bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pattern reversal and flash visual evoked potentials in essential tremor
Authors: Buturak Şencan , Fidanci Halit 
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND:
There is evidence that nonmotor clinical findings may occur in essential tremor (ET). The aim of the study was to determine whether there is a subclinical impairment of visual pathways in ET by conducting visual evoked potential (VEP) studies on patients with ET.

METHODS:
Healthy individuals and patients with ET were included in the study. Individuals with visual impairment, eye disease, neurodegenerative diseases, or migraine were not included in the study. Pattern reversal VEP (PrVEP) and flash VEP (FVEP) were applied to all individuals. N75, P100, and N135 waves were obtained by PrVEP, whereas N1, P2, N2, P2, N3, and P3 waves were obtained by FVEP. The latencies and amplitudes of these waves were analyzed.

RESULTS:
Thirty-five healthy individuals (12 male, 23 female) and 29 patients with ET (16 male, 13 female) were included in the study. The mean age of the patients in the control group and the patients with ET was 33.9 ± 8.5 and 35.9 ± 16.8 years, respectively. Age and gender were not statistically significantly different between the two groups. The mean right/left P100 wave latencies of the control group and ET group were 90.3 ± 7.3/91.5 ± 6.1 ms and 99.4 ± 9.1/101.1 ± 7.8 ms, respectively (P = 0.009/P < 0.001). The mean right/left P2 wave latencies of the control group and ET group were 104.9 ± 15.1/104.8 ± 13.8 ms and 117.6 ± 15.4/118.3 ± 15.6 ms, respectively (P = 0.001/P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION:
This study showed that subclinical involvement of visual pathways may occur in ET.
Burden of nonmotor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease patients from eastern India
Authors: Sahu Sulagna , Mukherjee Adreesh , Biswas Samar , Leta Valentina , Rukavina Katarina , Das Shyamal Kumar , Biswas Atanu 
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND:
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is classically characterized by motor features. However, nonmotor symptoms (NMSs) represent an important aspect of the disease with a significant impact on quality of life (QoL).

OBJECTIVES:
The aim of this study was to evaluate NMS in patients with PD, to determine their various correlates, and to assess the impact on QoL.

METHODS:
This cross-sectional study included 150 consecutive patients with PD and 150 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. NMSs were assessed using the NMS Questionnaire (NMSQuest) and NMS Scale (NMSS). QoL was evaluated by the 8-item Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire scored as summary index (PDQ-8-SI).

RESULTS:
Every patient experienced NMS and 90% had more than five NMSs. Patients with PD had a significantly higher prevalence of NMS compared to healthy controls. The most common NMSs in patients with PD were unexplained pain, anxiety, constipation, insomnia, and memory impairment. Miscellaneous was the most prevalent domain of NMSS, followed by sleep/fatigue, gastrointestinal tract, and mood/cognition. Attention/memory impairment and pain were greater in females. Cardiovascular/falls and perceptual/hallucination showed a positive correlation with duration of disease. Sexual dysfunction decreased with increasing age. In the young-onset group (YOPD), mood/cognition involvement was higher. PDQ-8-SI showed a significant correlation with total NMSS score and most of the individual domain scores. Contrary to other Indian studies, our patients reported restless legs more frequently, whereas urinary symptoms were less common. Our observations showed a greater prevalence of pain and constipation compared to the Western studies.

CONCLUSIONS:
All of our patients experienced NMS. The prevalence of various NMS in our study showed differences with previous reports. NMS had a significant impact on QoL.
Recent Advances of Nanotechnology in Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics
Authors: Saroch Rinshul , Gupta Priti , Singh Arvinder Pal , Gupta Hitesh , Saini Roseka , Rana Ishani , Bhardwaj Kaustubh 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
The age of nanotechnology is the biggest scientific and technical innovation in history. Nanotechnology is the study of manipulating matter at the atomic and molecular levels. The word “nano” means “dwarf” in Greek. Total oral health maintenance has been made achievable by nanodentistry through the use of nanomaterials, biotechnology, tissue engineering, and eventually dental nanorobotics. Thanks to nanotechnology, hopes for better oral health-care delivery and ongoing maintenance have increased while the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of oral illnesses are still being studied. This review article aims to emphasize the safety and ethical issues surrounding the use of nanotechnology in dentistry, as well as to detail the current state of nanotechnology in the field and the many nanomaterials utilized in it.
The effect of serum estrogen level on male infertility & semen parameters on Sudanese males attending Khartoum Dermatology Teaching Hospital
Authors: Mohamedkhier Nihad A. , Elghazali Essam , Seedahmed Khalid M. 
Published: May 2024

Background
Infertility is defined as the inability to achieve pregnancy after one year of unprotected intercourse. As estimated 10–15% of couples were considered infertile by W.H.O. One of the major causes of non-obstructive infertility is hormonal disturbance. Testosterone and Estrogen, traditionally, have been regarded as male and female sex hormones respectively. However, Estradiol, the predominant form of Estrogen, also plays a pivotal role in male sexual function. Estradiol in men is quintessential in many sexual physiological processes.

Objectives
To evaluate the effect of Estrogen levels on infertile men and their semen parameters

Method
In this prospective case-control hospital based study, a total number of 50 infertile men with primary and secondary infertility (case group) and 50 fertile men (control group) were included. The medical histories of all the participants were taken and physical examinations were conducted thoroughly. Serum Estradiol (E2) levels were measured for both infertile and fertile group. Seminal analysis was done for the infertile group. Serum E2 was measured by Radio-Immunosorbent Assay (RIA) using Estradiol kits for measurement. Standard semen analysis was done by computer-assisted seminal analysis (CASA) using the WHO manual 2010.
The collected data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. The results were obtained and presented in tables and diagrams. The significance of testing was assessed by Chi-Square T test with P value ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results
A significant correlation was observed between the fertility status and serum E2 levels. 18% (n=9) of the subfertile patients were found to have serum E2 levels more than 55 pg/ml. on the other hand, only 6% (n=3) of the fertile group (control group) were above 55 pg/ml (P value less than 0.05).
Azoospermia was found to be the most semen parameter among patients with elevated serum E2 level (P value less than 0.05). It is also observed that 46% of the infertile patients were found to be overweight (BMI=25–29.9) & they have significantly high serum E2 levels (P value less than 0.05).

Conclusion
High serum Estradiol levels were found significantly correlated with male infertility; Azoospermia was the most commonly observed abnormal semen parameter. Overweight patients have significantly elevated Serum E2 levels.
Study of the epidemiologic characteristics of childhood vitiligo in Egyptian children
Authors: Aboeldahab Soha , Mohammed Sarah El-Sayed , El-Hamd Mohammed A. , Saleh Ramadan 
Published: May 2024

Background
Vitiligo during childhood is common. Pediatric vitiligo has a profound effect on the quality of life of both children and their parents.

Aims and objectives
To investigate the epidemiologic characteristics of vitiligo among Egyptian children.

Patients and methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted and included children of both sexes from birth to less than 18 years of age. The study included schools and maternity and childhood care centers in Sohag Governorate, Upper Egypt, during the period from March 2019 to February 2020. Complete demographic and clinical information of children with vitiligo were recorded. Dermatological examination of patients with vitiligo was done. Vitiligo area and severity index of patients was calculated.

Results
Of 2594 screened children, 18 (0.7%) had vitiligo. The median age of children with vitiligo was 12 (2–17) years. The age interval from 13 to less than 18 years accounted for 44.4% of vitiligo cases. Females cases of vitiligo were more prevalent (61.1%). Overall, 72.2% of patients with vitiligo were resident of rural areas. Of the 18 cases with childhood vitiligo, 83.3% of cases had a history of consanguineous marriage and 66.5% had vitiligo vulgaris. A proportion of cases related the exacerbation of the disease to exposure to psychological stress.

Conclusions
Childhood vitiligo was detected in 0.7% of pediatric population in Upper Egypt. The majority of cases with childhood vitiligo had a history a consanguineous marriage between the parents. Psychic trauma was identified as a potential exacerbating factor of childhood vitiligo.
Systemic lupus erythematosus masquerading as gangrene − an infrequent presentation
Authors: Singh Aditi 
Published: May 2024

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an auto-immune disease affecting multiple organs. Among the cutaneous features, digital gangrene is considered to be very rare, occurring in only 1.3% of SLE patients. It is considered to be due to compromised perfusion of digits secondary to vasculitis, vasospasm and thomboembolism. This is the case report of a 35-year-old female who presented with acute blackish discoloration of toes of both feet associated with pain. She had no other features of SLE. But serology came out positive for SLE. The patient responded well to steroids, hydroxychloroquine, antiplatelet and anticoagulant medications and is currently under follow-up.
This case report basically shows us that SLE should be considered as a possible differential diagnosis whenever there is a young patient presenting with digital gangrene without any other medical history.
Evaluation of serum adiponectin and lipid profile in patients with acne vulgaris
Authors: Alashry Shereen Ezzalregal , Sallam Manar Elsayed , Hassan Manar Ali , Saber Eman 
Published: May 2024

Background
Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous unit and is among the most common dermatological conditions worldwide. Adipokines are bioactive molecules secreted by adipocytes. Adiponectin is the most abundant adipokine. It has multiple properties, which includes sensitization of insulin, anti-inflammatory, and antiatherogenic effect.

Objectives
This study aims to evaluate serum adiponectin and lipid profile levels in patients with acne vulgaris and their correlation with each other and disease severity.

Patients and methods
This is a case-control study, conducted on a total of 90 patients with acne vulgaris and matched age, sex, and body mass index 70 healthy controls. Serum adiponectin and lipid profile levels were evaluated in all subjects.

Results
Total cholesterol (TC), total triglycrides (TG) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) were significantly higher in acne vulgaris cases, while high density lipoprotein (HDL) was statistically significant lower in cases compared to controls. Adiponectin concentration was significantly higher in acne vulgaris cases when compared to control group with positive correlations with female gender, disease severity, TC, LDL and significant negative correlation with HDL.

Conclusions
Adiponectin may play a role in the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris and may affect its severity. Evaluation of all acne patients for lipid profile and advice for healthy diets as an adjuvant method to acne treatment.
Psychological burden of care in parents/caregivers of children with surgical conditions – A local experience
Authors: Elebute Olumide Abiodun , Campbell Elizabeth A. , Ademuyiwa Adesoji O. , Ihediwa Chibuike GGeorge , Bode Christopher O. 
Published: May 2024

Background:
There is a paucity of literature on the psychological burden on parental caregivers of children with surgical conditions. Knowledge of the peculiar psychological challenges faced by the parents or caregivers could help to advocate for the incorporation of a psychologist or psychiatrist as part of a multidisciplinary approach to patient care.

Methods:
This is a cross-sectional study over 6 months on caregivers of pediatric surgical patients at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital. Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale (ZCBS) and the General Health Questionnaire – 28 (GHQ-28) were used to obtain data on the burden of care and psychiatric morbidity. Data obtained were analyzed using SPSS (version 23). A ZCBS score ≥21 and a GHQ-28 value above 4 were considered significant.

Results:
A total of 120 caregivers were recruited for the study. The mean GHQ score was 6.3 (standard deviation [SD] ±5.9), whereas the mean ZCBS was 24.96 (SD ± 14.67). Sixty (50.0%) caregivers had a GHQ score over 4 and 71 (59.2%) had a ZCBS score ≥21.

Conclusions:
The care of children undergoing surgical procedures is associated with a significant burden and psychological distress among first-degree family caregivers. There is a need for further studies to know the pattern of their psychologically ill health as this could impede their quality of care.
Evaluation of risk factors for postoperative neurologic intensive care admission after brain tumor craniotomy: A single-center longitudinal study
Authors: Biswas Konish , Agrawal Sanjay , Gupta Priyanka , Arora Rajnish 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background and Aims:
Perioperative variable parameters can be significant risk factors for postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) admission after elective craniotomy for intracranial neoplasm, as assessed by various scoring systems such as Cranio Score. This observational study evaluates the relationship between these factors and early postoperative neurological complications necessitating ICU admission.

Material and Methods:
In total, 119 patients, aged 18 years and above, of either sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grades I–III, scheduled for elective craniotomy and tumor excision were included. The primary objective was to evaluate the relationship between perioperative risk factors and the incidence of early postoperative complications as a means of validation of the Cranio Score. The secondary outcomes studied were 30-day postoperative morbidity/mortality and the association with patient-related risk factors.

Results:
Forty-five of 119 patients (37.82%) required postoperative ICU care with the mean duration of ICU stay being 1.92 ± 4.91 days. Tumor location (frontal/infratemporal region), preoperative deglutition disorder, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) less than 15, motor deficit, cerebellar deficit, midline shift >3 mm, mass effect, tumor size, use of blood products, lateral position, inotropic support, elevated systolic/mean arterial pressures, and duration of anesthesia/surgery were associated with a higher incidence of ICU care. Maximum (P = 0.035, AOR = 1.130) and minimum systolic arterial pressures (P = 0.022, Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 0.861) were the only independent risk factors. Cranio Score was found to be an accurate predictor of complications at a cut-off point of >10.52%. The preoperative motor deficit was the only independent risk factor associated with 30-day morbidity (AOR = 4.66).

Conclusion:
Perioperative hemodynamic effects are an independent predictor of postoperative ICU requirement. Further Cranio Score is shown to be a good scoring system for postoperative complications.
Comparison of midpoint transverse process to pleura (MTP) block and erector spinae plane block (ESP) for postoperative analgesia in modified radical mastectomy patients: A double-blinded, randomized control trial
Authors: Sethi Priyanka , Kaur Manbir , Bhatia Pradeep K. , Goyal Shilpa , Sharma Ankur , Roy Shipra , Kaloria Narender 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background and Aims:
Modified radical mastectomy (MRM) is associated with moderate severity of postoperative pain. Besides intravenous (IV) analgesics, various nerve blocks are being described for pain relief of MRM patients. We compared erector spinae plane (ESP) block with midpoint transverse process to pleura (MTP) block in these patients for postoperative analgesia.

Material and Methods:
After receiving ethical committee approval from the institutional ethics committee (AIIMS, Jodhpur) and written informed consent from study participants, 66 patients who were assigned American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I and II, aged 18–75 years, and were scheduled to undergo MRM were enrolled and randomly allocated into two groups. Unilateral block was given before surgery at T3 or T4 level and with 15 ml of 0.5% ropivacaine in both the groups. Infusion of 0.5% ropivacaine (Neon laboratories limited, Mumbai, India) and 0.2% ropivacaine at a rate of 5 ml/h was maintained intraoperatively and postoperatively, respectively. Pain was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for the next 24 hours. The total number of patients needing rescue analgesia, the total amount of rescue analgesics consumed in the next 24 hours, and patient satisfaction score were also compared between groups.

Results:
Demographics and baseline vitals were comparable in the groups. On comparing VAS scores in both the groups during rest and movement at different time intervals, there was no difference in pain scores during the initial two hours. From the third hour, there was a statistically significant difference (P < 0.001) in pain VAS scores in both groups. The ESP group had lower VAS scores compared to the MTP group when followed for the next 24 hours. There was a statistically significant difference in patient satisfaction.

Conclusion:
ESP block is more efficacious when compared to MTP block for postoperative analgesia in MRM patients.
Comparative Evaluation of Novel Herbal Mouthwash with 12.5% Xylitol Mouthwash and 0.7 M Saline Mouthwash on Plaque Control: An Interventional Study
Authors: Prasad. S.Vishnu , Indrapriyadharshini. K , Mahesh. J 
Published: May 2024

Background and Aim:
Among the wide array of herbal plants possessing medicinal values, Andrographis
paniculata (Nilavembu) stands out as a time-tested premiere medicinal herb. A. paniculata (Nilavembu) extracts exhibited varying degrees of inhibitory activity against the growth of all the microorganisms. Hence, this research was made to assess and compare the effect of Nilavembu extract (A. paniculata) with 12.5% xylitol mouthwash and control group (0.7 M saline mouthwash) on dental plaque and gingival inflammation.

Materials and Methods:
A double-blinded parallel-arm randomized clinical trial was done among 40 participants aged 20–30 years. Participants were randomly allotted into four groups: Group 1 - Nilavembu extract with 0.7 M saline wash; Group 2 - Nilavembu extract with 12.5% xylitol mouthwash; Group 3-0.7 M saline mouthwash; and Group 4-12.5% xylitol mouthwash. The plaque and gingival status were assessed using oral hygiene simplified index and Loe and Silness index at baseline and end of the study (7th day). Statistical analysis was carried out to compare the effect of all four treatments groups using the Kruskal–Wallis test, Wilcoxon sign rank test, and post
hoc test; P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:
Among four groups, Group 2 showed a greater mean reduction followed by Group 1 in oral hygiene index score and gingival score. There was a statistically significant difference between the scores of the four groups.

Conclusion:
It can be concluded that A. paniculata (Nilavembu extract) could serve as a potential herbal alternative in the therapeutic management of dental plaque and gingivitis.
Trends in statin utilization and ischemic heart disease mortality in Lithuania and Sweden, 2000–2020
Authors: Treciokiene Indre , Daukintyte Kamile , Hjemdahl Paul , Wettermark Björn 
Published: May 2024

Aims: To compare statin utilization and ischemic heart disease (IHD) mortality trends in Lithuania and Sweden and to assess correlations between the total utilization of statins and IHD mortality.
Methods: An ecological study assessing time trends in statin utilization (DDDs per 1000 inhabitants per day; DDD/TID) and IHD mortality in Lithuania and Sweden between 2000 and 2020. Statin utilization data in Lithuania were wholesale trade data, and Swedish data were drugs dispensed at pharmacies. IHD mortality data were extracted from national databases as rates per 100 000 inhabitants. Associations between statin utilization and IHD mortality in Lithuania and Sweden were examined using Spearman’s rank and Pearson’s correlation coefficients, respectively.
Results: Statin utilization increased from 16.8 to 135.8 DDD/TID in Sweden and from 0.2 to 61.8 DDD/TID in Lithuania between 2000 and 2020. Medium intensity was the most common statin dosage in Lithuania, while Sweden used more high intensity than moderate-intensity statins from 2017. IHD mortality in Lithuania remained high between 2000 and 2020 (from 359.1 to 508.8 deaths per 100 000 population), while it decreased markedly in Sweden (from 226.87 to 88.7 deaths per 100 000 population). IHD mortality and statin utilization were inversely correlated in Sweden (r = -0.993, P < 0.001), while a positive correlation was found in Lithuania (rs = 0.871, P < 0.001).
Conclusion: Despite the growing statin utilization in both countries, Lithuania recorded a slight increase in IHD mortality rates unlike the situation in Sweden. This indicates room for improvement in the management of modifiable cardiovascular risk factors in Lithuania including how statins are prescribed and used in clinical practice.
Husserl
Authors: Maldonado Mirla 
Published: May 2024

La investigación destaca el enfoque husserliano, en comparación a la actitud natural del método experimental y define los conceptos de noesis y noema para analizar la relación entre hechos noticiosos y la propaganda belicista. El objetivo es definir una concepción gnoseológica de la noticia.
En la teoría de sistemas abiertos y cerrados, destacamos la importancia de comprender la desestructuración del sistema, por medio del método fenomenológico. La relación entre sistemas en el contexto de eventos noticiosos, con énfasis en la amenaza nuclear y la posibilidad de una Tercera Guerra Mundial.
Desde una perspectiva husserliana, el periodismo debe replantearse cómo afecta a otros sistemas políticos y la economía mundial, la posibilidad de un conflicto bélico a escala interplanetaria. La propaganda de guerra muchas veces resulta en detrimento del discurso informativo: la guerra híbrida que enfrenta el periodismo.
La hermenéutica de la guerra es la comprensión de una disciplina científica que utiliza el enfoque husserliano para analizar los elementos que componen un fenómeno de estudio. El sesgo en la noticia afecta a nuestra sociedad, el régimen de la información requiere de nuevos constructos para afrontar el algoritmo de las máquinas.
Ball of Fire
Authors: Kanfer Stefan 
Published: May 2024

As a movie actress Lucille Ball was, in her own words, “queen of the B-pluses.” But on the small screen she was a superstar–arguably the funniest and most enduring in the history of TV. In this exemplary biography, Stefan Kanfer explores the roots of Lucy’s genius and places it in the context of her conflicted and sometimes bitter personal life.
Ball of Fire gives us Lucy in all her contradictions. Here is the beauty who became a master of knock-down slapstick; the control freak whose comic alter ego thrived on chaos, the worshipful TV housewife whose real marriage ended in public disaster. Here, too, is an intimate view of the dawn of television and of the America that embraced it. Charming, informative, touching, and laugh-out-loud funny, this is the book Lucy’s fans have been waiting for.