International genome-wide meta-analysis identifies new primary biliary cirrhosis risk loci and targetable pathogenic pathways

Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is a classical autoimmune liver disease for which effective immunomodulatory therapy is lacking. Here we perform meta-analyses of discovery data sets from genome-wide association studies of European subjects (n1⁄42,764 cases and 10,475 controls) followed by validation genotyping in an independent cohort (n1⁄43,716 cases and 4,261 controls). We discover and validate six previously unknown risk loci for PBC (Pcombinedo5108) and used pathway analysis to identify JAK-STAT/IL12/IL27 signalling and cytokine–cytokine pathways, for which relevant therapies exist

Evaluation of normal distribution of palpebral fissure among the medical and paramedical students of Eastern Nepal

Background: The palpebral fissure (PF) is the space between the upper and lower eyelids when the eye is open. The bilateral orbital region which is located in the face acts as one of the important determinants in the perception of facial attractiveness, youthfulness, and health conditions of the individuals. The PF dimensions may get altered in cases of facial deformities and road traffic traumas. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyze the mode of distribution of PF dimensions in medical and paramedical students in correlation with gender. Materials and Methods: The study was a cross-sectional study conducted in the duration of August 2021–November 2021 including the sample of 300 medical and paramedical students in an equal number of male and female of age group 16–22 years from Nobel Medical College Teaching Hospital, Biratnagar, Nepal. We measured the dimensions of PF during the normal gaze. The data analysis was done using the SPSS version 16. Results: The mean length of PF (LPF) in males and females was 23.24 mm and 22.72 mm, respectively. The mean height of PF (HPF) in male and female was 8.52 mm and 8.60 mm, respectively. The difference between males and females LPF and HPF was significant(&lt;0.05). The mean PF index (PFI) in male and female subjects was, respectively, 37.20 and 38.68 which were statistically significant. Conclusion: It was found that the LPF and HPF were more in males and PFI was slightly more in females than the male which confirmsthe sexual dimorphism. The data obtained will be helpful in the esthetic consideration of the student’spersonality as well.</jats:p

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice towards Prevention of Peri-Implant Infection and Inflammation: A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Survey

Even till now, nothing much has been done to explore the inflammation and prevention of the same around the implants placed, hence the aim of this study was to evaluate factor associated with dentist knowledge, attitude along with practice in preventing peri-implant diseases. This was a descriptive, cross-sectional, questionnaire based study carried within Dental professionals of Patna city. Stratified random sampling technique was the sampling method utilized in this study. The survey was conducted among 132 dentists. A questionnaire was framed by using google forms.  Most of dental professionals were having fair knowledge {61(46.21%)}, positive attitude {61 (46.21%)} and poor practice (47.72%)} towards prevention of Peri-implant diseases. On application of Chi-square test, it was found that knowledge of study participants was significantly (0.05*) associated with gender, average duration of doing Implant surgery while attitude was significantly (0.05*) associated with age and degree. It was concluded that knowledge was fair; attitude was positive and despite this practice was poor regarding the prevention of Peri-Implant diseases among Dental professionals. Factors associated with knowledge, attitude and practice of study participants was gender, average duration of doing Implant surgery, age and degree.</jats:p

Head Growth Trajectory and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Preterm Neonates

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the association between head growth (HG) during neonatal and postdischarge periods and neurodevelopmental outcomes of preterm neonates of &amp;lt;29 weeks gestational age. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of infants &amp;lt;29 weeks gestational&amp;#x2028;age admitted between 2009 and 2011 to participating Canadian Neonatal Network&amp;#x2028;units and followed by Canadian Neonatal Follow-Up Network clinics. Differences in head circumference (ΔHC) z score were calculated for 3 time periods, which include admission to discharge, discharge to follow-up at 16-36 months, and admission to follow-up. These were categorized in 1 reference group (ΔHC z score between −1 and +1) and 4 study groups (ΔHC z score of &amp;lt;−2, between −2 to −1, +1 to +2, and &amp;gt;+2). Neurodevelopmental outcomes were compared with the reference group. RESULTS: 1973 infants met the inclusion criteria. Poor HG occurred frequently during the NICU admission (ΔHC z score &amp;lt;−2 in 24% infants versus 2% infants post-discharge) with a period of “catch-up” growth postdischarge. Significant neurodevelopmental impairment was higher in infants with the poorest HG from admission to follow-up (adjusted odds ratio 2.18, 95% confidence interval 1.50–3.15), specifically cognitive and motor delays. Infants with poor initial HG and catch-up postdischarge have a lower adjusted odds ratio of significant neurodevelopmental impairment (0.35, 95% CI 0.16–0.74). Infants with poor HG received a longer duration of parenteral nutrition and mechanical ventilation and had poor weight gain. CONCLUSIONS: Poor HG during the neonatal and postdischarge periods was associated with motor and cognitive delays at 16 to 36 months. </jats:sec