bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Perceptions of Dentists in India Towards Transgender Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Sidhu Logesh , Ragavane Priyadharshini , Chandrasekaran Priyanga , Pauljoseph Angeline Hephzibah , Ashika Kavi , Raj Vasanth 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
Transgender individuals face significant stigma and discrimination in healthcare, leading to adverse health outcomes. This study investigates the perceptions of dentists in India towards transgender patients.

Methods:
A cross-sectional study collected data from 143 licensed practicing dentists in India using a 9-item structured questionnaire distributed via online forms from November 2023 to January 2024. The questionnaire assessed dentists’ perceptions, comfort levels, and educational background regarding transgender healthcare.

Results:
The sample included 62.9% female and 37.1% male dentists, predominantly early-career practitioners. Only 32.2% had treated transgender patients, and 25.2% had received specific training in transgender health issues. Despite limited experience and training, 71.3% of dentists expressed a willingness to treat transgender patients, and 84% recognized the societal benefits of acknowledging transgender identities as natural. Additionally, 87.4% supported the inclusion of LGBTQ patients in healthcare. Significant barriers were noted, with many respondents acknowledging problematic attitudes among healthcare staff towards transgender individuals.

Conclusions:
The study highlights positive attitudes among dentists towards transgender patients, despite substantial gaps in training and experience. Addressing these gaps through targeted education and sensitization programs is crucial for fostering an inclusive healthcare environment. Future research should focus on longitudinal assessments and the effectiveness of educational interventions to enhance knowledge and attitudes toward transgender healthcare.
Low-Level Laser-Aided Orthodontic Treatment of Periodontally Compromised Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Mangalekar Sachin B. , Jayanti Ipsita , Tiwari Anurag , Saxena Shobhit , Ajith Abhijith , Vashisht Arun , Pattnaik Naina 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
Periodontal disease can complicate orthodontic treatment, presenting challenges in maintaining both periodontal health and achieving desired orthodontic outcomes. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has emerged as a potential adjunctive treatment to enhance periodontal healing and facilitate orthodontic tooth movement.

Materials and Methods:
A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 60 periodontally compromised patients (mean age: 35 years). Participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental group, receiving LLLT in conjunction with standard orthodontic treatment, or the control group, receiving standard orthodontic treatment alone. The primary outcomes measured were changes in periodontal indices, tooth movement rate, and patient-reported pain levels. LLLT was applied at a wavelength of 810 nm with an energy density of 5 J/cm² for 10 min per session, twice weekly for 8 weeks.

Results:
The experimental group showed a significant improvement in periodontal indices, with a mean reduction in probing depth of 2.3 mm compared to 1.2 mm in the control group (P < 0.05). The rate of orthodontic tooth movement was faster in the LLLT group, with an average of 1.5 mm/month versus 1.0 mm/month in the control group (P < 0.01). Additionally, patient-reported pain levels were significantly lower in the LLLT group, with an average pain score reduction of 3.2 on a 10-point scale compared to 1.8 in the control group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:
Low-level laser therapy significantly enhances periodontal health, accelerates tooth movement, and reduces pain in periodontally compromised patients undergoing orthodontic treatment.
Comparative Evaluation of Dentin Hypersensitivity Reduction Over One Month after a Single Topical Application of Three Different Materials: A Prospective Experimental Study
Authors: Sharan Aniket , Pawar Babita , Bagde Hiroj , Chawla Tavinder Kaur , Dhan Aadarsh Vikram , Shyamsukha Bhawna , Sharma Sanjna 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
Dentinal hypersensitivity (DH) is a prevalent condition characterized by sharp, transient pain arising from exposed dentine in response to various stimuli. It is common among patients with gingival recession, tooth abrasion, and erosion.

Materials and Methods:
A prospective experimental study was conducted in the Department of Periodontology at the Chhattisgarh Dental College and Research Institute. A total of 45 patients with DH were randomly assigned to three groups: Test Group I (5% potassium nitrate gel), Test Group II (Tetric-N-Bond self-etch adhesive), and Test Group III (fluoride varnish). Clinical assessments of DH were conducted immediately after treatment, at one week, and at one month, using tactile sensation, cold stimuli, and air blast tests. Pain levels were measured using a 10-point visual analog scale (VAS).

Results:
Tetric-N-Bond demonstrated the most significant reduction in DH at all follow-up intervals. Immediately after application, VAS scores (tactile) were potassium nitrate (1.33 ± 0.48), Tetric-N-Bond (1.53 ± 0.74), and fluoride varnish (3.06 ± 0.88). After one month, the scores were: Tetric-N-Bond (2.53 ± 1.12), potassium nitrate (3.20 ± 0.41), and fluoride varnish (4.73 ± 1.57). Significant differences were observed between all groups (P < 0.05). The Schiff cold air score also supported these findings, showing Tetric-N-Bond as the most effective treatment, followed by potassium nitrate and fluoride varnish.

Conclusion:
The study concluded that Tetric-N-Bond is the most effective treatment for reducing DH immediately and over a one-month period, followed by potassium nitrate and fluoride varnish.
Harnessing Ayurveda in Acute Management of Type 1 Trigeminal Neuralgia: Insights from a Single-Case Report
Authors: Waskar Rohit Arun , Pardhekar Ashvini , Deshpande Mayuri 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

Trigeminal neuralgia causes severe facial pain, affecting daily life and leading to anxiety and depression. The latest classification differentiates between primary and secondary forms. Treatments, including anticonvulsants and surgery, have mixed results. Ayurveda links this condition to an excess of Vata dosha in the cranial nerves.

Aim and Objectives:
To discover the potential of Ayurveda in the acute management of Type 1 trigeminal neuralgia.

Material and Methods:
A 41-year-old woman with intermittent pricking pain and tingling in the right lower jaw was diagnosed with Type 1 trigeminal neuralgia. She received Shamana and Shodhan Chikitsa as per Ayurvedic principles for 15 days.

Observation and Results:
Pain and shock-like sensations decreased, reducing the social fear of pain and improving quality of life. Transient numbness occurred early.
Effectiveness of Structured Teaching Program on Adolescent’s Knowledge of Tobacco Consumption: A Randomized Control Trial
Authors: Majumder Prasanta , Thomas Pallavi A. , Motghare Vaibhav , Manek Pranav V. , Nazneen Lubna , Basak Suchetana , Acharya Sheetal 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

Aim and Objective:
The aim of the article is to determine the effectiveness of a structured teaching program on knowledge of tobacco consumption and its effects among adolescents (age group 13–16-year boys) and its retention over a period of six months.

Methodology:
A single-blinded randomized control trial (parallel design) was conducted among randomly selected two government schools in Agartala, Tripura, India. The first school (Group 1, n = 100) received oral health education in the form of a structured teaching program regarding the ill effects of tobacco consumption. The second school (Group 2, n = 100) was chosen as a control and no intervention program was conducted. A close-ended, structured questionnaire was used to assess the change in the knowledge postintervention in both groups.

Result:
In the study group, the mean pre-intervention, and postintervention after 10 days and six months, knowledge score was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.001, highly significant).
Evaluating the impact of an electronic support system on clinical productivity and student satisfaction in dental education
Authors: Al Harthi Shaimaa 
Published: December 2024

Background:
In response to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on dental education, including clinical training disruptions, an electronic support system was proposed to mitigate challenges, reduce stress on affected students, and optimize their clinical productivity.

Aims:
This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a new electronic support system on dental students’ clinical productivity, focusing on course completion, procedures completed, peer assistance, and student satisfaction.

Settings and Design:
A comparative observational design was used.

Materials and Methods:
The system was implemented for the 2022–2023 academic year (test group), and the data were compared to the previous year data (control group). The participants included 5th-(n = 35) and 6th-year (n = 37) dental students.

Statistical Analysis:
All statistical analyses were conducted using R version 4.3.2, including Chi-squared, Fisher’s exact, t-tests, and Pearson correlation.

Results:
A statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) between the test group and the control group in dental clinical practice 6 and total patient care 2 course completion rates was found. Furthermore, a significant difference in the number of completed procedures between 2021–2022 and 2022–2023 for all students (P < 0.05) was found. In addition, students reported high satisfaction with the system, rating it as fair (P = 0.038), user-friendly (P = 0.014), or likely to be recommended (P = 0.016).

Conclusions:
Implementing an electronic support system significantly enhanced dental students’ clinical productivity and course completion rates while also leading to high satisfaction ratings. These findings suggest broader adoption of electronic support systems may optimize educational outcomes and support student success in clinical settings.
Patient satisfaction with dental services provided by Taif University Dental Hospital, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alzubaidi Mohammed A. , Alzahrani Muaath H. , Alammari Sattam T. , Alqarni Ali A. , Shukr Bandar S. , Alrabaie Fahad M. , Alhaddad Rami F. , Alharbi Abdulaziz A. 
Published: December 2024

Background:
Patient satisfaction levels serve as a crucial performance indicator of the quality of health care in any health institute.

Aim:
This study aimed to investigate the satisfaction level of patients with the dental care services provided by Taif University Dental Hospital (TUDH) in an effort to highlight areas that need further improvements.

Settings and Design:
This study was conducted at TUDH in Taif, Saudi Arabia, and employed a cross-sectional analytical observational research approach.

Materials and Methods:
A simple random sampling technique was employed over a period of 3 months from November 2023 to January 2024. A self-administrated questionnaire was used to assess patient satisfaction with the dental services provided by final-year dental students.

Statistical Analysis:
The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software (Version 25.0, Chicago, IL, USA) was used for all statistical analyses.

Results:
This study involved 94 patients; satisfaction levels were assessed across various domains within a health-care setting. Notably, doctors’ interactions received consistently high mean scores (ranging from 1.10 to 1.20), as did faculty supervisors’ interactions (ranging from 1.36 to 1.52). X-ray procedures and personnel demonstrated similar satisfaction levels (mean scores between 1.17 and 1.23), while dental assistants received positive evaluations (mean scores around 1.24). Reception staff satisfaction was moderate (mean scores from 1.26 to 1.54), and patient relation office satisfaction varied (mean scores from 1.38 to 1.72). Younger patients (under 40 years) reported higher satisfaction across all domains compared to older participants. In addition, males and non-Saudi nationals expressed greater satisfaction than their female and Saudi counterparts, although these findings were not statistically significant. Education level also played a role, with more educated individuals (holding a College/University degree or higher) showing greater satisfaction, particularly in reception staff and patient relation office domains (with borderline significant effects; P = 0.03 and P = 0.093, respectively).

Conclusions:
The majority of the patients were satisfied with the provided dental care services at TUDH.
Exploring the Impact of Electroacupuncture on Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy in Mice through Untargeted Metabolomics Analysis
Authors: Li Wen , Wang Qiu-Yue , Dai Jin-Ling , Chung Shuetling , Tu Jie , Jin Zhu 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objective:
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common diabetic complication that affects the peripheral nerves, leading to symptoms such as pain, numbness, and tingling in the extremities. Electroacupuncture (EA) is effective in treating DPN, albeit the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. This study employed a metabolomics approach to investigate the metabolic alterations induced by EA therapy for DPN in mice along with the exploration of the mechanisms of EA’s therapeutic effects in DPN treatment.

Materials and Methods:
DPN was induced in mice with streptozotocin, after which the mice were treated with EA for 2 weeks. To evaluate the neurological function in mice, their sensory and motor nerve conduction velocities were measured, and the responses of mice to mechanical and thermal stimuli were analyzed. Sciatic nerve samples were collected and analyzed using an untargeted metabolomics methodology based on liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Results:
EA treatment improved peripheral nerve function in DPN mice. The metabolomics analysis revealed 53 potential biomarkers (including L-methionine S-oxide, prostaglandin E1, vanillylmandelic acid, sphinganine, etc.) related to EA treatment. Pathway analysis revealed that changes in these metabolites were mainly related to beta-alanine metabolism, nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism, taste transduction, phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan metabolism, vitamin digestion and absorption, ATP-binding cassette transporters, and serotonergic synapses.

Conclusions:
EA therapy exhibited a significant neuroprotective effects against DPN, which may be mediated by ameliorating metabolic disorders in DPN mice. Thus, EA treatment may be a promising complementary approach for DPN management.
Addenda to “Correspondence theorems for Hopf algebroids with applications to affine groupoids”
Authors: El Kaoutit Laiachi , Ghobadi Aryan , Saracco Paolo , Vercruysse Joost 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe proof of Theorem 3.14 contains an unsubstantiated claim. To overcome this problem, we add a hypothesis to the statement of 3.14 and we provide a new valid proof. We adjust Theorem 3.15, Corollary 3.16, Proposition 4.23, Theorem 4.26, Corollary 4.29, and Corollary 4.32 accordingly.
Comparative efficacy analysis of laparoscopic-assisted transanal total mesorectal excision vs laparoscopic transanal mesorectal excision for low-lying rectal cancer
Authors: Lu Feng , Tan Shu-Guang , Zuo Juan , Jiang Hai-Hua , Wang Jian-Hua , Jiang Yu-Ping 
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND
With the continuous development of laparoscopic techniques in recent years, laparoscopic total mesorectal excision (LapTME) and laparoscopic-assisted transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) have gradually become important surgical techniques for treating low-lying rectal cancer (LRC). However, there is still controversy over the efficacy and safety of these two surgical modalities in LRC treatment.
AIM
To compare the efficacy of LapTME vs TaTME in patients with LRC.
METHODS
Ninety-four patients with LRC who visited and were treated at the Affiliated Hengyang Hospital of Hunan Normal University & Hengyang Central Hospital between December 2022 and March 2024 were selected and divided into the LapTME (n = 44) and TaTME (n = 50) groups. Clinical operation indexes, postoperative recovery indicators, and postoperative complications were recorded. The anal resting pressure (ARP), anal maximum systolic pressure (MSP), and maximum tolerated volume (MTV) of the anal canal were also measured. The intestinal function of patients was evaluated by the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) bowel function questionnaire. Serum norepinephrine (NE), adrenaline (AD), and cortisol (Cor) levels were measured. The Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (QLQ-C30) was used for quality of life assessment.
RESULTS
Compared with the LapTME group, the surgery time in the TaTME group was longer; intraoperative blood loss was low; time of anal exhaust, first postoperative ambulation, intestinal recovery, and hospital stay were shorter; and the distal incisal margin and specimen lengths were longer. The TaTME group also showed higher ARP, MSP, and MTV values and higher MSKCC and QLQ-C30 scores than the LapTME group 3 months postoperatively. Cor, AD, and NE levels were lower in the TaTME group than those in the LapTME group during recovery.
CONCLUSION
We demonstrated that TaTME better improved anal function, reduced postoperative stress, and accelerated postoperative recovery and, hence, was safer for patients with LRC.
Clinical application of indocyanine green fluorescence imaging in laparoscopic cholecystectomy with common bile duct exploration and J-Tube drainage
Authors: Wang Zi-Han , Yan Shuai , Wang Rui , Chen Lin , Wu Jin-Zhu , Cai Wei-Hua 
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND
Intraoperative and postoperative biliary injuries remain significant complications of laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE). Indocyanine green (ICG) has been shown to significantly reduce injuries caused by intraoperative operational errors. We found that the J-tube can reduce postoperative strictures and injuries to the common bile duct. At this moment, we aim to analyze and compare the complications, efficacy, short-term outcomes, and feasibility of these two adjunctive tools for LCBDE.
AIM
To evaluate the efficacy of ICG fluorescence imaging In LCBDE and J-tube drainage for patients with common bile duct stones.
METHODS
We retrospectively collected the clinical case data of patients who were treated at the Hepatobiliary Surgery Department of the Third People’s Hospital of Nantong, affiliated with Nantong University, from January 2016 to January 2021 due to gallbladder stones with choledocholithiasis and who underwent LCBDE combined with a primary suture and either J-tube or T-tube drainage. The patients were divided into groups: Traditional white-light laparoscopy + T-tube group (WL + T-tube), traditional WL + J-tube group, fluorescent laparoscopy + T-tube group (ICG + T-tube) and fluorescent laparoscopy + J-tube group (ICG + J-tube). The preoperative and postoperative clinical case data, laboratory examination data, and intraoperative and postoperative complications (including postoperative bile leakage, electrolyte disturbances, biliary peritonitis, and postoperative infections) and other relevant indicators were compared.
RESULTS
A total of 198 patients (112 males and 86 females) were included in the study, with 74 patients in the WL + T-tube, 47 in the WL + J-tube, 42 in the ICG + T-tube, and 35 in the ICG + J-tube. Compared with the other groups, the ICG + J had significantly shorter operation time (114 minutes, P = 0.001), less blood loss (42 mL, P = 0.02), shorter postoperative hospital stays (7 days, P = 0.038), and lower surgical costs (China yuan 30178, P = 0.001). Furthermore, patients were subdivided into two groups based on whether a T-tube or J-tube was placed during the surgery. By the third postoperative day, the aspartate transaminase, glutamic pyruvic transaminase, total bilirubin, and direct bilirubin levels were lower in the J-tube group than in the T-tube group (P < 0.001). At last, follow-up observations showed that the incidence of biliary strictures at three months postoperatively was significantly lower in the J-tube group than in the T-tube group (P = 0.002).
CONCLUSION
ICG fluorescence imaging in laparoscopic cholecystectomy with common bile duct exploration and J-tube drainage facilitates rapid identification of biliary anatomy and variations, reducing intraoperative bile duct injury, blood loss, surgery duration, and postoperative bile duct stenosis rates, supporting its clinical adoption.
Normative vertebral deformity measurements in a clinically relevant population using magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Sorci Olivia R , Madi Rashad , Kim Sun Min , Batzdorf Alexandra S , Alecxih Austin , Hornyak Julia N , Patel Sheenali , Rajapakse Chamith S 
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND
Osteoporosis is the leading cause of vertebral fractures. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and radiographs are traditionally used to detect osteoporosis and vertebral fractures/deformities. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be utilized to detect the relative severity of vertebral deformities using three-dimensional information not available in traditional DXA and lateral two-dimensional radiography imaging techniques.
AIM
To generate normative vertebral parameters in women using MRI and DXA scans, determine the correlations between MRI-calculated vertebral deformities and age, DXA T-scores, and DXA Z-scores, and compare MRI vertebral deformity values with radiography values previously published in the literature.
METHODS
This study is a retrospective vertebral morphometric analysis conducted at our institution. The patient sample included MR images from 1638 female patients who underwent both MR and DXA imaging between 2005 and 2014. Biconcavity, wedge, crush, anterior height (Ha)/posterior height (Hp), and middle height (Hm)/posterior height values were calculated from the MR images of the patient’s vertebrae. Associations between vertebral deformity values, patient age, and DXA T-scores were analyzed using Spearman correlation. The MRI-derived measurements were compared with radiograph-based calculations from population-based data compiled from multiple studies.
RESULTS
Age was positively correlated with lumbar Hm/Hp (P = 0.04) and thoracic wedge (P = 0.03) and biconcavity (P = 0.001) and negatively correlated with thoracic Ha/Hp (P = 0.002) and Hm/Hp (P = 0.001) values. DXA T-scores correlated positively with lumbar Hm/Hp (P < 0.0001) and negatively with lumbar wedge (P = 0.046), biconcavity (P < 0.0001), and Ha/Hp (P = 0.046) values. Qualitative analysis revealed that Ha/Hp differed between MRI and radiography population-based data by no more than 0.3 and Hm/Hp by a maximum of 1.2.
CONCLUSION
Compared with traditional imaging techniques, MRI detects vertebral deformities with high accuracy and reliability. It may be a sensitive, ionizing, radiation-free tool for use in clinical settings.