bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Un paso hacia la inclusión
Authors: Cadavid Valderrama César Augusto , Barrientos Lezcano Sebastián , Vera Hoyos Laura Andrea , Hernández Patiño Mariana
Published: February 2024

En la actualidad se han buscado diversas maneras de romper los paradigmas propios de la discapacidad a todos los niveles, es por esta razón que a nivel educativo se prevén nuevas formas inclusivas, de manera que las personas que padecen limitaciones físicas, cognitivas o mentales, puedan participar de un ejercicio formativo que desarrolle sus habilidades sociales. En este sentido, el grupo LIONS Dance del programa deporte sin límites del Inder Medellín, en la actualidad lleva a cabo procesos de formación dancística con personas en situación de discapacidad, emergiendo de allí la necesidad de abordar las posibilidades de estas estrategias para fomentar la socialización en los usuarios y estableciéndose como objetivo general de esta investigación el identificar las estrategias pedagógicas que fomentan las habilidades sociales de las personas en situación de discapacidad del grupo Lions Dance del programa Deporte sin límites del Inder Medellín 2023. De esta manera se recurrió a la metodología cualitativa con alcance descriptivo y a la aplicación de instrumentos como la entrevista y dos colchas de retazos nombradas como Colcha de cuidado y Retazo de experiencia, por medio de las que se logró identificar que existe una relación entre las estrategias pedagógicas dancísticas y el fomento de las habilidades sociales de los usuarios, en áreas como la comunicación verbal y no verbal, la empatía, el mejoramiento en la capacidad de escucha, entre otras habilidades que son esenciales que le permite a los usuarios mantener relaciones interpersonales satisfactorias.
Exploración de los conocimientos previos de matemáticas en educación infantil
Authors: Villota Enríquez Jakeline Amparo , Ñañez Rivera Liliana , Marulanda  Granja Gina Lizeth
Published: February 2024

Este estudio consistió en analizar los conocimientos previos de matemáticas de niños y niñas en Educación Inicial mediante las tareas que se realizan en el hogar. El contexto fueron ocho hogares de la ciudad de Cali-Valle del Cauca, localizados en las comunas 2, 13, 17, 18 y 19; cuyos participantes fueron ocho niños entre 2-5 años de edad. La metodología fue cualitativa descriptiva, donde los instrumentos de recolección de datos que se utilizaron fueron: documentos (tareas matemáticas) y la observación, efectuada a través de videos, fotografías y cuaderno de campo. Los resultados muestran que los niños (as) tienen diferentes conocimientos previos de las matemáticas centrados en las tareas del hogar, las cuales, están ligados con las concepciones de la familia influyendo en la construcción de los conocimientos matemáticos. Además, cabe resaltar que, los acudientes de los niños (as) son mujeres que están a cargo de su cuidado, por lo que, el proceso de construcción de los conocimientos previos de las matemáticas de los niños (as) están inmersos con las tareas del hogar.
Implementación de una estrategia de intervención basada en un Recurso Educativo Digital Web
Authors: Mosquera Ruiz Elkin , Ospino Mestra Meraris , Isis Buelvas De León Isis , Pérez Quintero Franklin Eduardo
Published: February 2024

La propuesta se centra en fortalecer las habilidades de autogestión de información y competencias digitales en estudiantes de sexto grado de la I.E Nueva Platanera. Se basa en un enfoque mixto, combinando datos cuantitativos y cualitativos a través de métodos concurrentes y secuenciales. La investigación es descriptiva y detalla los fenómenos y variables que se están estudiando, se encuentra dirigida hacia un modelo de investigación acción participativa con una teoría y práctica enfocada a nuevos conocimientos y cambios en la forma de aprender. La población de estudio incluye 26 estudiantes, 46.15% hombres y 53.84% mujeres, con edades entre 11 y 14 años. La implementación se llevó a cabo en un aula digital en la plataforma ClassDojo, promoviendo la participación activa de los estudiantes y pensamiento innovador en el ámbito educativo digital. El diagnóstico inicial incluyó encuestas en línea y entrevistas para identificar sus destrezas y dificultades con la tecnología, reveló desafíos especialmente en hardware, software, seguridad en línea y capacitación TIC. Se diseñaron estrategias basadas en los resultados, con un enfoque en la autogestión de información. Se llevaron a cabo encuentros pedagógicos virtuales y se recopilaron los resultados obtenidos durante el proceso. La evaluación se realizó mediante seguimiento constante y una encuesta de satisfacción. La intervención pedagógica logró mejoras notables, pero identificó debilidades en la recopilación, organización y presentación de información y el uso de herramientas digitales. Tras la intervención pedagógica, la mayoría de los estudiantes demostró habilidades en autogestión de información (73.8%) y en la organización y presentación de información recopilada (69%).
Más allá de las notas: Reflexiones sobre la dependencia a las notas como único marcador de aprobación de estudiantes de fisioterapia.
Authors: Hernandez quintero Julian andres
Published: February 2024

Mediante un estudio de reflexión basado en conceptos teóricos de repositorios de literatura gris y publicaciones, se reflexionó de manera crítica acerca de la dependencia excesiva de las notas como método de evaluación en el ámbito de la fisioterapia. Para llevar a cabo esta investigación, se aplicó un enfoque argumentativo y se adoptó una postura basada en la experiencia y experticia del autor en el campo de la fisioterapia. El análisis crítico de literatura gris se llevó a cabo mediante los motores de búsqueda como Pubmed, Scielo y Google Académico. Al ser un estudio que obedece a una naturaleza cualitativa, la carga subjetiva del manuscrito se alimenta no solo de los conceptos rescatados de la revisión documental, también se nutren de las ideas y teorías basadas en la experiencia. Como resultado de ello, se obtiene una crítica que invita a los protagonistas de la educación superior en fisioterapia a analizar sus métodos de evaluación y las consecuencias de una dependencia exagerada a la cuantificación de notas como único marcador de aprobación de estudiantes.
MODELS AND BOTTLENECKS OF OUTPATIENT TERTIARYDENTAL HOSPITALS
Authors: Vadde Venkata Naga Sunil , Koneru Mrunalini , V Prathima
Published: February 2024

Providing quality and timely care to patients has been a constant challenge to the healthcare industry. Long waiting hours and unavailability of timely appointments are a major source of dissatisfaction among patients. The average access times, average internal waiting times, overtime, and utilization show the performance of the outpatient clinic in the current scenario. In this review we have elaborated you in recapitulating the need and importance of OPD, the functions and models of OPD, the problems encountered by patients in OPD, the tools and techniques to evaluate OPD service both qualitative and quantitatively in removing the bottlenecks and ameliorate shortcomings.

KEY WORDS: OPD (outpatient department), Bottlenecks, waiting time, shop window, queue
Proactive Telephonic Follow-up Calls by a Tobacco Cessation Clinic (TCC): Optimization for the Number of Calls.
Authors: Gupta Rakesh , Narake Sameer , Udawat Harsh , Gupta P. C. , Gupta G. N.
Published: February 2024

Background: Despite specific national effort for over a decade, in published reports on tobacco cessation from India, the quit rate has ranged from 2.6% to 28.6%. One of their challenges has been an inability to follow-up all those treated comprehensively.

Objective: It was to determine an optimum number of follow-up telephonic calls to be made proactively post the cessation treatment.

Methods: This study was conducted for a period of one year w.e.f. 5th September 2017 at a Tobacco Cessation Clinic (TCC) of a private health sector tertiary care hospital to 296 patients currently using tobacco treated by counselling with/ without pharmacotherapy; and integration of the quitline methodology with follow ups at 3rd and 7th days, and thereafter at the end of 1st, 3rd, 6th and 12th months respectively, i.e., until 4th September 2019.

Results: As per study protocol, the TTC could follow up 91.2% patients telephonically to achieve a quit rate of 42.9% while those who failed to quit and relapsed were 37.7% and 19.9% respectively. Staying on with the quit date set at the outset and adequacy of three follow-up calls have emerged as the statistically significant outcomes for p values of 0.000 and 0.001 respectively.

Conclusion: Achieving a quit rate of 42.9% through the proactive follow-up calls reinforces its perceived utility in tobacco cessation. Making at least 3 follow-up calls after primary intervention (on 3rd, 7th and at 1 month) is recommended to achieve a satisfying outcome. For an optimal outcome, the study recommends follow-ups until 6 months.

Keywords
Tobacco, Cessation, Follow up, Telephonic calls, Quitline, Smoking, Smokeless tobacco
Diode laser and desensitizing agent team up against dentinal hypersenstivity: Will this duo succeed?
Authors: Kaur Gurprabjit , Vandana Vandana , Kaur Supreet , Singh Sahib Tej , Sharma Aradhana
Published: February 2024

INTRODUCTION: Dentinal hypersensitivity (DH) is a chronic disorder in which patients report sharp and acute pain to a variety of stimuli, that occurs when the dentin is exposed. Patients with DH, tend to change their daily habits leading to changes in their way of life so it is important to highlight the treatment of DH by several alternative including laser therapies, desensitizing agents etc. AIM: To study the effect of clinical application of diode laser (810 nm) in comparison with a desensitizer (5% KNO3) in the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study population comprising of 60 patients with 120 teeth assigned into 3 groups. Group I: treated with 5% KNO3 for 60 sec, using a disposable brush and restrained to rinse until 3 min. Group II: Lased with diode laser (810 nm) in non contact mode with a fiber tip for 60 sec. using a power wattage from 1 – 2 watts kept at a distance of 10 – 20 cm from the surface of tooth. Group III: Treated with both 5% KNO3 and diode laser for 60 sec. After cleaning, drying and isolating the tooth patients‘s response was checked using a visual analogue scale (VAS) both before and after e treatment and at the follow ups of 15 min, 2 and 4 weeks. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: An independent paired t test was used to evaluate the periodontal clinical parameters and VAS. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Synergism of diode laser and KNO3 together, showed the best results than their individual application. KEYWORDS: Diode laser (810nm), dentinal hypersensitivity, 5% KNO3
Use of Chlorhexidine as an effective tool to control the spread of SARS-CoV-2 transmission: A Mini Review
Authors: Rana Salaj , Batra Jyoti
Published: February 2024

The COVID-19 crisis, with its rapid spread and devastating effects on world economics, also had a crippling effect on health care systems that were already overburdened especially in a developing country like India which is in the midst of a second COVID-19 wave. Dentists particularly are among the most-at risk group of healthcare professionals. Their use of equipment like a dental drill, dental scaler etc., release aerosols that could be contaminated by the microbial flora from the infected patient’s oral cavity, thus, putting the dentist at risk. In such a setting, it would be prudent to use prophylactic measures. The six-decade-old Chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwash with low toxicity and good broad-spectrum activity against bacteria, fungi and enveloped viruses could prove useful just before a dental procedure. The few completed studies of Chlorhexidine use in SARS-CoV-2 patients to reduce viral load show promising results. Hence, Chlorhexidine could be beneficial as a prophylactic measure for both asymptomatic and symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 patients due to its ability to target and reduce the viral load so that they do not contribute in further spreading of the virus. Moreover, CHX could be used on a regular basis to improve oral hygiene.

Keywords
Chlorhexidine (CHX), Covid-19, Dentists, Oral mouthwash, Saliva, SARS‐CoV‐2, Viral loadThe COVID-19 crisis, with its rapid spread and devastating effects on world economics, also had a crippling effect on health care systems that were already overburdened especially in a developing country like India which is in the midst of a second COVID-19 wave. Dentists particularly are among the most-at risk group of healthcare professionals. Their use of equipment like a dental drill, dental scaler etc., release aerosols that could be contaminated by the microbial flora from the infected patient’s oral cavity, thus, putting the dentist at risk. In such a setting, it would be prudent to use prophylactic measures. The six-decade-old Chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwash with low toxicity and good broad-spectrum activity against bacteria, fungi and enveloped viruses could prove useful just before a dental procedure. The few completed studies of Chlorhexidine use in SARS-CoV-2 patients to reduce viral load show promising results. Hence, Chlorhexidine could be beneficial as a prophylactic measure for both asymptomatic and symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 patients due to its ability to target and reduce the viral load so that they do not contribute in further spreading of the virus. Moreover, CHX could be used on a regular basis to improve oral hygiene.

Keywords
Chlorhexidine (CHX), Covid-19, Dentists, Oral mouthwash, Saliva, SARS‐CoV‐2, Viral load
Infrastructure and management quality of private dental practices in Khartoum, Sudan. The dental practitioners' perspective.
Authors: Ali Ahmed Sameir M. , Gao Jinxia , Chowdhury Abu Taiub Mohammed Mohiuddin , Lu Yi
Published: February 2024

Background: The oral health status of the Sudanese population shows a high prevalence of untreated carious lesions, periodontal disease, and lifestyle-related risk factors. With the deteriorated and limited public dental services, the private dental sector became the main dental care provider in Khartoum. Evaluation of the private dental sector and discovering the challenges that facing the dentists are necessary to correct the defects and assure an optimal service quality.
Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was performed on a sample of 190 practicing dentists in Khartoum. The questionnaire was developed to gathers information about the dentist’s general information that reflects their professional experience in private clinics and toward some common issues related to private clinics. Their perspective toward their clinic’s readiness and their basic clinical dental skills were assessed using a satisfaction rating questions. Data were analyzed using SPSS 22.0 and Microsoft Office Excel 2010 software.
Results: From a total of 136 clinics, 190 dentists participated and approached to fill the questionnaire (71.1% females and 28.9% males). The overall average of the clinics' settings assessment is as follows; 3.7% ‘poor’, 18.6% ‘fair’, 50.3% ‘good’, and 27.3% ‘excellent’ while clinics materials and equipment average scores were 6.3% ‘poor’, 19.8% ‘fair’, 48.1% ‘good’, and 25.7% ‘excellent’. The average results of dentists’ skills evaluation of all disciplines were; ‘excellent’ (20.4%), ‘good’ (35.2%), ‘fair’ (13.5%), ‘poor’ (4.1%), and ‘unfamiliar’ (26.8%). The most common reasons that render dentists to quit a good dental clinic were low payment compared with the clinic’s income and transportation difficulties. Participating dentists considered that insufficient training and poor materials and instrument quality as the main factors of suboptimum treatment results. 57% of the participants agreed that dental insurance improved the quality of dental service.

Conclusions: As a whole, the clinic settings and equipment which are evaluated as ‘good’ and ‘excellent’ are more than those evaluated as ‘poor’ and ‘fair’. The participants reported more proportion of ‘excellent’ to ‘good’ results in providing simple and common procedures. Many dentists were ‘unfamiliar’ with advanced or expensive procedures. From the practitioner's perspective; insufficient training and poor materials and instrument quality are the main reasons for suboptimal treatment results. Low payment compared with the clinic’s income and transportation difficulties were the major factors that affect the dentists' job continuation in particular private practice. 43.2% of the participants did not agree that dental insurance improved the quality of dental service. Keywords: Private Practices, Dental services, Quality of materials and instruments, Treatment Quality, Dental insurance, Sudan.
"Assessment of Knowledge and Attitude of Parents Regarding Dental
Radiography for Children: A Cross Sectional Questionnaire Study"
Authors: Shah Susmita , Dave Bhavna , Deshpande Anshula , Kariya Pratik , Chari Deepika
Published: February 2024

Background:The use of x-rays as a diagnostic module is quite useful in modern medicine and dentistry. Every radiological procedure should be justified and designed to keep the radiation risk as low as possible, although the exposure to dental x-rays is relatively small.Aim:Aim of the present study was to assess the knowledge and attitude of parents towards dental radiography for children.
MethodologyA total of 60 questionnaires were distributed in three languages, based on their language preferences, to parents (English, Hindi and Gujarati). The questionnaire was completed by the participants during the same visit. The questionnaire included two sets of questions to test the knowledge and attitude of parents to x-rays.
Results:A total of 58 out of 60 questionnaires were filled completely. Only 32.3% of participants considered x-rays were harmful, while 67.2% thought they were safe. However, 58.6% of participants agreed that the dentist explained them about risk of x-rays.
Conclusion: The study concluded that practicing dentists should be encouraged to follow X-ray safety regulations. Overall, parental knowledge of dental radiographs and associated factors was found to be lacking.

Keywords:parent’sawareness, dental radiograph, knowledge, radiationexposure.
Assessement of Pain Response during Caries Removal using Conventional Tungsten Carbide Bur and a Chemomechanical Caries Removal Agent (Brix Gel) : An In Vivo Study
Authors: Oommen Swetha Riya , George Liza , Mathew Josey , R. V. Vineet , Paul Sinju
Published: February 2024

Aim: The present study aimed to assess the pain response during caries removal using conventional tungsten carbide bur and a chemomechanical caries removal agent(CMCR) – Brix 3000 gel using Wong Baker Faces pain scale.

Materials and methods: In this study twenty patients in the age group of 20 to 50 years with site 1 size 2 and 3(Mount and Hume’s classification) dentinal caries in the permanent maxillary and mandibular molars were randomly selected and distributed to 2 experimental groups. In Group A Tungsten carbide round burs was used while in Group B Brix 3000 gel was applied into the cavity for caries excavation. Dentin excavation was stopped until a hard dentin was detected with nonflexible blunt probe. Finally a caries detector dye is used to assess complete removal of infected dentin.

Results: The scores obtained from the scale was analysed using Mann whitney U test which didn’t show any significant difference between the two methods of caries excavation.

Conclusion: Although the results did not indicate marked difference in the pain perception, carious tissue removal using Brix 3000 gel can be used as an alternative to conventional drilling method as it removes only the carious dentine with less application of pressure.

Key Words
Caries Detector, Chemomechanical, Dental anxiety, Pain Perception, Papain, Tungsten Carbide.
A QUESSTIONAIRE SURVEY ON UNDERSTANDING OF THE POSSIBLEFACTORS THAT COULD CONTRITUBE TOTHE STUDENT’S SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE IN THE CLINICAL POSTING DURING UNDERGRADUATE TRAINING
Authors: Barot Gunjan , Amin Krupa , Gupta Shalini
Published: February 2024

Undergraduate academic years are very important in the dental professional life. It forms the basis of his/her future clinical skills. As these years are crucial; one really needs to pay attention to minute factors that could accentuate the excellence of the clinical skills. These factors might not seem that significant but if considered can bring a major change in student’s clinical life. Nowadays, abundant literature is found upon such survey for the specialty students, but this survey focuses upon the factors and the solutions to the problems that could lead to successful performance in clinical posting during undergraduate training.

Aim
To come out with the factors which could help to understand and improve the experience and treatments given by undergraduate students in their clinical postings.

Materials and Methods
The present study is a self-designed questionnaire based cross-sectional study performed among the undergraduate students (third year, fourthyear andinternship) of the DCI registered colleges of Gujarat. A digital version of questionnaire was prepared and sent to the subjects via E-mails and through generated Google form links.

Results
A huge range of undergraduate students of third year (29.3%), fourth year (38.3%) and internship (32.4%) participated in the survey. Majority of the subjects (70.3%) finds faculty the best option for gaining knowledge and understanding in the clinics, while 59% of the subjects feel stress to be reduced via small breaks in between as a necessity. In the digitalized era 62.1% of the subjects feel the patient’s records to be kept in both the hard as well as the soft copies. 81.3% of the respondents showed positive response towards extensive learning.

Summary and Conclusions
Many of the small factors that extracted during the survey should be considered and given a thought as small changes during the academic clinical years can lead to better professional clinical skills tomorrow.

Key Words
Undergraduate students, Clinics, Skills, Knowledge, Patient, Stress
Comparative evaluation of salivary F2-isoprostane in type II Diabetic patients with non-diabetic individuals
Authors: P Jayanthi , E.G. Kavitha , M Ameena
Published: February 2024

Brief Background
Oxidative stress is increased in diabetes mellitus due to excessive production of oxygen free radicals and a deficiency in antioxidant mechanism. F2-isoprostanes are primary end products of lipid peroxidation and are considered to be a biological marker for assessing oxidative stress in tissues. This study aims to evaluate the level of salivary F2-isoprostane in type II diabetic patients and compare it with non-diabetic individuals.

Materials and Methods
A total of 150 subjects were included in the study comprising of 50 patients with controlled diabetes (Group I), 50 patients with uncontrolled diabetes (Group II) and 50 non-diabetic individuals (Group III).We analyzed the salivary F2 -isoprostane in these subjects using a sandwich ELISA technique. The data was analyzed using SPSS software version 16.0. One way ANOVA was used for the comparison of salivary F2-isoprostane levels among the study groups and Scheffe multiple comparison analysis was used to compare the level of isoprostane between the groups. P-value of less than 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.

Results
Salivary F2-isoprostane levels were significantly higher in patients with uncontrolled diabetes compared to controlled diabetes (p<0.01). Non-diabetic individuals showed lower levels of salivary F2 isoprostanes compared to diabetic patients and were found to be statistically significant (p<0.01).

Discussion
Salivary isoprostanes are reliable markers to assess oxidative damage in patients with diabetes mellitus and hence anti oxidants can be initiated at an early stage to prevent complications.

Summary and Conclusions
The result of the study indicates that salivary F2-isoprostane can be used as a valuable marker of oxidative stress in diabetic patients.

Key Words
Diabetes mellitus, ELISA, F2-isoprostanes
Perception of infection control in Covid-19 times amongst Periodontists - A Cross-sectional/Questionnaire study
Authors: Shah Rohit , Mitra Dipika , Lakade Chaitrali , Patil Shruti , Ghangrekar Kashmira
Published: February 2024

Background:
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been declared a global public health emergency that is affecting people across the globe.

Aim:
Perception of infection control in covid-19 times amongst periodontists - A Cross-sectional/Questionnaire study.

Materials and Methods:
A total of 257 private dentists participated in this cross-sectional survey and finally 215 constituted the final sample size. A self-administered, multiple choice type questionnaire (verified by a specialist) was administered to obtain information from the subjects. The questionnaire was divided into two parts and included 15 questions on knowledge and awareness regarding COVID-19. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) software (v.21.0).

Results:
This survey suggested that there is an inadequate awareness regarding medico-legal issues. 46.06% periodontists were aware about infection control in covid -19 times while 53.94% of the periodontists were unaware about infection control in covid -19 times and do not follow proper protocol.

Conclusion:
The findings of the present study showed that these exists some notable deficiencies in knowledge amongst dental periodontists regarding some vital aspects of COVID-19. Therefore, there is an urgent need forupgrading periodontists via health education and training programs.

Keywords:
knowledge; pandemics; coronavirus; COVID-19; Periodontists; emergencies; SARS-CoV-2
Oral Manifestations of COVID-19 with the Recent Diagnostic Approaches
Authors: Pandey Jayati , Deo Priya , Deshmukh Revati
Published: February 2024

SARS-CoV-2 infection resulting in COVID-19 has spread worldwide and resulted in many deaths. It was declared as a pandemic by the WHO on the 11th of March 2020.

Similar to SARS-CoV from 2003, the SARS-CoV-2 zoonotic virus also acts on the ACE-2 receptors and mainly spreads through respiratory droplets. Most scientists and researchers believe that human to human transmission is prominent and us mainly due to respiratory droplets.

In this review, we summarize the Oral manifestations of COVID-19 and the recent diagnostic approaches for Covid-19.

Key words: COVID-19, Oral manifestations, diagnosis, recent advancements
Dental Age estimation using pulp:tooth ratio of permanent maxillary central incisors: An Intraoral periapical radiographic method
Authors: Deepika Ch. Gnyana , Lingampalli Sanjana , Meda Manisha , Potluri Sneha , Chandra Lalith Prakash , Kattappagari Kiran Kumar
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Dental age estimation can be used for various scenarios like verificationand identification of victims, in refugees and immigrants from other countries withdisputed birth records, etc. Various methods for estimation of dental age have been recognized, which include morphological, histological,radiographic and biochemical methods. The radiographic method is non-invasive and easier to perform.

Aim: To compare the Pulp:Tooth ratio in permanent maxillary central incisors and correlate the actual age with that of the estimated age, using intra-oral periapical radiographs(IOPA’s) of selected cases from South Indian population.

Materials and methodology: Archival intra-oral periapical radiographs of thirty adult South Indian origins (Males = 19 andFemales = 11), withan age range between 21 to 43 years were selected. All the IOPA’s were plotted in GNU image manipulation program
2.8 (GIMP) softwareand the tooth and pulp area were measured. Data was subjected to correlation and regression analysis of maxillary central incisor with actual age.

Results: Gender-wise comparisonof theestimated age using pulp:tooth ratio, with that of the actual age showed it to be 28.26 ± 7.13in males and 34.27 ± 7.80in females, respectively.The pulp tooth ratio in males was 0.30 ± 0.12 and in females, it was 0.20 ± 0.00.Comparison of the estimated age using Pulp:tooth ratio, with that of the actual age was statistically significantbetween males and females.Regression analysis of the actual age with that of estimated age values using Pulp:tooth ratio,showed statistical significance (p≤0.05).

Conclusion: Intraoral periapical radiographicmethodin Maxillary central incisors,can be a less expensive, non- invasive technique, which can be performed in living individuals and it can be used as an effective technique for dental age estimation.
Keywords: Dental ageestimation; Intraoral periapical radiograph, Maxillary central incisor; Pulp:tooth ratio
Patients Perception of Quality of life Post Endodontic Therapy and Rehabilitation- A cross sectional study
Authors: Talnikar Anushree , Kubde Rajesh , Shenoi Pratima , Shahu Shriya , Dhanvijay Aditi
Published: February 2024

Background- Dental caries is one of the most prevalent diseases of humans. Its sequalae are pain, swelling and eventually loss of tooth, if not treated in time, leading to improper mastication, digestion and hence, poor nutrition which affects one’s systemic health. One of the treatment modalities for carious tooth infecting the pulp is root canal therapy. It includes removal of all the carious tooth structure, shaping, cleaning, and disinfecting the root canals, obturating it and rehabilitating it with a suitable restoration. Patients have a varied perception about root canal therapy due to fear of pain, number of appointments and duration of the treatment procedure. Many a times patients also insist for extraction of an otherwise restorable tooth to get an implant. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the patient’s perception of Quality of Life Post endodontic therapy and rehabilitation.

Materials and Methods: In this Cross-sectional study, a questionnaire was designed comprising of 21 questions, and was filled by the adult patients who underwent root canal therapy in the past.

Results: Majority of patients got their treatment done because of the chief complaint of a painful tooth, some had the chief complaint of a fractured tooth, swelling and discharge. 66.5% patients said that their treatment was completed in 2-3 appointments of 45mins-1 hour; 56.2% of patients said that the root canal therapy was not painful, and 90.1% of the patients have healthy and satisfactory condition of the root canal treated tooth.

Conclusion: Almost all the patients who filled the questionnaire said that there is a significant improvement in their quality of life after the root canal therapy and rehabilitation, also 94% of patients said that they would recommend getting a root canal therapy instead of extraction.

Key Words: Root canal therapy, Pain, Extraction Quality of life.
Mucormycosis in Patients treated for Covid-19: Case Series
Authors: Sanjana Lingampalli , Meda Manisha , Tejaswi Anne Sai Nitya , Sai Bollu Sashank , Swathi Vegendla , Kattappagari Kiran Kumar
Published: February 2024

Mucormycosis is used to describe diseases caused by many non-septate filamentous fungal species which is caused by sub-phylum Mucormycotina. It is also known as Zygomycosis. It is an acute opportunistic and convulsive infection that is known to occur in immunocompromised patients. Covid 19 infection caused various opportunistic infections, owing to an altered immune response, prolonged steroids and usage of broad spectrum antibiotics. This report includes cases who were treated for COVID-19 and later on presented with necrosis, sloughing and perforation in the oral cavity. Histopathologically structures resembling fungal hyphae are observed. Surgical excision was done and the cases were followed up. Since the mortality associated with invasive mucormycosis is high, early diagnosis and management is necessary.

Keywords: COVID-19, Immunosuppression, Mucormycosis, SARS-CoV-2, Zygomycosis
Effectiveness of boric acid as an adjunct to scaling and root planing in the treatment of chronic periodontitis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Karnik Shalmali , Sah Nupur
Published: February 2024

Brief Background
Boric acid suppresses periodontal inflammation and diminishes alveolar bone loss.The objective of the study was to assess the effects of locally delivered 0.75% boric acid as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) as compared to SRP alone in treatment of subjects with chronic periodontitis.

Materials and Methods
An electronic search was made in the MEDLINE/ PubMed, CENTRAL, EBSCO, Google- Scholar and OpenGrey databases. Studies that reported the efficacy of boric acid in the treatment of chronic periodontitis were selected. The search strategy provided a total of 40 studies. After selection, data was extracted from 4 selected articles.

Results
4 studies were selected following independent screening by two reviewers. Due to considerable heterogeneity in the study design, a qualitative data analysis was performed.Randomized controlled trials have indicated significantly higher pocket reductions and clinical attachment gains following a combination of boric acid and SRP in comparison to scaling and root planing alone.

Summary and Conclusions
The local application of boric acid as an adjunct to SRP may result in significant improvement in periodontal parameters. Due to the highly heterogeneous data and some risk of bias, this data still needs to be interpreted with caution..

Key Words
Keywords: Boric acid, Local drug delivery, Periodontitis, Scaling and root planing, Systematic review
Effect of Lemon Juice, Apple Cider Vinegar and Green Tea on Microhardness of Nanohybrid resin composite: An In-vitro study
Authors: Garlapati Roopadevi , Guptha Anila , Vutukuri Prathyusha , Macherla Juhi , Basam Ram , Halder Niharika
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to evaluate effect of Lemon Juice, Apple Cider Vinegar and Green Tea on microhardness of nanohybrid resin composite using vickers microhardness tester. Materials and methodology: Forty specimens of nanohybrid resin composite (3M ESPE Filtek Z350 XT) were prepared and polished the prepared discs using sandpaper. Before immersion of prepared composite discs in prepared solutions the baseline data of microhardness of each prepared composite discs were recorded by using Vicker’s microhardness tester. The prepared composite discs were divided into 4 groups (n=10) and alternatively immersed in 25 ml of prepared solutions namely Green tea, Apple Cider Vinegar, Lemon Juice and Artificial saliva for 5 sec and then in 25 ml of artificial saliva for another 5 sec and the procedure was repeated for 10 cycles. After following the above mentioned procedure, artificial saliva was used as storage media for 24 hours. For the next 28 days, this entire process was repeated. The microhardness test was carried out prior to immersion and then at intervals of 7, 14, 21 & 28 days after immersion in respective solutions. Results: Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measurements was carried out for the obtained data. Artificial Saliva demonstrated highest microhardness values at all time points, followed by Green Tea and Lemon Juice. Apple Cider Vinegar showed the least microhardness values of all the four groups tested. Conclusion: All the beverages significantly reduced surface microhardness of nanohybrid resin composite, especially at the end of 28 days. Immersion in apple cider vinegar caused more reduction in surface hardness over time when compared to other beverages. The outcome on microhardness of nanohybrid resin composite by these beverages on depended upon time the latter was exposed and also the chemical composition of beverages. Keywords: Apple Cider Vinegar, Green Tea, Lemon Juice, Microhardness, Nanohybrid resin composite, Vickers Microhardness Tester
A Non-Surgical Approach to enhance Soft Tissue Esthetics in Anterior Fixed Restorations: A Case Report
Authors: John George , George Jimmy
Published: February 2024

The sound health of the supporting tissues is critical to the long-term success of Fixed Prosthodontic treatment, especially when it involves the Maxillary Anterior region. This will contribute immensely to a lasting esthetic outcome.

The final prosthetic value may be may be compromised by factors such as extend of gingival display, gingival architecture, coronal dimensions clinically, and tooth position. Surgical correction for optimization of soft tissue contour possesses certain drawbacks as it is an invasive procedure which could involve a longer and unpredictable healing period as well as the possible risk of an infection.

This article describes a non-surgical approach for the re-contouring of the soft tissue through the sustained application of pressure using a provisional fixed prosthesis, which could avoid potential complications that a surgical approach may invite and provide a reliable option to enhance anterior aesthetic value in the final fixed prosthesis.

Keywords: Anterior aesthetics, Non-surgical, Soft tissue re-contouring, Provisional prosthesis, Zirconia
Incorporating indigenous knowledge systems-based climate services in anticipatory action in Zimbabwe: an ex-ante assessment
Authors: Dube Thulani , Huhn Anna Lena , Guimarães Nobre Gabriela , Moyo Elisha Nyikadzino , Enenkel Markus
Published: February 2024

Introduction

The success of anticipatory action (AA) in climate change related disaster risk reduction depends largely on the ability to accurately predict adverse weather events and to subsequently take appropriate and timely action. The current seasonal climate forecasts obtained through national and global forecasting centers such as the Zimbabwe Meteorological Services Department (MSD) and the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) have been found to have several limitations including limited skill in intra-seasonal variability which is vital in most processes, lack of accessibility, difficult interpretability and applicability to local communities. As a result, calls for the integration of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS)-based climate services in seasonal climate forecasting to bolster the efficacy and accuracy of forecasts are increasing.

Methodology

The study employed a mixed methods approach combining a survey of 200 household heads, document reviews and key informant interviews with IKS specialists, AA community of practice members and disaster risk reduction specialists.

Results

This article presents the findings of a study carried out in four semi-arid districts of Zimbabwe (Mbire, Matobo, Binga, and Mudzi) to assess the feasibility of integrating IKS into the drought AA mechanism at national, district, and ward level. We find that 82% of the surveyed households used indigenous knowledge systems for seasonal climate forecasting and extreme weather forecasting combined with scientific forecasts. Respondents demonstrated preference for triangulated forecasting to increase reliability. Both the meteorological approaches to seasonal climate forecasting and the IKS based forecasting had different strengths and weaknesses.

Discussion

Based on the found gaps in current seasonal forecasting techniques, local applicability, and limited quantitative analysis in IKS, this study provides a guideline on how scientific and IKS forecasting can be triangulated for leveraging forecasting information in Zimbabwe. The use of IKS may be of utmost relevance to agencies and entities seeking the achievement of drought risk reduction through AA programmes.
Insights intended to improve adaptation planning and reduce vulnerability at the local scale
Authors: Cáceres Renato , Wandel Johanna , Pittman Jeremy , Deadman Peter
Published: February 2024

We live in a world of constant change, where multiple factors that generate vulnerability coincide, such as pandemics, climate change, and globalization, among other political and societal concerns. This demands the development of approaches capable of dealing with diverse sources of vulnerability and strategies that enable us to plan for and mitigate harm in the face of uncertainty. Our paper shows that the interpretation and conception that one gives to vulnerability in climate change can influence how decision-making solutions and adaptation measures are proposed and adopted. In this context, our approach integrates contextual vulnerability and decision-making planning tools to bolster the capacity to adapt at a local scale. We link our analysis to the evolution of vulnerability in climate change studies and some core articles and decisions on climate change adaptation and capacity building under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Conference of Parties throughout this study.
Post-event follow-up costs in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in Spain
Authors: Martínez López Icíar , Gómez Cerezo Jorge Francisco , Gámez José M. , Egocheaga Cabello Isabel , Castellanos Mar , Campuzano Ruiz Raquel , Barrios Vivencio , Pallarés-Carratalá Vicente , Rodríguez José Manuel , Morant Talamante Nuria , Parrondo Javier , Mostaza José María
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in developed countries and entails high resources use and costs for health systems. The risk of suffering future cardiovascular (CV) events and the consequent resources use is higher in those patients who have already had a previous cardiovascular event. The objective of the study was to determine the average annual cost of patients with a new or recurrent atherosclerotic CV event during the 2 years after the event.

Methodology

Retrospective observational study of electronic medical records of patients from the BIG-PAC® database (7 integrated health areas of 7 Autonomous Communities; n = 1.8 million). Patients with a new or recurrent episode of ASCVD (angina, acute myocardial infarction, transient ischemic attack, stroke, or peripheral arterial disease) between 1-Jan-2017 and 31-Dec-2018 were included. The resources use within two years of the diagnosis was estimated in order to estimate the average cost of patient follow-up.

Results

A total of 26,976 patients with an ASCVD episode were identified during the recruitment period; Out of them, 6,798 had a recurrent event during the follow-up period and 2,414 died. The average costs per patient were €11,171 during the first year and €9,944 during the second year.

Discussion

Patients with ASCVD represent a significant economic burden for the health system and for society. Despite the perception that drug costs in the follow-up of chronic patients imply a high percentage of the costs, these accounted for only one tenth of the total amount. Implementing preventive programs and increasing the control of cardiovascular risk factors may have a significant social and health impact by helping to reduce mortality and costs for the Spanish National Health System. The costs derived from pharmacological treatments were obtained from the NHS pricing nomenclator database (https://www.sanidad.gob.es/profesionales/nomenclator.do).
Honest machines? A cross-disciplinary perspective on trustworthy technology for children
Authors: Hoehl Stefanie , Krenn Brigitte , Vincze Markus
Published: February 2024

Humans increasingly interact with social robots and artificial intelligence (AI) powered digital assistants in their daily lives. These machines are usually designed to evoke attributions of social agency and trustworthiness in the human user. Growing research on human-machine-interactions (HMI) shows that young children are highly susceptible to design features suggesting human-like social agency and experience. Older children and adults, in contrast, are less likely to over attribute agency and experience to machines. At the same time, they tend to over-trust machines as informants more than younger children. Based on these findings, we argue that research directly comparing the effects of HMI design features on different age groups, including infants and young children is urgently needed. We call for evidence-based evaluation of HMI design and for consideration of the specific needs and susceptibilities of children when interacting with social robots and AI-based technology.
School-based delivery of a dialogic book sharing intervention: a feasibility study of Books Together
Authors: Williams Margiad E. , Owen Claire , Hutchings Judy
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Growing numbers of children enter mainstream education without the skills needed to prosper in the school environment. Without additional support, these children face poor long-term outcomes in terms of academic attainment, mental health difficulties and social problems. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of school-based delivery of the Books Together dialogic book sharing program to groups of parents, and to explore whether it impacts parent and child outcomes in order to facilitate school readiness.

Methods

Parents of children aged 3–5 years old (n = 16) were recruited from four North Wales primary schools. Video observations of parent/child interactions, a gaming format measure of expressive child language ability, parent-report measures of children’s behavior, and social-emotional ability and of their parental competence were collected pre- and post-intervention. Thematic analysis of interviews with parents and the school-based staff who delivered the program explored feasibility and acceptability of the program.

Results

Significant post-intervention increases in observed positive parenting and child expressive language skills and significant reductions in observed negative parenting were found. Parents reported significantly higher rates of child prosocial behavior and social/emotional ability as well as improved parenting competency at follow-up. Thematic analysis showed that staff and parents were satisfied with the program and that it was feasible to deliver in a school environment.

Discussion

The Books Together program is a low-cost intervention that, when delivered by school-based staff, shows promise for increasing the use of parenting strategies that build children’s language and social/emotional skills associated with school readiness.
Concurrent neoadjuvant endocrine therapy with chemotherapy in HR+HER2- breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wu Ping , Lv Wenjie
Published: February 2024

The role of simultaneous neoadjuvant endocrine therapy in chemotherapy in HR+HER2- breast cancer continues to be controversial. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to further evaluate the effectiveness and safety of this strategy for HR+HER2- breast cancer patients. Trials in which HR+HER2- breast cancer patients were randomly assigned to either single or simultaneous endocrine-assisted neoadjuvant chemotherapy were eligible for inclusion. The prime endpoint was the pathological complete response (pCR) rate. The clinical response (complete clinical response: CR, partial response: PR) and safety were secondary endpoints. A random effect model was used for statistical analysis. A total of 690 patients from five trials were included. PCR rate was 10.43% in the concomitant endocrine group and 7.83% in control group (OR=1.37, 95%CI 0.72-2.60, P=0.34). The CR rate was 15.50% for the concomitant endocrine group and 10.26% for the control group. (OR=1.61, 95%CI 0.99-2.61, P=0.05). ORR (CR+PR) was significantly higher in the simultaneous endocrine group compared to the control group (79.53% (272/342) vs. 70.09% (239/341) , OR=1.70, 95%CI 1.19-2.43, P=0.004) and the meta-analysis approach showed no heterogeneity (I2 = 0%, P=0.54) . Tamoxifen concurrent with chemotherapy could increase the frequency of adverse events, whereas aromatase inhibitors (AIs) would not. Our findings provide evidence for the efficacy and safety of concurrent neoadjuvant endocrine therapy (AIs) with chemotherapy as an available option to achieve a higher clinical response rate for HR+HER2- breast cancer patients compared with chemotherapy alone with low toxicity.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42022340725.