bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Study Evaluating the Aspects of Stroke-specific Quality of Life and Severity in Hypertensive Stroke Patients
Authors: Sridhar Tejashree , Varghese Leena Elizabeth , Hasharudeen Ayisha , Saxena Anushka , Hiremath Jayasheela S. , Nyamagoud Sanatkumar B. , Swamy Agadi Hiremath Viswanatha , Bhadri Gururaj N. 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
A wide range of cognitive and physical effects occur depending on the location and extent of brain damage caused by the stroke. These effects vary widely in terms of severity. There is a strong correlation between quality of life (QoL) scores and the traditional functional outcome measures. The objective is to evaluate stroke patients’ QoL and severity. A total of 196 hypertensive stroke patients across all age groups are included in this prospective observational study.

Methods:
Stroke-specific QoL Scale (SS-QoL) questionnaires were self-administered, to assess health-related QoL among stroke patients. The severity level was determined using the modified Barthel index (MBI) and Modified Ranking Scales (mRS). Suitable Statistical methods (Pearson Chi-square and Pearson correlation) were applied to analyze the outcomes.

Results:
A total of 156 hypertensive stroke patients were assessed for SS-Qol and MBI. We observed that patients with hemorrhagic stroke (5.8%) showed excellent QoL (200–249 range) in comparison with that of ischemic stroke patients (4.4%) and correlation between the domains was significant at P < 0.05 level. Majority of 61 (39.1%) patients showed severe dependence and 1% of patients were independent. mRS was assessed on 196 hypertensive stroke patients, our results showed that the majority of 51 (27%) had severe disability followed by 49 (25%) patients who were completely bedridden, and about 40 (20.4%) deaths were encountered.

Conclusion:
From our study, we conclude that on using SS-QoL scales assessing SS-QoL the results showed that patients who suffered from a stroke were severely affected physically and mentally decreasing the normal lifespan of a patient and causing death.
Antimicrobial Stewardship Program Implementation among Hospitals in Iloilo Province, Philippines – A Pilot Study
Authors: Dueñas Edric Ancel P. , Islahudin Farida 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Context:
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) presents a global health crisis, demanding urgent attention. The Philippines has responded with an action plan, including Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs (ASPs), to combat AMR. However, challenges persist in implementing effective ASPs.

Aims:
This study aims to evaluate the implementation of ASP in Iloilo Province, Philippines.

Settings and Designs:
The study was a cross-sectional study performed in hospitals (n = 14) within the Iloilo Province, Philippines. Incomplete questionnaires were excluded.

Subjects and Methods:
The research employed the World Health Organization ASP toolkit to assess ASP implementation levels in these hospitals.

Statistical Analysis Used:
Implementation was measured using an overall score and individual scores for 6 core elements of ASP. Scores were presented as mean and standard deviations.

Results:
A total of 10 hospitals responded. All 10 (100%) hospitals had implemented the ASP, although the overall implementation score was an average of 31.9 (7.9) (total possible score of 45). However, there were still gaps in the implementation of all 6 core elements: Leadership Commitment (8.1 [1.2], total possible score 11), accountability and responsibility (6.3 [0.8], total possible score 8), antimicrobial stewardship action (9.8 [3.3], total possible score 14), training and education (1.2 [0.8], total possible score 2), monitor and surveillance (2.7 [1.2], total possible score 4), and reporting and feedback (3.8 [2.3], total possible score 6).

Conclusions:
There is still a need to improve ASP implementation among hospitals in Iloilo Province and possibly nationally in the Philippines. National strategies to address potential barriers that may aid in improving the use of antimicrobials are urgently required.
Comparing the Efficacy of Probiotic Nutraceuticals and Probiotic Food (Curd) in Combination with Antidepressants for Depression
Authors: Sanmith T. D. , Chourasiya Jitendra , Patel Nishant 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background and Aim:
Depression is a widespread mental health condition with a significant global impact. Recent research has explored the gut–brain axis, emphasizing the role of microbiota in neurotransmitter production. This study aims to explore the effectiveness of two complementary probiotic interventions: probiotic-rich curd and probiotic capsules, used in combination with the antidepressant escitalopram over 4 weeks. The primary objectives include assessing their impact on reducing the severity of depression, comparing their effectiveness, and discussing the clinical implications of findings.

Materials and Methods:
We conducted a 4-week prospective observational study at the Department of Psychiatry, MGM Medical College, and the associated Mental Hospital in Indore. Ninety individuals aged 18–60, diagnosed with depression (International Classification of Diseases-10) and assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, participated. Subjects were divided into three groups: escitalopram 10 mg (n = 30), escitalopram 10 mg + 120 mL curd (n = 30), and escitalopram 10 mg + probiotic capsule (n = 30). Assessments were conducted on days 0, 14, and 28 using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale.

Results:
All treatment groups exhibited a significant reduction in mean Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores over the study duration (P < 0.001). Notably, the probiotic group showed a slightly greater reduction in scores between day 0 and day 28 compared to the curd and escitalopram-only groups.

Conclusion:
The study demonstrates the potential for slightly better outcomes with probiotic interventions alongside the antidepressant escitalopram over 4 weeks. Beyond symptom relief, this approach may offer lower side effects, potentially enhancing patient adherence. Future research should investigate long-term effects and specific probiotic strains in a larger, diverse population.
Suicide among Indian Medical Students and Professionals: A 3-year Exploratory Study Using Online Google Database (2020–2022)
Authors: Chadha Gunjan , Yadav Jagriti , Khushboo  , Singh Priti , Jangid Purushottam , Gupta Rajiv 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background and Aims:
Medical students and professionals are particularly susceptible to psychological distress due to various factors especially after COVID 19 pandemic. However, there is currently no robust reporting system for suicides among medical professionals in India. We aimed to explore the characteristics of suicide deaths among medical students and professionals in India over three years (2020–2022).

Materials and Methods:
We conducted a two-level retrospective analysis of online news report on suicide deaths among medical students and professionals from January 2020 to December 2022.

Results:
A total of 118 fatal suicides among MBBS students, postgraduates and working medical professionals were reported. More than 50 percent of the reported suicides were before the age of 30 years. The most common method used was hanging (49%) and the presence of mental illness (12%) was the commonest predictor of suicide among medical students and professionals.

Conclusion:
There is pressing need for a national suicide reporting system for medical students and professionals to formulate a stringent policy on suicide prevention for medical community.
Application of Machine Learning Algorithms for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Authors: Yener Yıldız , Darol Elif Sarıca , Uzun Süleyman , Alemdar Murat , Çolak Tuncay 
Published: July 2024

Introduction:
Median nerve entrapment is commonly related to alterations in the anatomy of the surrounding tissues in the carpal tunnel. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most prevalent form of peripheral entrapment neuropathy. Machine learning (ML) is utilized in a variety of fields. After conferring with a physician, ML enables doctors to conduct the necessary examinations and make an early diagnosis. Methods based on artificial intelligence have the potential to be utilized in clinical practice as a supplementary instrument for accurate evaluation of median nerve entrapment. Despite the rise in ML-based medical research, median nerve entrapment has received less attention. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of classification approaches with ML algorithms in CTS patients utilizing electromyography test data from patients exhibiting varied CTS symptoms and indications.

Materials and Methods:
Our study includes message and demographic information derived from the electromyography results of 315 individuals. In classification procedures, the logistic regression, support vector machine (SVM), K-nearest neighbor, and naïve Bayes algorithms from ML techniques were utilized.

Results:
As a result of the classification, performance values for accuracy, precision, sensitivity, specificity, and F1-score were obtained. As a result of our research, the SVM algorithm achieved a 96% success rate.

Conclusion:
ML algorithms are an emerging method of analysis. The diagnosis and treatment of diseases are gradually gained by clinicians through observation and experience. Therefore, categorization systems can aid in the accurate and timely diagnosis of median nerve entrapment by clinicians.
A Radioanatomical Evaluation of the Plantaris Tendon with Magnetic Resonance Imaging Method and a Review of the Literature in the Light of Our Findings
Authors: Çankal Fatih , Altıntaş Hilal Melis , Patat Dilara , Kaya Mustafa 
Published: July 2024

Introduction:
Variations of the plantaris muscle and tendon are common. Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are radiological methods for evaluating the plantaris tendon. This study aimed to perform a radioanatomical evaluation of the plantar tendon using MRI and to compare our findings with the literature data.

Materials and Methods:
The presence of the plantaris tendon in 155 ankle magnetic resonance studies of 139 patients, its diameter, its course, the localization of the calcaneal attachment of the tendon, and its relationship with the Achilles tendon were evaluated. Student’s t-test was used for those with normal distribution in numerical data, and the Mann–Whitney U test was used for those who did not. Pearson Chi-square test was used in the evaluation of categorical data, depending on the assumptions. P <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:
A total of 139 patients, 89 (67.74%) females, and 50 (32.26%) males were included in the study. In 115 (74.2%) of 142 cases in which the plantaris tendon was imaged, the plantaris tendon was inserted into the calcaneus separately from the Achilles tendon and was joining the Achilles tendon at various levels in 27 cases (17.41%). In 27 cases where the plantaris tendon joined with the Achilles tendon, the distance from the junction point to the calcaneal insertion was 15 ± 9.90 cm.

Conclusion:
Our study is one of the limited number of studies in the literature to examine the thickness and termination levels of the plantaris tendon. We believe that our measurements will contribute to future radioanatomical meta-analyses.
Morphology and Morphometry of the Anterior Clinoid Process in a Select South African Population
Authors: Magcaba Nomthandazo , Olojede Samuel Oluwaseun , Lawal Sodiq Kolawole , Rennie Carmen , Azu Onyemaechi Okpara , Naidu Edwin Coleridge 
Published: July 2024

Background:
Clinoid space is revealed when the anterior clinoid process (ACP) is removed, and it makes anterior vertical segment of the internal carotid artery (ICA) visible. Also, the presence of Carotico-clinoid foramen (CCF) makes the ICA from the cavernous sinus emerges through it and endangers the artery during anterior clinoidectomy which necessitates understanding the variable dimensions of ACP.

Aim and Objectives:
This study intended to investigate the morphology and morphometry of the ACP and to document the prevalence of the CCF in a select group of the South African population.

Materials and Methods:
The study was carried out on a total of 32 open crania (n=64 ACP) obtained from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Nelson Mandela School of Medicine, Discipline of Clinical Anatomy using digital vernier caliper to measure the dimensions of the ACP.

Results:
The mean length, basal width, and thickness of the ACP on the right were10.18±1.34mm, 10.27±0.73mm, and 5.81±0.80mm and the left side was 10.89±0.94mm, 11.63±0.90mm, and 4.78±0.64mm respectively. The left ACP was significantly longer, wider, and thinner than the right ACP. Type I (short and broad) ACP was the most prevalent type, occurring in 53.13% of the studied population. Out of the 32 skulls studied, the CCF was observed in 6 (18.75%) cases. Five out of the six skulls (83.33%) had a bilateral complete CCF, and 1 (16.67%) had a unilaterally incomplete CCF.

Conclusion:
The ACP in our setting differs from other populations in terms of type, dimensions, and prevalence of the CCF and these should be considered when interpreting skull base radiographs and planning anterior clinoidectomy.
Topographic Radioanatomical Analysis of the Singular Canal: Computed Tomography Study
Authors: Demir Berin Tuğtağ , Köksal Ali , Çankal Fatih 
Published: July 2024

Purpose:
The singular canal (SC) is where the singular nerve, a branch of the inferior vestibular nerve, which carries afferent information from the posterior semicircular canal (PSCC), passes and is important in the surgical approach of the presigmoid retrolabyrinthine. This study was carried out to evaluate the visibility of the SC on standard computed tomography (CT) images, its distance to the surrounding structures, and to investigate the variations of its anatomy and its relationship with the meatus acusticus internus.

Materials and Methods:
The study was carried out retrospectively using images of 194 temporal bones on temporal bone CT scans of 44 men and 53 women aged 18–65. In the study, various measurements were made, especially the presence of the SC, its length, its angle with the internal acoustic canal (IAC), and the distance between the internal acoustic pore (IAP) and the singular foramen. In addition, the presence of the high jugular bulb and PSCC dehiscence images were investigated.

Results:
The SC was detected in 85.1% of the analyzed images. The mean canal length was 3.93 ± 1.22 mm, the angle between the SC and the IAC was 22.68° ±3.60°, and the distance between the SC and the IAP was 7.70 ± 0.83 mm. While no difference was found between the sides, it was determined that the length and diameter of the SC did not differ according to gender.

Conclusion:
Detailed morphometric analysis of the SC and a thorough understanding of its relationship with the IAC, vestibulum, and PSCC will help to accurately define the posterior and lateral borders of the dissection for this region.
Important Morphometric Values and Anatomical Ratios Obtained from Cervical Magnetic Resonance Imaging Images and their Differences from the Literature in Terms of Evaluation of Myelopathy
Authors: Bakirci Sinan , Senturk Senem 
Published: July 2024

Objective:
A Torg ratio of 0.80 or less is considered positive support for the diagnosis of cervical spinal canal stenosis. In our study, it was aimed to determine the morphometric values of the spinal cord, spinal canal, and vertebral body, to calculate the subarachnoid distance, and to examine the differences in Torg ratio according to cervical vertebra levels and between genders in young adult individuals belonging to our community.

Materials and Methods:
The study was performed on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images (28–35 years, 50 men and 50 women, retrospectively).

Results:
The Torg ratio was found to be <0.80 in 194 of 350 measurements made at 7 levels (55.4%) in men and in 83 of 350 measurements in women (23.7%). The Torg ratio value was found to be higher in women than men at C3–T1 levels (P < 0.01). There is a positive and highly significant relationship between the Torg ratio and “canal-cord distance” (P < 0.01). Spinal canal diameter was found to be <14 mm in 235 vertebrae (67.1%) in men and 282 vertebrae (80.6%) in women. In addition, it was found below 12 mm in 12.6% of men and 16% of women.

Conclusion:
In our study, the Torg ratio was found below 0.80 in a significant part of our cases. Therefore, it would be appropriate to revise the Torg ratio separately for different populations in MRI measurements. It is clear that there is a need for planning epidemiological studies consisting of control–patient groups in the future, especially for many societies.
Comparative evaluation of the accuracy of six different apex locators in working length determination of molars using intraoral periapical radiographs: An in vivo study
Authors: Sayed Abrar , Dighole Santoshi , Lobo Wendy Maria Vianney , Sapkale Kishor , Ramugade Manoj M , Baker David C. 
Published: July 2024

Context:
One of the crucial steps in endodontic treatment is determining the working length (WL). There are various methods for performing this procedure, one of which is an electronic apex locator (EAL) measurement.

Aims:
The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of six EALs, i.e.. Root ZX, Root ZX Mini, Propex PiXi, Innvopex-1, Woodpex III, and Raypex 6 for WL estimation in the mandibular first molars.

Material and Method:
The study included 180 root canals with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis, divided into six groups using different apex locators. WL determination was compared with intraoral periapical radiographs. Results were categorized as accurate, short, or long. The data were statistically analyzed.

Results:
ROOT ZX had an accuracy of 96.7%, Root ZX Mini had an accuracy of 93.3%, PiXi had an accuracy of 90.0%, Innvopex-1 had an accuracy of 90.0%, Woodpex III had an accuracy of 86.7%, and Raypex 6 had an accuracy of 83.4%, respectively. There was a statistically nonsignificant difference between groups (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:
Newly developed apex locators, such as the Innvopex-1, have shown accuracy comparable to well-established EALs like the Root ZX. This highlights the importance of conducting more extensive, large-scale research to confirm and validate their effectiveness.
Comparative evaluations of shear bond strength of mineral trioxide aggregate, Biodentine, and calcium-enriched mixture to bulk-fill flowable composite using three different adhesive systems: An in vitro study
Authors: Fatima Asmat , İftekhar Huma , Alam Sharique , Tewari Rajendra Kumar , Andrabi Mukhtar Un Nisar 
Published: July 2024

Objective:
The objective of the study was to assess the shear bond strength of bulk-fill flowable composite resin smart dentin replacement plus when bonded to mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA)-angelus, biodentine, and calcium-enriched mixture (CEM) at two different aging periods (15 min and 72 h) using three distinct adhesive systems. In addition, the study identified the specific modes of failure (adhesive, cohesive, or mixed) using a stereomicroscope and scanning electron microscope.

Materials and Methods:
One hundred and twenty-six cylindrical acrylic blocks used in the study were sorted into three groups based on the bioactive substance used to fill the 3-mm diameter and 3-mm high hole in the center of each block. The groups were MTA, Biodentine, and CEM. The specimens were then divided into subgroups based on the aging interval (15 min and 72 h) of the bioactive material and the adhesive system used (two-step total-etch, two-step self-etch [SE], and one-step SE) while bonding to the restorative bulk-fill flowable composite. The shear bond strength values were measured with a universal testing machine, and the data were analyzed using two-way and one-way analysis of variance, followed by a post hoc test. The specimens were assessed under stereomicroscope and scanning electron microscope to characterize the mode of bond failure (cohesive, adhesive, or mixed).

Results:
The study showed that the type of adhesive system and the time of bonding affected the shear bond strength of bulk-fill composite to the pulp capping agents (P < 0.05). For MTA, the highest bond strength was observed with two-step SE group at 15 min (18.16 ± 2.97 MPa) (P < 0.05). CEM exhibited the highest bond strength with two-step SE group at 72 h intervals (8.77 ± 1.76) (P < 0.05). The highest bond strength for biodentine group was observed with total-etch group (8.54 ± 1.35 Mpa) and two-step SE (8.19 ± 1.94 Mpa) bonded at 72 h interval (P < 0.05). The majority of the samples in the MTA group (29/42) and CEM group (20/42) showed a cohesive fracture, whereas Biodentine group (22/42) had an adhesive fracture in most of its samples.

Conclusion:
MTA demonstrated the highest bond strength with two-step SE group at 15 min, and CEM exhibited the highest bond strength with two-step SE groups at 72 h interval. For biodentine group, the type of adhesive used did not impact the bond strength values.
Cone-beam computed tomographic analysis of canal convolution in mesial root of mandibular second molars and a proposed new classification
Authors: Desai Kavina S. , Arora Ankit V. , Kapoor Sonali V. , Shah Purnil B. , Rathore Yashrajsingh R. 
Published: July 2024

Aim:
The aim is to evaluate the anatomical characteristics of mesiolingual and mesiobuccal canals in mandibular second molars particularly in terms of its exit direction, distance of confluence from the minor constriction, and the angle of confluence.

Materials and Methods:
The cone-beam computed tomography images of hundred mandibular second molars were analyzed. Endodontically treated teeth and those with anatomical variations such as C-shaped canal configuration were excluded from this study. The distance of the confluence from the minor constriction, angle of confluence, and the exit direction of the mesiobuccal and the mesiolingual canals were assessed. Data were analyzed using an independent t-test.

Results:
The course of the mesiobuccal and mesiolingual canals beyond the confluence was towards the center of the root. The average angle of confluence was 32.75°–35.28°. The average distance of confluence from the minor constriction was 2.19 to 2.68 mm. The mesiolingual canal was straighter whereas the mesiobuccal canal had a tortuous course. Considering the results of the present study, a new classification has been proposed for the root canal morphology of the mesial root of mandibular second molars.

Conclusion:
The variation in the morphology of mandibular second molars highlights that the mesiolingual canal presented a mild curvature through and beyond the confluence when compared to the mesiobuccal canal which exhibited a tortuous course through the confluence.