bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the postoperative effect of corneal cross-linking on keratoconus using the ABCD grading system
Authors: Kasumović Aida , Matoc Ines , Kasumović Armin , Sabol Ivan , Radman Ivana , Krolo Iva 
Published: December 2021

Purpose:
To monitor the changes in the ABCD grading system during a one-year follow-up after a corneal cross-linking (CXL) procedure.

Methods:
This prospective study included 30 eyes of 25 patients with keratoconus, who received the CXL treatment. The patients with a history of ocular trauma or surgery and other corneal pathology were excluded from the study. The patients were examined at the baseline visit and followed up at 3, 6, and 12 months after the CXL. All the patients underwent a standard CXL procedure with visual acuity and Scheimpflug tomography testing at each visit. The corneal parameters and ABCD grading were monitored throughout the follow-up period.

Results:
There were no significant changes of parameter A and anterior radius curvature (ARC) in the ABCD grading system. Parameters B and D showed progression postoperatively, with an improvement of parameter D on the final visit. Parameter C showed a statistically significant increase at all three post-CXL visits, but a constant gradual decrease in the value over time.

Conclusion:
The ABCD grading system can be very useful in monitoring the progression of keratoconus (KC), but it can also help in monitoring the efficacy of corneal cross-linking. The anterior surface parameters in the ABCD grading system did not show progression in the post-CXL period, and parameters C and D showed improvement and stability a year after the procedure.
Ocular biometry in dense cataracts: Comparison of partial-coherence interferometry, swept-source optical coherence tomography and immersion ultrasound
Authors: González-Godínez Sara , Saucedo-Urdapilleta Roxana , Mayorquín-Ruiz Mariana , Velasco-Barona Cecilio , Moragrega-Adame Eduardo , Domínguez-Varela Irving A , Gonzalez-Salinas Roberto 
Published: December 2021

Purpose:
To assess the axial length (AL) measurement failure rate using partial-coherence interferometry (PCI) and swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) in dense cataracts. As a secondary outcome, the SS-OCT biometry was compared to immersion ultrasound.

Methods:
This is a prospective cross-sectional and comparative study. Seventy eyes from 70 patients with dense cataracts were enrolled in this study. Dense cataract was defined according to the Lens Opacities Classification System III (LOCS III) scores equal to or more than NO4, NC4, C4, and P3. The failure rate of AL measurement was evaluated using PCI and SS-OCT. Anterior chamber depth (ACD), lens thickness (LT), and AL measurements obtained by SS-OCT were compared with IUS.

Results:
AL measurement failure rate with PCI was 68.57% and 21.43% with SS-OCT (P = 0.007). AL measurement was achieved in 69.23% of NO4, 66.6% of P3, and 15.3% of mixed cataracts using PCI, while SS-OCT was achieved in 100% of NO4, NO5, P3, and P5 and 76.9% of mixed cataracts. Cortical cataracts alone did not influence AL measurement. Biometric data of ACD, LT, and AL were statistically different comparing US and SS-OCT with a good correlation of AL.

Conclusion:
SS-OCT significantly improves the rate of successful AL measurements when compared to PCI in dense cataracts. The LOCS III clinical cut-off for the use of SS-OCT ocular biometry may well be up to P4 and NO5.
Genotype-Based Prediction for Cardiovascular Disease Risk Using Polymorphism in rs10757278 at 9p21 Locus
Authors: Bhaktha Geetha , Nayak Shivananda 
Published: December 2021

Background and Aims:
Along with the conventional risk factors and based on the Framingham risk score, a preventive measure can be targeted in those subjects who are in risk category. The use of genotype-based assessment in these subjects can be much benefited in clinical decision-making. Hence, we aimed to match the risk frequency with genotype score for rs10757278 in asymptomatic coronary heart disease (CHD) individuals.

Methods:
This is a cross-sectional study with 105 participants. These subjects were without any clinical presentation of CHD. Single-nucleotide polymorphism 10757278 was genotyped using tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system–polymerase chain reaction.

Results:
The minor allele frequency was 0.84 higher though the subjects were asymptomatic. When the group was categorized using Framingham risk score (low, moderate, and high), it was observed that the risk allele was 0.74 versus 0.77 versus 0.93. The risk allele frequency (male) in low, moderate, and high groups was 0.76 versus 0.79 versus 0.94. This incremental rise was lost in females with risk allele frequency to be 0.81 versus 0.76 versus 0.87. It is observed that the association between gender and risk status was significant (P < 0.001) both while considering risk wise and even after considering the risk allele.

Conclusion:
A good individual predicted risk can be assessed using global risk stratification along with the knowledge of the interaction of genetics. Further, to determine the accuracy and clinical utility of such reclassification, more prospective studies are needed.
A Comparative Study of Alternative Therapies and Mandibular Advancement Device in the Management of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Daga Deeptanshu , Singh Mohit Pal , Nahar Prashant , Mathur Hemant , Babel Anshit , Daga Apoorva B. 
Published: December 2021

Introduction:
Patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) face the challenge of getting the correct diagnosis and treatment. Snoring is the most common giveaway.

Aim:
The aim of the study was to evaluate the quality of sleep before and after the use of the appliance and while practicing yoga based on the STOP-BANG questionnaire for sleep quality, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS).

Methodology:
A total of 100 patients visiting the outpatient department (OPD) were divided into two groups of 50 each. The first group who fulfilled the criteria for the device was given a mandibular advancement device (MAD) and the second group was assigned yoga and pranayamas.

Results:
The first group showed a significant increase in the airway space on lateral cephalogram also with more immediate overall scores in all three questionnaires compared to the second group.

Conclusion:
MAD offers an inexpensive, comfortable treatment option for patients requiring immediate relief but has poor appliance compliance. However, yoga and pranayama yielded very good results although took a long time. On follow-up, the recurrence of OSA was negligible. MAD would provide immediate relief in OSA but for sustained overall benefit yoga and pranayama should be practiced.
Estimation of Serum Creatine Phosphokinase and Serum Lactate Dehydrogenase Levels in Oral Leukoplakia and Oral Cancers – A Clinicopathological Study
Authors: Bhayya Harsha , Paramkusam Geetha , Kardalkar Swetha , Avinash Tejasvi M L , Donempudi Pavani , Patil Namrata 
Published: December 2021

Aims:
Evaluation of total serum creatine phosphokinase and serum lactate dehydrogenase levels as a biochemical parameter in the diagnosis of oral cancer, oral leukoplakia by the case-control method.

Settings and Design:
A hospital-based, case-control study was conducted at the Department of Oral Medicine, Diagnosis, and Radiology.

Materials and Methods:
The study included clinically and histopathologically diagnosed oral leukoplakia and oral cancers with 20 patients in each group. The control group consisted of 20 healthy patients without lesions or tobacco-related habits or any systemic diseases. The blood samples were collected from the study and control groups, centrifuged, and serum was analyzed for serum creatine phosphokinase and serum lactate dehydrogenase (CK and LDH) levels using an autoanalyzer.

Statistical Analysis:
Comparison of three groups with respect to each biochemical parameter was done by one-way ANOVA. Comparison between the groups was done by Tukey's multiple post hoc test.

Results:
It was found that total serum CK levels were statistically significantly decreased in both oral leukoplakia and oral cancer when compared with that of the control group. Total serum LDH levels were statistically significantly increased in both oral leukoplakia and oral cancer when compared with that of the control group.

Conclusion:
Although the results of the present study showed increased levels of LDH in both oral leukoplakia and oral cancer, and CK levels statistically decreased but they were within normal limits. Further. studies with a greater number of samples, different grades of epithelial dysplasias, and assessment of individual isoenzymes has to be carried out to evaluate the exact role of CK and LDH in the etiopathogenesis of oral cancer.
Comparative Estimation of Serum Levels of Vitamin A, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D and Vitamin E in Patients with Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis and Normal Individuals – A Case-Control Study
Authors: Mustafi Subhasish , Sinha Rupam , Sarkar Soumyabrata , Giri Debanti , Saha Anindya P. , Yadav Priyanka 
Published: December 2021

Background:
Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a recurrent acute ulcerative lesion of oral mucosa. Till now, the exact cause and mechanism of this condition isn't very much clear; it is however believed to be multifactorial. Various studies indicate that genetically mediated disturbances of the innate and acquired immunity play an important role in the disease development. Vitamins and micro-elements deficiencies are one of the principal factors that modify the immunologic response in RAS.

Aim:
To probe for correlation between serum levels of Vitamin A, B12, D3, E, and RAS.

Methods and Materials:
The cross-sectional clinical study was conducted on persons seeking dental service at some private dental college in West Bengal, India between January 2017 and June 2018. Forty patients suffering from RAS were compared to forty normal individuals. Applying ELISA method, serum concentration of vitamins A, vitamin B12, vitamin D3 and vitamin E were measured in two groups. Statistical Analysis: The means between two groups were compared by Student's unpaired 't' test. A value of P < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

Results:
RAS patients had a significantly lower serum level of vitamin A, B12, D3 and E than normal individuals; and there were a positive relation between the serum level of vitamin B12 and vitamin E in RAS patients.

Conclusion:
Vitamin A, B12, D3 and E deficiency have a significant bearing on RAS; and serum level of vitamin B12 and E of RAS patients have a significant interrelationship.
Efficacy of Tea Tree, Sesame, and Cumin Extracts against Oral Candida Species – An in Vitro Study
Authors: Selvam Keerthana , Lakshmi Suman J. , Somasundaram Elangovan , Balasubramanian Senthil Kumar , Balasubramanian Bakiyalakshmi 
Published: December 2021

Background and Objective:
Oral cavity ports have diverse, abundant, and complex microbial communities. Candida is (a genus of yeast) and is the most common cause of oral fungal infection. The standard treatment of oral candidiasis is the use of antifungal agents, which cause different adverse effects. To combat this, herbal drugs can be considered as an alternative to allopathic drugs. The literature has reported that these herbal products are a rich source of antimicrobial agents. The present study determined the antifungal efficacy of tea tree, sesame, and cumin extracts against oral candidiasis in comparison to clotrimazole.

Material and Methods:
An in vitro study was carried out on 30 patients, wherein saliva and swab samples were collected and subjected to culture on chromagar and incubated at 37°C for 24 to 48 hours. The cultured Candida species were subjected to an antifungal susceptibility test. Clotrimazole (Group I: positive control), tea tree extracts (Group II–Group VI), sesame extracts (Group VII–Group XI), and cumin extracts (Group XII–Group XVI) were inoculated in wells and incubated. Zones of inhibitions were measured and subjected to statistical analysis.

Results:
Antifungal efficacy of tea tree (Group II–VI), sesame (Group VII–IX), cumin (Group XII–XIV), and clotrimazole (Group I) were compared and proven to be statistically significant with a P value < 0.05.

Conclusion:
Clotrimazole had a higher antimicrobial activity compared to medicinal plants. The extracts of tea tree, sesame, and cumin had significant antimicrobial activity and they might prove to be promising alternatives as a therapeutic agent for oral candidiasis.
Evaluation of Genomic Damage from Buccal Epithelial Cells in Patients Subjected to Cone Beam Computed Tomography
Authors: Mounika Gutta , Sridevi Koduri , Krishnaveni Buduru , Kumar Nalli Prasanth , Naidu Harika , Sahi Bonthagarla Krishna 
Published: December 2021

Background:
Radiography forms an important and integral part in diagnosis which is used in the oral and maxillofacial region to give an appropriate diagnosis and treatment planning. But, diagnostic radiations also induce some amount of cell damage at cytogenetic levels, depending on the dosage of the radiation administered. The ionizing radiation which has been emitted during these procedures has deleterious effects on the DNA and induces cell death.

Aim:
To evaluate the genomic damage from buccal epithelial cells in patients subjected to cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Materials and Methods:
Patients were divided into two groups with 30 subjects in each group. Group-1 included the subjects advised for single CBCT exposure and Group-2 included the subjects advised for double CBCT exposure. Exfoliated buccal epithelial cells were collected immediately before the exposure, 15 days, and 30 days after the CBCT exposure. The cytological smears were examined to detect the micronucleus and pyknotic nucleus.

Results:
The mean of the micronucleus and pyknotic nucleus obtained from group-2 (double exposure) subjects was significantly higher in males than group-1 (single exposure) subjects with a P value of 0.0001 during pre-exposure, 15 days, and 30 days after exposure.

Conclusion:
Genomic damage does take place due to cone-beam computed tomography. So, CBCT should be cautiously used when necessary and it cannot be considered as a risk-free procedure.
How Immunization Clinic and Cold Chain Point are Organized and Functioning? – Status of a Tertiary Care Hospital, West Bengal
Authors: Chakraborty Arup , Das Debasis 
Published: December 2021

Background:
Universal immunization program is one of the large public health programs in our country which plays very crucial role to improve child's health and reduce infant and under-five mortality.

Aim:
The study was planned to determine the organization of the immunization clinic and cold chain point and to assess the managerial problems and finding out probable solutions.

Materials and Methods:
It was an observational study done in 2016 in the immunization clinic of Medical College, Kolkata. A predesigned and pretested data collection form, relevant registers and records, a checklist of Government of India was used for collecting data. Interviewing different stakeholders, examination or records, and observation of functions was done.

Results:
The study revealed few major issues like lack of knowledge and motivation among the staffs. Limited supervision by the higher authority and uneven supply chain especially for Vitamin A was also highlighted.

Conclusion:
Priority analysis found that the most priority issue of the immunization clinic was the lack of knowledge of the Public Health Nurses and Junior Doctors. Hence, most suitable intervention was to arrange a training session for the Doctors and the nurses. The detailed action plan and budget regarding the training activity were also calculated.

Clinical Significance:
Success of Universal Immunization Programme depends on cold chain planning, maintaining and evaluation of temperature-sensitive vaccination program. Hence, the present study of cold chain organization and functioning is immensely important repeatedly over time.
Asymptomatic COVID Infections in Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Authors: Omunakwe Hannah Emmanuel , Bob-Manuel Mienye , Enyinnaya Stella O. , Kattey Kattey A. , Kpaluku Chukwuka Achonnwo 
Published: December 2021

Background:
Determining the prevalence of asymptomatic carriers of an infectious agent plays a major role in the control of infections, especially with regard to measures aimed at isolating individuals who can potentially transmit the infection to others while they are not showing symptoms of the disease.

Aim:
This study was aimed at determining the positivity rate of COVID-19 among patients who presented for testing; the proportion of asymptomatic cases among the patients who tested positive; and the factors associated with being symptomatic at diagnosis.

Materials and Methods:
The data for the first 595 suspected cases and probable contacts who presented for reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) in our center were assessed to determine their biodata, symptomatology, and the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 genes.

Results:
Patients positive for SARS-CoV-2 made up 133/595 (22.4%) of the cohort. At presentation for testing, 97/133 (71.4%) of the positive patients had no symptoms fitting the case definition of COVID-19. Of these, 28 (73.7%) were males and 10 (26.3%) were females, this was statistically significant. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the ages of the respondents who had symptoms and those who did not have symptoms.

Conclusion:
A significant proportion of patients in our setting had asymptomatic infections, this stresses the need to test more and advocate compliance with all preventive measures including universal masking.
Prevalence of Hypertension and Assessment of its Risk Factors among Traders in Rukuba-Road Satellite Market in Jos, North Central Nigeria
Authors: Selowo Temitope Toluse , Usar Iornumbe , Isichei Mercy , Mohammed Amina , Ozoilo Janefrances Ugochi , Adeniyi Amusa Ganiyu 
Published: December 2021

Background:
Hypertension has continued to remain a global public health challenge, contributing to increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and economic cost. Modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors have been linked to hypertension.

Aim:
The study aimed at assessing the prevalence of hypertension and its risk factors among traders in the Rukuba-road Satellite market in Jos-North LGA, Jos, Plateau State.

Materials and Methods:
A cross-sectional descriptive survey was used. Three hundred and fifty participants (traders) were drawn from 3017 static shops using the Cochran analysis formula of sample size calculation between June and July 2019. Participants were selected using a multi-stage sampling technique. Demographic characteristics and the knowledge, attitude, and practice of risk factors for hypertension were gotten using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements were also obtained. The analysis was performed using SPSS version 23.0. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used with P < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Ethical clearance and informed consent were obtained before the commencement of the study.

Results:
Three hundred and twenty-three traders comprising 190 (58.8%) females and 133 (41.2%) males participated in the study. The majority of the traders (40.9%) had average knowledge, 78.6% had a good attitude and 75.6% had average practice on proper lifestyle for prevention of hypertension and its risk factors. The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures (BP) were 127 ± 19 mmHg and 79 ± 11 mmHg, respectively. The prevalence of hypertension among the participants was 32.2% (104 participants) of which 58 (55.8%) were unaware of their hypertensive status. Nonmodifiable risk factors of age (P = 0.000) and tribe (P = 0.006) and modifiable risk factors of body mass index (BMI) (P = 0.000) were statistically significant for hypertension. Predictors of hypertension using logistic regression were age (18–45 years) and BMI (18.5–34.9 kg/m2).

Conclusion:
Present findings of the risk factors of hypertension remain a major public health problem in our society and more efforts are needed for its screening, prevention, early diagnosis, and proper management.
Un regard sociolinguistique sur le resiano
Authors: Léonard Jean Léo , Djordjevic Léonard Ksenija 
Published: December 2021

Les variétés de slovène du Val Resia, en Frioul-Vénétie Julienne, sont enclavées derrière un contrefort montagneux qui les isole du réseau dialectal slovène. Une riche tradition de recherche les documente depuis deux siècles, et connaît un renouveau grâce à l’aménagement linguistique « de par en bas » (associatif). Une codification a pris forme dans les années 1990, fondée sur un travail de recherche tenant compte de la diversité dialectale interne de cette micro-région. Cependant, divers points de vue s’opposent, sur le plan glottopolitique entre d’une part, les tenants d’une individuation localiste contre une intégration dans le concert des dialectes slovènes, et d’autre part, les tenants d’une intégration polynomique et pragmatique, cultivant le lien avec la langue de référence, le slovène, dans une relation de complémentarité. Le présent article rend compte de ce dilemme et des contradictions entre plan émique et plan étique, sur la base d’un état documentaire diversifié et d’observations de terrain. On propose trois « modèles » ou scénarios » de développement social et de revitalisation du résian et des variétés italo-slovènes proches : la citadelle (isolationnisme, avec risque de substitution sociolinguistique), le pont (intégration, avec risque d’assimilation par le slovène standard), le pont-levis (un pluralisme polynomique, avec ouverture au monde slovène et slave, tout en maintenant une spécificité structurale). Des trois options, c’est semble-t-il la troisième qui tend, fort heureusement, à prévaloir depuis plusieurs décennies, bien qu’il faille rester vigilant à maintenir un équilibre entre individuation, isolement et assimilation. C’est là un processus sans fin, dont le résian constitue un cas exemplaire pour la glottopolitique des minorités transfrontalières.