The clinical implications of Porphyromonas gingivalis and its detection methods - a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Mounting evidence has shown the significant correlation between periodontitis and the development of other comorbidities, such as cardiovascular disease due to periodontopathogenic bacterial migration and colonisation. As the main etiologic agent of periodontitis, the role of Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) has been widely explored as the main culprit and its early detection is crucial to control the exacerbation of diseases. This review aims to identify and summarise all clinical diseases that potentially developed due to the presence of P. gingivalis and discover all its detection methods that have been developed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Full-text articles of case report, case control, cohort and cross-sectional studies that were published from 1st January 2012 until 30th June 2022, were searched using PubMed, CINAHL and Scopus. Periodontal related diseases were excluded in this review due to its wellknown associated disease with P. gingivalis. A comparison studies of detection methods were also excluded in this review.

RESULTS

Out of 612 articles that were screened, only 106 met the eligibility criteria to be selected for further review. Risk of bias was performed using FEAT principles and reviewers' discussion. A total of 21 final articles that were reviewed showed significant correlation with P. gingivalis and were classified into several clinical domains. Twelve out of 13 detection methods showed high sensitivity and specificity with short duration analysis.

CONCLUSION

Due to asymptomatic periodontal disease and the high prevalence of P. gingivalis-associated clinical diseases, this review suggests the need for oral public health awareness and early screening for the bacterium detection especially among elderly groups to maintain their quality of life.

Literacy in the time of Coronavirus: an Italian perspective: Value of literacy in the context of a pandemic

BACKGROUND

COVID-19 pandemic, with its dramatic impact on society, poses a challenge to Health Pro-motion and to its principles of empowerment, social cohesion and citizens' democratic participation in health policies. In this pressing emergency, public health strategies aimed at preventing the spread of the pandemic have been primarily oriented towards restrictive measures (travel restrictions, use of PPE) in absence of an adequate educational communication, aimed at increasing citizens' knowledge and skills in regard to the emergency context.

AIM

To offer a perspective on the Italian situation, in terms of health literacy and life skills in the context of COVID-19 pandemic, aimed not only at identifying deficits, but particularly at determining opportuni-ties and resources (assets) - offered by the peculiar context of crisis - useful to provide citizens with the necessary tools to comprehend the criticalities linked with the emergency and to shape their behaviour to new requirements, in absence of external obligations, as well as to promote future participation of the population - both effective and informed - in a social and political context.

METHODS

A non-systematic review of literature on the subject of health literacy and social cohesion in emergency contexts has been supported by a qualitative assessment, based on the model of assets and on the Italian condition in the last trimester of 2020.

RESULTS

The scarce ability of the population to independently adequate habits and behaviour to new criti-calities required by the risk of infection - as well as the necessity to suspend their empowerment and capa-bility from government authorities to protect public health - has been firstly traced back to a widespread lack of literacy and life skills at a general population level. The current situation of crisis offers a peculiar opportunity of tools, circumstances and receptiveness to highlight such deficits, as well as an intervention on multiple fronts, in order to increase literacy and capability, both on an individual and on a community level, through inclusive and sustainable initiatives.

CONCLUSION

A prevention strategy based on the critical understanding of risk and risk-related criticalities is the only one which can aspire to last over time, while offering an effective tool for the safeguarding of public health, along with an opportunity of being prepared to contrast future emergencies more effectively. The development of such strategies represents one of the most significant contributions Health Promotion can offer in the time of Coronavirus.

Psychometric properties of the Malay inventory for the perception of Muslims with hearing impairment

OBJECTIVE

The aims of this study are to measure the psychometric properties of the newly developed preliminary version of hearing impairment inventory for religious duties for Muslim adults, i.e., the Inventori Persepsi Bagi Muslim Yang Memiliki Masalah Pendengaran (IPM3P), and to produce a final version of IPM3P.

METHODS

The preliminary version of IPM3P that is used to investigate the perception of Muslim adults with hearing impairment towards Islamic understanding and practice has been tested in this study. The preliminary version of IPM3P consists of three domains (obligation, practice, and difficulty) with 59 items in total. Four phases of validity and reliability testing involved were: i) Content validation, ii) Pretesting, face validity and proofreading, iii) Pilot study, and iv) Psychometric evaluation.

RESULTS

The final version of IPM3P consists of 36 items. The findings from the present study suggest that the final version of IPM3P has excellent psychometric properties manifested by: i) good content validity, ii) excellently pretested, iii) good face validity, iv) good construct validity shown by principal component analysis and convergent validity, and v) good discriminant validity showed by divergent validity.

CONCLUSION

IPM3P shows good potential to be used as a tool in investigating perception of Muslim adults towards Islamic understanding and practice.

Translation, validation and cross-cultural adaptation of the Malay emotion regulation checklist (ERC-M): A preliminary study

INTRODUCTION

Emotion Regulation Checklist (ERC) has been used globally and translated to several languages, including Brazilian Portuguese, Italian and Persian. The aim of this study is to translate and validate ERC to the Malay language and to measure the reliability and validity of the translated version of this scale among Malaysian parents.

METHODS

This study involved forward and back translation method. The translated questionnaire was then pretested and piloted among 10 parents and 50 participants, respectively. The procedure was repeated using the same questionnaire to evaluate the test-retest reliability.

RESULTS

The ERC-Malay (ERC-M) has excellent qualitative and quantitative measurements in both item-level content validation index (I-CVI) and scale-level content validation index (S-CVI). In addition, the ERC-M demonstrated good internal consistency from Cronbach's alpha and test-retest reliability based on the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) in all domains.

CONCLUSION

ERC-M can potentially be used as a tool to evaluate emotion for the population with emotional dysregulation issue, such as autism spectrum disorder.

Development of hearing impairment inventory for religious duties of Muslim adult

OBJECTIVE

This study is a preliminary work to develop a Malay version questionnaire named 'Inventori Persepsi bagi Muslim yang Memiliki Masalah Pendengaran (IPM3P)' to assess the perception on Islamic understanding and practice among Muslim adults with hearing impairment.

METHODS

The scale development involved three phases: i) generation of domains based on the literature, ii) generation of sub-domains based on literature review and Islamic panel survey, and iii) generation of items.

RESULTS

Preliminary version of IPM3P consists of 59 items was produced, representing three domains: Obligation (18 items), Practice (21 items), and Difficulty (20 items), and seven sub-domains ('Ibadah', 'Aqidah', 'Muamalat', 'Tasawwuf', 'Akhlak','Da'wah', and 'Sirah').

CONCLUSION

The preliminary version of IPM3P needs to be psychometrically tested. This pioneering study may become an impetus towards more research pertaining to understanding the effect of hearing loss towards religious life in the future in Malaysia.

Risk Factors for 3-Year-Mortality and a Tool to Screen Patient in Dialysis Population

Introduction

Clinical parameters especially co-morbidities among end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients are associated with mortality. This study aims to determine the risk factors that are associated with mortality within three years among prevalent patients with ESRD.

Methods

This is a cohort study where prevalent ESRD patients' details were recorded between May 2012 and October 2012. Their records were matched with national death record at the end of year 2015 to identify the deceased patients within three years. Four models were formulated with two models were based on logistic regression models but with different number of predictors and two models were developed based on risk scoring technique. The preferred models were validated by using sensitivity and specificity analysis.

Results

A total of 1332 patients were included in the study. Majority succumbed due to cardiovascular disease (48.3%) and sepsis (41.3%). The identified risk factors were mode of dialysis (P < 0.001), diabetes mellitus (P < 0.001), chronic heart disease (P < 0.001) and leg amputation (P = 0.016). The accuracy of four models was almost similar with AUC between 0.680 and 0.711. The predictive models from logistic regression model and risk scoring model were selected as the preferred models based on both accuracy and simplicity. Besides the mode of dialysis, diabetes mellitus and its complications are the important predictors for early mortality among prevalent ESRD patients.

Conclusions

The models either based on logistic regression or risk scoring model can be used to screen high risk prevalent ESRD patients.

A novel computer-based simulated learning environment in audiology with learning assistance: Preliminary findings

INTRODUCTION

This paper describes the development and the evaluation of a new Two-dimensional (2D) computer-based (CB) Simulated Learning Environment (SLE) software for routine audiology tests that comes with learning assistance for audiology students. The aim of the study was to serve as preliminary evaluation on the effectiveness of the new 2D CB SLE audiology software among audiology students.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The development process of the new 2D CB SLE includes, (i) the identification of common errors made by students in the audiology clinic, (ii) the development of five case simulations that include four routine audiology tests incorporating learning assistance derived from the errors commonly made by audiology students and, (iii) the development of 2D CB SLE from a technical perspective. A preliminary evaluation of the use of the 2D CB SLE software was conducted among twenty-six second-year undergraduate audiology students.

RESULTS

The pre-analysis evaluation of the new 2D CB SLE showed that the majority of the students perceived the new 2D CB SLE software as realistic and helpful for them in achieving the course learning outcomes and in improving their clinical skills. The mean overall scores among the twenty-six students using the self-reported questionnaire were significantly higher when using the 2D CB SLE software than with the existing software typically used in their SLE training.

CONCLUSIONS

This new 2D CB SLE software has the potential for use by audiology students for enhancing their learning.

A Multivariate Analysis of Metal Concentrations in Two Fish Species of the Nyl River System, Limpopo Province, South Africa

Increased toxicity due to high metal concentrations may hinder the ecological integrity of aquatic ecosystems in sustaining life. The non-biodegradable nature of metals may result in bioaccumulation in aquatic organisms. Due to ecological and social aspects it is imperative for monitoring schemes to identify possible impacts to the systems integrity. This paper discusses accumulation patterns of seven metals (Al, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Sr and Zn) in tissues of two fish species, namely Clarias gariepinus and Oreochromis mossambicus at two selected sites, the first located upstream of Modimolle (NRS1), and the second located downstream of the town (NRS2). Gills, liver, muscle and skin tissues were analysed for metal concentrations using standard microwave digestion and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry techniques. Statistical results indicated higher concentrations of metals at NRS2 in comparison to NRS1, indicating that Modimolle plays a potential role in introducing metals into the aquatic system.

The effect of hyperglycaemia on haemostasis testing--a volunteer study

We investigated whether the contamination of samples with glucose subsequently tested for haemostasis affected the results, including prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time and fibrinogen concentration. Venous blood was collected from 12 healthy subjects and divided into four aliquots, which were subjected to different degrees of contamination with standard glucose solution (0%, 5%, 10%, 20%). With increasing glucose contamination, prothrombin time increased from mean (SD) 11.0 (0.7) s to 11.2 (0.7) s, 11.5 (0.7) s and 12.2 (0.8) s, all p < 0.001. Activated partial thromboplastin time decreased from 32.3 (0.9) s to 30.9 (0.8) s, 30.8 (0.8) s, and 29.7 (0.7) s, all p < 0.001. Fibrinogen concentration decreased from 3.8 (0.7) g.l(-1) to 3.7 (0.6) g.l(-1), 3.6 (0.6) g.l(-1), and 3.4 (0.6) g.l(-1), all p < 0.001. Bias was clinically meaningful from 5% contamination for activated partial thromboplastin time, 10% contamination for prothrombin time and 20% contamination for fibrinogen concentration. We conclude that if glucose contamination of haemostasis samples is suspected or has occurred, the specimens should not be analysed.

Influence of layer position on in vitro and in vivo release of levodopa methyl ester and carbidopa from three-layer matrix tablets

A versatile oral controlled release system for the simultaneous delivery of levodopa methyl ester and carbidopa, consisting of a three-layer matrix tablet, has been studied and developed. Each individual layer of the matrix exhibited a different release mechanism, i.e. the first layer was swellable (S), the second one was erodible (E) and the third one was disintegrating (D). The three layers have been assembled in the monolithic matrix in different relative positions. It was found that in the monolith the three layers could interact, producing in vitro release profiles depending on their relative position. The monoliths having the configurations DSE and SDE were administered to human volunteers in order to determine the plasma profiles. The pharmacokinetic data showed a significant difference between the early time plasma curves: the monolith DSE, having the fast release profile, gave rise to a rapid appearance of a high levodopa plasma level, whereas the slower releasing monolith SDE produced a smoothed plasma concentration profile.

The prevalence of, and factors related to, compliance with glove utilization among nurses in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia

Increasing risk of HIV infections among health care workers has been a continuing concern. The study was designed to identify the compliance of glove utilization, and factors related to non-compliance. A sample of 150 staff nurses were recruited from the study population of 550 nurses in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia. Data were collected by using a structured self-administered questionnaires. The response rate was 98.4%. The study revealed a low compliance (13.5%) of glove utilization (for all 9 procedures), which varied among different procedures (27-97%). Younger nurses and those with shorter duration of working experience had better knowledge of Universal Precautions. Nurses in intensive care unit and operation theatre were better in both knowledge and compliance of glove utilization. The three commonest misconceptions were identified as "selective use of gloves for high risk groups and suspected cases", and "tendency to depend on HIV prevalence". Nurses reported practical problems including administrative and personal related such as "stock irregularity" (46%), "glove not available at the emergency sites" (44%), and "reduction of tactile sensation" (39%). It was concluded that poor knowledge and practical problems were possible responsible factors for the low compliance. A good training for nurses comprising principle and practice of Universal Precautions, updated knowledge of blood and body fluid borne infections and risk and its management, will probably improve the compliance.

Adolescent's Attitudes Towards Health Warning Message on Cigarette Packs

A total of 190 secondary four male school students from three schools in Kota Bharu were surveyed on their smoking habits and their attitudes towards the health warning messages on cigarette packs. There were 57 (30.0%) students who were current smokers, 45 (23.7%) students who were ex-smokers and 88 (46.3%) students who have never smoked cigarettes. Nearly all current and ex-smokers (95.1%) as well as non-smokers (94.3%) knew the wording of the health warning message currently displayed on cigarette packs. Almost all the students (95.3%) also knew where the warning message was placed. There were more ex-smokers and non-smokers (70.5%) compared to current smokers (50.0%) who felt that there should be different health warning messages and each should be displayed concurrently on different cigarette packs. The students felt that the current health message was not effective to motivate smokers to quit (score=2.25). Alternative messages which the students felt may be more effective were 'Smoking is dangerous for pregnancy' (score = 3.3), 'Cigarette smoke is dangerous for your child' (score=3.11) and 'Smoking can kill you' (score=3.08). The current health message "Smoking is dangerous for your health' is eighth with a score of only 2.64. The students felt that the least effective message was 'Cigarettes are drugs' (score=2.22). Most of the students (80.0%) felt that the health warning message should be placed at the front instead of on the side of the cigarette pack to be more effective.

Respiratory health of rice millers in Kelantan, Malaysia

A cross sectional study was carried out to evaluate the effect of rice husk dust in rice millers in Malaysia. Altogether 69 workers participated in this study. They were interviewed using standardized questionnaires and lung function tests were performed. Chest tightness was among the common symptoms (34.9%) complained by workers. Age, duration of employment and smoking status were among the factors associated with respiratory symptoms (p < 0.01). Lung function tests revealed some degree of impairment compared to the healthy population.

Work-related musculoskeletal symptoms among batik workers in kelantan

A cross sectional study was carried out to evaluate the extent of occupational health problems focusing on some aspects of musculoskeletal symptoms among batik workers in Kelantan, Malaysia. The workers selected must have been in that industry for at least one year. Using cluster sampling, 202 workers were selected from 21 factories. More than half (60.2%) of the workers had been troubled with musculoskeletal symptoms at work. The most common symptoms were pain over the shoulders (41.0%), lower back (34.4%) and ankle (34.4%). Duration of employment, younger age group, prolonged standing and awkward working task were among contributing factors. It is therefore necessary to improve on both ergonomic and psychosocial environments of batik workers in order to prevent these musculoskeletal symptoms.

Effects of beak trimming at different ages on the body weight and feed conversion of guinea fowl (Numida meleagris)

The effect of beak trimming at different ages on feed consumption and growth of meat-type guineas (Numida meleagris) up to 12 wk of age was investigated. In the first experiment, beaks of birds were trimmed at 7, 28, 49, and 70 days, respectively. In the second experiment, beak trimming was done at 42, 49, 56, and 63 days, respectively. Body weight, feed consumption, and mortality were measured first at 4 wk and weekly thereafter in both experiments. Beak trimming of keets at 7 days, significantly (P less than .05) reduced body weights at 4, 8, and 12 wk whereas beak trimming at 70 days significantly (P less than .05) reduced body weights at 12 wk. Beak trimming at other ages did not produce significant differences in body weights or feed conversions. Mortality was low (2 to 4%) throughout.