bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Properties of Polyethersulfone Ultrafiltration Membrane by Incorporating Ionic Liquid for Humic Acid Removal
Authors: Che Miur Amalin Sofia , Shoparwe Noor Fazliani , Abdul Hamid Zubaidah Aimi Binti , Makhtar Muaz Zaini , Zainuddin Nor Izzah
Published: January 2022

The present study was conducted to investigate the properties of fabricated polythersulfone ultrafiltration membrane by incorporating ionic liquid (IL) (Aliquat 336) in the casting solution towards HA removal. IL namely Aliquat 336 is used with varied composition of polyethersulfone (PES) as polymer and and Dimethyl acetamide (DMAC) as a solvent. All the fabricated membranes were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), ganiometer and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) analysis. The fabricated membranes were also analyzed through its performance based on water flux, HA flux and HA rejection. The experimental results show that the incorporation of ionic liquid in different composition of polymer resulted in different characteristic of membrane and provided in improvement of HA removal. The P4 membrane gave the best performance with the water flux of 373.25 L/m2.h, the HA flux of 262.68 L/m2.h and the highest removal of HA up to 90%.
Characterizations of Calcium Oxide from Calcined Eggshell Waste
Authors: Khalid Munira , Jikan Suzi Salwah , Adzila Sharifah , Yunus Zalilah Murni , Badarulzaman Nur Azam
Published: January 2022

The eggs are not only a good source of nutrients but their shells are rich in various minerals of which CaCO3 is the most prominent. Egg shell contains about 90% CaCO3 of the total weight. The interest in clean technology has attracted the use of eggshell waste as a focus of research. The objective of this work is to extract calcium oxide (CaO) from calcium carbonate (CaCO3) available in chicken eggshells. CaO is white in colour possessing high porosity with narrow particle size distribution. CaO have very high percentage of ceramic yield. This CaO can be used as precursor for synthesis of calcium phosphate that can be further used in biomaterial synthesis. The uncalcined eggshell waste (ESW) and calcined ESW powders were characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) analyses. The calcination temperatures were varied from 700 oC to 1100 °C. XRD and FTIR results suggested that CaCO3 is converted into calcium oxide at 900 °C and SEM micrographs also compliment these results. The calcination method can be used to extract calcium oxide from ESW being eco-friendly as well as low cost.
Surface Analysis of Grafted Low Density Polyethylene Film by FTIR and XPS Spectroscopy
Authors: Shukri Nor Azwin , Ghazali Zulkafli , Wahit Mat Uzir , Hilmi Farah Fadzehah , Ibrahim Siti Nurul Syafika Sheikh
Published: January 2022

This paper studied the alternative method for determination of percentage of grafted content in the grafted low density polyethylene (LDPE) film with black seed oil (BSO). BSO was grafted onto LDPE by pre-irradiation grafting method and the grafted samples were evaluated using FTIR qualitative and quantitative analysis. The grafting yield was calculated quantitatively from absorbance peak of two difference peak (1464cm-1 and 1746cm-1). Control LDPE film shows no absorbance peak at wavenumber of 1746cm-1 while, a peak appears for grafted film at the same wavenumber. Therefore, it is possible to consider the peak area in this wavenumber as the grafting extension of BSO in LDPE film. Meanwhile, concerning the infrared (IR) fingerprint of LDPE film, consistent peak characteristic bands of LDPE are also present for all grafted sample at 1464cm-1. Thus, the grafting yield is computed by using these peaks. Then, further confirmation grafting of BSO onto LDPE film was supported by the XPS spectroscopy. The atomic composition of C decreased 13% after LDPE film was grafted with BSO. While, the O content increases from values of 6.9% to 19.2% after grafting reaction. The increment percentage of O1s after grafting reaction mainly caused by the incorporation of oxygen content of a new polar functional groups of BSO on the surface of LDPE films. These results are in good agreement with FTIR analysis.
The Effect of Graphite Loading as Reinforcement on Carbon Foam from Natural Resources
Authors: Hassan Nur Zaha , Mohamed Hatta Mohamed Nasrul , Badarulzaman Nur Azam , Mohd Joharudin Nurul Farahin
Published: January 2022

This study is to determine the effect of graphite as reinforcement material on natural resources carbon foam on the mechanical and physical properties. Sucrose is used as carbon precursor and graphite with various concentration from 0 wt% to 0.3 wt% was added into the carbon foam. Carbon foam was prepared by using template method followed by pre curing and carbonization process. Pre curing process was take place at 250°C and carbonization process was carried out at 900°C under inert atmosphere. The morphology, porosity, density and compressive strength were characterised in this experiment. Through Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), graphite can be seen clearly embedded into the ‘window’ and fill the void space. Porosity of carbon foam decrease when the concentration of graphite increase and the density of carbon foam increase when the concentration of graphite increase. Carbon foam with 0.3 wt% graphite added shows the highest compressive strength (1.84 N/mm2) compared with carbon foam without graphite added (0.95 N/mm2). The properties of carbon foam are significantly influenced by the addition of graphite loading.
Tropical Climate Adaptation via Biomimicry and Surface Functionalization for Electronic Circuitry
Authors: binti Din Nurnadia Nadira , bin Ahmad Khairol Amali
Published: January 2022

Surface functionalization has diverse applications from tropicalization, superhydrophobicity to chemical bonding and biomolecular applications. Tropical climate adaptability is necessary in order to successfully carry out the equipment’s functionality in extreme climate. Temperature gradient can lead to internal damage and humidity also leads to the surface’s degradation, thus lead to circuits’ shortcuts. Hence this research aimed to fabricate and characterize polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) based biomimicry and surface functionalization for hydrophobic, fungus free and stable layer against tropical climate. Another nanoparticle that needs to be used to optimize the required criteria is polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Varying the ratio of PDMS/PTFE mixture affects the resulting performance. The composite was layered onto taro leaves using soft-lithography technique. Several of the conventional method limitations were addressed such as water contact angle (WCA) and light transmittance. The overall average WCA of a PDMS/PTFE template obtained was between 92° until 108° whereas for a negatively replicated PDMS/PTFE template was between 121° until 131°. The plain PDMS template shows the average transmittance of 62.28% whereas the PDMS/PTFE template shows the average of less than 7.49% transmittance. The negatively replicated leaf PDMS/PTFE template shows the average transmittance percentage of 15.772% and a minimum of less than 2%. The obtained WCA results had proven that the soft-lithography technique is able to increase the surface wettability of equipment.
The Mechanical Integrity of Self-Healing Coating Embedded with Microencapsulated Vegetable Oil
Authors: Baharom Zulkhibri , Ismail Zamratul Maisarah Mohd , Idris Maizlinda Izwana , Abdullah Hasan Zuhudi
Published: January 2022

The challenge of self-healing coating is the mechanical integrity of the coating system embedded with microcapsules. This paper emphasis the mechanical integrity of self-healing coating embedded with microencapsulated vegetable oil (waste sunflower oil). The mechanical integrity of the coating system was determined by the bending and Vickers test. The microencapsulation of waste sunflower oil was successfully produced microcapsules with a mean diameter of 1 μm and a rough shell structure that matchable to embedded in coating matrix. The embedment of microcapsules into the coating matrix has generated self-healing performance with ability to self-heal after 5 days. The mechanical integrity of coating system was increased and demonstrated higher maximum stress (654.25 N/mm2) and higher hardness value (4.40 HV) as compared to the reference sample. It can be concluded that, the microencapsulated waste sunflower oil as an alternative natural vegetable oil to be embedded in the coating system to generate self-healing performance and induce higher mechanical integrity. This finding was able to contribute to the advancement of the future of metal coating industries.
Evaluation of Reduced Graphene Oxide Film Using In-Plane XRD Measurement
Authors: Rudin Nor Shahira Md , Omar Muhammad Firdaus
Published: January 2022

This work reports the synthesis of rGO using magnetron sputtering followed by the annealing process in argon. Raman mapping analysis helped confirm the existence of D, G and 2D band after annealing which indicating the formation of rGO and not a monolayer of graphene. Out of plane XRD measurement observed 21.5°, 30.1° and 35.5° corresponding to d-spacing and 0.412 nm, 0.296 nm and 0.253 nm respectively and for in plane XRD measurement are observed at are 2θ peaks at 30.1°, 35.5° and 62.4° corresponding to d-spacing 0.296 nm ,0.253 nm and 0.148 nm respectively. All the spectrum shows shifted due to the presence of defect in the deposited rGO structure. Thus, the in plane measurement are successfully demonstrated as an alternative method to evaluate the thin rGO film.
Structural Analysis of DLC Thin Film Using X-Ray Reflectivity and Raman Spectroscopy Techniques
Authors: Nadzari Khairul Aizat , Omar Muhammad Firdaus , Rudin Nor Shahira Md , Ismail Abd. Khamim
Published: January 2022

The characteristics of sputtered amorphous diamond-like carbon-containing copper (DLC: Cu films) films deposited on Si (100) substrates and Si (111) in argon gas-filled chamber using carbon target under different substrates deposition time, and RF power. The samples were deposited by RF magnetron sputtering and analyzed using Raman spectroscopy and X-ray reflectivity (XRR) methods. Different parameters of depositions were used to study the structure, thickness, roughness, and density of the samples. The Cu preliminary layer act as a catalyst to growth the DLC thin-film analyzed using XRR analysis to measure thickness, roughness, and density of the thin films. The film structures of the samples were analyzed using Raman spectroscopy with a 532nm laser source. Gaussian peak shapes were used in Raman spectrum fitting to analyzed to measure the D band and G band for both samples. The Films thickness, roughness, and mass density were studied by XRR techniques using XRD to acquire the multilayer structure of thin films grown by magnetron sputtering.
Influence of Feldspar Addition on the Properties of CaCu3Ti4O12 Ceramic
Authors: Juhari Amir Syaifuddin , Sharifuddin Syifa' Muhamad , Pabli Fathin Asila Mohd , Mohamed Julie Juliewatty , Ahmad Zainal Arifin , Ain Mohd Fadzil , Sulaiman Muhammad Azwadi
Published: January 2022

The colossal dielectric permittivity of calcium copper titanate (CaCu3Ti4O12, CCTO) provides a vast potential in miniaturizing electronic devices but become limited due to high dielectric loss. Hence, feldspar was introduced to reduce the dielectric loss and fill in the air gap of CCTO during the sintering process. The CCTO powder was prepared by the solid-state reaction method. The study focused on characterizing pure and feldspar added CCTO properties on phase formation and dielectric properties. The raw materials were weighed, followed by stoichiometric ratios for pure CCTO. While the addition of feldspar was added using a weight percentage ratio of 1%, 3%, 5%, 7% and 10%. The mixed powders were ball mixed for 24 hours using dry mixing. The mixed powder was calcined at 900°C for 12 hours and then pressed into a pellet with 6 mm diameter, then sintered at 1040°C for 10 hours. The X-ray Diffraction (XRD) machine and impedance analyzer were utilized to observe the phase formation and dielectric properties of the samples prepared. A single phase of CCTO was obtained after the sintering process except for pure CCTO and 1wt% of feldspar addition, and it still has remaining CuO in the ceramic. Even though feldspar can reduce the dielectric loss of the CCTO from 0.6 (pure CCTO) to 0.4 (10 wt%) at 1 MHz, it also hard to maintain the high dielectric constant. The dielectric constant of 1wt% of feldspar addition was recorded the highest value, up to 4000 at 1 MHz, while the lowest dielectric constant owned by 10wt% of feldspar addition, ~700 at 1 MHz.
Child protection in the context of the pandemic
Authors: Sathiadas M. G.
Published: January 2022

No abstract available
Clinicopathological profile of urological malignancies at Teaching Hospital in Jaffna Peninsula of Northern Sri Lanka
Authors: Balagobi B. , Thuraisamy Sarma S. , Sathesan B. , Gamlaksha D. S. , Ladsiyan M. , Shangarie R. , Sivanujan S.
Published: January 2022

Urological malignancies remains significant health hazards over the years. Prostate cancer is the commonest cancer in male worldwide. There have been various studies done in other parts of Sri Lanka to establish the characteristics of urological malignancies. But the data from Jaffna is lacking. This study was a retrospective cross-sectional study. Data of all histologically proven urological malignancies of Teaching Hospital Jaffna (THJ) between 1st of January 2018 and 1st of June 2021 were analyzed. The most commonly identified urological malignancy was prostate carcinoma (62.3%, n=101) with mean age of 71.6 years. 98% were adeno carcinoma. 59.4% had stages equal or more than T3 and 41.6% had Gleason score of 8 or more. 59.4% of the patients presented with metastatic prostatic carcinoma. Bladder malignancies were seen in 27.8% with the mean age of 68.6 years. Male to female ratio was 5:1, 97.7% were primary urothelial malignancies. 80% were organ confined disease. 57.8% were high grade and 35.5% were muscle invasive. Nearly 6.2% of the patients were diagnosed with renal carcinoma and mean age was 53.9 years. The male to female ratio was 2:3. 80% were clearcell renal cell carcinoma, 70% were localized.Eighty percentage diagnosed cancers had stage equal or less than T2. Nearly 3.7% of the patients had penile cancers. All of them were squamous cell carcinoma while 66.7% diagnosed cancers had stage equal or less than T2. Prostate carcinoma was the most common urological malignancy identified in this study. Most of the renal and penile carcinoma was diagnosed at early stages in contrast with bladder and prostate carcinoma.
Morphological variations and morphometry of the papillary muscles of the mitral valve – a cadaveric study
Authors: Udhayakumar Sivananthini , Yasawardene S. G.
Published: January 2022

Recent advances and refinements in mitral valve surgery as well as interventional procedures have revived the interest in disparity in the morphology and morphometry of papillary muscles of the mitral valve. Study was taken up with an effort to extend the concepts previously presented on papillary muscles of mitral valve. Papillary muscles were studied in 320 fresh autopsied adult normal hearts. With varying number of muscle bellies. Anterolateral (ALPM) and posteromedial (PMPM) groups of papillary muscles were found. In two hearts, the ALPM and PMPM were connected by muscle tissue. According to the number of separate muscle bellies, 4 groups were categorized with increasing complexity. Single belly was the commonest form in the ALPM (73 %) and two bellies were the commonest form in the PMPM (40%). The papillary muscles show a great variability on the nature of attachment to the ventricular wall. More than half of the hearts studied had a mixed type of papillary muscles (partly tethered and partly protruding in ALPM and PMPM groups. The mean distance separating the mitral annulus from the apex of the ALPM was 19.38 mm ± 3 SD (range 5 – 26) and from the apex of the PMPM was 20.36mm ± 3.7 SD (range 10 – 32). The average length of ALPM was 32.24 mm ± 4.8 SD (range 20 - 45) and that of the PMPM was 29.92 mm ± 4.9 SD (range 16 - 44). The documented classical view of two papillary muscles should be adapted with 4 types of variations in morphology with increasing complexity.
Gower laing: Early adult onset distal myopathy type III (MPD I): a case report
Authors: Thivacaren S. , Suramiya A. A. A. , Paherathy A. , Arasalingam A.
Published: January 2022

A rare case of sporadic Gower Laing: Early adultonset distal myopathy type III (MDP I) presenting to a medical ward in northern Sri Lanka is presented here. A 39-year-old female present with difficulty in walking from age 10 and was investigated leading to the above diagnosis. This is a rare autosomal dominant distal myopathy and there have been no similar cases reported from the Northern Province of Sri Lanka, as well as in Sri Lanka.
Gallstone-ileus: an uncommon presentation of cholelithiasis
Authors: Madawanarachchi S. S. , Wijesundera N. N. , Indika T. W. K. G.
Published: January 2022

No abstract available
A rare case of refeeding syndrome after right hemicolectomy
Authors: Samarathunga D. R. , Wickramarachchi W. A. N. T. , Thavarasa Kokulan , Sivaganesh S.
Published: January 2022

No abstract available
Best option for total hip replacement in young: evidence from National Joint Registry of United Kingdom and Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint replacement Registry
Authors: Abeysekera Walimuni Yohan Mendis , Perera Angoda Bandarage Sarath Ananda
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Implant longevity is crucial in determining the clinical success of THA. Hence THA in young patients will need a careful consideration as the failure and revision rates of THA are higher due to high functional demands.

Method

Reviewed the latest evidence from the 17th annual report of National Joint Registry (NJR) of United Kingdom and the 2020 annual report of Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry (AOANJRR) to determine the optimal mode of fixation, bearing surface and the head size for THA in a patient before the age of 55 years.

Results

In THA of patients under 55 Years, the 10 Year RR was highest in Uncemented fixations compared to other modes but this difference is insignificant according to the AOANJRR. Uncemented and hybrid fixations were preferred over cemented fixations but uncemented was clearly the predominant mode of fixation and this preference was rising over the past years. COC and COP bearing surface combinations reported to have the lowest 10 YRR and the use of COP in young patients has been rising both in UK and Australia in the recent past. In COC the head size of 40mm showed the best survival rate and in COP 36mm was the largest size with better survival. In COP the increased quality with XLPE (ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene) has been the reason for the ability use a larger head size with low dislocation rates better survival with low wear compared to Non XLPE used in the past.

Conclusion

Both Registries favour the use of Uncemented or Hybrid fixations with COC and COP bearings in patients
Pathogenesis of neuropathic foot ulcers in diabetes: understanding current concepts
Authors: Ekanayake Gayan Neomal Samarasinghe , Manilgama Suranga Ravinda
Published: January 2022

No abstract available
Impact of COVID-19 on postgraduate education and mental wellbeing of surgical trainees: a systematic review
Authors: Basnayake Oshan , Jayarajah Umesh , Gunawardena Kawmadi , Samarasekera Dharmabandhu N.
Published: January 2022

IntroductionCoronavirus disease COVID-19 is a global pandemic that has produced adverse effects on many facets of the health care system including surgical specialities. In this systematic review, we aimed to comprehensively analyze the global literature on the impact of COVID-19 on surgical education and the mental wellbeing of surgical trainees.MethodsWe searched PubMed, Scopus, LILACS, Ovid MEDLINE, Web of Science, Google Scholar and Cochrane CENTRAL between 1-January 2020 and 20-January 2021 and performed a systematic review of all observational and experimental studies on the impact of COVID-19 on postgraduate surgical trainees of all specialities. Operative and clinical exposure, surgical education and mental wellbeing were assessed as outcome measures.ResultsFifty-nine studies including 11544 surgical trainees were analyzed. The majority of the trainees were general surgical trainees [n=4435, 38.4%]. Most studies [n=40, 67.8%] were conducted at national level in high income countries [n=9480; 82.1%]. Most studies reported a significant reduction in the operative exposure [range 45.7-100%] including elective, emergency and other clinical encounters. The mental health of trainees was affected [11.3-100%] and depression [10.6- 40.8%], anxiety [31.7-69%] and burnout [7.1-68%] were noticed. Concerns on contraction and transmission of COVID-19 infection and delays in surgical training and career progression were also reported.ConclusionCOVID 19 pandemic had caused a considerable impact on surgical training, teaching, learning activities and mental well-being of the trainees. Measures should be taken to mitigate these effects to improve surgical training in the era of the COVID pandemic.
An overview of the management of renal malignancies in von Hippel-Lindau syndrome
Authors: Jayarajah Umesh , Basnayake Oshan , Thanusan Vimalakanthan , Balagobi Balasingam , Ambegoda Madura , Abeygunasekera Anuruddha M.
Published: January 2022

Von Hippel-Lindau [VHL] syndrome is a hereditary multisystem cancer syndrome characterized by a wide range of benign and malignant tumours. Renal neoplasms are the commonest solid organ malignancies associated with VHL seen in 25–45% of patients. Management of renal tumours is determined by multiple tumour related and patient-related factors and decision making is often difficult due to its multifocal nature and bilateral involvement. Its tendency for frequent recurrences further complicates the clinical picture. We review the existing literature on the management of renal malignancies in VHL syndrome focussing on observational strategies, minimally invasive approaches, nephron-sparing surgery and radical surgery. Furthermore, we provide the Sri Lanka perspective in the management of renal malignancies in VHL syndrome. Surgeons that manage such patients should be cognizant of extra-renal manifestations of VHL and the importance of a multidisciplinary team and referral pathways. Proper follow-up and selecting patients for suitable as well as minimal interventions such as minimally invasive techniques and nephron-sparing approaches is crucial in the management to provide acceptable cancer control while preserving renal functions. In Sri Lanka, establishing proper referral pathways to dedicated centres with a multidisciplinary team equipped with facilities to deal with renal as well as extra-renal manifestations would improve expertise, quality of care and reduce patient discomfort and default rate.
Surgical research in Sri Lanka: the way ahead
Authors: Malalasekera Ajith , Sivaganesh Sivasuriya , Deen Kemal
Published: January 2022

No abstract available
A synopsis of surgical training in Sri Lanka: the past
Authors: Chandrasinghe Pramodh
Published: January 2022

No abstract available
A synopsis of surgical training in Sri Lanka: the present
Authors: Chandrasinghe Pramodh
Published: January 2022

No abstract available
Future direction of surgical training and services in Sri Lanka
Authors: Editorial Team SLJS
Published: January 2022

No abstract available
Lower Limb Biomechanics During Drop-Jump Landings on Challenging Surfaces in Individuals With Chronic Ankle Instability
Authors: Moisan Gabriel , Mainville Camille , Descarreaux Martin , Cantin Vincent
Published: January 2022

Context

Individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI) exhibit impaired lower limb biomechanics during unilateral drop-jump landings on a flat surface. However, lower limb biomechanical adaptations during unilateral drop-jump landings on more challenging surfaces, such as those that are unstable or inclined, have not been described.

Objective

To determine how unilateral drop-jump landing surfaces (flat, unstable, and inclined) influence lower limb electromyography, kinematics, and kinetics in individuals with CAI.

Design

Descriptive laboratory study.

Setting

Biomechanics laboratory.

Patients or Other Participants

A total of 22 young adults (age = 24.9 ± 4.9 years, height = 1.68 ± 0.08 m, mass = 70.6 ± 11.4 kg) with CAI.

Intervention(s)

Participants completed 5 trials each of unilateral drop-jump landings on a flat surface (DROP), an unstable surface (FOAM), and a laterally inclined surface (WEDGE).

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Electromyography of the gluteus medius, vastus lateralis, gastrocnemius medialis, peroneus longus, and tibialis anterior muscles was recorded. Ankle and knee angles and moments were calculated using a 3-dimensional motion-analysis system and a force plate. Biomechanical variables were compared among tasks using 1-dimensional statistical nonparametric mapping.

Results

During DROP, greater ankle-dorsiflexion and knee-extension moments were observed than during FOAM and WEDGE and greater vastus lateralis muscle activity was observed than during FOAM. Greater ankle-inversion and plantar-flexion angles were noted during FOAM and WEDGE than during DROP. Peroneus longus muscle activity was greater during DROP than during FOAM. During FOAM, greater ankle-inversion and knee-extension angles and ankle-inversion and internal-rotation moments, as well as less peroneus longus muscle activity, were present than during WEDGE.

Conclusions

The greater ankle-inversion and plantar-flexion angles as well as the lack of increased peroneus longus muscle activation during the FOAM and WEDGE conditions could increase the risk of recurrent lateral ankle sprain in individuals with CAI. These findings improve our understanding of the changes in lower limb biomechanics when landing on more challenging surfaces and will help clinicians better target deficits associated with CAI during rehabilitation.
Effects of parenting education programs for refugee and migrant parents: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lee In-Sook , Kim Eunjung
Published: January 2022

Purpose: This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the effects of parenting education programs (PEPs) for refugee and migrant parents.Methods: A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Relevant studies published from 2000 to 2020 were identified through a systematic search of six electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, RISS, KMBASE). A meta-analysis of the studies was then undertaken.Results: Of the 14,996 published works identified, 23 studies satisfied the inclusion criteria, and 19 studies were analyzed to estimate the effect sizes (standardized mean differences) of the PEPs using random-effect models. PEPs were effective for parenting efficacy (effect size [ES]=1.40; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.14-1.66), positive parenting behaviors (ES=0.51; 95% CI: 0.30-0.73), parent-child relationships (ES=0.38; 95% CI: 0.22-0.53), and parenting stress (ES=0.64; 95% CI: 0.50-0.79). There were statistically significant differences in the effect sizes of PEPs that included mothers only (ES=0.93), included children under 7 years of age(ES=0.91), did not include child participation (0.77), continued for 19 or more sessions (ES=0.80), and were analyzed in quasi-experimental studies (ES=0.86). The overall effect of publication bias was robust.Conclusion: PEPs were found to be effective at improving parenting efficacy, positive parenting behaviors, parent-child relationships, and parenting stress.
The comparison of survival between active surveillance or watchful waiting and focal laser ablation in patients with low-risk prostate cancer
Authors: Li Jia-Kun , Zhang Chi-Chen , Qiu Shi , Jin Kun , Cai Bo-Yu , Yuan Qi-Ming , Xiong Xing-Yu , Tang Lian-Sha , Jin Di , Zhou Xiang-Hong , Bao Yi-Ge , Yang Lu , Wei Qiang
Published: January 2022

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second-most common cancer among men. Both active surveillance or watchful waiting (AS/WW) and focal laser ablation (FLA) can avoid the complications caused by radical treatment. How to make the choice between these options in clinical practice needs further study. Therefore, this study aims to compare and analyze their effects based on overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) to obtain better long-term benefits. We included patients with low-risk PCa from the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results database of 2010–2016. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard analyses were conducted for OS and CSS in the two groups. To eliminate bias, this study applied a series of sensitivity analyses. Moreover, Kaplan–Meier curves were plotted to obtain survival status. A total of 18 841 patients with low-risk PCa were included, with a median of 36-month follow-up. According to the multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression, the FLA group presented inferior survival benefits in OS than the AS/WW group (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.13, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.37–3.33, P < 0.05). After adjusting for confounders, the result persisted (HR: 1.69, 95% CI: 1.02–2.81, P < 0.05). According to the results of the sensitivity analysis, the inverse probability of the treatment weighing model indicated the same result in OS. In conclusion, AS/WW and FLA have the advantage of fewer side effects and the benefit of avoiding overtreatment compared with standard treatment. Our study suggested that AS/WW provides more survival benefits for patients with low-risk PCa. More relevant researches and data will be needed for further clarity.
Comparison of EUS-guided choledochoduodenostomy and percutaneous drainage for distal biliary obstruction
Authors: Sawas Tarek , Bailey Natashay J. , Yeung Kit Ying Kitty Au , James Theodore W. , Reddy Sumana , Fleming Chad J. , Marya Neil B. , Storm Andrew C. , Abu Dayyeh Barham K. , Petersen Bret T. , Martin John A. , Levy Michael J. , Baron Todd H. , Bun Teoh Anthony Yuen , Chandrasekhara Vinay
Published: January 2022

Background and Objectives:

Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) and EUS-guided choledochoduodenostomy (EUS-CD) are alternate therapies to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with stent placement for biliary decompression. The primary outcome of this study is to compare the technical and clinical success of PTBD to EUS-CD in patients with distal biliary obstruction. Secondary outcomes were adverse events (AEs), need for reintervention, and survival.

Methods:

A multicenter retrospective cohort study from three different centers was performed. Cox regression was used to compare time to reintervention and survival and logistic regression to compare technical and clinical success and AE rates. Subgroup analysis was performed in patients with malignant biliary obstruction (MBO).

Results:

A total of 86 patients (58 PTBD and 28 EUS-CD) were included. The two groups were similar with respect to age, gender, and cause of biliary obstruction, with malignancy being the most common etiology (80.2%). EUS-CD utilized lumen-apposing metal stents in 15 patients and self-expandable metal biliary stents in 13 patients. Technical success was similar been EUS-CD (100%) and PTBD (96.6%; P = 0.3). EUS-CD was associated with higher clinical success compared to PTBD (84.6% vs. 62.1%; P = 0.04). There was a trend toward lower rates of AEs with EUS-CD 14.3% versus PTBD 29.3%, odds ratio: 0.40 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.12–1.33, P = 0.14). The need for reintervention was significantly lower among patients who underwent EUS-CD (10.7%) compared to PTBD (77.6%) (hazard ratio: 0.07, 95% CI: 0.02–0.24; P < 0.001). A sensitivity analysis of only patients with MBO demonstrated similar rate of reintervention between the groups in individuals who survived 50 days or less after the biliary decompression. However, reintervention rates were lower for EUS-CD in those with longer survival.

Conclusion:

EUS-CD is a technically and clinically highly successful procedure with a trend toward lower AEs compared to PTBD. EUS-CD minimizes the need for reintervention, which may enhance end-of-life quality in patients with MBO and expected survival longer than 50 days.
Efficacy of laser photobiomodulation pulpotomy in human primary teeth
Authors: Yavagal Chandrashekar Murugesh , Lal Akshaya , Chavan Patil Viplavi Vijaysinh , Yavagal Puja C. , Neelakantappa Kiran Kumar , Hariharan Madhu
Published: January 2022

Background:

Laser photobiomodulation (LPBM), also called Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), has shown potential to reduce the pulpal inflammation and to preserve the dental pulp vitality, thereby improving healing. Lasers being minimally invasive, safe, and patient friendly prompt its application in pediatric dentistry.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the clinical and radiographic success rates of LPBM and formocresol pulpotomy at 9 months post intervention in human primary molars.

Materials and Methods:

A randomized controlled, split-mouth study design was followed involving children aged 4–7 years with at least two primary molars indicated for pulpotomy. Sixty-eight eligible primary molars were randomly allocated to two interventions – formocresol pulpotomy (Group I) and LPBM pulpotomy (Group II).

Statistical Analyses:

Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis fixing significance level at P ≤ 0.05.

Results:

There was no statistically significant difference in the clinical success rates between the formocresol group (97.05%) and the photobiomodulation group (94.1%) (χ2 = 0.34, P = 0.55); however, the radiographic success rate was significantly high in the laser group (94.1%) compared to the formocresol group (58.82%) (χ2 = 11.76, P = 0.001).

Conclusion:

LPBM could be a viable nonpharmaceutical alternative for formocresol pulpotomy in human primary teeth
Evaluating the accuracy of two different age estimation methods in growing children in Navi Mumbai using Orthopantomograph
Authors: Naik Shilpa , Rajadhyaksha Nithi , Ghule Kiran Dattatray
Published: January 2022

Background:

Age estimation through dental maturity indicators is relatively more accurate, reliable, and valid for living as well as dead individuals. It acts as an important tool in diagnosis and treatment planning in clinical as well as in forensic dentistry. There are various methods to estimate the dental age. Out of which, Demirjian's method has been widely used in various populations. However, there is a dearth of literature on Indian population comparing Demirjian's method to Cameriere's method.

Aim:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of Demirjian's and Cameriere's age estimation methods to chronological age in growing children using orthopantomograph (OPG).

Setting and Design:

The sample consisted of digital OPGs of 280 children in Navi Mumbai aged 5–16 years.

Materials and Methods:

Digital OPGs were used to assess the dental maturity of seven mandibular left teeth using Demirjian and Cameriere's method and were compared to the chronological age.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Data were analyzed using Student's t tests.

Result:

Irrespective of gender, dental age estimated by Cameriere's method (mean 10.23 ± 2.79 years), underestimated the chronological age (mean 11.74 ± 2.86 years) for overall population which showed statistically significant difference. Demirjian's method overestimated (mean 12.24 ± 3.06 years) the chronological age for the overall population but was statistically insignificant.

Conclusion:

Demirjian's method is more closely in correlation with the chronological age of growing children as compared to the Cameriere method when applied to children of age 5–16 years in Navi Mumbai.
A comparative evaluation of probiotic formulations in prevention of dental caries
Authors: Sakhare Sneha , Shantanu Choudhari , Mopagar Viddyasagar , Hadpe Hrushikesh Sanjeev , Choughule Kishor , Dahapute Swapnil , Shetty Shridhar , Joshi Sourabh
Published: January 2022

Background:

Caries is a multifactorial disease, microbes being an important etiological factor. “Probiotics” are nonpathogenic microbes which can stimulate health-promoting flora and suppress pathogens. It's the era of prevention, clinical approach toward prevention by altering bacterial ecology is the need of the hour. The aim of the study was to evaluate anticariogenic effect of probiotic curd (Amul's Probiotic Dahi) containing Lactobacillus acidophilus (La5) and Bifidobacterium lactis (Bb12) in 6–12 years of age group.

Materials and Methods:

This was a prospective, randomized, nonblinded study conducted on school children aged between 6 and 12 years having Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth and/or deft ≥2. Selected subjects were divided into two groups of 31 each, study group received probiotic curd (“Amul's Probiotic Dahi”) two times a day in a quantity of 100 g, respectively, for 21 days and control group did not receive any intervention. Salivary Streptococcus mutans count and salivary pH estimation were done at the baseline, after 7 days and at the end after 24 days, for comparison.

Results:

No statistical difference was seen in salivary S. mutans count between both groups, after intervention of 7 days. However, there was significant difference in salivary S. mutans count at the end of 24 days. There was no statistical difference in salivary pH between both groups.

Conclusion:

The present study concludes that probiotics substitute decreases salivary S. mutans count after continuous consumption for 3 weeks and there is no short-term effect on salivary pH.
A cross-sectional cariogram-based comparison of caries risk profile in children with various levels of intellectual disability
Authors: Iype Priya Annie , Patil Sandya S. , Kakanur Madhu , Kumar Ravi S. , Srinivas L. S. , Nellamakkada Krithi , Thakur Rachna , More Snehalika Ashok
Published: January 2022

Aim:

To compare the caries risk profile in children with mild, moderate, and severe intellectual disability (ID) using cariogram.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted to compare caries risk profile using cariogram among 150 children aged 6–18 years, with various levels of ID (50 each in Mild ID, Moderate ID, and Severe ID groups), attending special schools in Bengaluru city. The risk assessment consisted of: a questionnaire, an interview, estimation of oral hygiene, saliva sampling, microbial evaluation and clinical examination. Statistical analysis of the results obtained was performed using Chi-square/Fischer's exact test, Kruskal–Wallis test and Mann–Whitney test.

Results:

The overall comparison showed significant differences between the groups across all parameters except diet (P = 0.131), fluoride exposure (P = 1), salivary flow rate (P = 0.3), and buffer capacity (P = 1). Caries risk was high among children with severe intellectually disability while the actual chance to avoid caries was found to be high in the Mild ID group. Bacteria was one of the dominant caries risk sectors followed by susceptibility, circumstances, and diet.

Conclusion:

Cariogram can be used as an effective tool in assessing caries prediction, thus aiding in identifying different risk groups in a community so that appropriate preventive measures can be implemented to overcome the caries risk.
Comparative evaluation of change in root canal shape and area in primary molars using ProTaper and K3 rotary systems
Authors: Sharma Pranjal , Kurthukoti Ameet J. , Sebastian Anesha , Mallikarjun Shanthala B.
Published: January 2022

Background:

Rotary instrument techniques have shown evidence of simultaneously enlarging the root canal and maintaining the canal anatomy. Protocols for the use of rotary systems in primary molars are not well established.

Aims:

The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare root canal shape and area after ProTaper and K3 rotary instrumentation in primary molars.

Settings and Design:

Coronal access cavities with straight-line access into the root canals were prepared on primary mandibular molar teeth, extracted for therapeutic reasons. The teeth were aligned in a prefabricated template in individual self-cure acrylic blocks such that their respective positions could be reproduced later.

Subject and Methods:

Forty-two primary mandibular molar teeth selected were equally divided into three groups: instruments with stainless-steel (SS) hand K-files, ProTaper, and K3 Endo rotary system. Precomputed tomography (CT) slices were taken at predetermined levels (coronal, middle, and apical third) followed by instrumentation of canals using selected files and post-CT scan.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Data obtained were evaluated using independent t-test with a 0.05 level of significance and ANOVA.

Results:

SS hand K-files and rotary ProTaper and K3 Endo of 0.04 taper produced a predominantly round shape at coronal, middle, and apical levels. ProTaper system caused the greatest increase in round-shaped canals and canal area followed by K3 Endo of 0.04 taper.

Conclusions:

Shaping abilities of both manual and rotary instrumentation systems in primary molars were similar, whereas for enlarging and maintaining anatomy, rotary systems (ProTaper and K3) were better.
Transitional Dental implant in Adolescent Patient – A Narrative Review
Authors: Hegde Rakshith , Sargod Sharan , Baliga Sudhindra , Raveendran Rubika
Published: January 2022

Aim:

This article aims to review the literature available on transitional implants and elaborates on the same through a case report with a follow-up of 5 years.

Material and Method:

PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases were screened for literature. Articles other than those in English language were excluded. For the review, the complete texts of 49 papers were acquired, with 34 of them being included in the review.

Conclusion:

Transitional implant placement could be considered as an alternative to removable or fixed resin bonded dental prosthesis in adolescents with a regular follow-up. In such patients, a detailed assessment of growth pattern and a prediction of growth completion has to be done before considering implant as a treatment option.
Effect of preconditioning the fractured coronal fragments with remineralizing agents on fracture resistance of re-attached teeth
Authors: Surekha Gadisetti Lakshmi , Vinay C , Baliga Sudhindra , Uloopi KS , RojaRamya Kakarla Sri , Penmatsa Chaitanya
Published: January 2022

Background:

Fragment re-attachment has been considered as one of the treatment modalities for the management of fractured anterior teeth. Hydration of fractured fragments aids in inhibiting the loss of ions and maintains vitality and esthetics.

Aim:

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of preconditioning the fractured fragments with remineralizing agents on fracture resistance of re-attached teeth.

Settings and Design:

This was an in vitro study.

Materials and Methods:

Sixty freshly extracted noncarious human permanent maxillary central and lateral incisors were randomly allocated into three Groups of 20 each: Group 1: 2% sodium fluoride (2%NaF), Group 2: casein phosphopeptide–amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP), and Group 3: self-assembling peptide P11-4 (SAP). These were further divided into two subgroups of 10 teeth each, based on contact time with remineralizing agents, i.e., 30 min and 2 h. Fractured fragments were treated with remineralizing agents for a specified contact time and then re-attached with flowable composite resin. Force required to fracture the re-attached tooth was recorded in Newtons using universal testing machine.

Statistical Analysis:

Unpaired t-test, one-way analysis of variance test, and post hoc Tukey test were used for the statistical analysis.

Results:

A higher fracture resistance was noticed in fragments treated with 2% NaF (30 min- 215.6 N, 2 h- 188.5 N) compared to CPP-ACP (30 min- 141.3 N, 2 h- 111.1 N) and SAP (30 min- 134.8 N, 2 h- 149.5 N). At 30 min interval, it was found to be more in 2% NaF and CPP-ACP groups compared to 2 h. However, it increased with time in the SAP group. A statistically significant difference was found between the groups at both time intervals (P = 0.007 and 0.017).

Conclusion:

Preconditioning of fractured coronal fragments with 2% NaF showed higher fracture resistance compared to CPP-ACP and self-assembling peptide P11-4. Samples treated with SAP P11-4 exhibited good fracture resistance at 2 h contact time.
Estimation of salivary proteins in early childhood caries before and after treatment using gel electrophoresis
Authors: Kaur Ravneet , Suma Sogi H. P. , Shahi Prinka , Pathak Sidhant , Jain Mansi , Sidhu Tanvir
Published: January 2022

Background:

Saliva being an important biological fluid of our body contains both specific and nonspecific protective factors which form an integral part of our immune system. Salivary proteins play a substantial role in protecting humans against infection. Their level in oral cavity is subject to constant variations which is dependent on various factors.

Purpose:

The purpose of the study was to compare the levels of salivary proline-rich proteins (PRPs), glycoproteins, amylase bands, and salivary pH in children with early childhood caries before and after treatment using gel electrophoresis.

Materials and Methods:

The whole salivary pH, mean protein concentrations, and electrophoretic profiles of the salivary proteins were measured using sodium dodecylsulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in both pre- and posttreatment groups. Statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 15.0 software. Chi-square test and independent t-test were used to further compare the results.

Results:

The results were statistically significant in all the groups. There was variation in pre- and posttreatment values seen.

Conclusion:

Salivary proteins (glycoproteins, PRPs, and amylase) establish an imperative defense mechanism as antimicrobial agents.
Comparative evaluation of antibacterial efficacy different bioactive smart composites
Authors: Chaudhari Pradnya Ramkrishna , Shashikiran N. D. , Gugawad Sachin , Gaonkar Namrata , Taur Swapnil , Hadkar Savita , Bapat Shreya
Published: January 2022

Background:

Composites are the widely used restorative materials, and over the year, newer restorative composites have been introduced to eliminate the drawbacks of previous ones. The recent advance in restorative dentistry is bioactive restorative materials. However, bacterial plaque formation on these restorations is the primary reason for secondary caries.

Aims and objectives:

The purpose of this study was to do the comparative evaluation of bioactive restorative composites (Beautifil Flow Plus, Activa BioACTIVE, and Filtek Z250 XT as control) for their antibacterial efficacy under in vitro conditions.

Materials and Method:

Thirty material blocks were used for this evaluation. Antibacterial efficacy was checked against Streptococcus mutans and observed under confocal laser scanning microscopy.

Results:

The results showed that Activa BioACTIVE shows maximum number of dead bacteria on the material surface compared to other groups.

Conclusion:

It can be concluded as it has maximum antibacterial efficacy among tested materials.