Journal of Medicine and Life最新文献

Correlations between body parameters and ocular parameters are essential to emphasize the diagnosis and management of ocular and systemic diseases. This study aimed to assess the associations between ocular parameters and anthropometric parameters in adult Sudanese individuals. A cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted with 250 young volunteers (250 eyes) at Al-Neelain University Eye Hospital from January to June 2019. Clinical examinations included demographic data, medical history, visual acuity assessment, refractive error, and anterior corneal power (ACP) measurement using an autorefkeratometer and ocular biometry via A-scan ultrasound. Anthropometric assessments included height (measured using a wall-mounted metric ruler), weight (measured with a digital scale), and body mass index (BMI), calculated as weight divided by height squared. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25. There were 64 (25.6%) men and 186 (74.4%) women. The mean age was 21.29 ± 1.18 years. The mean body height, weight, and BMI were 1.62 ± 0.07 m, 58.56 ± 11.93 kg, and 22.38 ± 4.80 kg/m², respectively. The mean axial length (AL), ACP, anterior chamber depth (ACD), and vitreous depth (VD) were 22.81 ± 0.74 mm, 43.30 ± 1.40 D, 3.20 ± 0.33 mm, and 15.97 ± 0.67 mm, respectively. Body height was positively correlated with AL, ACD, and VD and negatively correlated with ACP (P < 0.001). Body weight was significantly positively correlated with AL and VD (P < 0.05). BMI was not correlated with any ocular parameters (P > 0.05). The study concluded that taller subjects had significantly longer axial lengths, deeper vitreous cavities, and flatter corneas. However, body weight was positively associated with axial length and vitreous depth.

Recent composites are being developed to simplify shade matching in composite restorations. Only a limited amount of research has been conducted to determine the optical performance of this newly introduced composite in this area. This study investigated the Omnichroma (OMN) color matching (a single shade composite within type-I restorations) via simulated clinical cavities. A total of 72 frames were created by occupying the mold with Estelite Σ Quick (ES) of A1, A2, and A3 shades (n = 24). Each shade of composite frame was divided into three subgroups (n = 8) according to cavity dimension (width = 2, 3, and 4 mm/depth = 2 mm). Cavities were filled with Omnichroma. Color parameters were calculated based on CIEDE2000 (ΔE00) using a non-contact spectrophotometer. Finally, the data were analyzed using a two-way ANOVA (the Tukey HSD test) (P = 0.05). The surrounding frame color significantly affected the color-matching capacity of OMN (P < 0.0001). Groups A1 and A3 showed the lowest and highest amounts of ΔE00, respectively. The cavity width also influenced the color-matching ability of OMN (P < 0.0001) significantly. According to the results, 4 mm cavity width showed the lowest amount of ΔE00, and 2 mm showed the highest amount. Monochromatic composites (OMN) did not match colors well in Class I cavities in posterior teeth. In cases of teeth with less chromatic surroundings, OMN matched shades better. OMN could better match shades in posterior teeth with wider cavities.

Ensuring good oral health is crucial for overall well-being. Missed appointments can negatively impact the quality of care and oral health outcomes, making it essential to identify the factors contributing to non-attendance. This study aimed to identify the factors associated with non-attendance at a pediatric dental clinic. The study used a cross-sectional design, which included a random sample (n = 265) of eligible pediatric patients under 12 years old, with data collected through questionnaires completed by their parents. Data were collected over 3 months, from November 2023 to January 2024, and analyzed using descriptive statistics and a chi-square test, with a confidence level of 95%. Results indicated that 76% of patients were school-age children, and 44% of children had missed their appointments. The critical barriers to attendance mentioned by parents were social and family commitments (15.2%), forgetfulness (11.2%), illness (8.6%), school commitments (6.9%), and fear of dental treatment (3.5%). The administrative barriers were due to staff miscommunications (10.3%), while non-attendance for unspecified reasons was 11.2%. Finally, the relationship between age, gender, and type of transportation with missed appointments was statistically significant (P < 0.05). This study highlights the significant rate of missed appointments and the factors contributing to non-attendance at pediatric dental clinics.

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of photobiomodulation therapy (PBM) and leukocyte plasma-rich fibrin (L-PRF) in enhancing or accelerating osseointegration by promoting dental implant stability. The study included 15 patients lacking posterior mandibular teeth. Each participant received two implants in the mandibular edentulous area at the lower posterior region. The implants on the right side were categorized into three groups: Group A (650 nm laser), Group B (976 nm laser), and Group C with L-PRF (10 implants each). The left side served as the control. L-PRF was applied at the implant base before placement. Laser irradiation was performed on the buccal and lingual sides of the implants. Osseointegration was assessed using the AnyCheck system from Neo-Biotic Company. The Implant Stability Quotient (ISQ), ranging from 0-100, was measured post-operatively and after three months. There was a significant increase in stability after three months, particularly with 650 nm laser photobiomodulation followed by L-PRF application. The differences in ISQ among the three groups were statistically significant. After three months, implant stability was significantly higher both buccally and lingually in Group A, using powers of 75 mW and 100 mW, respectively, compared to the control (P <0.01). These findings indicate that PBM and L-PRF can significantly enhance osseointegration and improve dental implant stability in the posterior mandible. Patients and clinicians should consider the potential benefits of these interventions in implant dentistry, especially in cases involving the posterior mandible, where stability is crucial for successful implant outcomes.

Anemia remains a significant public health concern, particularly in developing countries like Sudan, where children are particularly vulnerable to its associated health implications. This study aimed to systematically assess the prevalence of anemia among Sudanese children. We conducted a comprehensive literature search in August 2021 and updated it in December 2022 to identify studies on anemia among Sudanese children. We searched databases including PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. Studies eligible for inclusion in this systematic review and meta-analysis (SRMA) reported data to calculate anemia prevalence in children using WHO criteria. We performed meta-analysis using R software with metaprop and metafor packages. Using a random effects model, we estimated the pooled prevalence of anemia among 8006 Sudanese children to be 53.5% (95% CI, 36.6-70.4%). Subgroup analysis revealed that 62.7% of the children had unclassified anemia, 39.1% had iron deficiency anemia, and 8.7% had sickle cell anemia. Over a 21-year period, childhood anemia in Sudan showed an increasing trend, rising from 40.7% (1999-2009) to 55.1% (2010-2015) and 58.1% (2016-2020). The findings indicate a significantly higher prevalence of anemia among Sudanese children compared to many other countries, highlighting the need for proactive measures to prevent and control anemia in this population.

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is the most common musculoskeletal disease in infants, and delayed diagnosis can worsen the prognosis. Clinical evidence increasingly supports universal ultrasound (US) screening over selective US screening. The Graf method remains the most widely accepted US technique. Performing an US screening at one month of age seems appropriate as it allows for some hip maturity and early detection, thereby increasing the chances of a favorable outcome. This paper presents an approach to US findings based on the femoral head coverage method. Considering the long-term cost and psychosocial impact of missed DDH cases, universal ultrasound screening appears to be a cost-effective alternative.

Indoxyl sulfate (IS) is one of the most potent uraemic toxins involved in the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) through the induction of inflammation and oxidative stress. This study assessed the potential benefits of reducing IS concentrations through dialysis treatment to improve renal function, inflammation, and oxidative stress. A prospective, observational cohort study of 50 patients with CKD undergoing dialysis treatment was conducted. IS levels, inflammatory markers (IL-6 and hs-CRP), and oxidative status (Cu/Zn-SOD) were measured using immunoenzymatic methods, and the albumin ratio (HNA/HMA) was assessed using high-performance liquid chromatography. Blood samples were collected at baseline and, at 8 weeks and 16 weeks after treatment. At baseline, patients with CKD had elevated levels of IS, renal function indicators, inflammatory markers (IL-6 and CRP), and oxidative markers (Cu/Zn-SOD and albumin ratio HNA/HMA). Dialysis treatment reduced IS levels, and a correlation among IS, renal function, and SOD levels (P < 0.0001) at 8 and 16 weeks was observed. The reduction in IS levels was associated with improved inflammatory marker levels (CRP and IL-6; P < 0.0001) and a significant decrease in the HNA/HMA ratio (P <0.0001) at 8 and 16 weeks. These associations strengthened over time. The results of this study suggest that IS levels may be a therapeutic target for improving outcomes in patients with CKD by improving renal function, inflammation, and oxidative stress. More research is needed to understand how IS contributes to CKD complications.

Maternal mental health is a serious issue that affects both mothers and infants, necessitating increased knowledge and awareness among healthcare providers. This study assessed the effect of an educational intervention on maternity nurses' knowledge and attitudes towards postpartum depression (PPD) using a quasi-experimental pre/post-one-group design. The sample consisted of 120 maternity nurses recruited conveniently from different maternity departments at the Ministry of National Guard hospital. The study used two valid and reliable instruments: The Postpartum Depression Literacy Scale (PODLIS) by Mirsalimi et al. (2020) and the Attitudes Scale adapted from Kang et al. (2019). The participants, predominantly aged 30-39 with at least a bachelor's degree and holding SN1 nurse status, were mainly from Malaysia. The intervention significantly increased PPD knowledge in all domains, with the greatest improvement in risk factors and causes (10.09%). Positive associations existed between the pre-intervention attitude scale and professional help, recognition facilitation, and overall PPD knowledge (P < 0.05). Post-intervention, attitudes correlated positively with understanding risk factors and causes and facilitating recognition (P < 0.05). There were significant variations in the change of overall PPD knowledge based on the participants' nationality (P < 0.05), and attending a PPD workshop significantly affected the change of attitude (P < 0.05). The study concluded the beneficial effects of the educational intervention on both knowledge and attitudes regarding PPD among maternity nurses. Customized educational programs are essential for preparing healthcare professionals with the necessary competencies and comprehension to deal with PPD effectively.

Diabetes is considered one of the most prevalent endocrine metabolic diseases. Monitoring hypoglycemia unawareness is an important component of routine diabetes care and can identify patients at increased risk of a severe hypoglycaemic event. This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of hypoglycemia unawareness and identify the factors contributing to its occurrence. A sample of 390 patients diagnosed with type 1 and type 2 diabetes was interviewed in an endocrine and diabetes center in Al-Ahsa city. Sociodemographic data, risk factors, and Clarke scores were used to evaluate the impairment of hypoglycemia awareness. Reduced awareness of hypoglycemia was found in 93 patients (23.8%). There were no statistically significant differences in the age of the patients, mean age of diagnosis, or cumulative glucose level between patients with awareness and those with reduced awareness (P > 0.05). Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) showed significantly reduced awareness compared to type 1 diabetes (T1DM) (P = 0.038). Additionally, there were no statistically significant differences in hypoglycemia awareness between patients who underwent nephropathy screening and those who did not (P = 0.523). In conclusion, our study revealed reduced hypoglycemia awareness in 93 patients. However, there was no statistically significant difference related to various factors, including age and cumulative glucose levels. Patients with T2DM showed significantly lower hypoglycaemic awareness compared to patients with T1DM. Further research is needed to evaluate other factors of hypoglycemia unawareness.