bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of levels of salivary alpha-amylase stress biomarker in symptomatic and asymptomatic irreversible pulpitis patients: A clinico-biochemical study
Authors: Halkai Kiran. R. , Halkai Rahul S. , Nisarga D. R. , Shankar Kumar 
Published: September 2024

Introduction:
Since pulpal pain causes distress to patients, therefore, evaluation of salivary alpha amylase (SAA) which is a stress biomarker in such cases helps evaluate the degree of stress; therefore, the present study aims to estimate SAA levels as stress biomarkers in patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic irreversible pulpitis.

Materials and Methods:
Forty-five individuals were included in the study and obtained informed written consent. Patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic irreversible pulpitis were selected based on history and clinical and radiographic examination, and participants were further separated into three groups (n = 15) such as Group 1: healthy individuals with no history of pulpal pain, Group 2: patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis, and Group 3: patients with asymptomatic irreversible pulpitis. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected using the spit method, and SAA levels were estimated after centrifugation of saliva samples using a colorimetric method known as the 3,5-dinitrosalicylic acid method. The intensity of color change was measured using a spectrophotometer at 540 nm for estimating SAA levels. The collected data were later subjected to statistical analysis using one-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey’s multiple comparison tests (P ≤ 0.05).

Results:
Group 2 showed the highest values followed by Group 3 and least in Group 1. Multiple comparisons between the groups using post hoc Tukey’s test showed a significant difference between all the groups.

Conclusion:
A direct correlation was found between SAA levels and the severity of pulpal diseases indicating the highest stress in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis compared to asymptomatic irreversible pulpitis and least in individuals with no pulp disease.
Cone-beam computed tomographic evaluation and fracture resistance of endodontically retreated teeth using hyflex remover, Mtwo, and ProTaper retreatment file systems: An in vitro study
Authors: Singh Isha , Sinha Dakshita Joy , Sharma Pallavi , Bedi Kunal , Rani Priyanka , Vats Swapnil 
Published: September 2024

Introduction:
One of the important factors contributing to the success of nonsurgical endodontic retreatment is the efficient removal of the obturating material from the root canal space. However, the fracture resistance of the tooth is likely to be affected by this procedure. Therefore, the study envisages assessing residual filling material in the root canals and the tooth’s resistance to fracture postretreatment using different retreatment files.

Materials and Methods:
Ninety extracted mandibular premolars with one root and a single canal were decoronated, followed by chemo-mechanical preparation, and thereafter, using the lateral compaction method, root canals were obturated. The samples were divided into three groups (n = 30) in accordance with retreatment file systems, namely Hyflex Remover, Mtwo, and ProTaper. All three groups were subjected to the cone-beam computed tomography evaluation to assess remnants of obturating material inside the canals postretreatment, and the same samples were further assessed for fracture resistance, respectively. The collected data were evaluated using the statistical analysis using the Kruskal–Wallis and post hoc Bonferroni tests.

Results:
There were significant differences in the volume of residual filling among the tested groups in the cervical thirds (P < 0.05). The HyFlex remover file showed the highest fracture resistance (427.30 ± 33.53 N), followed by the Mtwo R (396.90 ± 27.17 N) and ProTaper R (378.50 ± 36.82 N).

Conclusion:
All the tested nickel-titanium retreatment files performed satisfactorily. Hyflex remover left the least amount of filling material in the cervical third and displayed the highest fracture resistance among the respective groups.
Cross-sectional survey of resin-modified glass ionomer as dental restoration in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Almutairi Mashhour Abdullah , Saad Amr , Mahmoud El Homossany , Abuzenada Bassem 
Published: September 2024

Introduction:
Resin-modified glass ionomers (RMGI) were developed to improve the properties of glass ionomer cement.

Aim:
The objective is to assess the knowledge of dentists in Saudi Arabia about properties, uses, and manipulation of resin-modified glass ionomer (RMGI).

Materials and Methods:
An online questionnaire of 13 close-ended questions was disseminated on the internet. The survey investigated the preference for usage, cavity treatment, and both dentists' and patients' expectations.

Results and Discussion:
One hundred and thirty dentists have participated; and more than 99% are using RMGI occasionally with specific cases. The most common clinical use was found to be in cases of root caries and as a temporary filling material (84.6% and 61.5%, respectively). The most noticeable advantage was the fluoride release. However, the most undesirable disadvantage was the inferior esthetic compared to composite resin. It has also shown an average expectation regarding the retention, wear resistance, contouring, handling, and esthetics.

Conclusion:
Dentists had a good knowledge about the fluoride release ability of RMGI; however, most of the participating dentists were concerned about the esthetic and the handling of RMGI, and rarely use dentin conditioning and adhesive before RMGI placement.
Psychosocial effects of COVID-19 pandemic on dental patients
Authors: Mawardi Hani , Zahran Mohammed , Sabbahi Dania , Dakhil Siraj , Elbadawi Lena , Eshky Rawah , Pathan Danish 
Published: September 2024

Introduction:
The spread of coronavirus infection (COVID-19) has been increasing exponentially with significant impact on every aspect of people's lives. Dentists in particular are at a greater risk of disease contraction since majority of the procedures are based on direct contact with patients.

Aim:
This study attempted to understand the attitude of patients seeking dental treatment during the pandemic.

Materials and Methods:
This was a cross-sectional, self-administered survey which included validated questions on (1) sociodemographic information of participants; (2) participants' basic knowledge on COVID-19; and (3) the willingness and mindset of participants to pursuit dental treatment during, and after the curfew period. Data were collected and statistically analyzed for significance.

Results and Discussion:
A total of 904 residents from 25 countries. Participants who, or their family members, experienced dental complaints during the curfew period were able to manage via in-office emergency visit, using over counter medication, tele-dentistry or following friends' advice. In total, 48% (433/904) stated to likely seek dental treatment (if needed) with local curfew lifting and 50.4% (456/904) were likely to wait for more than 4 weeks before visiting the dentist. In total, 70% of participants reported sufficient social distancing and wearing masks by the dental staff would address their concerns during dental treatments.

Conclusion:
Personal financial conditions, lack of awareness, and fear of contracting COVI-19 were identified as important influencing factors for the general public to return for professional dental care. Future, long-term studies to better understand the psychosocial effects of the current pandemic on individuals should be considered.
Hearing impairment in patients with oral submucous fibrosis
Authors: Swain Santosh Kumar , Das Somadatta 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a premalignant condition of the oral cavity. The pathological changes in OSMF often affect mucosa, submucosa, and underlying muscles in the oral cavity and pharynx. The pathological changes of the tubal and para-tubal muscles can affect the function of the Eustachian tube. The Eustachian tube dysfunction in OSMF often may result in hearing impairment.

Aim:
This study aims to evaluate the effect of OSMF on Eustachian tube function resulting in hearing impairment.

Materials and Methods:
This prospective study was carried out at a tertiary care teaching hospital of Eastern India from June 2019 to July 2021. There were 68 patients with OSMF enrolled in this study by simple random sampling. In this study, 68 patients (136 ears) suffering from OSMF with hearing impairment or fullness/blockage feeling in the ear who participated in this study. The clinical profile of these patients was worked out by taking a detailed history and clinical examination. All the patients underwent audiological evaluation with pure-tone audiometry and tympanometry.

Results and Discussion:
Out of 68 patients, 42 (61.76%) were male and 26 (38.23%) were female with a male-to-female ratio of 1.61:1. The age ranges of the patients who participated in this study were between 18 years and 65 years. Pure-tone audiometry showed normal hearing in 86 (63.24%) ears, mild conductive hearing loss in 31 (22.79%) ears, moderate conductive hearing loss in 14 (10.29%) ears, and sensorineural hearing loss in 5 (3.68%) ears.

Conclusion:
The Eustachian tube may be blocked by the effect of the OSMF and result in hearing loss. Hence, while treating OSMF, hearing impairment in OSMF has to be kept in mind.
Aquaporins in oral health and disease: A narrative review
Authors: Chatterjee Shailja 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction:
Aquaporins (AQPs) are constituted by a water-channel protein family that is distributed among different tissues. Its expression has been shown to have a significant correlation with the aggressiveness of tumors as well as prognosis.

Aim:
The current narrative review aimed to highlight the role of AQPs in maintaining homeostasis in cellular functioning and their expressions in diseased states and other conditions.

Methods:
A search was performed after entering Boolean operators with words such as “AQPs” AND “Oral health.” Research papers or systematic reviews which were published in PubMed indexed or those with Medline citations and within the past 10 years were included in the study.

Results:
A total of forty articles were selected during the initial screening of search engines, of which 37 articles were included in the review, while three papers were excluded, of which 1 was nonpeer reviewed and two papers did not fulfill selected inclusion criteria.

Discussion:
AQPs are important intramembranous transportation channels that play a significant role in both physiological and pathological conditions of the orofacial complex. The present review provides an overview of the pathophysiology involving AQPs that can help scientists to design treatment therapeutics for various disease conditions.
Serological estimation of values for urea, uric acid, and creatinine as a prognostic marker in oral submucous fibrosis patients: An institutional clinic-biochemical study
Authors: Mehrotra Vishal , Garg Kriti , Srivastava Rahul , Aslam Shazia , Kiran Jyoti , Rai Vinayak 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
The changes observed in the hematological/serological values and histopathological findings in oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) patients may help in providing insight into the pathogenesis of this premalignant condition.

Aims:
The aim of this study is to estimate serum urea, uric acid, and creatinine in OSMF patients and compare them with habitual areca nut chewers and healthy controls and evaluate its potential as a prognostic marker in OSMF.

Materials and Methods:
A total of 150 patients were selected for the study and further categorized into Category I – included those subjects having OSMF, Category II – those subjects who had the habit of chewing betel nuts but had no features of OSMF, and Category III - comprised healthy controls with no habit history of chewing betel nut/tobacco. All variables from this study were analyzed by applying the analysis of variance (ANOVA) test and Chi-square test.

Results:
The results obtained from the present study showed statistically significant differences in serum urea, serum uric acid, and serum creatinine with various stages of OSMF.

Conclusion:
The serological estimation of urea, uric acid, and creatinine levels shows promise as a prognostic marker in OSMF patients. In the present study, elevated levels of these markers were associated with advanced disease stages and correlated positively with disease progression.
Comparative evaluation of the marginal fitness of vonlay nanoceramic hybrid restorations using different computer-aided imaging techniques
Authors: Salem Zaynab M. , Shakal Mahmoud Abd-Alsalam , El-Dessouky Radwa A. 
Published: September 2024

Purpose
The purpose of this in-vitro study was to evaluate the marginal fitness of vonlay nanoceramic hybrid restorations using different computer-aided imaging technique (an in-vitro study).

Materials and methods
Thirty 3D printed models of prepared premolar (no. 14) for vonlay restoration were fabricated using epoxy resin material and used for fabrication of thirty nanohybrid ceramic vonlays (Grandio Disc, VOCO). three groups (n = 10) of vonlays were fabricated using three different imaging technique: group 1: imaging of conventional impression of master die, group 2: imaging of stone master die and group 3: imaging of master die using chairside TRIOS Intraoral Scanners (3Shape). Vonlays were designed by using a CAD design software program (Exocad Dental CAD, Exocad. The vonlays were cemented over their corresponding dies with an automix dual cure adhesive cement system (Duo-Link universal resin cement, Bisco Inc.) under a static load by using custom made seating device. Digital microscope was used to measure the vertical marginal gap for each where a total of 120 measurements for the three groups (12 sites per vonlay and 10 vonlays per group) were evaluated. One-way analysis of variance test was used to analyze the results, Student sample t test was used to examine the marginal gap differences of each group and in the same group.

Results
A significant difference (P < 0.001) was found between the marginal gap values of the vonlay restoration fabricated by using different imaging technique. The smallest marginal gaps were obtained with vonlay fabricated using chairside intraoral scanners as compared with imaging of master die impression and stone master die. But there was no significant difference between the marginal gap measurements of different sides in the same group.

Conclusion
The smallest marginal gaps were obtained with vonlay fabricated using chairside intraoral scanners.
Efficacy of different chelating agents in smear layer removal
Authors: Elsamra Ahmed H. , Darrag Abeer M. , Ghoneim Walaa M. 
Published: September 2024

Aim
The aim of this study was to assess the ability of 17% EDTA, 10% citric acid, 2.25% peracetic acid and 1% phytic acid (IP6) in removing smear layer from root canal system of human teeth using scanning electron microscopic analysis.

Materials and methods
Forty freshly extracted single canal human mandibular premolars with nearly straight mature fully developed roots were used in this study. Teeth were decoronated perpendicular to their long axises leaving roots ∼ 13 ± 1 mm. Chemomechanical preparation was done using ProTaper instrument in a crown down technique up to F4 master apical file (40/0.06) with irrigation of 2.5% sodium hypochlorite throughout instrumentation. Depending on the used final irrigation solution, the samples were divided randomly into four experimental groups (n = 10). Group I: 17% EDTA. Group II: 10% citric acid. Group III: 2.25% peracetic acid. Group IV: 1% phytic acid. The experimental time periods were 1 min. These samples were prepared and then observed by using scanning electron microscopic analysis for the absence or presence of smear layer, there by analyzing their cleaning effectiveness in the coronal, middle, and apical thirds of the root canal system.

Results
In intergroup comparison, there was no statistically significant difference among the four groups. In intragroup comparison, there was no statistically significant difference between coronal and middle thirds. However, there were statistically significant differences between apical third versus both coronal and middle thirds in all tested groups.

Conclusions
The four tested final irrigation solutions can effectively remove the smear layer from the coronal and middle root canal thirds, but they did not completely remove the smear layer at the apical one third.
Comparison of dexmedetomidine and clonidine as an adjuvant to lignocaine with adrenaline in infiltration anesthesia in tympanoplasty: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Mathur Veena , Kumar Pradeep , Mittal Sonam , Meena Deepika , Singh Maina , Patodi Veena 
Published: September 2024

Background:
Recent trends in surgical practice involve using local anesthesia for procedures like middle ear tympanoplasty due to its benefits, but patients often experience discomfort. Researchers are investigating alpha-2 agonists like clonidine and dexmedetomidine to enhance pain relief. We conducted a double-blind study comparing dexmedetomidine and clonidine’s effectiveness in extending pain relief after tympanoplasty using local infiltration.

Aim and Objective:
In light of this context, we undertook a randomized, double-blind investigation to compare the efficacy of dexmedetomidine and clonidine in extending the duration of pain relief via local infiltration for tympanoplasty.

Materials and Methods:
This prospective, randomized, double-blind study was conducted on total of 60 patients belonging to the American Society of Anesthesiologists Class I and II scheduled for tympanoplasty under local anesthesia. All patients were divided into two groups: Group LC, received local infiltration with 12 mL of lignocaine (2%) with adrenaline (1:200,000) plus clonidine (1 μg/kg) and Group LD, received local infiltration with 12 mL of lignocaine (2%) with adrenaline (1:200,000) plus dexmedetomidine (1 μg/kg).

Results:
Both the groups were comparable regarding demographic profile, perioperative hemodynamics, and total duration of surgery. Time of onset of analgesia was faster in Group LD (89.53 ± 5.54 vs. 94.17 ± 6.19 s) (P = 0.0034) and total duration of analgesia was also prolonged in Group LD (562.40 ± 24.82 vs. 332.30 ± 12.39 min) (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion:
We concluded that in comparison to clonidine, dexmedetomidine is more effective in terms of faster onset and prolongation of total duration of analgesia when used with local infiltration anesthesia.
Correlation between CD 34 and CD 68 expression in placental malaria with maternal anemia
Authors: Rustamadji Primariadewi , Takbir Muhammad , Wuyung Puspita Eka , Kusmardi Kusmardi , Wiyarta Elvan 
Published: September 2024

Background:
Malaria is the second most life-threatening infectious disease in Indonesia, causing approximately 1–3 million deaths annually. Histopathologic studies assessing CD 68 and CD 34 protein expression in placental malaria and its association with maternal anemia are essential to determine the prognosis of malaria in pregnancy.

Materials and Methods:
This cross-sectional study was carried out in 2017. Thirty biopsy samples of human placental tissue were obtained from Timika and Sumba, and ten normal biopsy samples were taken from the Pathological Anatomy Department of Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital as comparisons. CD 34 and CD 68 protein expressions were determined using immunohistochemistry, and the resulting data were analyzed using SPSS.

Results:
Average hemoglobin (Hb) level was 9.5 mg/dL, 11.5 mg/dL, and 9.9 mg/dL in acute infection, chronic infection, and latent infection, respectively. A positive correlation was found between CD 68 protein expression and maternal Hb level. No correlation was found between CD34 expression and maternal anemia.

Conclusions:
CD 68 expression in placental tissue biopsy from Timika and Sumba residents with placental malaria was shown to be positively correlated with maternal anemia. Immunohistochemical examination of CD 68 may play a role in the early diagnosis of malaria.
Ascaris suum – A zoonosis in Bali, Indonesia
Authors: Agustina Kadek Karang , Wirawan I Made Ady , Sudarmaja I Made , Subrata I Made , Dharmawan Nyoman Sadra 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background:
Ascariasis is a common disease in humans and pigs. In previous reports, it has been known that ascariasis in humans is not only caused by Ascaris lumbricoides but also by Ascaris suum which is known to originate from pigs.

Aims and Objectives:
This research aims to identify the species of Ascaris that infect traditional pig farmers in Bali, Indonesia.

Materials and Methods:
To achieve this, an observational study was conducted, in which 239 feces samples were collected from traditional pig farmers. The collected samples were then divided into two parts, with one part stored in a pot containing 10% formalin for microscopic testing, and the other part stored in 70% ethanol for molecular testing. In cases where Ascaris infection was observed during the microscopic examination, a further test was conducted using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method for molecular examination. The DNA derived from the PCR was then subjected to DNA sequencing.

Results:
The result was compared to A. suum gene data previously published in the Gene Bank. The results of the microscopic examination showed that 22 farmers were infected with Ascaris. However, PCR testing and DNA sequencing indicated that three infections were caused by A. suum.

Conclusion:
Therefore, it can be concluded that A. suum is a zoonosis in Bali. Thus, efforts to control ascariasis must pay attention to the presence of pigs around it. Handling of ascariasis is not only carried out in humans but also in pigs and the environment.
Parafilm as an efficient transport matrix for corneal scrapings
Authors: Sharma Chayan , Khurana Sumeeta 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Introduction:

Acanthamoeba spp. are free-living parasites increasingly implicated in causing Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK). AK is diagnosed by demonstration of parasites in corneal samples by direct microscopy, culture, and nucleic acid amplification. Most commonly, corneal scrapings are sent to the laboratory smeared between two glass slides. These scrapings are suitable for direct microscopy but less suitable for culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) which, in turn, are more sensitive for the diagnosis of AK.

Aim:
The aim of the study was to explore better alternatives for transporting corneal scrapings from the point-of-care eye center to the concerned laboratories.

Materials and Methods:
The study used small Parafilm (Bemis Company Inc., USA) squares (PSs) of 1 cm each prepared by cutting Parafilm using a surgical blade under sterile conditions. Each of the four different dilutions of Acanthamoeba suspension (15, 30, 60, and 120 cells) was used in this study. Each dilution was added onto the surface of 36 PSs and kept at room temperature for 24-h, 48-h, and 72-h incubation. The PSs for one particular time point and dilution were used for calcofluor white staining, its inoculation onto the surface of nonnutrient agar having a lawn of Escherichia coli, and Acanthamoeba-specific PCR amplification. In addition, two PSs inoculated with 30 cells and incubated for 24 h and 72 h were used for scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Results and Conclusion:
All three diagnostic techniques, i.e. microscopy, culture, and PCR, detected the presence of Acanthamoeba at all the tested concentrations and time points. However, the growth pattern on culture changed directly in proportion to increased incubation periods and increased concentration of inoculum. In addition, the adherence of Acanthamoeba to the Parafilm was confirmed by SEM; these results suggest the use of these PSs as a suitable matrix for the transport of corneal scrapings.