bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nonodontogenic Causes of Toothache: A Case Series and Narrative Review
Authors: Chawla Jitendra , Dey Samarjit , Chamala Vamshidhar , Gupta Sunit Kumar 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Chronic orofacial pain is a complex and frequently misdiagnosed condition that significantly impacts individuals’ well-being. Accurately diagnosing orofacial pain can be challenging due to the overlap between headaches and orofacial regions. Patients who complain of tooth pain may actually be experiencing pain unrelated to dental issues. It is crucial for clinicians to accurately pinpoint the source and location of the pain to devise effective treatment plans. Nonodontogenic facial pain can stem from various causes such as musculoskeletal, neuropathic, or neurovascular issues. In addition, toothaches can result from conditions originating from other areas like systemic disorders related to the heart, nose, throat, or sinuses. Referred pain phenomena are acknowledged in the literature but are poorly understood, presenting significant treatment challenges. This is worrisome because such patients are more prone to developing chronic pain conditions, and invasive treatments may exacerbate their suffering and overall health. In the current review paper, three cases are detailed: one of myofascial pain, the second of trigeminal neuralgia, and the third of posttraumatic trigeminal neuropathy. In all three cases, dentists were the initial point of consultation as the pain was perceived in the teeth, resulting in unnecessary dental interventions. There remains a lack of knowledge regarding nonodontogenic toothache among clinicians. Increasing awareness of nonodontogenic toothache can help avoid unnecessary interventions and improve overall pain relief for patients.
Anthropometric Study of Nasal Indices among the Akan People in the Assin Districts of Central Region, Ghana
Authors: Kyei Gordon , Egbenya Daniel Lawer , Brown Ato Ampomah , Aidoo Eric 
Published: September 2024

Introduction:
Nasal index (NI) may establish racial and ethnic identity and serves as a useful tool in forensic medicine and reconstructive surgery. Previous studies on nasal indices in many races and ethnicities serve as baseline and reference points for forensic and surgical purposes in those populations. However, there is scanty or no data on NI in Ghana including the Akan ethnicity. The study was conducted to provide baseline data on NI among the Akan people in the Assin Districts of the central region of Ghana.

Materials and Methods:
Four hundred adults between the ages of 20 and 58 years were used. Nasal height (NH) and nasal width (NW) were measured using Vernier caliper. NI computation and statistical analyses such as z-test and Pearson correlation were performed.

Results:
Mean NI of 91.32 ± 8.66 and 89.39 ± 10.16 were recorded in males and females, respectively, indicating that the predominant nose type in the study population is platyrrhine. There was a strong positive correlation between NH and NW, but there was no sexual dimorphism in NI among the Akan population.

Discussion and Conclusion:
This study provides a baseline data on NI anthropometry of the Akan people of the Assin Districts and will be a reference point for nasal anthropometry for clinical practice, rhinoplasty, and forensic science.
Morphometric Investigation of Nasal Structure with Nasal Septum Deviation in Young Adults and Correlation with 2:4 Digit Ratio
Authors: Desdicioglu Kadir , Oguz Buket , Tutuk Vahide 
Published: September 2024

Aim:
The nose, both anatomically and esthetically, is a central feature of the human face. This study aims to morphometrically investigate the nasal structure with septal deviation in young adults and examine its correlation with 2:4 digit ratio.

Materials and Methods:
The study was conducted on 194 volunteers (female: 100 and male: 94), aged 18–25 years, studying at Yıldırım Beyazıt University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara. Volunteers with nasal septum deviation were included in the study. Initially, participants’ height and weight measurements were taken, followed by morphometric measurements of the nasal and hand regions by the same researcher. Body mass index (BMI) was also calculated. Subsequently, the volunteers were divided into eight age groups for age and four for BMI. The data were analyzed using the Student’s t-test for normally distributed continuous variables and the Mann–Whitney U-test for ordinal or nonnormally distributed continuous variables. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:
Initially, the averages and standard deviations of parametric data taken from the nose and hand according to gender, age, and BMI were calculated. Then, the nasal and hand parameters were statistically evaluated according to gender, age, and BMI. The correlation between nasal parameters and the 2:4 digit ratio was also examined. The evaluation revealed statistically significant differences and correlation relationships between the parameters (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:
The data obtained from our study will assist clinicians involved in evaluating nasal development, determining gender in forensic medicine, diagnosing and treating pathologies related to the nose, describing anatomical points in surgical procedures applied to this region, and planning these surgical procedures.
Aberrant Origin of Left Vertebral Artery – Multidetector Computed Tomography Study
Authors: Sharma Vinay , Babu C. S. Ramesh , Gupta O. P. 
Published: September 2024

Background:
The vertebral arteries originating from respective subclavian arteries are the major source of oxygenated blood to posterior cerebral circulation and supply the upper spinal cord, brain stem, cerebellum, and occipital lobes of the cerebrum. Paucity of radiological studies prompted us to undertake this study which aims to analyze the variations in origin of left vertebral artery (LVA).

Materials and Methods:
This is a retrospective cross-sectional study of contrast-enhanced computed tomography chest scans of 710 subjects retrieved from the archives of a single imaging center.

Observations and Discussion:
Normal origin of LVA from the left subclavian artery (LSA) in the root of the neck was noted in 90.56% and variant origin in 9.44% of cases. Four-branched aortic arch (AA) with direct AA origin of LVA was observed in 6.76% of cases. An atypical three-branched pattern with LVA origin between the bovine trunk (common trunk of brachiocephalic trunk [BCT] and left common carotid artery [LCCA]) and LSA was seen in 0.84% of cases. Common origin of both LVA and LSA from a vertebro-subclavian trunk (VST) is found in 0.98% of cases. LVA as the last branch of arch distal to LSA and LVA of arch origin associated with aberrant right subclavian artery were noted in 0.14% of cases each. A rare but important observation is the presence of two common trunks (bovine trunk (BCT + LCCA) and VST (LVA + LSA) in an atypical two-branched fashion found in 0.56%.

Conclusion:
Critical knowledge of variations of the origin of LVA is clinically relevant as such variations are more prone to vascular pathologies. Variations of the LVA are thought to alter cerebral hemodynamics and can produce cerebral dysfunction. Preprocedural knowledge of such variations aids in the successful accomplishment of catheterization of LVA and avoids complications during neuroradiological interventions and surgical procedures.
Investigate the Relationship Between the Presence of JCV DNA and the Immunohistochemical Expression of CK2 0, CK7, and CDX2 in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Hassoon Hind Jaber , Muhsin Jasim Mohammed 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background:
Globally, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most common malignancy and has a high fatality rate. Early childhood the John Cunningham virus or JC virus (JCV) infection persists throughout life and has been linked through multiple routes to colorectal cancer. The expression of cytokeratins 7 (CK7), 20 (CK20), and CDX2 have been investigated in a variety of primary and metastatic carcinomas, and their patterns of expression may be used to determine the site of origin of metastatic carcinomas.

Objectives:
The aim is to assess the relationship between JCV DNA and tumor markers (CK7, CK20, and CDX2) in patients with colorectal cancer, this study was carried out.

Materials and Methods:
Ninety CRCs (45 of which were squamous cell carcinomas and 45 of which were adenocarcinomas) had their paraffin sections randomly chosen, extracted, and immunostained for CK7, CK20, CDX2, and for the detection of JCV DNA by real-time (PCR).

Results:
JCV DNA was detected in 22 (24.4%) of AD-CRC and 24 (26.7%) of SCC-CRC (P = 0.004). The presence of JCV was significantly correlated with tumor stages (P = 0.04) and age categories (P = 0.05). Moreover, JCV presence was significantly correlated with all studied tumor markers (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:
JCV might play a role in the development of colorectal cancer, and CDX2, which is highly specific and sensitive as markers of colorectal origin should be helpful in the detection of intestinal adenocarcinomas.
Assessment of the Binding Immunoglobulin Protein, IL-1β, and Some Hematological Indices in Patients with Urinary Tract Infections
Authors: Oudah Noor Abdulameer , Ghareeb Ammar Kareem Rashid , Kelkawi Ali Hamad Abd , Oudah Marwa Abdulameer 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background:
Binding immunoglobulin protein (BiP) is a protein marker associated with endoplasmic reticulum (E.R.) stress and is upregulated by metabolic alterations at the tissue level. There is growing proof that changes in the microbiota’s makeup that cause infections may have a significant impact on the development of associated diseases such as autoimmune diseases by E.R. stress-inducing and a change in cell surface components.

Objective:
To investigate the role of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in inducing an increase in E.R. stress represented and the innate immune response to this stress.

Materials and Methods:
A total of 160 male and female children, whose ages ranged between 5 and 10 years participated in this study. Cultivation urine on UTI ChromoSelect Agar used to identify patients with UTI. The levels of BiP and IL-1β concentration were measured using ELISA assay. Lymphocyte and granulocyte cell count and ratio were measured by Complete Blood Count.

Results:
The major findings of the study were (1) The serum levels of BiP were significantly higher in patients with UTI compared to controls. (2) Upon bacterial stimulation, happened higher increase of IL-1β concentration. (3) The lymphocyte count and ratio were significantly higher but granulocyte ratio was significantly lower in the UTI patients. (4) The most frequent bacteria isolated were Escherichia coli (31.7%), followed by Proteus mirabilis (22.1%), Klebsiella (21.2%), Staphylococcus aureus (12.7%), and Enterococcus faecalis (12.3%).

Conclusions:
BiP plasma concentrations are increased in UTI patients that suggest the virulence factors of uropathogenic bacteria may be stimulated by epithelial cell stress which leads to activation of the immune system. BiP could be a useful marker to predict the risk of bacterial infections.
Oxidative Stress Evaluation of Lambda-Cyhalothrin and Antioxidant (Vitamin E) on Male Rats
Authors: Mustafa Mustafa Q. , Mohammed Zainab J. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background:
Lambda-cyhalothrin (LCT) is a widely used pyrethroid to control insect pests in agriculture, public health, and homes.

Objectives:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the oxidative stress evaluation of LCT pesticides and and antioxidants (vitamin E) in male rats.

Materials and Methods:
Thirty adult male rats were separated evenly into three groups after 3 weeks of acclimatization as follows: For 12 weeks, group-normal C’s feed and water were given to 10 rats. Group T was given LCT at a dose of 0.5 mL per 100 g of body weight for 12 weeks (n = 10 rats) and group E was given (LC + vitamin E) at a dose of 0.5 mL per 100 g of body weight.

Results:
At a results significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) level in the T group compared with the E group and C group. Significant decrease of glutathione (GSH) levels in the T group compared with the E group and C group. Macroscopic and microscopic lesions demonstrated atrophy of the kidney in the T group and congestion in the G group while the C group was normal the microscopic lesion of the kidney in the T group multiplied the area of the renal cast at renal tubules with degenerative changes and multiply the area of hemorrhage at the interstitial area but E group show mild degenerative changes in the structure of the renal tubule. It is interesting to note that every modification showed how detrimental LTC is to the kidneys and how vitamin E’s antioxidant capacity benefits them.

Conclusions:
Exposure to pesticides continuously creates a health concern, particularly in the agricultural working environment where animal and human life are intertwined. Thus, the study findings demonstrate the impact of LCT on oxidative stress and renal function as well as the antioxidant role of vitamin E.
Bacteriological Study and Antibiotic Susceptibility of Some Bacterial Isolates among Otitis Media Patients in Al-Muthanna Province, Iraq
Authors: Hameed Alaa K. , Kareem Ahmed Shayaa , Khudhur Hasan Raheem 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background:
Otitis media is one of the diseases spread globally, especially in Iraq.

Objectives:
The research aims to diagnose the bacteria that cause this disease and find out the extent of its resistance to antibiotics, and thus reach the best antibiotics that eliminate these bacteria.

Materials and Methods:
Overall 100 samples including ear discharge were collected from different ages of patients suffering from complaints of ear infection in Al-Hussein Teaching Hospital in Al-Muthanna City, Iraq through the dates between January 2020 and May 2021. The isolates were detected by the usual cultural techniques, Gram stain, biochemical tests, and VITEK Compact System (bioMérieux, France) for bacterium detection. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was achieved for each isolate using the disc diffusion method by Kirby-Bauer.

Results:
The results were read according to the Clinical & Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) criteria, and were divided into three reads (sensitive, intermediate, and resistant). The most types of bacterial isolates identified from positive ear swabs were: Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella spp., Staphylococcus hemolyticus, Staph epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Serratia spp., and Basterulla spp. The result also showed the highest infection rate of 32 (32%) isolates among the age group (11–20) years old compared with other age groups. The antibiogram result showed that most isolates were resistant to more than four drugs. In addition, 4 (4%) of the isolates were susceptible to every antibiotic examined.

Conclusions:
We conclude the best treatments that were effective against isolates diagnosed with otitis media were Amikacin and Gentamycin.
Serum C-Reactive Protein/Albumin Ratio and its Correlation with Disease Activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Authors: Abdullateef Ammar Hatem , Al-Ghazaly Zakaria M. , Baiee Noor Hasan , Al-Jabory Mohammed Ali 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background:
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder affecting joints with a progressive symmetric inflammation leading to bone erosion, cartilage destruction and disability. Usually, RA activity is measured by using RA Score of Disease Activity involving 28-joint count (DAS-28). C-reactive protein (CRP) to albumin ratio (CAR) has been recently used as a new indicator to assess inflammation and predict prognosis of certain malignancies with Some studies demonstrated its correlation with disease activity of some inflammatory diseases, particularly Crohn’s disease and RA.

Objectives:
to assess the role of serum C-reactive protein to albumin ratio (CAR) in RA as a marker for activity of this disease.

Materials and Methods:
This cross-sectional study included 84 RA patients. Each patient was tested for albumin and CRP in addition to erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). CAR was calculated mathematically by dividing CRP on albumin value. RA activity was assessed by applying DAS-28-ESR scoring system.

Results:
The mean of CAR was 4.25. Significant correlation was found between CAR and DAS-28 CRP disease activity index, CRP, ESR and patient VAS and serum albumin. CAR was showing significant differences among high, medium and low-remission groups of disease activity. However, positive but nonsignificant correlation was found between CAR and the DAS-28-ESR disease activity scoring system, CDAI and the physician VAS.

Conclusion:
CAR, can be considered as useful initial simple investigation which can give an idea about degree of disease activity and the need for further evaluation and management with less time, cost and effort especially in areas with low medical resources and facilities.
Breast Cancer and Microbiota: A Literature Review
Authors: Raheema Rana H. , Raheema Lydia H. , Chabuck Zainab Adil Ghani , Altameemi Qasim Dawood Yasir , Al-Naqeeb Maan M. N. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Breast cancer is the most frequent type of cancer in women. It is the second greatest cause of cancer-related deaths among women in high-income countries. The objective of this current review is to elucidate the role of gut microbiota in cancer in general, with a specific focus on breast cancer. The dysbiosis of gut microbiota is a crucial component that has recently come to light, possibly altering the development, treatment, and prognosis of breast cancer through numerous molecular pathways. This review study investigates the relationships between gut microbiota and breast cancer, with an emphasis on how gut microbiota impacts the microenvironment of breast cancer. Final views on improving breast cancer prognosis and risk assessment may be influenced by new data from clinical trials on the breast-microbiome axis and the ability of immunotherapy to modify the microbiome associated with breast cancer.
Viral Load of HBV and HCV Correlation to Torque Teno Virus (TTV) Co-Infection in Iraqi Patients
Authors: Ali Layla F. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background:
While hepatitis viruses A–E are established, emerging evidence points to additional, novel viral hepatitis agents. The torqueteno virus (TTV) has garnered interest due to its prevalence among patients with hepatitis, suggesting potential hepatotropism.

Aim:
This study was conducted to detect TTV antigens in individuals infected with chronic hepatitis B (HBV) and/or C (HCV) using molecular diagnostics and to explore any associations between TTV presence and demographic characteristics of the cohort.

Materials and Methods:
The current study was conducted from the period of September 2022 to April 2023, the investigation involved Iraqi patients aged between 32 and 83 years and diagnosed with HBV and HCV in National Iraqi Central Laboratories, Virology Section. We employed real-time PCR to quantify HBV and HCV viral loads and conventional PCR for TTV DNA detection.

Results:
TTV DNA was detected in 17 of the 60 patients (28.3%) with chronic HBV and HCV infections. Viral load distribution was found to be similar for both HBV and HCV. An age-related increase in viral load was noted, suggesting a trend where older individuals exhibited higher concentrations. However, no significant variation was observed that could link alterations in HBV and HCV viral loads to TTV status directly. Statistical analysis indicated a positive correlation between age and the likelihood of presenting with the virus, aligning with observed trends in other age-associated chronic conditions, such as Type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease.

Conclusion:
The presence of TTV in patients with enduring HBV or HCV infection could implicate the virus as a contributing factor to hepatitis pathology. Studies such as this are pivotal for elucidating the age-associated risk profiles for various pathologies and shaping corresponding public health policies and preventative approaches.
Desired Family Size and Its Associated Factors among Mothers Attending Primary Healthcare Centers
Authors: Tahir Arazoo Issa , Ramadhan Dilkhosh Shamal , Salih Jihan Fakhri , Piro Safiya Sabri , Abdulah Deldar Morad 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background:
Family planning allows women to decide on their family size. Desired family size is defined as the number of children parents would like to have if there are no subjective or economic issues involved in regulating fertility.

Objective:
The study aimed to determine the desired family size and its associated factors among mothers in Duhok, Iraqi Kurdistan.

Materials and Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 404 women who visited primary healthcare centers between July and September 2021. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. JMP Pro software version 14.3.1 was utilized to analyze variables, P-value <0.05 was declared as significant.

Results:
Four (44.3%) and five (33.4%) children were the preferable numbers of children families had. The number of years for birth spacing of more than half the participants was 1–2 years (52.0%), followed by 3–4 (33.7%). Most of the decisions to have a kid were made by husbands (31.9%), followed by influences of culture (19.6%), family income (16.3%), relatives (mother, sisters, mother in low) (12.6%), and religious (9.7%). The mothers were less likely to be involved in decision-making to have a child (22.5%). The desired family size was significantly increased with the age years of mothers and early marriage, living in urban areas, and lower level of education.

Conclusion:
Four and five are the preferable number of children and contributed to with increasing age years of mothers and early marriage, living in urban areas, and lower level of education.
Epidemiology of Colorectal Polyps in Iraqi Patients
Authors: Alezzi Maiadah J. , Alani Kifah H. , Alezzi Jalil I. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background:
A colorectal polyp (CRP) is a growth on the lining of the colon or rectum. The incidence of CRPs is rapidly increasing with age. They are most often benign. The rectum is the most commonly affected site.

Objectives:
To determine the incidence, clinical presentation, and histopathologic types of CRP in Iraqi patients.

Materials and Methods:
It is a cross-sectional screening study conducted in the medical city of Baghdad,Iraq. The total number of colonoscopies done in the medical city/GIT center was 2658 from May 2020–September 2022, where 100 patients with the diagnosis of CRP has collected. The males comprised 60/100 and their ages ranged from 4 to 75 years.

Results:
The most common age group affected was 46–59 years. There was a significant relationship between site and types of CRP, where the rectum showed 48% involvement, followed by the sigmoid colon at 34%. The villous adenomatous polyps look of large size ranging from 1.5 to 4 cm. The tubulovillous adenoma is the most common type, 25%. Lower gastrointestinal bleeding is the most common presentation, 25%.

Conclusion:
The most common age group affected was 46–59 years, with male-to-female ratio is 1.17. The most common site affected by CRPs was the rectum 48%, villous adenoma has the most significant size among all types (1.5–4 cm). No dysplasia was the most common finding (45%), and lower GIT bleeding and positive family history were the most common clinical presentation.