bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flowshop Production Scheduling Using the Campbell, Dudek, Smith (CDS), Palmer, and Dannenbring Methods to Minimize the Total Production Time (Case Study: PT. Naturindo Fresh Kulon Progo, Indonesia)
Authors: Alfuad Taufik , Dwijayanti Khusna
Published: April 2024

PT. Naturindo Fresh is a company that produces and distributes original Indonesian herbal medicines. The company does not have a planned schedule to minimize the total production time. The production is carried out by considering the products stock and the number of orders from consumers. The employees are free to randomly choose which products will be produced first. The purpose of this research is to determine the job sequence and calculating the total production time (makespan), and identify the sequence that create smallest makespan. The methods used in this research are Campbell, Dudek, & Smith (CDS) method, Palmer method, and Dannenbring method. The calculation results shows that the company's actual scheduling produces a makespan of 30,725.08 minutes. The result of CDS method produces the makespan of 30,634.18 minutes. Palmer's method produces the makespan of 30,743.75 minutes, and the Dannenbring method also yield the makespan of 30,743.75 minutes. In conclusion, the job scheduling with CDS method has the smallest makespan which is recommended to be applied in the company to minimize the total production time.
Suspect dyskeratotic neoformations in a 7-year-old child with keratitis-ichthyosis-deafness syndrome: diagnostic, surgical and wound care management
Authors: Montanari Alvise , Caroppo Francesca , Amabile Antonio , Fortina Belloni Anna , Bassetto Franco
Published: April 2024

Keratitis-ichthyosis-deafness syndrome (KID) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by the triad of hyperkeratosis, ichthyosis, and congenital prelingual sensorineural deafness, with less than 100 cases described in the literature. In addition to many other extra-cutaneous manifestations, these patients are burdened by two principal increased risk factors involving the skin: the risk of developing infections and the risk of developing malignant skin tumors, especially Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Trichilemmal tumors. We present the case of a 7-year-old girl with a unique genetic variant described to date, who developed 4 dyskeratotic neoformation. Since the dermatoscopic examination was not sufficient to exclude malignancy, excisional and punch biopsies were used. Nonetheless, healing was challenging, with wound dehiscence and infection onset. Ad hoc wound care management resorting to negative pressure therapy and advanced medical honey-based dressings was necessary to achieve complete wound healing.
Frequency, amount, and supplementation of vitamin A food sources to enhance vitamin A sufficiency status among toddlers aged 12-59 months
Authors: Mukodri Dewi Mey Lestanti , Harianja Ristina Rosauli , Siregar Neny San Agustina
Published: April 2024

Vitamin A plays a crucial role as a micronutrient, particularly in relation to vision and growth. However, excessive intake of Vitamin A can lead to impaired vision and growth in toddlers. This study aimed to examine the impact of the frequency and amount of Vitamin A from food sources, as well as the intake of Vitamin A supplements, on the sufficiency status of Vitamin A in toddlers aged 12-59 months. The research design employed a quantitative approach using an analytical cross-sectional survey with a sample of mothers and toddlers aged 12-59 months, totaling 100 respondents. The relationship between the independent variables and the dependent variable was analyzed using the Chi-Square (α=0.05) statistical test with a 95% confidence interval. Quantitative results indicated a Vitamin A sufficiency status (71%), frequency of intake (56%), amount of intake (64%), and intake of Vitamin A supplements (60%) in the 'more' category. The results of the chi-square test showed the effect of Vitamin A food source intake on Vitamin A sufficiency status with a p-value of 0.002. Optimizing Vitamin A sufficiency among toddlers aged 12-59 months requires a multifaceted approach, focusing on frequency, amount, and appropriate food sources.
An air-assisted mechanical hill-seeding device for foxtail millet (Setaria italica)
Authors: Bu Lingxin , Kou Qianwen , Sugirbay Adilet , Chen Jun , Chen Yu
Published: April 2024

Setaria italica (foxtail millet) plays an important role in human nutrition, animal feed, and agriculture. However, the difficulty in realizing precision seeding introduces challenges to the planting and industrialization of foxtail millet. To address the challenge of suboptimal seeding effects for foxtail millet seeds, we engineered an air-assisted mechanical foxtail millet hole seeder equipped with a duckbill hole-forming device. Through bench testing, we investigated the influence of the wire diameter of the return spring on the seeding effect, as well as the interactive effects of the vacuum pressure of the seed-metering device and the rotational speed of the dibber wheel on seeding performance. The results show the following. (1) With the return spring having a major diameter of 44 mm, minor diameter of 2 mm, and length of 70 mm, wire diameters of 1.4, 1.6, and 1.8 mm were evaluated for conformity with standard requirements for the quality index. Given the reduced tearing extent with a smaller wire diameter, a wire diameter of 1.4 mm was selected. (2) The vacuum pressure of the seed-metering device and the rotational speed of the dibber wheel had a significant impact on the quality index. Using the response surface methodology (RSM) for parameter optimization, we aimed to maximize the qualification rate and minimize the missing and double seeding rates. Optimal parameters were found with an inlet vacuum pressure of −7.8 kPa, a dibber wheel speed of 75 r/min, and a seeder forward speed of 1.69 m/s (6.08 km/h). These settings achieved a quality index of 89.88%, a multiples index of 1.56%, and a miss index of 8.56%, in accordance with model predictions. Field tests were conducted with the determined parameters, revealing that at a seeder forward speed of 1.67 m/s (6 km/h) and a metering device vacuum pressure of −7.8 kPa, the average seed spacing was 16.51 mm, the hole spacing coefficient of variation was 2.55%, the mean seeding quality index was 88.46%, and the seedling pass rate was 97.77%. Thus, the designed air-suction-assisted mechanical foxtail millet hole seeder complies with the standard requirements and represents an advancement in agricultural machinery for small grain crops.
Dysphagia lusoria caused by aberrant right subclavian artery associated with truncus bicaroticus in an 8-month-old girl. Case report and review of literature
Authors: Bizhga Melpomeni , Velmishi Virtut , Sila Lorena , Koja Albert , Hoxha Stiljan
Published: April 2024

Dysphagia lusoria is a rare pediatric condition caused by extrinsic compression of the esophagus by an abnormal subclavian artery. The most common congenital abnormality in aortic arch development is an aberrant right subclavian artery. The retroesophageal right subclavian artery is typically symptomatic in 10-33% of cases. The patient, an 8-month-old girl with a history of early dysphagia and stridor, was diagnosed with an abnormal right subclavian artery. She was admitted to the pneumology service multiple times due to stridor, vomiting, and failure to thrive. During hospitalization at the gastroenterology service, a barium swallow and an upper digestive endoscopy indicated an abnormal right subclavian artery, which was confirmed by an Angiography CT scan. She underwent surgery at the age of sixteen months. All symptoms are resolved following surgical intervention, and the patient is still asymptomatic and in good clinical condition 12 months later. Every physician should be aware of abnormal right subclavian arteries and their clinical symptoms in children and adults in order to recognize and diagnose them early. Only an early evaluation may reduce complications such as delayed physical growth, dysphagia, and recurrent respiratory infections.
Clinicohematological Details of Alcoholics Affected with Dengue: A Retrospective Observation
Authors: Jakribettu Ramakrishna Pai , George Thomas , Pais Micheal L J , Kulkarni Swathi Deepak , Natarajan Srikant , Baliga Manjeshwar Shrinath
Published: April 2024

Introduction:

Dengue is a tropical disease, and alcohol abuse is also common in developing countries in the tropics. Patients with alcoholism and dengue may have more complications due to compromised liver functions. Hence, the changes in hematological and biochemical parameters among alcoholic dengue patients need to be analyzed for warning changes to improve treatment outcomes. The present study was conducted to compare the hematological and biochemical profiles of dengue patients with and without alcoholism.

Materials and Methods:

This was a retrospective study conducted with data from healthy individuals and dengue patients with and without alcoholism. The demographic details, signs and symptoms, and hematological and biochemical (hepatorenal) parameters were studied. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, lymphocyte-to-neutrophil ratio, monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, and systemic immune-inflammation index were studied.

Results:

A total of 252 patients were diagnosed with dengue during the study; 33 (13.09) had known cases of alcohol abuse, and almost equal numbers of age- and sex-matched healthy individuals, i.e., 251, were included in the study. Symptoms such as reduced urine output, melena, skin rashes, retro-orbital pain, and hematuria were observed more often in alcoholic patients than in nonalcoholic dengue patients. The total leukocyte count, MLR, total bilirubin, urea level, and creatinine level were greater, and the platelet (PLT) count and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) were lower in alcoholic dengue patients than in nonalcoholic dengue patients.

Conclusion:

Compared with those in nonalcoholic dengue patients, the signs and symptoms in alcoholic dengue patients appear to be more aggressive, especially for malena and hematuria. A low PLT, LMR, and elevated total bilirubin, urea, and creatinine in alcoholic dengue patients are considered to be crucial for determining treatment outcomes.
Spontaneous Gram-negative Bacterial Meningitis Following Steroid Therapy for Severe COVID-19
Authors: Ramesh Venkat , Nallamatti Dharani Sathya , Nanda Sagarika , Sharma Ratna Mani
Published: April 2024

This case demonstrates an unusual case of spontaneous Gram-negative bacillary meningitis (GNBM) due to Serratia following COVID-19 and steroid exposure. A 52-year-old male presented with clinical features of acute meningitis following a prolonged hospitalization for severe COVID-19 pneumonia, during which he was administered corticosteroids. Neuroimaging was normal. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis revealed high protein, hypoglycorrhachia, and neutrophilic pleocytosis. The Gram stain showed plenty of neutrophils but no bacteria. CSF culture demonstrated convex 1–2 mm colonies, slightly umbonate with entire margins, and opaque. On VITEK2, this was identified as Serratia marcescens and was susceptible to all tested antibiotics. Clinical improvement was noted after 48 h with the administration of meropenem (2 g q8 h) and levofloxacin (750 mg once daily). After a week of treatment, repeat CSF analysis showed a decrease in the CSF protein and total white blood cells, lymphocytic pleocytosis, and an increase in the CSF glucose. The patient made a complete recovery following 3 weeks of antibiotic therapy. This case report highlights that steroids should be used cautiously and judiciously in the COVID-19 setting. Serratia is a rare cause of spontaneous GNBM.
Pattern of liver function test variations in COVID-19 infection & its clinical significance: A study from a dedicated COVID-19 tertiary care centre from India
Authors: Chandnani Sanjay J. , Jain Shubham , Nawghare Pankaj , Debnath Partha , Rane Siddhesh , Deshmukh Rahul , Bansal Saurabh , Patel Sameet , Thanage Ravi , Junare Parmeshwar , Contractor Qais , Rathi Pravin M. , Singh Anupam Kumar
Published: April 2024

Background & objectives:

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) affects respiratory, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and other systems disease. Studies describing liver involvement and liver function test (LFT) abnormalities are sparse from our population. This study was undertaken to estimate the LFT abnormalities in patients with COVID-19 in a tertiary care set up in India.

Methods:

In this retrospective study conducted at a tertiary care centre in Mumbai, India, all consecutive patients with proven COVID-19 by reverse transcriptase–PCR from March 23 to October 31, 2020 were enrolled. Of the 3280 case records profiled, 1474 cases were included in the study. Clinical characteristics, biochemical parameters and outcomes were recorded.

Results:

Overall 681 (46%) patient had deranged LFTs. Hepatocellular type of injury was most common (93%). Patients with deranged LFTs had more probability of developing severe disease (P<0.001) and mortality (P<0.001). Advanced age (P<0.001), male gender (P<0.001), diabetes mellitus (P<0.001), lower oxygen saturation levels at admission (P<0.001), higher neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (P<0.001), history of diabetes mellitus and cirrhosiss were associated with deranged LFTs. Acute liver injury was seen in 65 (4.3%) cases on admission and 57 (3.5%) cases during hospital stay. On multivariate analysis for predicting mortality, age >60 yr serum creatinine >2 mg%, PaO2/FiO2 ratio ≤200 and raised AST >50 IU/l (OR: 2.34, CI: 1.59-3.48, P<0.001) were found to be significant.

Interpretation & conclusions:

In COVID-19, LFT abnormalities were common, and derangement increased as severity progressed. The presence of deranged LFT worsens the clinical outcome and predicts in-hospital mortality.
Charting a roadmap for heart failure research in India: Insights from a qualitative survey
Authors: Harikrishnan Sivadasanpillai , Koshy Linda , Ganapathi Sanjay , Jeemon Panniyammakal , Kumar Raman Krishna , Roy Adrija , Reethu S. , Ramachandran Surya , Lakshmikanth L.R. , Sharma Meenakshi , Chopra Vijay Kumar , Prabhakaran Dorairaj , Kartha C.C.
Published: April 2024

Background & objectives:

Heart failure (HF) is emerging as a major health problem in India. The profile of HF in India is divergent from elsewhere in the world. While cardiologists must equip themselves with the requisite clinical management tools, scientists and health policymakers would need epidemiological data on HF and information on the resources required to meet the challenges ahead. The aim of this study was to identify the lacunae and to suggest recommendations to improve HF research.

Methods:

We surveyed a multidisciplinary group of HF experts using a two stage process. An email-based survey was conducted using a structured questionnaire, followed by an online discussion. The experts prioritized the major challenges in convergence research in India and inter-rater agreement values were calculated. In addition, they enlisted potential research gaps and barriers in the domains of epidemiology, diagnostics, management and technology and suggested recommendations to overcome those barriers.

Results:

The experts identified a paucity of data on HF burden, lack of state-of-the-art diagnostic facilities and trained personnel, overt dependence on imported devices/equipment/reagents, lack of interaction/awareness/information among stakeholders and lack of biobanks, as major barriers in HF research. Three fourths of the experts agreed that lack of interaction among stakeholders was the major challenge with the highest inter-rater agreement in both stages (19 out of 25 and 11 out of 17, respectively). The experts recommended the creation of multidisciplinary taskforces dedicated to population sciences, data sciences, technology development and patient management with short-, intermediate- and long-term strategies.

Interpretation & conclusions:

The study generated a wish list for advances in HF research and management, and proposed recommendations for facilitating convergence research as a way forward to reduce the burden of HF in India.
Japanese encephalitis virus in India
Authors: Rajaiah Paramasivan , Kumar Ashwani
Published: April 2024

Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a leading cause of viral encephalitis in Southeast Asia. It is a serious public health issue in India, and cases have been emerging in newer areas of the country. Although vaccination efforts have already been initiated in the country since 2006 and later through the Universal Immunization Programme in 2011, still a significant reduction in the number of cases has to be achieved since an escalating trend of JE incidence has been reported in certain States such as Assam, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. Moreover, fresh cases of JE have been reported from certain pockets in Odisha as well. Despite the mass JE vaccination programme implemented in prioritized endemic zones in the country in 2011, a shift in the age group of JE virus (JEV) infection was noticed affecting the adult population in West Bengal. The recent detection of the circulation of genotype I (GI) in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh and the co-circulation of GI and genotype III (GIII) in West Bengal are probably a warning signal for the public health personnel to strengthen the surveillance system in all endemic hotspots in the country. The abrupt emergence of JEV genotype V (GV) in China and Korea in 2009, after its first detection in Malaya in 1952, endemic countries have been cautioned to strengthen their surveillance, because GV has been suspected of getting dispersed efficiently in other parts of Asia. Moreover, the reduced protection efficiency of the JEV GIII-based vaccine against the JEV genotype V further warrants careful evaluation of the ongoing vaccination strategies in the endemic countries, anticipating the possible incursion of GV and its impact on future control strategies. In view of the above facts, the present communication reviews the current knowledge on the molecular epidemiology of JEV in India vis-a-vis the global scenario and discusses the future priorities in JEV research in India for effectively designing control strategies.
Role of serum microRNAs as biomarkers for endometriosis, endometrioid carcinoma of ovary & endometrioid endometrial cancer
Authors: Kumari Priti , Sharma Indu , Saha Subhas Chandra , Srinivasan Radhika , Bhardwaj Puneet
Published: April 2024

Background & objectives:

Accurate and early diagnosis is imperial in the management of endometriosis, endometrioid carcinoma of ovary (ECO) and endometrioid endometrial cancer (EC), yet there are no definitive diagnostic methods available for these diseases. Therefore, the present study was aimed to evaluate the diagnostic potential of differentially expressed miRNAs in serum samples of women with endometriosis, ECO and EC to establish them as diagnostic biomarkers.

Methods:

Blood samples (5 ml) were obtained from 40 patients (n=10/study group) undergoing laparoscopy/laparotomy/hysterectomy. miRNA-rich RNA was extracted from the serum samples, and quantitative real-time (qRT)-PCR was performed to check the expression levels of miR-16, miR-99b, miR-20a, miR-145, miR-143 and miR-125a in all the samples. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was done to check the diagnostic potential.

Results:

In endometriosis, miR-16 was downregulated (P<0.05) whereas miR-99b, miR-125a, miR-143 and miR-145 were upregulated (P<0.05). In ECO group, downregulated expression of miR-16 and miR-125a (P<0.05) was observed, whereas miR-99b, miR-143 and miR-145 were upregulated (P<0.05). In endometrioid EC, miR-16, miR-99b, miR-125 and miR-145 were downregulated (P<0.05), whereas miR-143 was upregulated (P<0.05). ROC curve analysis showed that, for endometriosis, miR-99b, miR-125a, miR-143 and miR-145 served as diagnostic markers. miR-145 showed diagnostic power for ECO, and for endometrioid EC, miR-16, miR-99b, miR-125a and miR-145 showed diagnostic potential.

Interpretation & conclusions:

The present findings suggested that certain circulating miRNAs (miB99b, miR-16, miR-125a, miR-145) might act as indicators and discriminators of endometriosis and endometrioid subtypes of EC and ovarian cancer and might serve as potential biomarkers for early diagnosis and management of these debilitating diseases.
Bacteriophages as therapeutic & disinfectant agents to tackle multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Rathor Nisha , Bahadur Tej , Thakur Chandan Kumar , Bamola Vishwa Deepak , Das Bimal Kumar , Chaudhry Rama
Published: April 2024

Background & objectives:

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter baumannii is a serious threat for human health worldwide. The studies on agents targeting A. baumannii are imperative due to identified A. baumannii co-infections in COVID-19. Bacteriophages are promising antibacterial agents against drug-resistant bacteria. This study intended to isolate bacteriophages against MDR A. baumannii from the water of river Ganga, to be used potentially as therapeutic and disinfectant particles.

Methods:

Acinetobacter phages were isolated from the Ganga water collected from Kanpur and further tested on 50 MDR A. baumannii isolates to determine host range. The phages were morphologically characterized by transmission electron microscopy. The disinfectant property of the isolated phages was tested by spraying of bacteriophage cocktail on MDR A. baumannii contaminated plastic surface, analyzed by colony-forming unit (CFU) and bioluminescence assay (adenosine triphosphate monitoring).

Results:

A total of seven bacteriophages were isolated against MDR A. baumannii. The bacteriophages lysed three MDR A. baumannii isolates out of 50 tested, showing narrow host range. Electron microscopy revealed hexagonal heads and long tails of bacteriophages, belonging to order Caudovirales. The bacteriophage cocktail reduced the MDR A. baumannii load efficiently on plastic surface, evidenced by reduction in CFUs and bioluminescence.

Interpretation & conclusions:

The findings of this study suggest that the isolated bacteriophages are potential lytic agents for MDR A. baumannii clinical isolates, and may be used as potential therapeutic agents as well as disinfectant to combat MDR A. baumannii with due consideration to phage host specificity, with further characterization.
Prevalence & correlates of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in a rural community of Bengaluru district, southern India: A preliminary cross-sectional study
Authors: Mundackal Rose , Agarwal Twinkle , Murali Karthikk , Isaac Natasha V. , Hu Patricia , Dhayal Vishal , Mony Prem K.
Published: April 2024

Background & objectives:

Studying vaccine hesitancy is important for helping improve vaccine coverage against COVID-19. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and correlates of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in a rural community in India.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study of all adults aged over 18 yr was undertaken during July-August 2021, in a village outside Bengaluru city in southern India.

Results:

In our study, 68.7 per cent of the eligible 297 adult population accepted vaccination immediately, another 9.4 per cent hesitated but accepted vaccination without delay, a further 10.4 per cent delayed their vaccination and the remaining 11.5 per cent refused vaccination. The prevalence (95% confidence interval) of vaccine hesitancy was 21.9±4.8 per cent. Full vaccination was higher among males (76%) compared to females (58%, P<0.001). Those who hesitated and delayed vaccination (converts) were more likely to be from a nuclear family, whereas those who refused the vaccine were from a joint/three-generation family. Those who refused vaccination were adversely influenced by social media predominantly as also their religious/cultural beliefs and distrust on the pharmaceutical industry. Those who delayed but accepted vaccination were positively influenced by healthcare professionals and others who had accepted the vaccine recently. Geographic factors, cost of vaccine, and mode of administration were not the major concerns.

Interpretation & conclusions:

Vaccine uptake is a continuum. Our study helped identify the characteristics of those who delayed vaccination versus those who refused vaccination. This will help policymakers, programme managers and healthcare professionals to focus priority action on population subgroups for improving individual- and population-level protection.
Cost of screening, out-of-pocket expenditure & quality of life for diabetes & hypertension in India
Authors: Brar Sehr , Kaur Gunjeet , Muniyandi Malaisamy , Karikalan Nagarajan , Bano Henna , Bhansali Anil , Jain Sanjay , Kumari Savita , Prinja Shankar
Published: April 2024

Background & objectives:

The Government of India has initiated a population based screening (PBS) for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). A health technology assessment agency in India commissioned a study to assess the cost-effectiveness of screening diabetes and hypertension. The present study was undertaken to estimate the cost of PBS for Type II diabetes and hypertension. Second, out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) for outpatient care and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among diabetes and hypertension patients were estimated.

Methods:

Economic cost of PBS of diabetes and hypertension was assessed using micro-costing methodology from a health system perspective in two States. A total of 165 outpatients with diabetes, 300 with hypertension and 497 with both were recruited to collect data on OOPE and HRQoL.

Results:

On coverage of 50 per cent, the PBS of diabetes and hypertension incurred a cost of

JOURNAL/ijmer/04.03/02223309-202306000-00003/498FF02/v/2023-09-02T030054Z/r/image-tiff

45.2 per person screened. The mean OOPE on outpatient consultation for a patient with diabetes, hypertension and both diabetes and hypertension was

JOURNAL/ijmer/04.03/02223309-202306000-00003/498FF02/v/2023-09-02T030054Z/r/image-tiff

4381 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3786-4976),

JOURNAL/ijmer/04.03/02223309-202306000-00003/498FF02/v/2023-09-02T030054Z/r/image-tiff

1427 (95% CI: 1278-1576) and

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3932 (95% CI: 3614-4250), respectively. Catastrophic health expenditure was incurred by 20, 1.3 and 14.8 per cent of patients with diabetes, hypertension and both diabetes and hypertension, respectively. The mean HRQoL score of patients with diabetes, hypertension and both was 0.76 (95% CI: 0.72-0.8), 0.89 (95% CI: 0.87-0.91) and 0.68 (95% CI: 0.66-0.7), respectively.

Interpretations & conclusions:

The findings of our study are useful for assessing cost-effectiveness of screening strategies for diabetes and hypertension.
Breast conservation surgery & oncoplasty in India – Current scenario
Authors: Parmar Vani , Koppiker Chaitanyanand B. , Dixit Santosh
Published: April 2024

Breast cancer incidence is on the rise in India as in rest of the world. While the advances in overall cancer care are at par, the surgical interventions have not been changing at the same pace in India, as in the rest of the developed world. Partly, this is due to the relatively more advanced state of cancer at detection and partly due to lack of awareness resulting in apprehension and slow acceptance of de-escalation of surgical interventions by the treating surgeons, and the beneficiaries, the patients. The article looks at the current scenario, available evidence on the practices and pitfalls with possible solutions for advancing surgical care of breast cancer in India.
Updates on systemic therapy for cervical cancer
Authors: Gopu Paul , Antony Febin , Cyriac Sunu , Karakasis Katherine , Oza Amit M.
Published: April 2024

Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world both in terms of incidence and mortality, more so important in low- and middle-income countries. Surgery and radiotherapy remain the backbone of treatment for non-metastatic cervical cancer, with significant improvement in survival provided by addition of chemotherapy to radiotherapy. Survival as well as quality of life is improved by chemotherapy in metastatic disease. Platinum-based chemotherapy with/without bevacizumab is the mainstay of treatment for metastatic disease and has shown improvement in survival. The right combinations and sequence of treatment modalities and medicines are still evolving. Data regarding the molecular and genomic biology of cervical cancer have revealed multiple potential targets for treatment, and several new agents are presently under evaluation including targeted therapies, immunotherapies and vaccines. This review discusses briefly the current standards, newer updates as well as future prospective approaches in systemic therapies for cervical cancer.
Seropositivity of Chlamydia trachomatis & Toxoplasma gondii among male partners of infertile couples in Odisha, India
Authors: Naik Kaushik V. , Mishra Aparajita , Panda Sailendra , Sinha Abhinav , Padhi Maya , Pati Sanghamitra , Sahoo Prakash Kumar
Published: April 2024

Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) is the most common curable sexually transmitted non-viral infection, which can cause urethritis, prostatitis, orchitis and epididymitis among males. Toxoplasma gondii, a protozoan causes toxoplasmosis among humans. These infections may lead to decreased fertility. Hence, this study was aimed to estimate the seropositivity of CT and T. gondii infection among the male partners of infertile couples in Odisha, India. In this facility-based cross-sectional study, first void urine, seminal fluid and blood sample were collected from 153 males attending infertility clinics including 74 healthy controls. Urine and seminal fluid were tested through polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect immunoglobulin (Ig) G, IgA and IgM anti-Chlamydia and IgM anti-Toxoplasma antibodies through serum. The prevalence of CT was 1.26 per cent (95% CI: 0.03-6.85) as estimated from semen samples using PCR. We detected anti-Chlamydia antibodies IgM-four per cent [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.83-11.24]; IgA-28.16 per cent (95% CI: 18.13-40.09) and IgG-12.5 per cent (95% CI: 5.87-22.4) among participants. Anti-Toxoplasma antibodies IgM were observed in 27.63 per cent (95% CI: 17.98-39.08) of participants. None of the control samples were found positive. Overall seropositivity of CT and Toxoplasma infections is comparable, which suggests that greater attention is required for screening these infections at clinics, especially among infertile couples.
Cardiac morbidity & mortality in patients with breast cancer
Authors: Dhir Aruna Alahari , Sawant Sheela Prashant
Published: April 2024

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and breast cancer cause substantial morbidity and mortality in women and are major public health concerns. Breast cancer survivors are at a greater risk for CVD-related mortality compared to women without breast cancer. Breast cancer and cardiovascular diseases share a number of common risk factors. Breast cancer treatments like anthracycline based chemotherapy, novel targeted therapy and radiation therapy can cause cardiotoxicity. With improvements in breast cancer prevention and treatment, there is a significant improvement in survival and this shifts focus from disease control to long term effects of treatment and quality of life. Assessing CVD and minimizing complications from cancer therapy are important treatment goals.
To Determine the Blood Group Correlation among the Cases of Dysvascular Amputation: Retrospective Study
Authors: Kamakshi R. M.
Published: April 2024

Objective:

The objective of the study was to identify the association of specific blood group among the cases of dysvascular amputation.

Introduction:

Literature showed the association of certain blood group with increased cardiovascular risk and other thrombotic vascular diseases in addition to increased gastric cancer risk and periodontal disease. By the way of extending the relation between blood group and atherosclerosis, this study aims to find out if there is any correlation between blood group and dysvascular amputation.

Materials and Methods:

Retrospective analysis of patient records with sample size of 100 is considered for this study. Sample population included was patients with lower limb amputation due to dysvascular etiology, who were admitted for prosthesis for a period of 1 year at Government Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine. Statistical analysis was performed using the standard statistical software.

Results:

Analysis showed that there is a correlation between non-O blood group and dysvascular amputation compared to O group. Among non-O group, population with B +ve has higher incidence of amputation as analysed from the study.

Conclusion:

This study reveals that there is a strong correlation between dysvascular amputation and non-O blood group. Focus on the prevention of modifiable risk factors may reduce the incidence of amputation for risk-prone blood group.
Delayed Diagnosis of Hirayama Disease Due to an Antecedent History of Trauma: A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Kumar Sanyal , Kumar Anjani , Johnson Renu Anna , Das Subha , Pandey Sanjay Kumar
Published: April 2024

Hirayama illness is a rare neurological condition that first manifests as gradual muscular weakening and wasting of the distal upper limb in young males, followed within a few years by a spontaneous arrest. The spinal cord and cervical dural sac are thought to have been displaced forward by neck flexion, which is thought to be the cause of the condition. In contrast to the Middle East countries, it is more widespread in Asia. We have described here two cases from India, who presented with increasing weakness and wasting of the distal part of their upper limbs after a traumatic event. Although their symptoms were initially thought to be due to trauma, later, they were diagnosed as cases of Hirayama disease (HD), following detailed history and physical examination, radiological investigations and electrophysiological examination. A review of the literature was done which also described electrophysiological and radiographic findings, which supported our diagnosis. For young male patients who present with weakness and wasting of upper limb distal group muscles, HD should be investigated because it is infrequently seen in clinical settings.
Evaluation of Knee Radiograph and its Interrelation between Body Mass Index and Range of Motion in Osteoarthritic Knee
Authors: Al Mahmood Md. Rashid , Uddin Md. Taslim , Khasru Moshiur Rahman , Islam Mohammad Tariqul , Mithun Mubdiur Rahman
Published: April 2024

Context:

Assessing knee osteoarthritis (OA) radiologically is a well-recognised investigation technique. Range of motion (ROM) measurement gives an idea about the functional status of the joint. Body mass index (BMI) increment is one of the risk factors of worsening knee OA.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to evaluate OA radiologically and to search the status of BMI, ROM and Kellgren–Lawrence (KL) score of osteoarthritic knee patients and find their interrelations.

Settings:

This study was conducted at the department of physical medicine and rehabilitation in a tertiary hospital of Bangladesh.

Designs:

This was a cross-sectional study.

Methodology:

Purposive selection of 66 primary OA knees was done. Compartmental distribution of osteoarthritic knee was determined. Radiographics were determined by KL score system. BMI was calculated conventionally. Maximum flexion, extension and total excursion were measured by a universal goniometer.

Results:

Fifty per cent of participants had tricompartmental OA. Patients with maximum KL score 2 had significantly more total excursion (127.44 ± 2.89) compared to maximum KL score 3 (121.51 ± 3.14) and 4 (110.00 ± 3.58). Subjects with normal BMI had significantly more total excursion (125.00 ± 4.21) compared to overweight (121.03 ± 6.84) and obese patients (122.54 ± 4.31) (P = 0.044). 60.9% of subjects with normal BMI had significantly more maximum KL score 2 compared to overweight (33.3%) and obese patients (7.7%). A positive correlation was present between BMI and maximal KL score (r = 0.345, P = 0.005). A significant strong negative correlation was found between maximal KL score and total excursion (r = −0.825, P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Different percentages of unicompartmental, bicompartmental and tricompartmental knee OA were found. Osteoarthritic patients with higher BMI had lower ROM and increased KL radiographic scores.
Antibacterial Activity of the Vancomycin and Cefotaxime-Incorporated Total Etch Adhesive System – An In Vitro Study
Authors: Rangareddy M. S. , Wahed Md Abdul , Kumar B. Shravan , Karteek Basa Srinivas , Reddy Chavva Lakshmi Charan , Agrawal Jagrati
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:

Marginal failure at the resin dentin interface promotes biofilm formation, which further leads to secondary caries and hypersensitivity. This likelihood also increases if residual bacteria are present following cavity preparation. In order to achieve a proper biological seal without jeopardizing bonding, efforts were made to functionalize the adhesive system with antibacterial activity. Aim and objectives: To appraise the antibacterial activity of a total-etch adhesive system against S. mutans with and without incorporation of antibiotics Vancomycin and Cefotaxime.

Materials and Method:

A commercially available 5th-generation total-etch bonding agent (Te-Econorm) was used. S. mutans broth had been standardized and streaked over Muller-Hinton agar culture medium and round wells about 6 mm in diameter were made in the centre of the agar plates. Each experimental group comprised 10 samples, which include: Group 1 - 30µg Cefotaxime, Group 2- 30µg Cefotaxime + Bonding agent, Group 3- 30µg Vancomycin, Group 4- 30µg Vancomycin + Bonding agent, Group 5- Bonding agent, and Group 6- No material. Inoculated culture plates were examined for the zone of inhibition after incubation at 37° C for 24 hours.

Results:

There was a significant difference in the mean diameter of zone of inhibition (p=0.000), with the maximum exhibited by Group 4, followed by Group 3 and Group 2. The least zone of inhibition was exhibited by Groups 1 and 5. The negative control showed no zone of inhibition.

Conclusion:

The combination of Vancomycin and bonding agent had superior antibacterial activity against S. mutans in comparison to cefotaxime and bonding agent.
Evaluation of Postoperative Pain Perception Incidence after Single-Visit Versus Multiple-Visit Root Canal Therapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Gupta Harshita
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:

Newer concept of root canal therapy is single-visit one rather than conventional multivisit therapy. Major complaint of patients after root canal therapy is mild or severe pain.

Aim:

This study aims to assess the prevalence of postoperative discomfort after root canal treatment conducted in both single and multiple visits.

Materials and Methods:

An experiment using a randomized controlled trial design was conducted, including a total of 80 participants. These individuals were then separated into two groups, with each group consisting of 40 participants. Group A had single-visit root canal therapy, whereas Group B received multivisit root canal treatment. The incidence of pain after therapy was evaluated and compared at four time points: 6 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours, and 48 hours after obturation.

Results:

The level of pain experienced by patients in Group B was notably greater in comparison with individuals in Group A. Nevertheless, there was no statistically significant difference in the level of pain reported by the patients 48 hours after treatment in either of the groups.

Conclusion:

There is no significant difference in the occurrence of discomfort after endodontic treatment conducted in either a single visit or many visits, as seen during a 48-hour period after obturation.
Assessment of Two Different Obturation Systems in Primary Teeth: A Comparative Study
Authors: Abushanan Alwaleed , Alazmah Abdulfatah , Alqarni Adel S. , Alagla Maram , Penumatsa Narendra Varma , Hassan Saeed Awod Bin
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Aim:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of two distinct obturation techniques in primary teeth.

Materials and Methods:

For this investigation, 40 primary molar teeth were taken into consideration. Every sample underwent sample preparation. All teeth were evenly split into two groups: Group 1-obturation using the lentulospiral method and Group 2-obturation using the NaviTip method. The comparison between the two procedures was established through radiographic evaluation of the obturation quality and voids in the obturated canals.

Results:

In the lentulospiral method, 12 (60%) were optimal filling, 6 (30%) were underfilling, and 2 (10%) were overfilling. In the lentulo spiral method, 40% voids were present, and in the NaviTip method, 15% voids were present.

Conclusion:

The present study concluded that the NaviTip syringe method was sufficiently effective in regulating voids and yielded the best results for the apical seal, whereas the lentulo spiral approach generated the best results in terms of length of obturation.
The Unilateral Enigma: An Oral-contraceptive Related Gingival Enlargement
Authors: Balaji Anitha , Jennifer W , Mohanasatheesh S , Hema D , Dheeraj S , Menon Nivedha
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

This article’s goal is to describe a case of oral contraceptives-related drug-induced gingival hypertrophy that was treated with nonsurgical and surgical periodontal therapy. The most prevalent negative side effect of systemic medicine on the periodontal tissues continues to be drug-induced gingival overgrowth. Specific regulatory molecules known as hormones control a variety of bodily processes. Gingival hypertrophies are sometimes linked to oral contraceptives that contain oestrogen and/or progesterone. A 32-year-old female presented with a complaint of swelling of the gingiva with spontaneous bleeding in the maxillary right quadrant region for a period of two months. The medical history documented the use of contraceptives for three months, and a clinical examination revealed the existence of poor oral hygiene and enlarged painful gingival tissues that bled when touched. Intraoral examination revealed that there was unilateral, generalized, diffuse gingival enlargement with pseudo pockets. Patient was diagnosed with gingival fibromatosis a based on the clinical, histological, and radiographic findings. The gingival enlargement was treated by conventional gingivectomy under local anaesthesia. The postoperative result was uneventful. Women who use oral contraceptives are a “risk group” for periodontal infections. On oral contraceptives, not every female reacts the same way. In periodontal therapy, plaque management is the most crucial step. Patient compliance is another element that affects a therapy’s response. The patient demonstrated appropriate oral hygiene practices and adhered to home care guidelines adequately.
Assessing the Impact of AI-Enhanced Diagnostic Tools on the Treatment Planning of Orthodontic Cases: An RCT
Authors: Gaonkar Prachi , Mohammed Imad , Ribin Mohammed , Kumar D Chetan , Thomas Pallavi A. , Saini Ruchi
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:

Orthodontic treatment planning involves the precise assessment of dental and skeletal anomalies, which can be facilitated by AI-enhanced diagnostic tools.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 100 orthodontic cases were included in this RCT. Patients were randomly assigned to two groups: an AI-enhanced diagnostic group and a traditional diagnostic group. The AI-enhanced diagnostic group underwent orthodontic assessment with the aid of AI-powered software, which provided automated cephalometric analysis, 3D model evaluations, and treatment suggestions. The traditional diagnostic group received conventional diagnostic assessments by orthodontists. The primary outcome measures included treatment planning accuracy, treatment time, and patient satisfaction. Secondary outcomes included the number of appointments required and treatment cost.

Results:

The AI-enhanced diagnostic group demonstrated a significantly higher accuracy in treatment planning compared to the traditional diagnostic group (P < 0.05). The AI group also required fewer appointments (mean ± SD: 10.2 ± 2.1 vs. 12.8 ± 3.4) and had a shorter treatment time (mean ± SD: 14.6 ± 3.2 months vs. 18.9 ± 4.5 months) (P < 0.001 for both comparisons). Additionally, patient satisfaction scores were higher in the AI group (mean ± SD: 9.2 ± 0.6 vs. 8.1 ± 0.8) (P < 0.001). However, the AI-enhanced diagnostic group had a slightly higher treatment cost.

Conclusion:

AI-enhanced diagnostic tools significantly enhance the accuracy of treatment planning in orthodontic cases, leading to reduced treatment time, fewer appointments, and increased patient satisfaction.
Comparative Evaluation of Remineralizing Potential of Topical Cream Containing Casein Phosphopeptide-Amorphous Calcium Phosphate and Casein Phosphopeptide-Amorphous Calcium Phosphate with Fluoride: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Rajendran Ratheesh , Antonys Delphine P. , Faizal Noushin , Oommen Sajna , Vijayasree G , Ashik P Mohammed
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

The requirement for clinically effective treatments to remineralize early enamel caries lesions is dictated by the principles of minimally invasive dentistry. Numerous studies outlined the significance of treating early carious lesions with different remineralizing agents. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the remineralization potential of topical cream containing casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) and CPP-ACP with fluoride in remineralizing artificial carious lesions on enamel. Forty-five freshly extracted human premolar teeth were selected as samples. These samples were divided into three groups: Group I-regular toothpaste without specific remineralizing agent; Group II-topical cream containing CPP-ACP and Group III topical cream containing CPP-ACP with fluoride. All the samples were viewed under scanning electron microscope (SEM) to assess the topographical pictures of the enamel surface and also subjected to energy dispersing X-ray analysis (EDX) for quantitative estimation of minerals, calcium (Ca), and phosphorous (P). In the result of the study, Group I does not show any increase in the Ca and P after applying toothpaste without any remineralizing agent but Group II and Group III showed a net increase in Ca and P- values after applying concerned remineralizing agents. Intergroup comparison showed Group III yielded higher net Ca and P- values than Group II. Two remineralizing agents showed remineralization potential on samples. Descriptive statistics were used to calculate the mean and standard deviation. Mann–Whitney test was used. The level of significance was set at 0.05. CPP-ACP containing fluoride showed better remineralizing potential than CPP-ACP. Hence, CPP-ACP containing fluoride can be considered the material of choice in remineralizing early enamel carious lesions.