bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Randomized Controlled Trial of Propranolol Use During Ligation Program for Secondary Prophylaxis of Esophageal Variceal Bleeding
Authors: Chen Wen-Chi , Yang Tsung-Chieh , Lee Pei-Chang , Wang Yen-Po , Hou Ming-Chih , Lee Fa-Yauh
Published: August 2023

INTRODUCTION:

Endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) plus nonselective β-blockers (NSBB) is the standard of care for secondary prophylaxis of esophageal variceal bleeding (EVB). This trial aimed to compare the rebleeding rates between EVL plus NSBB till eradication of esophageal varices (EEV) and EVL plus long-term NSBB.

METHODS:

After control of acute EVB, patients with cirrhosis were randomized into 2 groups, with group A patients receiving EVL plus propranolol till EEV, while group B patients received standard of care with continuation of propranolol. Recurrent varices were ligated at follow-up endoscopy in both groups.

RESULTS:

The median follow-up period was 23.0 months in group A (n = 106) and 23.6 months in group B (n = 106). Twelve patients (11.3%) in group A and 11 (10.4%) in group B had recurrent EVB. The difference in rebleeding rates and the 95% confidence interval (CI) was 0.9% (−7.5% to 9.3%). The upper 95% CI bound of the difference was within the margin of 13.2%, and the noninferiority of group A to group B was established. Thirty-eight patients (35.8%) in group A and 40 (37.7%) in group B had further decompensation, with the difference (95% CI) of −1.9% (−14.9% to 11.1%). Twenty-four patients (22.6%) in group A and 26 (24.5%) in group B expired, with the difference (95% CI) in mortality rates of −1.9% (−13.3% to 9.5%).

DISCUSSION:

EVL plus propranolol till EEV was noninferior to EVL plus continuing propranolol in secondary prophylaxis of EVB, but the impact on further decompensation and transplantation-free survival deserved further investigation.
Pure Cut or Endocut for Biliary Sphincterotomy? A Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Pereira Funari Mateus , Ottoboni Brunaldi Vitor , Mendonça Proença Igor , Aniz Gomes Pedro Victor , Almeida Queiroz Lucas Tobias , Zamban Vieira Yuri , Eiji Matuguma Sergio , Ide Edson , Prince Franzini Tomazo Antônio , Lera dos Santos Marcos Eduardo , Cheng Spencer , Kazuyoshi Minata Maurício , dos Santos José Sebastião , Turiani Hourneaux de Moura Diogo , Kemp Rafael , Guimarães Hourneaux de Moura Eduardo
Published: August 2023

INTRODUCTION:

Adverse events (AE) after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) are not uncommon and post-ERCP acute pancreatitis (PEP) is the most important one. Thermal injury from biliary sphincterotomy may play an important role and trigger PEP or bleeding. Therefore, this study evaluated the outcomes of 2 electric current modes used during biliary sphincterotomy.

METHODS:

From October 2019 to August 2021, consecutive patients with native papilla undergoing ERCP with biliary sphincterotomy were randomized to either the pure cut or endocut after cannulation. The primary outcome was PEP incidence. Secondary outcomes included intraprocedural and delayed bleeding, infection, and perforation.

RESULTS:

A total of 550 patients were randomized (272 pure cut and 278 endocut). The overall PEP rate was 4.0% and significantly higher in the endocut group (5.8% vs 2.2%, P = 0.034). Univariate analysis revealed >5 attempts (P = 0.004) and endocut mode (P = 0.034) as risk factors for PEP. Multivariate analysis revealed >5 attempts (P = 0.005) and a trend for endocut mode as risk factors for PEP (P = 0.052). Intraprocedural bleeding occurred more often with pure cut (P = 0.018), but all cases were controlled endoscopically during the ERCP. Delayed bleeding was more frequent with endocut (P = 0.047). There was no difference in perforation (P = 1.0) or infection (P = 0.4999) between the groups.

DISCUSSION:

Endocut mode may increase thermal injury leading to higher rates of PEP and delayed bleeding, whereas pure cut is associated with increased intraprocedural bleeding without clinical repercussion. The electric current mode is not related to perforation or infection. Further RCT assessing the impact of electric current on AE with overlapping preventive measures such as rectal nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and hyperhydration are needed. The study was submitted to the Brazilian Clinical Trials Platform (http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br) under the registry number RBR-5d27tn.
Update on Endoscopic Dysplasia Surveillance in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Coelho-Prabhu Nayantara , Lewis James D.
Published: August 2023

As medical management of inflammatory bowel disease makes great advances, most patients with inflammatory bowel disease will have long life expectancies without need for total colectomy. With prolonged disease duration, however, there is increased risk of dysplasia leading to colorectal cancer. Multiple consensus and guideline documents have been published over the last decade with recommendations to optimize early detection and management of dysplastic lesions. Endoscopic technology has improved tremendously, even over the past few years. Previously invisible dysplasia has become visible in most cases with advanced imaging technologies that now allow for much clearer and more detailed mucosal inspection. New tools to facilitate endoscopic resection of visible lesions have also enabled patients to avoid colectomy, with resulting need to continue colon surveillance. There are limited or conflicting data leading to inconsistent recommendations regarding the need for random biopsies, the preferred endoscopic imaging technique, and surveillance intervals after resection of dysplasia. Similarly, there remains significant variability in the application of guidelines into daily practice and availability of and training with advanced imaging technologies. Here, we present a narrative review of which patients are at highest risk for dysplasia, the current guidelines on surveillance colonoscopy, factors affecting optimal mucosal visualization, enhanced imaging techniques, standardized reporting terminologies for surveillance colonoscopy, endoscopic management of dysplasia, indications for colectomy, and briefly on future potential technologies to assist in dysplasia detection.
Dynamic Topic Modeling to Mine Themes and Evolution during the Initial COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout
Authors: Agarwal Amkita , Burwell Emily , Romine William , Banerjee Tanvi
Published: August 2023

Objective: In this paper, we identify the topics in the form of themes being discussed on Twitter about the COVID-19 vaccine during the period of initial rollout of the vaccines and their evolution every month with the scientific advancement and major events on the COVID-19 vaccine timeline. Methods: We collected tweets from Twitter API over a period of 3 months from December 1, 2020 to February 28, 2021 using the keyword, "COVID-19 vaccine: and implemented dynamic topic modeling to identify topics in the form of themes being discussed. We then visualized the evolution of these themes every month with the news events during that time. Results: We found that 8 themes were discussed on Twitter during the initial rollout of COVID-19 vaccines. Within each theme, there were some unique key words found in a particular month or new key words that emerged from the previous month. These themes evolved with the trending news during that time period. Conclusions: Public discussions and health behavior of people about COVID-19 vaccines across different themes evolved over time. There was a dynamic and temporal shift in the perception of people regarding these vaccines coinciding with the scientific advancement and news events around the development, distribution, and administration of these vaccines.
Addressing Community Health Worker Wellness and Self-care: A Formative Evaluation
Authors: Kirkland Chelsey , Hallam Jeffrey
Published: August 2023

Objective: Community health workers (CHWs) experience higher than average risks for chronic diseases and poor health and are disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic due to being from historically marginalized populations. Despite limited literature, these factors indicate a need for CHW-specific support programming for wellness and self-care. Therefore, we conducted formative evaluation using virtual focus groups (N = 5) using descriptive and interpretive qualitative research methods to inform a program called “HANS KAI.” Methods: The focus groups included CHWs (N = 35) and CHW supervisors (N = 5) to explore CHW-support programming needs and understand their perceptions of HANS KAI. Two moderators followed a semi-structured focus group guide with questions and prompts focused on 5 primary domains: (1) Intervention Initiation, (2) Impact of Agency Culture, (3) HANS KAI Meeting Details, (4) HANS KAI Meeting Topics, and (5) Intervention Incentives. Audio-transcribed data were aggregated and analyzed for each domain with inductive codes involving iterative cycles of descriptive and in vivo coding. Salient themes and sub-themes were developed based on the domains. Results: We developed 8 salient themes within the domains. Conclusion: Our findings reveal that CHW HANS KAI components reflect CHWs’ needs, may benefit CHWs, and provide insights into CHW-specific programming.
Smokers with Access to Care are More Likely to Attempt Quitting Smoking
Authors: Manalili Nicola , Schenone Jackson , Linskey Mariel , Brooks Alijah , Brucker Lauren , Lent Adrienne
Published: August 2023

Objective: The Affordable Care Act (ACA) increased healthcare access and smoking cessation services. We examined the association between access to care and quit attempts after the ACA. Methods: We analyzed 2015-2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data (N = 209,213). Using logistic regression, independent variables included having a personal healthcare provider and time since last healthcare provider visit. The dependent variable included smoking cessation attempt in the past 12 months (yes or no). Interactions were examined for demographic variables. Results: Smokers with one (OR = 1.27, 95% CI=1.21, 1.33) or more (OR = 1.28, 95% CI=1.28, 1.48) providers were more likely to have a quit attempt versus no provider. Smokers with a recent check-up were more likely to have a quit attempt versus those who never had/had a check-up greater than 5 years ago (OR2-5 years = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.10, 1.29, OR1-2 years = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.25, 1.44, OR1 year = 1.50, 95% CI = 1.42, 1.58). Age and education modified these associations. Conclusions: Instead of disincentive measures, policies should promote healthcare system interactions to support cessation.
Perceiving E-cigarettes as Less Harmful than Cigarettes is Associated with JUUL and Vuse Solo Use Intentions among Young Adult Dual-users
Authors: La Capria Kathryn , Chen-Sankey Julia
Published: August 2023

Objective: In this study, we aimed to examine associations of relative harm perceptions of e-cigarettes versus cigarettes and using or switching to commonly used or FDA-authorized e-cigarettes among young adult dual-users. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional online survey in 2022 among young adult (ages 18-34) dual-users of cigarettes and e-cigarettes (N = 1821). We used multivariable logistic regressions to examine the associations between the explanatory variable and each response variable, controlling for covariates and stratified by current JUUL or Vuse Solo use. Results: Less than half (40.6%) of the participants perceived e-cigarettes as less harmful than cigarettes. Perceiving e-cigarettes as less harmful was associated with intentions of using and completely switching to JUUL and Vuse Solo. For stratified analysis, perceiving e-cigarettes as less harmful was associated with using and completely switching to JUUL among current and noncurrent JUUL users; it was associated with having intentions of using and completely switching to Vuse Solo among non-current Vuse Solo users. Conclusions: Perceiving e-cigarettes as less harmful than cigarettes was associated with having intentions of using and completely switching to JUUL and Vuse Solo products. Increasing the accurate relative harm perception is important to promote complete product switching to e-cigarettes among young adult smokers.
Active Duty to Veteran: Challenges Faced by Service Men and Women Reintegrating to Civilian Life in the South Carolina Lowcountry
Authors: Mayer Alyssa , McCune Taylor , McDaniel Justin , Gill Diana , McDermott Robert
Published: August 2023

Objective: One in 4 active-duty US military personnel report needing support for mental health issues. This proportion increases to 41% of all US military veterans, suggesting mental health status may worsen by the transition from active duty to civilian life. In this study, we explore the lived experiences of veterans in the South Carolina Lowcountry as they transition from active service to civilian life, with an emphasis on identifying services and support for this population. Methods: We used a qualitative design employing a grounded theory approach. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 20 veterans in the first year of reintegration to civilian life that examined the following areas: (1) social isolation; (2) physical isolation; and (3) self-reported levels of mental distress. Results: Thematic saturation was reached with the following emerging themes: (1) perceived mental distress due to social and physical isolation, (2) difficulty transitioning from the military “family” to one’s actual family, (3) confusion regarding identity and place in society, and an expressed (4) need for services to support this critical period in a veteran’s life. Conclusions: Our interview data provide insight about the experiences of military veterans as they return to civilian life and offer evidence for the need for better integration into the social and physical fabric of the population using both existing and enhanced community-based support programs
Clinical and Radiogr Clinical and Radiographic F aphic Features of Ne es of Nevoid Basal Cell oid Basal Cell Carcinoma Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors:   Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, A B Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences, Mangaluru, India, goginenisb@yahoo.co.in, Babu G Subhas , S. Pillai Devika ,   Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, India, spillaidevika@gmail.com, Hegde Shruthi ,   Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, A B Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences, Mangaluru, India, Hegde Padmaraj ,   Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, A B Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences, Mangaluru, India, Ajila Vidya ,   Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, A B Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences, Mangaluru, India
Published: August 2023

Nevoid Basal Cell Carcinoma Syndrome, also called as Gorlin Gotz syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by the presence of multiple odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs) of the jaw, basal cell carcinomas and skeletal anomalies. Presence of multiple OKCs is the first clinical manifestation in majority of the cases. Early diagnosis and treatment are of utmost importance in reducing the severity of this syndrome. We hereby report a rare case of Gorlin Goltz syndrome in a 28 years old female patient who presented with multiple cystic lesions in the jaws. Present case also highlights the clinical, radiographic and histopathologic features of this uncommon syndrome.
Comparison of Ultrasonography and Cone Beam Computed Tomography in the Differential Diagnosis of Periapical Lesions: A Prospective Radiopathological Study
Authors:   Department of Dentomaxillofacial Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Hatay, Turkey, gozdeserindere@mku.edu.tr, Serindere Gozde , Aktuna Belgin Ceren ,   Department of Dentomaxillofacial Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Hatay, Turkey, Bulte Mert ,   Private Dental Clinic, Hatay, Turkey, Gursoy Didar ,   Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Hatay, Turkey, Salimov Fariz ,   Department of Dentomaxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Hatay, Turkey
Published: August 2023

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the correlation between ultrasonography (USG) and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and the accuracy between histopathological diagnosis and preliminary diagnosis in the diagnosis of periapical lesion. Methods: 20 patients with periapical lesion in the jaw, were included in the study. The presence of expansion or perforation and dimensions of the lesion were performed with CBCT. In the examination of the lesion with USG, shape, echogenicity, vascularization of the lesion and the presence of buccal expansion and perforation, were determined. Subsequently, a biopsy was taken from the lesion for histopathological examination and the final result was compared with the accuracy of the preliminary diagnoses. Results: Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Wilcoxon test (w) and Cohen’s kappa coefficient (κ) was used to analyze the data. Three of the 4 lesions diagnosed as periapical granuloma as a preliminary diagnosis were confirmed as periapical granuloma in histopathological examination. Periapical cyst was confirmed in histopathological examination of 14 of 16 lesions diagnosed as periapical cyst as a preliminary diagnosis. Mesiodistal (MD) measurements in CBCT measurements were significantly higher than the USG group (p <0.05). There was 100% agreement (p = 0.000) between the evaluation of buccal expansion, buccal perforation, and palatal-lingual perforation between CBCT and USG. Conclusion: It was concluded that the combined use of USG and CBCT can provide the clinician with important information in the diagnosis of periapical lesion.
Modified Maxillary Palatal Ramp Prosthesis to Guide Mandibular Deviation Following Segmental Mandibulectomy for Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors:   Department of Prosthodontics, Post Graduate Institute of Dental Sciences, Rohtak, India, ratheemanu@gmail.com, Rathee Manu , Chahal Sujata ,   Department of Prosthodontics, Post Graduate Institute of Dental Sciences, Rohtak, India, sujata.chahal1@gmail.com, Alam Maqbul ,   Department of Prosthodontics, Post Graduate Institute of Dental Sciences, Rohtak, India, maqbulalam41@gmail.com, Jain Prachi ,   Department of Prosthodontics, Post Graduate Institute of Dental Sciences, Rohtak, India, docjainprachi@gmail.com
Published: August 2023

Benign or malignant tumor is one of the frequent causes of resection of the mandible. The extent and location of the tumor decides the mode of treatment of the neoplastic lesion. Surgical removal of oral neoplasm leads to an extensive resection of the mandible along with the associated structures. Objective: This case report describes the use of palatal ramp prosthesis to guide the mandible during movements and restore a stable occlusal relationship with an additional acrylic buccal pad to achieve partial esthetics. Case Report: A 30-years-old female patient reported with the inability to chew food following the mandibular resection of the left side. History of the patient revealed left side segmental mandibulectomy following surgery for squamous cell carcinoma of mandible. This case report describes the use of palatal ramp prosthesis to guide the mandibular deviation. Conclusion: The clinician must keep in mind the prosthetic intervention until and unless the reconstruction of the defect is planned. The rehabilitation of the defect should be done as soon as possible to prevent the mandibular deviation.
Stereomicroscopic Evaluation of Dentinal Microcracks After Instrumentation of Curved Canal with Rotary Files in Two Motions
Authors:   Karnavati School of Dentistry, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India, nupurv17@gmail.com, Vasava Nupur , Modi Shreya ,   Karnavati school of dentistry, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India, shreyahm2210@gmail.com, Joshi Chintan ,   Karnavati school of Dentistry, Adalaj-Uvarsad Rd, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India, chintanjoshi@karnavatiuniversity.edu.in, Thumar Sweety ,   Karnavati school of Dentistry, Adalaj-Uvarsad Rd, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India, sweetythumar@karnavatiuniversity.edu.in, Parmar Anisha ,   Karnavati school of Dentistry, Adalaj-Uvarsad Rd, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India, anishaparmarmds@karnavatiuniversity.edu.in, Jadawala Kruti ,   Karnavati school of Dentistry, Adalaj-Uvarsad Rd, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
Published: August 2023

Objective: This study aimed to examine the effects of three distinct file systems with two motion types—rotary and reciprocation—on the development of dentinal microcracks after root canal preparation using a stereomicroscope. Methods: Sixty mandibular molars with a curvature of 30° were decoronated and divided into three groups (Vortex Blue, Mtwo, and ProTaper Next) and two subgroups (rotary and reciprocating motions). The samples were then instrumented with the files, dyed with 1% methylene blue dye, and sectioned horizontally at 3, 6, and 9 mm from the root apex. The dentinal microcracks were inspected using a stereomicroscope at 40× magnification. One-way analysis of variance and post hoc Tukey tests were used to perform statistical analysis. Results: Crack formation was statistically significant at the 6-mm and 9-mm levels from the root apex in both motions (p < 0.05). Among all the file system, Vortex Blue caused the highest dentinal microcracks in both motions at 6 mm from the root apex. Conclusion: The reciprocating motion resulted in fewer dentinal microcracks than the rotary motion. All file systems caused significant dentinal microcracks at the curvature of the root canal during both motions. Dentinal microcrack formation was not significant at the root apex.
Do Nasal Anatomical Variations Affect the Maxillary Sinus? A CBCT Volumetric Analysis
Authors:   Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Ain-shams University, Cairo, Egypt, Raghdaaamostafa@gmail.com, A. Mostafa Raghdaa , M. Samir Sahar ,   Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Ain-shams University, Cairo, Egypt, saharsamir@asfd.asu.edu.eg
Published: August 2023

Objective: This study aimed to determine the effect of the concha bullosa (CB) and the nasal septum deviation (NSD) on the volume of the maxillary sinuses using ITK-SNAP (http://www.itksnap.org/ download/snap/). Methods: A total of 70 CBCT scans were analyzed. Three groups were evaluated; control (absence of CB), unilateral CB, and bilateral CB. Moreover, scans were classified according to the NSD into control (no deviation), mild, moderate, and severe NSD deviation. The volume of each maxillary sinus was calculated using the ITKSNAP. Intra-observer reliability analysis was performed by paired-sample t-test. Analysis of variance ANOVA and t-test were used to compare the mean bilateral maxillary sinus volumes. Results: Intra-observer reliability for the maxillary sinus volume exhibited no significant difference for both sides (p > 0.05). The mean volume of the right and left maxillary sinuses were 12.98±4.90 cm3 and 13.18±4.99 cm3 , respectively. No significant difference between the volumes of both sides (p > 0.05) was found. The results showed no significant differences between the CB or NSD groups on both sides (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The two anatomical variations have no effect on the maxillary sinus volume. The open-source software ITK-SNAP is a valuable tool for volumetric analysis.
Assessment of DNA Damage of Oral Mucosa due to Ceramic Bracket Using Comet Assay and Mutagenicity of Orthodontic Bonding System Using Ames Test
Authors:   School of Dental Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia, riaz.adham@gmail.com, Adham Riaz , Ab Rahman Norma ,   Orthodontic Unit, School of Dental Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia, drnorma@usm.my, Thirumulu Ponnuraj Kannan ,   Basic and Medical Sciences Unit, School of Dental Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia, kannan@usm.my
Published: August 2023

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the DNA damage caused by ceramic bracket (Clear II, SIA Orthodontic Manufacturer Srl, Italy) on human buccal mucosal cells using comet assay and the mutagenicity of orthodontic bonding system (Transbond XT; 3M Unitek) by Ames test. Methods: In this study, twenty orthodontic patients were recruited from Specialist Orthodontic Clinic, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia. The Buccal mucosal cell sample was obtained from each patient at three time points-before (TO), after one month (T1) and after two months (T2) of ceramic bracket placement for performing comet assay. The spot test version of Ames test was performed using four Salmonella Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) tester strains (TA 98, TA100, TA1535 and TA1537) for mutagenicity testing. Total comet score (TCS) and damage frequency (DF) were used to determine the DNA damage using non-parametric Friedman test followed by multiple pairwise comparison. The Ames test was analysed by a non-statistical method based on revertant growth ring formation. Results: There was no significant change of both TCS and DF between T0 and T1, but both parameters increased significantly from T0 to T1 and from T1 to T2. Non-statistical analysis was carried out to evaluate the results of Ames test based on the formation of revertant colony growth ring. None of the S. Typhimurium tester strains showed any revertant growth ring formation around the light cure adhesive primer. Conclusion: Ceramic bracket does not cause any DNA damage on human buccal mucosal cells and light cure adhesive primer is non mutagenic under the present test conditions.
A Prospectiv ospective-Randomiz e-Randomized Study: The Impact of F ed Study: The Impact of Four Diff our Different Caries Remo Caries Removal Method on P al Method on Pain and Clinical E ain and Clinical Evaluations aluations
Authors:   Department of Restorative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Istanbul Aydın University, Istanbul, Turkey, merveaydemir@aydin.edu.tr, Aydemir Merve , Bağlar Serdar ,   Department of Restorative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Ordu University, Ordu, Turkey, serdarbaglar78@gmail.com
Published: August 2023

Objective: There are many different methods for removing caries. In this study, to evaluate four caries removal methods in terms of patient comfort and to evaluate the clinical success of restorations according to modified-USPHS criteria. Methods: In 31 patients with at least 4 Class II caries in their posterior teeth, 4 teeth were randomly divided into four groups and 4 different methods (conventional method, Carisolv, Papacarie, Er-Cr:YSGG Laser) were used for caries removal. Pain formation during caries removal was determined by FACE Pain Scale questionnaire. The restorations were controlled with Modified-USPHS criteria in 3-6-12 months period. Mann-Whitney U test for two-group comparisons, Kruskal Wallis H test for comparison of three or more groups, Wilcoxon Sign test was used to examine the changes according to time (p < 0.05). Results: A significant difference was found between conventional methods and alternative methods in terms of pain tolerance. In the 1-year clinical evaluation of the restorations, there was a significant decrease in the postoperative sensitivity in all groups. A significant difference was detected in Carisolv and laser groups between 6-months and 12-months for marginal coloration. A significant difference was found between the conventional and laser groups between 6-months and 12-months in terms of color match. Conclusion: The success of restorations, efficacy and efficiency of the methods used in the evaluation of all groups were found to be successful. In terms of patient comfort, all alternative methods gave positive results.
Management of Tooth Hypersensitivity Under a Cantilever Fixed Partial Dentur tial Denture Using a No e Using a Novel Low-Le el Low-Level Laser Ther el Laser Therapy Protocol: A Case Report
Authors:   Department of Fixed Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt, Fattouh Mohamed ,   Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia, mohamed.fattouh@dentistry.cu.edu.eg, Mohammed Aljuaid Manal ,   Faculty of Dental Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia., manal101219@gmail.com, Ali AbdelAleem Nada ,   Department of Conservative and Restorative Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia, naabdalhameed@uqu.edu.sa
Published: August 2023

Tooth hypersensitivity is a common clinical complaint after dental treatment. Objective: This study presents a case report of the use of a diode laser for treating tooth hypersensitivity in a patient with a cantilever fixed partial denture abutment. Case Report: A 23-year-old female patient presented to the Faculty of Dentistry, Umm Al-Qura University in Makkah, with the chief complaint of pain in a deeply carious maxillary right first premolar. The tooth was extracted, and a cantilever fixed partial denture was placed using the second premolar as an abutment. One year later, the patient experienced tooth hypersensitivity under the bridge. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) was implemented to treat cervical hypersensitivity using a novel protocol with a total application time of 2.5 minutes across two visits. LLLT effectively relieved the pain. Conclusion: Diode laser is a valid method for treating tooth hypersensitivity in fixed partial denture patients.
Class III Malocclusion Camouflage Treatment Using a Conventional Orthodontic Appliance in a Non-Growing Patient
Authors:   Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia, fransiska_monika@ymail.com, Monika Fransiska , Widayati Retno ,   Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia, widayati22@yahoo.com
Published: August 2023

The treatment of skeletal and dental Class III malocclusions is a challenge for orthodontists, and one of the treatment alternatives for a non-growing patient is orthodontic camouflage treatment. Different approaches may result in different outcomes; therefore, a proper diagnosis and treatment plan are needed to avoid undesirable effects. In this case, a 21-year-old female patient presented with a skeletal Class III malocclusion, with a normal maxilla, prognathic mandible, moderate crowding, and an acceptable facial profile. The treatment modality for orthodontic camouflage treatment was a conventional orthodontic appliance with the extraction of mandibular first premolars to resolve crowding. At the end of the treatment, a Class I canine and incisor relationship was achieved while maintaining a Class III molar relationship. After 25 months of treatment, the patient had a more pleasant smile with improved functional occlusion.
A Two-Year Retr ear Retrospectiv ospective Evaluation of Cone Beam Computed aluation of Cone Beam Computed Tomography Indications in Pediatric, Adolescent and Adult Patients
Authors:   Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Yıldırım Beyazıt University, Ankara, Turkey, zeynepbarslan91@gmail.com, Betül Arslan Zeynep , Ceren Tuğutlu Esra ,   Department of Pedodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Yıldırım Beyazıt University, Ankara, Turkey, cerentatli88@gmail.com
Published: August 2023

Objective: The objective was to evaluate cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) indications and distribution in pediatric, adolescent and adult patients. Methods: A total of 1013 CBCT images were reviewed in detail from the electronic patient database. The patient’s age, gender, CBCT indications and acquisition sites, referral departments, reason for referral, incidental findings in the imaging field and the presence of artifacts in the CBCT images were all recorded. The European DIMITRA project recommendations were used to categorize CBCT indications in the children and the European Guidelines were used for adults. Results: From a total of 1013 images; 5.3% were from children, 9.2% were from adolescents and 85.5% from were adult patients. The most common indication was impacted permanent teeth in children (37%) and adolescents (34%) and impacted 3rd molars (28.7%) and implant dentistry (25.8%) in adults. While the most common regional image was taken from children (37%) and adolescents (43.4%), it was determined that CBCT was taken from the maxilla+mandible (37.7%) in adults. Conclusion: Our results show that while attention was paid to use CBCT in children and adolescents in accordance with clinical guidelines and taking into account radiation protection protocols, it was used in the adult patient group in cases where it is not superior to traditional methods.
Head and Neck Tumor Histopathological Image Representation with Pr with Pre- Trained Conv ained Convolutional Neur olutional Neural Network and Vision al Network and Vision Transformer
Authors:   Department of Oral Pathology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan, rannyrh.mpa@tmd.ac.jp, Rahaningrum Herdiantoputri Ranny , Komura Daisuke ,   Department of Preventive Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan, kdais-prm@m.u-tokyo.ac.jp, Ikeda Tohru ,   Department of Oral Pathology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan, tohrupth.mpa@tmd.ac.jp, Ishikawa Shumpei ,   Department of Preventive Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan, ishum-prm@m.u-t
Published: August 2023

Image representation via machine learning is an approach to quantitatively represent histopathological images of head and neck tumors for future applications of artificial intelligence-assisted pathological diagnosis systems. Objective: This study compares image representations produced by a pre-trained convolutional neural network (VGG16) to those produced by a vision transformer (ViT-L/14) in terms of the classification performance of head and neck tumors. Methods: Whole-slide images of five oral tumor categories (n = 319 cases) were analyzed. Image patches were created from manually annotated regions at 4096, 2048, and 1024 pixels and rescaled to 256 pixels. Image representations were classified by logistic regression or multiclass Support Vector Machines for binary or multiclass classifications, respectively. Results: VGG16 with 1024 pixels performed best for benign and malignant salivary gland tumors (BSGT and MSGT) (F1 = 0.703 and 0.803). VGG16 outperformed ViT for BSGT and MSGT with all magnification levels. However, ViT outperformed VGG16 for maxillofacial bone tumors (MBTs), odontogenic cysts (OCs), and odontogenic tumors (OTs) with all magnification levels (F1 = 0.780; 0.874; 0.751). Conclusion: Being more texture-biased, VGG16 performs better in representing BSGT and MSGT
Determination of the content of major chemical components and bioactive compounds and antioxidant ability of Hong Quan (Flacourtia jangomas (Lour.) Raeusch) fruit cultivated in An Giang, Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Duy Tan  , Vo Thi Xuan Tuyen  , Tran Nghia Khang
Published: August 2023

Hong Quan (Flacourtia jangomas (Lour.) Raeusch) is a new fruit that has appeared recently and it is cultivated with other orchards or under forest canopy of Tri Ton and Tinh Bien district at An Giang province. Since this fruit has not been popularized in Vietnam, there is a shortage in research about chemical compositions of Hong Quan. Therefore, quantitative analysis of main chemical components, bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of this kind of fruit need to be carried out to enhance its applications in food. Results showed that Hong Quan fruits contain 76.50% ± 2.56 of moisture, carbohydrate is 24.86% ± 1.54, protein is 9.19% ± 0.49, lipid is 0.68% ± 0.21, total sugar is 10,91% ± 0.88, ash is 1.05% ± 0.08, fiber is 8.39% ± 0.95 and vitamin C is 81.62 ± 3.99 mg/100g. The content of bioactive compounds such as carotenoids, phenolics, tannins, alkaloids, saponins and flavonoids were 9.87 ± 0.40 mg/100g, 456.32 ± 23.81 mgGAE/100g, 944.08 ± 26.31 mgTAE/100g, 586.68 ± 44.56 mgCE/100g, 20.87 ± 2.00 mgSE/100g and 65.95 ± 2.92 mgQE/100g fresh weight respectively. Moreover, antioxidant capacity of extract ethanol from fruit was high level as the free radical scavenging ability (DPPH) at 88.65% ± 1.23, the ability to reduce iron (FRAP) at 15.24 ± 0.26 mM FeSO4/100g and the antioxidant ability index (AAI) at 8.13 ± 0.82. Hong Quan fruit promisingly could be a good source of commercial processing products or cosmetic due to high level of nutrients and functional compounds.
A review on anti-cancer plants of India
Authors: Carol C Morris  , Ramyasree C S  , Kruthika P  , Pappuswamy Manikantan , Aditi Chaudhary  , Meyyazhagan Arun , Arumugam Vijaya Anand  , Balasubramanian Balamuralikrishnan
Published: August 2023

India has a high level of endemism and a diverse range of floral species. Cancer is one of the most significant challenges facing global health today. The indigenous peoples and residents who live in India have, for a very long time, made use of specific medicinal plants to fight cancer. This practice is still prevalent today. Several different drugs may be utilized in the treatment of cancer. Because of the potential drawbacks associated with such treatments and the development of drug resistance, the quest for new therapies that are both safer and much more effective is still the most challenging field of study. Several cancer medicines used today come from natural sources. We're returning to our old ways because medicinal plants are a good, natural way to make medicines that prevent cancer without causing major side effects. Within the scope of this study, a few herbs traditionally used to treat cancer are looked at to see what they might be good for. The cytotoxicity of these plants, the processes that lead to them, and the different compounds they make were looked into. This study has tried to focus on how these plants fight cancer.
Adaptive Indexing in High-Dimensional Metric Spaces
Authors: Lampropoulos Konstantinos , Zardbani Fatemeh , Mamoulis Nikos , Karras Panagiotis
Published: August 2023

Similarity search in high-dimensional metric spaces is routinely used in many applications including content-based image retrieval, bioinformatics, data mining, and recommender systems. Search can be accelerated by the use of an index. However, constructing a high-dimensional index can be quite expensive and may not pay off if the number of queries against the data is not large. In these circumstances, it is beneficial to construct an index
adaptively
, while responding to a query workload. Existing work on multidimensional adaptive indexing partitions space into orthotopes (i.e., hyperrectangular units). This approach, however, is highly ineffective in high-dimensional spaces. In this paper, we propose AV-tree: an alternative method for adaptive high-dimensional indexing that exploits previously computed distances, using query centers as vantage points. Our experimental study shows that AV-tree yields cumulative cost for the first several hundred or even thousand queries much lower than that of pre-built indices. After thousands of queries, the per-query performance of the AV-tree converges or even surpasses that of the state-of-the-art MVP-tree. Arguably, our approach is commendable in environments where the expected number of queries is not large while there is a need to start answering queries as soon as possible, such as applications where data are updated frequently and past data soon become obsolete.
Okra-psyllium based green synthesis of eco-friendly bio-adsorbent for efficient removal of uranium and crystal violet dye from aqueous media: statistical optimization using response surface methodology
Authors: Singh Anjali , Kaith Balbir Singh , Mehra Rohit , Balram  , Sardul Vikas , Bhatti Manpreet Singh
Published: August 2023

The prime objective of this study is to synthesize eco-friendly okra-psyllium based hydrogel through free radical crosslinking method by using citric acid-ammonium persulfate as a crosslinker-initiator system. Various techniques were used to explore the morphology, structure and thermal behaviour of the synthesized hydrogel via. Powdered X-ray diffraction studies, SEM and TGA techniques. Response surface methodology was performed to maximize the grafting percentage of the synthesized hydrogel up to 244 % and swelling percentage of 598 %. The physicochemical properties like salt-resistance behaviour and the impact of ionic strength on the swelling percentage of synthesized hydrogel were investigated and thus observed with the following trend as K+ > Ca2+ > Fe3+. Furthermore, the synthesized sample showed an excellent bio-adsorbent behaviour for the removal of uranium with 97.75 % removal in 60 min and crystal violet dye removal up to 85.32 % in 24 h from contaminated water. Various kinetic and isotherm adsorption modelling were implied to probe the mechanism of adsorption with displayed interactions between the absorbate and the absorbent. The Langmuir isotherm model was well-fitted in dye adsorption case with regression co-efficient value of 0.99. In case of uranium, tempkin isotherm model was best fitted with regression co-efficient value as 0.92. Crystal violet dye adsorption favoured second-order kinetic model whereas the adsorption mechanism of uranium followed first-order kinetics. Hence, the revealed results depicted that the synthesized hydrogel served as a potential candidate for the effective removal of toxic dye (crystal violet) and metal ion (uranium) from aqueous media with a sustainable approach towards environment.
Domain-Specific Cognitive Impairment Reflects Prefrontal Dysfunction in Aged Common Marmosets
Authors: Vanderlip Casey R. , Asch Payton A. , Reynolds John H. , Glavis-Bloom Courtney
Published: August 2023

Age-related cognitive impairment is not expressed uniformly across cognitive domains. Cognitive functions that rely on brain areas that undergo substantial neuroanatomical changes with age often show age-related impairment, whereas those that rely on brain areas with minimal age-related change typically do not. The common marmoset has grown in popularity as a model for neuroscience research, but robust cognitive phenotyping, particularly as a function of age and across multiple cognitive domains, is lacking. This presents a major limitation for the development and evaluation of the marmoset as a model of cognitive aging and leaves open the question of whether they exhibit age-related cognitive impairment that is restricted to some cognitive domains, as in humans. In this study, we characterized stimulus–reward association learning and cognitive flexibility in young adults to geriatric marmosets using a Simple Discrimination task and a Serial Reversal task, respectively. We found that aged marmosets show transient impairment in learning-to-learn but have conserved ability to form stimulus–reward associations. Furthermore, aged marmosets have impaired cognitive flexibility driven by susceptibility to proactive interference. As these impairments are in domains critically dependent on the prefrontal cortex, our findings support prefrontal cortical dysfunction as a prominent feature of neurocognitive aging. This work positions the marmoset as a key model for understanding the neural underpinnings of cognitive aging.
Antibiotics hypersensitivity reactions during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Kalikyan Zaruhi G.
Published: August 2023

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there have emerged publications about various skin manifestations mainly caused by the related coronavirus, also including some case reports on dermal drug-related adverse reactions. In Armenia, the doctors in COVID-19 hospitals periodically consulted with allergists-immunologists regarding allergic conditions that many patients already suffered on admission or manifested after it. We present the series of three most interesting drug-induced cases with various skin manifestations in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia who requited antibiotic therapy. The causative significance of antibiotics was assessed according to Naranjos algorithm. In the first case (a 58-year-old female patient), a diagnosis of maculopapular exanthem was made based on the clinical picture. Although the coronavirus per se can result in similar manifestations, previous history of allergic reaction to ampicillin led to the conclusion that ceftriaxone (both are beta-lactam antibiotics) was the most probable cause. The second case (a 53-year-old male patient), clinically manifested as vasculitis, caused some difficulties because this is quite often skin manifestations related to SARS-CoV-2, and is rarely induced by medications. Taking into account the history of reaction to beta-lactam antibiotic, as well as the fact that the patient took amoxicillin without a prescription before hospitalization and with overt skin lesions at that time, amoxicillin was assessed as a possible cause. In the third case (a 64-years-old female patient), diagnosed with a bullous drug-induced skin eruption, despite isolated cases of such lesions can be manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 infection, moxitec (fluoroquinolone antibiotic) was assessed as the most probable cause, especially taking into account herpes in history. According to current recommendations, an issue of drug tests was discussed with all three patients to confirm the causative significance of indicated drugs and/or to select an alternative drug, if necessary. In this regard, the subjects were included in the database of patients with severe drug hypersensitivity reactions by their informed consent.
Assessment of protein s and c level and its relationship with health-related factors in people living with hiv: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Rezaei Esmaeil , Jamali Elham , Foroozanfar Zohre , Ataei Farangis , Beheshti Shohre , Joulaei Hassan
Published: August 2023

Introduction. Not only does Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) threaten the complications associated with immunodeficiency, but also does it cause a set of chronic conditions that may lead to serious problems in these patients. Hypercoagulable state and other hematologic manifestations are reported as leading factors in various clinical problems like deep vein thrombosis in People Living with HIV (PLHIV). The present study aimed to investigate whether there is any correlation between proteins S and C levels (the thrombophilic conditions in HIV seropositive cases) and hematological factors, biochemical markers, CD4 count, HIV viral load, anti-retroviral therapy, Hepatitis C (HCV) and hepatitis B (HBV) confection, drug use, infectious diseases, and demographic characteristics.

Materials and methods. Protein S and C levels in 100 PLHIV were measured. Coagulation tests, CD4 count, HIV viral load, biochemical and hematological factors, and infectious tests were measured in these cases to assess any possible correlation between these factors and the patients proteins S and C levels.

Results. Protein S, and C deficiency among PLHIV 8% and 10%, respectively. Red blood cell, hemoglobin, hematocrit, fasting blood sugar, and albumin were directly related to protein S, and the patients with positive VDRL significantly had a lower level of protein S. The patients receiving anti-retroviral therapy and those with positive VDRL had a higher level of protein C. CD4 count, prothrombin time, and cholesterol had also a direct correlation with protein C level.

Conclusion. According to our results and the reduction of protein S, protein C, and the other factors affecting the lifestyle of PLHIV, there is an urge to pay special attention to thromboembolic disease. Moreover, there is a more possibility of hemostatic imbalances and coagulation disorders in them.