Association Between SHBG Levels and Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) regulates sex hormone availability and is influenced by metabolic factors. Variations in SHBG levels during pregnancy may affect the development of hypertensive disorders such as gestational hypertension (GH) and preeclampsia (PE). This systematic review and meta-analysis explores the potential of SHBG as a biomarker for predicting GH and PE.

Early detection and management of hearing loss to reduce dementia risk in older adults with mild cognitive impairment: findings from the treating auditory impairment and cognition trial (TACT).

Background: Age-related hearing loss and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) independently increase dementia risk. The Ageing and Cognitive Health Evaluation in Elders randomised controlled trial (RCT) found hearing aids reduce cognitive decline in high-risk older adults with poor hearing.

Methods: This pilot RCT in London memory clinics randomised people with MCI (aged ≥55, untreated hearing loss defined as Pure Tone Average 0.

The emergence of DNAM-1 as the facilitator of NK cell-mediated killing in ovarian cancer.

Introduction: Ovarian cancer (OC) is the sixth most common malignancy in women and the poor 5-year survival emphasises the need for novel therapies. NK cells play an important role in the control of malignant disease but the nature of tumour-infiltrating and peripheral NK cells in OC remains unclear.

Methods: Using flow cytometric analysis, we studied the phenotype and function of NK cells in blood, primary tumour and metastatic tissue in 80 women with OC.

Oral health disparities in early childhood and intergenerational gaps among noncitizen migrants, Arabs, and Jews in South Tel Aviv, Israel.

Introduction: Disparities in oral health are related to dental care knowledge, domestic oral hygiene practices and socioeconomic status. This cross-sectional study aimed to compare the oral hygiene and dental care practices of migrant, Arab, and Jewish children residing in Tel Aviv, Israel, and assess the influence of parental dental practices.

Methods: Data were collected from parents of children aged 3 to 6 years.

Training received, knowledge, and use of Silver Diamine Fluoride among Italian dentists: a nationwide survey.

Objective: To investigate the education, knowledge and behaviour of Italian dentists regarding Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF).

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to December 2022, through an online survey linked to an online continuing medical education (CME) course sent to Italian dentists. A priori power analysis estimated the necessary sample to be 1480 dentists with an anticipated frequency of 50% and a power of 99.

Management of radiotherapy-induced hyposalivation using photobiomodulation therapy: a case series.

It is not uncommon for individuals receiving radiotherapy for head and cancers to experience dry mouth sensation (xerostomia), salivary hypofunction (hyposalivation) and taste changes. The present study aimed to evaluate the short-term effectiveness of biweekly photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) in managing these radiotherapy-induced adverse effects and its impact on oral health-related quality of life. Ten patients who developed xerostomia and hyposalivation secondary to radiotherapy for head and neck cancer were included.

A multi-modal dental dataset for semi-supervised deep learning image segmentation.

In response to the increasing prevalence of dental diseases, dental health, a vital aspect of human well-being, warrants greater attention. Panoramic X-ray images (PXI) and Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) are key tools for dentists in diagnosing and treating dental conditions. Additionally, deep learning for tooth segmentation can focus on relevant treatment information and localize lesions.

Anthropometric and Sociodemographic Correlates of Dental Caries and Gingival Health in Children With Special Healthcare Needs at a Saudi Tertiary Care Hospital.

Aims: To evaluate the impact of anthropometric and sociodemographic factors on dental caries and gingival health among children with special healthcare needs (SHCN).

Methods And Results: This cross-sectional study involved 108 children, aged 4-14 years, with congenital heart disease, childhood cancer, bleeding disorders, various syndromes, and multiple conditions. Caregivers completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, and children underwent dental examinations to assess caries, gingival health, and oral hygiene.

Exploring the safety and feasibility of intracameral Aprokam® (cefuroxime sodium) in pediatric cataract surgery.

Purpose: To describe the safety and assess the feasibility of using intracameral cefuroxime sodium (Aprokam®) during congenital cataract surgery as a preventive measure for endophthalmitis.

Design: Monocentric, prospective, observational pilot study.

Setting: San Giuseppe Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.

Relationship Between Sleep Time and Depressive Symptoms in Middle-Aged and Elderly Chinese: Mediating Role of Body Pain.

Objective: Existing research has yet to adequately examine the correlation between sleep time, body pain, and depressive symptoms. This study seeks to elucidate the interconnections between these three elements.

Methods: The study used 2020 CHARLS data for analysis.

Effect of economic recession on the food purchasing behaviour of people of Karachi.

Economic recessions, extending beyond macro indicators, profoundly impact individual consumers and their foodpurchasing behaviour. This study examines how people in Karachi, Pakistan, purchase food and how the recession has affected that activity. Data from 384(100) participants were gathered using the cross-sectional study method in a survey.

Three-dimensional quantitative temporomandibular joint changes in skeletal class I malocclusion treated with extraction and non-extraction protocols: a comparative study of fixed orthodontic appliances and clear aligners.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the positional and morphological changes in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in adult patients with skeletal Class I malocclusion treated with fixed orthodontic appliances (FAs) and clear aligners (CAs), both with and without premolar extractions.

Methods: This retrospective study involved 120 adult patients divided into non-extraction and extraction groups, each further subdivided equally into those treated with FAs and CAs. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) was used to assess the TMJ measurements before (T0) and after treatment (T1).

Assessment Implementation Measures (AIM): The Journey Towards the Tool Validity.

Objective: To establish the construct validity of the Assessment Implementation Measures (AIM) tool to accurately assess faculty perspectives on implemented assessment systems, facilitating the alignment with set standards.

Study Design: Qualitative Study. Place and Duration of the Study: The study was carried out at RIPHAH International University and data were collected from participants (senior faculty members) involved in teaching and assessment of undergraduates from various medical and dental colleges in Pakistan.

Perceptions and practices of dental faculty members of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan regarding smartphones as an adjunct teaching tool.

Background: It is high time we acknowledged that the IT industry will determine our destiny given its rapid development. The demand to use smartphones and other forms of technology into healthcare is growing in tandem with the population. A great deal has been accomplished because of developments in computer science.

Anaesthetic efficacy of intraligamentary injection compared to incisive nerve block using 3% mepivacaine hydrochloride: a randomized clinical trial.

Background: In dentistry, local anesthetic is frequently used to manage pain throughout several phases of dental treatments, including tooth extraction. The study aimed to compare the effectiveness of two techniques for controlling pain during mandibular exodontia (tooth extraction), specifically focusing on the pain experienced during injection and extraction of mandibular anterior and premolars teeth. The two techniques being compared are the intraligamentary injection technique (ILI) and the incisive nerve block technique (INB).

Dental Implant Rehabilitation in Patients Carrying WNT10A Mutations With Different Molecular Statuses and Phenotypes: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Objectives: WNT10A mutations are associated with tooth agenesis. This study aimed to assess the clinical outcomes of dental implants in patients carrying WNT10A mutations with different molecular statuses and phenotypes over a long-term follow-up period.

Materials And Methods: Patients with tooth agenesis were screened by whole-exome sequencing (WES) from January 2010 to September 2023.

Acupuncture as a Complementary Therapy in Conservative and Endodontic Procedures: A Narrative Review.

With over two millennia of history, traditional Chinese acupuncture ranks among the most renowned forms of supplementary and other healthcare. The use of acupuncture releases endorphins and serotonin, two naturally occurring painkillers, into the nervous system and stimulates it. It also modifies how pain signals are processed and perceived.

Comparative analysis of salivary antimicrobial resistance genes in dental students: A PCR and questionnaire study.

Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global healthcare challenge, with limited treatment options due to the decline in new antibiotics. The human oral cavity, home to diverse bacteria, is crucial for maintaining oral and systemic health. Recent studies suggest that saliva may serve as a reservoir for AMR genes.

Factors influencing virtual reality use in paediatric acquired brain injury upper limb rehabilitation: a qualitative study.

Objective: Upper limb movement difficulties in children with acquired brain injury (ABI) result in longer recovery times compared with lower limb. Intensive neurorehabilitation promotes a good long-term functional outcome. Virtual reality (VR) and video game technologies are invaluable adjuncts to traditional neurological rehabilitation as they help to motivate, engage and gain children's compliance in goal-directed therapy.

Impact of clear aligners on gingivitis incidence and prevention strategies in adolescents and adults: a prospective observational study.

Objective: This study aims to analyze the differences in gingivitis incidence among adolescents and adults using clear aligners for orthodontic correction and to evaluate the effectiveness of prevention strategies on orthodontic outcomes.

Methods: This observational study included 120 patients undergoing clear aligner orthodontic treatment from June 2018 to September 2023. Participants were divided into an adolescent group (66 cases) and an adult group (54 cases), each further split into a study group and a control group.

The Relationship Between Physical Activity Levels and Periodontal Health Status Among College Students: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between physical activity levels and periodontal health status among college students in Shanghai, with the goal of informing oral health policy recommendations.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2023 to March 2024 involving 120 university students aged 18-29. Data was collected using the World Health Organization (WHO) oral health survey methods.

Accuracy evaluation and clinical realization of digital interproximal enamel reduction for orthodontics: a case study.

Objective: This study presents a novel digital interproximal enamel reduction (IER) clinical procedure, aiming to improve the effectiveness of IER processes in orthodontic treatment.

Methods: A malocclusion case of skeletal-class I and angle-class I was selected for the experimental investigation. A three-dimensional (3D) model of the dentition was constructed using scanning data from a plaster model.

Longitudinal Trends in Physical Activity Among Older Adults With and Without HIV in Uganda.

Introduction: Physical Activity (PA) and its links to frailty, quality of life (QoL), and other comorbidities in older Ugandans living with HIV remain under-explored.

Methods: We analyzed data from three annual assessments of older people living with HIV (PLWH) and age- and sex-similar people not living with HIV (PnLWH). We fitted linear generalized estimating equations (GEE) regression models to estimate the correlates of PA, including demographics, frailty, QoL, HIV, and other comorbidities.

Lived experience of pilonidal sinus disease: Systematic review and meta-ethnography.

Aim: Pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) poses significant treatment challenges due to a lack of consensus on the diverse range of surgical approaches routinely employed, prompting a renewed focus on the patient experience. The aim of this study was to explore the lived experience of patients with PSD to better inform future person-centred treatment.

Method: A systematic review was performed to identify papers reporting qualitative studies on the lived experience of PSD.