A machine learning approach to predict mortality due to immune-mediated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.

Background: Mortality due to immune-mediated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (iTTP) remains significant. Predicting mortality risk may potentially help individualize treatment. The French Thrombotic Microangiopathy (TMA) Reference Score has not been externally validated in the United States. Recent advances in machine learning technology can help analyze large numbers of variables with complex interactions for the development of prediction models. Objectives: To validate the French TMA Reference Score in the United States Thrombotic Microangiopathy (USTMA) iTTP database and subsequently develop a novel mortality prediction tool, the USTMA TTP Mortality Index. Methods: We analyzed variables available at the time of initial presentation, including demographics, symptoms, and laboratory findings. We developed our model using gradient boosting machine, a machine learning ensemble method based on classification trees, implemented in the R package gbm. Results: In our cohort (n = 419), the French score predicted mortality with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.63 (95% CI: 0.50-0.77), sensitivity of 0.35, and specificity of 0.84. Our gradient boosting machine model selected 8 variables to predict acute mortality with a cross-validated area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.77 (95% CI: 0.71-0.82). The 2 cutoffs corresponded to sensitivities of 0.64 and 0.50 and specificities of 0.76 and 0.87, respectively. Conclusion: The USTMA Mortality Index was acceptable for predicting mortality due to acute iTTP in the USTMA registry, but not sensitive enough to rule out death. Identifying patients at high risk of iTTP-related mortality may help individualize care and ultimately improve iTTP survival outcomes. Further studies are needed to provide external validation. Our model is one of many recent examples where machine learning models may show promise in clinical prediction tools in healthcare.

Pilot trial results of D-HOMES: a behavioral-activation based intervention for diabetes medication adherence and psychological wellness among people who have been homeless.

Introduction: People living with type 2 diabetes who experience homelessness face a myriad of barriers to engaging in diabetes self-care behaviors that lead to premature complications and death. This is exacerbated by high rates of comorbid mental illness, substance use disorder, and other physical health problems. Despite strong evidence to support lay health coach and behavioral activation, little research has effectively engaged people living with type 2 diabetes who had experienced homelessness (DH). Methods: We used community engaged research and incremental behavioral treatment development to design the Diabetes HOmeless MEdication Support (D-HOMES) program, a one-on-one, 3 month, coaching intervention to improve medication adherence and psychological wellness for DH. We present results of our pilot randomized trial (with baseline, 3 mo., 6 mo. assessments) comparing D-HOMES to enhanced usual care (EUC; brief diabetes education session and routine care; NCT05258630). Participants were English-speaking adults with type 2 diabetes, current/recent (<24 mo.) homelessness, and an HbA1c_7.5%. We focused on feasibility (recruitment, retention, engagement) and acceptability (Client Satisfaction Questionnaire, CSQ-8). Our primary clinical outcome was glycemic control (HbA1c) and primary behavioral outcome was medication adherence. Secondary outcomes included psychological wellness and diabetes self-care. Results: Thirty-six eligible participants enrolled, 18 in each arm. Most participants identified as Black males, had high rates of co-morbidities, and lived in subsidized housing. We retained 100% of participants at 3-months, and 94% at 6-months. Participants reported high satisfaction (mean CSQ-8 scores=28.64 [SD 3.94] of 32). HbA1c reduced to clinically significant levels in both groups, but we found no between group differences. Mean blood pressure improved more in D-HOMES than EUC between baseline and 6 mo. with between group mean differences of systolic -19.5 mmHg (p=0.030) and diastolic blood pressure -11.1 mmHg (p=0.049). We found no significant between group differences in other secondary outcomes. Conclusion: We effectively recruited and retained DH over 6 months. Data support that the D-HOMES intervention was acceptable and feasible. We observe preliminary blood pressure improvement favoring D-HOMES that were statistically and clinically significant. D-HOMES warrants testing in a fully powered trial which could inform future high quality behavioral trials to promote health equity. Clinical trial registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05258630?term=D-HOMES&rank=1, identifier NCT05258630.

School Connectedness and Adolescent E-cigarette Susceptibility in an Urban Sample of Middle and High School Students.

Adolescent school connectedness generally protects from risk behaviors such as tobacco use; however, its relationship to e-cigarette use is unclear. This study examines the relationship between adolescent school connectedness and e-cigarette susceptibility in a diverse longitudinal sample. This secondary analysis of a school-based intervention surveyed 608 middle (66%) and high school (34%) students from 10 schools at 3 time points over 1 year. At baseline, respondents had a mean age of 14 years, 54% were female, and 71% were BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color). Logistic regression models examined unadjusted and adjusted associations between school connectedness (both baseline and concurrent) and e-cigarette susceptibility over time. E-cigarettes represented the most prevalent form of current nicotine-containing product use in spring 2019 (2.3%), and most respondents reported no e-cigarette susceptibility (69%). E-cigarette susceptibility remained relatively stable during the study. Higher baseline school connectedness levels were associated with lower odds of e-cigarette susceptibility over time. Similarly, higher concurrent school connectedness scores were associated with lower odds of e-cigarette susceptibility over time: spring 2019 (OR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.32, 0.47), fall 2019 (OR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.34, 0.72), and spring 2020 (OR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.47, 0.87). Findings were similar for middle and high school students and did not differ significantly after adjusting for other covariates. Adolescents' school connectedness appears to protect from e-cigarette susceptibility over time, underscoring the importance of promoting positive school experiences to reduce adolescent risk e-cigarette use.

Should children receive a kidney transplant before 2 years of age?

BACKGROUND: The optimal age of kidney transplantation for infants and toddlers with kidney failure is unclear. We aimed to evaluate the patient survival associated with kidney transplantation before 2 years of age versus remaining on the waitlist until ≥2 years. METHOD: We used the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients to identify all children added to the deceased-donor waitlist before 2 years of age between 1/1/2000 and 4/30/2020. For each case aged <2 years at transplant, we created a control group comprising all candidates on the waitlist on the case's transplant date. Patient survival was evaluated using sequential Cox regression. Dialysis-free time was defined as graft survival time for cases and the sum of dialysis-free time on the waitlist and graft survival time for controls. RESULTS: We observed similar patient survival for posttransplant periods 0-3 and 4-12 months but higher survival for period >12 months for <2-year decreased-donor recipients (aHR: 0.32; 95% CI: 0.13-0.78; p = .01) compared with controls. Similarly, patient survival was higher for <2-year living-donor recipients for posttransplant period >12 months (aHR: 0.21; 95% CI: 0.06-0.73; p = .01). The 5-year dialysis-free survival was higher for <2-year deceased- (difference: 0.59 years; 95% CI: 0.23-0.93) and living-donor (difference: 1.84 years; 95% CI: 1.31-2.25) recipients. CONCLUSION: Kidney transplantation in children <2 years of age is associated with improved patient survival and reduced dialysis exposure compared with remaining on the waitlist until ≥2 years.

Knowledge and Attitudes of Undergraduate Dental, Allied Oral Health and Nursing Students Towards Patients with Alzheimer's Disease.

Purpose Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an age-related illness that is becoming increasingly more prevalent in the United States. The purpose of this pilot study was to assess dental, allied oral health, and nursing students' perceived knowledge, comfort, and attitudes for individuals with AD.Methods A total of 851 students from a university dental and nursing school were invited to participate in this cross-sectional study. A 48-item survey comprising of demographic questions, the Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS) and the Dementia Attitudes Scale (DAS) was disseminated via an electronic survey platform. Responses were summarized as means and standard deviations or counts and rates. Comparisons of survey responses by program type and exposure to AD, age group, and prior degree were performed using the chi-square test for association and analysis of variance.Results The response rate was 33.2%. Nursing students demonstrated the highest level of knowledge on AD with mean score of 25.26 (SD 2.87), followed by dental (M=23.4, SD 3.26) and allied oral health students (M=22.10, SD 2.98). Overall, students demonstrated perceived comfort in treating patients with AD and related dementias with mean scores in the "slightly agree" range. Nursing students demonstrated the highest level of perceived comfort (M=5.61, SD 0.71).Conclusions Nursing students demonstrated higher knowledge and more positive attitudes toward AD than dental and allied oral health students. There is a need for improved educational training and an expanded didactic curriculum to enhance knowledge for dental and allied oral health students. This pilot study provides a blueprint for replication on a national level.

Clinical and Histopathologic Characteristics of Pediatric Patients With Primary Membranous Nephropathy.

Introduction: Primary membranous nephropathy (PMN) is uncommon in children. Therefore, data on the clinical course of affected children are scarce. In recent years, several novel antigens have been implicated in the pathogenesis of PMN. However, the histopathologic characteristics of pediatric patients with PMN remain poorly represented in the literature. Methods: We have retrospectively analyzed the clinical presentation and outcomes data of 21 children with PMN from 3 centers in the United States. In addition, we have identified novel antigens in biopsy specimens from these patients and correlated their presence or absence to clinical outcomes. Finally, we compared the results of the novel antigen staining from our clinical cohort to a validation cohort of 127 biopsy specimens from children with PMN at Arkana Laboratories. Results: The data from the 2 cohorts demonstrated similar overall antigen positivity rates of 62% to 63%, with phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) and exostosin 1 (EXT1) being the most commonly found antigens. Results from the clinical cohort showed that overall, the kidney prognosis for children with PMN was good, with 17 of 21 patients entering a complete or partial remission. Children who were positive for PLA2R or EXT1 were significantly more likely to enter remission than those in the antigen negative group. Conclusion: Approximately 60% of pediatric membranous cases are positive for a novel antigen on kidney biopsy and the clinical prognosis is generally favorable. More studies are needed to understand the clinical implications of each specific novel antigen.

The development and initial feasibility testing of D-HOMES: a behavioral activation-based intervention for diabetes medication adherence and psychological wellness among people experiencing homelessness.

Introduction: Compared to stably housed peers, people experiencing homelessness (PEH) have lower rates of ideal glycemic control, and experience premature morbidity and mortality. High rates of behavioral health comorbidities and trauma add to access barriers driving poor outcomes. Limited evidence guides behavioral approaches to support the needs of PEH with diabetes. Lay coaching models can improve care for low-resource populations with diabetes, yet we found no evidence of programs specifically tailored to the needs of PEH. Methods: We used a multistep, iterative process following the ORBIT model to develop the Diabetes Homeless Medication Support (D-HOMES) program, a new lifestyle intervention for PEH with type 2 diabetes. We built a community-engaged research team who participated in all of the following steps of treatment development: (1) initial treatment conceptualization drawing from evidence-based programs, (2) qualitative interviews with affected people and multi-disciplinary housing and healthcare providers, and (3) an open trial of D-HOMES to evaluate acceptability (Client Satisfaction Questionnaire, exit interview) and treatment engagement (completion rate of up to 10 offered coaching sessions). Results: In step (1), the D-HOMES treatment manual drew from existing behavioral activation and lay health coach programs for diabetes as well as clinical resources from Health Care for the Homeless. Step (2) qualitative interviews (n = 26 patients, n = 21 providers) shaped counseling approaches, language and choices regarding interventionists, tools, and resources. PTSD symptoms were reported in 69% of patients. Step (3) trial participants (N = 10) overall found the program acceptable, however, we saw better program satisfaction and treatment engagement among more stably housed people. We developed adapted treatment materials for the target population and refined recruitment/retention strategies and trial procedures sensitive to prevalent discrimination and racism to better retain people of color and those with less stable housing. Discussion: The research team has used these findings to inform an NIH-funded randomized control pilot trial. We found synergy between community-engaged research and the ORBIT model of behavioral treatment development to develop a new intervention designed for PEH with type 2 diabetes and address health equity gaps in people who have experienced trauma. We conclude that more work and different approaches are needed to address the needs of participants with the least stable housing.

Health Topics Emerged From Brief Motivational Interviewing: A randomized clinical trial.

Purpose The goal of this study was to analyze transcription of audio recordings to determine health topics that emerged from brief-motivational interviewing (MI) compared to traditional oral hygiene instructions (OHI).Methods Fifty-eight periodontal maintenance patients were randomized to a brief-MI or traditional OHI group for a longitudinal 1-year clinical trial. Both groups received four patient education sessions per their assigned group. Audio recordings were transcribed and coded. The overarching themes and subthemes emerged were quantified and reported as the number of instances per participant. Global scores and behavioral counts were compared across baseline, 4, 8, and 12-month research visits using mixed-effect models.Results Of the six overarching themes, the brief-MI group evoked more topics toward total health. Oral home care behaviors (15 vs 10.2) and oral diseases/conditions (3.3 vs 1.9) were discussed more in the brief-MI group compared to the traditional OHI group. This positive outcome for the average number of times a health topic was discussed in the brief-MI group compared to the traditional OHI group continued for the remaining major themes: lifestyle behaviors (1.0 vs 0.4), nutrition (2.6 vs 0.8), emotional/mental health (1.8 vs 0.8) and general health (1.2 vs 0.4).Conclusion This study identified that brief-MI was a more successful communication approach to increase discussions of oral home care behaviors, oral diseases/conditions, lifestyle behaviors, nutrition, emotional/mental health and general health compared to traditional OHI in individuals with periodontitis.

Health topics emerged from brief-motivational interviewing: A randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to analyse transcription of audio recordings to determine health topics that emerged from brief-motivational interviewing (MI) compared to traditional oral hygiene instructions (OHI). METHODS: Fifty-eight periodontal maintenance patients were randomized to a brief-MI or traditional OHI group for a longitudinal 1-year clinical trial. Both groups received four patient education sessions per their assigned group. Audio recordings were transcribed and coded. The overarching themes and subthemes emerged were quantified and reported as the number of instances per participant. Global scores and behavioural counts were compared across baseline, 4, 8, and 12-month research visits using mixed-effect models. RESULTS: Of the six overarching themes, the brief-MI group evoked more topics toward total health. Oral home care behaviours (15 vs. 10.2) and oral diseases/conditions (3.3 vs. 1.9) were discussed more in the brief-MI group compared to the traditional OHI group. This positive outcome for the average number of times a health topic was discussed in the brief-MI group compared to the traditional OHI group continued for the remaining major themes: lifestyle behaviours (1.0 vs. 0.4), nutrition (2.6 vs. 0.8), emotional/mental health (1.8 vs. 0.8) and general health (1.2 vs. 0.4). CONCLUSION: This study identified that brief-MI was a more successful communication approach to increase discussions of oral home care behaviours, oral diseases/conditions, lifestyle behaviours, nutrition, emotional/mental health and general health compared to traditional OHI in individuals with periodontitis.

Using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) to predict the behavioral intent of teledentistry utilization amongst United States adults.

INTRODUCTION: Teledentistry is an innovative health care delivery platform that can potentially improve oral health access and outcomes. The purpose of this study was to predict teledentistry utilization intentions of U.S. adults using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) as a framework. METHODS: This mixed-method, cross-sectional study surveyed 899 participants from two independent samples in August and September 2021. Convenience samples of Minnesota State Fair attendees and ResearchMatch volunteers completed electronic surveys to identify the behavioral intention (BI) for teledentistry use within the next 6 months. Independent variables were the UTAUT constructs of performance expectancy (PE), effort expectancy (EE), social influence (SI), and facilitating conditions (FC). Data were analyzed using univariate analysis and multiple linear regression adjusting for age, gender and educational level. Qualitative analysis used thematic analysis using UTAUT as a coding framework. RESULTS: Univariate analysis showed statistical significance between each construct with BI (P < 0.0001). Adjusted multiple linear regression revealed statistical significance between PE and SI with BI (P < 0.0001). Qualitative responses corroborated quantitative results and revealed a lack of teledentistry knowledge. CONCLUSION: The majority of participants indicated an intention not to use teledentistry within the next 6 months. The lack of prior experience of telehealth or teledentistry use in addition to lack of knowledge regarding teledentistry may contribute to these results. Future interventions to improve the BI to use teledentistry may benefit from focusing on PE and SI constructs for educational and marketing strategies.

Recent Clinical Isolates of Enterovirus D68 Have Increased Replication and Induce Enhanced Epithelial Immune Response Compared to the Prototype Fermon Strain.

In 2014, enterovirus D68 (EV-D68), previously associated primarily with mild respiratory illness, caused a large outbreak of severe respiratory illness and, in rare instances, paralysis. We compared the viral binding and replication of eight recent EV-D68 clinical isolates collected both before and during the 2014 outbreak and the prototype Fermon strain from 1962 in cultured HeLa cells and differentiated human primary bronchial epithelial cells (BEC) to understand the possible reasons for the change in virus pathogenicity. We selected pairs of closely related isolates from the same phylogenetic clade that were associated with severe vs. asymptomatic infections. We found no significant differences in binding or replication in HeLa cell cultures between the recent clinical isolates. However, in HeLa cells, Fermon had significantly greater binding (2-3 logs) and virus progeny yields (2-4 logs) but a similar level of replication (1.5-2 log increase in viral RNA from 2 h to 24 h post infection) compared to recent isolates. In differentiated BECs, Fermon and the recent EV-D68 isolates had similar levels of binding; however, the recent isolates produced 1.5-2-log higher virus progeny yields than Fermon due to increased replication. Interestingly, no significant differences in replication were identified between the pairs of genetically close recent EV-D68 clinical isolates despite the observed differences in associated disease severity. We then utilized RNA-seq to define the transcriptional responses in BECs infected with four recent EV-D68 isolates, representing major phylogenetic clades, and the Fermon strain. All the tested clinical isolates induced similar responses in BECs; however, numerous upregulated genes in antiviral and pro-inflammatory response pathways were identified when comparing the response to clinical isolates versus Fermon. These results indicate that the recent emergence in severe EV-D68 cases could be explained by an increased replication efficiency and enhanced inflammatory response induced by newly emerged clinical isolates; however, host factors are likely the main determinants of illness severity.

Predictors of adverse safety events and unscheduled care among an outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) patient cohort.

Background: Select circumstances require outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT). The potency of OPAT agents presents an increased risk of adverse events and unscheduled medical care. We analyzed these outcomes among OPAT recipients as part of the implementation of a collaborative OPAT program. Methods: Adult patients discharged home from an academic hospital with OPAT between January 2019 and June 2021 were included in this retrospective cohort; participants discharged between June 2020 and June 2021 were part of the collaborative OPAT program. Patients with cystic fibrosis were excluded. Data on patient characteristics and outcomes were collected from electronic medical records by two reviewers. Multivariable analysis was conducted to identify predictors of vascular access device (VAD) complications, adverse drug events (ADEs), and OPAT-related emergency department (ED) visits and rehospitalizations. Results: Among 265 patients included in the cohort, 57 (21.5%) patients experienced a VAD complication; obesity [odds ratio (OR): 3.32; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.38-8.73; p = 0.01) and multi-drug therapy (OR: 2.56; 95% CI: 1.21-5.39; p = 0.01) were associated with an increased odds of VAD complication. Eighty-two (30.9%) participants experienced an ADE; 30 (11.3%) experienced a severe/serious ADE. Lipo/glycopeptide receipt, (OR: 5.28; 95% CI: 1.89-15.43; p < 0.01) and Black/African American race (OR: 4.85; 95% (CI): 1.56-15.45; p < 0.01) were associated with an increased odds of severe/serious ADE. Inclusion in the OPAT collaborative was associated with a decreased odds of severe/serious ADE (OR: 0.26; 95% CI: 0.08-0.77; p = 0.01). Fifty-eight (21.9%) patients experienced an OPAT-related ED visit and 53 (20.0%) experienced an OPAT-related rehospitalization. VAD complication (OR: 2.37; 95% (CI): 1.15-4.86, p = 0.02) and ADEs (OR: 2.19; CI: 1.13-4.22; p = 0.02) were associated with OPAT-related ED visits. ADE was associated with 90-day OPAT-related rehospitalization (OR: 3.21; (CI): 1.59-6.58; p < 0.01). Conclusion: Adverse safety events and OPAT-related unscheduled care occurred often in our cohort. A structured OPAT program that includes ID pharmacist antibiotic reconciliation may reduce rates of ADEs.

Evaluation of Dosimetry Formalisms in Intraoperative Radiation Therapy of Glioblastoma.

PURPOSE: The intraoperative radiotherapy in newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme (INTRAGO) clinical trial assesses survival in patients with glioblastoma treated with intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) using the INTRABEAM. Treatment planning for INTRABEAM relies on vendor-provided in-water depth dose curves obtained according to the TARGeted Intraoperative radioTherapy (TARGIT) dosimetry protocol. However, recent studies have shown discrepancies between the estimated TARGIT and delivered doses. This work evaluates the effect of the choice of dosimetry formalism on organs at risk (OAR) doses. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A treatment planning framework for INTRABEAM was developed to retrospectively calculate the IORT dose in 8 INTRAGO patients. These patients received an IORT prescription dose of 20 to 30 Gy in addition to external beam radiation therapy. The IORT dose was obtained using (1) the TARGIT method; (2) the manufacturer's V4.0 method; (3) the CQ method, which uses an ionization chamber Monte Carlo (MC) calculated factor; (4) MC dose-to-water; and (5) MC dose-to-tissue. The IORT dose was converted to 2 Gy fractions equivalent dose. RESULTS: According to the TARGIT method, the OAR dose constraints were respected in all cases. However, the other formalisms estimated a higher mean dose to OARs and revealed 1 case where the constraint for the brain stem was exceeded. The addition of the external beam radiation therapy and TARGIT IORT doses resulted in 10 cases of OARs exceeding the dose constraints. The more accurate MC calculation of dose-to-tissue led to the highest dosimetric differences, with 3, 3, 2, and 2 cases (out of 8) exceeding the dose constraint to the brain stem, optic chiasm, optic nerves, and lenses, respectively. Moreover, the mean cumulative dose to brain stem exceeded its constraint of 66 Gy with the MC dose-to-tissue method, which was not evident with the current INTRAGO clinical practice. CONCLUSIONS: The current clinical approach of calculating the IORT dose with the TARGIT method may considerably underestimate doses to nearby OARs. In practice, OAR dose constraints may have been exceeded, as revealed by more accurate methods.

Risk of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection associated with pre-coronavirus disease obstructive sleep apnea diagnoses: an electronic health record-based analysis from the RECOVER initiative.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been associated with more severe acute coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) outcomes. We assessed OSA as a potential risk factor for Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC). METHODS: We assessed the impact of preexisting OSA on the risk for probable PASC in adults and children using electronic health record data from multiple research networks. Three research networks within the REsearching COVID to Enhance Recovery initiative (PCORnet Adult, PCORnet Pediatric, and the National COVID Cohort Collaborative [N3C]) employed a harmonized analytic approach to examine the risk of probable PASC in COVID-19-positive patients with and without a diagnosis of OSA prior to pandemic onset. Unadjusted odds ratios (ORs) were calculated as well as ORs adjusted for age group, sex, race/ethnicity, hospitalization status, obesity, and preexisting comorbidities. RESULTS: Across networks, the unadjusted OR for probable PASC associated with a preexisting OSA diagnosis in adults and children ranged from 1.41 to 3.93. Adjusted analyses found an attenuated association that remained significant among adults only. Multiple sensitivity analyses with expanded inclusion criteria and covariates yielded results consistent with the primary analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Adults with preexisting OSA were found to have significantly elevated odds of probable PASC. This finding was consistent across data sources, approaches for identifying COVID-19-positive patients, and definitions of PASC. Patients with OSA may be at elevated risk for PASC after SARS-CoV-2 infection and should be monitored for post-acute sequelae.

Effect of scaling and root planing with and without minocycline HCl microspheres on periodontal pathogens and clinical outcomes: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: This study tests the effects of scaling and root planing (SRP) versus SRP plus minocycline hydrochloride microspheres (SRP+MM) on 11 periodontal pathogens and clinical outcomes in Stage II-IV Grade B periodontitis participants. METHODS: Seventy participants were randomized to receive SRP (n = 35) or SRP+MM (n = 35). Saliva and clinical outcomes were collected for both groups at baseline before SRP, 1-month reevaluation, and at 3- and 6-month periodontal recall. MM were delivered to pockets ≥5 mm immediately after SRP and immediately after the 3-month periodontal maintenance in the SRP+MM group. A proprietary saliva test* was utilized to quantitate 11 putative periodontal pathogens. Microorganisms and clinical outcomes were compared between groups using generalized linear mixed-effects models with fixed effects and random effects terms. Mean changes from baseline were compared between groups via group-by-visit interaction tests. RESULTS: Significant reduction in Tannerella forsythia, Treponema denticola, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Prevotella intermedia, Parvimonas micra, and Eikenella corrodens were identified at the 1-month reevaluation after SRP+MM. Six months after SRP with a re-application of MM 3 months after SRP, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Prevotella intermedia, Campylobacter rectus, and Eikenella corrodens were significantly reduced. SRP+MM participants had significant clinical outcome reductions in pockets ≥5 mm at the reevaluation, 3- and 6-month periodontal maintenance, and clinical attachment loss gains at the 6-month periodontal maintenance. CONCLUSION: MM delivered immediately after SRP and reapplication at 3 months appeared to contribute to improved clinical outcomes and sustained decreased numbers of Fusobacterium nucleatum, Prevotella intermedia, Campylobacter rectus, and Eikenella corrodens at 6 months.

A comparison of simulation and traditional local anesthesia teaching methods among dental hygiene students.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic forced dental educators to quickly modify the teaching-learning platform without testing outcomes of alternative teaching methods prior to implementation. One critical course affected was the teaching of local anesthesia (LA) that moved from practicing injections using the traditional student-to-student method to the simulation model using manikins. PURPOSE: This study compared two LA teaching methods (student-to-student versus simulation) in two consecutive cohorts before and during the pandemic to assess differences in students' skill level and self-confidence. METHODS: This quasi-experimental study recruited a convenience sample of dental hygiene students at the University of Minnesota during 2020 and 2021. Consent was collected prior to student-to-student injection practice and survey distribution. Data collected were clinical and summative clinical assessments to determine LA skill level, and student surveys to assess self-confidence. Analyses included descriptive statistics, linear models within and between cohorts, and inductive analysis for qualitative survey responses. RESULTS: Fifty of 57 students (88%) completed the survey, and 54 (95%) consented access to their clinical assessments. Skill level was significantly higher for the simulation cohort compared to the student-to-student cohort on the LA summative clinical assessment (59.0 vs. 55.6, p = 0.004). No differences were found in self-confidence between cohorts. A positive association was found between students' self-confidence and skill levels for both cohorts, but only student-to-student cohort results were statistically significant (student-to-student: r = 0.44, p = 0.02; simulation: r = 0.24, p = 0.26). CONCLUSION: Results support incorporating simulation manikin teaching methods for LA with a student-to-student partner component.

Prolonged Elevations of Factor VIII and von Willebrand Factor Antigen After Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children.

Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) is a late systemic inflammatory response to a recent mild or asymptomatic coronavirus disease of 2019 infection. The pathophysiology is incompletely understood but it often features significant coagulopathy along with cardiac and endothelial dysfunction. Endothelial inflammation has been primarily described in acute coronavirus disease of 2019 infection, with less characterization in MIS-C. Here we describe novel findings of nearly universal severe and prolonged factor VIII (FVIII) and von Willebrand factor antigen elevations in an institutional cohort of patients with MIS-C ages younger than or 21 years old (N=31). All patients had elevated acute phase reactants and D-dimer at presentation and met published criteria for MIS-C. FVIII was high at presentation in 97% of patients but continued to rise during the ensuing weeks of treatment to a mean 429%, peaking on median day 17 of illness as an outpatient. FVIII levels were >600% in multiple patients. von Willebrand factor antigen was measured less frequently but showed similar trends. These escalations occurred amidst resolving cardiac dysfunction and acute phase reactant normalization and despite patients receiving multimodal anti-inflammatory treatments and aspirin and enoxaparin thromboprophylaxis. No thrombotic events occurred. Endothelial dysfunction represented by very elevated FVIII levels may persist longer than other acute phase reactants may reflect.

Students' knowledge, comfort, attitudes, and training on oral health of transgender individuals: A pilot study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate students' knowledge, comfort, attitudes, and formal training on oral health of transgender individuals. METHODS: A single-site cross-sectional study of 223 students from four educational programs were invited to participate in this study. A 17-item survey was modified from two previous instruments with permission. The electronic survey was disseminated via Google Forms two times 6 weeks a part. Analyses were conducted using R version 4.1.1. Survey responses were summarized as means and standard deviations. Comparisons of survey responses by program type, age group, prior degree, and gender were performed using the chi-square test for association and analysis of variance. RESULTS: A total of118 completed the survey for a 53% response rate. Students disagreed (26.3%) they had knowledge on hormone treatments or non-hormonal treatment (40.7%) and strongly disagreed (40.7%) they had knowledge on oral manifestations of hormonal or non-hormonal therapies. Students strongly agreed they are comfortable treating transgender patients (63.6%) and believe it is the responsibility of all healthcare providers to care for transgender patients (83.1%). Students disagreed they are prepared to care for transgender patients (40.7%) or that their faculty demonstrate competency caring for transgender patients undergoing hormonal treatment (21.4%). CONCLUSION: Students are comfortable providing oral health care to transgender individuals and feel a responsibility to care for them. Formal training on hormonal and non-hormonal therapy for transgender individuals is needed in dental education programs to enhance students' knowledge and faculty competence.