bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A National Epidemiologic Mixed-methods Study on Depression, Anxiety, Substance Use, Treatment Needs and Barriers and Facilitators to Treatment Among Medical Students
Authors: Torales Julio , Torres Anthon , Sánchez Martín , O’Higgins Marcelo , Amarilla Diego , Molodynski Andrew , Caycho-Rodríguez Tomás , Ventriglio Antonio , Castaldelli-Maia João Mauricio , Barrios Iván , Red de Estudiantes Investigadores en Neurociencias  
Published: February 2025

Background: Research on the mental health of medical students enrolled in Paraguayan universities has mainly examined the prevalence of anxiety and depression, with limited exploration of treatment access, barriers, and facilitators. Additionally, substance use, such as alcohol and other substances, is of significant concern because of its association with mental health issues. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders, as well as to identify barriers and facilitators influencing medical students’ access to mental health and substance use treatment in the Republic of Paraguay. Methods: A national mixed-methods cross-sectional study was conducted with 532 medical students from public and private universities across the Republic of Paraguay. Data were collected via an online survey in 2024 using validated tools to measure mental health conditions, including alcohol and other substance use. Qualitative responses regarding barriers to and facilitators of treatment were categorized and analyzed. Results: The findings revealed high rates of anxiety (76.8%) and depression (39.3%). Substance use was also concerning, with 11.1% reporting alcohol-related problems and 1.9% reporting other substance-related problems. Barriers to seeking treatment included confidentiality concerns, stigma, and financial constraints, while facilitators included trust in the mental health system, emotional distress, and accessibility. Despite the availability of these services, many students felt unsupported by their universities. Conclusions: Paraguayan universities must urgently address the stigma surrounding mental health and substance use, improve service accessibility, and build trust in the academic environment. Tackling these issues is crucial for safeguarding medical students’ mental health and future.
IMPACT OF AN INTERACTIVE EDUCATION LESSON ON ORAL HEALTH BEHAVIOR AMONG TEENAGERS
Authors: DUMITRACHE M. A. , Sfeatcu R.I. , Caramida M. , Ranga R. , Cuculescu M. 
Published: February 2025

The evaluation of changes to oral health behaviors of an interactive, age-adapted oral health education lesson in teenagers. Methods: The study was conducted in Bucharest, during May-November 2015 on the experimental group of subjects included in the oral health education Erasmus + “Com4You” project. The ethical approval from the University and the consent from the schools and parents were obtained. The sample group included 63 subjects, with mean age of 14.3 years (±1.6), 19 (30.2%) boys and 44 (69.8%) girls, enrolled in two schools in Bucharest. Their oral health behavior was assessed at the beginning of the study and after the first oral health lesson. The lesson took place in the schools, offered by dental students and teaching staff from Faculty of Dentistry, in small groups, lasting 45-50 minutes, presenting information about oral hygiene, using experiential education. This lesson was the first from a series of 3, the topics of the next two were: diet, and regular dental visits. Oral health behavior was assessed using a self- administered questionnaire, with 37 open and closed items. The initial group included 76 subjects, 13 dropped out and the final group was formed of 63 subjects. The response rate was 100%. The data was analyzed using SPSS v.19. Results: Regarding oral hygiene behavior, statistically significant differences were found in terms of frequency of subjects using proper brushing technique: 9 (14.3%) before and 28 (44.4%) after the lesson, z=3.7, p=0.00; frequency of subjects using mouth wash: 33 (52.4%) before and 50 (79.4%) after, z=3.5, p=0.00 and the frequency of mouth rinsing per week: 3.3±3.9 before and 4.5±3.2 after, t test, p=0.03. Two thirds of the subjects brushed at least twice daily before the lesson: 45 (71.4%) and their number increased to 47 (74.6%), statistically insignificant (z=1.3, p=0.18). Regarding diet-related behavior, there were registered no improvements (frequency consumption of fruits: p=0.42, citrus fruits: p=0.19, sweetened drinks: p=1.78, sugar-free drinks: p=0.24) or worsening (consumption frequency of pastries: p=0.00, chocolate: p=0.02, beverages: p=0.03). For dental services – related behavior were found statistically insignificant improvements of frequencies: z = 0.93, p=0.35. Conclusions: Oral health behavior was improved by the lesson offered but only regarding hygiene, which was the topic of the first lesson. There is a necessity of emphasis on raising awareness about the importance of diet and regular dental check-ups.
DIFFERENT TOOTHPASTES EFFECT ON THE WHOLE SALIVA IN SITU
Authors: Zakharava I. , Leous P. , Mirnaya E. , Hotait A. , Serova A. 
Published: February 2025

The aim of this study was to identify a possible effect of fluoride and non-fluoride toothpaste on the crystallisation properties of whole saliva. Methods: Several drops of saliva, collected from a patient, were placed on a glass and after drying in air were studied under a microscope. Two type of saliva crystallizes were assigned: I = centripetal and II – diffused (P. Leous, 1977). Forty medical students (60% females) aged 20- 25 years (mean 21.6) participated in this pilot study after giving consent and with approval of the Medical University Ethical Board. After general and oral health assessments, patients were divided into two study groups of 20 subjects. The “A” group did one month home toothbrushing with fluoridated (1450 ppm F-), and the “B” group with fluoride free toothpaste. Both toothpastes were commercially available. The saliva tests were performed 4 times: at baseline, after 1, 2 weeks and 1 month. Pearson Chi-square test for statistical analysis was used, set at p<0.05. Results: Oral health data in “A” group: DMFT 6.8±0.99; OHI-S 0.75±0.08; GI 0.41±0.06; resting saliva secretion 0.22±0.02 ml/min; in “B” group DMFT 6.9±0.9; OHI-S 0.84±0.09; GI 0.32±0.05; resting saliva secretion 0.28±0.03. Differences between groups were not significant (p>0.05). In group “A” the type I saliva crystal was observed in 13 (65±10.7%) subjects initially, then it has increased to 17 (85±8.0%) of subjects in all three follow up tests (p<0.05); the type II has decreased from baseline of 7 (35±10.7%) to 3 (15±7.9%) subjects at the end of the project (p<0.05). In group “B” the number of subjects with the type I has reduced from 16 (80±8.9%) to 13 (65±10.7%) (p<0.05); the type II has increased from 4 (20±8.9%) to 7 (35±10.7%) subjects (p<0.05). Conclusion: Toothbrushing with fluoridated toothpaste promoted an increase in the centripetal type of saliva crystals, while fluoride free toothpaste has shown a reduction in centripetal saliva crystals.
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF CARIES TREATMENT OVER 9-YEAR PERIOD IN REGIONS OF RUSSIA
Authors: Malyy A.Y. , Rugina I.A. , Msmdu Kresnikova Y.V. 
Published: February 2025

Aim: to reveal changes in dental visiting and caries treatment in two regions of the Russian Federation over a 9- year period. Methods: The retrospective study consisted of analysis of data from 2004 (n=203) and 2013 (n=180). The total number of patients: Kaliningrad 2004 year - 69 patients, Tambov 2004 year - 134 patients, Kaliningrad 2013 year - 73 patients, Tambov 2013 year - 107 patients. Patient records data using age groups 18-20, 21- 30, 31-40, 40 years and older were analysed (CI - 0.95%, p<0.05). The study was conducted in Kaliningrad and Tambov regional dental clinics. Patients signed informed consent. Our study was approved by the Ethics Committee MSMDU. Note that dental amalgam is not used in the Russian Federation currently. Results: A frequency of attendance to a dentist declined from 1 per year in 2004 in Kaliningrad (37.6%, 26 patients) and Tambov (44.0%, 59 patients) to less than once a year in 2013 (Kaliningrad 53.4%, 39 patients; Tambov - 61.6%, 66 patients). The main reason for visiting dentist in 2004 was toothache in Kaliningrad 47.6% (41 cases), in Tambov 47.3% (70 cases). However in 2013 the commonest reason was filling loss in Kaliningrad 54% (87 cases), the Tambov 52.9% (82 cases). In Tambov chemical curing composite was the most common material and amounted 37.3% (50 cases) in 2004 and 77.5% (83 cases) in 2013. In Kaliningrad in 2004 the most common material was also chemical curing composite 49.3% (34 cases), light-cured composite wasn`t used. However, in 2013 the use of light-cured composite increased to 86.9% (73 cases) and chemical curing composite wasn`t used. The main reason for tooth extraction was “the destruction of the tooth crown” (Kaliningrad 2004 - 48.9% (46 cases), 2013 44.4% (56 cases); Tambov 2004 - 42.1% (72 cases), 2013 55.2% (79 cases)). Conclusions: the frequency of dental visits had decreased over this 9 year period. The main reason for a dental visit changed from “toothache” to “filling loss”; the use of light-curing composites has replaced chemical cured composite. The main reason for tooth extraction remained destruction of the tooth crown.
THE ORAL HEALTH OF ADULT POPULATION WITH PROSTATITIS
Authors: Pashayev A. Ch. , Guliyev M.E. , Shakhbazov K.B. , Puri-Zakhidan S.V. , Mamma-Dova N.S. , Ismailova H.I. 
Published: February 2025

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of dental caries and periodontal diseases amongst an adult population of Baku with prostatitis. Methods: The study took place between October 2007 and March 2008 in the urological department of the Central Hospital of Oilers and the Hospital of the Republic. Oral health examinations were performed on all 172 adults with acute and chronic prostatitis from the age groups: 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60 years and older who resided in Baku city, attended the two hospitals during the period of the study and consented to take part. The examinations took place in the two urological departments. A control group of 190 adults, matched for age, but without prostatitis were examined during the same time period. The WHO 1997 criteria were used for diagnosis and recording of DMFT index and periodontal status, using a visual method with mouth mirrors, dental and periodontal probes, daylight illumination. Dental caries was diagnosed at the caries into dentine at the (D3) threshold. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics committee of the Azerbaijan Medical University. Results: Results demonstrated a caries prevalence of 100% in the prostatitis group and a mean DMFT for all ages of 10.67 of which a very high proportion was due to missing teeth (M=9.13) and a very low proportion to filled teeth (F=0.22). The mean D component (decayed teeth) was 1.32. In the control group there were similar values. Prevalence of gingivitis for all ages was 20% (35 patients) and 13% (25 patients) in control. The prevalence of periodontitis was 28% (48 patients) in the prostatitis group and 16% (30 patients) in the control group. The prevalence of periodontitis increased with age. Most people suffered with the early form of periodontitis. In both groups there was a preference for mobile teeth to be extracted rather than for periodontal treatment. Conclusion: In the groups studied there was a higher prevalence of dental caries and periodontal diseases amongst the patients with chronic prostatitis.
ORAL HYGIENE EFFECT ON SALIVA IN YOUNG PEOPLE WITH DIFFERENT CARIES PREVALENCE
Authors: Mirnaya E. , Leous P. , Zakharava I. , Serova A. , Melnikava Y. 
Published: February 2025

Aim: To assess the influence of tooth-brushing on saliva crystallisation in young adults with different prevalence of dental caries. Methods: Eighty medical students who were randomly selected (48 females and 32 males)) aged 20- 25 (average 21.6) years and participated in the study after consent and approval of the University Ethics Board. The DMFT of all the students was assessed and they were divided into three groups: A – 23 subjects with low DMFT (1.9±1.02), B – 30 subjects with high DMFT (6.3±1.78), C – 27 subjects with a very high DMFT (12.4±1.96). Three drops of resting saliva were collected from each student, placed on a glass slide, air dried and studied under a microscope. Two types of saliva crystals were identified: I - centripetal and II – diffused (Leous, 1977). All subjects were asked to complete one-month home regular tooth-brushing twice per day with the same fluoride tooth paste and a manual toothbrush. The saliva tests were performed at baseline and after one month. Pearson chi-square test was applied to the resulting data. Results: At baseline, Type I saliva crystals were seen in 17 (74±9.1%) subjects from A group, 28 (93±4.7%) subjects from B group and in 14 (52±9.6%) of subjects from C group (p<0.05). Type II were seen in 6 (26±9.1%), 2 (7±4.7%) and 13 (48±9.6%) subjects from A, B, C groups respectively (p<0.05). After one month of tooth-brushing, the following changes in saliva crystals were observed: Type I in A and C increased to 21 (91±6.0%) and 27 (90±5.8%) of subjects (p<0.05); type II in these groups reduced to 2 (9±6.0%) and 3 (11±6.0%) of subjects (p<0.05); no changes were seen in B group. Conclusion: In the young adults studied, in those with a lower prevalence of dental caries the centripetal type (I) of saliva crystals were more frequent than diffused ones. Regular tooth-brushing for one month promoted an increase in type I crystals in subjects with a very high level of caries,fluoride toothpaste and twice daily brushing should be recommended to young adults with high DMFT scores.
HALITOSIS AND ORAL HEATH BEHAVIOUR IN DEBRECEN, HUNGARY
Authors: Nemes J.A. , Papp Z.S. , RÁcz N. , MÁth J. , Alberth M. 
Published: February 2025

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of halitosis in different age groups in a general population in Debrecen, Hungary and to investigate the factors that may be associated with halitosis. Method: Participants were recruited in connection with their annual examination at the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Debrecen. Volunteers were informed about the aims of the study and the proposed methods. Their written consent was obtained before the study began. The study protocol was approved by the Committee of Ethics in Clinical Research of the University of Debrecen. Four hundred and fifty-four volunteers (aged 14-90 years, mean 35.7 year) underwent organoleptic testing by a trained dentist and volatile sulphur compound (VSC) measurements by gas- chromatography. All had completed a standardised questionnaire to obtain information on their self-reported halitosis, oral health behaviour and life style (oral hygiene, frequency of dental visits, smoking, alcohol use, and stress level). Data were statistically analysed using chi- square and t-tests, correlations were evaluated by Spearman rank correlation analysis. A p-value of less than 0.05 was taken as significant. Results: 230 patients (52.2%) reported oral malodour according to the questionnaire. With organoleptic testing and gas-chromatography this figure was 57.5% (261) and 51% (231), respectively. We found significant correlation between organoleptically measured halitosis and VSC levels (p=0.001), but we couldn’t find significant correlation between self-reported halitosis and organoleptic scores. In smoking, alcohol consumption and oral hygiene practices we found significant gender differences. Organoleptic testing found higher halitosis levels in males (p=0.034). The prevalence of halitosis increased with age. Significant correlations were found between organoleptic scores and smoking, alcohol consumption, dental visit frequency, stress level and mouth rinse use. It was found that self-reported halitosis had statistically significant correlation with tooth brushing frequency, mouth rinse and dental floss use, stress level and dry mouth problem. Conclusions: Bad breath is a significant, but underestimated problem in Hungary, its prevalence is greater than in other European countries. A direct correlation exists between oral hygiene practices and halitosis. Oral hygiene education should be provided on a population level to encourage the maintenance of oral health and fresh breath, but the formulation of an appropriate preventive strategy against oral malodor should be done individually.
ORAL MANIFESTATIONS OF HIV INFECTION: A STUDY IN A FRENCH HOSPITAL
Authors: Radoi L. , Seguier S. , Veille-Finet A. , Folliguet M. 
Published: February 2025

Background: HIV infected patients may present with oral problems related to immunosuppression, smoking, alcohol, drugs or poor oral hygiene. Antiretroviral drugs used to effectively treat HIV infection mean that morbidity and mortality from opportunistic infections have significantly decreased. Aims: This observational study was conducted on the oral status of HIV infected patients, treated in hospital day care (ethics committee NÂ° 11-039). We compared the prevalence of oral pathologies by disease stage and analysed oral manifestations according to CD4+ T-cell counts and oral hygiene. Chisquare tests were used and significance level was p<0.05. Results: 60 patients were enrolled during 10 months, 55% (n = 33) women (mean age: 44.3 years); 65% had no dental practitioner. CD4 T-cell counts fell below 200/μL in 10% (n = 6) patients. About 62% of patients had an undetectable viral load and 87% received triple therapy; around 44% of patients presented oral manifestations and 23.5% (n = 14) had a plaque index > 50%. There were no significant correlation between oral lesions and disease stages (p=0.58), or CD4 T-cell counts (p=0.92). However, oral lesions were strongly correlated with poor hygiene (p<0.001). Discussion: Many publications highlight the decrease of oral lesions in triple therapy patients. These are often seen in patients without medical follow up or with discontinuous care, typically with insecure situations and social isolation. They are often rejected by private practitioners, hospital being their last option. Prescription of antiretroviral drugs and treatment of opportunistic infections could explain the lack of correlation between HIV infection and oral pathologies. Conclusion: These results show that regular medical and dental follow up leads to a decrease in the incidence of HIV oral manifestations. The positive assessment of this hospital study encouraged us to create a systematic dental consultation for HIV infected patients. So, care could continue, especially in underserved and isolated people.
ANXIETY AND PERSONALITY IN DENTAL PRACTICE
Authors: Mihaylova I. 
Published: February 2025

Aims: Dental anxiety as a barrier in dental practice impacts on dental attendance patterns and respectively on dental health. Observation on age-specific characteristics, personality types and dental anxiety of dental patients gives the opportunity for patient behavior to be more comprehensively studied, as dentist-patient communication is improved. The aim of the present study was to investigate the correlation of anxietypersonality and the impact of personality type and dental anxiety on dental attendance patterns. Methods: In 2015 a total of 250 questionnaires were distributed (response rate 92.4%, n=231) among randomly selected male and female patients in six dental surgeries, who were divided into 4 age groups according to Havighusts age classification (18-29: n=41 (17.7%); 30-39:n=65 (28.1%); 40-59: n= 87 (37.7%) and over 60 years old : n=38 (16.4%)) administered questionnaires consisting of Eysencks Personality Test, Corah Dental anxiety Scale and an item about attendance patterns. The study included only those participants who gave informed consent. Descriptive test, statistical analysis and Pearsons correlation coefficient were used to search for statistically significant correlations. Results: 140 (61%) subjects showed low levels of dental anxiety, 65 (28%)-moderate DA, 14 (6%)-high DA and 12 (5%)-severe DA. The analysis showed a weak negative correlation between dental anxiety and extraversion (p = -0.154) as dental anxiety and neuroticism (p = -0.021) among males. Female results for these two conditions showed a weak positive correlation, respectively p = 0.086 and p = 0.236. The analysis showed there was a moderate correlation between dental anxiety and attendance patterns in the age groups 18-29 and over 60. There was a sex difference in that dependency-weak positive correlation about males (R = 0.160) and significant positive correlation about females (R = 0.438). Conclusion: The study showed that dental anxiety is a multi-dimensional phenomenon associated with age, sex and personality characteristics. Comprehensive knowledge of psychological aspects in dental practice can be helpful for both patient and dentist.
ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN DENTAL CARIES AND BMI AMONG 5-9 YEAR OLD BANGLADESHI CHILDREN
Authors: Mishu M.P. , Watt R. , Tsakos G. , Heilmann A. 
Published: February 2025

Dental caries is the most common childhood disease worldwide. Findings from different studies provide inconsistency in association between dental caries and height, weight and BMI in young children. The aim of this study is to assess the associations between dental caries and Height, weight and BMI among 5 to 9 year old Bangladeshi children. Methods: A cross sectional observational study was conducted in August to October 2015 among 5-9 year old children in Dhaka City of Bangladesh. The University College London and National Research Ethics committee approved the study and parental consent was obtained for each subject. Children were randomly recruited from those coming for dental treatment in Dhaka Dental College Hospital and from three nearby primary schools. Both clinical and non-clinical data were collected. Clinical data was collected from the children and non-clinical data was collected from both parents and children through questionnaires. Clinical dental data was collected through a dental examination, using standard WHO Oral Health Survey Basic Methods, 2013; by trained and calibrated dentists. Height and weight of the children were also measured and converted to Z-scores, namely weight-for-age (WAZ), height-for-age (HAZ) and BMI-for-age (BAZ) Z scores and these were outcome variables. A combined measure of decayed, missing and filled deciduous and permanent tooth (dmft+DMFT) was used as the main exposure for the final analysis. Data was analysed by using Stata version 13.0. First the analysis for bi variable association was conducted and finally multiple linear regression analysis was used in order to assess the associations of interest adjusted for possible confounding factors: age, sex, parental education, occupation and house hold family income. Results: total sample size was 788 children. Among them 388 (49.2%) were boys and 400 (50.7%) were girls. The children were 5-9 year old and majority (86.8%) was within 6-8 years. The mean age was 7.12 years (95% CI 7.05- 7.19). The mean dmft+DMFT in the study population were 2.8 (95% CI 2.6-3.0). Children with a higher level of caries experience had statistically significant lower HAZ, WAZ and BAZ scores than those with lower caries and with no dental caries group. The result of multiple linear regressions showed that with each number increase of dental caries there were 0.1 Z score decrease in HAZ, WAZ and BAZ after adjusting for other factors (p<0.001). The result of this study provides evidence that dental caries was associated with lower height, weight and BMI of children in Bangladesh. The study was funded by Commonwealth Scholarship Commission, UK.The study was part of the PhD project of the presenter and her PhD studentship was also funded by Commonwealth Scholarship.