bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A comparative evaluation of the antimicrobial efficacy of triple antibiotic paste, clindamycin, and linezolid as an intracanal medicament against Enterococcus faecalis: An in vitro study
Authors: Chauhan Priya , Akotiya Bhavya , Surana Anjali , Saha Suparna Ganguly , Agarwal Rolly S. , Saha Mainak Kanti 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Aim:
The aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare the antimicrobial efficacy of three medicaments, triple antibiotic paste (TAP), clindamycin (CLID), and linezolid (LZ) against Enterococcus faecalis, using spectrophotometry.

Methods:
Seventy-two single-rooted human premolars were collected and prepared using standard protocol and were decoronated to obtain standardized lengths. A pure culture of E. faecalis (ATCC 29212) was procured, grown on blood agar, obtained using a wired loop, and suspended in brain heart infusion (BHI) broth for 24 h. After contaminating the canals with E. faecalis, the prepared samples were divided into three groups, with 24 teeth each, based on the intracanal medicament used, Group A: TAP (ciplox×500 mg, metrogyl 400 mg, minoz 100 mg) + normal saline (NS), Group B: CLID (capsule clid 150) + NS, Group C: LZ (Lizoforce, dry syrup) + NS. The medicaments were syringed into the roots and which were then incubated. After 24 h, 12 samples per group were thoroughly rinsed for removal of intracanal medicaments (ICMs), and instrumented using #4 GG drill to obtain dentinal shavings, which were allowed to fall into sterile BHI broth. The turbidity of the broth was assessed and the optical density (OD) was recorded using spectrophotometer to estimate the concentration of E. faecalis after 1 day. After a period of 7 days, the remaining 12 samples per group underwent identical processing.

Results:
At the end of day 1, all three antibiotics presented comparable values of OD indicating comparable antimicrobial efficacy. Group-wise comparison revealed that TAP continued to be superior to the other two antibiotics even at the end of 7 days. However, the difference was significant only between TAP and LZ with no significant difference between TAP and CLID and between CLID and LZ.

Conclusion:
The present study concludes that the use of single-antibiotic CLID and LZ may serve as an effective alternative to the multidrug combination TAP, as an ICM.
Comparative evaluation of blood contamination on the push-out bond strength of mineral trioxide aggregate, Biodentine, and bone cement in furcation perforation repair: An in vitro study
Authors: Gudapati Swapnika , Satish R. Kalyan , Sajjan Girija S. , Varma K. Madhu , Kumar V. Santosh 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Aim:
This in vitro study was designed to compare the effect of blood contamination on the push-out bond strength of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), Biodentine, and bone cement.

Methods:
Seventy-eight human mandibular molars with furcation were selected and decoronated at the cementoenamel junction. The samples were mounted 3 mm below the furcation area into the acrylic resin. A perforation in the center of the furcation was made using a round carbide bur size 3 with a diameter of 1.2 mm. Then, the perforation was enlarged up to a standardized diameter of 1.3 mm using a size 5 Gates-Glidden drill. The samples were randomly divided into three groups. Based on blood contamination status, each group (n = 26) was further subdivided into two subgroups (n = 13). Whole fresh human blood was obtained from the principal investigator of the research group. A 27-gauge syringe was used to inject blood into the perforated furcal area. A piece of gelatin was packed under the furcal area using a condenser. MTA, Biodentine, and bone cement were mixed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and compacted into the perforation. A universal testing machine was used to evaluate the push-out bond strength. The results were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey’s post hoc test (P < 0.05).

Results:
In the experimental groups with blood contamination, Group 2A exhibited statistically significant push-out bond strength values compared with Group 1A and Group 3A. In the groups without blood contamination, Group 2B showed statistically significant push-out bond strength values compared with Group 1B and Group 3B. Irrespective of the blood contamination status, Group 3 exhibited higher push-out bond strength values than Group 1, with no statistically significant difference between the groups. No significant difference was observed within the groups.

Conclusion:
Biodentine showed promising results as a better perforation repair material irrespective of the status of blood contamination. Bone cement can be a viable alternative material for furcation perforation repair compared with MTA.
The Usefulness of Strain Echocardiography as Diagnostic and Prognostic Index of Cardiac Dysfunction in Septic Patients in Correlation with Cardiac Biomarkers
Authors: El Mokadem Mostafa , El Maraghi Sameh , El Hosseiny Rania , Moawad Amr , Yassin Ahmed 
Published: September 2024

Background:
Compared to standard echocardiography, speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) looks more accurate for the detection of subclinical dysfunction of the myocardium. The aim of our work was to assess the value of STE in the diagnosis of subclinical ventricular dysfunction and as a prognostic index in sepsis patients.

Patients and Methods:
An observational prospective study involving critically ill patients aged ≥ 18 years diagnosed with sepsis or septic shock. All patients were subjected to full history-taking, clinical assessment, and scoring system, including Acute Physiology and Chronic Health (APACHE) II score and quick sequential organ failure assessment score. Investigations were done for all patients, including laboratory (complete blood count, C-reactive protein, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide [NT-proBNP], and troponin-I and serum lactate level), ECG, and echocardiographic examination (conventional and speckle tracking) for measurement of global left ventricular strain.

Results:
This study involved 50 patients, nine patients with sepsis and 41 patients with septic shock. Regarding cardiac biomarkers, the mean value of troponin-I was 0.18 ± 0.05 ng/L and for NT-proBNP was 1228.2 ± 832.9 pmol/L. All patients in the study had elevated lactate levels. There was a significant correlation between global longitudinal strain (GLS) and troponin I, NT-proBNP, and lactate levels after 3 days of admission. GLS, lactate, NT-proBNP, troponin levels, and APACHE II Score were significant predictors of mortality with a sensitivity of 76.5%, 88.2%, 88.2%, 76.5%, and 88.2%, respectively.

Conclusion:
GLS measured by speckle tracking echocardiography looks to be a sensitive diagnostic tool for early detection of subclinical left ventricular dysfunction in patients with sepsis in addition to be a sensitive predictor of in-hospital mortality.
Noninvasive Assessment of Left Ventricle Filling Pattern in Patient with Severe Tricuspid Regurgitation, Pulmonary Regurgitation, Atrial Septal Defect, and Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Ghazal Sami , Alaqaili Mohammed , Alqrinawi Shurouq H. , Albahar Zahra , Ouf Shady G. 
Published: September 2024

Background:
Severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR), pulmonic regurgitation (PR), large atrial septal defect (ASD), and large pulmonary embolism (PE) will lead to decreased left ventricular preload, and therefore, might alter left ventricle (LV) filling diastolic parameters. Significant LV preload reduction might preclude LV diastolic function assessment indeterminate.

Methods:
This is a controlled study where patients with severe TR, PR, ASD, PE, and without significant LV disease were included in the study group. Stroke volume (SV), E-wave velocity, A-wave velocity, E/A, septal e’, lateral e’, average E/e’, deceleration time, and isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT) were captured from the study group and the control group. The difference of mean of the diastolic parameters in both groups was evaluated as well as the correlation between the SV and the diastolic parameters of the pooled data from both groups.

Results:
E wave velocity, E/A ratio, IVRT, deceleration time, septal and lateral e’, and SV were significantly lower in the study group while E/e’ was significantly higher in the study group. IVRT showed a strong positive correlation with SV. Lateral and septal e’ showed a moderate positive correlation to SV while the average E/e’ showed inverse correlation to SV.

Conclusion:
Standard diastolic parameters should be interpreted with caution in assessing diastolic function in patients with severely decreased preload. However, a significant preload reduction might preclude diastolic function assessment indeterminate.
A Long Atrial Electromechanical Interval is Associated with Arrhythmic Recurrence after Catheter Ablation: How to Find What Has Been Lost
Authors: Barletta Valentina , Canu Antonio Maria , Parollo Matteo , Di Cori Andrea , Segreti Luca , De Lucia Raffaele , Bongiorni Maria Grazia , Zucchelli Giulio 
Published: September 2024

Background:
Atrial fibrillation (AF) results in electrical and structural remodeling of the atria, which extent is known to be associated with a higher AF recurrence rate after catheter ablation (CA). Recently, a novel echocardiographic parameter derived from tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) [PA-TDI] has been introduced to assess the total atrial activation time, as a noninvasive surrogate of fibrosis and remodeling. The aim of the study is to investigate the role of PA-TDI interval as a predictor of AF ablation efficacy.

Methods:
We retrospectively included patients with paroxysmal symptomatic drug-refractory AF referred to our institution for CA procedure, who presented sinus rhythm at admission. A complete transthoracic echocardiogram was performed before the ablation procedure, including the assessment of PA-TDI interval.

Results:
From January 2015 to April 2018, 128 patients (mean age: 61.86 ± 9.08 years, 68% male, body surface area: 1.97 ± 0.21 mq, body mass index: 26.98 ± 3.86 kg/mq, and ejection fraction: 59% ±6.06%) with symptomatic drug-refractory AF who received radiofrequency CA were enrolled. During the follow-up of 15.80 ± 6.7 months, 30 patients (23%) developed AF recurrence out of the blanking period. Compared with those without recurrence (group 1), patients with recurrence (group 2) had a larger left atrium (LA) size (Group 1 vs. Group 2: mean LA area: 22.2 ± 4.6 cmq vs. 25 ± 6.6 cmq, P = 0.015; mean indexed LA volume: 35 ± 10 mL/mq vs. 40 ± 12 mL/mq, P = 0.04) and longer PA-TDI interval (Group 1 vs. Group 2: 162 ± 33 ms vs. 133 ± 26 ms, P < 0.0001). A cutoff of PA-TDI > 150 ms identified patients with recurrence after ablation with a sensibility of 82% and specificity of 83% (area under the curve 0.879).

Conclusions:
The total activation time assessed by PA-TDI is an independent predictor of AF recurrence and can be used to predict the efficacy of transcatheter ablation.
Sociodemographic Background and Psychosocial Behaviors of Perpetrators of Intimate Partner Violence: A Hospital-based Retrospective Study
Authors: Vadysinghe Amal Nishantha , Nayakarathne Tharanga Bandara , Banda Y. M. G. Ilangarathna , Ekanayake Kasun Bandara , Perera Isuru , Wijesiriwardena Yomal 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background:
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a worldwide issue with a high prevalence rate seen in Asia.

Aims and Objectives:
To plan and implement preventive measures, it is important to understand the characteristics, background, and medico-legal significance, especially from the perspective of perpetrators.

Materials and Methods:
This study is a questionnaire-based retrospective study conducted among perpetrators of IPV who presented to a tertiary care hospital in Sri Lanka.

Results:
Out of 325 subjects, 97.2% were males and 64.0% were aged 26–45 years. Most (80.9%) perpetrators were older than the victimized partner, with a mean age gap of 4.3 years. Only 2.8% had achieved higher education and 78.5% had been married to the victim for more than5 years. Alcohol and/or other substances were abused by 75.4% and 11.1% of them were diagnosed with a psychiatric illness. Perpetrators have been exposed to child abuse (CA) as minors (50.1%), with physical CA being the most common, whereas 42.5% had witnessed IPV during their childhood. Ill-treatment by the spouse (odds ratio [OR] = 24 [95% confidence interval (CI):5.6, 99.9]) and substance use (OR =22 [95% CI: 5.1, 91.5]) were significantly associated with perpetrating emotional violence. A victim having an extramarital affair was 5.1 times more likely to be subjected to sexual IPV, whereas previous IPV, parental deprivation, and affairs of perpetrator were proved to be protective factors. IPV had negatively affected the economy of 71.3% of families. Legal procedures were expected by 22.4%, whereas 60% wanted to negotiate with their spouses.

Conclusion:
Families having low income and alcohol/substance abuse should be targeted to plan preventive programs at the community level. Proper counseling and follow-up of victims of CA can be used as a primary preventive measure of IPV.
Forensic Significance of Touch Deoxyribonucleic Acid
Authors: Devika G. , Vaishnavi S. , Mane Manashree 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Touch deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) refers to the DNA that is left behind from skin cells when a person touches or comes into contact with an object. In crimes where the identification of suspects becomes a challenge, touch DNA has been a proven investigative tool. The present study aims to provide a systematic review of the role of touch DNA in criminal cases which discusses the nature and importance of touch DNA evidence at crime scenes; various phenomena including the transfer and persistence of touched samples; different factors affecting the touch sample deposition and DNA shedding; the best recovery methods and collection of samples from different substrates; and the interpretation of profiles through advanced techniques that identify the suspects. The present study also aims to optimize standard protocols in the laboratories for touched samples appropriate to the substrates that improve the success rate of profiles from touched items.
A Case of Two Full Sisters Share Identical Genotypes on the X Chromosome
Authors: Zhang Jinpei , Zhao Guangbin , Hao Shicheng , Chen Chong , Shi Yan , Xiao Xinyue , Wang Le , Yuan Li 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
X-chromosomal genetic markers are frequently employed in forensic parentage determination owing to their distinctive inheritance patterns. The kinship analysis revealed that two sisters who were not identical twins had identical genotypes on the X chromosome, encompassing 36 X-chromosomal short tandem repeats (X-STRs) and 29 X-chromosomal single-nucleotide polymorphisms (X-SNPs) that spanned the whole X chromosome from the p-telomere to the q-telomere. The identical X-STRs and X-SNPs in the daughters could be the result of linkage or a rare chance of occurrence. This highlights the need for careful analysis and interpretation when dealing with X chromosome markers and that in individual cases, even if two women share an allele at each locus, this does not necessarily mean that they are paternal sisters. The likelihood of random concordance due to maternal alleles must be taken into account.
A Review on Dental Age Estimation in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Singhal Ishita , Dave Aparna , Arora Manpreet , Rai Radhika , Saluja Pulin 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Children are seen as beings who exist from birth through puberty, while teenagers are regarded as existing from puberty until around the age of 20 years. For a number of legal processes, including child labor, employment, the age of majority, rape, adoption, marriage eligibility, and situations where the birth certificate is unavailable, age estimation in children and adolescents is crucial. Despite the wide range of methods available, dental age estimation techniques that take into account tooth maturation are thought to be the most reliable predictors of chronological age in subadults. This is because genetic factors predominate and environmental factors, particularly between birth and age ten, tend to have little impact on tooth maturation. The eruption of teeth holds greater significance in the deciduous dentition, where genetic factors predominantly govern the process, compared to the permanent dentition. Conversely, tooth calcification serves as a viable indicator for estimating dental age in both primary and permanent dentitions. Current dental age estimation methods are based on age-related changes in teeth, such as tooth growth and development, changes that occur after teeth form, and biochemical changes. Therefore, in this review article, we will explore the several methodologies used for dental age assessment in children and adolescents.
Composite Iodine-gold Nanoparticles as a Contrast Agent in Computed Tomography
Authors: Haghighi Rezvan Ravanfar , Zarei Fariba , Moshiri Samira , Jafari Anahita , Chatterjee Sabyasachi , Akondi Vyas , Chatterjee Vani Vardhan 
Published: September 2024

Purpose:
Solutions of iodine-based compounds, due to their high X-ray attenuation coefficient, are widely used as contrast agents in computed tomography (CT) imaging. This paper investigates the attenuation properties of iodine and gold to develop nanoparticle-based contrast agents, for example, composite nanoparticles (NPs) with layers of iodine and gold or a mixture of NPs of gold and iodine.

Materials and Methods:
A theoretical formula is derived that gives the Hounsfield Unit (HU) for different weight-by-weight (w/w) concentrations of a mixture of blood + iodine + gold. The range of compositions for which iodine + gold mixture can give a suitable HU ≥250 upon being mixed with blood, is formulated. These estimates are derived from experiments on the variation of HU values in different compositions of aqueous solutions of iodine and available data for gold.

Results:
It is seen that for an aqueous solution of iodine, the suitable HU of 250 (hence giving sufficient gray level to the CT image) can be obtained with w/w concentrations of iodine being 0.0044, 0.008, and 0.0097 for observations at 80, 100, and 120 kVp, respectively. The corresponding w/w concentrations of gold NPs would be 0.0103, 0.0131, and 0.0158. With these basic results, compositions of suitable mixtures of iodine and gold are also specified.

Conclusion:
Aqueous suspensions of gold NPs are suitable as contrast materials for CT imaging and can also be used as a component of a composite contrast material consisting of an iodine and gold mixture.
A Study on Radiation Level at the Treatment Plane Due to Induced Activity in Linear Accelerator Head
Authors: Varshney Sonal , Kumar Lalit , Dwivedi Umesh K. , Narayan Pradeep 
Published: September 2024

Background:
The induced activity is produced in the target, monitor chamber, flattening filter (FF), collimating jaws, etc., when a high-energy photon beam is utilized for radiation therapy. This may result in add-on exposure to radiation professionals.

Objective:
This study aims to measure the radiation level (RL) at the treatment plane due to induced activity in the linear accelerator head.

Materials and Methods:
In this study, RLs were measured close to the isocenter (I), LINAC head (H), and 0.5 m lateral to the isocenter (L) inside the radiation bunker. The RLs were measured for field sizes (FS) 5 cm × 5 cm, 10 cm × 10 cm, 20 cm × 20 cm, 30 cm × 30 cm, and 40 cm × 40 cm, using 50, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, and 1000 monitor units (MUs) at above said locations inside the bunker using 10 mega-voltage (MV), 10 MV FF free, and 15 MV radiation beam.

Results:
RL increases with an increase in FS and MUs at all mentioned locations inside the bunker, except for 40 cm × 40 cm FS. The present study shows that RL increases with an increase in radiation beam energy, and there was significant RL inside the bunker at the mentioned location, even after the 1 min of high-energy radiation exposure.

Conclusion:
Therefore, treatment with a high-energy beam should be scheduled in the later evening of the working day and the jaw should be closed to a minimum before entering the bunker and a sufficient time gap should be followed to minimize the additional exposure due to induced activation in high-energy treatment.
Artificial High- and Low-density Materials in Bone Mineral Densitometry Using Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry: A GATE Monte Carlo Simulation of “Black-hole” Artifact
Authors: Qutbi Mohsen 
Published: September 2024

Objective:
The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of artificial high- and low-density materials on Bone mineral density (BMD)scans in dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) method and emergence of black-hole artifact through GATE Monte Carlo simulation.

Materials and Methods:
GATE Monte Carlo code was utilized to simulate the artifact encountered in clinical scans acquired by HOLOGIC® bone densitometer. Two simplified phantoms were designed. The first one was a rectangular box with six smaller cubes inside and the second one was a body torso. Materials of cubes were spine bone, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), barium sulfate suspension in water, stainless steel, titanium alloy, and gold. The torso phantom contained objects of 5 vertebrae, bowel and 3 small spherical objects near the surface of the torso as piercing objects on the abdominal wall, each overlying the vertebrae. Using 100 and 140 kVp, spectral X-rays were generated to simulate DXA. For both phantoms, two simulations were carried out. The pair of projections acquired for each phantom were then subtracted and analyzed by curve fitting techniques.

Results:
Except for spine bone, in which radio-opacity decreases with increasing spectral X-ray energy (from 100 to 140 kVp), other squares exhibit little changes over different energies. PMMA shows consistently very low radio-opacity. Four other materials (barium sulfate in water, stainless steel alloy, titanium alloy, and gold), all attenuate the X-ray photons substantially. Except for spine bone, other materials are barely noticeable in pairwise subtracted images. In torso phantom, piercing objects are visualized as “holes” in vertebrae.

Conclusion:
Both artificial high- and low-density materials, compared to bone, are eliminated during the subtraction of dual-energy X-ray profiles and therefore, can create black-hole artifact.
Whole Cancer Visualization using Gadobutrol-glucose Solution and 7.0 T Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Watanabe Manabu , Sato Eiichi , Sato Jiro , Ito Kazuki , Moriyama Hodaka , Hagiwara Osahiko , Enomoto Toshiyuki , Yoshida Ryoko , Hayakawa Susumu , Sato Yuichi , Yoshida Sohei , Yoshioka Kunihiro , Nitta Hiroyuki 
Published: September 2024

Introduction:
Cancer tissue absorbs 3–8 times more glucose than normal tissue. Therefore, we developed a gadobutrol-glucose solution for 7.0T magnetic resonance imaging to visualize whole cancerous regions at high contrast.

Methods:
The contrast medium consists of gadobutrol and glucose solutions, and these solutions are mixed before the vein infusion. We used readily available solutions, and the concentrations of the gadobutrol and glucose solutions were 60% and 5.0%, respectively. To visualize the cancerous region, we used two rabbits with VX7 thigh cancer. First, vein injection was carried out using a gadobutrol-saline solution containing 0.3 ml gadobutrol, and T1-weighted imaging (T1WI) was performed. Twenty-four hours after the first experiment, we performed T1WI of the VX7-cancer region using 50.3 mL gadobutrol-glucose solution including 0.3 ml gadobutrol.

Results:
Compared with T1WI using the gadobutrol-saline solution, the signal intensity of the cancerous region substantially increased using the gadobutrol-glucose solution.

Conclusion:
We confirmed significant signal-intensity increases in the whole VX7-cancer region of a rabbit thigh utilizing vein infusion of gadobutrol-glucose solution since the gadobutrol molecules were absorbed throughout the cancerous region along with glucose molecules.