METHODS: The two RFGES survey methods are described in detail, and differences in DGBI findings summarized for household versus Internet surveys globally, and in more detail for China and Turkey. Logistic regression analysis was used to elucidate factors contributing to these differences.
RESULTS: Overall, DGBI were only half as prevalent when assessed with household vs Internet surveys. Similar patterns of methodology-related DGBI differences were seen within both China and Turkey, but prevalence differences between the survey methods were dramatically larger in Turkey. No clear reasons for outcome differences by survey method were identified, although greater relative reduction in bowel and anorectal versus upper gastrointestinal disorders when household versus Internet surveying was used suggests an inhibiting influence of social sensitivity.
CONCLUSIONS: The findings strongly indicate that besides affecting data quality, manpower needs and data collection time and costs, the choice of survey method is a substantial determinant of symptom reporting and DGBI prevalence outcomes. This has important implications for future DGBI research and epidemiological research more broadly.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The powder form of experimental Bio-G sealer consisted of synthesised BG 58S particle, calcium silicate, zirconia dioxide, calcium carbonate and alginic acid powder as binder. The liquid composed of 5% calcium chloride solution. Five standardised disc specimens were prepared for each sealer group according to the manufacturer's instructions. Subsequently, sealer disc-specimens were placed in an incubator at 37 °C, 95% relative humidity for 72 h to allow setting prior to testing under scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD).
RESULTS: Experimental Bio-G sealer revealed irregular micro-sized particles ranging from 0.5 μm to 105 μm aggregated in clusters comparable to those of BioRoot RCS and iRoot SP. EDS microanalysis showed that Bio-G had high content of oxygen, silicon, and calcium, with the presence of aluminium and chloride similar to BioRoot RCS. Meanwhile, the FTIR and XRD findings suggested that all sealers predominantly contained calcium silicate hydrate, calcium carbonate, and zirconium dioxide, while calcium aluminium silicate oxide was detected in Bio-G.
CONCLUSION: The present novel Bio-G sealer demonstrated desirable particle size distribution and acceptable degree of purity. Future studies are warranted to explore its properties and clinical application.
AIM: Investigate the relationship between body mass index (BMI), OSA on PF in children.
MATERIALS & METHOD: Seventy-four children were recruited. Mixed obstructive apnoea-hypopnea index (MOAHI), BMI, oxygen saturation (SpO2 ), forced expiratory volume one second (FEV1 ), forced vital capacity (FVC) and fractionated exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) were measured.
RESULTS: Twenty-four and thirty children had mild OSA and moderate-to-severe OSA respectively. BMI correlated negatively with SpO2 nadir (r = -.363, p = .001). FVC, FEV1 and nadir SpO2 values decreased with OSA severity (p
METHODS: The OPL session was conducted by two postgraduate students in SCD (as teachers), to final year undergraduate dental students (as learners) (n = 90), supervised by two specialists in SCD-related areas (as supervisors). Vetted online pre- and post-intervention quizzes were conducted before and after the session, respectively, followed by an online validated feedback survey of the students' learning experiences. Meanwhile, a reflective session was conducted between the postgraduate students and supervisors to explore their perceptions of OPL. Quantitative data was analyzed via paired t-test (significance level, P
OBJECTIVE: To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the prevalence, risk factors for contracting COVID-19, and complications of COVID-19, in children with CLD.
METHODS: This systematic review was based on articles published between January 1, 2020 and July 25, 2022. Children under 18 years old, with any CLD and infected with COVID-19 were included.
RESULTS: Ten articles involving children with asthma and four involving children with cystic fibrosis (CF) were included in the analyses. The prevalence of COVID-19 in children with asthma varied between 0.14% and 19.1%. The use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) was associated with reduced risk for COVID-19 (risk ratio [RR]: 0.60, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.40-0.90). Uncontrolled asthma, younger age, AND moderate-severe asthma were not significant risk factors for contracting COVID-19. Children with asthma had an increased risk for hospitalization (RR: 1.62, 95% CI: 1.07-2.45) but were not more likely to require assisted ventilation (RR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.14-1.90). The risk of COVID-19 infection among children with CF was <1%. Posttransplant and cystic fibrosis-related diabetes mellitus (CFRDM) patients were at an increased risk for hospitalization and intensive care treatment.
CONCLUSION: Hospitalizations were higher in children with asthma with COVID-19 infection. However, using ICS reduced the risk of COVID-19 infection. As for CF, postlung transplantation and CFRDM were risk factors for severe disease.