Iron deficiency at birth and risk of hidden hearing loss in infants modification by socioeconomic status: mother-newborn cohort in Shenyang, China.

OBJECTIVE: The diagnosis of hidden hearing loss (HHL) in calm state has not yet been determined, while the nutritional status is not involved in its pathogenic risk factors. In utero iron deficiency (ID) may delay auditory neural maturation in infants. We evaluated the association between ID and HHL as well as the modification effect of socioeconomic status (SES) on this association in newborns. STUDY DESIGN: We included 859 mother-newborns from the baseline of this observational northeast cohort. Data on exposure assessment included iron status [maternal hemoglobin (Hb) and neonatal heel prick serum ferritin (SF)] and SES (occupation, education and income). Auditory neural maturation was reflected by auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing and electrocochleography (ECochG). RESULTS: Iron status and SES were independently and jointly associated with the prediction of neonatal HHL by logistic and linear regression model. The mediation effects were performed by Process. ID increased absolute latency wave V, interpeak latency (IPL) III-V, and summting potentials (SP) /action potentials (AP), which were combined as HHL. Low SES showed the highest risk of HHL and the highest levels of related parameters in ID newborns. Moreover, after Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) were positive, preschool children who experience ID in neonatal period were more likely to suffer from otitis media with effusion (OME). High SES also showed similar risk effects. CONCLUSION: Both low and high SES may strengthen the risk of ID on neonatal HHL in Northeast China.

Accuracy of 2 direct digital scanning techniques-intraoral scanning and stereophotogrammetry-for complete arch implant-supported fixed prostheses: A prospective study.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Conventional impression techniques for complete arch implant-supported prostheses are technique-sensitive. Stereophotogrammetry (SPG) and intraoral scanning (IOS) may offer an alternative to conventional impression making. PURPOSE: The purpose of this prospective study was to compare the accuracy of IOS and SPG for complete arch implant scans and to evaluate the passive fit of frameworks fabricated with SPG. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Laboratory scanning of gypsum casts, SPG, and IOS were performed for all participants. The data regarding the abutment platform were superimposed to calculate the 3D deviation of SPG and IOS compared with that of laboratory scanning as an evaluation of accuracy. The effect of implant position and number on accuracy was analyzed. The more accurate technique between SPG and IOS was used to fabricate the titanium frameworks, as was laboratory scanning. The passive fit of the frameworks was assessed by clinical examination, the Sheffield test, and panoramic radiography. RESULTS: Seventeen participants (21 arches, 120 implants) were included. The accuracy of SPG ranged from 2.70 µm to 92.80 µm, with a median (Q1, Q3) of 17.00 (11.68, 22.50) µm, which was significantly more accurate than that of IOS, ranging from 21.30 µm to 815.60 µm, with a median (Q1, Q3) of 48.95 (34.78, 75.88) µm. No significant correlation was found between position or number of implants and 3D deviation in the SPG group. A weak positive correlation was found between implant number and 3D deviation in the IOS group. SPG and laboratory scanning were used to fabricate titanium frameworks. The passive fit between the frameworks and abutment platforms was confirmed. CONCLUSIONS: SPG, which was not affected by position or number of implants, was more accurate than IOS and comparable with laboratory scanning. The frameworks fabricated based on SPG and laboratory scanning were comparable in their passive fit. The SPG technique may be an alternative to laboratory scanning for complete arch implant scans.

A completely digital workflow aided by cone beam computed tomography scanning to maintain jaw relationships for implant-supported fixed complete dentures: A clinical study.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The conventional workflow for the fabrication of implant-supported fixed complete dentures (IFCDs) is complex and makes it impossible to maintain jaw relationships. A fully digital workflow might solve this problem. PURPOSE: The purpose of this clinical study was to develop a completely digital workflow aided by a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan for the fabrication of IFCDs and to evaluate the accuracy of this workflow with regard to the maintenance of jaw relationships. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All participants received a preoperative CBCT scan while wearing radiographic diagnosis dentures and occluding in the maximum intercuspal position. After the implant surgery, CBCT scanning, intraoral scanning, and stereophotogrammetry were performed to identify jaw anatomy, soft tissue, and the 3-dimensional (3D) locations of the implants, respectively. Then, all data were merged to transfer jaw relationships and generate digital casts to fabricate interim prostheses. A posttreatment CBCT scan was performed while the participants were wearing the interim prostheses and occluding in the maximum intercuspal position. The preoperative and postoperative jaw relationships were compared by CBCT cephalometric analysis. A meaningful and unacceptable difference was defined as 0.8 degrees and 2.4 degrees, respectively. RESULTS: Six participants (6 jaw relationships, 9 arches, and 58 implants) were included. All interim prostheses were stable and achieved symmetric occlusion after only minimal adjustment. A total of 18 angles were measured. Three angles revealed a meaningful minimal difference, and 1 angle revealed an unacceptable minimal difference. No prosthodontic complications were reported during the study. CONCLUSIONS: A completely digital workflow for fabricating IFCDs achieved sufficient accuracy for the maintenance of jaw relationships throughout the treatment.

Accuracy of photogrammetry, intraoral scanning, and conventional impression techniques for complete-arch implant rehabilitation: an in vitro comparative study.

BACKGROUND: To compare the accuracy of photogrammetry, intraoral scanning and conventional impression techniques for complete-arch implant rehabilitation. METHODS: A master cast containing 6 implant abutment replicas was fabricated. Group PG: digital impressions were taken 10 times using a photogrammetry system; Group IOS: intraoral scanning was performed to fabricate 10 digital impressions; Group CNV: splinted open-tray impression technique was used to fabricate 10 definitive casts. The master cast and conventional definitive casts were digitized with a laboratory reference scanner. For all STL files obtained, scan bodies were converted to implant abutment replicas using a digital library. The accuracy of a digitizer was defined by 2 main parameters, trueness and precision. "Trueness" was used to describe the deviation between test files and reference file, and "precision" was used to describe the closeness between test files. Then, the trueness and precision of three impression techniques were evaluated and statistically compared (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The median trueness was 24.45, 43.45 and 28.70 µm for group PG, IOS and CNV; Group PG gave more accurate trueness than group IOS (P < 0.001) and group CNV (P = 0.033), group CNV showed more accurate trueness than group IOS (P = 0.033). The median precision was 2.00, 36.00 and 29.40 µm for group PG, IOS and CNV; Group PG gave more accurate precision than group IOS (P < 0.001) and group CNV (P < 0.001), group CNV showed more accurate precision than IOS (P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: For complete-arch implant rehabilitation, the photogrammetry system showed the best accuracy of all the impression techniques evaluated, followed by the conventional impression technique, and the intraoral scanner provided the least accuracy.

Marginal Bone Loss around Machined Smooth Neck Implants Compared to Rough Threaded Neck Implants: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this meta-analysis was to assess the effect of rough threaded neck implants on marginal bone loss, compared to machined smooth neck implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Literature searches were performed in the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library) (up to March 04, 2020), MEDLINE (PubMed) (1966 to March 04, 2020), and EMBASE (1980 to March 04, 2020), and reference lists of relevant manuscripts and relevant systematic reviews. Grey literature was sought using Grey Literature Net-Work Service (www.opengrey.eu) and The Grey Literature Report (www.greylit.org). Randomized controlled trials and controlled clinical trials that compared the effects of machined smooth neck implants versus rough threaded neck implants on marginal bone loss were included. Two review authors selected studies, assessed trial quality, and extracted data from included studies independently. The meta-analysis was carried out with Review Manager v5.3 software that compared marginal bone loss between rough threaded neck implants and machined smooth neck implants. RESULTS: This review included 8 manuscripts (2 randomized controlled trials and 6 controlled clinical trials) from 6 clinical studies. The marginal bone loss around the rough threaded neck implants was significantly less than that around machined smooth neck ones (MD: -0.43 mm, 95% CI: -0.65 to -0.22 mm; p < 0.0001). In the subgroup with different platform connections, less marginal bone loss was observed around the rough threaded neck implants with platform switching (MD: -0.67 mm, 95% CI: -0.87 to -0.48 mm; p < 0.00001) or with regular platform (MD: -0.28 mm, 95% CI: -0.39 to -0.18 mm; p < 0.00001). The statistical analysis of the subgroups with functional loading for 3 or 6 months (MD: -0.39 mm; 95% CI: -0.61 to -0.18 mm; p = 0.0003) and 1 year or longer (MD: -0.43 mm, 95% CI: -0.65 to -0.22 mm; p < 0.0001) suggested that the rough threaded neck implants helped to reduce marginal bone loss. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this review suggested that rough threaded neck implants may be helpful in maintaining the amount of marginal bone around implants. Larger sample size, longer follow-up periods and well-conducted randomized controlled trials are necessary to further prove the validity of the findings.

Preparation of Efficient BiOBr/MIL-88B(Fe) Composites with Enhanced Photocatalytic Activities.

In this study, a novel composite containing an iron based metal-organic framework (MOF) and BiOBr was successfully synthesized by a simple method, and was fully characterized by X-ray diffraction patterns, Fourier transform infrared spectra, UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra, and transmission electron microscopy. Moreover, the photocatalytic activities of BiOBr/MIL-88B(Fe) composites and the pure materials were evaluated by measuring the degradation of Rhodamine B under visible light. The results show that the composite exhibits better photocatalytic activities than pure materials, which can be ascribed to the high adsorption capacity of MIL-88B(Fe) and the enhanced separation of photogenerated charge carriers from assembly of MIL-88B(Fe) on BiOBr. And the effects of various operating parameters such as catalyst dosage, medium pH, the mass ratio of BiOBr, and MIL-88B(Fe) and the dye initial concentration on the degradation of RhB have been studied.

In vivo evaluation of a simvastatin-loaded nanostructured lipid carrier for bone tissue regeneration.

Alveolar bone loss has long been a challenge in clinical dental implant therapy. Simvastatin (SV) has been demonstrated to exert excellent anabolic effects on bone. However, the successful use of SV to increase bone formation in vivo largely depends on the local concentration of SV at the site of action, and there have been continuing efforts to develop an appropriate delivery system. Specifically, nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) systems have become a popular type of encapsulation carrier system. Therefore, SV-loaded NLCs (SNs) (179.4 nm in diameter) were fabricated in this study, and the osteogenic effect of the SNs was evaluated in a critical-sized rabbit calvarial defect. Our results revealed that the SNs significantly enhanced bone formation in vivo, as evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, immunohistochemistry, and a fluorescence analysis. Thus, this novel nanostructured carrier system could be a potential encapsulation carrier system for SV in bone regeneration applications.

Efficacy of a self-made tracheostomy oxygen delivery device for oxygen therapy during postoperative anesthesia recovery.

BACKGROUND: Patients with tracheotomy are often monitored in the anesthesia recovery room after reoperation. During this period, oxygen therapy is necessary, and the existing tracheostomy oxygen supply device has many defects. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of a self-made tracheostomy oxygen delivery device on oxygen therapy during postoperative anesthesia recovery. METHODS: Patients were randomly divided into two groups, E and C, with 30 patients in each group, and admitted to the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU). Patients in group E received oxygen through a self-made tracheostomy oxygen delivery device, while patients in group C were supplied oxygen through a unilateral nasal cannula. Respiration (R), pulse oximetry (SpO2), and the number of patients on ventilators were recorded at the time of admission (T0) and one hour after admission (T1). Rapid dry blood gas analyses were performed on 0.6 ml samples of arterial blood collected at T0 and T1. RESULTS: Compared to group C, patients in group E had significantly higher arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2), arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2), total carbon dioxide (T-CO2), and actual bicarbonate (AB), while arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) was significantly reduced (P< 0.01 or < 0.05). Compared to T0, PaO2 decreased in both groups at T1, PaCO2 decreased in group E, while SaO2, T-CO2, and AB decreased in group C (P< 0.01 or < 0.05). CONCLUSION: We found that using the self-made tracheostomy oxygen delivery device in postoperative anesthesia recovery had advantages such as a secure connection to the tracheostoma, adjustable oxygen concentration, air filtration, and the ability to switch oxygen supply between the ventilator and humidifier.

Astragalus polysaccharide ameliorates insulin resistance in HepG2 cells through activating the STAT5/IGF-1 pathway.

BACKGROUND: Insulin resistance (IR) is considered as a major factor initiating type 2 diabetes mellitus and can lead to a reduction in glucose uptake that mainly occurs in the liver. Astragalus polysaccharide (APC), extracted from the traditional Chinese medicine, has been recorded to suppress IR. However, the underlying mechanism remains inadequately explored. METHODS: IR was induced in HepG2 cells which further underwent APC treatment. Cell viability was determined by cell counting kit-8 assay. Pretreatment with AG490, an inhibitor of signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5) signaling, was performed for investigating the influence of STAT5 on APC. Glucose uptake level was reflected by 2-deoxyglucose-6-phosphate content determined through colorimetric assay. Expression levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R), phosphorylated-STAT5/STAT5, and p-protein kinase B (AKT)/AKT in the cells were assessed by Western blot. Radioimmunoassay (RIA) was used to detect IGF-1 secretion in the cells. RESULTS: APC at doses of 10 and 20 mg increased the viability of HepG2 cells with/without IR induction, and abrogated IR-induced inhibition of glucose intake. Meanwhile, APC (10 mg) offset IR-induced inhibition on the expressions of IGF-1R and IGF-1, the activation of AKT and STAT5, and the secretion of IGF-1 in HepG2 cells. More importantly, the reversal effect of APC on IR-induced alterations in HepG2 cells was counteracted by AG490. CONCLUSION: APC ameliorates IR in HepG2 cells through activating the STAT5/IGF-1 pathway.

Prediction and Global Sensitivity Analysis of Long-Term Deflections in Reinforced Concrete Flexural Structures Using Surrogate Models.

Reinforced concrete (RC) is the result of a combination of steel reinforcing rods (which have high tensile) and concrete (which has high compressive strength). Additionally, the prediction of long-term deformations of RC flexural structures and the magnitude of the influence of the relevant material and geometric parameters are important for evaluating their serviceability and safety throughout their life cycles. Empirical methods for predicting the long-term deformation of RC structures are limited due to the difficulty of considering all the influencing factors. In this study, four popular surrogate models, i.e., polynomial chaos expansion (PCE), support vector regression (SVR), Kriging, and radial basis function (RBF), are used to predict the long-term deformation of RC structures. The surrogate models were developed and evaluated using RC simply supported beam examples, and experimental datasets were collected for comparison with common machine learning models (back propagation neural network (BP), multilayer perceptron (MLP), decision tree (DT) and linear regression (LR)). The models were tested using the statistical metrics R2, RAAE, RMAE, RMSE, VAF, PI, A10-index and U95. The results show that all four proposed models can effectively predict the deformation of RC structures, with PCE and SVR having the best accuracy, followed by the Kriging model and RBF. Moreover, the prediction accuracy of the surrogate model is much lower than that of the empirical method and the machine learning model in terms of the RMSE. Furthermore, a global sensitivity analysis of the material and geometric parameters affecting structural deflection using PCE is proposed. It was found that the geometric parameters are more influential than the material parameters. Additionally, there is a coupling effect between material and geometric parameters that works together to influence the long-term deflection of RC structures.