bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Perception and practices regarding electronic waste amongst undergraduate medical students: A cross-sectional study in a medical college in Kolkata
Authors: Ghosh Santanu , Pal Moumita , Das Sukesh , Das Avijit 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background:
With rapid increase in electronic waste (e-waste) burden in countries like India, it is essential that undergraduate medical students should possess adequate knowledge on the hazards of e-waste and its disposal as future physicians.

Methods:
This cross-sectional study was conducted amongst 384 undergraduate medical students at a medical college. Data were collected using a pre-tested, structured, self-administered questionnaire distributed through Google Forms. Bivariate analyses were performed to determine the association between sociodemographic variables and adequacy of knowledge.

Results:
Their mean age was 21.2 ± 1.6 years. About 92% of them heard of e-waste. About 82.4% mentioned computers, followed by mobile phones (47.7%) as the major sources of e-waste. Genetic damage as a health hazard was reported by 43.2%. Regarding e-waste management, 94.3% of students mentioned ‘recycling’, followed by ‘reuse’ (81%). Approximately 22% of the students discarded old electronic devices along with general waste. Adequate knowledge s regarding sources was among male than female students (69.3% Vs 37.8%) (P = <0.001); more amongst 1st and 2nd professional MBBS students (67.9% and 62.8%, respectively) in comparison to 3rd professional Part I and Part II MBBS students (38.9% and 50.6%, respectively) (P < 0.001). Students of urban origin possessed more adequate knowledge (60%) on e-waste processing than their rural counterparts (42%) (P = 0.002).

Conclusions:
Significant associations were found between adequate knowledge on sources of e-waste and male gender, lower academic year of study and urban permanent residence. Continuous medical education, inclusion of e-waste hazards in the school curriculum and establishment of e-waste collection facilities near people’s residences are the needs of the hour.
Assessment of Accuracy of Linear Alveolar Ridge Measurements with Different Implant Planning Software Programs
Authors: Savita S , Bhutani Neha , Zakaullah Syed , Chowdhary Ramesh , Kumar Deepak , Naaz Farha 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction:
Virtual implant planning is important before implant surgery for ideal implant size selection and placement. Currently, with technological advancements, there are plethora of virtual implant planning software with DICOM interface (digital imaging and communication in medicine) for the import of CBCT images (cone beam computerized tomographic scan) and with various tools to facilitate linear ridge dimensions. Few available planning software programs are usually associated with high initial cost; however, other programs are available for lesser cost. The literature on accuracy and reliability of these software programs is limited. Hence, our study was done with the aim to compare the reliability of available software systems along with gold standard of ridge mapping using bone caliper.

Methodology:
CBCT scans of 10 patients with missing single teeth in maxillary anterior region between the age group of 25 and 45 years were recruited for the study. All CBCT scans of patients were assessed for buccopalatal width and mesiodistal width of planned implant site, using three different implant planning software system, i.e., commercially available Nobel clinician, inbuilt NNT viewer, and open source Blue sky Bio and compared with clinical method of ridge mapping using bone caliper.

Results:
The analysis of results obtained in our study showed no statistically significant difference in the mean values for buccopalatal width at points A and B using three different software programs. However, the values obtained from commercial Nobel clinician software were very much like the mean values obtained with the ridge mapping method.

Conclusion:
According to our study, measurements obtained from all the three implant planning software system are reliable and can be compared with proven method of clinical ridge assessment using bone caliper.
Assessing Dentinal Microcracks using Micro-CT after Root Canal Preparation with Different Rotary Endodontic File Systems
Authors: Mustafa Mohammed , Attur Kailash , Menon Sidharth S. , Attur Shylaja 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

Objective:
This study aimed to evaluate the propagation of dentinal microcracks in the mesiobuccal (MB) and mesiolingual (ML) canals following root canal preparation using two different rotary endodontic file systems, TruNatomy (continuous rotation) and MicroMega ONE RECI (reciprocating motion), using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT).

Materials and Methods:
Fifty freshly extracted human mandibular first and second molars were selected based on specific inclusion criteria. Root canal preparation was confined to the MB and ML canals in mesial roots of mandibular molars (Vertucci Type IV canal configurations) using TruNatomy and MicroMega ONE RECI systems. Pre- and post- preparation scans were taken for all the specimens using micro-CT to identify and measure dentinal microcracks. Statistical analysis was performed using a t-test and Fisher’s exact test, with significance set at P < 0.05.

Results:
The results indicated no statistically significant differences between the two systems in terms of microcrack formation or propagation. In the ML canal, 8.0% of teeth prepared with TruNatomy and 12.0% with MicroMega ONE RECI exhibited microcracks (P = 0.643). In the MB canal, microcracks were found in 12.0% of the TruNatomy group and 8.0% of the MicroMega ONE RECI group (P = 0.643). Both systems showed a significant increase in canal volume, but no significant differences between the instruments (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:
Both TruNatomy and MicroMega ONE RECI demonstrated similar outcomes regarding dentinal microcrack formation and propagation in the MB and ML canals, with no significant differences. Both systems were effective in enlarging the canals while preserving the natural canal anatomy. These findings suggest that the choice of instrumentation system can be guided by clinical ease and efficiency as both systems offer comparable mechanical effects on dentin integrity during root canal preparation.
Comparison between Conventional Methods and Molecular Diagnosis for Candida albicans and Candida dubliniensis isolated from Cancer Patients Infected with Oral Candidiasis
Authors: Abbas Nada Fadhil 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background:
Two related pathogenic yeast species, Candida albicans and Candida dubliniensis share many phenotypic and microscopic diagnostic characteristics, in addition to the similarity in the characteristics of diagnosis.

Objectives:
The present study aimed to diagnose both yeast cells and compare them at the level of the percentage of similarities and differences according to the traditional methods and molecular approaches, which are considered more accurate and sensitive.

Materials and Methods:
The ability to form germ tubes was conducted for C. albicans and C. dubliniensis. The identification using biochemical tests, VITEK techniques, and molecular techniques was also conducted.

Results:
The results showed that both pathogenic yeast cells are similar in phenotypic and biochemical diagnosis, whereas the results of molecular diagnosis showed a difference between them, as well as the results of the drug sensitivity test, showed that the two types of yeast cells are sensitive to the antifungal drugs. The current study also showed the diagnosis of new isolates of the two species for the first time, which can be attributed to the occurrence of genetic mutations in them.

Conclusion:
Both types of pathogenic yeasts that were diagnosed in the current study are the important pathological types prevalent in cancer patients, especially in oral cavity infections, and they are similar to a large extent in terms of phenotypic and diagnostic characteristics.
Molecular Detection of Pap II, OmpA, and LuxR Genes Responsible for Biofilm Formation in Acinetobacter baumannii Isolated from Hospitalized Patients
Authors: Maklef Estabraq Ali , Kareem Amal A. , Al-Sudani Susan F. K. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background:
The first pathogen to be designated a “red-alert” human pathogen is Acinetobacter baumannii, which is on the list of infections that must be treated urgently with new antibiotics. Infections due to this bacterium are on the rise, especially in patients admitted to hospital intensive care units. It can create biofilms on both biotic and abiotic surfaces.

Objectives:
This study aimed to detect biofilm formation by A. baumannii phenotypically and genotypically.

Materials and Methods:
A total of 250 samples were subjected to bacterial identification using the VITEK-2 compact system, which showed 42 A. baumannii isolates. Biofilm formation was phenotypically investigated using the microtiter plate method.

Results:
The results revealed three stages of biofilm formation: 5 (11.6%) nonbiofilm, 13 (30.2%) weak biofilm, 15 (34.9%) moderate, and 10 (23.3%) strong biofilm formation. The isolates from intensive care unit (ICU) patients had strong, moderate, weak, and nonforming biofilm ability in higher rates of biofilm producers compared with the isolates from samples of hospital wards. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products showed genotypically positive results as follows: PapII 12 (31.5%), OmpA 11 (28.9%), and LuxR 8 (21%) out of 38 positive samples of A. baumannii for all genes.

Conclusion:
Isolates of A. baumannii appeared in different stages of biofilm formation with a higher percentage rate in the ICU compared with hospitalized patients. The PCR products for isolates of A. baumannii showed that PapII, OmpA, and LuxR showed positive results.
The Effect of Hybrid Nano Addition on the Color Stability of Maxillofacial Rehabilitation Silicone Material after Weathering
Authors: Bunyan Shahad Fadhil , Suhaimi Fatanah Mohamad , Zardawi Faraedon Mohidden Mostafa , Noor Siti Noor Fazliah Mohd , Zabidi Muhammad Azrul 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background:
Facial prostheses may get discolored and change color from intrinsic and extrinsic coloring due to external factors. This is related to the inherent color stability of elastomers and colorants.

Objectives:
We aimed to evaluate the effect of hybrid nano additives on the color stability of Tech-Sil25 room-temperature vulcanized silicones used for maxillofacial prosthesis after artificial weathering.

Materials and Methods:
A total of 70 samples were fabricated for fourteen groups. Seven groups contained 0.2 wt% burnt sienna, and another seven groups contained 0.2 wt% cobalt blue. The seven groups were the control groups. Each group consists of five samples. The samples were exposed to artificial weathering for 300 h. The CIELAB color system was used to record the color values. It aids in the numerical classification of color differences by describing the three color coordinates (or color values) x, y, and z in three unique corresponding values of L, a, and b, respectively.

Results:
Burnt sienna pigment samples with hybrid nano 1%NS+1%NA show the highest color stability, followed by 2% NS and 2% NA; the least color change was observed (ΔE* about = 1.1) by the visual system as the threshold was seen. The cobalt blue pigment shows the most significant color change. The color shift observed in all groups was within the clinically acceptable level.

Conclusion:
It can be concluded that a 2% hybrid nano additive can improve the color stability for both pigment groups (burnt sienna and cobalt blue). The variation in color in the burnt sienna group was less than that in the cobalt blue groups. The color change in each group came within an acceptable range for clinical purposes.
Immunological and Molecular Method for the Diagnosis of Human Bocavirus in Patients with Respiratory Infections in Mosul, Iraq
Authors: AlTaie Anmar A. , Abdulghany Noor Raad , Muhammad Muhammad Abdul-Ghani , Salih Mohammad M. , Aufi Iman Mutasher 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
Human bocavirus (HBoV) typically affects adolescents and causes upper and lower respiratory infections. However, little is known about the clinical features of this pathogen and its implications for respiratory infections in adults.

Objectives:
To detect the HBoV effect on adults and adolescents causing respiratory diseases in the lower respiratory tract.

Materials and Methods:
Seventy throat and nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from male and female patients, aged 11–57 years, from three hospitals in Mosul City, Iraq, within 6 months in 2024. The samples were stored in a viral transport medium until indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were performed.

Results:
Out of 70 samples, the prevalence rate of immunoglobulin (Ig)M antibodies was 37 (53%), IgG was 33 (47%), and viral DNA for HBoV was 24 (34%), respectively. The dominating age groups were above 30 years, and males were more susceptible to infection compared with females.

Conclusion:
The best diagnostic method for the detection of HBoV is RT-PCR. The present study highlights RT-PCR in diagnosing respiratory infections. This technique can be compared with other immunological methods to determine the severity of the disease.
Deciphering the Impact of miR-92a-3p on Controlling BCL11A Gene Expression and Its Implication in Easing Thalassemia Symptoms
Authors: Salih Al-Khafaji Mohammed M. , Al-Hayawi Anas Y. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background:
Thalassemia, a prevalent genetic disorder, is characterized by a point mutation affecting the globin gene expression. One manifestation of this disorder, β-thalassemia, arises from compromised β-globin chain production.

Objectives:
The objective of this research was to explore the presence of miR-92a expression in the bloodstream of individuals affected by severe thalassemia. Moreover, the study aimed to uncover the functional role of miR-92a and its influence on the expression of γ-globin (HGB gene) and oxidative stress within blood cells.

Materials and Methods:
As an initial step, the real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was employed to assess gene expression levels subsequent to RNA extraction. The process involved the addition of the polyadenosine monophosphate enzyme Poly-A to facilitate the production of mature messenger RNA (mRNA) from DNA.

Results:
The study revealed significantly elevated miR-92a expression in blood cells. Furthermore, higher levels of gamma-globin, glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), along with a decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) and BCL11A expression, were identified as targets of miR-92a-3p and were downregulated by this microRNA. Additionally, individual knockdown of BCL11A led to increased expression of β-globin (HBB gene), SOD, and GSH, accompanied by a reduction in MDA levels. However, the patterns observed were altered upon subsequent inhibition of miR-92a.

Conclusion:
The findings of this study propose that through the suppression of BCL11A, miR-92a may elevate γ-globin levels while concurrently mitigating oxidative stress in blood cells.
A Study of Causes and Clinicopathological Changes of Patients Presented with Hoarseness of Voice in the ENT Department of Hilla Teaching General Hospital, Babylon, Iraq
Authors: Witwit Maytham Lafta Kreem 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background:
Hoarseness of voice (HOV) is defined as abnormal changes in the quality of voice. It may be caused by many diseases related to the upper aerodigestive tract system. Proper knowledge about the causes and clinicopathological changes leading to HOV is very important for the early detection and treatment of the causative pathology.

Objective:
To investigate the causes, incidence, age, occupation, and sex predilection for HOV.

Materials and Methods:
This prospective study was carried out on 200 patients referred to the Eyes, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Department of Hilla Teaching General Hospital, Babylon, Iraq, from September 2017 to September 2019 complaining of HOV for more than 10 days. The ENT examination was conducted using a fiberoptic flexible laryngoscope. Radiological examination by plain X-ray of the neck and chest, computed tomography scans of the head, neck, and chest, and a direct laryngoscopy exam. Under general anesthesia, and biopsy is taken from suspected pathology (if needed).

Results:
Out of 200 patients, the age group between 31 and 40 years was most commonly seen. Laborers occupation 30% farmers 35% were the major groups affected. Smoking habits were found in 40% of patients with HOV. The most common causes of HOV were acute and chronic laryngitis, including acute viral laryngitis, acute voice abuse, laryngeal trauma after thyroid surgery, vocal cord (VC) nodules, laryngeal polyps, and laryngeal edema. The second most frequent causes are neoplastic growths in the larynx (mostly supraglottic) and hypopharynx. The least frequent causes of HOV are seen due to congenital pathologies such as laryngomalacia and congenital VC palsy.

Conclusion:
Proper and detailed history, good ENT examination, and the investigation of patients with HOV are important factors in the early detection and treatment of causative pathology.
Correlation of Interleukin-10 and Interleukin-8 with Cytomegalovirus and Epstein–Barr Virus Infection in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Ihsan Eman Ammar , Mohammed Lezan Medhat , Ali Waleed Mohammed 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background:
Herpes viruses like cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) can cause serious illness in those who already have impaired immune systems.

Objectives:
The purpose of this research was to examine the impact of CMV and EBV infection on specific immunological markers in individuals undergoing hemodialysis.

Materials and Methods:
Blood sample was collected from 91 hemodialysis patients and 50 healthy individuals as a control group for comparison. Serum was separated and examined for the confirmation of CMV and EBV infection, and then the sera was tested by using specific ELISA kits (human interleukin-10 and human IL-8, Sunlong Biotech Co., HangZhou, China).

Results:
Highest mean of IL-8 and IL-10 was obtained in CMV IgM positive patients in comparison with IgG positive and control group with P value = 0.00002, 0.0008, respectively. The results in patients with EBV IgM positive were also highly significant in comparison with control, P value for IL-8 was 0.0002 and for IL-10 was 0.00004.

Conclusion:
The study concluded that, the level of IL-10 and IL-8 was higher among hemodialysis patients with acute EBV and CMV infection, and this indicated that the ability of CMV and EBV to enhance IL-8 and IL-10 production which may play an important role in immune inflammatory states associated with CMV and EBV infection.
Molecular Assessment of Blastocystis hominis in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus in Balad City, Saladin Province, Iraq
Authors: Ismaiel Shereen Khalid , Ali Abeer Abbas , Al-Assi Akeel Hussein Ali 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background:

Blastocystis sp. is the most prevalent intestinal protozoa found worldwide in both humans and animals.

Objectives:
This study aims to identify the subtypes of Blastocystis sp. parasite isolated from diabetes mellitus patients using molecular techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), DNA sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis.

Materials and Methods:
The current study was conducted on samples collected from a total of 300 patients (150 diabetic patients and 150 non-diabetic patients). The samples were taken between November 2022 and May 2023 at the laboratories of the General Balad Hospital in Balad City, Saladin, Iraq. Blood and stool samples were taken from each patient, and the investigation included microscopic examination and culturing of the samples on Modified Jones’ Medium for parasitic identification; active infection was confirmed genetically using PCR, and subtyping was done via sequencing of the SSU rRNA gene.

Results:
Microscopically, only 80 diabetic patients (50 males and 30 females) were infected with Blastocystis hominis, and only 50 people (13 males and 37 females) among the healthy participants had B. hominis infection. Thirty samples were further studied using PCR, and only 16 showed clear bands on the gel, whereas only eight samples were successfully sequenced.

Conclusion:
This study demonstrated that diabetic mellitus patients (DM group) had a higher prevalence of B. hominis infection compared to the non-DM group. Furthermore, there is a link between the presence of Blastocystis and other risk factors, such as place of residence, water source, and keeping animals, which suggests that exposure to animal stools may result in the development of Blastocystis ST1 among the studied participants.
Treatment with Metformin Can Improve Insulin Resistance and Lipid Profile in Non-Diabetic Iraqi Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Al-Tuma Ali M. Kadim , Hussain Saba Sabeeh , Hassan Muhjah Falah 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background:
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are usually at increased risk of metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance (IR), regardless of their body weight, and the development of type 2 diabetes in those women is not uncommon. Metformin is an oral hypoglycemic drug with a significant role in improving IR and lipid profile in diabetic persons without causing hypoglycemia.

Objectives:
To study the effectiveness of metformin in reducing body weight, IR, and lipid profile in non-diabetic PCOS women.

Materials and Methods:
Two hundred women with PCOS were included in the study. Serum was taken from them, and measurement of insulin level, fasting blood sugar (FBS), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and lipid profile were performed as a baseline. Metformin tabs of 500 mg twice daily were given for 3 months, and measurement of the previous parameters was also performed following treatment. The results were compared between pre- and post-treatment.

Results:
The study showed that body mass index was not changed following 3 months of metformin intake, while there was a significant reduction in FBS, serum level of insulin, HbA1c, and Homa-IR following treatment. Together and with the exception of a non-significant mild improvement in serum high-density lipoprotein level, serum levels of cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein were improved with a significant reduction following metformin treatment.

Conclusion:
Regardless its ability to reduce body weight, metformin can be effectively used for lowering FBS, lipid profile, and improving IR in non-diabetic PCOS women and can be used as an effective intervention to improve the quality of life in women with PCOS.