1.Efficacy of intranasal sedation for pediatric dental procedures: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Kavitha SWAMINATHAN ; Sushmita SHAN ; Monika SRI. SS ; Apathsakayan RENUGALAKSHMI ; Ramanathan RAVI ; Selvakumar HARIDOSS
Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine 2025;25(1):1-13
Dental fear and anxiety management in children is considered one of the biggest challenges in pediatric dentistry.Intranasal sedation is a promising technique for managing unco-operative pediatric patients with rapid onset, ease of administration, and minimal invasiveness. We aimed to review the efficacy, onset time, duration, and behavioral success of intranasal sedation agents in pediatric dental procedures and identify the most effective regimens for clinical practice.This systematic review followed the PRISMA 2020 guidelines and included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing intranasal sedation in children undergoing dental procedures. Primary outcomes were onset time, duration of sedation, and sedation success rates. The inclusion criteria were applied through search in six databases.Risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool. Meta-analyses were carried out using RevMan software, where pooled odds ratios and weighted mean differences were calculated on efficacy outcomes.Eighteen RCTs fulfilled the inclusion criteria, where intranasal agents such as midazolam, ketamine, dexmedetomidine, and their combinations were used. Meta analyses demonstrated intranasal sedation generally has a faster onset (moderate heterogeneity, I² = 40%) and is associated with greater success rates for achieving sedation than other methods. A combination of midazolam with ketamine or dexmedetomidine provided better results for both onset and behavioral success. The duration of sedation appears equivalent to oral or intravenous routes. Overall risk of bias was moderate due to blinding and selective reporting concerns.Midazolam, especially when combined with ketamine or dexmedetomidine, yielded promising results in relation to rapid onset and success of sedation. However, further large-scale RCTs are necessary to standardize dosing protocols and ensure that these findings are validated and optimized for clinical applications.
2.Efficacy of intranasal sedation for pediatric dental procedures: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Kavitha SWAMINATHAN ; Sushmita SHAN ; Monika SRI. SS ; Apathsakayan RENUGALAKSHMI ; Ramanathan RAVI ; Selvakumar HARIDOSS
Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine 2025;25(1):1-13
Dental fear and anxiety management in children is considered one of the biggest challenges in pediatric dentistry.Intranasal sedation is a promising technique for managing unco-operative pediatric patients with rapid onset, ease of administration, and minimal invasiveness. We aimed to review the efficacy, onset time, duration, and behavioral success of intranasal sedation agents in pediatric dental procedures and identify the most effective regimens for clinical practice.This systematic review followed the PRISMA 2020 guidelines and included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing intranasal sedation in children undergoing dental procedures. Primary outcomes were onset time, duration of sedation, and sedation success rates. The inclusion criteria were applied through search in six databases.Risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool. Meta-analyses were carried out using RevMan software, where pooled odds ratios and weighted mean differences were calculated on efficacy outcomes.Eighteen RCTs fulfilled the inclusion criteria, where intranasal agents such as midazolam, ketamine, dexmedetomidine, and their combinations were used. Meta analyses demonstrated intranasal sedation generally has a faster onset (moderate heterogeneity, I² = 40%) and is associated with greater success rates for achieving sedation than other methods. A combination of midazolam with ketamine or dexmedetomidine provided better results for both onset and behavioral success. The duration of sedation appears equivalent to oral or intravenous routes. Overall risk of bias was moderate due to blinding and selective reporting concerns.Midazolam, especially when combined with ketamine or dexmedetomidine, yielded promising results in relation to rapid onset and success of sedation. However, further large-scale RCTs are necessary to standardize dosing protocols and ensure that these findings are validated and optimized for clinical applications.
3.Efficacy of intranasal sedation for pediatric dental procedures: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Kavitha SWAMINATHAN ; Sushmita SHAN ; Monika SRI. SS ; Apathsakayan RENUGALAKSHMI ; Ramanathan RAVI ; Selvakumar HARIDOSS
Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine 2025;25(1):1-13
Dental fear and anxiety management in children is considered one of the biggest challenges in pediatric dentistry.Intranasal sedation is a promising technique for managing unco-operative pediatric patients with rapid onset, ease of administration, and minimal invasiveness. We aimed to review the efficacy, onset time, duration, and behavioral success of intranasal sedation agents in pediatric dental procedures and identify the most effective regimens for clinical practice.This systematic review followed the PRISMA 2020 guidelines and included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing intranasal sedation in children undergoing dental procedures. Primary outcomes were onset time, duration of sedation, and sedation success rates. The inclusion criteria were applied through search in six databases.Risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool. Meta-analyses were carried out using RevMan software, where pooled odds ratios and weighted mean differences were calculated on efficacy outcomes.Eighteen RCTs fulfilled the inclusion criteria, where intranasal agents such as midazolam, ketamine, dexmedetomidine, and their combinations were used. Meta analyses demonstrated intranasal sedation generally has a faster onset (moderate heterogeneity, I² = 40%) and is associated with greater success rates for achieving sedation than other methods. A combination of midazolam with ketamine or dexmedetomidine provided better results for both onset and behavioral success. The duration of sedation appears equivalent to oral or intravenous routes. Overall risk of bias was moderate due to blinding and selective reporting concerns.Midazolam, especially when combined with ketamine or dexmedetomidine, yielded promising results in relation to rapid onset and success of sedation. However, further large-scale RCTs are necessary to standardize dosing protocols and ensure that these findings are validated and optimized for clinical applications.
4.Building an artificial intelligence and digital ecosystem: a smart hospital's data-driven path to healthcare excellence.
Weien CHOW ; Narayan VENKATARAMAN ; Hong Choon OH ; Sandhiya RAMANATHAN ; Srinath SRIDHARAN ; Sulaiman Mohamed ARISH ; Kok Cheong WONG ; Karen Kai Xin HAY ; Jong Fong HOO ; Wan Har Lydia TAN ; Charlene Jin Yee LIEW
Singapore medical journal 2025;66(Suppl 1):S75-S83
Hospitals worldwide recognise the importance of data and digital transformation in healthcare. We traced a smart hospital's data-driven journey to build an artificial intelligence and digital ecosystem (AIDE) to achieve healthcare excellence. We measured the impact of data and digital transformation on patient care and hospital operations, identifying key success factors, challenges, and opportunities. The use of data analytics and data science, robotic process automation, AI, cloud computing, Medical Internet of Things and robotics were stand-out areas for a hospital's data-driven journey. In the future, the adoption of a robust AI governance framework, enterprise risk management system, AI assurance and AI literacy are critical for success. Hospitals must adopt a digital-ready, digital-first strategy to build a thriving healthcare system and innovate care for tomorrow.
Artificial Intelligence
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Humans
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Delivery of Health Care
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Hospitals
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Cloud Computing
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Robotics
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Internet of Things
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Data Science
5.Mechanical Thrombectomy for In-Hospital Onset Stroke: A Comparative Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Melika AMOUKHTEH ; Amir HASSANKHANI ; Sherief GHOZY ; Parya VALIZADEH ; Payam JANNATDOUST ; Cem BILGIN ; Ramanathan KADIRVEL ; David F. KALLMES
Journal of Stroke 2024;26(1):41-53
Background:
and Purpose In-hospital onset stroke (IHOS) accounts for a significant proportion of large vessel occlusion acute ischemic strokes, leading to worse outcomes due to delays in evaluation and treatment. Limited data is available on the effectiveness of mechanical thrombectomy in IHOS patients. This study aims to assess the safety and efficacy of mechanical thrombectomy for patients with IHOS and compare the outcomes with those of community-onset strokes (COS).
Methods:
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis following established guidelines, by searching PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase databases up to April 11, 2023. Eligible studies reporting outcomes of interest were included, and relevant data was extracted and analyzed using Stata software version 17.0.
Results:
In a meta-analysis of nine studies, comprising 540 cases of IHOS and 5,744 cases of COS, IHOS cases had a significantly lower rate of good functional outcomes on follow-up (35.46% vs. 40.74%, P<0.01) and a higher follow-up mortality rate (26.29% vs. 18.08%, P<0.01) compared to COS patients. Both groups had comparable successful recanalization rates (IHOS: 79.32% vs. COS: 81.44%, P=0.11), incidence rates of periprocedural complications (IHOS: 15.10%, COS: 12.96%, P=0.78), and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (IHOS: 6.24%, COS: 6.88%, P=0.67). It is worth noting that much of the observed effect size for mortality and good functional outcomes on follow-up was derived from only one and two studies, respectively.
Conclusion
While the current literature suggests that mechanical thrombectomy is a safe and effective treatment for IHOS, further research is necessary to comprehensively evaluate its impact, particularly during follow-up.
6.A Comparative Assessment of Comprehensive Trail Making Test and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test Among Alcohol Dependence Patients
Kandappa Nachimuthu Lavanya ; Rajkumar Ramanathan
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2023;19(No.6):111-117
Introduction: Alcohol, when used frequently, accelerates the ageing process, causes brain damage, and results in a
reduced volume of grey and white matter, leading to frontal lobe abnormalities. The neurotoxicity resulting from alcohol overuse affects the higher functions of the brain. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of alcohol dependence
on the executive functioning of the brain. Methods: This study was carried out as a case-control study among 60
patients with alcohol dependence and 60 controls. Assessment of executive function was carried out using the Comprehensive trail-making test (CTMT) and the Wisconsin card sorting test (WCST). Comparison between the alcohol
dependence group and normal healthy controls were calculated using the Mann-Whitney U test as data followed a
non-parametric distribution. Results: The mean age of the participants among the cases and controls was 38.3±5.5
years and 37.8±5.4 years, respectively. The results showed a significant difference in both WCST and CTMT between
cases and controls (p<0.05). Conclusion: This study concludes that there was an impaired performance in executive
functions in alcohol- dependence patients in early abstinence compared to normal controls showing frontal lobe
impairment in alcohol-dependence patients.
7.Mandibular midline osteotomy for correction of bimaxillary transverse discrepancy: a technical note
Mrunalini RAMANATHAN ; Rie SONOYAMA-OSAKO ; Yukiho SHIMAMURA ; Taro OKUI ; Takahiro KANNO
Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons 2023;49(3):107-113
Bimaxillary transverse width discrepancies are commonly encountered among patients with dentofacial deformities. Skeletal discrepancies should be diagnosed and managed appropriately with possible surgical corrections. Transverse width deficiencies can present in varieties of combinations involving the maxilla and mandible. We observed that in a significant proportion of cases, the maxilla is normal, and the mandible showed deficiency in the transverse dimension after pre-surgical orthodontics. We designed novel osteotomy techniques to enhance mandibular transverse width correction, as well as simultaneous genioplasty. Chin repositioning along any plane is applicable concomitant with mandibular midline arch widening. When there is a requirement for larger widening, gonial angle reduction may be necessary. This technical note focuses on key points in management of patients with transversely deficient mandible and the factors affecting the outcome and stability. Further research on the maximum amount of stable widening will be conducted. We believe that developing evidence-based additional modifications to existing conventional surgical procedures can aid precise correction of complex dentofacial deformities.
9.Autologous cervical tumor lysate pulsed dendritic cell stimulation followed by cisplatin treatment abrogates FOXP3+ cells in vitro
Hemavathi DHANDAPANI ; Abirami SEETHARAMAN ; Hascitha JAYAKUMAR ; Selvaluxmy GANESHRAJAH ; Shirley Sunder SINGH ; Rajkumar THANGARAJAN ; Priya RAMANATHAN
Journal of Gynecologic Oncology 2021;32(4):e59-
Objective:
Dendritic cells (DCs) are administered as immunotherapeutic adjuvants after the completion of standard treatment in most settings. However, our Phase I trial indicated that one patient out of four, who received autologous tumor lysate-pulsed dendritic cell (TLDC) also received cisplatin chemotherapy and experienced complete regression of her lung lesion, continuing to be disease free till date. Hence, the objective of our current study is to evaluate the sustenance or augmentation of immune responses when autologous human papillomavirus positive cervical tumor lysate pulsed DC- are combined with cisplatin, using co-culture assays in vitro.
Methods:
Before treatment, peripheral blood and punch biopsy samples were collected from 23 cervical cancer patients after obtaining an informed consent. DC functionality was confirmed through phenotypic and functional assays using autologous peripheral blood mononuclear cells as responders. For cisplatin experiments, the drug was added at 150, 200 (clinical dose equivalent), and 400 µM concentrations to DCs alone or DC-T cell co-cultures. Phenotypic assessment and functional characterization of DCs was done using flow cytometry. Cytokine enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and interferon (IFN)-γ enzyme-linked immune absorbent spot assays were also performed.
Results:
The functionality of TLDCs was not compromised upon cisplatin treatment in vitro even at the highest (400 μM) concentration. Even though cisplatin treatment reduced the secretion of IFN-γ and interleukin (IL)-12p40 in co-cultures stimulated with TLDCs, this effect was not significant (p>0.05). A doubling of IFN-γ secretion following cisplatin treatment was observed in at least one of three independent experiments. Additional experiments showed a reduction in both FOXP3+ regulatory T cells and IL-10 levels.
Conclusion
Our results provide evidence that cisplatin treatment may be given after autologous TLDC administration to maintain or improve a productive anti-tumor response in vaccinated patients.
10.Assessment of Blood Clot Composition by Spectral Optical Coherence Tomography: An In Vitro Study
Yonghong DING ; Mehdi ABBASI ; Ahmed M. ELTANAHY ; Daniel R. JAKAITIS ; Daying DAI ; Ramanathan KADIRVEL ; David F. KALLMES ; Waleed BRINJIKJI
Neurointervention 2021;16(1):29-33
Purpose:
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has the potential for in vivo clot composition characterization in difficult mechanical embolectomy cases. We performed an in vitro study to determine the OCT characteristics of red blood cells (RBCs) and fibrin rich clots.
Materials and Methods:
Analogues of 5 compositions of clots (5% to 95% RBCs from Group A to E) were created from human blood. The blood mixture was injected into the bifurcation of a 3D printed bifurcated silicone tube. The OPTISTM Integrated System (St. Jude Medical Inc.) was used to identify the magnitude of OCT signals from different compositions of clots. Martius Scarlett Blue trichrome (MSB) staining was performed to confirm the composition of RBCs and fibrin in each clot.
Results:
Group A and B showed less signal attenuation (less than 30%) from its surface to the inside, which indicated high penetration (low-back scattering). Group C indicated intermediate signal attenuation (60%) from its surface to inside the clots, in which signals were found even at the periphery of the clot. Group D and E were superficially signal rich with more signal attenuation (more than 80%) from its surface to the inside indicating low penetration (high-back scattering). Signal-free shadowing was shown in 3 clots in Group E. MSB staining indicated color change (from red in fibrin-rich clots to yellow in RBC-rich clots).
Conclusion
Different compositions of clots can be assessed using OCT. Fibrin-rich clots have homogeneous signals with high penetration, while RBC-rich clots can be recognized as superficially signal rich with low penetration.


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