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JMIR Bioinformatics and Biotechnology Jun 2024Health care is at a turning point. We are shifting from protocolized medicine to precision medicine, and digital health systems are facilitating this shift. By providing...
Health care is at a turning point. We are shifting from protocolized medicine to precision medicine, and digital health systems are facilitating this shift. By providing clinicians with detailed information for each patient and analytic support for decision-making at the point of care, digital health technologies are enabling a new era of precision medicine. Genomic data also provide clinicians with information that can improve the accuracy and timeliness of diagnosis, optimize prescribing, and target risk reduction strategies, all of which are key elements for precision medicine. However, genomic data are predominantly seen as diagnostic information and are not routinely integrated into the clinical workflows of electronic medical records. The use of genomic data holds significant potential for precision medicine; however, as genomic data are fundamentally different from the information collected during routine practice, special considerations are needed to use this information in a digital health setting. This paper outlines the potential of genomic data integration with electronic records, and how these data can enable precision medicine.
PubMed: 38935958
DOI: 10.2196/55632 -
PLoS Computational Biology Jun 2024Spatial transcriptomics has gained popularity over the past decade due to its ability to evaluate transcriptome data while preserving spatial information. Cell...
Spatial transcriptomics has gained popularity over the past decade due to its ability to evaluate transcriptome data while preserving spatial information. Cell segmentation is a crucial step in spatial transcriptomic analysis, as it enables the avoidance of unpredictable tissue disentanglement steps. Although high-quality cell segmentation algorithms can aid in the extraction of valuable data, traditional methods are frequently non-spatial, do not account for spatial information efficiently, and perform poorly when confronted with the problem of spatial transcriptome cell segmentation with varying shapes. In this study, we propose ST-CellSeg, an image-based machine learning method for spatial transcriptomics that uses manifold for cell segmentation and is novel in its consideration of multi-scale information. We first construct a fully connected graph which acts as a spatial transcriptomic manifold. Using multi-scale data, we then determine the low-dimensional spatial probability distribution representation for cell segmentation. Using the adjusted Rand index (ARI), normalized mutual information (NMI), and Silhouette coefficient (SC) as model performance measures, the proposed algorithm significantly outperforms baseline models in selected datasets and is efficient in computational complexity.
PubMed: 38935799
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1012254 -
PloS One 2024Tools screening depression and anxiety developed using the Western biomedical paradigm are still used with First Nations Peoples globally, despite calls for...
A Delphi study and development of a social and emotional wellbeing screening tool for Australian First Nations Peoples living in the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area of Australia.
Tools screening depression and anxiety developed using the Western biomedical paradigm are still used with First Nations Peoples globally, despite calls for cross-cultural adaption. Recent work by this research team found that tools used to screen for depression and anxiety were inappropriate for use with Australian First Nations Peoples living in the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area of Australia. The objective of this Delphi study, the second phase of a broader four-phase project, was to gain consensus from an expert mental health and/or social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB) panel to inform the development of an appropriate screening tool. This Delphi study took place between March and May 2023. Three sequential rounds of anonymous online surveys delivered using QualtricsTM were planned, although only two were needed to reach 75% consensus. The first round sought consensus on whether a new screening tool needed to be developed or whether existing tools could be used. The second round achieved consensus. Twenty-eight experts (47% response rate) participated across the two Delphi rounds. In the second round, 83% of these experts agreed or strongly agreed that a new screening tool, using the holistic First Nations concept of social and emotional wellbeing, be developed. Ninety-four percent of them agreed that it should take a Yarning approach. These findings enabled the development of a new SEWB screening tool that adopted a Yarning (narrative) approach designed for use in primary care and geriatric settings in the region. The new tool has four different Yarning areas: Community engagement and behaviour; Stress worries; Risk; and Feeling strong. Guidelines for tool use are integrated as well as Summary and Recommendation sections. At a macro-level this project responds to the need for new screening tools that are underpinned by First Nations worldviews.
Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Anxiety; Australia; Delphi Technique; Depression; Emotions; Mass Screening; Mental Health; Surveys and Questionnaires; Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
PubMed: 38935759
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306316 -
PloS One 2024Research on gender inequality is crucial as it unveils the pervasive disparities that persist across various domains, shedding light on societal imbalances and providing...
BACKGROUND
Research on gender inequality is crucial as it unveils the pervasive disparities that persist across various domains, shedding light on societal imbalances and providing a foundation for informed policy-making.
AIM
To investigate gender differences in scientometric indices among faculty members in dental schools across Iran. This included overall data and speciality-specific data.
METHODS
The publication profiles of academic staff in all dental schools were examined using the Iranian Scientometric Information Database (ISID, http://isid.research.ac.ir). Variables analyzed were working field, academic degree, the total number of papers, papers per year, total number of citations, percentage of self-citation, h-index, g-index, citations per paper, gender, university type, number of years publishing, proportion of international papers, first-author papers, and corresponding-author papers. Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis nonparametric tests were used to analyze the relationship between background characteristics and scientometric indicators. The extracted data were analyzed using R v4.0.1.
RESULTS
The database included 1850 faculty members, of which about 60% (1104 of 1850) were women. Men (n = 746) had a higher number of papers (6583 vs. 6255) and citations (60410 vs. 39559) compared with women; 234 of the 376 faculty members with no papers were women. Almost half of the women (N = 517 of 1104) were in Type 2 universities, and nearly half of the men (N = 361 of the 746) were faculty members at Type 1 universities (Type 1 universities ranking higher than Type 2 and 3 universities). The medians of scientometric indices were higher in men, except for self-citation percentage (0 (IQR = 2) vs. 0 (IQR = 3), P = 0.083), international papers percentage (0 (IQR = 7.5) vs. 0 (IQR = 16.7), P<0.001). The proportion of corresponding-author papers was more than 62% higher in women (25 (IQR = 50) vs. 15.4 (IQR = 40), P<0.001). Men had a two-fold higher median h-index (2 (IQR = 4) vs. 1 (IQR = 3), P<0.001). Restorative dentistry and pediatric dentistry had the highest men-to-women ratios (1.5 for both). Dental materials and oral and maxillofacial surgery showed the lowest men-to-women ratios (0.42 and 0.5, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS
Women made up the majority of dental faculty members in Iran. Nevertheless, men showed better scientometric results in several significant indices. Having identified scientometric information reflecting differences across faculty members, further research is now needed to better understand the drivers of these differences.
Topics: Iran; Humans; Male; Female; Faculty, Dental; Publications; Bibliometrics; Sex Distribution; Schools, Dental; Publishing
PubMed: 38935641
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300698 -
STAR Protocols Jun 2024Periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs) and macrophages in bone marrow cells have been widely used to investigate novel therapeutic agents to treat periodontitis. Here, we...
Periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs) and macrophages in bone marrow cells have been widely used to investigate novel therapeutic agents to treat periodontitis. Here, we present a protocol for collecting primary mouse PDLCs and bone marrow cells. We detail steps for culturing and differentiation for both cell types and review data analysis for in vitro experiments using primary PDLCs and bone marrow cells. This protocol can be used to explore the impact of novel therapeutic agents using in vitro experiments. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Sirisereephap et al..
PubMed: 38935507
DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2024.103162 -
JMIR Formative Research Jun 2024Serious illness conversations may help patients avoid unwanted treatments. We previously piloted the telehealth Serious Illness Care Program (SICP) for older adults with...
BACKGROUND
Serious illness conversations may help patients avoid unwanted treatments. We previously piloted the telehealth Serious Illness Care Program (SICP) for older adults with acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
In this study, we aimed to understand the experience of the telehealth SICP from the clinician's perspective.
METHODS
We studied 10 clinicians who delivered the telehealth SICP to 20 older adults with acute myeloid leukemia or myelodysplastic syndrome. Quantitative outcomes included confidence and acceptability. Confidence was measured using a 22-item survey (range 1-7; a higher score is better). Acceptability was measured using an 11-item survey (5-point Likert scale). Hypothesis testing was performed at α=.10 (2-tailed) due to the pilot nature and small sample size. Clinicians participated in audio-recorded qualitative interviews at the end of the study to discuss their experience.
RESULTS
A total of 8 clinicians completed the confidence measure and 7 clinicians completed the acceptability measure. We found a statistically significant increase in overall confidence (mean increase of 0.5, SD 0.6; P=.03). The largest increase in confidence was in helping families with reconciliation and goodbye (mean 1.4, SD 1.5; P=.04). The majority of clinicians agreed that the format was simple (6/7, 86%) and easy to use (6/7, 86%). Clinicians felt that the telehealth SICP was effective in understanding their patients' values about end-of-life care (7/7, 100%). A total of three qualitative themes emerged: (1) the telehealth SICP deepened relationships and renewed trust; (2) each telehealth SICP visit felt unique and personal in a positive way; and (3) uninterrupted, unrushed time optimized the visit experience.
CONCLUSIONS
The telehealth SICP increased confidence in having serious illness conversations while deepening patient-clinician relationships.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04745676; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04745676.
PubMed: 38935428
DOI: 10.2196/58503 -
International Journal of Implant... Jun 2024This propensity score matching, multicenter, cross-sectional study was performed to examine the effects of various prosthetic methods for dental clinic outpatients with...
Effects of various prosthetic methods for patients with Kennedy Class I partial edentulism on oral hypofunction, subjective symptoms, and oral health-related quality of life.
PURPOSE
This propensity score matching, multicenter, cross-sectional study was performed to examine the effects of various prosthetic methods for dental clinic outpatients with Kennedy Class I partial edentulism (KCIPE) on oral hypofunction, subjective frailty symptoms, and oral health-related quality of life (QOL).
METHODS
Patients (n = 348) were classified into the following three groups for analysis: NT, patients with natural dentition providing intermaxillary contact in four occlusal supporting zones; RPD, patients with KCIPE who received removable partial dentures; and ISFP, patients with KCIPE who received implant-supported fixed prostheses. Participants' basic characteristics were recorded, and oral function tests were conducted. Subjective symptoms of physical and oral frailty were investigated via questionnaire. Oral health-related QOL was assessed using the Japanese short version of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-JP16). Propensity score matching was performed to adjust for patient background factors that could influence oral hypofunction in each group.
RESULTS
Compared with the ISFP group, the RPD group had significantly higher rates of poor oral hygiene, reduced occlusal force, decreased masticatory function, and declines in swallowing function and oral hypofunction; the odds ratio for oral hypofunction was 4.67. Compared with the ISFP group, the RPD group had significantly greater subjective symptoms of physical frailty and oral frailty, as well as higher OHIP scores.
CONCLUSIONS
Prosthetic treatment of KCIPE affected oral hypofunction, subjective frailty symptoms, and oral health-related QOL in dental clinic outpatients.
Topics: Humans; Quality of Life; Cross-Sectional Studies; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Oral Health; Jaw, Edentulous, Partially; Denture, Partial, Removable; Aged; Surveys and Questionnaires; Propensity Score; Dental Prosthesis, Implant-Supported; Denture, Partial, Fixed; Adult
PubMed: 38935335
DOI: 10.1186/s40729-024-00555-w -
European Endodontic Journal Jun 2024Evaluate the bacterial reduction effect of disinfection protocols used in lower molars infected by Enterococcus faecalis.
OBJECTIVE
Evaluate the bacterial reduction effect of disinfection protocols used in lower molars infected by Enterococcus faecalis.
METHODS
Eighty extracted lower molars were prepared and inoculated with E. faecalis for 2 months. The teeth were then distributed into 2 control groups (n = 4) and 4 experimental groups (n = 18) in function of the disinfection protocol utilized: G1. WaveOne Gold (WOG), passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) and Ultracal; G2. WOG, PUI and calcium hydroxide (CH); G3. WOG, XP-Endo Finisher (XPF) and Ultracal; G4. WOG, XPF and CH. Bacteriological samples were collected previously (S1), after preparation (S2), final agitation (S3) and intracanal dressing (S4). Microbial growth was assessed according to culture turbidity and UV spectrophotometry. Statistical analyses used the Friedman test for paired samples and Kruskal-Wallis test for non-paired data (p<0.05).
RESULTS
No protocol eliminated E. faecalis effectively. The S2, S3 and S4 samples were statistically different from the S1 samples in G1, G2, G3 and G4 (p<0.05). Statistical differences were observed in bacterial reduction between G1 and G2 and G1 and G3 after the intracanal medicament (S4) (p<0.05).
CONCLUSION
The WOG + PUI + CH disinfection protocol showed higher percentages of bacterial reduction.
PubMed: 38935107
DOI: 10.14744/hnhj.2024.47450 -
Indian Journal of Dental Research :... Jan 2024The success of a combined periodontal and endodontic lesion depends on the elimination of both these disease processes. In the case of a combined endo-perio lesion,...
INTRODUCTION
The success of a combined periodontal and endodontic lesion depends on the elimination of both these disease processes. In the case of a combined endo-perio lesion, endodontic therapy results in healing of the endodontic component of involvement, while the prognosis of teeth would finally depend on the healing of the periodontal structure.
TREATMENT
This case report evaluates the efficacy of autologous fibrin glue and bone graft, that is, sticky bone in the management of bone defects associated with endo-perio lesion. The endo-perio lesion is first treated endodontically, followed by periodontal therapy. Conclusion: The patient was kept on follow-up for 9 months, and satisfactory results in terms of bone fill and reduction in pocket depth were obtained.
TAKEAWAY LESSONS
The sticky bone enhances regeneration in treatment of endo-perio lesions.
Topics: Humans; Bone Transplantation; Fibrin Tissue Adhesive; Root Canal Therapy; Male; Adult; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
PubMed: 38934764
DOI: 10.4103/ijdr.ijdr_615_22 -
Indian Journal of Dental Research :... Jan 2024This case report outlines a novel prosthodontic approach for managing a broken screw inside an implant screw channel, emphasising the importance of innovative solutions...
RATIONALE
This case report outlines a novel prosthodontic approach for managing a broken screw inside an implant screw channel, emphasising the importance of innovative solutions in implant dentistry.
PATIENT CONCERNS
A 57-year-old male patient sought restoration for implant-supported crowns (#46 and #47). A broken screw inside the implant screw channel posed a significant concern for both the patient and the dental team.
TREATMENT
Utilising an impression pickup technique of the inner surface of the implant body, a custom titanium abutment was fabricated in the laboratory and restoration was successfully replaced. A follow-up of 6 months was performed, ensuring optimal function and patient satisfaction.
OUTCOME
The custom titanium abutment with a zirconia crown was placed, leading to a successful restoration. The patient reported no discomfort, demonstrating improved function and aesthetics.
TAKEAWAY LESSON
This case highlights the effectiveness of tailored prosthodontic interventions in addressing complex implant-related complications.
Topics: Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Crowns; Dental Prosthesis, Implant-Supported; Dental Implants; Dental Implant-Abutment Design; Dental Restoration Failure; Zirconium; Titanium; Dental Abutments
PubMed: 38934762
DOI: 10.4103/ijdr.ijdr_953_23