bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Minimally Invasive Laminoforaminotomy for Cervical Foraminal Narrowing Using Tubular Retractor System - A Prospective Study
Authors: Rao Tejus M. N. , Kumar V. R. Roopesh , Ramesh A. S. , Barathi Deepak 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background:
A minimally invasive approach to spinal pathology has significantly progressed in the past few years. Laminoforaminotomy using a tubular retractor system directly removes compressive pathology while maximally preserving segmental motion.

Objective:
Our study aimed to evaluate the outcome in patients undergoing microscopic posterior cervical foraminotomy for single-level cervical disease using a tubular retractor system.

Material and Methods:
All patients presenting with cervical radicular pain not responding to conservative management for 6 weeks were screened with magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine. Patients with refractory pain were subjected to minimally invasive discectomy using a tubular retractor system by posterior approach. Postoperative patients were followed with a visual analog scale (VAS) and 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36).

Results:
A total of 13 patients were included in the study. 25%–30% of the facet was resected for foraminotomy. The mean VAS score for radicular pain was nine preoperatively, which improved postsurgery, at 6 months follow-up, the radiculopathy was 0.54 ± 0.52 with P < 0.001. In all eight domains of SF-36 data, statistically significant improvement was noted. Among the variables of SF-36, it has been reported that there was a significant improvement in the emotional component after surgery.

Conclusion:
The minimally invasive posterior approach using a tubular retractor system minimizes paraspinal muscle injury, reducing postoperative neck discomfort with no operative site infection. Minimal facet capsule dissection and facet drilling help in early recovery and less postoperative morbidity.
Conventional Microlumbar Discectomy versus Minimally Invasive Tubular Discectomy – A Prospective Study
Authors: Malini S. , Thomas Anu C. , Vadakkedam Sajeev S. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background:
Minimally invasive surgical procedures are fast becoming the norm and standard in all aspects of surgery. It is of utmost importance that they be critically analyzed against conventional time-tested standard procedures. Standard microscopic lumbar discectomy is the gold standard for lumbar disc herniations. It is used as a yardstick for comparison of newer procedures such as tubular discectomy (TD).

Objective:
The objective of our study is to compare conventional microlumbar discectomy (MLD) with minimally invasive TD.

Material and Methods:
The study was nonrandomized prospective study of patients who underwent either type of surgery at our institute from 2018 to 2020. Preoperative and postoperative Visual Analog Score and Oswestry Disability Questionnaire score were assessed. Furthermore, duration of surgery, blood loss, length of hospital stay, and rate of complications were compared between the two groups.

Results:
We observed that patients in the TD group had improved VAS and Oswestry Disability Index scores than conventional MLD group during initial postoperative period which were statistically significant. The TD group had significantly lesser blood loss (P = 0.000) and shorter duration of hospital stay (P = 0.000) even though the duration of surgery was longer (P = 0.038). There was no statistically significant difference between the complication rates in both the groups. There were no recurrences in either group.

Conclusions:
In our study, we found that patients who underwent TD showed earlier pain relief and functional recovery as compared to conventional MLD and had lesser blood loss and shorter hospital stay. The overall long-term pain relief was similar in both the groups. However, large sample randomized trials and long-term outcome analysis would be needed to make better judgment regarding choice of one procedure over the other.
Soft Tissue Analysis of the Chin, Length and Thickness of the Upper Lip in Normodivergent, Hypodivergent and Hyperdivergent Pattern Patients: A Cephalometric Study
Authors: Khan Sohail , Siddiqui Hina , Qamruddin Irfan , Ali Danish , Kumar Sarvaich , Shah Mairah , Fatima Samar , Soomar Sunia , Younus Aqsa , Zehra Qurrat-ul- Ain , Dawar Sarah 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objective:
To determine mean soft tissue chin, upper lip length and thickness in patients visiting the orthodontic department and to compare the mean length and thickness of the soft tissue chin and upper lip in patients with different mandibular divergent patterns.

Study design:
Cross-sectional study.

Place and duration:
The study was conducted at Orthodontics OPD of Jinnah Sindh medical university, from January 2021 to March 2021.

Materials and Methods:
Pretreatment lateral cephalometric radiographs of 150 subjects were taken. Subjects were classified into normodivergent, hypodivergent and hyperdivergent on the basis of the mandibular plane angle (SN-GoGn). The measurements of the length and thickness of the upper lip and soft tissue chin were recorded in millimeter using a scale. SPSS version 20 was used for data entry and analysis.

Results:
The study included a total of 150 participants. The median values, along with their interquartile ranges (IQR), for various facial parameters were as follows: the vertical angle was 32.50 (IQR: 27–40), facial angle was 84 (IQR: 80–87), upper lip length was 19 (IQR: 17–21), upper lip thickness was 11 (IQR: 10–13), thickness of the soft tissue chin was 10 (IQR: 9–11), another measure of the soft tissue chin was 9 (IQR: 8–11) and the length of the soft tissue chin was 7 (IQR: 6–8). Three study groups reported no significant differences based on upper lip length (P = 0.187), upper lip thickness (P = 0.196), soft tissue chin thickness (P = 0.216) and soft tissue chin length (P = 0.330). On the Kruskal–Wallis test, vertical angle (P < 0.001), facial angle (P = 0.002) and soft tissue thickness (Gn-Gnʹ) were found to be significantly different among the three groups.

Conclusion:
An insignificant difference was found in the upper lip length in all patterns. In patients exhibiting hypodivergent patterns, the lip thickness value was comparatively greater. The thickness of the soft tissue chin is more in subjects exhibiting the hypodivergent pattern than in patients exhibiting the hyperdivergent pattern.
Management of the Impacted Tooth with Dilacerated Roots – A Surgical Challenge
Authors: Bin Wan Mustafa Wan Mahadzir , Hashim Nadirah , Ishak Muhammad Syamil , Jasni Amy Dalilah , Ven Hong Sue 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The impacted tooth poses a challenge to dental and oral surgeons due to its unpredictable morphology which leads to increased difficulty during its extraction. A particular type of morphology is the dilacerated root. The root morphology of the third molar, for example, is considered to be the most variable in the human dentition. Careful considerations should be made on impacted teeth with dilacerated roots. In addition to the type of impaction, proximity to the inferior alveolar nerve or the maxillary sinus, number of roots and shape of the roots should be assessed to enable correct decision-making and successful management of these impacted teeth. In this case series, successful surgical management of impacted teeth with dilacerated roots is presented and the definition, prevalence, aetiology, diagnosis, imaging of dilacerations and surgical methods to achieve successful removal of these teeth are described.
Effect of Local Anaesthesia Immediately before Dental Treatment on the Relationship between Dental Anxiety and Salivary Cortisol Levels in Patients with ICDAS-II Score 5 Lesions
Authors: Erdemir Ugur , Erden Kayalıdere Ezgi , Alshawi Ahmed , Günes Ozunal Zeynep , Ozel Yildiz Sevda , Yildiz Esra 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background:
Dental anxiety is a psychological and physical state of fear in patients experiencing stress over dental procedures.

Aim:
This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the effects of local anaesthesia administered immediately before dental treatment on the association between dental anxiety and salivary cortisol levels in patients with International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) score 5 lesions.

Materials and Methods:
A total of 95 patients aged between 16 and 45 years who had a caries lesion with an ICDAS-II score of at least 5 were examined at Istanbul University, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Restorative Dentistry. At the beginning of operative procedures and just before the administration of anaesthesia, the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale was used to measure patients’ dental anxiety, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits were used to assess patients’ unstimulated salivary cortisol levels. The data were statistically analysed using the Mann–Whitney U test and Spearman correlation analysis P < 0.05.

Results:
The mean values between male and female patients for dental anxiety scores were statistically significant, 9.07 ± 3.07 and 12.42 ± 4.33, respectively (P < 0.05). However, salivary cortisol levels did not exhibit statistical significance; the mean values were 4.49 ± 2.31 and 3.95 ± 2.39, respectively (P > 0.05). There were significant correlations between age and salivary cortisol levels in female patients (P < 0.05), but there were no significant correlations for any of the parameters in male patients (P > 0.05).

Conclusions:
Within the limits of this study, patient gender had an influence on the extent of dental anxiety, and a significant correlation was found between age and salivary cortisol levels in female patients.
Chronological age and performance differences: A comparative analysis of speed, change of direction and explosive power amongst U-15 and U-18 soccer players
Authors: Termizi Muhammad Iftiqar Ahmad , Azidin Raja Mohammed Firhad Raja , Sharir Raihana 
Published: December 2024

Background:
Chronological age is calculated from a single time point away from an individual’s date of birth, and changes in physical fitness may vary amongst individuals. Understanding how these variations manifest across different age groups is crucial for optimizing athletic performance in youth sports.

Aim:
This study aims to examine the disparities in speed, change of direction (COD), and explosive power performance between two competitive age groups of youth soccer players.

Methods:
Thirty soccer players (n = 30) were recruited from a secondary school, comprising two age groups: under 15 (n = 15) and under 18 (n = 15) years. The participants underwent three physical tests assessing speed, COD, and explosive power performance.

Results:
The findings revealed significant differences in explosive power performance between the two age groups (P = 0.04). Speed performance exhibited a trend towards significance (P = 0.05), while COD results did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusion:
These outcomes underscore the potential influence of age on sport-related performance, particularly in explosive power. This suggests that training programs may need to be tailored differently for athletes in different age groups to maximize performance outcomes.
Body composition, bone health status and isokinetic muscular performance among Malaysian young male badminton players, archers and non-athletes
Authors: Goh Rou Xian , Ooi Foong Kiew , Chen Chee Keong , Irene Tong King Ming , Jusoh Mohd Rahimi Che , Ghafar Rosniwati , Lau Jiun Sien 
Published: December 2024

Background:
This study investigated body composition, bone health status and isokinetic muscular performance among Malaysian young male badminton players, archers and non-athletes as controls.

Methods:
Thirty-three participants (mean age: 15.1 [1.4 years]) were divided into three groups, which were non-athlete control (n = 11), archery (n = 11) and badminton (n = 11) groups. Participants’ percentage of body fat (%BF), muscle mass or fat-free mass (FFM) and bone speed of sound (SOS) were measured. In addition, participants’ knee (flexion and extension) and shoulder (extension and flexion) peak torque (PT, an indicator of muscular strength) and average power (AVG.P) were measured using an isokinetic dynamometer.

Results:
Badminton athletes showed a significant higher (P = 0.021) shoulder extension AVG.P at 180°/s compared to the non-athletes. Both badminton and archery athletes showed significantly higher values of isokinetic knee flexion AVG.P at 180°/s and 300°/s, knee extension PT and AVG.P at 180°/s when compared to non-athletes. In badminton players, significant positive correlations were observed between FFM with arm bone SOS (r = 0.727, P = 0.011) and shoulder PT at 60°/s (r= 0.736, P = 0.010), respectively. Arm bone SOS showed significant positive correlations with shoulder PT at 60°/s (r = 0.674, P = 0.023), shoulder flexion AVG.P at 300°/s (r = 0.614, P = 0.023) and shoulder extension AVG.P at 300°/s (r = 0.633, P = 0.049), respectively. Leg bone SOS was also significantly positive correlated with knee flexion AVG.P at 300°/s (r = 0.727, P = 0.011) and knee extension AVG.P at 300°/s (r = 0.639, P = 0.034), respectively, in badminton players.

Conclusions:
Engagement in badminton and archery sports of athletes could enhance muscular strength and power compared to non-athletes.
The influence of body composition on cardiorespiratory performance, energy substrate utilisation and running gait pattern of university rugby players
Authors: Shalan Nor Aijratul Asikin Mohamad , Baki Mohd Hafizuddin , Zahudi Azrena Zaireen Ahmad , Mustafa Mirza Azny , Rahim Norhazira Abdul 
Published: December 2024

Aims:
This study explored the differences in body composition, cardiorespiratory performance, substrate oxidation and running gait patterns of university rugby players with normal and high body fat (HBF) percentages. Correlations between: (1) body composition and aerobic fitness, (2) fat mass (FM) and skeletal muscle mass (SMM) with substrate oxidation and running gait pattern.

Methods:
Body composition, cardiorespiratory performance and running gait patterns were collected from 15 university rugby players. Substrate oxidation was calculated using a stoichiometric formula. The association between target variables was determined using Pearson’s correlation coefficient.

Results:
Normal body fat (NBF) participants had lower body weight (P= 0.019), body mass index (BMI) (P = 0.001), body fat percentage (P ≤ 0.001), (FM; P ≤ 0.001), sum of 8 skinfolds (P ≤ 0.001) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR; P = 0.017), while higher (SMM; P ≤ 0.001) and ventilatory threshold 2 (VT2) (P = 0.011) than HBF participants. Maximal fat oxidation (MFO) for NBF occurs at 60% of VO2max (3.21 ± 0.21 g/min) and at 50% VO2max (3.42 ± 0.21 g/min) for HBF. NBF trunks leaning 3° more (P = 0.03) at midstance than HBF. The selected body composition variables were moderately correlated with VO2max (P < 0.001). Carbohydrate oxidation (CHO) is correlated with FM (R = +0.85, P ≤ 0.001) and SMM (R= +0.79, P ≤ 0.001), and MFO was only correlated with FM (R = +0.85, P = 0.00). The trunk lean angle was correlated with FM (R = −0.53; P = 0.04).

Conclusions:
Rugby players with NBF percentage and high SMM possessed higher VT2 value and delayed fat to CHO switch than HBF players. BMI, FM, SMM, bone mass and WHR are moderately influenced aerobic fitness. While FM and SMM strongly influence substrate oxidation, their association with running gait pattern is moderate to weak.
Effects of stretching versus strengthening exercise on pain level and static and dynamic balance among collegiate athletes with knee injuries
Authors: Azman Muhammad Irfan , Leong Ernie Yen Lee , Abdullah Nurul Fadhilah , Chan Ebby Waqqash Mohamad 
Published: December 2024

Background:
This study compared the effects of stretching versus strengthening exercises on pain levels and static and dynamic balance among collegiate athletes with knee injuries.

Methods:
A quasi-experimental pre–post study design was employed involving 20 athletes mean age of 22.65 ± 1.18 years from a university, divided into stretching exercise group (n = 10) and strengthening exercise group (n = 10). Both groups completed 4 weeks of exercises, 3 times per week, with intensity adjusted based on progress. Outcome measures included pain levels and static and dynamic balance assessed using Visual Analog Scale, Stork Stand Test, and Y-Balance Test, respectively.

Results:
Within-group analysis showed that there was improvement for both groups (P < 0.05). Stretching exercise has been found to improve pain (−20.75%), static balance (16.89%) anterior dynamic balance (32.03%), posteromedial (PM) dynamic balance (29.50%), and posterolateral (PL) dynamic balance (17.96%). Conversely, strengthening exercise has been found to improve pain (−26.09%), static balance (11.22%), anterior dynamic balance (18.07%), PM dynamic balance (14.04%), and PL dynamic balance (11.51%). However, the between-group analysis showed no significant differences between both groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusion:
This suggests both exercises are effective in alleviating pain and improving static and dynamic balance. Therefore, incorporating both exercises into rehabilitation programs may benefit athletes with knee injuries.
Potential of Artificial Intelligence in Improving Speed and Efficiency of Clinical Trials
Authors: Prabhakar Vijay R. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has demonstrated its ability to improve many facets of health care. Clinical trials are no exception. There s enormous potential in the use of AI in all stages of clinical trials – planning, conduct, and analysis. However, clinical trials are highly regulated, and the guidance on the use of AI in trials has not yet been developed. Once these challenges are overcome or in the appropriate setting, AI can offer significant speed and cost advantage across all stages of clinical trials. In the planning stage, AI can simulate patient journey to enable patient-centric study design and identify the patient pool and investigational sites based on eligibility criteria. The tools can run multiple scenarios on timeline, cost, and complexity to determine feasibility. Generative AI can be used to create study documents. During study conduct, AI can be deployed to identify risks for data quality and integrity enabling reduction in monitoring visits and potentially reducing carbon footprint. AI can predict event accrual and data cleaning using machine learning. During study closeout, AI can accelerate data query resolution by bots and reduce site burden. The generative AI applied during the creation of study documents can be efficiently used to write study reports and generate tables and figures. In summary, AI has the potential to improve the efficiency of clinical trials, and if development is successful, AI can even potentially reduce the cost of drug to the patient.
Evaluation of preemptive pregabalin efficacy on block characteristics and postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing infra-umbilical surgeries under spinal anesthesia: A prospective randomized double-blind placebo controlled study
Authors: Kumari Indira , Dhania Swati , Sethi Surendra Kumar , Choudhary Santosh , Jain Ipra , Yadav Vidhu 
Published: December 2024

Background and Aims:
Spinal anesthesia is the most common technique used for infraumbilical surgeries. Preemptive analgesics have been reported to improve the quality of spinal anesthesia and enhance postoperative analgesia. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of preemptive oral pregabalin on the quality of spinal anesthesia and postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing infraumbilical surgeries.

Materials and Methods:
Seventy patients American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I and II, posted for infra-umbilical surgeries under spinal anesthesia, were randomly allocated into two groups. Group P (n = 35) received preemptive oral pregabalin 150 mg and Group C (n = 35) received placebo, 1 h before surgery. Duration of sensory block was the primary objective while onset of sensory and motor block, duration of motor block and analgesia, rescue analgesic consumption, and side effects were secondary objectives. Qualitative and quantitative variables were analyzed using Chi-square test and Student’s t-test, respectively. P < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results:
The duration of sensory block was significantly longer in Group P (156.71 ± 5.41 min) than in Group C (135.14 ± 7.22 min) (P = 0.001) (95% CI = 21.57 [18.53–24.61]). The duration of postoperative analgesia was significantly longer in Group P (529.71 ± 6.17 min) than in Group C (219.85 ± 5.21 min) (P = 0.001) (95% CI = 309.86 [307.14–312.58]). The duration of the motor block was also significantly longer in Group P (220.28 ± 4.19 min) than in Group C (195.71 ± 5.95 min) (P = 0.001) (95% CI = 24.57 [22.12–27.03]). Onset of sensory and motor block was comparable between both groups. The rescue analgesic consumption was also significantly lesser in Group P (P < 0.000). Sedation scores were higher in the pregabalin group with stable hemodynamics and minimal side effects.

Conclusion:
Pregabalin can be effectively used as preemptive analgesic as it improves the spinal block characteristics and enhances the duration of postoperative analgesia along with minimal side effects.
Psychometric Properties of the Fear of Monkeypox Scale among Men Who Have Sex with Men
Authors: Lin Chung-Ying , Pakpour Amir H. , Griffiths Mark D. , Lin Chien-Wen , Yen Cheng-Fang 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objectives:
An outbreak of monkeypox (Mpox) appeared suddenly and rapidly spread worldwide during 2022. Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at a high risk of contracting Mpox compared to other cohorts. In the present study, we intended to examine the psychometric properties of a newly developed scale among MSM: the Fear of Mpox Scale (FMS) assessing the fear of Mpox.

Methods:
This is an online study. The factor structures of the FMS were first examined using exploratory factor analysis. After determining the factor structure, the FMS was further examined for (a) internal consistency using Cronbach’s α and (b) concurrent validity using correlations with anxiety, depression, and risk perception of contracting Mpox, and the known-group validity by comparing the scores of the FMS across MSM with sexual orientation and education level.

Results:
In total, 389 MSM participated in this study. The results indicated that the FMS had a one-factor structure. The FMS had acceptable internal consistency (α = 0.911) and concurrent validity (associated with anxiety [p < 0.01], depression [p < 0.001], and risk perception [p < 0.001]). No significant difference in the FMS scores was found between the groups with regard to sexual orientation or educational level.

Conclusion:
The results of the present study indicated that the psychometric properties of the FMS were good and that they can be used for assessing the fear of Mpox among MSM.