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Frontiers in Dentistry 2023Enlarged adenoids can lead to obstruction of the nasopharyngeal airway and subsequent oral respiration. Oral breathing can cause dry mouth, dehydration in gingival...
Enlarged adenoids can lead to obstruction of the nasopharyngeal airway and subsequent oral respiration. Oral breathing can cause dry mouth, dehydration in gingival tissue, and resistance to plaque accumulation. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of tonsillectomy on oral health status, salivary pH and flow rate, and common complications caused by tonsillar hypertrophy in children. An analytical before-and-after study was conducted on 60 children aged 5-12 years who required tonsillectomy. We gathered data through a questionnaire and collected unstimulated saliva using the spitting method for five minutes. Salivary pH was measured by a pH meter and its volume was determined with a calibrated test tube. The plaque index, bleeding index and modified gingival index were determined using a disclosing tablet, Williams' probe and observational examination, respectively. All measurements were repeated one month after tonsillectomy. Paired t-test was used for data analysis. We found a significant increase in mean pH and salivary flow rate after tonsillectomy and observed a decrease in oral health indices among the children one month after surgery. Over half of the children who reported complications such as dry mouth, itchy nose and throat, snoring, night sweats, and sleep disturbances experienced complete recovery after tonsillectomy. Based on the results obtained in the present study, children with enlarged adenoids showed significant improvements in salivary pH, salivary flow rate, and oral health indices, one month after tonsillectomy.
PubMed: 37701649
DOI: 10.18502/fid.v20i24.13168 -
Journal of Pharmacy & Bioallied Sciences Jul 2023Chewable toothbrushes were compared to traditional manual toothbrushes in terms of their ability to remove plaque and their impact on salivary pH in a sample of...
AIM
Chewable toothbrushes were compared to traditional manual toothbrushes in terms of their ability to remove plaque and their impact on salivary pH in a sample of school-aged children.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The sample size for this research was 200 youngsters aged 10-12. Saliva was collected by spitting into a clean container, and the pH levels were measured using color-coded pH strips to determine where the person was starting from. The plaque score was measured using the OHI-S index after the application of the disclosing agent. The pH and plaque scores were also recalculated after brushing to see how they had changed after surgery.
RESULTS
Results indicated that both manual and chewable brushes significantly improved post-brushing pH ratings ( = 0.001), and that plaque scores decreased ( = 0.001). When compared to conventional manual toothbrushes, the chewable brush was much more successful in reducing plaque and elevating salivary pH ( = 0.001).
CONCLUSION
As a result, parents may offer their kids a chewable toothbrush to help them maintain good oral hygiene after lunch and on lengthy car trips, when they would not have time to wash their teeth properly.
PubMed: 37694096
DOI: 10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_110_23 -
Scientific Reports Sep 2023Kolanut contains caffeine and it is widely consumed in various social contexts in Nigeria and other Sub-Saharan African countries. While some studies have suggested that...
Kolanut contains caffeine and it is widely consumed in various social contexts in Nigeria and other Sub-Saharan African countries. While some studies have suggested that kolanut is consumed by pregnant women, there is a dearth of information on the prevalence, consumption pattern and reasons for kolanut consumption among this group. This study investigated kolanut use among pregnant women in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study involving 478 consenting pregnant women in all trimesters of pregnancy was conducted. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect data. Associations between kolanut use and respondent characteristics were investigated using the chi-square test and logistic regression analysis. The mean age of the women was 28.7 ± 6.3 years. One hundred and sixty-two (33.9%) of women reported kolanut use during pregnancy, 140 (29.3%) in the current pregnancy. Fifty-five (39.3%) pregnant women reported frequent use and 46 (32.9%) used it in high quantities. Significant associations were found between current kolanut use and Hausa respondents (p = 0.014), educational level; secondary (p = 0.032), tertiary (p = 0.006), TBA (p = 0.005). The majority (93.7%) used kolanut to prevent spitting, nausea, and vomiting. This study showed that kolanut use is quite common among pregnant women and frequently used in large quantities.
Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Young Adult; Black People; Cross-Sectional Studies; Nigeria; Pregnant Women; Prevalence; Cola; Eating
PubMed: 37660226
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41754-6 -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Aug 2023Envenomations by African snakes represent a high burden in the sub-Sahara region. The design and fabrication of polyspecific antivenoms with a broader effectiveness,...
BACKGROUND
Envenomations by African snakes represent a high burden in the sub-Sahara region. The design and fabrication of polyspecific antivenoms with a broader effectiveness, specially tailored for its use in sub-Saharan Africa, require a better understanding of the immunological features of different Naja spp. venoms of highest medical impact in Africa; and to select the most appropriate antigen combinations to generate antivenoms of wider neutralizing scope.
METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS
Rabbit-derived monospecific antisera were raised against the venoms of five spitting cobras and six non-spitting cobras. The effects of immunization in the animal model were assessed, as well as the development of antibody titers, as proved by immunochemical assays and neutralization of lethal, phospholipase A2 and dermonecrotic activities. By the end of the immunization schedule, the immunized rabbits showed normal values of all hematological parameters, and no muscle tissue damage was evidenced, although alterations in aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) suggested a degree of hepatic damage caused mainly by spitting cobra venoms. Immunologic analyses revealed a considerable extent of cross-reactivity of monospecific antisera against heterologous venoms within the spitting and no-spitting cobras, yet some antisera showed more extensive cross-reactivity than others. The antisera with the widest coverage were those of anti-Naja ashei and anti-N. nigricollis for the spitting cobras, and anti-N. haje and anti-N. senegalensis for the non-spitting cobras.
CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE
The methods and study design followed provide a rationale for the selection of the best combination of venoms for generating antivenoms of high cross-reactivity against cobra venoms in sub-Saharan Africa. Results suggest that venoms from N. ashei, N. nigricollis within the spitting cobras, and N. haje and N. senegalensis within the non-spitting cobras, generate antisera with a broader cross-reactivity. These experimental results should be translated to larger animal models used in antivenom elaboration to assess whether these predictions are reproduced.
Topics: Animals; Rabbits; Naja; Elapidae; Antivenins; Immune Sera; Elapid Venoms; Lagomorpha
PubMed: 37582064
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011545 -
Biotechnology Reports (Amsterdam,... Sep 2023Snake venoms possess a range of pharmacological and toxicological activities. Here we evaluated the antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity against...
Snake venoms possess a range of pharmacological and toxicological activities. Here we evaluated the antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity against methicillin-susceptible and methicillin-resistant (MSSA and MRSA) of venoms from the Samar spitting cobra and the Puff adder Both venoms prevented biofilm production by pathogenic in a growth-independent manner, with the venom being most potent. Fractionation showed the active molecule to be heat-labile and >10 kDa in size. Proteomic profiles of venom revealed neurotoxins and cytotoxins, as well as an abundance of serine proteases and three-finger toxins, while serine proteases, metalloproteinases and C-lectin types were abundant in venom. These enzymes may have evolved to prevent bacteria colonising the snake venom gland. From a biomedical biotechnology perspective, they have valuable potential for anti-virulence therapy to fight antibiotic resistant microbes.
PubMed: 37559690
DOI: 10.1016/j.btre.2023.e00810 -
Scientific Reports Aug 2023This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of 3 mouthwashes in reducing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) viral load in the saliva of... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of 3 mouthwashes in reducing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) viral load in the saliva of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients at 30 min, 1, 2 and 3 h after rinsing. This pilot study included 40 admitted COVID-19 positive patients (10 in each group). Saliva samples were collected before rinsing and at 30 min, 1, 2 and 3 h after rinsing with: Group 1-0.2% Chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX); Group 2-1.5% Hydrogen peroxide (HO); Group 3-Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) or Group 4 (control group)-No rinsing. Viral load analysis of saliva samples was assessed by Reverse Transcription quantitative PCR. Mean log viral load at different time points was compared to that at baseline in all groups using a random effects linear regression analysis while for comparison between groups linear regression analysis was used. The results showed that all groups had a significantly reduced mean log viral load both at 2 (p = 0.036) and 3 (p = 0.041) hours compared to baseline. However, there was no difference in mean log viral load between any of the investigated mouthwashes and the control group (non-rinsing) at the evaluated time points. Although a reduction in the SARS-CoV-2 viral load in the saliva of COVID-19 patients was observed after rinsing with mouthwashes containing 0.2% CHX, 1.5% HO, or CPC, the reduction detected was similar to that achieved by the control group at the investigated time points. The findings of this study may suggest that the mechanical action of rinsing/spitting results in reduction of SARS-CoV-2 salivary load.
Topics: Humans; Mouthwashes; SARS-CoV-2; Pilot Projects; COVID-19; Hydrogen Peroxide; Saliva; Viral Load; Anti-Infective Agents
PubMed: 37542087
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39308-x -
Zhongguo Dang Dai Er Ke Za Zhi =... Jul 2023To investigate the clinical characteristics of neonates infected with the Omicron variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).
OBJECTIVES
To investigate the clinical characteristics of neonates infected with the Omicron variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).
METHODS
A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 542 hospitalized neonates with confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in 27 hospitals in Shenzhen from December 7, 2022, to January 12, 2023 (during the Omicron variant epidemic period). The neonates were divided into two groups: asymptomatic infection and symptomatic infection. The clinical characteristics, results of laboratory examination, chest X-ray findings, and outcome were compared between the two groups.
RESULTS
Among the 542 neonates, there were 285 males and 257 females. Among them, 515 (95.0%) were full-term infants, and 27 (5.0%) were preterm infants. The asymptomatic infection group had 60 cases, and the symptomatic infection group had 482 cases. Among them, 336 cases (69.7%) were mild, 125 cases (25.9%) were moderate, 15 cases (3.1%) were severe, and 6 cases (1.2%) were critical. Fever was the most common symptom (434 cases, 90.0%), followed by cough and/or spitting (183 cases, 38.0%), nasal congestion and/or runny nose (131 cases, 27.2%), shortness of breath (36 cases, 7.5%), and feeding intolerance (30 cases, 6.2%). Among the 325 cases who underwent chest X-ray examination, 136 cases (41.8%) had patchy or consolidative shadows in the lungs, 2 cases (0.6%) had pneumothorax, 2 cases (0.6%) had decreased lung transparency, and 185 cases (57.0%) showed no abnormality. Among the 396 cases (73.1%) who received treatment, 341 cases (86.1%) received symptomatic treatment, 137 cases (34.6%) received antibiotic treatment, 4 cases (1.0%) received immunoglobulin treatment, and 23 cases (5.8%) received respiratory support treatment. All 542 neonates were discharged from the hospital after their clinical symptoms were relieved, and the median hospital stay was 5 days. The white blood cell count, neutrophil count, hemoglobin, and procalcitonin were lower in the symptomatic infection group than those in the asymptomatic infection group (<0.05), while the platelet count and blood glucose levels were higher in the symptomatic infection group than those in the asymptomatic infection group (<0.05). The proportions of neonates with decreased neutrophil count, increased platelet count, and decreased hemoglobin concentration were higher in the symptomatic infection group than those in the asymptomatic group (<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Most neonates with COVID-19 caused by the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 are mild, with fever as the predominant symptom. Symptomatic neonates with COVID-19 are often accompanied by decreased neutrophil count, increased platelet count, and decreased hemoglobin level. Symptomatic treatment is the main treatment, and the prognosis is good.
Topics: Male; Infant; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19; Cross-Sectional Studies; Asymptomatic Infections; Infant, Premature; Fever
PubMed: 37529948
DOI: 10.7499/j.issn.1008-8830.2302049 -
Toxins Jul 2023This study investigated the clinical characteristics, treatments, and outcomes of envenomation involving cobra species in Thailand (, , and ). Data of patients who had...
This study investigated the clinical characteristics, treatments, and outcomes of envenomation involving cobra species in Thailand (, , and ). Data of patients who had been bitten by a cobra or inoculated via the eyes/skin in 2018-2021 were obtained from the Ramathibodi Poison Center. There were 1045 patients admitted during the 4-year study period (bite, n = 539; ocular/dermal inoculation, n = 506). Almost all patients with ocular/dermal inoculation had eye involvement and ocular injuries, but none had neurological effects. Most of the patients bitten by a cobra had local effects (69.0%) and neurological signs and symptoms (55.7%). The median interval between the bite and the onset of neurological symptoms was 1 h (range, 10 min to 24 h). Accordingly, patients should be observed closely in hospitals for at least 24 h after a bite. Intubation with ventilator support was required in 45.5% of patients and for a median duration of 1.1 days. Antivenom was administered in 63.5% of cases. There were nine deaths, most of which resulted from severe infection. Neurological effects and intubation were significantly more common after a monocled cobra bite than after a spitting cobra bite. The administration of antivenom with good supportive care, including the appropriate management of complications, especially wound infection, might decrease fatality.
Topics: Animals; Elapidae; Antivenins; Elapid Venoms; Snake Bites; Retrospective Studies; Naja
PubMed: 37505737
DOI: 10.3390/toxins15070468 -
Prilozi (Makedonska Akademija Na... Jul 2023: To determine the possibility of using saliva as a diagnostic and prognostic tool for screening and monitoring kidney function. : This study included 32 patients with...
: To determine the possibility of using saliva as a diagnostic and prognostic tool for screening and monitoring kidney function. : This study included 32 patients with different stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and 20 healthy examinees for the control group. Saliva was collected using the spitting method, and on the same day blood was also drawn from the examinees to determine serum concentrations of urea and creatinine. The salivary values of uric acid, urea, creatinine and albumin were determined with a spectrophotometer, as well as the serum concentrations of urea and creatinine. : Our results showed a statistically significant positive correlation between salivary and serum levels of urea and creatinine in patients with CKD (Pearson's correlation coefficient for urea was r =0.6527, p = 0.000, while for creatinine it was r = 0.5486, p = 0.001). We detected a statistically significant positive correlation between the salivary levels of urea and the clinical stage of CKD (r = 0.4667, p = 0.007). We did not register a significant correlation between the salivary levels of creatinine and the clinical stage of CKD (r = 0.1643, p = 0.369). : Salivary urea is a valid marker for determining kidney function and a potential salivary marker for screening and monitoring kidney function. Salivary creatinine can be used as a qualitative marker, only indicating the existence of a disease.
Topics: Humans; Creatinine; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Saliva; Urea
PubMed: 37453126
DOI: 10.2478/prilozi-2023-0033