Risk of cognitive decline among patients with dengue virus infection: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Dengue fever, caused by the dengue virus and transmitted through Aedes mosquitoes, is a growing public health concern, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. Traditionally associated with febrile and hemorrhagic symptoms, recent research suggests a potential link between dengue and cognitive impairments. This systematic review assessed existing research to understand the association between dengue virus infection and cognitive impairments, including dementia, Alzheimer's disease, memory loss, and confusion. METHODS: This systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science up to January 18, 2024. Studies examining the prevalence and association of cognitive impairments in dengue patients were included. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed using Nested Knowledge software and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. RESULTS: Of the 1,129 articles identified, five were included in the review, covering a total of 200,873 participants from Taiwan, Brazil, and France. Evidence from population-based cohort studies indicated short-term cognitive impairments, including confusion and memory loss, in some dengue patients. Additionally, long-term risks of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia, were observed, particularly among older adults. Although the findings suggest there might be an association between dengue infection and cognitive decline, the mechanisms underlying this link remain unclear. CONCLUSION: This systematic review suggests that dengue virus infection may affect cognitive function in both acute and long-term contexts. However, the current evidence is not strong enough to establish a conclusive link. Further research with larger sample sizes and longitudinal studies is essential to confirm the impact of dengue virus on cognitive health.

Adverse cardiovascular outcomes associated with proton pump inhibitor use after percutaneous coronary intervention: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are commonly prescribed for gastroprotection in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), who are at increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding due to antiplatelet therapy. However, emerging evidence suggests that PPIs may adversely impact cardiovascular outcomes. This systematic review and meta-analysis sought to assess the relationship between using PPIs and cardiovascular outcomes in patients following PCI. METHODS: We searched various databases up to March 15, 2024, for observational studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the cardiovascular effects of PPIs in PCI patients. Data were extracted on study characteristics, patient demographics, PPI use, and cardiovascular outcomes. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2 assessed study quality. Meta-analyses were conducted using a random-effects model using R software version 4.3. RESULTS: A total of 21 studies involving diverse populations and study designs were included. Observational studies suggested a moderate increase in risk for composite cardiovascular diseases (CVD), myocardial infarction (MI), and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) associated with PPI use, with pooled hazard ratios (HRs) of 1.20 (95% CI: 1.093-1.308) for CVD, 1.186 (95% CI: 1.069-1.303) for MI, and 1.155 (95% CI: 1.001-1.309) for MACE. However, RCTs showed no significant link between PPI therapy and negative cardiovascular events (Relative Risk: 1.016, 95% CI: 0.878-1.175). Substantial heterogeneity was observed among observational studies but not RCTs. CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that while observational studies suggest a potential risk of adverse cardiovascular events with post-PCI use of PPI, RCTs do not support this association. Further large-scale, high-quality studies are required to understand the cardiovascular implications of individual PPIs better and optimize patient management post-PCI. This analysis shows the complexity of PPI use in patients with coronary artery diseases and the necessity to balance gastroprotective benefits against potential cardiovascular risks.

Exploring the contribution of cancer palliative care development toward alleviating the human crisis of suffering in low- and middle-income countries: A framework synthesis protocol.

OBJECTIVES: Inadequate access to cancer care, high mortality, and out-of-pocket expenditure contribute to health-related suffering in low- and middle-income countries, making palliative care a relevant option. How palliative care development has alleviated suffering is not systematically studied, necessitating this review's conduct. The objective of this systematic review with a framework synthesis approach is to identify and map the dimensions and indicators of cancer palliative care development and the components of integration between cancer and palliative care in LMICs. METHODS: Uni- and multi-disciplinary databases like Cochrane, MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, CINAHL Complete, and PsycINFO will be systematically searched for eligible studies exploring cancer palliative care development in LMICs and their contribution to alleviating health-related suffering in the cancer context. Our selection process will encompass countries classified by the World Bank as low-income (26 countries), lower-income (54 countries), and upper-middle-income (54 countries). RESULTS: Review findings will be synthesised and analysed using a best-fit framework synthesis method using 2 frameworks (the WHO model of components and indicators for palliative care development and integration elements between oncology and palliative care), and the findings will be developed as themes and subthemes, and patterns interpreted using these 2 models. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: This review will analyse the development of cancer palliative care in LMICs. It will identify gaps in provision, solutions derived at the regional level to address them, and best practices and failed models with reasons underpinning them.

Palliative and end-of-life care practices for critically ill patients and their families in a peri-intensive care setting: A protocol for an umbrella review.

OBJECTIVES: This umbrella review will summarize palliative and end-of-life care practices in peri-intensive care settings by reviewing systematic reviews in intensive care unit (ICU) settings. Evidence suggests that integrating palliative care into ICU management, initiating conversations about care goals, and providing psychological and emotional support can significantly enhance patient and family outcomes. METHODS: The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for umbrella reviews will be followed. The search will be carried out from inception until 30 September 2023 in the following databases: Cochrane Library, SCOPUS, Web of Science, CINAHL Complete, Medline, EMBASE, and PsycINFO. Two reviewers will independently conduct screening, data extraction, and quality assessment, and to resolve conflicts, adding a third reviewer will facilitate the consensus-building process. The quality assessment will be carried out using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist. The review findings will be reported per the guidelines outlined in the Preferred Reporting Items for Overviews of Reviews statement. RESULTS: This umbrella review seeks to inform future research and practice in critical care medicine, helping to ensure that end-of-life care interventions are optimized to meet the needs of critically ill patients and their families.

Comparative evaluation of surface roughness and bacterial adhesion on two bioactive cements: an in-vitro study.

BACKGROUND: Dental restorative materials are recognized as artificial niches that facilitate the adherence and accumulation of oral microorganisms. To mitigate oral diseases and extend the lifespan of restorations, it is advantageous to use dental materials that exhibit low susceptibility to bacterial adhesion. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare bacterial adhesion on two bioactive restorative materials, a glass hybrid restorative, and an alkasite with a nanohybrid resin composite as a positive control. The secondary objectives were to compare the surface roughness (SR) of the materials and determine the correlation between the bacterial adhesion and the SR. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The samples consisted of 33 polished discs of each material: Group A: Tetric® N-Ceram (nanohybrid resin composite), Group B: Equia Forte™ HT Fil (glass hybrid restorative) and Group C: Cention N® (alkasite). Streptococcus mutans cultures were inoculated and after 24-hours of incubation, bacterial adhesion was measured by measuring optical density (OD) and number of colony forming units (CFUs). After 96-hours incubation, the bacterial cell count was determined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SR was assessed using surface profilometer. RESULTS: Alkasite had significantly lower OD and CFUs (p < 0.001 and p = 0.015 respectively). According to the SEM analysis, the glass hybrid restorative had lower mean bacterial cell count with no significant difference between the groups. The nanohybrid composite had the smoothest surface that was significantly lower than the alkasite and glass hybrid restorative (p = 0.002). None of the groups demonstrated a correlation between bacterial adhesion and SR. CONCLUSION: Alkasite impedes bacterial adhesion better than the glass hybrid restorative and nanohybrid composite, while smoother surfaces are achieved with the nanohybrid composite.

Artificial intelligence and visual inspection in cervical cancer screening.

INTRODUCTION: Visual inspection with acetic acid is limited by subjectivity and a lack of skilled human resource. A decision support system based on artificial intelligence could address these limitations. We conducted a diagnostic study to assess the diagnostic performance using visual inspection with acetic acid under magnification of healthcare workers, experts, and an artificial intelligence algorithm. METHODS: A total of 22 healthcare workers, 9 gynecologists/experts in visual inspection with acetic acid, and the algorithm assessed a set of 83 images from existing datasets with expert consensus as the reference. Their diagnostic performance was determined by analyzing sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve, and intra- and inter-observer agreement was measured using Fleiss kappa values. RESULTS: Sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve were, respectively, 80.4%, 80.5%, and 0.80 (95% CI 0.70 to 0.90) for the healthcare workers, 81.6%, 93.5%, and 0.93 (95% CI 0.87 to 1.00) for the experts, and 80.0%, 83.3%, and 0.84 (95% CI 0.75 to 0.93) for the algorithm. Kappa values for the healthcare workers, experts, and algorithm were 0.45, 0.68, and 0.63, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study enabled simultaneous assessment and demonstrated that expert consensus can be an alternative to histopathology to establish a reference standard for further training of healthcare workers and the artificial intelligence algorithm to improve diagnostic accuracy.

Investigating feasibility of 2021 WHO protocol for cervical cancer screening in underscreened populations: PREvention and SCReening Innovation Project Toward Elimination of Cervical Cancer (PRESCRIP-TEC).

BACKGROUND: High-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) testing has been recommended by the World Health Organization as the primary screening test in cervical screening programs. The option of self-sampling for this screening method can potentially increase women's participation. Designing screening programs to implement this method among underscreened populations will require contextualized evidence. METHODS: PREvention and SCReening Innovation Project Toward Elimination of Cervical Cancer (PRESCRIP-TEC) will use a multi-method approach to investigate the feasibility of implementing a cervical cancer screening strategy with hrHPV self-testing as the primary screening test in Bangladesh, India, Slovak Republic and Uganda. The primary outcomes of study include uptake and coverage of the screening program and adherence to follow-up. These outcomes will be evaluated through a pre-post quasi-experimental study design. Secondary objectives of the study include the analysis of client-related factors and health system factors related to cervical cancer screening, a validation study of an artificial intelligence decision support system and an economic evaluation of the screening strategy. DISCUSSION: PRESCRIP-TEC aims to provide evidence regarding hrHPV self-testing and the World Health Organization's recommendations for cervical cancer screening in a variety of settings, targeting vulnerable groups. The main quantitative findings of the project related to the impact on uptake and coverage of screening will be complemented by qualitative analyses of various determinants of successful implementation of screening. The study will also provide decision-makers with insights into economic aspects of implementing hrHPV self-testing, as well as evaluate the feasibility of using artificial intelligence for task-shifting in visual inspection with acetic acid. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05234112 . Registered 10 February 2022.

Clinical effectiveness of resin-modified glass ionomer-based fluoride varnish for preventing occlusal caries lesions in partially erupted permanent molars: A randomised active-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Deep pits and fissures in partially erupted permanent molars are vulnerable to dental caries. AIM: To assess the clinical effectiveness of resin-modified glass ionomer-based fluoride varnish (RMGI-F varnish: Clinpro XT™ varnish) in preventing occlusal caries lesions in partially erupted permanent first molars. DESIGN: In this randomised active-controlled superiority trial with a single-blind parallel design, 74 children with 182 partially erupted first permanent molars were allocated into two groups: Group 1: RMGI-F varnish; and Group 2: GI sealant (active control), with an application of 0.1% sodium fluoride varnish for all other teeth. The primary outcome was ICDAS score ≥1 at 12 months of follow-up. Data were analysed using adjusted Chi-square test and GEE regression for binary outcomes. RESULTS: Group 1 (15.7%) and Group 2 (13.8%) did not differ significantly in ICDAS ≥1 scores at 12 months of follow-up (adjusted χ2  = 0.373, p = .541). There was no significant difference in retention between Group 1 (48.3%) and Group 2 (20.7%) at 12 months of follow-up (adjusted χ2  = 0.1, p = .752). Mean application time per tooth (16 ± 5.9 vs 20.2 ± 5.4 min) was significantly different (t = 5.26, p = .014). CONCLUSIONS: RMGI-F varnish was not superior to GI sealant in preventing occlusal caries lesions in partially erupted molars.

Dietary practices among children with early childhood caries and the associated factors: A qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Parents play a vital role in their children's dietary habits. A comprehensive understanding of the perspectives of parents of children with early childhood caries (ECC) is required for prevention program planning. AIM: To describe the parental perspective of the dietary habits of children with ECC. DESIGN: In this descriptive qualitative study, the participants were parents of children with ECC receiving routine dental care. Data were collected through focus groups using an interview guide. Data were analyzed manually using the content analysis method. RESULTS: Five focus groups involving 27 participants were conducted. Two main categories emerged: cariogenic food literacy and factors that affect food choices. Most of the participants knew that sugary foods are responsible for tooth decay. Parents felt that children's snacking habits were influenced by multiple factors, such as family environment, peers, commercials on television or the Internet, and affordability of food. CONCLUSIONS: Parents are not able to translate their knowledge into action to modify their children's diet as they may lack self-efficacy and feel pressured by their children, the media and the environment in which they live. Motivational interviewing of parents and governmental and school policies to reduce sugary food consumption may be required.

Early childhood caries and parents' challenges in implementing oral hygiene practices: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Early childhood caries (ECC) is highly prevalent with significant long-term consequences. Parents are primarily responsible for the oral health practices of their children. Parents' health beliefs, attitudes, and cultural factors influence oral health practices. AIM: To explore and understand the perceptions and challenges faced by the parents of the children with ECC in performing routine oral hygiene practices for their children. DESIGN: We conducted a qualitative description study with the parents of children with ECC. Data were collected through five focus groups using culturally appropriate, semi-structured, open-ended questions and probes. Focus groups were audiotaped, and field notes were taken, which were transcribed verbatim after each focus group session. Data were analyzed using content analyses. RESULTS: A vast majority of the participants were aware of the significance of oral hygiene. However, they faced challenges in implementing proper home hygiene practices at home and lacked knowledge about the type of toothpaste and toothbrush to be used for their children. CONCLUSION: The parents of the children with ECC face a severe knowledge gap, which is interfering with the selection of proper oral hygiene aids for their children. They also face barriers in implementing oral hygiene routines for their children, in spite of awareness that tooth brushing is important.

Association of temperament with dental anxiety and behaviour of the preschool child during the initial dental visit.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is an association between temperament characteristics of preschool children, dental anxiety, and their dental behaviour. A total of 100 children, aged 3-5 yr, who were attending their initial dental visit accompanied by a parent, were included in this cross-sectional study. Dental anxiety of children was measured using the Facial Image Scale. The behaviour of children during the initial oral examination and oral prophylaxis was assessed using Frankl's behaviour rating scale. Temperament was assessed using Emotionality, Activity, Shyness Temperament Survey for Children (parental ratings). Statistically significant weak linear positive correlations were seen between the following: the percentage duration of definitely negative behaviour and shyness scores (rs  = 0.28); anxiety level and emotionality scores (rs  = 0.28); and anxiety level and shyness scores (rs  = 0.26). Multinomial logistic regression analysis revealed that children with higher anxiety had higher odds of showing definitely negative behaviour, which decreased with increasing age of the child. Emotionality and shyness temperaments may be weakly associated with dental anxiety, and shyness may be weakly associated with the dental behaviour of the preschool child. Definitely negative dental behaviour is associated with dental anxiety and age of the child.

Effect of a relaxation training exercise on behaviour, anxiety, and pain during buccal infiltration anaesthesia in children: Randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive behavioural techniques can decrease procedural pain and anxiety in children. Bubble breath exercise, a play therapy technique, may be used as a relaxation strategy to manage anxiety and pain. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of bubble breath exercise on dental anxiety, dental behaviour, and pain intensity during buccal infiltration of local anaesthetic in children. STUDY DESIGN: This randomized controlled trial involved 66 children aged 7-11 years, randomly allocated to two groups: Group 1 (control) and Group 2 (intervention group). Group 2 was trained in bubble breath exercise. The reaction during buccal infiltration anaesthesia was recorded in terms of behaviour (Frankl's behaviour rating scale), anxiety (Facial Image Scale and pulse rate), and pain perception (Wong-Baker FACES pain rating scale and the Faces, Leg, Activity, Cry, and Consolability scale). RESULTS: The bubble breath exercise significantly reduced the pain perceived, as measured by both the Wong-Baker FACES pain rating scale (P < 0.001) and the FLACC scale (P < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in dental anxiety and behaviour among the groups. CONCLUSION: Use of bubble breath exercise may be beneficial in decreasing the pain perceived during maxillary buccal infiltration anaesthesia in 7- to 11-year-old children.

Comparative Evaluation of Three Obturating Techniques in Primary Molars: An in Vivo Study.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the quality of obturation between the two tested methods for root canal filling with a newer system in primary teeth. Study design: A total of 104 canals were prepared and obturated using zinc oxide eugenol paste. The three delivery systems compared were: Rotary lentulospiral and Navitip® withNavitip® Double Sideport. Radiographs were used to evaluate the canals for length of obturation and presence of voids. Results: The data were analyzed using chi-square tests. Significant differences was seen between the three groups for the presence of voids (p value =0.042) with less voids in Navitip® Double Sideport. There were no difference between the three groups for the extent of filling (p value=0.170). Conclusion- Navitip® Double Sideport showed the better results in terms of extent of obturation and absence of voids when compared to the Rotary lentulospiral and Navitip®.

Evaluation of pit-and-fissure sealants placed with four different bonding protocols: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Application of adhesive after acid etching may increase the retention of pit-and-fissure sealants and improve clinical effectiveness. AIMS: To clinically evaluate the retention, marginal discoloration and caries incidence of pit-and-fissure sealants applied using four bonding protocols: conventional acid etching, etch-and-rinse adhesive, multimode universal adhesive and self-etch adhesive used after acid etching. DESIGN: In this split-mouth design study, the four adhesive protocols were randomly assigned to the four erupted, non-carious first permanent molars and involved 52 patients between 6 and 10 years of age. The sealants were evaluated at 3-, 6- and 12-month intervals. Statistical analysis was carried out using Friedman test and Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: At 12 months, the retention rate was maximum in etch-and-rinse and universal adhesive groups (77.1%) followed by self-etch adhesive (58.3%) and conventional acid etching group (45.8%). Dental caries was observed only in one tooth, and marginal discoloration was found to be the highest in conventional group and least in etch-and-rinse group. CONCLUSIONS: Use of adhesives during pit-and-fissure sealant application does not significantly enhance sealant retention nor decrease marginal discoloration. Etch-and-rinse adhesive is advantageous only at short term.

Parenting style and oral health practices in early childhood caries: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: There is a need to carry out controlled investigations regarding risk factors for early childhood caries (ECC). AIM: To study the type of parenting style and oral health practices as risk factors among children with ECC in an Indian preschool population. METHODS: Two hundred and eleven children with ECC and equal number of controls participated in this case-control study. A questionnaire was answered by parents regarding oral health practices such as oral hygiene methods, feeding habits, daily sugar intake, and dental attendance pattern along with socioeconomic and demographic status. The parenting style was determined using Parenting Styles Dimension Questionnaire (PSDQ) index. Data were statistically analyzed using chi-square test and multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Risk factors associated with ECC were higher birth order, lower socioeconomic status, non-use of fluoridated toothpaste, breast/bottle feeding for more than one year, presence of formula milk or milk with sugar in the feeding bottle while falling asleep, higher sweet scores in the diet chart, and visiting dentist only when a problem was perceived. Majority of parents of children with and without ECC had authoritative parenting style. CONCLUSION: Improper oral health practices are the risk factors for ECC. The association of parenting style with ECC could not be confirmed.

Effect of fluoride varnish and chlorhexidine-thymol varnish on mutans streptococci levels in human dental plaque: a double-blinded randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Recent systematic reviews on clinical trials comparing the efficacy of chlorhexidine and fluoride varnish found that the evidence was inconclusive and further well-conducted randomized controlled clinical trials were advocated. AIM: To compare the effect of fluoride varnish (F) and Chlorhexidine-thymol varnish (CHX/T) with intensive application regimen on mutans streptococci (MS) levels in human dental plaque. DESIGN: Seventy-five subjects between 6 and 10 years of age were allocated into three groups: Group 1-F varnish (n = 29); Group 2-CHX/T varnish(n = 29); Group 3-placebo varnish (n = 17) by stratified block randomization. After baseline plaque samples were obtained, varnish application was applied and repeated at an interval of 3 days in each group. Plaque samples were repeated at 48 h, 1 month, and 3 months. The samples were spread over mitis-salivarius-bacitracin (MSB) culture media, and the colony-forming units per ml (CFU) were measured. RESULTS: In both Groups 1 and 2, Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank test revealed significant differences in log CFU values of MS between baseline and 48 h, baseline and 1 month but no significant difference between baseline and 3 months. An intergroup comparison at different time intervals showed that the difference between three groups was statistically insignificant. CONCLUSION: F varnish and CHX/T varnish, with an intensive regimen application have equivocal effect on MS levels in dental plaque.

Efficacy of lignocaine in gel and spray form during buccal infiltration anesthesia in children: a randomized clinical trial.

AIM: To compare the efficacy of 15% lignocaine spray and 8% lignocaine gel as a topical anesthetic, in reducing pain, during buccal infiltration in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-two patients aged between 7 and 12 years requiring restorative procedures/extraction/pulp therapy of primary/ permanent teeth in the maxillary arch, under buccal infiltration anesthesia were selected for the study. The participants were randomly allocated into 2 groups of 21 each. In group A, 8% lignocaine gel and in group B, 15% lignocaine spray was applied prior to buccal infiltration. Pain was assessed using Wong-Baker faces pain rating scale (WBFPRS) and faces legs activity cry and consolability (FLACC) painscale. RESULTS: Pearson's chi-square test revealed that there was no significant difference in the FLACC scores of the two groups (p = 0.54). Independent t-test demonstrated that there was no significant difference in Wong-Bakers faces pain score between the two agents (p = 0.07). CONCLUSION: There is no significant difference in the efficacy of 15% lignocaine spray and 8% lignocaine gel as a topical anesthetic in controlling pain during buccal infiltration anesthesia, in children.

Silver modified atraumatic restorative treatment: a paradigm shift in dental caries management.

Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) and atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) are treatment modalities that are minimally invasive and used for the prevention and control of dental caries. The amalgamation of these two techniques has led to the development of silver modified atraumatic restorative treatment (SMART). In this approach the carious lesion is restored with glass-ionomer cement (GIC) after SDF application. SMART effectively arrests caries without removing additional tooth structure, making it a promising option for caries management in children who lack cooperative ability.This article reviews the literature on SMART, the evidence regarding its applications in dental practice, its advantages, drawbacks, the scope for research, and clinical use.

Organic antibacterial modifications of high-viscosity glass ionomer cement for atraumatic restorative treatment: A review.

High viscosity glass ionomer cement (HVGIC) has been employed as a restorative material for Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART). As residual caries persist after caries removal in ART, the antibacterial activity of HVGIC gains importance. Organic and inorganic substances with antibacterial properties have been incorporated into HVGIC over the years, and their effects on the antibacterial and physical properties have been studied. The objective of this paper is to review the various alterations made to HVGIC using organic compounds, their effect on the antibacterial activity, and the physical properties of the cement. Various in vitro investigations have been conducted by adding antiseptics, antibiotics, and naturally occurring antibacterial substances. Most of these compounds render superior antibacterial properties to HVGIC, but higher concentrations affect physical properties in a dose-dependent manner. However, some naturally occurring antibacterial substances, such as chitosan, improve the physical properties of HVGIC, as they enhance cross-linking and polysalt bridging. There is potential for clinical benefits to be gained from the addition of organic antibacterial compounds to HVGIC. In-depth research is required to determine the optimum concentration at which the antibacterial effect is maximum without affecting the physical properties of the cement.