Search Results (2,415)

Background/Objectives: Malocclusion is one of the most prevalent oral health concerns in paediatric dentistry, with anterior open bite (AOB) and posterior crossbite (PCB) being among the most common forms. Non-nutritive sucking habits (NNSHs), including digit-sucking habits (DSHs) and pacifier-sucking habits (PSHs), have been linked to malocclusion development. While both habits are known to impact dental and skeletal development, their comparative effects remain unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to determine the difference in the development and prevalence of anterior open bite and posterior crossbite between patients with digit-sucking and pacifier-sucking habits. Materials and Methods: An exhaustive review of the literature was conducted on the 25 November 2024 across three databases, namely EBSCOhost (including PubMed-Medline), Web of Science and Scopus. The following PICO question was constructed for the systematic review: “In children and teenagers, is there a difference in the development and prevalence of malocclusions (Anterior Open bite & Posterior Crossbite) between patients with a history of digit sucking habits and patients with a history of pacifier sucking habits?”A meta-analysis was also performed with the selected studies, and the software used to carry out the meta-analysis was R 4.3.1 (R Core Team (2023)). Results: From the initial search, 102 articles were found and a further 11 articles were obtained from manual findings. 12 articles were included in the final systematic review and meta-analysis. The meta-analysis indicated that the risk of AOB and PCB was increased by both DSH and PSH. Conclusions: Both DSH and PSH significantly increased the risk of AOB and PCB. PSH posed a significantly higher risk than DSH for PCB development (OR = 2.66, p < 0.001), while no significant difference in AOB prevalence was observed between DSH and PSH (OR = 1.77, p = 0.150). Full article

Natural language processing is the technology used to interact with computers using human languages. An overlapping technology is Information Retrieval (IR), in which a user searches for the demanded or required documents from among a number of documents that are already stored. The required document is retrieved according to the relevance of the query of the user, and the results are presented in descending order. Many of the languages have their own IR systems, whereas a dedicated IR system for Sindhi still needs attention. Various approaches to effective information retrieval have been proposed. As Sindhi is an old language with a rich history and literature, it needs IR. For the development of Sindhi IR, a document database is required so that the documents can be retrieved accordingly. Many Sindhi documents were identified and collected from various sources, such as books, journal, magazines, and newspapers. These documents were identified as having potential for use in indexing and other forms of processing. Probabilistic modeling and pattern discovery were used to find patterns and for effective retrieval and relevancy. The results for Sindhi Information Retrieval systems are promising and presented more than 90% relevancy. The time elapsed was recorded as ranging from 0.2 to 4.8 s for a single word and 4.6 s with a Sindhi sentence, with the same starting time of 0.2 s. The IR system for Sindhi can be fine-tuned and utilized for other languages with the same characteristics, which adopt Arabic script. Full article

Background: A strikingly unusual pattern with a possible up-field shift in Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and A0 (HbA0) peaks and an unexplained hemoglobin F (HbF) peak with capillary electrophoretic shift in the HbA1c chromatograms of a leukemia patient were found while performing a HbA1c screen. Methods: A review of the patient’s history with an exhaustive search of the literature ruled out medications as interfering factors or contributing to the abnormal findings. Other than hyperleukocytosis, the patient did not have the aberrant HbF peak noted previously in the electrophoresis or contributing factors. We hypothesized that the irregular chromatographic pattern and wrong location of the HbA1c peak, hereafter referred to as the downfield shift in the electrophoretic species, was due to various glycation or fructosamine adducts and derivatives within the HbA1c and A0 protein. Results: A literature search offered little guidance. However, the instrument troubleshooting measures suggested a hemoglobin variant or exogenous transfusion as a putative source for the HbF peak, while the downfield shift in the chromatogram remained unexplained. Full article

Survival rates for children treated for malignant diseases continue to improve, yet many survivors face persistent late oral complications that affect function, aesthetics, and quality of life. Oncological therapy, especially at a young age and following head and neck radiotherapy or intensive chemotherapy, can disrupt dental and craniofacial development, resulting in dental developmental disorders, enamel defects, salivary gland dysfunction, caries susceptibility, periodontal problems, trismus, and osteoradionecrosis of the jaw. Although these effects are partially known, they are frequently underrecognized in routine practice, and many children do not receive adequate long-term dental follow-up. A key challenge highlighted in the recent literature is the absence of structured, evidence-based guidelines for monitoring and managing late oral effects. The article emphasizes the need for clearer recommendations, better communication of oncological treatment histories, and stronger integration of dental professionals within survivorship care. Developing standardized follow-up protocols will be essential to ensure timely detection, consistent management, and improved oral health outcomes for childhood cancer survivors. This article is intended as a narrative review, synthesizing available evidence from key publications to highlight clinically relevant late oral complications and gaps in current survivorship care. Full article

Low back pain (LBP) is a common cause of activity limitation in individuals that can result in socioeconomic costs up to $200 billion per year. Most cases of LBP lack a known underlying pathology. The L4/L5 motion segment is the most impaired lumbar segment, likely due to high load-bearing function. The ability to model L4/L5 compressive loading from surface electromyography (sEMG) data during dynamic activity may add to the understanding of LBP. Eight volunteers with no history of LBP participated in this study. Muscle activity of the erector spinae, rectus abdominus, and external obliques were recorded by a wireless EMG system (Trigno, Delsys, Natick, MA, USA) during a straight-leg stoop-to-stand task. L4/L5 compressive loading was estimated using a subject-specific sEMG model and validated by comparison with an AnyBody model and publicly available data from OrthoLoad. A specific trendline showed a significant decrease in percent error of estimated force for all muscles. Significantly lower impulse values were estimated by the AnyBody model than the sEMG subject-specific model (p = 0.007). Although our sEMG model was subject to high variability, loading values largely remained within those reported in the literature. Significant variation was found comparing the sEMG model with the AnyBody model, which may validate continued development and testing of personalized measurements of L4/L5 loading. Full article

Buddhism has long maintained a fine tradition of establishing and preserving a hyper-stable institutional order. Historically, the Vinaya served as the institutional literature for the monasteries, but it gradually evolved into a sacred symbol of the public identity of the monks and became an object of scholastic study. Subsequently, as part of the internal monastic system, the rules governing monks transferred from being overseen by the Three Monastic Supervisors 三綱制—comprising an Elder (Sthavira), an Administrator (Vihārasvāmin), and a Discipline Master (Karmadāna)—to the Conglin system, a major innovation of Chinese Buddhism. However, the Conglin system, with more than a thousand years of history, had not experienced any major reforms. At the same time, it has also become an institutional culture within Chinese Buddhism, imbued with sacred symbolic significance. The excessive concentration of power inherent in the Conglin system, along with the lack of oversight over certain office-holding monks, represents a notable flaw within this system. The social environment of the time compelled Chinese Buddhism to adjust and reform its internal institutional construction. Only by developing institutions that align with both the vinaya and secular law; while embodying the Buddhist ideals of equality and fairness, could Chinese Buddhism remain in harmony with its era. Full article

Background: Bone scintigraphy using technetium-99m hydroxymethylene diphosphonate (^99mTc-HMDP) is extensively employed to detect bone metastases. However, incidental myocardial uptake may indicate wild-type transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTRwt-CM), a frequently overlooked diagnosis with important clinical implications. Case Presentation: Two elderly female patients with a history of breast cancer were subjected to ^99mTc-HMDP bone scintigraphy as part of a routine evaluation for possible bone metastases. Both cases demonstrated incidental myocardial uptake (Perugini Grade 2 and Grade 3, respectively), raising suspicion for ATTRwt-CM, which was subsequently confirmed by endomyocardial biopsy. Review of the Literature: We reviewed published studies reporting cardiac uptake on bone scintigraphy, summarizing the frequency, patient demographics, and tracer types, and emphasizing the clinical relevance of this finding in cancer patients. Conclusions: In oncology patients, bone scintigraphy performed during routine metastatic screening may facilitate early detection of ATTRwt-CM, enabling timely diagnosis and treatment initiation, potentially improving clinical outcomes. Full article

Background: This scoping review aims to systematically examine the extent of the literature on African health histories throughout the pre-colonial, colonial, post-independence, primary health care (PHC), Millennium Development Goals (MDG), and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) periods. Methods: This scoping review followed the Arksey and O’Malley framework, enhanced by Levac’s updates and adaptations from the Joanna Briggs Institute’s methodology. Data from eligible records were extracted based on inclusion criteria and summarized narratively. Results: We included 83 records, of which the majority (n = 70) were narrative reviews. Eighteen of these provide evidence from Africa as a whole, while country-specific evidence was obtained from 21 countries. South Africa had the most records (n = 17), followed by Ghana (n = 6) and Nigeria (n = 6). The majority of evidence came from the colonial period (n = 13), followed by the PHC and MDG periods (n = 12 each). Health systems in the pre-colonial era were rooted in indigenous practices and community-driven systems; the colonial period introduced Western-style health care systems; the post-independence period focused on health promotion initiatives and infectious disease eradication; the PHC era focused on community-centered health care and equitable service provision; the MDG era expanded on targeted interventions for infectious diseases, and the SDG era aims to build resilient and inclusive health care systems towards universal health coverage. Conclusion: This review revealed diverse influences on health systems from the pre-colonial to SDG eras. However, these records are not exhaustive and require country-specific records, archived documents, and a centralized repository. Addressing these gaps will provide a comprehensive understanding of African health histories and aid in future health interventions. Full article

This article examines how the Ahiska Turks—deported from Georgia’s Meskheti region to Central Asia in 1944—sustained their religious belonging under shifting Soviet and post-Soviet political and social conditions, and how this religious continuity became intertwined with processes of collective memory formation. Drawing on published archival materials, existing scholarship, and a long-term ethnographic corpus composed of fourteen life-history oral interviews conducted between 2006 and 2025 in Turkey and Kazakhstan, the study traces the multigenerational trajectories of ritual practice. The findings show that funeral ceremonies, mevlid gatherings, Ramadan practices, and domestic prayer circles function as “sites of memory” through which the trauma of displacement is reinterpreted and intergenerational belonging is continually reconstituted. These ritual forms generate a meaningful sense of continuity and communal resilience in the face of prolonged experiences of loss, uncertainty, and “placelessness.” Situated at the intersection of the anthropology of religion, cultural trauma theory, and Soviet/post-Soviet diaspora studies, the article conceptualizes Islam as more than a realm of belief: for the Ahiska Turks, it operates as a core cultural infrastructure that anchors post-displacement resilience, social organization, and collective memory. The study contributes to the literature by offering an integrated analytical framework that places the Ahiska community within broader debates on religion, memory, and forced migration; by examining rituals not only as emotional practices but also as institutional and cultural scaffolding; and by foregrounding the understudied post-traumatic religious experiences of Muslim diasporas. Full article

Background/Objectives: Assigned female at birth (AFAB) individuals who identify as transgender or gender-diverse (TGD) with concurrent breast cancer or high-risk genetic mutations represent a unique population, requiring consideration of oncologic and aesthetic goals. These patients sought chest masculinization with oncologic gender-affirming mastectomy (OGAM) or non-binary reconstruction to alleviate gender dysphoria and treat their breast cancer. There is limited literature on surgical techniques in this patient population. Methods: A retrospective chart review of AFAB TGD adults (>18 years of age) who underwent OGAM or non-binary reconstruction at the University of Washington between 2019 and 2023 was conducted. All patients had a consultation with a plastic surgeon for reconstruction and a minimum of one year follow-up. Demographic data, oncologic status, post-operative complications, and revision surgical history were collected. Results: Eight AFAB TGD individuals met the inclusion criteria. The mean age at the time of mastectomy was 35.13 years (SD = 8.04), and the mean BMI was 29.88 (SD = 6.40). Indications for mastectomy included a breast cancer diagnosis (N = 4) or a strong family history of breast cancer or genetic predisposition (N = 4). Two (25%) patients underwent nipple-sparing mastectomies (NSM), two patients (25%) underwent skin-sparing mastectomy with Goldilocks reconstruction, and four patients (50%) underwent simple mastectomy (oncologic gender-affirming mastectomy), flat closure with free nipple graft (FNG). Two patients had staged nipple mastectomy with secondary nipple reduction and fat grafting. Six patients had immediate reconstruction, four (50%) patients underwent immediate double-incision OGAM with FNG, and two (25%) patients underwent Goldilocks procedures—one with and one without FNG. One patient (12.5%) experienced a surgical site infection, and three patients (37.5%) underwent revision surgery. No patients had positive margins following their mastectomy. Conclusions: This case series highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary and highly personalized approach for AFAB and TGD individuals undergoing oncologic gender-affirming mastectomy or non-binary reconstruction. We reviewed reconstructive options performed at our institution, demonstrating safe oncologic and reconstructive techniques that emphasized collaboration between breast and plastic surgeons. Full article

Researchers over the past 20 years have steered their attention towards examining whether video games have the potential to positively affect behavioral/emotional traits in players, recognizing their potential to offer not only enjoyable, but also meaningful experiences. Insight from studies has informed video game design, to achieve diverse outcomes, e.g., building empathy, shaping attitudes, raising awareness, or impacting how players (re)appreciate history. Utilizing the integrative review instrument, we examine the literature on video games as empathy/attitude change stimulants, alongside the methodological approaches, tools, evaluation studies, and outcomes comprising the current state of evidence. Through this process, we formulate future research directions, which (a) overview the interdisciplinary priorities of researchers in the aforementioned topics, (b) highlight their key insights/perspectives, (c) outline their methodological approaches, and (d) summarize the discussions, challenges, and outlook on future work toward realizing video games as digital spaces of conscience that foster empathy, critical reflection, and collective remembrance. Full article

Background/Objectives: Preeclampsia is a severe hypertensive disorder that has been linked to increased maternal psychiatric morbidity. However, existing literature remains inconsistent regarding whether this association is independent of underlying medical co-morbidities such as chronic hypertension and diabetes. Our objective was to precisely evaluate the Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) of developing Postpartum Depression symptomatology (probable PPD) following a diagnosis of preeclampsia in a prospectively tracked cohort, controlling for essential confounders. Methods: This prospective cohort study included 180 women (33 in the Preeclampsia group, 147 in the Normotensive reference group), with stringent exclusion of women with prior psychiatric history to reduce confounding. PPD was assessed postpartum using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS ≥ 13 cutoff). Multivariable logistic regression was employed to calculate the AOR, adjusting for maternal age, chronic hypertension, and prepregnancy diabetes. Results: The multivariable analysis demonstrated a highly significant and independent association between the primary exposure and the outcome. Preeclampsia was associated with 12.7-fold increased odds of developing PPD (AOR: 12.7; 95% CI: 5.1–31.7; p < 0.001). In contrast, none of the included confounders—chronic hypertension (AOR: 1.96, p = 0.182), prepregnancy diabetes (AOR: 1.8, p = 0.372), or age (AOR: 0.99, p = 0.759)—showed a statistically significant independent association with PPD risk. The model achieved strong explanatory power (Nagelkerke R² = 0.327; Omnibus Test p < 0.001). Conclusions: Preeclampsia represents a powerful and independent determinant of the risk for significant PPD symptomatology, substantially increasing the adjusted odds of the condition. These findings mandate that women with a history of preeclampsia be designated a high-risk group and receive immediate, mandatory, and intensified postpartum mental health surveillance and preferential access to specialized psychological support. Full article

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a frequent pregnancy pathology with poor maternal and fetal outcomes and risk of type 2 diabetes in later life. Despite known risk factors, such as obesity, age, and familial history, new data suggest that environmental exposure to agents, such as pesticides, can play a role in the etiogenesis of GDM. Objective: The epidemiologic, experimental, and mechanistic evidence between pesticide exposure and GDM risk is summarized here, and we concentrate on recent research (2000–2025). Methods: We conducted a literature search in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for studies published from January 2000 to December 2025 using combinations of the terms “fertilizers”, “herbicides”, and “pesticides” with “diabetes mellitus” and “gestational diabetes”. After deduplication, 12 unique studies met inclusion criteria for qualitative synthesis (GDM endpoint or pregnancy glycemia with pesticide exposure). Results: Occupational and agricultural exposure to pesticides during first pregnancy was determined to be associated with a significantly increased risk of GDM through various epidemiologic studies. New studies have implicated new classes of pesticides, including pyrethroids and neonicotinoids, with higher GDM risk with first-trimester exposure. Experimental studies suggest that pesticides provide potential endocrine-disrupting chemicals that can induce insulin resistance through disruption of hormonal signaling, oxidative stress, inflammation, β-cell toxicity, and epigenetic modifications. However, significant limitations exist. Most of the evidence is observational, measurement of exposure is often indirect, and confounding factors are difficult to exclude. Notably, low dietary and residential exposure is not well studied, and dose–response relationships are undefined. Conclusions: New data indicate that pesticide exposure during early pregnancy and occupational exposure may increase the risk of GDM. Prospective cohort studies using biomonitoring, chemical mixture exposure, and geographic variation in pesticide exposure should be the focus of future research. Due to potential public health implications, preventive strategies to ensure the quality of nutrition and to reduce maternal exposure to pesticides during pregnancy are rational. Full article

Background/Objectives: Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) is an extremely rare cause of brain abscesses, accounting for 1–10% of neurolisteriosis cases reported in the literature, associated with high mortality (approximately 23%). Data on diagnosis, management, and treatment is scarce. We report a case of listerial brain abscesses in an elderly patient in Italy who experienced progressively worsening bilateral ptosis. Methods: Diagnostic evaluation included neuroimaging, blood cultures, and microbiological investigations, followed by antimicrobial treatment according to available evidence. The isolated Lm strain underwent whole genome sequencing. Dietary history was also collected. Results: Positive early blood cultures were pivotal in identifying Lm as the aetiological agent. Neuroimaging revealed brain abscesses consistent with neurolisteriosis. The clinical course was complicated by pneumonia and opportunistic co-infecting pathogens, and despite adequate treatment according to the available literature, the outcome was fatal. Genomic characterisation revealed that the patient was infected with an strain belonged to the sequence type 206 and clonal complex 14, described as hypervirulent. The patient reported consuming several foods known to be associated with an increased risk of listeriosis. Conclusions: This case highlights the challenges involved in diagnosing and managing listerial brain abscesses, particularly in elderly patients. Even when the primary central nervous system infection is under control, the prognosis may be significantly impacted by comorbid conditions and hospital-related complications rather than the infection itself. Our findings underscore the need for improved preventive strategies and targeted risk communication regarding high-risk foods, particularly among elderly populations. Full article

Background/Objectives: Topical steroid withdrawal syndrome is an underrecognized (and at times controversial) diagnosis, predominantly seen in individuals with a history of prolonged medium- to high-potency steroid use with sudden cessation. We aim to present topical steroid withdrawal clinical cases along with a narrative review of the literature to better characterize this understudied phenomenon. Methods: A total of 16 patients with a history of topical steroid withdrawal were enrolled in an IRB-approved clinical trial (NCT04864886). Participants underwent clinical assessments at the National Institutes of Health, including a history and physical examination, photography, genome sequencing, and comprehensive blood work. A follow-up survey assessed symptom activity and functional impact. Results: All patients reported severe itch, heat and photosensitivity, erythema, skin dryness, and pain. A total of 11 patients exhibited elevated IgE levels, 9 patients noted metallic-smelling skin, and 4 had peripheral blood eosinophilia. Symptomatic relief was observed with dupilumab, berberine, naltrexone, and various home remedies including topical ointments, vitamins, and probiotics, though effectiveness varied and often required trial and error. At follow-up, most respondents reported partial but ongoing symptoms, with several describing residual itch and intermittent interference with daily activities. Some participants continued therapeutic interventions, such as berberine, over two years after their initial evaluation. Conclusions: Our findings report improvement in patient symptoms such as itch and detail emerging management strategies that have not been discussed before. Improved recognition, physician consensus, and systemic evaluation of therapeutic options are needed to guide care and enhance quality of life for affected patients. Full article