Ana Luisa Montero-Copoya, Norma Leticia Robles-Bermeo, Salvador Eduardo Lucas-Rincón, María de Lourdes Márquez-Corona, Saraí Carmina Guadarrama-Reyes, Nayeli Lovera-Rojas, Juan Fernando Casanova-Rosado, Juan José Villalobos-Rodelo, Mauricio Escoffié-Ramírez, Carlo Eduardo Medina-Solís
{"title":"Clinical Success of Pulpotomies Using Intermediate Restorations and Preformed Metal Crowns in the Context of a Developing Country: A Retrospective Questionnaire-Based Investigation.","authors":"Ana Luisa Montero-Copoya, Norma Leticia Robles-Bermeo, Salvador Eduardo Lucas-Rincón, María de Lourdes Márquez-Corona, Saraí Carmina Guadarrama-Reyes, Nayeli Lovera-Rojas, Juan Fernando Casanova-Rosado, Juan José Villalobos-Rodelo, Mauricio Escoffié-Ramírez, Carlo Eduardo Medina-Solís","doi":"10.3390/clinpract14060203","DOIUrl":"10.3390/clinpract14060203","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Dental caries is one of the most prevalent dental illnesses in children. Untreated severe caries can damage teeth, requiring pulpotomy to save them. <b>Objective:</b> To evaluate the clinical success rate of treatments involving pulpotomies + IRM (Intermediate Restorative Material, composed of reinforced zinc oxide-eugenol polymers) + preformed metal crowns (PMCs) in primary teeth of children treated at a public university in Mexico. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> A cross-sectional ambispective study was conducted on children aged 10 years or younger, treated at a public university in Mexico. A total of 1281 medical records from February 2018 to June 2023 were reviewed, yielding a sample of 199 children treated with pulpotomy + IRM + PMC. Information was collected via telephone interviews with parents/caregivers to inquire about any symptoms following the pulpotomy and metal crown treatments. Success was defined as the absence of pain, inflammation, or infection. <b>Results:</b> During the study period, the number of teeth treated with pulpotomy + IRM + PMC was 414, with follow-ups ranging from 6 to 69 months. Most participants were girls (54.3%), while 45.7% were boys. Out of the 167 pulpotomy + IRM + PMC treatments included in the study, the clinical success rate was 98.2%. <b>Conclusions:</b> The clinical success rate of primary teeth treated with pulpotomy + IRM + PMCs was high, close to 100%, based on evidence and symptom reports from parents/caregivers. It would be beneficial to implement its use in public health institutions in countries such as Mexico.</p>","PeriodicalId":45306,"journal":{"name":"Clinics and Practice","volume":"14 6","pages":"2580-2589"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-11-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11674527/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142899135","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Biliana Belovan, Zoran Laurentiu Popa, Cosmin Citu, Ioana Mihaela Citu, Ioan Sas, Adrian Ratiu
{"title":"Evaluating the Impact of Maternal Lipid Profiles on Fetal Cardiac Function at Mid-Gestation: An Observational Study.","authors":"Biliana Belovan, Zoran Laurentiu Popa, Cosmin Citu, Ioana Mihaela Citu, Ioan Sas, Adrian Ratiu","doi":"10.3390/clinpract14060204","DOIUrl":"10.3390/clinpract14060204","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Maternal dyslipidemia during pregnancy may influence fetal cardiac development and function, potentially predisposing offspring to cardiovascular diseases later in life. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between maternal lipid profiles and fetal cardiac function at mid-gestation, utilizing detailed echocardiographic assessments. <b>Methods:</b> In this prospective cohort study conducted at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic of the Timișoara Municipal Emergency Hospital, 19 pregnant women aged 27-40 years were recruited and divided into two groups based on their triglyceride levels: Group A (triglycerides ≤ 150 mg/dL, <i>n</i> = 48) and Group B (triglycerides > 150 mg/dL, <i>n =</i> 28). Maternal demographic data and lipid profiles were recorded. Fetal echocardiographic measurements, including global longitudinal strain and ventricular function parameters, were obtained between 20 and 24 weeks of gestation. Statistical analyses, including subgroup comparisons, correlations, and regression analyses, were performed. <b>Results:</b> Maternal BMI was significantly higher in Group B compared to Group A (31.94 ± 2.80 vs. 27.01 ± 2.40 kg/m<sup>2</sup>, <i>p</i> < 0.001). Group B showed higher mean triglyceride levels (163.43 ± 11.34 mg/dL) compared to Group A (131.42 ± 10.57 mg/dL, <i>p</i> < 0.001). Fetal echocardiographic measurements indicated reduced global longitudinal strain in fetuses of Group B mothers (LV strain: -19.86% ± 6.83% vs. -26.14% ± 5.92%, <i>p</i> = 0.017). Significant correlations were found between maternal triglyceride levels and fetal LV strain (<i>r =</i> 0.536, <i>p</i> = 0.019). Regression analysis identified maternal triglyceride levels and BMI as significant predictors of reduced fetal LV strain (β = 0.45, <i>p</i> = 0.021 and β = 0.39, <i>p</i> = 0.038, respectively). <b>Conclusions:</b> Elevated maternal triglyceride levels, LDL cholesterol, and BMI are associated with altered fetal cardiac function parameters at mid-gestation, suggesting that maternal lipid profiles may impact fetal cardiac development. These findings underscore the importance of monitoring lipid levels during pregnancy and suggest potential benefits of managing dyslipidemia to improve fetal cardiac outcomes. However, the study included only a small sample; therefore, the study needs to be continued with a larger group.</p>","PeriodicalId":45306,"journal":{"name":"Clinics and Practice","volume":"14 6","pages":"2590-2600"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-11-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11674769/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142899140","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Antonio Márquez-Vera, Luis Polo-Ferrero, Ana Silvia Puente-González, Roberto Méndez-Sánchez, José Antonio Blanco-Rueda
{"title":"Immediate Effects of the Mandibular Muscle Energy Technique in Adults with Chronic Temporomandibular Disorder.","authors":"Antonio Márquez-Vera, Luis Polo-Ferrero, Ana Silvia Puente-González, Roberto Méndez-Sánchez, José Antonio Blanco-Rueda","doi":"10.3390/clinpract14060202","DOIUrl":"10.3390/clinpract14060202","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/objectives: </strong>Temporomandibular disorders affect the muscles used for chewing, the temporomandibular joint, and other related tissues, resulting in pain, limited mobility, and dysfunction of the masticatory muscles. Physical therapy plays a critical role in treatment. Manual therapy can trigger neurophysiological mechanisms that contribute to pain relief and a reduction in muscle activation. Evaluations of different manual therapy techniques are needed on this topic. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a specific manual therapy technique (the mandibular muscle energy technique) in adults with temporomandibular disorders.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A randomized, parallel clinical trial was conducted, and 31 participants were recruited into an experimental group and 30 were recruited into a control group in order to analyze its effects on outcomes such as pain, pain threshold to pressure, mandibular mobility, and kinesiophobia. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were performed, followed by statistical analyses to verify the intra- and intergroup changes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The results showed that the mandibular muscle energy technique produced positive effects with significant differences in the intra- and intergroup comparisons for pain threshold to pressure, mandibular mobility, and kinesiophobia, demonstrating its efficacy and safety as a treatment option for adults with temporomandibular disorders, with proven effects in the short term.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The effects obtained and the absence of side effects showed that this technique can be integrated into multimodal treatment along with other types of interventions in patients with temporomandibular disorders.</p>","PeriodicalId":45306,"journal":{"name":"Clinics and Practice","volume":"14 6","pages":"2568-2579"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-11-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11674239/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142899160","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Karina Gonzalez-Aldaco, Luis A Torres-Reyes, Claudia Ojeda-Granados, Leonardo Leal-Mercado, Sonia Roman, Arturo Panduro
{"title":"Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease in Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection: From Basics to Clinical and Nutritional Management.","authors":"Karina Gonzalez-Aldaco, Luis A Torres-Reyes, Claudia Ojeda-Granados, Leonardo Leal-Mercado, Sonia Roman, Arturo Panduro","doi":"10.3390/clinpract14060200","DOIUrl":"10.3390/clinpract14060200","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is closely associated with obesity and other cardiometabolic risk factors. MASLD has rapidly become the most common cause of liver disease worldwide, currently affecting 38% of the global population. Excess weight causes chronic inflammation and the activation of different pathways involved in liver damage. MASLD can progress from simple steatosis to steatohepatitis, giving way to its inflammatory component, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), previously recognized as non-alcoholic steatosis hepatitis (NASH). Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains a significant challenge to liver health as it triggers hepatic inflammation, metabolic disruption, and hepatic steatosis. The convergence of MASLD and chronic HCV infection can significantly alter the course of liver disease and accelerate the progression to severe liver damage. Currently, HCV treatment has a high cure rate. However, in patients who achieve a sustained virological response after treatment with direct-acting antivirals, weight gain, and excessive calorie intake may contribute to increased liver steatosis and a higher risk of liver disease progression. Therefore, the effective clinical and nutritional management of HCV patients, both before and after viral eradication, is crucial to reducing the risk of death from hepatocellular carcinoma. Understanding the complex interactions between MASLD and HCV infection is crucial for managing these patients appropriately. Herein, host and viral mechanisms inducing liver damage during the coexistence of MASLD and HCV infection are described, and their therapeutic and dietary management are discussed.</p>","PeriodicalId":45306,"journal":{"name":"Clinics and Practice","volume":"14 6","pages":"2542-2558"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-11-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11587073/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142711397","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Daniel Porav-Hodade, Silvestru-Alexandru Big, Vlad-Ilie Barbos, Bogdan Gherle, Ernő Jerzicska, Victor Ona, Bogdan-Ovidiu Feciche
{"title":"Extraperitoneal Open Radical Cystectomy: A New Standard in Frail Patients with Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer?","authors":"Daniel Porav-Hodade, Silvestru-Alexandru Big, Vlad-Ilie Barbos, Bogdan Gherle, Ernő Jerzicska, Victor Ona, Bogdan-Ovidiu Feciche","doi":"10.3390/clinpract14060201","DOIUrl":"10.3390/clinpract14060201","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives</b>: Radical cystectomy (RC) represents one of the most complex and morbid surgical procedures in the field of Urology. Extraperitoneal open RC has emerged as an alternative to the traditional transperitoneal approach for the treatment of muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Frailty is one of the most important risk factors for perioperative morbidity and mortality, and this category of patients can benefit the most from the extraperitoneal approach. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and the safety of extraperitoneal open RC in our experience; <b>Methods</b>: We retrospectively collected the data of 75 frail patients who underwent an extraperitoneal open RC, performed by a single experienced surgeon. We assessed their frailty status using the simplified frailty index (sFI). We recorded data regarding general characteristics, intraoperative, pathological, and postoperative complications, and mortality (within 90 days); <b>Results:</b> We analyzed 61 males and 14 females with an sFI equal to or higher than 3. The median age was 77 years. Fifty-one patients had an ASA score of 3 or more. Sixty procedures were with radical intention, while fifteen were palliative. Cutaneous ureterostomy was performed in 70 cases and extraperitonized ileal conduit in five cases. The median operative time was 150 min. The median blood loss was 400 mL. The median time to flatus was 2 days. The median postoperative stay was 7 days. Thirteen patients had Clavien-Dindo III or IV complications. Two patients died in first 90 days postoperatively; <b>Conclusions</b>: The extraperitoneal open RC in frail patients was demonstrated to be a feasible and safe alternative approach in definitive treatment or a palliative setting in our experience.</p>","PeriodicalId":45306,"journal":{"name":"Clinics and Practice","volume":"14 6","pages":"2559-2567"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-11-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11627156/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142711387","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Paula Perlea, Cosmin Stefanescu, Alexandru Eugen Petre
{"title":"Clinical Acceptance of Digitally Produced Zirconia and Metal Post and Cores, Based on the Impression Method.","authors":"Paula Perlea, Cosmin Stefanescu, Alexandru Eugen Petre","doi":"10.3390/clinpract14060199","DOIUrl":"10.3390/clinpract14060199","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The existing literature predominantly examines post and core assessments post-cementation, neglecting the critical pre-cementation phase. Research on the clinical acceptance of dental posts received from dental laboratories before cementation is notably lacking. This study investigates the percentage of zirconia and metal dental posts that are deemed suitable for cementation by clinicians, among the total received from the dental laboratory. Additionally, it aims to examine whether this percentage varies based on the type of impression made by the clinician: digital impression versus conventional impression.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This article introduces the application of computer-aided design-computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) technology for manufacturing customized zirconia and Cobalt-Chromium (Co-Cr) post and cores. Intraoral scanning is employed to capture the canal anatomy. In contrast to the traditional casting process, a three-dimensional (3D) metal printer machine is utilized to 3D print the metal post and core from Co-Cr, resulting in enhanced toughness and superior adaptability to the canal. Two null hypotheses were formulated, investigating the clinical acceptance of zirconia and metal posts obtained through traditional versus digital impressions.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among 577 post and cores, 95% of metal posts from both impression methods received clinical approval. However, for zirconia posts, a significantly higher acceptance rate (95% versus 88%) was observed for those from traditional impressions. The Chi-squared test yielded a <i>p</i>-value < 0.05, underscoring the clinical superiority of conventionally obtained zirconia posts and supporting the null hypothesis for metal posts.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>A significantly higher acceptance rate is apparent among zirconia post and cores manufactured through conventional impressions, in contrast to zirconia post and cores produced via digital impressions. No statistically significant difference was identified between metal post and cores obtained through digital impressions and those acquired through conventional impressions.</p>","PeriodicalId":45306,"journal":{"name":"Clinics and Practice","volume":"14 6","pages":"2533-2541"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-11-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11586991/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142711348","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mohamed Salih Mahfouz, Samy Shaban Mahmoud, Saleha Qaseem Haroobi, Latifah Mohammed Bahkali, Shahad Ibrahim Numan, Areen Mohsen Taheri, Ohoud Ali Hakami, Orjuwan Adel Zunquti, Sarah Mohammed Khered
{"title":"Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Parents Regarding Ophthalmological Screening of Preschool-Aged Children in Jazan, Saudi Arabia.","authors":"Mohamed Salih Mahfouz, Samy Shaban Mahmoud, Saleha Qaseem Haroobi, Latifah Mohammed Bahkali, Shahad Ibrahim Numan, Areen Mohsen Taheri, Ohoud Ali Hakami, Orjuwan Adel Zunquti, Sarah Mohammed Khered","doi":"10.3390/clinpract14060198","DOIUrl":"10.3390/clinpract14060198","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Children's eye disorders are a major cause of irreversible vision loss. Delays in diagnosing eye problems in children are recurring problems that require quick attention. This study assesses parents' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the early ophthalmological screening of preschool-aged children in Jazan, KSA.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>An observational cross-sectional study was conducted among 522 parents of preschool-aged children in the Jazan region. A self-administered web-based questionnaire was randomly distributed to the parents via WhatsApp. The survey tool consisted of four main sections: socio-demographic data, knowledge about eye care, attitudes toward eye screening, and eye care practices.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Parents' level of knowledge regarding children's eye care was distributed as follows: low (21.5%), medium (40.2%), and high (38.4%). Parent gender, age, occupation, level of income, and nationality showed no statistically significant association with the knowledge level (<i>p</i> > 0.05 for all). However, parent education played a significant role (<i>p</i> = 0.013). Further, parents expressed a positive attitude toward the early screening of eye problems, as more than 90% agreed that early eye examinations for children reduce complications from visual problems and that the increased use of electronic devices requires early eye examinations. Almost 47.0% of the parents had examined their children's eyes when they were between 1 and 5 years of age, compared with only 10.3% of parents of children less than 1 year of age. The multiple linear regression model for factors that predict knowledge level among the study participants showed that having a child undergo early screening is positively associated with an increased knowledge score (<i>p</i> < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Jazan parents showed a positive attitude toward the early screening of eye problems, and one-third had a high level of knowledge regarding children's eye care. However, the proportion of those who practiced early eye screening was low. More health education is necessary to increase parents' awareness regarding early eye care practices.</p>","PeriodicalId":45306,"journal":{"name":"Clinics and Practice","volume":"14 6","pages":"2522-2532"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-11-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11587032/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142711395","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Micropulse Laser Therapy in Central Serous Chorioretinopathy.","authors":"Flaviu Bodea, Andrei-Flavius Radu, Ruxandra-Florina Bodog, Teodora Maria Bodog, Cristina Ariadna Nicula","doi":"10.3390/clinpract14060194","DOIUrl":"10.3390/clinpract14060194","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) is a retinal condition characterized by the accumulation of subretinal fluid, often linked to elevated levels of endogenous corticosteroids and stress-related hormones, which can lead to visual disturbances. This connection may explain the association of CSCR with high stress levels and the use of corticosteroid medications. Although many cases resolve spontaneously, persistent or severe instances may require intervention. <b>Case Description</b>: Our report presents a case of acute CSCR in a 33-year-old male who developed the condition following corticosteroid treatment for acute parotiditis and left submandibular lymphadenopathy. Initial presentation was 6 weeks after corticosteroid treatment was initiated. Diagnostic evaluation with optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fluorescein angiography confirmed the presence of subretinal fluid at the retinal pigment epithelium-Bruch's membrane complex. Micropulse laser therapy (MPLT) was applied to address the leakage points, leading to significant fluid reduction at a two-week follow-up. By six weeks, the complete resolution of subretinal fluid was documented, with substantial visual recovery. <b>Conclusions</b>: This case confirms MPLT as an effective treatment for CSCR, particularly when conservative management is insufficient. Unlike traditional photocoagulation, MPLT offers a safer alternative, minimizing the risk of retinal damage, such as permanent scotomas. <b>Clinical Significance</b>: This case underscores the importance of carefully monitoring patients undergoing corticosteroid therapy for potential ocular complications and highlights the role of MPLT as a safe and effective option for managing persistent CSCR, protecting the surrounding retinal tissue from damage while achieving significant therapeutic outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":45306,"journal":{"name":"Clinics and Practice","volume":"14 6","pages":"2484-2490"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-11-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11587133/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142711399","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Oral Diadochokinesis, Tongue Pressure, and Lip-Seal Strength Among Japanese Male Workers in the Taxi Industry: A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Akira Minoura, Yoshiaki Ihara, Hirotaka Kato, Kouzou Murakami, Yoshio Watanabe, Kojiro Hirano, Yoshinori Ito, Akatsuki Kokaze","doi":"10.3390/clinpract14060196","DOIUrl":"10.3390/clinpract14060196","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives:</b> Health management in workers in the taxi industry is particularly challenging due to irregular working hours and the need to prevent fatal accidents. In addition, drivers in Japan are aging, and the early prevention of age-related deterioration in oral health is an increasingly important issue. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the relationships between oral diadochokinesis (OD), tongue pressure, and lip-seal strength in Japanese male taxi workers. <b>Methods:</b> Measurements of tongue pressure and lip-seal strength were performed by dentists using specialized equipment. OD was measured using the number of consecutive \"Pa\", \"Ta\", and \"Ka\" vocalizations that could be produced in 5 s. We performed multiple regression analysis to examine the effects of lip-seal strength and tongue pressure on OD. <b>Results:</b> The study included 437 participants, excluding 17 who could not complete all oral cavity measurements. Tongue pressure showed a significant positive correlation with \"Pa\", \"Ta\", and \"Ka\" (correlation coefficients: 0.527-0.680). Lip-seal strength was not significantly correlated with OD. Tongue pressure showed a significant positive correlation with \"Pa\", \"Ta\", and \"Ka\". In the results of multiple regression analyses without the elderly participants, tongue pressure was associated with \"Pa\" (β[95% confidence interval]: 0.574[0.304, 0.843]), \"Ta\" (0.436[0.231, 0.640]), and \"Ka\" (0.424[0.210, 0.639]), and lip-seal strength was associated with \"Pa\" (0.128[0.032, 0.224]) and \"Ka\" (0.083[0.006, 0.160]). <b>Conclusions:</b> OD may be associated with lip-seal strength and tongue pressure even without including elderly workers. Regardless of age, maintaining good OD may help maintain lip-seal strength and tongue pressure, which may play a role in reducing the risk of age-related oral disorders.</p>","PeriodicalId":45306,"journal":{"name":"Clinics and Practice","volume":"14 6","pages":"2499-2506"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-11-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11587113/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142711409","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jacob R Peterson, Collin R Sanders, Nathan S Reynolds, Conner A Alford, Michael J Platt, Jeffrey J Parr, Felix Twum, James R Burns, David R Dolbow
{"title":"Running Cadence and the Influence on Frontal Plane Knee Deviations.","authors":"Jacob R Peterson, Collin R Sanders, Nathan S Reynolds, Conner A Alford, Michael J Platt, Jeffrey J Parr, Felix Twum, James R Burns, David R Dolbow","doi":"10.3390/clinpract14060195","DOIUrl":"10.3390/clinpract14060195","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Patellofemoral pain is one of the most common injuries in recreational runners, with significant implications for dynamic knee valgus. The knee valgus angle can be corrected surgically or with a more conservative non-operative approach. Increasing running cadence may be an effective biomechanical gait retraining intervention to reduce knee valgus and thus patellofemoral pain. The primary purpose of this study was to examine if an increase in cadence could change the knee valgus angle. <b>Methods:</b> Ten asymptomatic recreational runners were recorded running on a treadmill during control and experimental intervals. Each interval lasted five minutes, and participants ran at 100% and 110% of their baseline cadence. Peak angles of knee valgus were compared between both intervals using the video analysis software application Dartfish Express. A paired sample, a two-tailed <i>t</i>-test, was used to determine the significant difference between bilateral frontal plane knee angle measurements during both intervals. <b>Results:</b> The average decrease in knee valgus measured in control versus experimental intervals was 2.23° for the right leg and 2.05° for the left leg, with a significance of <i>p</i> < 0.001 and <i>p</i> < 0.001, respectively. <b>Conclusion:</b> The results indicated a statistically significant decrease in angles of dynamic knee valgus, attributable to increased cadence. These changes in knee valgus angle are likely to have a positive impact on preventing and reducing pain associated with PFP.</p>","PeriodicalId":45306,"journal":{"name":"Clinics and Practice","volume":"14 6","pages":"2491-2498"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-11-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11586936/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142710824","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}