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OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to comprehensively analyze the microbiome of dental plaque in individuals with varying periodontal statuses, encompassing both periodontal health and disease. The primary objectives were to identify microbial markers associated with different clinical conditions, explore variations in microbial diversity, and investigate potential correlations between the oral microbiome and clinical parameters. METHODS: A cross-sectional design was employed, involving 164 participants aged 18 to 65 years. Inclusion criteria comprised individuals with good oral and systemic health for the periodontal health group and those diagnosed with various stages of periodontal disease for the periodontal disease group. Dental plaque samples were meticulously collected from diverse tooth surfaces, and clinical examinations were conducted to assess periodontal health status. High-throughput sequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene was utilized for microbiome analysis. RESULTS: Demographic characteristics revealed a balanced distribution between the periodontal health and disease groups. Clinical parameters, including probing depth, clinical attachment loss, and bleeding on probing, exhibited significant differences between the two groups (p < 0.001). Microbial diversity indices indicated a higher diversity in the periodontal health group compared to the disease group (p < 0.001). Analysis of relative abundance of bacterial phyla identified significant variations, with Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Actinobacteria showing differential prevalence between health and disease (p < 0.05). Differentially abundant taxa analysis highlighted specific species associated with each clinical condition, including Prevotella intermedia and Porphyromonas gingivalis. Network analysis revealed complex microbial interactions within the oral microbiome. Functional predictions indicated variations in metabolic capabilities between health and disease, with potential implications for virulence and antibiotic resistance. CONCLUSION: This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the oral microbiome in periodontal health and disease, revealing significant associations between microbial composition and clinical parameters. The identification of microbial markers and functional insights enhances our understanding of the complex interplay within the oral ecosystem. These findings hold promise for advancing diagnostic and therapeutic approaches tailored to individual microbial profiles.
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Background Telemedicine and remote patient monitoring have emerged as transformative solutions in contemporary healthcare. This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the impact of these technologies on healthcare delivery, focusing on patient outcomes, economic parameters, and overall satisfaction. Methods A prospective observational study was conducted in various healthcare facilities, involving 186 participants with chronic diseases. Inclusion criteria included patients actively using telemedicine services. Data collection methods included surveys, interviews, and review of medical records, focusing on patient demographics, clinical outcomes, and economic parameters. The intervention involved a seamless integration of telemedicine technologies into the existing health system. Results Primary outcomes revealed significant improvements in patient health, including a decrease in disease-specific markers (mean reduction of 12,000 to 11,000, p = 0.002), a substantial reduction in severity of symptoms (mean reduction from 3,500 to 2,500, p < 0.001), and a general improvement in health status (mean increase from 7,200 to 8,500, p < 0.001). The savings in healthcare costs were evident, with direct costs decreasing from 25,000 to 12,000 (p < 0.001) and indirect costs decreasing from <10,000 to <5,000 (p = 0.004). Secondary results demonstrated increased patient satisfaction with communication (increase from 80% to 95%, p < 0.001) and convenience of services (increase from 75% to 90%, p < 0.001). Patient satisfaction also increased significantly (from 80% to 95%, p < 0.001). Accessibility to healthcare services improved, with a reduction in geographic barriers (increase from 65% to 90%, p < 0.001) and a decrease in the frequency of healthcare utilization (decrease from 2.5 to 1.5, p < 0.001). Conclusion The study provides robust evidence of the positive impact of telemedicine and remote patient monitoring on healthcare delivery. Significant improvements in patient outcomes, coupled with substantial cost savings and increased satisfaction levels, underscore the transformative potential of these technologies.
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BACKGROUND AND AIM: Although severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 primarily affects the respiratory system, involvement of cardiovascular system is not uncommon and a range of cardiac manifestations among Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) patients were reported in the literature. Furthermore, it is evident from scientific literature that the incidence of deaths and hospitalizations has been increasingly more among COVID-19 subjects with pre-existing cardiovascular disease (CVD). Various pathophysiological mechanisms have been proposed to explain the cardiovascular involvement in COVID-19. Another emerging significant concern is the varying presentations of COVID-19 and side effects due to the medication used in the management of COVID-19 patients. This review attempts to provide a comprehensive overview of the existing literature on the possible association between CVD and COVID-19 with emphasis on the pathophysiological mechanisms, cardiac manifestations, and impact of medications used for COVID-19 on cardiovascular health. Based on the available literature, we conclude that though CVD could not be reckoned as an independent risk factor for COVID-19 infection, it is evident that pre-existing CVD has an influence on the severity of COVID-19 infection and associated mortality. RELEVANCE FOR PATIENTS: Literature suggests that people with pre-existing CVD are at increased risk for COVID-19 and associated severity. Consequently, it becomes important to thoroughly gain insights into the possible pathophysiological mechanisms, cardiac manifestations in COVID-19, and the impact of COVID-19 treatment on the cardiovascular system.
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BACKGROUND: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic progressive debilitating disease affecting the oral, oropharyngeal and sometimes the oesophageal mucosa resulting in inability to eat due to burning, ulcers and stiffness. AIM: The study was undertaken, to evaluate the correlation of clinical staging, histological grading and nutritional status using body mass index (BMI) with gutkha (habit) index in OSMF patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group comprised of 50 patients clinically diagnosed and histopathologically confirmed cases of OSMF. Habit (gutkha) index was calculated by multiplying duration and frequency. Body mass index was calculated by dividing weight in kilograms and height in centimetres of the patient. RESULTS: Male to female ratio was 2.8:1. Clinical grading increased with increase in gutkha index, patients with gutkha index 1-50, maximum were in mild stage; with gutkha index 51-100, maximum in moderate and patients with gutkha index 101-150, all were in severe stage. Histological staging showed direct correlation with gutkha index, it increased with increase in gutkha index with p <0.05. Site analysis showed that buccal mucosa and retromolar area were involved in all the patient and floor of mouth in 46% of patients Body mass index analysis revealed that out of 27 patients with moderate clinical staging 3 was underweight; out of 3 with severe clinical staging, 2 was underweight. CONCLUSION: The duration and frequency of areca nut product use effects on the incidence and severity of OSMF and the patient becomes unable to eat due to burning, ulcers and inability to open mouth which affect the health of the individual. Thus it is important to access the nutritional status to improve the survival rate of patients.
