Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of remineralizing agents to occlude dentinal tubules in primary teeth subjected to dentin hypersensitivity in vitro: SEM study

Aim: Comparison of casein phosphopeptides (CPPs) and amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP), tricalcium phosphate, and hydroxyapatite on assessment of dentine tubule occlusion on primary enamel using scanning electron microscope (SEM). Materials and Methods: A total of 20 freshly extracted noncarious primary molars were randomly divided into four groups (A to D) with five sections in each group; group A: negative control, group B: CPP-ACP, group C: tricalcium phosphate, and group D: Hydroxyapatite (HA). To assess tubule occlusion, 20 dentin sections of 2 mm thickness were obtained from cervical third of sound primary molars. Each section were processed to simulate the hypersensitive dentin and the test agents were brushed over the sections with an electric toothbrush and observed under SEM for calculation of the percentage of occluded tubules. Results: Group B and D showed greater percentage of tubule occlusion than group C. Intergroup comparison of tubule occlusion potential of Group B and D was not significant. Conclusion: HA showed significantly higher dentinal tubule occlusion when compared to CPP-ACP and tricalcium phosphate.
Detection of serum zinc levels in neonates with bronchopulmonary dysplasia

Background: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is common chronic lung disease that occurs mainly in premature neonates who suffered from respiratory distress and managed with oxygen and mechanical ventilation. Aim: The aim of this study is the detection of the serum zinc (Zn) levels in neonates with BPD. Patient and Methods: A prospective case–control study was done on 25 cases of BPD neonates incubated in the neonatal intensive care unit of Tanta University Hospital suffering (patient group) and 25 healthy neonates (who did not develop BPD) with matched gestational age and sex (control group). The study was conducted from August 2016 to February 2018. The sample of venous blood was taken from infants within the first 3 h. Serum Zn levels were determined. Results: Serum Zn levels were significantly lower in neonates who had BPD (patient group) if compared with neonates who did not developed BPD (control group). Cutoff value of the serum Zn levels in cases of BPD was 6.9 μmol/L, the area under the curve was 0.991, the sensitivity was 100%, the specificity was 96%, the positive predictive value was 96%, the negative predictive value was 100%, and the accuracy was 98%. Conclusion: Neonates with BPD are accompanied by decrease in serum Zn levels and it could be used as the early predictor for BPD development in neonates. Recommendation: Zn supplementation to the neonates who are susceptible to develop BPD.
Dengue in children and young adults, a cross-sectional study from the western part of Uttar Pradesh

Background: Dengue has emerged as a major public health problem in India. It presents more aggressively among younger age groups as compared to adults. Therefore, it necessitates the accurate estimation of prevalence in younger age groups. Materials and Method: Of all the 1026 clinically suspected cases of dengue up to the age of 18 years were enrolled in this study and grouped into four age groups (Group I - <0 to 1 year, Group II- 1 to 6 years, Group III- 7 to 12 years, and Group IV- 13 to 18 years). Their blood samples were aseptically collected from different clinical departments and were submitted to the Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL), Department of Microbiology during the outbreak of 2016–17. Serum was separated and processed for dengue Non Structural Protein 1 antigen (NS1 Ag)and Immunoglobuline M antibody (IgM Ab) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). All the relevant variables like age, sex, and demographic profile were recorded and statistically analyzed. Results: A total 295 of the 1026 cases were detected positive for dengue either by NS1 Ag or IgM Ab ELISA. The results show the susceptibility to dengue being increased in the order of age Group I to IV. We analyzed the outbreak of year 2016 and 2017, of these 159/483 (33%) cases and 136/543 (25%) cases, respectively, were found seropositive during these years. The months of September, October, and November are more prone to dengue infection. Conclusion: Group III and IV were more susceptible to dengue fever (DF). The months of postmonsoon season are more favorable for spread of dengue among different age groups of the population.
Preparation of Medicinal Plants: Basic Extraction and Fractionation Procedures for Experimental Purposes

Preparation of medicinal plants for experimental purposes is an initial step and key in achieving quality research outcome. It involves extraction and determination of quality and quantity of bioactive constituents before proceeding with the intended biological testing. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate various methods used in the preparation and screening of medicinal plants in our daily research. Although the extracts, bioactive fractions, or compounds obtained from medicinal plants are used for different purposes, the techniques involved in producing them are generally the same irrespective of the intended biological testing. The major stages included in acquiring quality bioactive molecule are the selection of an appropriate solvent, extraction methods, phytochemical screening procedures, fractionation methods, and identification techniques. The nitty-gritty of these methods and the exact road map followed solely depends on the research design. Solvents commonly used in extraction of medicinal plants are polar solvent (e.g., water, alcohols), intermediate polar (e.g., acetone, dichloromethane), and nonpolar (e.g., n-hexane, ether, chloroform). In general, extraction procedures include maceration, digestion, decoction, infusion, percolation, Soxhlet extraction, superficial extraction, ultrasound-assisted, and microwave-assisted extractions. Fractionation and purification of phytochemical substances are achieved through application of various chromatographic techniques such as paper chromatography, thin-layer chromatography, gas chromatography, and high-performance liquid chromatography. Finally, compounds obtained are characterized using diverse identification techniques such as mass spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Subsequently, different methods described above can be grouped and discussed according to the intended biological testing to guide young researchers and make them more focused.
Prescription Pattern of Drugs Used for Neuropathic Pain and Adherence to NeuPSIG Guidelines in Cancer

Objective: The objective of the present research was to evaluate the prescription pattern of the drugs used in the pharmacological treatment of cancer-related neuropathic pain (CRNP) and to assess the adherence of the physicians to the Neuropathic Pain Special Interest Group (NeuPSIG) Guidelines. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional, observational study where patients who presented to the pain and palliative care outpatient clinic of the tertiary care hospital with CRNP were prospectively recruited. Participants were screened for neuropathic pain using DN4 questionnaire. Demographic details, diagnosis, medication details, and adherence to NeuPSIG guidelines were assessed using a validated questionnaire. Results: Of 300 patients screened, 64% were male and 36% were female, with a mean age of 48.26 ± 13.05 years. The predominant symptoms found were pin-and-needle sensation (99%) followed by tingling sensation (98.66%). The most common diagnosis was head-and-neck cancers (37.3%) followed by bone cancers (17.3%) and lung cancers (15.3%). Among the first-line drugs recommended in NeuPSIG for CRNP, pregabalin (78.7%) was the most common drug prescribed followed by amitriptyline (67%). The most common co-prescribed drugs were acid suppressants drugs (50.7%). Tapentadol, which is not part of the NeuPSIG guidelines, was prescribed on 51 occasions for neuropathic pain. Underdosing was observed in 272 prescriptions. Only 12 prescriptions completely adhered, while 275 had partial, and 13 prescriptions had poor adherence to NeuPSIG guidelines. Conclusion: The most commonly used drugs in the treatment of CRNP were pregabalin and amitriptyline. Most physician partially or did not adhere to the NeuPSIG guideline in the management of CRNP.
Mammography uptake among the female staff of King Saud University

Background: Breast cancer is having a major impact on women's health worldwide. Early detection is the best defense against the associated morbidity and mortality of the disease. Objectives: To assess the level of mammography uptake among working Saudi women and identify the obstacles and barriers that negatively affect it. In addition, to identify the most effective sources of breast-cancer-related information and early detection screening. Method: We conducted a cross-sectional study of women employees of King Saud University aged 40 years and above on March–May 2015 using a self-report questionnaire. Results: A total of 229 participants were recruited from the female staff of King Saud University. Of the participants, 34% were aged 41 years or above, approximately 66% were married, 53.3% had a bachelor's degree, and 61.1% worked as administrators; further, 64.6% had a history of breastfeeding. The rate of mammography uptake was 51.5%. Univariate logistic regression indicated that age, education, and being single predict the rate of mammography uptake. However, multivariate logistic regression indicated that earlier age significantly predicts a higher risk of a low rate of mammography uptake. The main obstacle negatively affecting mammography uptake was ineligible criteria (21.8%). The main sources of information regarding breast cancer were awareness campaigns and television and radio (45.4% and 43.7%, respectively). Conclusion: The participants' rate of mammography uptake, awareness of mammograms, the risk factors, and signs of breast cancer were low. To improve breast-cancer mortality rates in Saudi Arabia, earlier detection of breast cancer through increasing awareness of mammograms is of paramount importance.
Knowledge, attitude, and practice of general dental practitioners toward following proper standards of endodontic practice and use of latest technology in Dehradun: A cross-sectional study

Background: Choosing latest technology for the treatment improves the chances of favorable prognosis and saves the time of the clinician; hence, the aim of the study was to explore their knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) toward following proper standards of endodontic practice and use of latest technology. Materials and Methods: The present study was a cross-sectional, descriptive questionnaire study conducted among general dental practitioners (GDPs). The survey was conducted among 156 GDPs. In the present study, a close-ended interview schedule was prepared to test the KAP of GDPs. Results: For diagnosis, most of the study participants (58 [37.08%]) relied on case history and radiograph. Apex locator was used by 71 (45.51%) of the study subjects. Among all the study participants, 58 (37.17%) dental practitioners used rotary nickel–titanium (NiTi) files with normal saline and preheated disinfectants for cleaning and shaping of root canal. It was observed that the knowledge of majority of the dental practitioners was fair (58 [37.17%]). However, the attitude and practice toward following proper standards of endodontic practice and use of latest technology were poor. Conclusion: It was concluded that very few general practitioners used the latest technology in endodontics. Knowledge was fair while attitude and practice regarding following proper standards of endodontic practice and use of latest technology were poor among study participants.
Perception of family planning and reasons for low acceptance of NSV among married males of urban slums of Lucknow city - A community based study

Background and Aims: Population explosion has been India's major problem since independence. It is a major obstacle to the overall progress of the nation. Adoption of family planning methods is one of the best solutions to tackle this problem. The roots of the factors influencing family planning issues are entrenched in the socio-cultural milieu of Indian society. Uttar Pradesh is the most populated state of the country having population of 199.581 million and TFR of 3.3 (AHS 2012-2013) with high fertile trajectory. Among the family planning methods currently, male sterilization accounts for only 0.3% of all sterilizations in Uttar Pradesh (AHS 2012-2013). A strategy to promote men's involvement in effective birth control is needed to reduce the population growth. The aim of this study is: i) To access the perception of married males towards family planning. ii) To access knowledge about NSV iii) enumerate the causes for low acceptance of NSV. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out. Multi-stage random sampling technique was used. In the first stage, two urban slums from each Nagar-Nigam zone was selected randomly. In the second stage, from each selected slum, a sample of 24 eligible households was selected at random to achieve the desired sample size. Results: Female sterilization technique was considered as the most effective family planning method by the male respondents. Socio-cultural barriers were the most important reason for the low acceptance of NSV. Educational status was found to be the most important predictor for these socio-cultural barriers. Conclusion: Measures should be taken to remove misconceptions, to increase uptake of NSV.
Patient awareness about the indications and complications of sleeve gastrectomy

Objectives: To assess patients' awareness of the indications and complications of sleeve gastrectomy in King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods: The cross-sectional study conducted from December 2017 to May 2018 in KKUH, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia included all patients aged 18 years and older. Data collection was conducted through self-administered questionnaires. Chi-square test was performed to determine the significant differences between variables. A P value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Result: Of 480 participants, 247 (51.5%) of them were male. The educational level of most was bachelor's degree (253; 52.7%). Most of the participants (326; 67.9%) are not aware about BMI. However, 80 (16.7%) participants knew the true answer to obese BMI. Of the total participants, 283 (59.0%) did not knew about sleeve gastrectomy indications; however, 311 (64.8%) of the participants had heard about the complications of sleeve gastrectomy. All these results are correlated with the educational level of the participants. Conclusion: Our study shows a lack of awareness of sleeve gastrectomy indications and complications among study population. We need to increase public awareness about sleeve gastrectomy indications and complication by proper scientific health education in the community.
Clinical and hematological features among β-thalassemia major patients in Jazan region: A hospital-based study

Context: Beta-thalassemia is a prevalent hereditary blood disorder in Saudi Arabia. Various clinical manifestations and hematological abnormalities are common among these patients. Aims: To evaluate the clinical manifestations and hematological parameters of β-thalassemia patients in Jazan, Saudi Arabia. Settings and Design: This is a cross-sectional study conducted in Jazan region, Saudi Arabia. Methods and Materials: We included 36 β-Thalassemia major patients who admitted to PMNH during the period from February 1, 2016 to December 31, 2017. Clinical features were obtained via physical examination. The hematological parameters were obtained from the patients' medical records. Statistical Analysis Used: Descriptive and inferential statistics were conducted using SPSS. Continuous data was evaluated using independent sample t-test and Chi-square was used to evaluate categorical variables. P < 0.05 indicated statistical significance. Results: Mean age was 18.56 ± 6.89 years. Males were 23 (63.9%). About 41.4% of patients were underweight. Exposing of the upper teeth was the most prominent feature (n = 19, 59.4%). The majority of patients were splenectomized (62.1%). About two-thirds have moderate anemia. More than half of the patients (58.8%) had high WBCs counts and 35.3% had a high platelet count, especially among those who underwent splenectomy. Approximately, two-thirds had a ferritin level higher than 2500 ng/ml. O+ blood group was the most frequent blood group among the patients (n = 15, 46.9%). Conclusions: Deteriorated clinical and hematological parameters in our study justify the need for more efforts for regular evaluation and follow-up of the βTM patients and reevaluation of the management protocols to be improved or modified.
Community Pharmacist's Role in Providing Oral Health-care Services: Findings from Malaysia

Introduction: Pharmacists have been well recognized as an active and have a more integrated role in the preventive services within the National Health Services. This study assessed the community pharmacists’ attitudes, beliefs, and practices toward oral health in the Malaysian setting. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey-based study was used to conduct this project. An anonymous self-administered questionnaire was developed and distributed among community pharmacists within Kuala Lumpur and Selangor states areas, Malaysia. The data collection was carried out from the beginning of November to the end of December 2018. Results: Of the 255 pharmacists, 206 agreed to participate in the study, yielding a response rate of 80.8%. Overall, approximately half of the pharmacists provided two to five oral health consultations per week and two to five over the counter (OTC) oral health products recommendations per week. The main services provided by community pharmacists in were the provision of OTC treatments (93.7%), referral of consumers to dental or medical practitioners when appropriate (82.5%), and identify signs and symptoms of oral health problems in patients (77.2%). In addition, more than 80% of the pharmacists viewed positively and supported integrating oral health promotion and preventive measures into their practices. The most commonly reported barriers to extending the roles of pharmacists in oral health care include lack of knowledge or training in this field, lack of training resources, and lack of oral health educational promotion materials. Conclusion: The study shows that community pharmacists had been providing a certain level of oral health services and play an important role in oral health. The findings highlighted the need of an interprofessional partnership between the pharmacy professional bodies with Malaysian dental associations to develop, and evaluate evidence-based resources, guidelines, the scope of oral health in pharmacy curricula and services to deliver improved oral health care within Malaysian communities.
Disclosure Deficit Experienced by People Living with HIV/AIDS in Alice and Its Environs in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa: Perceptions of Selected Stakeholders

Aim: This article investigated the underpinnings of low HIV disclosure among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Alice town and its environs in South Africa. Methods: This article adopted qualitative methodologies of interviews and focus groups involving 38 selected stakeholders to tap their insights and perceptions on the position of disclosure rate in Alice town and its environs. Results: The findings indicated that disclosure rate was confounded by state of immense stigma; state of conflict faced by the PLWHA from their kins and community; PLWHA fearing job victimization; and lack of adequate psychosocial supportConclusions: The article recommends that the disclosure process takes place amid an environment of equilibrium between the PLWHA's intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, as well as when environment promises adequate psychosocial support. Moreover, the role of the members of social service profession is critical in advocating and preparing PLWHA for disclosure, as well as putting a conducive environment to allow disclosure.
Comparison of stability changes of various palatal implants

Aim: The aim of this study was to comparatively evaluate stability changes in palatal implants during the early stages of bone healing with chemically modified sandblasted/acid-etched (modSLA) titanium surface compared with a standard sandblasted (SLA) titanium palatal implants. Materials and Methods: A statistically significant number (n = 40; 24 females and 16 males) of adult subjects who volunteered and have their informed consent for participating in the study were selected. These volunteers were randomly allocated to the experimental group (modSLA surface) and to the control group (SLA surface) with 20 subjects in each group. Documentation of implant stability was done by assessing resonance frequency analysis (RFA) at implant insertion, followed by subsequent assessments each week till 12th week from baseline (1–12 weeks). RFA values were expressed as an implant stability quotient (ISQ). Results: Immediately after installation of implant, the ISQ values for both surfaces tested were not significantly different and yielded mean values of 75.28 ± 5.23 for the control and 73.16 ± 4.81 for the test surface. In the first 2 weeks after implant installation, both groups presented only small changes and thereafter a reducing trend in the mean ISQ levels. In the test group, after 4 weeks a tendency toward increasing ISQ values was observed, and 6 weeks after surgery the ISQ values corresponded to those after implant insertion. For the SLA control group, the trend changed after fifth week and yielded ISQ values corresponding to the baseline after ninth week. After 12 weeks of observation, the test surface yielded significantly higher stability values of 78.68 ± 2.9 compared with the control implants of 75.5 ± 3.19, respectively. Conclusion: The results undoubtedly support and validate the potential for chemical modification of the SLA surface to positively influence the biologic process of osseointegration and also a faster healing.
Effect of artificial sweeteners on insulin resistance among type-2 diabetes mellitus patients

Introduction: Incidence of diabetes mellitus has increased over the past few years, mainly due to our eating habits and physical inactivity. This also includes the use of artificial sweetening agents which have broadly replaced other forms of sugars and have shown a paradoxical, negative effect on blood glucose. Ingestion of these artificial sweeteners (AS) results in the release of insulin from pancreas which is mistaken for glucose (due to their sweet taste). This increases the levels of insulin in blood eventually leading to decreased receptor activity due to insulin resistance. Methodology: It is a crosssectional study that was conducted on patients diagnosed with type-2 diabetes mellitus of a tertiary care hospital in Central India. All the diabetics that presented in the OPD were divided into 2 groups based on whether they use AS (group A) or not (group B). Insulin resistance was calculated for each group using HOMA-IR and graphs were plotted. Results: The HOMAIR values for Group A and B ranged from 0.9–24.33 and 0.12–10.83 with mean values 7.39 and 2.6, respectively, showing that the ones who used AS had a higher insulin resistance. The study also showed that the duration of use of artificial sweeteners had a direct impact on insulin resistance.