Exploratory Analysis of Objective Outcome Measures for the Clinical Assessment of Erosive Tooth Wear.

This study proposed using enamel surface texture and thickness for the objective detection and monitoring of erosive tooth wear (ETW), comparing them to the standard subjective Basic Erosive Wear Evaluation (BEWE). Thirty-two subjects (n = 597 teeth) were enrolled in this longitudinal observational clinical study. Enamel thickness (by cross-polarization optical coherence tomography, CP-OCT) and 3D dental microwear parameters, i.e., area-scale fractal complexity (Asfc), anisotropy (Str), and roughness (Sa) (by white-light scanning confocal profilometry), were obtained from buccal surfaces. Buccal, occlusal, and lingual surfaces were scored for BEWE and the maximum score per tooth (BEWEMax) was determined at baseline and 12 months (M12). Data outcome relationships were evaluated (alpha = 0.05). Enamel thickness decreased (p < 0.001), BEWE scores, Sa, and Str increased (p < 0.001), while Asfc did not change at M12. Baseline BEWEBuccal correlated strongly with BEWEMax (r = 0.86, p < 0.001) and moderately with BEWELingual (r = 0.42, p < 0.001), but not with enamel thickness (r = 0.03, p = 0.43). Change (Δ) in surface texture outcomes correlated poorly but significantly with ΔBEWEBuccal (r = -0.15-0.16, p < 0.001) and did not correlate with Δenamel thickness (r = 0.02-0.09, p > 0.06). Teeth with BEWE progression revealed a greater increase in ΔSa and ΔStr. These findings suggest that enamel surface roughness can potentially determine ETW severity, and CP-OCT may be relevant for clinically monitoring enamel thickness.

Risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 transmission in close contacts of adults at high risk of infection due to occupation: results from the contact tracing strategy of the CoVIDA epidemiological surveillance study in Bogotá, Colombia, in 2020-2021.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 transmission in close contacts of adults at high risk of infection due to occupation, participants of the CoVIDA study, in Bogotá D.C., Colombia. SETTING: The CoVIDA study was the largest COVID-19 intensified sentinel epidemiological surveillance study in Colombia thus far, performing over 60 000 RT-PCR tests for SARS-CoV-2 infection. The study implemented a contact tracing strategy (via telephone call) to support traditional surveillance actions performed by the local health authority. PARTICIPANTS: Close contacts of participants from the CoVIDA study. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: SARS-CoV-2 testing results were obtained (RT-PCR with CoVIDA or self-reported results). The secondary attack rate (SAR) was calculated using contacts and primary cases features. RESULTS: The CoVIDA study performed 1257 contact tracing procedures on primary cases. A total of 5551 close contacts were identified and 1050 secondary cases (21.1%) were found. The highest SAR was found in close contacts: (1) who were spouses (SAR=32.7%; 95% CI 29.1% to 36.4%), (2) of informally employed or unemployed primary cases (SAR=29.1%; 95% CI 25.5% to 32.8%), (3) of symptomatic primary cases (SAR of 25.9%; 95% CI 24.0% to 27.9%) and (4) living in households with more than three people (SAR=22.2%; 95% CI 20.7% to 23.8%). The spouses (OR 3.85; 95% CI 2.60 to 5.70), relatives (OR 1.89; 95% CI 1.33 to 2.70) and close contacts of a symptomatic primary case (OR 1.48; 95% CI 1.24 to 1.77) had an increased risk of being secondary cases compared with non-relatives and close contacts of an asymptomatic index case, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Contact tracing strategies must focus on households with socioeconomic vulnerabilities to guarantee isolation and testing to stop the spread of the disease.

Evaluation of fluoride and calcium concentrations in drinking water from public water fountains on a university campus.

Optimal exposure to fluoride and calcium from tap water is beneficial for dental caries prevention. Water fountains may be an important source of drinking water in work and educational settings. The aims of this study were to quantify the fluoride and calcium concentrations of drinking water samples collected from public water fountains on the Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis campus; compare the fluoride and calcium concentrations in water collected at 2 different times; and determine whether the presence or absence of a visible external filter affects fluoride and calcium concentrations. Ninety samples were collected from 45 water fountains accessible to the public, and 90 duplicate samples were collected 1 month later. A fluoride ion-selective electrode was used in conjunction with an ion-specific meter to determine fluoride concentration, while atomic absorption spectrometry in an air-acetylene flame was implemented to quantify the calcium concentration. The fluoride and calcium concentration of drinking water samples displayed ranges of 0.62 mg/L to 0.97 mg/L and 56.61 mg/L to 89.11 mg/L, respectively. The concentrations of fluoride and calcium in drinking water were slightly lower at the second collection period (P < 0.001; Wilcoxon signed rank test). No statistically significant differences were observed in the fluoride or calcium concentration of drinking water collected from water fountains with an external filter cartridge in comparison with fountains that did not have a filter. Fluoride concentrations were within the optimal range recommended by the US Public Health Service for fluoridated drinking water, and calcium concentrations were consistent with those reported in previous surveillance studies.

Effectiveness and adherence to closed face shields in the prevention of COVID-19 transmission: a non-inferiority randomized controlled trial in a middle-income setting (COVPROSHIELD).

BACKGROUND: The use of respiratory devices can mitigate the spread of diseases such as COVID-19 in community settings. We aimed to determine the effectiveness of closed face shields with surgical face masks to prevent SARS-CoV-2 transmission in working adults during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bogotá, Colombia. METHODS: An open-label non-inferiority randomized controlled trial that randomly assigned participants to one of two groups: the intervention group was instructed to wear closed face shields with surgical face masks, and the active control group was instructed to wear only surgical face masks. The primary outcome was a positive reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction test, IgG/IgM antibody test for SARS-CoV-2 detection, or both during and at the end of the follow-up period of 21 days. The non-inferiority limit was established at - 5%. RESULTS: A total of 316 participants were randomized, 160 participants were assigned to the intervention group and 156 to the active control group. In total, 141 (88.1%) participants in the intervention group and 142 (91.0%) in the active control group completed the follow-up. PRIMARY OUTCOME: a positive SARS-CoV-2 test result was identified in one (0.71%) participant in the intervention group and three (2.1%) in the active control group. In the intention-to-treat analysis, the absolute risk difference was - 1.40% (95% CI [- 4.14%, 1.33%]), and in the per-protocol analysis, the risk difference was - 1.40% (95% CI [- 4.20, 1.40]), indicating non-inferiority of the closed face shield plus face mask (did not cross the non-inferiority limit). CONCLUSIONS: The use of closed face shields and surgical face masks was non-inferior to the surgical face mask alone in the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection in highly exposed groups. Settings with highly active viral transmission and conditions such as poor ventilation, crowding, and high mobility due to occupation may benefit from the combined use of masks and closed face shields to mitigate SARS-CoV-2 transmission. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04647305 . Registered on November 30, 2020.

Prediction of SARS-CoV-2 infection with a Symptoms-Based model to aid public health decision making in Latin America and other low and middle income settings.

Symptoms-based models for predicting SARS-CoV-2 infection may improve clinical decision-making and be an alternative to resource allocation in under-resourced settings. In this study we aimed to test a model based on symptoms to predict a positive test result for SARS-CoV-2 infection during the COVID-19 pandemic using logistic regression and a machine-learning approach, in Bogotá, Colombia. Participants from the CoVIDA project were included. A logistic regression using the model was chosen based on biological plausibility and the Akaike Information criterion. Also, we performed an analysis using machine learning with random forest, support vector machine, and extreme gradient boosting. The study included 58,577 participants with a positivity rate of 5.7%. The logistic regression showed that anosmia (aOR = 7.76, 95% CI [6.19, 9.73]), fever (aOR = 4.29, 95% CI [3.07, 6.02]), headache (aOR = 3.29, 95% CI [1.78, 6.07]), dry cough (aOR = 2.96, 95% CI [2.44, 3.58]), and fatigue (aOR = 1.93, 95% CI [1.57, 2.93]) were independently associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Our final model had an area under the curve of 0.73. The symptoms-based model correctly identified over 85% of participants. This model can be used to prioritize resource allocation related to COVID-19 diagnosis, to decide on early isolation, and contact-tracing strategies in individuals with a high probability of infection before receiving a confirmatory test result. This strategy has public health and clinical decision-making significance in low- and middle-income settings like Latin America.

Funcionalidad familiar, soporte de amigos y rendimiento académico en estudiantes de odontología / Family functionality, friend support and academic performance in Odontology college students

Introducción: Los factores relacionados con la funcionalidad familiar en estudiantes universitarios podrían asociarse con la deserción académica e impactar de manera negativa sobre el rendimiento académico. Objetivo: Describir las relaciones entre las características sociodemográficas y familiares, con la funcionalidad familiar, el soporte de amigos y el rendimiento académico en los estudiantes de odontología de una universidad pública de la ciudad de Cartagena. Materiales y métodos: Estudio de corte transversal, con una muestra de 438 estudiantes. Se utilizó un instrumento tipo encuesta sobre variables sociodemográficas, características familiares y de la vivienda. Los datos fueron analizados a partir de estadística descriptiva y análisis bivariados con la prueba Chi cuadrado de Pearson. Resultados: Se observó una relación estadísticamente significativa entre la edad y la funcionalidad familiar (p=0,0029). Asimismo, se obtuvo una relación significativa entre la procedencia y el soporte de amigos (p=0,0230), así como entre la baja escolaridad y la funcionalidad familiar (p=0,0018). Conclusiones: La identificación de los factores que se relacionan con la funcionalidad familiar y el soporte de amigos pueden contribuir a determinar qué aspectos deben considerarse para el diseño e implementación de intervenciones académicas dirigidas a estudiantes del programa.

Introduction: Academic dropout in college students could be associated with family functionality, which could also negatively impact their academic performance. Objective: To describe the relationship between sociodemographic and family characteristics with family functionality, friend support, and academic performance in Odontology students from a public university in the city of Cartagena (Colombia). Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 438 students. A survey-type instrument was used to obtain information regarding sociodemographic variables as well as family and home characteristics. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis with a Pearson's Chi square test. Results: A statistically significant relationship was observed between students' age and family functionality (p=0.0029). Likewise, a significant relationship was found between the origin of the students and friend support (p=0.0230), as well as between low education level and family functionality (p=0.0018). Conclusions: The identification of factors related to family functionality and friend support can contribute to determining important aspects to be considered for the design and implementation of academic interventions focused on Odontology students.

SARS-CoV-2 Drive/Walk-Thru screening centers in Colombia: The CoVIDA Project / Centros de tamizaje masivo para SARS COV-2 en Colombia: Proyecto CoVIDA

Abstract Objective: The CoVIDA project is a public-private collaboration led by Universidad de los Andes that contributed to the SARS-CoV-2 epidemiological surveillance in Bogotá and nearby municipalities. We aimed to describe the development and performance of the Drive/Walk-through free RT- PCR for SARS-CoV-2 testing strategy implemented by CoVIDA. Material and method: We performed a descriptive analysis of the characteristics and performance of the CoVIDA Drive/Walk-through testing centers. The model and the process indicators to assess the model's performance were based on international experiences and scientific literature. Two screening centers were imple mented in shopping centers in the north and south of Bogotá. We reported the number of tests taken, the number of positive tests, and the number of participants that used the model by the type of occupations. Results: In total, 36,689 nasopharyngeal RT-PCR tests for SARS-CoV-2 were performed with a 5.75% cumulative positivity. Process indicators showed an excellent performance and an important contribution in reducing barriers to access to testing. Conclusions: the CoVIDA Drive/Walk-through testing centers supported the epidemiological surveillance in asymptomatic or mild-symptomatic population in Bo gotá. Low and middle-income countries can use this model as a cost-effective and innovative solution strategy to intensify testing and help mitigate the pandemic.

Resumen Objetivo: El proyecto CoVIDA es una colaboración público-privada liderada por la Universidad de los Andes que contribuyó a la vigilancia epidemiológica del SARS-CoV-2 en Bogotá y municipios cercanos. Nuestro objetivo fue describir el desarrollo y rendimiento de la estrategia de tamizaje gratuito con RT-PCR mediante un modelo Drive/Walk through para SARS-CoV-2 implementado por CoVIDA. Materiales y métodos: Realizamos un análisis descriptivo de las características y desempeño de los centros de tamizaje Drive/Walk through de CoVIDA. El modelo y los indicadores de proceso para evaluar el desempeño del modelo se basaron en experiencias internacionales y la literatura científica. Se implementaron dos cen tros de tamizaje en centros comerciales del norte y sur de Bogotá. Se reportó la cantidad de pruebas tomadas, pruebas positivas y de participantes que utilizaron el modelo de acuerdo con el tipo de ocupaciones. Resultados : En total, se realizaron 36,689 pruebas RT-PCR nasofaríngeas para SARS-CoV-2 con una positividad acumulada del 5,75%. Los indicadores de proceso mostraron un excelente desempeño y una contribución importante en la reducción de las barreras de acceso a las pruebas. Conclusiones: los centros de tamizaje con modelo Drive/Walk through de CoVIDA apoyaron la vigilancia epidemiológica en población asintomática o con síntomas leves en Bogotá. Los países de ingresos bajos y medianos pueden utilizar este modelo como una estrategia innovadora y rentable para aumentar la realización de las pruebas y ayudar a mitigar la pandemia.

Factors Associated With SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Bogotá, Colombia: Results From a Large Epidemiological Surveillance Study.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiologic surveillance of COVID-19 is essential to collect and analyse data to improve public health decision making during the pandemic. There are few initiatives led by public-private alliances in Colombia and Latin America. The CoVIDA project contributed with RT-PCR tests for SARS-CoV-2 in mild or asymptomatic populations in Bogotá. The present study aimed to determine the factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in working adults. METHODS: COVID-19 intensified sentinel epidemiological surveillance study, from April 18, 2020, to March 29, 2021. The study included people aged 18 years or older without a history of COVID-19. Two main occupational groups were included: healthcare and essential services workers with high mobility in the city. Social, demographic, and health-related factors were collected via phone survey. Afterwards, the molecular test was conducted to detect SARS-CoV-2 infection. FINDINGS: From the 58,638 participants included in the study, 3,310 (5·6%) had a positive result. A positive result was associated with the age group (18-29 years) compared with participants aged 60 or older, participants living with more than three cohabitants, living with a confirmed case, having no affiliation to the health system compared to those with social health security, reporting a very low socioeconomic status compared to those with higher socioeconomic status, and having essential occupations compared to healthcare workers. INTERPRETATION: The CoVIDA study showed the importance of intensified epidemiological surveillance to identify groups with increased risk of infection. These groups should be prioritised in the screening, contact tracing, and vaccination strategies to mitigate the pandemic. FUNDING: The CoVIDA study was funded through donors managed by the philanthropy department of Universidad de los Andes.

Impacto de la sonrisa sobre calidad de vida relacionada con salud bucal en adultos / Impact of the smile on oral health-related quality of life in adults

RESUMEN: Objetivo. Describir impacto de la sonrisa sobre calidad de vida relacionada con la salud bucal (CVRSB) en pacientes, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de Cartagena, Colombia. Material y Métodos. Estudio analítico de corte transversal, en 389 adultos seleccionados por muestreo censal. Se indagó: variables sociodemográficas, la sonrisa evaluada de dos formas: Apariencia Clínica: color y tamaño de dientes, encías y labios, número de dientes, presencia de caries, restos radiculares, uso de prótesis dentales y Satisfacción de la Sonrisa: a través del Smile Perception Impact related Quality of Life (SPIRQoL). También se indagó por la CVRSB con el General Oral Health Assesment Index (GOHAI). Fue realizado análisis univariado y multivariado de Regresión de Poisson con varianza robusta y nivel de confianza del 95 %. Resultados. 17,7 % (IC 95%: 7,6-13,8) presentó insatisfacción con su sonrisa (SPIRQoL) y el dominio autoestima fue el más comprometido; en el modelo multivariado la procedencia rural impactó de manera negativa sobre la satisfacción de la sonrisa (SPIRQoL) (RR: 2,27, IC 95 %: 1,4-3,6, p=0,001), igual que el tamaño inadecuado de dientes (RR: 10, IC 95 %: 3,12-32,1, p= 0,000), encías (RR: 2,4, IC 95 %: 1,3-4,3, p=0,004) y labios inadecuados (RR: 2,5, IC 95 %: 1,5-4,4, p=0,001). La insatisfacción de la sonrisa impactó de manera negativa sobre la CVRSB (GOHAI) (RR: 1,19, IC 95%: 1,2-1,4, p= 0,000). Conclusiones. La insatisfacción de la sonrisa genera impacto negativo sobre CVRSB además de la apariencia clínica inadecuada de dientes, encías y labios y ser de procedencia rural.

ABSTRACT: Objective. To assess the impact of the smile on oral health-related quality of life in adults, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Cartagena, Colombia. Material and Methods. Analytic Cross-sectional study in 389 subjects aged between 18 and 81 years using Census sampling. The sociodemographic variables were evaluated and the smile assessed , in two ways: Clinical Appearance: teethcolor and size, gums, lips, number of teeth, presence of caries, root fragments, use of dentures and Smile Satisfaction: through the Smile Perception Impact-related Quality of Life (SPIRQoL). Besides, the Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) was evaluated through the General Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI). Univariate statistical analysis and multivariate analysis with Poisson regression models were used to associate the different clinical and sociodemographic factors with the outcome. Results. 17,7% (CI 95% = 7,6 -13,8) showed dissatisfaction with their smile (SPIRQoL); the self-esteem was the most compromised domain; in the multivariate model, the rural origin had a negative impact on the smile perception measured by SPIRQoL (RR: 2,27; CI 95 %= 1,4-3,6; p=0,001), just like inadequate size teeth (RR: 10; CI 95 %= 3,12-32,1, p= 0.000), inadequate gums (RR: 2.4; CI 95 %= 1,3-4,3; p=0,004) and inadequate lips (RR: 2,5; CI 95 %=1,5-4,4; p=0,001). Smile dissatisfaction showed negative impacts on the OHRQoL measured with GOHAI (RR: 1,19; IC 95%= 1,2-1,4; p= 0,000). Conclusion. Smile dissatisfaction showed negative impacts on OHRQoL, in addition to the clinical inadequate appearance of teeth , gums and lips and being from rural origin.

El cáncer bucal y su relación con la proteína translocadora mitocondrial de 18kda / Oral cancer and its relation with the 18kda mitochondrial translocator protein

Resumen El cáncer bucal posee una alta incidencia y mortalidad a nivel global. A pesar de los avances en el diagnóstico y el pronóstico de esta enfermedad, aún se mantiene una baja tasa de supervivencia de 5 años, lo cual hace necesario el estudio de métodos diagnósticos que sean capaces de detectar la enfermedad en estadios tempranos. Es por esto que avances en proteómica e inmunohistoquímica, han permitido identificar diversos biomarcadores, entre ellos la proteína translocadora (TSPO) mitocondrial de 18kDa, la cual está involucrada en diversos procesos celulares, como el transporte de colesterol, la proliferación celular y la apoptosis. Se ha reportado la presencia de valores alterados de la TSPO en diversos tipos de cáncer, así como la presencia de la TSPO en saliva y tejido de sujetos con cáncer bucal, lo cual representa una oportunidad para entender el proceso de la carcinogénesis bucal e identificar nuevas alternativas para el diagnóstico de esta enfermedad. La presente revisión de tema tiene como objetivo presentar aspectos teóricos en relación con la TSPO como un biomarcador a estudiar en sujetos con cáncer bucal, considerando su implicación en los procesos de apoptosis celular y participación en el estrés oxidativo.

Abstract Oral cancer has a high incidence and mortality rate globally. Despite the advances in the diagnosis and prognosis of this disease, a 5 years survival rate still remains, which makes it necessary to study diagnostic methods capable to detect the disease in early stages. That is why advances in proteomics and immunohistochemistry had allowed the identification of various biomarkers, including the 18 kDa mitochondrial translocator protein (TSPO), which is involved in some cellular processes, such as cholesterol transport, cellular proliferation and apoptosis. It has been reported the altered TSPO values in various types of cancer, as well as the presence of TSPO in saliva of subjects with oral cancer, which represents an opportunity to understand the oral carcinogenic process and identify new alternatives for the diagnosis of this disease. The objective of this review is to present theoretical aspects related to TSPO as a biomarker to study in subjects with oral cancer, considering its implication in the apoptosis mechanism and participation in oxidative stress.

Resumo O câncer bucal apresenta alta incidência e mortalidade ao nível mundial. Apesar dos avanços no diagnóstico e prognóstico da doença, uma baixa taxa de sobrevivência de 5 anos ainda é mantida, o que requer o estudo de métodos de diagnóstico capazes de detectar a doença nos estágios iniciais. é por isso que os avanços na proteômica e imuno-histoquímica identificaram diversos biomarcadores, incluindo a proteína translocadora (TSPO) 18 kDa mitocondriais, que está envolvida em diversos processos celulares, tais como o transporte de colesterol, a proliferação celular e a apoptose. Tem sido relatada a presença de valores alterados da TSPO em diferentes tipos de câncer, assim como a presença da TSPO em saliva e tecidos de pacientes com câncer bucal, o que representa uma oportunidade para entender o processo da carcinogênese bucal e identificar novas alternativas para o diagnóstico desta doença. A presente revisão de literatura tem como objetivo apresentar aspectos teóricos em relação ao uso da TSPO como um biomarcador a ser estudado em pacientes com câncer bucal, considerando seu envolvimento nos processos de apoptose celular e participação no estresse oxidativo.