bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pourquoi regardons-nous les séries télévisées ?
Authors: Damour Franck
Published: December 2023

Qui fera l’histoire culturelle du début du XXI e siècle ne pourra faire l’impasse sur les séries non seulement comme phénomène de société, mais aussi comme témoin de notre temps et comme expression artistique à part entière : les séries peuvent concurrencer, sans rougir, le cinéma. Comment expliquer cette mutation ?
La faim en Guyane française : un fléau endémique amplifié par la crise sanitaire
Authors: Huber Florence , Basurko Célia , Oberlis Margot , Alcouffe Leslie , Rousseau Cyril , Le Poulain Katell , Gonzalez Adriana , Osei Lindsay , Kpossou Karl , Vignier Nicolas , Boceno Claire , Wiedner-Papin Solène
Published: December 2023

En 2020, des pénuries alimentaires sont survenues dès l’entrée en vigueur du confinement destiné à contrôler la pandémie de COVID-19. En Guyane Française, où une forte proportion de la population vivait déjà sous le seuil de pauvreté, des alertes préoccupantes ont émané d’acteurs de santé. En parallèle du déploiement d’une aide alimentaire massive, une première enquête transversale a été menée en août 2020, ciblant les quartiers précaires des environs de Cayenne. Les résultats étaient particulièrement inquiétants : plus de 80 % des ménages avaient souffert de la faim dans le mois, avec une baisse médiane de revenus de 46 %. Deux autres enquêtes ont suivi, en février, puis en août 2021. Avec l’allègement des mesures sanitaires, la situation s’était sensiblement améliorée dans la région de Cayenne, mais deux ménages sur trois restaient impactés, avec des carences quantitatives et une diversité alimentaire insuffisante. La situation semblait particulièrement critique parmi les enfants. Au vu de cette situation, nous proposons de créer un observatoire de l’insécurité alimentaire en Guyane, tout en maintenant ce sujet en tête des priorités sanitaires. En outre, la lutte contre l’insécurité alimentaire ne peut se limiter à l’aide matérielle : la stratégie, multisectorielle, doit être pensée en globalité, intégrant les problématiques sanitaires et sociales, les enjeux de l’aménagement du territoire, de l’accès à la terre et à l’eau, de l’accès aux droits et à l’insertion sociale. Un ciblage juste des actions vers les publics les plus exposés et vulnérables est également un enjeu important, indépendamment de la situation administrative et du droit au séjour des personnes concernées.
Artificial Intelligence in Medical and Healthcare Service
Authors: Sangeetha V. , Mamatha A. , Vaneeta M. , Beena K.
Published: December 2023

Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies have made enormous strides recently and are already pervasive in many aspects of our daily life. Numerous efforts are being undertaken in the healthcare industry to apply AI technology for useful medical treatments. With the quick advancements in hardware performance and machine learning algorithms, it is anticipated that AI technology would be crucial in efficiently processing and utilizing vast amounts of health and medical data. However, the AI technology differs from the current medical technology in a number of distinctive ways. There are still few medical professionals and members of the general public that accept AI in healthcare, and there are several challenges about the security and dependability of AI technology applications. This chapter describes the state of current AI research and application in the healthcare industry and identifies the various challenges that need to be addressed and suggest how to resolve them.
The Role of AI in Elevating Hospital Service Quality
Authors: Abidi Mustufa Haider , Rehman Ateekh Ur , Mian Syed Hammad , Alkhalefah Hisham , Usmani Yusuf Siraj
Published: December 2023

Artificial intelligence (AI) is now becoming an integral part of human life. It is finding applications in almost all domains, such as healthcare, marketing, business development, manufacturing, transportation, etc. This chapter explores the applications of AI in enhancing hospital service quality and presents a framework for its development. The chapter begins by providing an overview of hospital service quality and highlighting the role of AI in healthcare. It emphasizes the importance of enhancing hospital service quality and introduces the need for an AI-driven framework. The foundations of AI in healthcare are then discussed, including its evolution and different types of AI technologies. The challenges in implementing AI in healthcare are also addressed. The chapter also includes applications that illustrate the successful application of AI. The framework development section focuses on understanding the current hospital service landscape and defining key metrics for hospital service quality.
The Promotion of Women's Leisure Sports Behavior Based on Improved Decision Tree Algorithm
Authors: Luo Huaping
Published: December 2023

In women's daily leisure choices, sports is an important content that cannot be ignored. In this context, this paper studies the promotion of women's leisure sports behavior based on improved decision tree algorithm. Based on the simple analysis of the research progress of leisure sports and decision tree algorithm, a female leisure sports behavior model based on decision tree is constructed. Based on the decision tree algorithm, the calculation method of information gain rate is optimized to avoid logarithmic operation, and the continuous attributes are discretized. Simulation results show that in terms of classification accuracy, the improved decision tree algorithm is significantly higher than the classical decision tree algorithm, and can significantly shorten the running time, which has high application value in the realization of accurate classification analysis of female leisure sports behavior.
Nutritional Assessment of Adult Patients Undergoing Maintenance Hemodialysis in the Gaza Strip
Authors: Naser Ihab A. , Abutair Ayman S. , Zourob Reenal J. , Qeshta Rhagda I. , Tawil Rasha L. , Lafi Amani H. , Bardwil Rawia W. , Tabasi Faten M.
Published: December 2023

Malnutrition is a common condition in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD), and it is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The main objective of the study was to evaluate the nutritional status of patients on maintenance HD. After applying eligibility criteria, 141 HD patients attending major governmental dialysis centers were randomly recruited in this cross-sectional study and assessed for nutritional status using the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) tool. The PG-SGA categorizes patients as well-nourished, moderately malnourished, and severely malnourished. Different anthropometric measurements, laboratory investigations, blood pressure measurements, and 24-h dietary recall were collected from each patient. According to PG- SGA results, 78% of patients were moderately malnourished and 22% of patients were severely malnourished. The mean body mass index was 27.8 kg/m2, and 5.7% of patients were underweight. There were significant differences in the mid-upper arm muscle circumference (P = 0.020) between the PG-SGA groups. The total energy and protein intake were significantly (P <0.001) less than the recommended dietary intake by 1268.9 kcal and 41.4 g, respectively. The albumin level in 37.6% of patients was less than the normal level, and the results indicated that there were significant differences in serum iron (P = 0.022) between the moderately and severely malnourished patients. The results of this study indicated that all HD patients were suffering from different degrees of malnutrition and, unfortunately, most of their energy and nutrient intake was far less than the requirements, which might be the reason why they face nutritional and health risks.
Urinary Apolipoprotein A1 and Neutrophil Gelatinase-associated Lipocalin in Children with Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome
Authors: Murugesan Suresh , Saha Abhijeet , Deepthi Bobbity , Kaur Manpreet , Basak Trayambak , Sengupta Shantanu , Batra Vineeta , Upadhyay Ashish Dutt
Published: December 2023

Urinary biomarkers are a promising diagnostic modality whose role was explored in nephrotic syndrome (NS). We estimated urinary apolipoprotein A1 (Apo A1) and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) in children with first-episode NS (FENS) and controls with a longitudinal follow-up to see the serial changes during remission. The study groups comprised 35 children with FENS and an equal number of age- and sex-matched controls. Patients were followed up at regular intervals, and 32 patients were classified as having steroid-sensitive NS (SSNS) and 3 as having steroid-resistant NS (SRNS). The mean follow-up period was 8.7 ± 4.2 months. Three patients in the SSNS group were labeled as having frequent relapses or steroid-dependent disease during follow-up. Of the three children with SRNS, two had minimal changes in the disease and one had idiopathic membranous nephropathy. The levels of Apo A1:creatinine, NGAL:creatinine, and spot urinary protein:urinary creatinine ratios were significantly higher in children with FENS compared with controls. The levels of the urine biomarkers decreased significantly at subsequent follow-up with remission. The Apo A1 and NGAL levels in SSNS patients were significantly high compared with both the controls and FENS patients. Urinary Apo A1 levels in SRNS patients were lower at initial presentation. This longitudinal study revealed changes in the urinary Apo A1 and NGAL in NS over the course of the disease.
Comparing the Reliability of the Glomerular Filtration Rate Estimated with 99m-Technetium Diethylene-Triamine-Pentaacetate versus the Effective Renal Plasma Flow Obtained with 99m-Technetium Ethylene Dicysteine: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Sapru Shantanu , Choudhary Nilotpal , Chandra Abhilash , Mudi Rimpa , Tripathi Rahul , Deswal Satyawati
Published: December 2023

The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is important for assessing renal function and must be calculated reliably and reproducibly. This study aimed to compare the reliability and accuracy of GFR estimated with 99m-technetium diethylene-triamine-pentaacetate (99mTc-DTPA) versus that calculated from the effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) (GFR is 20% of ERPF) determined by the 99m-technetium ethylene dicysteine (99mTc-EC) technique. Forty-five patients suffering from cancer requiring platinum compound-based chemotherapy or from chronic renal failure were recruited. The patients were divided into two cohorts: (1) those with normal serum creatinine (SCr) levels (≤2 mg/dL) and (2) deranged SCr levels (>2 mg/dL). For all patients, the relative renal function was estimated by the 99mTc-DTPA and 99mTc-EC methods, 2–4 days apart. A 24-h urine sample for estimating 24-h creatinine clearance (CrCl) was obtained. GFR was also calculated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) formula. The GFR estimated via 24-h urine CrCl, 99mTc-DTPA, and ERPF obtained with 99mTc-EC were examined by quantile comparison plots, and all showed evidence of following a non-Gaussian distribution. For SCr values ≤2 mg/dL, the GFR estimated by the MDRD formula consistently shows significantly higher values than the GFR estimated with 99mTc-DTPA or 99mTc-EC. We found a high degree of correlation between the 99mTc-DTPA and 99mTc-EC radionuclide methods of estimating GFR. However, in patients with renal dysfunction, GFR estimated through Gates' method using a gamma camera overestimated the GFR; in these patients, calculating the GFR from the ERPF obtained with 99mTc-EC is more accurate.
Outcomes of Maintenance Peritoneal Dialysis in Children: A State Hospital Experience from Southeastern Turkey
Authors: Kara Mehtap Akbalik , Pinarbasi Ayse Seda
Published: December 2023

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical features, laboratory features, and outcomes of pediatric patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD) and compare the factors affecting mortality. The demographic, clinical, and laboratory data of 50 patients on maintenance PD followed up for more than 3 months were retrospectively analyzed for non-survivors and survivors to evaluate all factors affecting mortality. The patients (26 boys and 24 girls) had a mean age of 85.4 ± 58.7 months (range: 1–194 months) at the initiation of PD. The mean duration of dialysis at follow-up was 27.8 ± 21.7 months (range: 3–115 months). The rate of peritonitis was one episode per 27.27 patient months. PD was discontinued because of transplantation in eight patients, death in eight patients, and shifting to hemodialysis in three patients. In the Kaplan–Meier analysis, the 1-year patient survival rate at 1 year, 2 years, and 5 years was 81.8%, 51.7%, and 12.3%, respectively. Non-survivors were significantly younger at the start of kidney replacement therapy, had a final younger age at dialysis, and had lower albumin levels than survivors. We excluded four patients with a follow-up period of <6 months. Cox regression analysis revealed a low albumin status (P = 0.014, hazard ratio: 0.230) and a high level of ferritin (P = 0.002, hazard ratio: 1.002) to be risk factors for mortality. This study showed a high mortality rate. Hypoalbuminemia, a younger age at the start of kidney replacement therapy, and a younger final age at dialysis had a significant association with mortality.
Risk factors for development of pneumothorax in patients with COVID-19 at a government health facility in North India: An exploratory case-control study
Authors: Baidya Manabendra , Pandey Sandeep Kumar , Solanki Hariom Kumar , Singh Ankur Deep , Giri Samaksh , Altamash Syed
Published: December 2023

Objective:

To explore risk factors for the development of pneumothorax in patients with COVID-19 during the second COVID-19 wave at a northern Indian level 2 health facility.

Methods:

Patients suffering from SARS-CoV-2 infection during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in India (January -June 2021) at a tertiary care teaching hospital and level 2 COVID care facility were included. Cases who suffered from SARS-CoV-2 infection but did not develop pneumothorax were selected as matched controls. All details regarding demographics, clinical presentation, treatment, and outcome were recorded in a semi-structured proforma.

Results:

Eleven patients with COVID-19 developed pneumothorax during the study period and 40 controls were included in the study. Five cases were smokers in comparison to only two in the control group. Type 2 diabetes mellitus was the most common comorbidity among both groups. Median change in C-reactive protein overall for cases and controls were around +14.0 and −41.9 and was statistically significant.

Conclusions:

Inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein have significant correlations with the development of pneumothorax in COVID-19-infected patients. There is no sex predisposition to develop pneumothorax among patients with COVID-19.
Oxidative stress in male infertility and therapeutic approach: A mini-review
Authors: Lahimer Marwa , Mustapha Henda , Bach Véronique , Khorsi-Cauet Hafida , Benkhalifa Moncef , Ajina Mounir , Ali Habib Ben
Published: December 2023

Growing evidence suggests that oxidative stress is a major cause of male infertility. Spermatozoa are highly sensitive cells due to the vulnerability of their membrane fatty acids and the diminished antioxidant defense. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) impact multiple signaling pathways involved in mitochondrial dysfunction, hormonal unbalance and semen quality decline. The origin of ROS is diverse, including generated normal cellular metabolism, environmental exposure, advanced paternal age and inflammation. Research has indicated that antioxidant supplementation can improve oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Moreover, it is widely known that antioxidant supplementation can enhance sperm quality and increase the pregnancy rate in couples undergoing fertility treatments. The current study highlights the deleterious effect of ROS and its impact on semen function. In addition, it contributes to the development of a clinical approach for the use of antioxidants in the management of male infertility.
Embryonic, genetic and clinical outcomes of fresh versus vitrified oocyte: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Dao Phuong Thi , Dang Son Truong , Nguyen Thuan Duc , Pham Anh Van , Do Anh Tuan , Van Hanh Nguyen
Published: December 2023

Objective:

To compare embryonic development, ploidy status and clinical outcomes between fresh and frozen-thawed oocytes.

Methods:

This retrospective cohort study evaluated 83 fertilization cycles including both fresh and frozen oocytes from 79 patients at the HP Fertility Center of Hai Phong International Hospital of Obstetrics and Pediatrics in Vietnam. The patient underwent several ovarian stimulation cycles to accumulate a certain number of oocytes that would be vitrified. In the last oocyte retrieval, all patient's oocytes including both frozen and fresh would be fertilized. The outcomes included the rates of oocyte survival, cleavage embryo, blastocyst, ploidy status, pregnancy, biochemical pregnancy and clinical pregnancy.

Results:

The oocyte survival rate after thawing was 96.5%. No statistically significant difference was found when comparing fresh and frozen oocytes regarding fertilization rate (78.1% vs. 75.5%, P=0.461), usable cleavage embryo rate (86.9% vs. 87.2%, P=0.916) but usable blastocyst rate was found higher statistically in the frozen oocyte group (44.4% vs. 54.0%, P=0.049). The percentages of euploid, aneuploid and mosaic embryos between the fresh group and the vitrified group had no significant differences (33.8% vs. 31.6%, P=0.682; 51.0% vs. 54.2%, P=0.569; 15.2% vs. 12.4%, P=0.787; respectively). The rates of pregnancy, biochemical pregnancy and clinical pregnancy had no statistical difference (68.8% vs. 64.8%, P=0.764; 12.5% vs. 3.6%, P=0.258; 37.5% vs. 46.4%, P=0.565). 17 Mature oocytes are the minimum to have at least one euploid embryo.

Conclusions:

Oocyte vitrification does not affect embryonic, genetic and clinical results. The number of mature oocytes should be considered for fertilization in some cases.
Detection of rifampicin resistance in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates from the medical centers at Ahmadu Bello University
Authors: Akpudo Maryloveth Oluchukwu , Oche Dominic Agbo , Adikwu Peter , Agbo Augustine Ameh , Atolagbe Cecilia Towobola , Jimoh Olanrewaju , Olayinka Busayo Olalekan
Published: December 2023

Objective:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of rifampicin resistance among methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus (S.) aureus (MRSA) isolates obtained from patients in two health facilities at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

Methods:

A total of 200 non-duplicate presumptive Staphylococcal isolates were collected from the health facilities. The isolates were confirmed using mannitol salt agar, and biochemical tests were performed to identify S. aureus. The confirmed S. aureus isolates underwent antibiotic susceptibility tests, and the results were interpreted according to the guidelines provided by the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to investigate virulence and antibiotic resistance determinant, such as Spa, mecA, and rpoB.

Results:

This study revealed a S. aureus isolation rate of 22 (11.0%), and 18.2% of these S. aureus isolates were methicillin-resistant, with the highest prevalence of resistance (9.1%) found in wound swab. The results further showed that 75.0% of the MRSA isolates were resistant to rifampicin. The molecular analysis showed that all the isolates carried the virulence gene (Spa), with a prevalence of 10.0% for mecA and 20.0% for rpoB genes, respectively.

Conclusions:

This study underscores the prevalence of rifampicin resistance among MRSA isolates in medical centers, advocating for the development of alternative strategies to combat the current trends in antibiotic resistance and control of rifampicin-resistant MRSA.
Prediction of Preterm Delivery among Low-risk Indian Pregnant Women: Discriminatory Power of Cervical Length, Serum Ferritin, and Serum Alpha-fetoprotein
Authors: Jyothi Lakavath , Datta Mousumi , Mitra Divyangana , Biswas Jhuma , Maitra Arghya , Kar Kaushik
Published: December 2023

Background:

Around 80% of preterm births (PTBs) occur spontaneously. Various biomarkers are being evaluated to assess the possible role of chorioamniotic inflammation in PTBs.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to establish the accuracy of serum bio-markers( cut off values of ferritin and alpha-fetoprotein [AFP] at midtrimester) along with cervical length [CL] assessment to predict preterm delivery among low-risk women.

Methods:

Three hundred low-risk pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic of a tertiary health care facility were included and underwent CL measurement during mid-trimester by transvaginal ultrasonography and their serum levels of ferritin and AFP were recorded. All were followed up till delivery.

Results:

Receptor-operated characteristic curves for ferritin, AFP, and CL were constructed. Area under curves and Youden Index calculated for each marker were very low (<0.5) which is statistically considered very poor for a screening test.

Conclusion:

Serum ferritin and AFP together with CL measurement in the second trimester of pregnancy had poor discriminatory value in predicting preterm delivery among low-risk asymptomatic pregnant women.
A Case of Dyke-Davidoff-Masson Syndrome with Hypoplasia of the Kidney: An Unusual Association
Authors: Patel Prem Shankar , Krishna Amresh , Archana  , Kumar Om
Published: December 2023

Dyke-Davidoff-Masson syndrome (DDMS) is a rare neuro-osteal syndrome of childhood and a constellation of cerebral hemiatrophy, facial asymmetry, seizures, osseous changes, and hemiplegia. It commonly presents with seizures and hemiplegia. The involvement of the kidney in DDMS is not known in the available literature, except in a case report that described ectopic kidney in DDMS. We present the case of a 15-year-old boy who presented with recurrent seizures, right facial palsy, left hemiparesis, and advanced renal failure. The neuroimaging revealed diffuse right cerebral atrophy, dilatation of the ipsilateral lateral ventricle, and ipsilateral thickening of the calvaria. The nephrological evaluation suggested the diagnosis of chronic kidney disease stage VD, probably secondary to congenital hypoplasia of the kidney.
Situational Analysis of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene in Health-care Facilities of a District in Central India
Authors: Ganesan Madhu Balan , Shukla Arvind , Galhotra Abhiruchi , Agrawal Sanjana
Published: December 2023

Background:

Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) in health-care facilities is fundamental for providing quality, people-centered care and critical to achieving quality and accessible health services. This study aimed to assess the status of the WASH infrastructure in health-care facilities of Raipur district, Chhattisgarh, India.

Methodology:

This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study carried out in all public health-care facilities of Abhanpur block, Raipur district, Chhattisgarh, India, between 2019 and 2020 using an adapted version of joint monitoring program’s (JMP) core questions, indicators, and service ladder framework.

Results:

A total of 2 community health centers (CHCs), 7 primary health centers (PHCs), and 34 subhealth centers (SHCs) were included in the present study. All CHCs (100%) had essential water, sanitation, hygiene, and waste management services. Among PHCs, 85.7% had water from improved and hygienic sources, only 57.1% had basic sanitation, and 100% had vital essential waste management services. Among SHCs, 55.9% had essential water, 2.9% had basic sanitation, 20.6% had basic hygiene, and 35.3% had necessary waste management services. Overall, it was found that 62.8% of health-care facilities had necessary water services, 16.3% had basic sanitation services, 34.9% had essential hygiene services, and 48.8% had basic waste management services.

Conclusion:

The status of WASH infrastructure in health-care facilities of Raipur district is either limited or not available, especially concerning sanitation services, hygiene, and waste management services. It is the need of the hour to ensure a coordinated response that in all health-care facilities, WASH services are made available and accessible.
An Unusual Case of Hybrid Odontogenic Tumor in Type 1 Myotonic Dystrophy Patient
Authors: Unni Jiji V. , Daryani Deepak , Uthkal M. P. , Mustafa Shabil Mohamed
Published: December 2023

Myotonic dystrophy, also referred myotonic muscular dystrophy, is an autosomal dominant, slowly progressive, multisystem disease characterized by skeletal muscle weakness, wasting, and myotonia. A hybrid tumor of odontogenic apparatus is a lesion showing combined histopathological characteristics of two or more previously recognized odontogenic tumors and/or cysts of different categories. We, therefore, report a case of hybrid tumor (adenomatoid odontogenic tumor associated with calcifying cystic odontogenic tumor) in a myotonic dystrophic patient.
Prevalence, distribution, and risk markers for the development of gonadal germ cell tumors in patients with certain types of disorders of sexual differentiation with Y chromosome – A retrospective study
Authors: Das Darvin V , Jabbar PK , Gomez Ramesh , Nambisan Bindu , Bhuvitha MS , Nair Abilash , Jayakumari C
Published: December 2023

Purpose:

To study the prevalence, subtypes, and risk markers for the development of gonadal germ cell tumors (GCT’s) among disorders of sexual differentiation (DSD) patients with the Y chromosome.

Materials and Method:

Design: A retrospective review of the patient’s case records from 2010 to 2020 in Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, India was studied. The study participants included 54 subjects with DSD containing the Y chromosome. Demographic data, external masculinization scoring, associated congenital anomalies, karyotyping, intraoperative findings such as gonadal location and internal genital ducts, histopathology of the resected gonads, and its immunohistochemistry were collected. The prevalence of gonadal GCT’s was estimated from paraffin-embedded gonadectomy samples (S = 82).

Results:

The median age of occurrence of gonadal GCT’s was 18 years. The prevalence of malignant gonadal GCT’s was highest among the PAIS group (19.2%) followed by gonadal dysgenesis (15.8% each in MGD and CGD) and least among CAIS (7.7%) (p < 0.01). The most common type of malignant gonadal GCT’s in the descending order of frequency was dysgerminoma, seminoma, mixed GCT, and yolk sac tumor. Multivariance logistic analysis showed post-puberty and the presence of congenital anomalies were associated with the occurrence of gonadal GCT’s (P < 0.01).

Conclusion:

The overall prevalence of gonadal GCT’s (malignant and premalignant) among DSD with Y chromosomes is nearly 25%. Dysgerminoma is the most common malignant gonadal GCT’s. Age at or above 18 years and the presence of congenital anomalies like renal agenesis, retroperitoneal vascular defects, and congenital diaphragmatic hernia were independent risk markers for the development of gonadal GCT’s.
CD47 expression in urothelial carcinoma and its correlation with histopathological findings
Authors: Çoban Ganime , Yıldız Pelin , Şahin Nurhan , Ersöz Cevper , Toprak Ali , Ünver Nurcan , Elagöz Şahande
Published: December 2023

Background:

The incidence of bladder cancers (BCs) is increasing day by day in both males and females with increased smoking. New treatment protocols are required due to the long follow-up times and high recurrence rates. CD47 (integrin-associated protein) is a membrane receptor that is effective in normal and pathophysiological events such as apoptosis, proliferation, adhesion, and immunity. Phagocytosis of both normal and tumor cells is prevented, by binding to the ligand signal regulatory protein-1 (SIRP-1)α on macrophages. Anti-CD47 antibodies can eliminate the binding and may be effective in treatment.

Methods:

The study included 194 cases with urothelial carcinoma (UC) who underwent transurethral resection (TUR) of the bladder and had been followed up for one year. Cytoplasmic and membranous staining was preferred for CD47-positive staining. Staining results were compared with tumor grades, pathologic tumor stage, recurrence, and metastasis grade.

Results:

The prevalence and intensity of CD47 staining in BCs were evaluated in this study. High-grade tumors were stained more pronouncedly compared with low-grade tumors and normal epithelium. The prevalence of CD47 staining was significant in pT2 (Pathological tumor stage 2, invades of muscularis propria) tumors, and its correlation with pTa (Pathological tumor stage a, noninvasive papillary carcinoma) tumors was significant (P < 0.001). In the intensity evaluation, there was a significant difference between pTa and pT2 and between pT1 (Pathological tumor stage 1, invades lamina propria) and pT2 (P = 0.003).

Conclusion:

CD47 is expressed strongly in high-grade tumors. The prevalence and intensity of CD47 staining are high in pathologic tumor stage, recurrence, and distant metastases and are considered poor prognostic markers. We believe that anti-CD47 antibodies can be used as an alternative to the current treatment or in combination with other medications, and the systemic side effects that may occur with intravesical treatment can be prevented.
Prevalence of asymptomatic brain metastases in metastatic nonsquamous nonsmall cell lung cancer: Treatment implications for resource-constrained settings
Authors: Shukla Shubham , Prasad Kuruswamy Thurai , Ahuja Chirag Kamal , Muthu Valliappan , Singh Navneet
Published: December 2023

Background:

Brain metastases (BM) are common in metastatic nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, routine neuroimaging in asymptomatic patients with metastatic NSCLC is controversial as there is no conclusive evidence of benefit from the detection and treatment of asymptomatic BM. Herein, we evaluated the prevalence of asymptomatic BM and its treatment implications in a resource-limited setting.

Methods:

Consecutive patients with newly diagnosed, treatment-naïve, metastatic, nonsquamous NSCLC (NS-NSCLC) were included. Subjects who already had clinical or radiological features suggestive of BM were excluded from the study. All eligible subjects underwent contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain. Management of the detected BM was at the discretion of the treating clinicians.

Results:

Among 809 subjects who were screened, 100 (12.4%) were included in the study and underwent MRI. BM was present in 30 (30%) of the subjects and absent in the remaining 70 subjects. A majority of BM were multiple (70%), involved the frontal lobe commonly (73.3%), and had a mean (standard deviation) size of 13.2 (7.3) mm. Detection of BM resulted in a treatment alteration in 17 (17%) of the study subjects (brain irradiation, n = 17, change in targeted therapy, n = 3) with BM. There was no difference in survival of patients who underwent treatment alteration for management of BM compared to those who did not (P = 0.132).

Conclusions:

About one-third of patients with metastatic NS-NSCLC had BM in MRI despite the absence of symptoms. Despite treatment of the majority of the patients with BM with brain irradiation, there was no demonstrable survival benefit. Hence, we conclude that although routine neuroimaging of asymptomatic patients with newly diagnosed metastatic NSCLC may result in treatment alteration (primarily brain irradiation) in a small proportion of patients, it may not influence outcomes in resource-constrained settings.
Parathyroid Carcinoma – An Uncommon Differential Diagnosis of Pathological Bone Fracture
Authors: Teja Kantamani Bala , Thiagarajan Shivakumar , Menon Munita
Published: December 2023

We present a case of an unusual presentation of parathyroid carcinoma. A women in her 40s presented with pathological fracture without any other symptom. All her investigations pointed towards an abnormally functioning parathyroid gland. The abnormally function parathyroid gland was localised and subsequently the patient underwent surgical removal of the same. The final histopathological diagnosis was that of a parathyroid carcinoma.
Effect of Multicomponent Exercise Program on Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction in Oral Cancer Survivors
Authors: Shinde Sandeep , Kadam Ishana , Dalvi Shivanee , Jain Pooja , Patil Sanjaykumar , Gudur Anand
Published: December 2023

Introduction:

Cancer is the second most cause of mortality among which oral cancer is the most prevalent form. In temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJD), patients present with pain, restricted mouth opening, poor posture, facial asymmetry, diminished strength, altered breathing patterns, decreased deglutition, and poor eating habits The objective of this research was to determine and compare the effect of a multicomponent exercise program with conventional physiotherapy program for TMJD in oral cancer survivors.

Materials and Methods:

This study included 100 participants with TMJD based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Then, the subjects were randomly allocated into Group A and Group B by a simple random sampling method. Group A was given a conventional physiotherapy exercise program and for Group B multicomponent exercise program was given. Outcome measures used were a Visual Analog Scale, assessment of range of motion (ROM) and manual muscle testing (MMT) and the American Academy of Orofacial Pain questionnaire. Pre- and post-assessment of the above measures was taken to confirm the results.

Results:

The results showed a statistically significant effect of the multicomponent exercise program as compared to a conventional exercise program for TMJD in oral cancer survivors. There was a significant reduction in pain (<0.0001) in individuals in Group B than in Group A. Restriction in the ROM and improvement in MMT were also significantly (P < 0.0001) resolved and the facial symmetry, breathing patterns as well as swallowing difficulty were also improved.

Conclusion:

On the basis of the results, it can be concluded that the Group B who followed the multicomponent exercise program showed better improvement in pain intensity, ROM, facial symmetry, muscle strength, breathing pattern and in swallowing as compared to Group A. Similarly utilizing a multifaceted patient-centered approach has been proven to be effective and lead to successful recovery of the temporomandibular joint function in oral cancer survivors.
Evaluation of the Effects of Helmet Therapy on Head Deformities: A Systematic Review of Literature
Authors: Karimi Mohammad Taghi , Kavyani Mahsa
Published: December 2023

Plagiocephaly is a common deformity of the skull. Various treatment approaches have been used for the subjects with head deformities, including use of helmet orthosis, repositioning, exercise, and only observation. The aim of this review was to check the efficiency of helmet therapy compared to other available approaches and also to check the effects of some parameters such as the duration of use, and age of the subjects on treatment of the subjects with this deformity. A search was done in some databases, including Google scholar, ISI Web of knowledge, PubMed, and Scopus. Some keywords such as plagiocephaly, posterior plagiocephaly, and occipital plagiocephaly were used in combination with positional modeling, helmet therapy, helmet orthosis, exercise, and observation. The quality of the studies was evaluated by use of Down and Black tool. Twenty-four studies were found on the mentioned keywords. The quality of the studies varied between 11 and 21. Although the efficiency of helmet therapy was more than other treatment approaches, the final outputs depend on optimal time and deformity criteria. This approach is effective, well tolerated with no morbidity. Moreover, it does not influence on the quality of life of the subjects. The efficiency of helmet therapy to correct head deformities is more than other available approaches. However, its effects depend on the age of the subjects at onset of treatment, duration of treatment, and severity of the deformity. Any side effects of this treatment method can be decreased by proper education of the subjects.
Mini-plate versus Reconstruction Plate: A Comparative Analysis of Complications in Free Fibula Osteocutaneous Flaps for Oral Cancer
Authors: George Rithin , Vijay Sandeep , Attakkil Anoop , Nair Raveena , Thomas Linu , Mullath Aswin
Published: December 2023

Background:

Advanced Oral cancers require segmental mandibulectomy, which ideally requires fibula flap reconstruction. Mini-plates or reconstruction plates are used for fibula fixation as per the surgeon’s preference, but the complication rates of each have hardly been studied. The purpose of this study was to find the incidence of plate-related complications, the factors attributing to it, and the difference in complication rates between mini-plate and reconstruction plate for fibula flap fixation exclusively in oral cancer patients who underwent segmental mandibulectomy as part of ablative surgery.

Materials and Methods:

The study was a retrospective observational study of oral cancer patients who underwent free fibula osteocutaneous flap reconstruction for mandibulectomy defects from November 2010 to November 2020 at a tertiary cancer center in India.

Statistical Methods:

Chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test.

Results:

Thirty-nine patients were included in the study and the mean follow-up period was 31 months. Seventeen of them had mini-plate fixation, 16 had reconstruction plate fixation and in two patients, both were used. About 25.64% of patients had complications. In the mini-plate group, 11.7% of patients had complications whereas 44.4% had complications in the recon plate group. 9/32 patients who took adjuvant treatment had complications, and in this subset of patients, there was a significant difference in the incidence of complications between the mini and recon plate groups (P = 0.03).

Conclusion:

Mini-plates are associated with less complications while used for fixation in microvascular fibula osteocutaneous flaps in oral cavity malignancy who are potential candidates for adjuvant treatment.
Do Polymorphisms Predispose Dental Caries Susceptibility in Egyptian Adults? A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Negm Hassan M. H.
Published: December 2023

Aim:

Understanding how specific genetic variations related to dental caries in understudied populations can pave the way for more personalized approaches to oral health care. The study is designed to explore the correlation between three genetic polymorphisms in Egyptian adults.

Materials and Methods:

We included 132 young adults aged 15–22 years, with an equal distribution of males and females, randomly selected from secondary Cairene school. The participants were in good health, without hereditary diseases, and had no recent dental treatment. Dental exams were conducted using standardized criteria, with reliability ensured between examiners. DNA collection was performed using buccal swabs, and DNA purification was carried out according to the manufacturer's instructions. Samples were stored at −21°C for future analysis. We selected specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for ENAM rs3796703, DEFB1 rs11362, and AMELX rs946252 for genotyping. χ2 test and its corresponding statistical significance were calculated.

Results:

Specific genetic variations, particularly ENAM rs3796703, AMELX rs946252, DEFB1 rs11362, and KLK4 rs2242670, were found to be significantly linked to an elevated caries risk in the group predisposed to caries. These particular genetic variations were notably more prevalent among individuals at a higher risk of developing dental caries.

Conclusion:

The DEFB1 rs11362 AG genotype showed significance, notably associated with a high DMFT index, particularly in individuals with severe and proximal caries. In contrast, the ENAM rs3796703 polymorphism revealed similar frequencies of allele C and allele T in both caries-susceptible and caries-resistant groups, with genotype CT being significantly associated with reduced dental caries susceptibility. KLK4 rs2242670 did not reveal significant associations with dental caries susceptibility, indicating that this gene polymorphism.
Fracture Strength of Direct and Indirect Composite Veneers After Aging
Authors: Menon Aishwarya , Kumar Sowmya M. , Hegde Chethan
Published: December 2023

Aim:

The number of patients seeking veneers for minor changes in the color, shape, and size of their anterior teeth has increased. On the basis of this requirement, with the advances in physical and optical properties, composite resins have become viable materials to be used for veneers. There is a paucity of studies that highlight the use of composite resins for anterior esthetic rehabilitations. Hence, this study aimed to compare the fracture strengths of direct and indirect composite veneers.

Materials and Methods:

This study was conducted on a total of 56 maxillary central incisor samples, divided into two groups: direct composite (n = 28) and indirect composite (n = 28) veneers. Tooth preparations were done, and composite veneers were made via the two techniques. Thermocycling was carried out to age the restorations for half the samples from both groups. The fracture test was performed in a universal testing machine where the load was applied from the incisal direction at the veneer–tooth interface.

Results:

Direct composite veneers showed a mean fracture strength of 485 ± 147 N before and 438 ± 199 N after thermocycling. Indirect composite veneers showed a mean fracture strength of 409 ± 179 N before and 254 ± 135 N after thermocycling. The most common mode of failure for direct composite veneers was veneer chipping and fracture, whereas debonding was most frequently noted for indirect composite veneers. Statistical analysis used: Unpaired t test was used to study the fracture strengths among the two groups before and after thermocycling. The comparison of frequencies of a mode of failure was investigated using the chi-square test.

Conclusions:

The direct composite resin veneers showed superior fracture strength, both before and after thermocycling.
Therapeutic Potential of Catechin as an IKK-β Inhibitor for the Management of Arthritis: In vitro and In vivo Approach
Authors: Goyal Gourav , Kalonia Harikesh , Lather Viney
Published: December 2023

Background:

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with increased levels of cytokines, for instance, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and interleukin-1 (IL-1), which exhibit potent pro-inflammatory effects and are contributing factors to disease progression. A range of cytokines, cell adhesion molecules, and enzymes that are implicated in the debilitating effects of RA are transcribed by nuclear factor kappa.

Objectives:

The purpose of this research was to characterize the efficacy of “catechin” as an IkappaB kinase-beta (IKK-β) inhibitor in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model in mice, as IKK-β is crucial in the transmission of signal-inducible NF-κβ activation.

Methods:

Arthritis was brought on in Bagg and Albino, but it is written BALB/c (BALB/c) male mice through subcutaneous immunization with bovine type II collagen on days 0 and 21. Catechin is given orally every day after the onset of the disease. Clinical evaluation of the prevalence and severity of the condition was done throughout the trial, and biochemical testing was done at the end (day 42).

Results:

In vitro findings of the study demonstrated catechin as a potent inhibitor of IKK-β with Half maximal Inhibitory Concentration (IC50) values of 2.90 μM and 4.358 μM in IKK-β and NF-κβ transactivation activity assay, respectively. Furthermore, catechin (dose range of 10–100 mg/kg, p.o.) was effective in reducing disease incidence and clinical signs in a dose-dependent manner, with an Effective Dose for 50% of the population (ED50) value of 79.579 mg/kg. The findings of this study demonstrate dose-dependent efficacy in terms of both disease severity (clinical scoring) and inflammatory markers (biochemical evaluation of the serum and joints).

Conclusions:

IKK inhibitors are a prospective target for the creation of new therapeutics for arthritis and other inflammatory diseases because it has been suggested that this enzyme is crucial in the pathophysiology of RA. The finding of this study suggests that “catechin” represents a novel inhibitor of IKK-β with promising anti-inflammatory activity.
Comparative study of use of reusable skin staples and vertical mattress sutures in the closure of midline laparotomy wounds
Authors: Anyanwu Stanley N. C. , Okoye Aloysius Odili , Obiesie Emmanuel Ahuizechukwu , Eze Balantine U. , Ihekwoaba Eric C. , Nwofor Alexander M. E.
Published: December 2023

Background:

There is an increasing tendency to close midline abdominal wounds with staples because of the speed of closure. The aim of this study was to compare the use of skin staples and vertical mattress sutures in the closure of midline abdominal wounds.

Materials and Methods:

Patients who met inclusion criteria and were booked for laparotomy in our teaching hospital were counseled on the two methods of skin closure using vertical mattress sutures or the use of staples (35 W Surustap, Suru International PVT Ltd, India). Alternating post-laparotomy wounds were closed using skin staples and with a vertical mattress, using nylon 2(0) (3 metric) sutures. The parameters assessed were speed of closure, cost of closure using the different methods, wound infection rate, and short-term cosmetic appearance of wounds. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21 (IBM, SPSS, Chicago, Illinois).

Results:

Sixty patients met the inclusion criteria and were recruited for the study. The speed of closure of midline laparotomy skin wound was significantly higher in “the staple group” than in “the suture group” (0.14 vs. 0.034 cm/s), P < 0.05, while the cost of use of staples was significantly more than the cost for closure with sutures (184 vs. 26 Naira/cm), P < 0.05. The mean operative time was significantly less in “the staple group” than in “the suture group” (128.9 minutes versus 157.6 min), P < 0.05. There was no significant difference in the infection rates and cosmetic appearance between the two groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusion:

Midline abdominal wound closure with staples is faster. There was no difference in wound complication rates and scar appearance when compared with skin closures using the vertical mattress technique. Wound closure with staples is, however, more costly.