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Imaging Science in Dentistry Jun 2024The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) acquisition protocols on reducing the effective radiation dose...
PURPOSE
The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) acquisition protocols on reducing the effective radiation dose while maintaining image quality.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The effective dose emitted by a CBCT device was calculated using thermoluminescent dosimeters placed in a Rando Alderson phantom. Image quality was assessed by 3 experienced evaluators. The relationship between image quality and confidence was evaluated using the Fisher exact test, and the agreement among raters was assessed using the kappa test. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to investigate whether the technical parameters could predict the effective dose. -values<0.05 were considered to indicate statistical significance.
RESULTS
The optimized protocol (3 mA, 99 kVp, and 450 projection images) demonstrated good image quality and a lower effective dose for radiation-sensitive organs. Image quality and confidence had consistent values for all structures (<0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis resulted in a statistically significant model. The milliamperage (b=0.504; t=3.406; =0.027), kilovoltage peak (b=0.589; t=3.979; =0.016) and number of projection images (b=0.557; t=3.762; =0.020) were predictors of the effective dose.
CONCLUSION
Optimized CBCT acquisition protocols can significantly reduce the effective radiation dose while maintaining acceptable image quality by adjusting the milliamperage and projection images.
PubMed: 38948188
DOI: 10.5624/isd.20230251 -
Imaging Science in Dentistry Jun 2024This study was conducted to identify the typical sites and patterns of peri-implant bone defects on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images, as well as to evaluate...
PURPOSE
This study was conducted to identify the typical sites and patterns of peri-implant bone defects on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images, as well as to evaluate the detectability of the identified bone defects on panoramic images.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The study population included 114 patients with a total of 367 implant fixtures. CBCT images were used to assess the presence or absence of bone defects around each implant fixture at the mesial, distal, buccal, and lingual sites. Based on the number of defect sites, the presentations of the peri-implant bone defects were categorized into 3 patterns: 1 site, 2 or 3 sites, and circumferential bone defects. Two observers independently evaluated the presence or absence of bone defects on panoramic images. The bone defect detection rate on these images was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic analysis.
RESULTS
Of the 367 implants studied, 167 (45.5%) had at least 1 site with a confirmed bone defect. The most common type of defect was circumferential, affecting 107 of the 167 implants (64.1%). Implants were most frequently placed in the mandibular molar region. The prevalence of bone defects was greatest in the maxillary premolar and mandibular molar regions. The highest kappa value was associated with the mandibular premolar region.
CONCLUSION
The typical bone defect pattern observed was a circumferential defect surrounding the implant. The detection rate was generally higher in the molar region than in the anterior region. However, the capacity to detect partial bone defects using panoramic imaging was determined to be poor.
PubMed: 38948187
DOI: 10.5624/isd.20230258 -
Imaging Science in Dentistry Jun 2024This study examined the influence of a metal artifact reduction (MAR) tool, sharpening filters, and their combination on the diagnosis of vertical root fracture (VRF) in...
PURPOSE
This study examined the influence of a metal artifact reduction (MAR) tool, sharpening filters, and their combination on the diagnosis of vertical root fracture (VRF) in teeth with metallic posts using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Twenty single-rooted human premolars - 9 with VRF and 11 without - were individually placed in a human mandible. A metallic post composed of a cobalt-chromium alloy was inserted into the root canal of each tooth. CBCT scans were then acquired under the following parameters: 8 mA, a 5×5 cm field of view, a voxel size of 0.085 mm, 90 kVp, and with MAR either enabled or disabled. Five oral and maxillofacial radiologists independently evaluated the CBCT exams under each MAR mode and across 3 sharpening filter conditions: no filter, Sharpen 1×, and Sharpen 2×. The diagnostic performance was quantified by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity. These metrics were compared using 2-way analysis of variance with a significance level of α=5%. Intra- and inter-examiner agreement were assessed using the weighted kappa test.
RESULTS
Neither MAR nor the application of sharpening filters significantly impacted AUC or specificity (>0.05). However, sensitivity increased when MAR was combined with Sharpen 1× and Sharpen 2× (=0.015). The intra-examiner agreement ranged from fair to substantial (0.34-0.66), while the inter-examiner agreement ranged from fair to moderate (0.27-0.41).
CONCLUSION
MAR in conjunction with sharpening filters improved VRF detection; therefore, their combined use is recommended in cases of suspected VRF.
PubMed: 38948185
DOI: 10.5624/isd.20230233 -
Current Developments in Nutrition Jun 2024Produce prescription programs (PPPs) are place-based interventions at the intersection of public health and local food advocacy. These programs have expanded...
Produce prescription programs (PPPs) are place-based interventions at the intersection of public health and local food advocacy. These programs have expanded significantly across the United States since 2010, particularly taking off in the state of West Virginia. This article draws on a 4-y institutional ethnography of PPP programs and associated policy. Although the possibilities of building support for improving community health alongside the livelihoods of small-scale producers is compelling, there exists an overall decontextualization from broader social and political determinants of health. This article concludes that although programs are able to meet some acute needs for program participants and provide income for small-scale producers, this decontextualization results from a lack of consideration of wider systems within policy and program construction, leading to missed opportunities for food system transformation.
PubMed: 38948106
DOI: 10.1016/j.cdnut.2024.103775 -
Trauma Case Reports Aug 2024A 6-year-old male child was admitted to the hospital because of abdominal trauma and acute stomach pain. Computed tomography scan revealed a jejunal mesenteric hematoma...
A 6-year-old male child was admitted to the hospital because of abdominal trauma and acute stomach pain. Computed tomography scan revealed a jejunal mesenteric hematoma and an enhanced intestinal wall compressed by the hematoma. The patient presented with vomiting 10 days after the injury. He underwent upper endoscopy under tracheal intubation and general anesthesia 12 days after the injury. A double elementary diet tube was inserted endoscopically with the tip placed in the jejunum beyond the stenosis and the decompressed portion of the stomach. Stenosis was improving, and the patient was discharged on the 27th day after the injury. In conclusion, a double elementary diet tube can be effective for treating posttraumatic duodenal stenosis in pediatric patients.
PubMed: 38948103
DOI: 10.1016/j.tcr.2024.101060 -
World Journal of Stem Cells Jun 2024Validation of the reference gene (RG) stability during experimental analyses is essential for correct quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) data...
BACKGROUND
Validation of the reference gene (RG) stability during experimental analyses is essential for correct quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) data normalisation. Commonly, in an unreliable way, several studies use genes involved in essential cellular functions [glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), 18S rRNA, and β-actin] without paying attention to whether they are suitable for such experimental conditions or the reason for choosing such genes. Furthermore, such studies use only one gene when Minimum Information for Publication of Quantitative Real-Time PCR Experiments guidelines recommend two or more genes. It impacts the credibility of these studies and causes distortions in the gene expression findings. For tissue engineering, the accuracy of gene expression drives the best experimental or therapeutical approaches.
AIM
To verify the most stable RG during osteogenic differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) by RT-qPCR.
METHODS
We cultivated DPSCs under two conditions: Undifferentiated and osteogenic differentiation, both for 35 d. We evaluated the gene expression of 10 candidates for RGs [ribosomal protein, large, P0 (), TATA-binding protein (), , actin beta (), tubulin (), aminolevulinic acid synthase 1 (), tyrosine 3-monooxygenase/tryptophan 5-monooxygenase activation protein, zeta (), eukaryotic translational elongation factor 1 alpha (), succinate dehydrogenase complex, subunit A, flavoprotein (), and beta-2-microglobulin ()] every 7 d (1, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 d) by RT-qPCR. The data were analysed by the four main algorithms, ΔCt method, geNorm, NormFinder, and BestKeeper and ranked by the RefFinder method. We subdivided the samples into eight subgroups.
RESULTS
All of the data sets from clonogenic and osteogenic samples were analysed using the RefFinder algorithm. The final ranking showed RPLP0/TBP as the two most stable RGs and TUB/B2M as the two least stable RGs. Either the ΔCt method or NormFinder analysis showed TBP/RPLP0 as the two most stable genes. However, geNorm analysis showed RPLP0/EF1α in the first place. These algorithms' two least stable RGs were B2M/GAPDH. For BestKeeper, ALAS1 was ranked as the most stable RG, and SDHA as the least stable RG. The pair RPLP0/TBP was detected in most subgroups as the most stable RGs, following the RefFinfer ranking.
CONCLUSION
For the first time, we show that RPLP0/TBP are the most stable RGs, whereas TUB/B2M are unstable RGs for long-term osteogenic differentiation of human DPSCs in traditional monolayers.
PubMed: 38948092
DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v16.i6.656 -
PNAS Nexus Jul 2024When people make choices, the items they consider are often embedded in a context (of other items). How this context affects the valuation of the specific item is an...
When people make choices, the items they consider are often embedded in a context (of other items). How this context affects the valuation of the specific item is an important question. High-value context might make items appear less attractive because of contrast-the tendency to normalize perception of an object relative to its background-or more attractive because of assimilation-the tendency to group objects together. Alternatively, a high-value context might increase prior expectations about the item's value. Here, we investigated these possibilities. We examined how unavailable context items affect choices between two target items, as well as the willingness-to-pay for single targets. Participants viewed sets of three items for several seconds before the target(s) were highlighted. In both tasks, we found a significant assimilation-like effect where participants were more likely to choose or place a higher value on a target when it was surrounded by higher-value context. However, these context effects were only significant for participants' fastest choices. Using variants of a drift-diffusion model, we established that the unavailable context shifted participants' prior expectations towards the average values of the sets but had an inconclusive effect on their evaluations of the targets during the decision (i.e. drift rates). In summary, we find that people use context to inform their initial valuations. This can improve efficiency by allowing people to get a head start on their decision. However, it also means that the valuation of an item can change depending on the context.
PubMed: 38948017
DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgae232 -
World Journal of Clinical Pediatrics Jun 2024The choledochal cyst (CC) can be better termed as biliary tract malformation because of the close association of embryology and etiology in the causation of CC. Contrary... (Review)
Review
The choledochal cyst (CC) can be better termed as biliary tract malformation because of the close association of embryology and etiology in the causation of CC. Contrary to Babbitt's postulation of reflux, damage and dilatation, reflux was not demonstrable as the causative factor in all varieties of CC. High pressure in the biliary system, otherwise termed ductal hypertension, is put forth as an alternative to explain the evolution of CC. The forme fruste type, which does not find a place in the standard classification, typifies the ductal hypertension hypothesis. Hence a closer, in-depth review would be able to highlight this apt terminology of biliary tract malformation.
PubMed: 38948002
DOI: 10.5409/wjcp.v13.i2.91268 -
World Journal of Transplantation Jun 2024The impact of social determinants of health in allogeneic transplant recipients in low- and middle-income countries is poorly described. This observational study...
BACKGROUND
The impact of social determinants of health in allogeneic transplant recipients in low- and middle-income countries is poorly described. This observational study analyzes the impact of place of residence, referring institution, and transplant cost coverage (out-of-pocket government-funded private insurance) on outcomes after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT) in two of Mexico's largest public and private institutions.
AIM
To evaluate the impact of social determinants of health and their relationship with outcomes among allogeneic transplant recipients in Mexico.
METHODS
In this retrospective cohort study, we included adolescents and adults ≥ 16 years who received a matched sibling or haploidentical transplant from 2015-2022. Participants were selected without regard to their diagnosis and were sourced from both a private clinic and a public University Hospital in Mexico. Three payment groups were compared: Out-of-pocket (OOP), private insurance, and a federal Universal healthcare program "Seguro Popular". Outcomes were compared between referred and institution-diagnosed patients, and between residents of Nuevo Leon and out-of-state. Primary outcomes included overall survival (OS), categorized by residence, referral, and payment source. Secondary outcomes encompassed early mortality, event-free-survival, graft-versus-host-relapse-free survival, and non-relapse-mortality (NRM). Statistical analyses employed appropriate tests, Kaplan-Meier method, and Cox proportional hazard regression modeling. Statistical software included SPSS and R with tidycmprsk library.
RESULTS
Our primary outcome was overall survival. We included 287 patients, = 164 who lived out of state (57.1%), and = 129 referred from another institution (44.9%). The most frequent payment source was OOP ( = 139, 48.4%), followed by private insurance ( = 75, 26.1%) and universal coverage ( = 73, 25.4%). No differences in OS, event-free-survival, NRM, or graft-versus-host-relapse-free survival were observed for patients diagnosed locally in another institution, nor patients who lived in-state out-of-state. Patients who covered transplant costs through private insurance had the best outcomes with improved OS (median not reached) and 2-year cumulative incidence of NRM of 14% than patients who covered costs OOP (Median OS and 2-year NRM of 32%) or through a universal healthcare program active during the study period (OS and 2-year NRM of 19%) ( = 0.024 and = 0.002, respectively). In a multivariate analysis, payment source and disease risk index were the only factors associated with overall survival.
CONCLUSION
In this Latin-American multicenter study, the site of residence or referral for alloHSCT did not impact outcomes. However, access to healthcare coverage for alloHSCT was associated with improved OS and reduced NRM.
PubMed: 38947965
DOI: 10.5500/wjt.v14.i2.91052 -
Frontiers in Psychology 2024Theoretical developments on affordances have proliferated, resulting in a lack of conceptual stability and a potential compromise in scientific validity. However,... (Review)
Review
Theoretical developments on affordances have proliferated, resulting in a lack of conceptual stability and a potential compromise in scientific validity. However, affordances should not be discarded, given their centrality in post-cognitive theories and their widespread reuse across various research domains. Empirical research on affordances remains sparse, out of sync with theoretical advancements, and thus unable to contribute effectively to scientific progress due to its disarticulation with theoretical work. That is why re-articulating theoretical and empirical investigations on affordances is needed to pave a more fruitful path for the concept's advancement. To accomplish this objective, emphasis must be placed on empirical research, leveraging recent theoretical propositions and devising corresponding empirical methodologies. The proposed requirements and framework represent a step in this endeavor.
PubMed: 38947904
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1283168