874.28) with p value <0.001 (table 1,2). No significant complication was noted in any patient. Conclusion: SCPB provides better perioperative analgesia and decreases intraoperative as well as postoperative analgesic requirements and associated side effects with no significant perioperative complications in various head and neck surgeries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) is a simple, quick and inexpensive method in the head and neck region. It also affords a practicable and means of rationally planning surgery and causes minimal trauma to the patient and carries no risk of complications. Aim and objectives: The aim of this study was to see the frequency of various pathological conditions detected on FNAC in patients presenting with head and neck swellings and to evaluate the role of FNAC in diagnosis of head and neck swellings. Material and methods: A retrospective study was conducted in Department of Pathology. SMIMER Medical College, Surat from July 2014 to June 2015 which included 250 patients with head and neck swellings presenting to Outpatient clinics. Fine Needle Aspiration Diagnosis was correlated with detail of relevant clinical findings and investigation. Results: Maximum incidence was observed in the age group 31-40 years with higher incidence among males. Out of 250 cases. 160 cases of lymph node lesions were diagnosed of which nonspecific lymphadenitis was the commonest diagnosis (47%) followed by Tuberculous lymphadenitis (25%). 57 cases of thyroid lesions were diagnosed, in which incidence rare of benign thyroid lesions was (84%). 12 cases of salivary gland lesions were found, among which pleomorphic adenoma was common (67%). Conclusion: It was concluded that non-specific lymphadenitis is the commonest condition in patients presenting with neck swellings. FNAC is a simple, safe and inexpensive tool for the assessment of patients with head and neck swellings. It could differentiate the infective process from neoplastic one and avoids unnecessary surgeries. Thus, FNAC can be recommended as a first line of investigation in the diagnosis of head and neck swellings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

R3800 --> 679.13 --> The Ebola Virus (EBOV) is a deadly virus first identified in 1976 from the Ebola River region of Zaire (presently the Democratic Republic of Congo). EBOV is known for causing viral hemorrhagic fever and it can cause a high mortality rate in infected patients. VP40 is the matrix protein of EBOV (eVP40), which has an N‐terminal domain responsible for dimerization and oligomerization of the protein to form filaments of dimers at the plasma membrane inner leaflet of the host cell. The eVP40 dimerization and filament formation is necessary for viral budding from the host cell membrane. This project aims to investigate which amino acid residues in this N‐terminal dimerization domain are necessary for the protein to be able to oligomerize at the plasma membrane inner leaflet. First, computational screens were performed to determine which residues may play a role in dimerization, and then mutant plasmids with changes at these residues harboring a green fluorescent protein tag were created. Based on the computational screen, we hypothesized amino acid residues Arg52, Ile54, Ala55, Asp56, Asp57, and His61 would be essential for dimerization of eVP40. Mutants of these residues were then transfected into Cos‐7 cells and imaged using confocal microscopy and compared to WT eVP40. Cellular images were analyzed using ImageJ to determine the amount of fluorescently‐tagged protein present at the plasma membrane. Confocal imaging confirmed our central hypothesis and the computational data as these mutations had a significant loss of eVP40 plasma membrane localization. The next steps in this project will be to perform virus‐like particle (VLP) collection to further analyze the effects of point mutations on the dimerization domain as it relates to VLP formation budding out of the host cell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2012, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced it would penalize any hospitals that had 30-day readmission rates for heart failure (HF) patients above 20%. Mather Hospital Northwell Health, a community teaching hospital, organized a proactive task force to meet these goals. We describe our hospital-wide Readmission Prevention in Heart Failure (RAP-HF) project. We focused on the following interventions: early identification of patients at risk for readmission, discipline-specific mitigation planning by the interdisciplinary rounding team, enhanced medication education for heart failure patients, education of family/caregivers on medication and heart failure symptoms, facilitation in scheduling of post-discharge follow up visits and hard-wired communication between hospital and post-discharge care providers. We saw a 25.53% decrease in 30-day readmission rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deficiency of vitamin B 12 (B 12 or cobalamin), an essential water-soluble vitamin, leads to neurological damage, which can be irreversible and anaemia, and is sometimes associated with chronic disorders such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases. Clinical tests to detect B 12 deficiency lack specificity and sensitivity. Delays in detecting B 12 deficiency pose a major threat because the progressive decline in organ functions may go unnoticed until the damage is advanced or irreversible. Here, using targeted unbiased metabolomic profiling in the sera of subjects with low B 12 levels v control individuals, we set out to identify biomarker(s) of B 12 insufficiency. Metabolomic profiling identified seventy-seven metabolites, and partial least squares discriminant analysis and hierarchical clustering analysis showed a differential abundance of taurine, xanthine, hypoxanthine, chenodeoxycholic acid, neopterin and glycocholic acid in subjects with low B 12 levels. Random forest multivariate analysis identified a taurine/chenodeoxycholic acid ratio, with an AUC score of 1, to be the best biomarker to predict low B 12 levels. Mechanistic studies using a mouse model of B 12 deficiency showed that B 12 deficiency reshaped the transcriptomic and metabolomic landscape of the cell, identifying a downregulation of methionine, taurine, urea cycle and nucleotide metabolism and an upregulation of Krebs cycle. Thus, we propose taurine/chenodeoxycholic acid ratio in serum as a potential biomarker of low B 12 levels in humans and elucidate using a mouse model of cellular metabolic pathways regulated by B 12 deficiency.

Cysteine-focused chemical proteomic platforms have accelerated the clinical development of covalent inhibitors of a wide-range of targets in cancer. However, how different oncogenic contexts influence cysteine targeting remains unknown. To address this question, we have developed DrugMap , an atlas of cysteine ligandability compiled across 416 cancer cell lines. We unexpectedly find that cysteine ligandability varies across cancer cell lines, and we attribute this to differences in cellular redox states, protein conformational changes, and genetic mutations. Leveraging these findings, we identify actionable cysteines in NFκB1 and SOX10 and develop corresponding covalent ligands that block the activity of these transcription factors. We demonstrate that the NFκB1 probe blocks DNA binding, whereas the SOX10 ligand increases SOX10-SOX10 interactions and disrupts melanoma transcriptional signaling. Our findings reveal heterogeneity in cysteine ligandability across cancers, pinpoint cell-intrinsic features driving cysteine targeting, and illustrate the use of covalent probes to disrupt oncogenic transcription factor activity.

Introduction: In the present study, the advantages of superficial cervical plexus block (SCPB) were evaluated using a landmark-guided method. Our primary aim was to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of SCPB in various head and neck surgeries by observing intra- and postoperative requirements of the total dose of the systemic analgesic, visual analog scale (VAS) score, and the total duration of analgesia; vital parameters and associated perioperative complications were also observed., Materials and Methods: Sample size was calculated using reference by taking the parameter pain score at 12 hours using MedCalc software v. 19.5.1 (MedCalc Software, Ostend, Belgium) with a mean difference of score 3±3.5 between two groups, 80% power, and 95% confidence interval (CI); the sample size for each group was 21. There were 30 patients in each group of ASA I, II, and III who were posted for mandibular, tympanomastoid and clavicular surgeries. Group A received general anaesthesia with systemic analgesia and Group B received general anaesthesia followed by SCPB with an injection of bupivacaine 0.25% 10ml on each side according to the site of surgery. VAS score, intra and postoperative analgesic requirement in 24 hours, time of first demand bolus, and peri-operative complications were noted., Results: Intraoperative fentanyl requirement for group A was 97.5±13.75 µg as compared to group B (70.16±13.09 µg), postoperative injection paracetamol requirement was also significantly higher in group A (2566.66±504 mg) as compared to group B (833.33±874.28 mg). The total duration of analgesia was significantly higher in Group B (1191.33±375.36 min) as compared to Group A (122.0±50.88 min) with a p-value <0.0001. No significant complications were noted in any patient., Conclusion: SCPB provides better perioperative analgesia by decreasing intraoperative as well as postoperative systemic analgesic requirements and their associated side effects, with no significant perioperative complications in various head and neck region surgeries., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2023, Patel et al.)

Multiple chemotherapies are proposed to cause cell death in part by increasing the steady-state levels of cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, for most of these drugs exactly how the resultant ROS function and are sensed is poorly understood. In particular, it's unclear which proteins the ROS modify and their roles in chemotherapy sensitivity/resistance. To answer these questions, we examined 11 chemotherapies with an integrated proteogenomic approach identifying many unique targets for these drugs but also shared ones including ribosomal components, suggesting one mechanism by which chemotherapies regulate translation. We focus on CHK1 which we find is a nuclear H 2 O 2 sensor that promotes an anti-ROS cellular program. CHK1 acts by phosphorylating the mitochondrial-DNA binding protein SSBP1, preventing its mitochondrial localization, which in turn decreases nuclear H 2 O 2 . Our results reveal a druggable nucleus-to-mitochondria ROS sensing pathway required to resolve nuclear H 2 O 2 accumulation, which mediates resistance to platinum-based chemotherapies in ovarian cancers.

The number of emergency department (ED) visits within 30 days after elective surgery has been utilized as a quality measure by many institutions. The significance of the measure as a postoperative complication in foot and ankle surgery, and risk factors for it, are unknown. We conducted a retrospective cohort study involving 386 patients to determine risk factors associated with ED visits after outpatient foot and ankle surgeries. After adjusting for clinically relevant covariates, we found that previous ED visits within 6 months of surgery, and nonelective surgeries were associated with the postoperative ED visit. Having private insurance was protective against postoperative ED visits. Though these risk factors may not be easily modifiable by surgeons, understanding them may improve patient education and transitional care to prevent overcrowding of the ED.