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Kajal K, Mohammadnezhad M. Effect of COVID-19 on dental service delivery in Fiji: Perspective of Dental Officers (Dos) and Dental Managers (DMs). PLoS One 2023; 18:e0287886. [PMID: 37368901 PMCID: PMC10298780 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) has had significant impact on dentistry in Fiji. Due to lack of previous study, this study aims to explore the perspective of Dental Officers (DOs) and Dental Managers (DMs) on the effects of COVID-19 on dental service delivery in Fiji Islands. METHODS This qualitative study was conducted amongst 30 DOs and 17 DMs between 9th August to 12th September, 2021. It was conducted in the government dental clinics, private dental clinics and the School of Dentistry and Oral Health clinic (SDOH), in the Central Division, Fiji. The study settings were randomly selected. Purposive sampling method was used for the selection of participants who met the study criteria. Semi-structure open ended questionnaires were used for data collection through in-depth interviews via zoom. Manual thematic analysis of the data was conducted to derive themes and codes. RESULTS The participants interviewed for the study included more female DOs (66.7%) and male DMs (58.8%). Seven themes emerged from data analysis: range of services delivered, appointment versus walk-in patients for aerosol generating procedures (AGPs), impact of pandemic on clinic opening hours, impact of COVID-19 on patient numbers, quality of services delivered, resources and infrastructure, perceptions about the burden of disease. CONCLUSION COVID-19 has significantly affected dental service delivery. Mostly emergency dental services were delivered. AGPs were delivered on appointment basis. Most participants stated the quality of services had improved. Participants stated that they were not given adequate resources and the infrastructure was not up to standard to provide dental services during the pandemic. The dental disease burden had increased during the pandemic as per the participants. Future research can be conducted amongst other dental professionals in other divisions of the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kartika Kajal
- School of Dentistry and Oral Health, Fiji National University, Suva, Fiji
| | - Masoud Mohammadnezhad
- School of Nursing and Healthcare Leadership, University of Bradford, Bradford, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Public Health, Department of Health Education and Behavioral Sciences, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
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Janto M, Iurcov R, Moca AE, Daina CM, Moca RT, Daina LG. The Epidemiology of Dental Pathologies in Elderly Patients Admitted to a Tertiary Level Hospital in Oradea, NW Romania: A 5-Year Retrospective Study. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11111522. [PMID: 37297662 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11111522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Oral diseases can affect the quality of life of all individuals, including elderly people. In elderly people, the associated general diseases can increase the risk of dental pathologies or can impact their treatment. The main aim of this study was to identify elderly patients with dental pathology out of the total number of patients admitted to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at a tertiary-level hospital in North-Western Romania. Another aim was to describe the characteristics of the patients included in this study, as well as to analyze data from patients with dental pathologies. In this retrospective study, the medical records of patients admitted to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the Bihor County Emergency Hospital between 2016 and 2020 were analyzed, with a focus on patients aged 65 years or more. After applying the exclusion criteria, 721 patients were kept in the study, of which 316 (43.8%) had at least one dental pathology. Most elderly patients with dental pathologies were admitted in 2018 (n = 89). The most common associated systemic diseases were arterial hypertension (n = 268) and ischemic heart disease (n = 233), while the most common dental pathologies were pulpitis (n = 185), chronic apical periodontitis (n = 61) and abscesses (n = 35). Most patients were either healed or had an improved condition at the time of discharge. The great number of dental pathologies, as well as the diversity in dental pathologies, underline the necessity for better preventive programs aimed not only at children, adolescents or young people but at the elderly population as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Janto
- Doctoral School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Oradea, 1 Universității Street, 410087 Oradea, Romania
| | - Raluca Iurcov
- Department of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 10 Piața 1 Decembrie Street, 410073 Oradea, Romania
| | - Abel Emanuel Moca
- Department of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 10 Piața 1 Decembrie Street, 410073 Oradea, Romania
| | - Cristian Marius Daina
- Department of Psycho-Neuroscience and Recovery, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 10 Piața 1 Decembrie Street, 410073 Oradea, Romania
| | - Rahela Tabita Moca
- Doctoral School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Oradea, 1 Universității Street, 410087 Oradea, Romania
| | - Lucia Georgeta Daina
- Department of Psycho-Neuroscience and Recovery, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 10 Piața 1 Decembrie Street, 410073 Oradea, Romania
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Maierean AD, Vulturar DM, Chetan IM, Crivii CB, Bala C, Vesa SC, Todea DA. The Management of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients during the COVID-19 Pandemic as a Public Health Problem-Interactions with Sleep Efficacy and Mental Health. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4313. [PMID: 36901329 PMCID: PMC10002103 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
With the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak, it was stipulated that patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may have a greater risk of morbidity and mortality and may even experience changes in their mental health. The aim of the current study is to evaluate how patients managed their disease (sleep apnea) during the COVID-19 pandemic, to determine if continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) usage changed after the beginning of the pandemic, to compare the stress level with the baseline, and to observe if any modifications are related to their individual characteristics. The present studies highlight the level of anxiety, which was high among patients with OSA during the COVID-19 pandemic (p < 0.05), with its influence on weight control (62.5% of patients with high levels of stress gained weight) and sleep schedule (82.6% reported a change in sleep schedule). Patients with severe OSA and high levels of stress increased their CPAP usage (354.5 min/night vs. 399.5 min/night during the pandemic, p < 0.05). To conclude, in OSA patients, the presence of the pandemic led to a greater level of anxiety, changes in sleep schedule and weight gain because of job loss, isolation, and emotional changes, influencing mental health. A possible solution, telemedicine, could become a cornerstone in the management of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anca Diana Maierean
- Department of Pneumology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400332 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Damiana Maria Vulturar
- Department of Pneumology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400332 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ioana Maria Chetan
- Department of Pneumology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400332 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Carmen-Bianca Crivii
- Morphological Sciences Department, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400000 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Cornelia Bala
- Department of Diabetes and Nutrition, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400332 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Stefan Cristian Vesa
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400337 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Doina Adina Todea
- Department of Pneumology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400332 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Šutej I, Lepur D, Bašić K, Šimunović L, Peroš K. Changes in Medication Prescribing Due to COVID-19 in Dental Practice in Croatia-National Study. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:antibiotics12010111. [PMID: 36671312 PMCID: PMC9854617 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12010111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The 2019 coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) has affected clinical practice and, consequently, drug prescribing in dental practice. We investigated how the pandemic affected the prescribing behavior of dentists in Croatia. Data on prescribing practices for this study were provided by the Croatian Health Insurance Institute. The analysis included the number of prescriptions, costs, and the number of packages prescribed. The World Health Organization's defined daily dose per 1000 inhabitants (DID) per day was used as an objective utilization comparison. During the first pandemic year, prescribing practice changed the most. Wide-spectrum antibiotics, analgesics, and antiseptics showed the highest trend in change. A statistically significant change in prescribing practices during the pandemic period was noted for amoxicillin with clavulanic acid, ibuprofen, and ketoprofen which showed an increase in trend, while cephalexin and diclofenac showed a statistically significant decrease. The highest increase in trend was recorded for azithromycin, at +39.3%. The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with a marked increase in medication utilization, especially in the first year of the pandemic. The increase in wide-spectrum antibiotic classes needs to be addressed and regulated so that patients accept that antibiotics are not a substitute for dental treatment and dentists always start treatment with narrow-spectrum antibiotics regardless of specific times, as is the case with the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Šutej
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +385-98739248
| | - Dragan Lepur
- Department of Infectious Diseases, School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- University Hospital for Infectious Diseases “Dr. Fran Mihaljević”, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Krešimir Bašić
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Luka Šimunović
- Department of Orthodontics, School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Kristina Peroš
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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Kajal K, Mohammadnezhad M. Applicable of teledentistry and digital platforms during the COVID-19 pandemic among dentists in Fiji: A qualitative study. Digit Health 2023. [DOI: 10.1177/20552076231159191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives This research aims to explore the perception of dental officers (DOs) and dental managers (DMs) on the use of teledentistry and digital platforms during the COVID-19 pandemic in Fiji. Methods This qualitative study was conducted among 30 DOs and 17 DMs. The study was conducted in private dental clinics, government dental clinics and the School of Dentistry and Oral Health clinic (SDOH), in the Central Division, Fiji that were selected randomly. The participants were selected using the purposive sampling method using the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data was collected through in-depth interviews via zoom using a self-developed semi-structure open-ended interview questionnaire. Manual thematic analysis of the data was conducted. Results Five themes emerged from data analysis: utilization of teledentistry and media during the pandemic, usefulness of teledentistry, confidence with teledentistry and digital platforms-associated risks, digital platforms for record keeping, and teledentistry promotion and training. Teledentistry was mostly utilized by private practitioners and the oral surgery department. Practitioners were not in favour of teledentistry as they thought it was putting them at risk. Conclusion Majority of DOs and DMs were not utilizing teledentistry except for a few private dental practitioners and the oral surgery department. Future research can be conducted in other divisions and include other healthcare professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kartika Kajal
- School of Dentistry and Oral Health, Fiji National University, Suva, Fiji
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Brondani MA, Noroozbahari N. Students’ appraisal of a preparedness model for the provision of oral health care during a pandemic. BMC Oral Health 2022; 22:496. [DOI: 10.1186/s12903-022-02535-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the provision of oral health care worldwide, prompting the discussion of preparedness. This study aimed to perform an initial appraisal of the usability, spatial representation, and clarity of a newly developed preparedness model from the perspective of senior undergraduate dental students at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada, enrolled in the 2020-21 academic year. Answers were analyzed thematically via an inductive coding process between March and June 2021.
Results
All the 111 students in years 3 (#55) and 4 (#56) appraised the preparedness model, generating more than 200 pages of text. Four main themes were identified across the essays: streamlined depiction, information-based approach, adaptability to an ever-changing situation, and room for improvement. Although the majority of students appraised the model as being useful in fostering information-seeking behaviour, few students disagreed with the model’s portrayal and made further suggestions.
Conclusions
Preparedness models can better guide oral health care providers during a health crisis such as a pandemic. The recently developed preparedness model was appraised as useful by senior undergraduate dental students, although alternative portrayals of the model were suggested. A comprehensive assessment of the newly developed model (and of its variations) is warranted to better support oral health care service delivery during a pandemic.
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Kajal K, Mohammadnezhad M. Behavioral Preventative Strategies Undertaken by Dental Clinics in Fiji during COVID-19 Pandemic. J Int Soc Prev Community Dent 2022; 12:376-384. [PMID: 35966913 PMCID: PMC9369781 DOI: 10.4103/jispcd.jispcd_73_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: COVID-19 has created a significant impact on dentists and oral health professionals. This research aimed to explore the perspective of dental officers (DOs) and dental managers (DMs) on behavioral preventative strategies and recommendations for preventing the virus transmission in the dental clinics in Fiji. Materials and Methods: This qualitative study was conducted among DOs and DMs who worked in nine private dental clinics, eight government dental clinics, and one School of Dentistry and Oral Health clinic (SDOH), in the Central Division, Fiji between August 9 and September 12, 2021. The participants were selected using purposive sampling method using the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Self-developed semi-structured open-ended questionnaires were used for data collection through in-depth interviews via zoom. Manual thematic analysis of the data was conducted. Results: Thirty DOs and 17 DMs participated in this study. Seven themes emerged from data analysis: Risk perception-COVID-19 versus dentistry; Staff safety, satisfaction, and motivation; Breaking the chain of infection transmission; Adaptability, and acceptance; Shared responsibility; Roles and knowledge; and Importance of good planning. Majority of participants felt that dental professionals are at high risk, and hence, need to take extra precautionary measures. Participants also stated that more care should be provided to patients by accepting the situation and moving forward. Conclusion: This study highlighted the importance of dentists in preventing disease transmission in a dental setting. Continuation with the protocols and strategies gave the participants more sense of protection. The importance of good planning, accepting the situation, and moving forward was highlighted. Future research is recommended in other divisions and other health-care professionals can be included.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kartika Kajal
- School of Dentistry and Oral Health, Fiji National University, Suva, Fiji
| | - Masoud Mohammadnezhad
- School of Public Health and Primary Health Care, Fiji National University, Suva, Fiji
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SARS-CoV-2 mRNA Vaccine-Induced Cellular and Humoral Immunity in Hemodialysis Patients. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10030636. [PMID: 35327438 PMCID: PMC8945424 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10030636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/Aims: Chronic kidney disease CKD patients on intermittent hemodialysis IHD are exposed to SARS-CoV-2 infection and carry a risk of developing severe symptoms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the humoral and cellular immunity induced by two doses of mRNA vaccines, the Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty) COVID-19 Vaccine and the Moderna (mRNA-1273) COVID-19 vaccine. Patients and methods: The study included 281 patients from five dialysis centers in northern Poland. Within 2 weeks prior to the first dose of the vaccine, a blood sample was collected for an evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Thirty to forty-five days after the second dose of the vaccine, a blood sample was taken to evaluate humoral and cellular response. Results: Patients with stage 5 CKD on IHD were characterized by a considerable SARS-CoV-2 vaccine-induced seroconversion rate. The strongest factors influencing the antibodies AB level after vaccination were a pre-vaccination history of SARS-CoV-2 infection, age, the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio NLR, neutrophil absolute count, and the hemoglobin level. Cellular immunity was higher in patients with a pre-vaccination history of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Cellular immunity depended on the albumin level. Positive cellular response to vaccination was a positive factor reducing all-cause mortality, except for COVID-19 mortality (no such deaths were reported during our follow-up). Cellular immunity and humoral immunity were positively mutually dependent. High levels of albumin and hemoglobin, low neutrophil count, and a reduced NLR, translated into better response to vaccination. Conclusions: Patients with stage 5 CKD on IHD were characterized by a considerable SARS-CoV-2 vaccine-induced seroconversion rate and a good rate of cellular immunity. The factors that change with exacerbating inflammation and malnutrition (albumin, hemoglobin, neutrophil count, the NLR) affected the efficacy of the vaccination.
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Oral Habits during the Lockdown from the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic in the Romanian Population. Medicina (B Aires) 2022; 58:medicina58030387. [PMID: 35334563 PMCID: PMC8950074 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58030387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic led to changes in population daily patterns. In order to adapt oral health promotion measures for future similar conditions, the main objective of the study was to assess changes in dental hygiene and eating and smoking habits during the government lockdown in Romania. Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted immediately after the end of the lockdown and consisted of 800 adult subjects. Data collection was done via an online survey. Participants were divided into two groups: non-medical/dental practitioners (N-M/D group) and medical/dental practitioners (M/D group). Results: An increased use of dental floss from 27% (pre-lockdown) to 30.5% (during lockdown) was identified in the M/D group, while the manual toothbrush usage increased to 64.8% (during lockdown) from 61.7% (pre-lockdown) in the N-MD/group. No significant differences regarding toothbrushing frequency were observed in either group. A change in the number of daily snacks was identified in both groups (3–4 snacks per day: from 11% to 20.2% in the N-M/D group, from 13.1% to 22.2% in the M/D group). The consumption of sweets as a preferred snack was also noticed. A decrease of tobacco consumers was assessed in the lockdown period (from 66.6% to 60.4% in the M/D group, from 68.5% to 61.9% in the N-/M/D group). Conclusions: Oral habits were changed during the pandemic lockdown through the increase in the frequency of the consumption of snacks and sweets and the decrease in frequency of smokers. Only minor changes were observed in oral hygiene.
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Could Lower Testosterone in Older Men Explain Higher COVID-19 Morbidity and Mortalities? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23020935. [PMID: 35055119 PMCID: PMC8781054 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The health scourge imposed on humanity by the COVID-19 pandemic seems not to recede. This fact warrants refined and novel ideas analyzing different aspects of the illness. One such aspect is related to the observation that most COVID-19 casualties were older males, a tendency also noticed in the epidemics of SARS-CoV in 2003 and the Middle East respiratory syndrome in 2012. This gender-related difference in the COVID-19 death toll might be directly involved with testosterone (TEST) and its plasmatic concentration in men. TEST has been demonstrated to provide men with anti-inflammatory and immunological advantages. As the plasmatic concentration of this androgen decreases with age, the health benefit it confers also diminishes. Low plasmatic levels of TEST can be determinant in the infection’s outcome and might be related to a dysfunctional cell Ca2+ homeostasis. Not only does TEST modulate the activity of diverse proteins that regulate cellular calcium concentrations, but these proteins have also been proven to be necessary for the replication of many viruses. Therefore, we discuss herein how TEST regulates different Ca2+-handling proteins in healthy tissues and propose how low TEST concentrations might facilitate the replication of the SARS-CoV-2 virus through the lack of modulation of the mechanisms that regulate intracellular Ca2+ concentrations.
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CECI S, BERATE P, CANDREA S, BABTAN AM, AZZOLLINI D, PIRAS F, CURATOLI L, CORRIERO A, PATANO A, VALENTE F, MAGGIORE ME, MANCINI A, GIOVANNIELLO D, NUCCI L, ELIA R, SIRBU A, GALDERISI A, CARDARELLI F. The oral and gut microbiota: beyond a short communication. BALNEO AND PRM RESEARCH JOURNAL 2021. [DOI: 10.12680/balneo.2021.471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction. The current treatment and prevention of oral disorders, dental caries, periodontal and gum diseases, follow a very non-specific control of plaque as the main causative factor. The main therapeutically approach is carried out on the sole perspective to keep the levels of oral bacteria in an acceptable range compatible with one-way vision of oral-mouth health, as something completely separated from a systemic microbial homeostasis (dysbiosis) concomitant present in the gut. A sealed compartmental view which sees separate and incommunicable responses to a specific condition without considering the presence of interacting confounding factors can negatively influence the diagnosis a diseases and of course its progression. A general non-specific antimicrobial with more general antiplaque therapy based mainly on oral care products together with surgery interventions represent at the moment the only mechanical responses in treating oral diseases.
Material and method. The present paper is a narrative review concening interractions between oral and gut microbiota, with a focus on the interdisciplinary approach in antimicrobial treatment. Pubmed, Cochrane Library database were used for searching engines. Key words used were as follows: “inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS)”, “ulcerative colitis”, “oral dysbiosis”, “gut dysbiosis”, “probiotics”, “periodontitis”.
Results and discussions. Literature research showed that there are few issues to be discussed the ever increasing resistance to antibiotics, the high consumption of industrial food and sugars and their negatively effect on gut and oral microbiota. There is a need to highlight and develop a novel philosophical approach in the treatments for oral diseases that will necessarily involve non-conventional antimicrobial solutions. Such approaches should preferably reduce the consumption of both intestinal and oral microbiota, that are intimately connected and host approximately well over 1000 different species of bacteria at 108–109 bacteria per mL of mucous and saliva. Preventive approaches based upon the restoration of the microbial ecological balance, rather than elimination of the disease associated species, have been proposed.
Conclusions. Having both oral-gut microbiota screened is an essential moment that influence the healthy immune modulatory and regenerative capacity of the body and, the new proposed formula integrates a wider screen on the patients where oral condition is strictly evaluated together with gut screen; therefore any proposed treatment will be inevitably sustained by the use of prebiotics and probiotics to promote health-associated bacterial growth.
Keywords: inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS), ulcerative colitis, oral dysbiosis, gut dysbiosis, probiotics, periodontitis,
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabino CECI
- 1. Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine (D.I.M), University of Medicine “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Pula BERATE
- 2. Privat clinic, Allias Vure, Rruga, Tirane, Albania
| | - Sebastian CANDREA
- 3. Department of Oral Rehabilitation, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Iuliu Hatieganu”, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Anida-Maria BABTAN
- 3. Department of Oral Rehabilitation, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Iuliu Hatieganu”, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Daniela AZZOLLINI
- 1. Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine (D.I.M), University of Medicine “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Fabio PIRAS
- 1. Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine (D.I.M), University of Medicine “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Luigi CURATOLI
- 4. Department Neurosciences & Sensory Organs & Musculoskeletal system. University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Alberto CORRIERO
- 5. Unit of Anesthesia and Resuscitation, Department of Emergencies and Organ Transplantations, “Aldo Moro” University, Bari, Italy
| | - Assunta PATANO
- 1. Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine (D.I.M), University of Medicine “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Francesco VALENTE
- 1. Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine (D.I.M), University of Medicine “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Maria Elena MAGGIORE
- 1. Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine (D.I.M), University of Medicine “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Antonio MANCINI
- 1. Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine (D.I.M), University of Medicine “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Ludovica NUCCI
- 7. Multidisciplinary Department of Medical-Surgical and Dental Specialties, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Rossella ELIA
- Bari University “Aldo Moro”, place Giulio Cesare, Bari, Italy
| | - Adina SIRBU
- Department of Oral Health, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Iuliu Hatieganu”, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | | | - Fillippo CARDARELLI
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine (D.I.M), University of Medicine “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
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Beran J, Špajdel M, Slíva J. Inosine Pranobex Deserves Attention as a Potential Immunomodulator to Achieve Early Alteration of the COVID-19 Disease Course. Viruses 2021; 13:2246. [PMID: 34835052 PMCID: PMC8619495 DOI: 10.3390/v13112246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Since its licensing in 1971, the synthetic compound inosine pranobex has been effectively combating viral infections, including herpes zoster, varicella, measles, and infections caused by the herpes simplex virus, human papillomavirus, Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, and respiratory viruses. With the emergence of SARS-CoV-2, new and existing drugs have been intensively evaluated for their potential as COVID-19 medication. Due to its potent immunomodulatory properties, inosine pranobex, an orally administered drug with pleiotropic effects, can, during early treatment, alter the course of the disease. We describe the action of inosine pranobex in the body and give an overview of existing evidence collected to support further efforts to study this drug in a rigorous clinical trial setup.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiří Beran
- Department for Tropical, Travel Medicine and Immunization, Institute of Postgraduate Health Education, 100 05 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Marián Špajdel
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy and Arts, Trnava University, 918 43 Trnava, Slovakia;
| | - Jiří Slíva
- Department of Pharmacology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 100 00 Prague, Czech Republic;
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Milic M, Dotlic J, Rachor GS, Asmundson GJG, Joksimovic B, Stevanovic J, Lazic D, Stanojevic Ristic Z, Subaric Filimonovic J, Radenkovic N, Cakic M, Gazibara T. Validity and reliability of the Serbian COVID Stress Scales. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0259062. [PMID: 34705857 PMCID: PMC8550439 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0259062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to generate a linguistic equivalent of the COVID Stress Scales (CSS) in the Serbian language and examine its psychometric characteristics. Data were collected from September to December 2020 among the general population of three cities in Republic of Serbia and Republic of Srpska, countries where the Serbian language is spoken. Participants completed a socio-demographic questionnaire, followed by the CSS and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). The CSS was validated using the standard methodology (i.e., forward and backward translations, pilot testing). The reliability of the Serbian CSS was assessed using Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega coefficients and convergent validity was evaluated by correlating the CSS with PSS. Confirmatory factor analysis was performed to examine the construct validity of the Serbian CSS. This study included 961 persons (52.8% males and 47.2% females). The Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the Serbian CSS was 0.964 and McDonald's omega was 0.964. The Serbian CSS with 36 items and a six-factorial structure showed a measurement model with a satisfactory fit for our population (CMIN/DF = 4.391; GFI = 0.991; RMSEA = 0.025). The CSS total and all domain scores significantly positively correlated with PSS total score. The Serbian version of the CSS is a valid and reliable questionnaire that can be used in assessing COVID-19-related distress experienced by Serbian speaking people during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as future epidemics and pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marija Milic
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Pristina Temporarily Seated in Kosovska Mitrovica, Kosovska Mitrovica, Kosovo, Serbia
| | - Jelena Dotlic
- Clinic for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Center of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | | | - Bojan Joksimovic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of East Sarajevo, Foca, Republic of Srpska Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Jasmina Stevanovic
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Pristina Temporarily Seated in Kosovska Mitrovica, Kosovska Mitrovica, Kosovo, Serbia
| | - Dragoslav Lazic
- Department of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Pristina Temporarily Seated in Kosovska Mitrovica, Kosovska Mitrovica, Kosovo, Serbia
| | - Zorica Stanojevic Ristic
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Pristina Temporarily Seated in Kosovska Mitrovica, Kosovska Mitrovica, Kosovo, Serbia
| | - Jelena Subaric Filimonovic
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Pristina Temporarily Seated in Kosovska Mitrovica, Kosovska Mitrovica, Kosovo, Serbia
| | - Nikoleta Radenkovic
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Pristina Temporarily Seated in Kosovska Mitrovica, Kosovska Mitrovica, Kosovo, Serbia
| | - Milica Cakic
- Clinic for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Center of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Tatjana Gazibara
- Institute of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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14
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Gusev E, Sarapultsev A, Hu D, Chereshnev V. Problems of Pathogenesis and Pathogenetic Therapy of COVID-19 from the Perspective of the General Theory of Pathological Systems (General Pathological Processes). Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7582. [PMID: 34299201 PMCID: PMC8304657 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic examines not only the state of actual health care but also the state of fundamental medicine in various countries. Pro-inflammatory processes extend far beyond the classical concepts of inflammation. They manifest themselves in a variety of ways, beginning with extreme physiology, then allostasis at low-grade inflammation, and finally the shockogenic phenomenon of "inflammatory systemic microcirculation". The pathogenetic core of critical situations, including COVID-19, is this phenomenon. Microcirculatory abnormalities, on the other hand, lie at the heart of a specific type of general pathological process known as systemic inflammation (SI). Systemic inflammatory response, cytokine release, cytokine storm, and thrombo-inflammatory syndrome are all terms that refer to different aspects of SI. As a result, the metabolic syndrome model does not adequately reflect the pathophysiology of persistent low-grade systemic inflammation (ChSLGI). Diseases associated with ChSLGI, on the other hand, are risk factors for a severe COVID-19 course. The review examines the role of hypoxia, metabolic dysfunction, scavenger receptors, and pattern-recognition receptors, as well as the processes of the hemophagocytic syndrome, in the systemic alteration and development of SI in COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgenii Gusev
- Institute of Immunology and Physiology, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, 620049 Ekaterinburg, Russia; (E.G.); (V.C.)
| | - Alexey Sarapultsev
- Institute of Immunology and Physiology, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, 620049 Ekaterinburg, Russia; (E.G.); (V.C.)
- School of Medical Biology, South Ural State University, 454080 Chelyabinsk, Russia
| | - Desheng Hu
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 200092, China;
| | - Valeriy Chereshnev
- Institute of Immunology and Physiology, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, 620049 Ekaterinburg, Russia; (E.G.); (V.C.)
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15
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Aldhuwayhi S, Mallineni SK, Sakhamuri S, Thakare AA, Mallineni S, Sajja R, Sethi M, Nettam V, Mohammad AM. Covid-19 Knowledge and Perceptions Among Dental Specialists: A Cross-Sectional Online Questionnaire Survey. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2021; 14:2851-2861. [PMID: 34262372 PMCID: PMC8274826 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s306880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The recent outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) caused a significant impact on dentistry. It is imperative to have sufficient knowledge of COVID-19 to manage patients in the dental operatory. Aim To assess the knowledge and perceptions of dentists from different specialities about COVID-19 disease. Settings and Design Cross-sectional online survey. Materials and Methods This study used a descriptive cross-sectional study design with a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire included three sets of 23 questions [Demographic-4; Source of information-1; Knowledge-10 and Perceptions-8]. The comparison of mean scores of knowledge and perceptions were interpreted based on the occupation of dental specialists. Statistical Analysis Used The association between demographic variables and dental specialists’ knowledge and perception scores was carried out using SPSS (Version IBM 21.0, NY, USA). Results A total of 429 dentists from various specialties participated in the present study. The study had obtained a overall good knowledge score (92.7%) with a mean value of 8.86 + 0.22, and a perception score (70.7%) with a mean value of 5.4+0.3. The present study reports a statistically significant difference between age (p=0.03) and knowledge source (p<0.05). The multi variate regression analysis showed that dentists’ specialty had no significant effect on knowledge and perception. Conclusion The study reports sufficient knowledge and perception scores. Oral maxillofacial surgeons showed higher knowledge scores, while prosthodontics and periodontics achieved good mean scores for perception on COVID-19. Social media and health authorities played an equally important role in the overall knowledge of the source of information related to COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sami Aldhuwayhi
- Department Prosthodontics, College of Dentistry, Majmaah University, Al-majmaah, 11952, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sreekanth Kumar Mallineni
- Department of Preventive Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, Majmaah University, Al-majmaah, 11952, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Narayana Dental College and Hospital, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, India.,Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Srinivasulu Sakhamuri
- Department of Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics, Narayana Dental College and Hospital,, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Amar Ashok Thakare
- Department Prosthodontics, College of Dentistry, Majmaah University, Al-majmaah, 11952, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sahana Mallineni
- Department of Periodontology, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Nellore, AP, India
| | - Rishitha Sajja
- Data Manager, Bristol Myers Squibb, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Mallika Sethi
- Department of Periodontology, ITS Dental College, Muradnagar, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Venkatesh Nettam
- Department of Orthodontics, Narayana Dental College and Hospital, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, India
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16
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Nejabi MB, Noor NAS, Raufi N, Essar MY, Ehsan E, Shah J, Shah A, Nemat A. Tongue ulcer in a patient with COVID-19: a case presentation. BMC Oral Health 2021; 21:273. [PMID: 34016110 PMCID: PMC8135170 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-021-01635-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The emergence of COVID-19 has devastated many parts of the world. From asymptomatic to symptomatic, the virus causes a wide spectrum of presentations. COVID-19 patients may present with oral manifestations. In Afghanistan, where COVID-19 has severely strained the health care system, much of the population lacks proper oral hygiene. This makes the oral cavity a perfect site for SARS-CoV-2 to manifest clinical signs. CASE PRESENTATION A 62-year-old male was evaluated in the Dentistry Teaching Clinic of Kabul University of Medical Sciences for a painful erosive lesion on dorsal surface of his tongue. He also complained of fever, cough, and taste alteration. He was referred to Afghan Japan Hospital for COVID-19 testing and tested positive. He was followed on for the treatment of SARS-CoV2. After 2 weeks, the patient tested negative and returned to the dentistry clinic for follow-up. Although there were no other signs of COVID-19, the painful erosive lesion on his tongue persisted. Oral evaluation were performed and the patient was advised to practice good hygiene. After 10 days, we observed an asymptomatic geographic tongue without fever and myalgias and the lesion of dorsal surface of tongue improved from severe condition to moderate. CONCLUSION In conclusion, patients with suspected or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 should be screened for symptoms and physical findings in the oral mucosa To prevent such an outcome, awareness programs need to be implemented for the diagnosis and management of clinical symptoms among patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nahid Raufi
- Department of Dermatology, Kabul University of Medical Sciences, Kabul, Afghanistan.,Department of Dermatology, Guangdong Provincial Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mohammad Yasir Essar
- Faculty of Dentistry, Kabul University of Medical Sciences, Kabul, Afghanistan.,Medical Research Center, Kateb University, Kabul, Afghanistan
| | - Ehsanullah Ehsan
- Department of Dermatology, Alberoni University, Kapisa, Afghanistan
| | - Jaffer Shah
- Medical Research Center, Kateb University, Kabul, Afghanistan.,Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Asghar Shah
- Division of Biology and Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Arash Nemat
- Department of Cardiology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China. .,Department of Microbiology, Kabul University of Medical Sciences, University Road, Ali Abad, Jamal Mina, 3rd District, Kabul, 1001, Afghanistan.
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