bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nosocomial infections in patients admitted in medical intensive care units in a tertiary health center in Western part of India and their hematological correlation
Authors: Roychoudhury Arnav Kr. , Maheshwari Ujwala , Bansal Nidhi , Padhye Amruta 
Published: April 2024

Background and Aim:
Acquired infections (AIs) in medical intensive care units (MICUs) have become serious threats with increasing mortality and morbidity more so in the developing countries. The most common reason is lack of efficient infection control protocols. The national nosocomial infections surveillance system defines a nosocomial infection as a localized or systemic condition that results from adverse reaction to the presence of infectious agents or their toxins that were not present or incubating at the time of admission to the hospital. Critically ill patients are at increased risk of acquiring nosocomial infections because of their lower immune status. These infections being opportunistic, microbes of low virulence cause also cause disease in hospital patients whose immune systems are impaired. This study was conducted to study the association of leukocytosis in relation to nosocomial infections in MICU.

Methods:
A retrospective study was conducted at the MICU under the Department of Anesthesiology in collaboration with the Department of Microbiology and Department of Pathology of Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Hospital, Navi Mumbai over six months. All the patients who were admitted in MICU and stayed for more than 48 hours were included in the present study.

Results:
A total of 805 patients were admitted in the MICU from January 1st to June 30th, 2017, for a period of 6 months. Out of 805 cases, 27 patients developed nosocomial infections amounting to 3.3% with male-to-female ratio of 2.8:1. The age of the patient ranged from 15 to 85 years with the mean age of 50 years. Male predominance was seen with 74% cases with mean age of 48.5 years. Maximum cases were seen in the geriatric age group mainly 6th to 7th decade comprising of 40.7% of all cases. In our study, bloodstream infection was the most common finding constituting 100% of the cases, followed by urinary tract infections. All the cases of nosocomial infections showed polymorphonuclear leukocytosis with shift to left. In our study, diabetes mellitus followed by hypertension and chronic kidney disease was the major contributory comorbidities comprising of 29.6%, 29.6%, and 22.2%, respectively. In our study, the invasive devices contributed to the overall outcome of the patients. Urinary catheters (all cases) were the most prevalent invasive device followed closely by Ryle’s tube (90%) and endotracheal tube (60%).

Conclusions:
Intensive care units (ICUs) comprise of less than 10% of the total hospital beds but contribute >20% of all the nosocomial infections acquired in the hospital. World Health Organization (WHO) estimates the burden of nosocomial infections in hospitalized patients to be 7–12% globally, in contrast to the figures from India being alarmingly high varying from 11–83%.
Comparing Four Cephalometric Methods Used to Evaluate the Change in the Lower Incisor Inclination
Authors: Sood Shweta , Mittal Sanjay , Aggarwal Isha , Goyal Merry , Parveen Abida , Vishvkarma Pallavi 
Published: April 2024

Aim:
The assessment of change in the lower incisor inclination using cephalometry during any orthodontic treatment is used to determine the treatment outcome. The inclination change is measured using the lower border of the mandible even though it is subjected to remodeling in growing children. We have used Bjork’s superimposition technique using “stable structures” to eliminate these growth changes. In this study, we have evaluated if there is any major difference between three routinely used methods to estimate the lower incisor inclination change influenced by orthodontic treatment (gonion-gnathion, gonion-menton, and tangent drawn to the lower border of the mandible) in contrast to Bjork’s superimposition technique.

Materials and Methods:
This study was performed using the lateral cephalograms of total of 39 subjects undergoing orthodontic treatment using fixed appliances, aged 12–16 years at the beginning of the treatment. The pretreatment and mid-treatment cephalograms of these subjects were evaluated with a gap of at least 1 year between the two radiographs. Patients who had undergone lower incisor extractions were excluded from this study.

Results:
The ICC was calculated using Bjork’s superimposition technique as references and subsequently the other techniques were compared. The linear regression model showed good ICC between all methods, with ICC being 0.92 for Go-Me, 0.94 for Go tangent, and 0.88 for Go-Gn. All the three methods showed a significant correlation with Bjork’s method.

Conclusion:
The data in the current study showed that there was no significant difference in the findings obtained by Bjork’s superimposition method when compared to other techniques. Furthermore, remodeling of the lower border of the mandible showed no significant changes in the investigated time frame.
An enchiridion on the socket shield technique
Authors: Kshirsagar Jaishree Tukaram , Nithiyaraj S. , Monika A. , Akshaya M. N. , Sharma K. Shyam , Sathyasree S. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Socket shield technique is one of the recent innovative techniques of immediate implant placement. The importance of this technique is maintenance of both hard and soft tissues, especially in esthetically critical areas like maxillary anterior region. It involves preservation of a portion of root followed by immediate placement of implant. It has various advantages over other ridge preservation procedures like conventional immediate implant placement, socket preservation methods, and ridge augmentation procedures. This review briefly summarizes the classification, surgical technique, variations, and potential complications of this technique.
Ictal barking in frontal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Chaudhuri Titas , Samantray Swayanka , Raj Sanjay , Ravan Jayaprakash Russell , Pattnaik Jigyansa Ipsita , Panda Udit Kumar 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Nonspeech vocalizations are usually seen in temporal or frontal lobe epileptic focus, especially in the dominant side of the brain. There can be screaming, hooting, barking, humming grunting, etc., Barking is most characteristic, which is commonly seen in mesial frontal lobe epilepsy. In this report, we describe a unique case of ictal barking with onset at 18 years of age mistaken for unspecified psychotic disorder, which was subsequently diagnosed as complex partial seizure following electroencephalogram findings and was maintained on valproate 1500 mg/day, and levetiracetam 1500 mg/day was added along with clobazam 10 mg/day. Ictal barking is mostly focal, similar to our case; however, there has been sparse evidence of ictal barking in generalized seizures as well.
Quality of obturation and the behavior of children treated under nitrous oxide conscious sedation: A double-blinded split-mouth randomized clinical trial
Authors: Madiajagane Nandini D , Govindaraju Lavanya 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Aim:
Our aim is to assess the quality of obturation and behavior of the children treated with and without nitrous oxide sedation and also to investigate the association between the quality of obturation and the behavior of children.

Materials and Methods:
A double-blinded split-mouth randomized clinical trial was conducted in 60 teeth. A total of 30 children aged 4–8 years in need of pulpectomy in bilateral mandibular molars were selected. On the first appointment, the children were assigned to protocol A, where the pulpectomy was performed without nitrous oxide inhalation sedation (NOIS). In the second visit, the children were allocated to protocol B, where pulpectomy was done in the contralateral molar under NOIS. The obturation quality and behavior of the children were graded according Coll and Sadrian criteria and Ohio State University Behavior Rating Scale, respectively. The data were assessed with descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, and Wilcoxin signed-rank test.

Results:
The quality of obturation and the behavior of the children were significantly better under conscious sedation (P = 0.000). Also, there was a significant association noted between the behavior of the children and quality of obturation (P = 0.0.012). Children exhibiting quiet behavior favored optimal fill, while in children showing cry alone or struggle , it was more of under-fill. In children showing both struggle and cry, more of over-fill pattern of obturation was noticed.

Conclusion:
Nitrous oxide sedation enhances the obturation quality and children’s behavior. Furthermore, there is a clear association between children’s behavior and obturation quality, regardless of whether nitrous oxide sedation is used or not.
Anxiety associated painful temporomandibular disorders in Peruvian dental students during the major waves of COVID-19 infection: A cohort study
Authors: Angeles-García Karen , Ladera-Castañeda Marysela , Briceño-Vergel Gissela , Córdova-Limaylla Nancy , Huamani-Echaccaya José , Cervantes-Ganoza Luis , Cayo-Rojas César 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Aim:
During the major waves of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection, Peru had the highest case fatality rate in the world. This situation may have caused psychological conditions with somatic consequences in students who were susceptible to infection due to exposure to infected patients. The present study was designed to investigate the association between anxiety levels and painful temporomandibular disorders in dental students from two Peruvian provinces during the major waves of COVID-19 infection.

Materials and Methods:
The study conducted was both longitudinal and analytical. The total population consisted of 558 dental students from Peru, with 314 from Chimbote and 244 from Trujillo. No sample size calculation was necessary as the entire student population was invited to participate. Of the 366 students who initially joined the closed cohort, only 204 remained at the end of the study. During the first and second waves of COVID-19 infections, the Zung anxiety diagnostic test and the diagnostic criteria for painful temporomandibular disorder (DC/TMD) triage questionnaire were used to assess anxiety levels. The study also evaluated variables such as sex, age, marital status, academic year of study, area of residence, housing type, and occupation. The study employed statistical analysis to determine the relative risk (RR) of painful TMD incidence during the first and second waves of COVID-19 infections. A logit model was also used to determine the presence of painful TMD, with odds ratio (OR) as the measure. The statistical significance level was set at P < 0.05.

Results:
During the initial wave of COVID-19 infections, 50% (95% CI: 43.1–56.9%) of the 204 students experienced anxiety, while 26.5% (95% CI: 20.4–32.6%) reported TMD. Furthermore, those who exhibited anxiety were eight times more likely to develop TMD (OR = 8.88, 95% CI: 3.95 - 19.97). In the second wave, 62.3% (95% CI: 55.6–69.0%) of students reported anxiety, and 86.3% (95% CI: 81.6–91.0%) reported TMD. Additionally, individuals with anxiety were found to have a significantly higher likelihood of developing painful TMD, with a nine-fold increase in risk (OR = 9.87, 95% CI: 5.08–19.19). The cohort of students exposed and not exposed to anxiety during the first and second waves of COVID-19 infection showed a 4.58 times higher risk (95% CI: 2.61–8.03) of developing painful TMD due to anxiety.

Conclusion:
Between the first and second waves of COVID-19 infection, the prevalence of anxiety and painful temporomandibular disorder (TMD) increased among dental students. This establishes anxiety as a significant predisposing factor for the development of painful TMD over time.
Fracture strength of fiber post with polyetheretherketone post: An In vitro comparative study
Authors: Deshpande Rohan , Kumar Sowmya M , Anoop Minu , Kapse Payal , Veena Korikkar Mahaling 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Aim:
To assess and compare the fracture strength of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) post materials with fiber posts on endodontically treated maxillary central incisors.

Materials and Methods:
In this in vitro comparative study, two dental post materials were evaluated: fiber-reinforced post and PEEK post. Simple random sampling was done and 30 specimens were fabricated using extracted, decoronated, and endodontically treated maxillary central incisors (n = 15 for each group). Post-space preparation was done 5 mm short of the apex and restored with prefabricated fiber post (n = 15) and customized PEEK post (n = 15). Samples were mounted in a cold cure acrylic cylindrical block, at 45° angulation for testing the fracture strength using a universal testing machine. The data were analyzed and compared statistically, using an independent t test.

Results:
Mean fracture strength of the PEEK post was 65.79 kg and the fiber post was 59.32 kg with no statistically significant difference in the fracture strength between the two groups.

Conclusion:
Within the limitations of the study, it can be concluded that the PEEK post has similar mechanical properties to the fiber post and could be considered as an alternative to the fiber post having the advantages of being custom-made requiring conservative canal preparation with minimal dentin removal.
Remineralization potential of varying concentrations of two plant-based extracts of Cocos nucifera on white spot lesions using SEM and EDAX analysis: An in vitro study
Authors: Balakrishnan Nivethigaa , Subramanian Aravind Kumar , Eswaramoorthy Rajalakshmanan , Angappan Mahalakshmi 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Aim:
To evaluate the remineralization potential of varying concentrations of two plant-based extracts of Cocos nucifera on white spot lesions using SEM and EDAX in vitro testing methods.

Materials and Methods:
The pulp was freshly obtained from coconut and divided into two. Then, coconut milk was obtained by blending, while the next portion was freeze-dried and lyophilized. Third molar teeth were processed into tooth slabs (N = 40) and split equally into five groups by block randomization. After demineralization, one tooth slab was taken from each, and SEM analysis was done. Remineralization was then performed among the various groups that included Group 1, which acted as a control and consisted of the remineralization solution. Groups 2 and 3 comprised 1:1 and 2:1 concentrations of the coconut milk, whereas Groups 4 and 5 consisted of 1:1 and 2:1 concentrations of the lyophilized extract. SEM and EDAX testing were done post-remineralization. Ca and phosphate values were tabulated, and statistical significance was determined for the obtained values using ANOVA.

Results:
Among the control and treatment groups, surface remineralization was better observed in 1:1 coconut milk and 2:1 coconut milk than in the 2:1 lyophilized coconut, control, and 1:1 lyophilized coconut. Between the control and treatment groups, Ca and phosphate percentages (P < 0.001) showed statistical differences. The lowest value of 2.3% was noted in the 2:1 lyophilized coconut group.

Conclusion:
Coconut extracts exhibit remineralization potential on the artificial carious lesion. Coconut milk exhibited significant improvement in the surface properties than lyophilized coconut.
Current trends in placing posterior composite restorations: Perspectives from Palestinian general dentists: A questionnair study
Authors: Arandi Naji Ziad 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Aim:
The success of composite restorations relies on material selection and practitioner-related factors that shape the overall outcome. This study explores the practices of Palestinian general dental practitioners in placing posterior composites, examining the impact of work sector, experience, and gender on their choices.

Materials and Methods:
The study was conducted as an online cross-sectional questionnaire and involved 351 participants, with a response rate of 69.8%. The survey comprised 18 closed-ended questions covering demographics, material selection, and composite placement in special cases, techniques, and factors influencing the choices. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, chi-squared tests, and Fisher’s exact tests.

Results:
Composite was the predominant choice for small-size (83.7%) and large-size posterior cavities (60.4%). Practitioners commonly opted for composite restorations in cases involving occlusal parafunctional activity (60%), poor oral hygiene (78%), and subgingival cavities (72.2%). Only 19.6% and 5.3% reported occlusal and gingival beveling, respectively. Rubber dams for isolation stood at 30%, one-step self-etch adhesives at 44.9%, and the oblique layering technique at 51%. Light-emitting diode curing units were popular (97.55%), but monitoring output with a radiometer was infrequent (93.5%). Tofflemire metal matrix usage was 46.1%, whereas a sectional matrix system was employed by 29.8%. A 2 mm layer exposure to light curing for 20 s was reported by 62%, and 27.75% utilized additional light-curing postmatrix band removal.

Conclusion:
The study highlights the need for Palestinian dental professionals to update their clinical approaches in placing composite restorations in posterior teeth. Gender, work sector, and experience influence practitioners’ choices, emphasizing the importance of tailored continuing education programs for improving clinical practices.
Shear bond strength between conventional composite resin and alkasite-based restoration used in sandwich technique: An in vitro study
Authors: Dawood Alaa E , Alkhalidi Emad F , Saeed Mohammad A 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Aim:
The success of layered restorations necessitates the utilization of an improved restorative material compatible with composite restorations. Therefore, in this line of research, the strength of adhesion of conventional resin-based dental composite to different filling materials was tested.

Materials and Methods:
Conventional composite resin was bonded to four restorative materials (Group I: conventional glass ionomer cement (GIC), Group II: resin-modified glass ionomer cement, Group III: flowable composite, and Group IV: Cention-N) received no surface treatment (Subgroup A: control), sandblasting using 50-µm aluminum oxide particles (Subgroup B), sandblasting and resin adhesive (Subgroup C), acid etch and resin adhesive (Subgroup D), or self-etch resin adhesive (Subgroup E). After 24 h, the strength of adhesion between the conventional composite resin and the other tested filling materials was estimated by using a universal testing machine and compared using one-factor analysis of variance and Tukey’s method.

Results:
The conventional GIC had the minimum values of adhesion strength while the flowable composite and Cention-N had the maximum values of adhesion strength (P < 0.05). The treatment of the used restorative materials with sandblasting and resin adhesive boosted the adhesion strength (P < 0.05). The surface treatment of GIC-based materials with either acid etch and resin bonding agent or self-etch resin bonding agent boosted the adhesion strength (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:
Cention-N sandblasted and coated with resin adhesive before the application of conventional composite resin in layered restorations is a potential alternative to GIC-based restorations and flowable composite.
Lean Metabolic Syndrome vis-à-vis Obese Metabolic Syndrome: Observations from an Eastern Indian Tertiary Set-up
Authors: Chatterjee Rupak , Mukherjee Shatavisa , Karmakar Partha Sarathi , Pramanik Netai 
Published: April 2024

Background:
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) in obese is a fairly common entity. However, excluding the waist circumference (WC) criteria, other components of the MetS are also seen in lean or nonobese people. Our study aimed to determine the prevalence of lean MetS among newly diagnosed MetS cases and compare the biochemical parameters and insulin resistance in lean versus overweight/obese MetS.

Methods:
A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted over 12 months and included adult patients of either sex, newly diagnosed with MetS. Fever cases, infections such as tuberculosis/HIV/chronic infectious disease, chronic inflammatory diseases, those having endocrine causes of obesity such as Cushing syndrome, known cases of ischemic heart disease, and those on antiobesity medications were excluded. Diagnosed MetS patients were categorized as lean or obese based on the standard criteria. A convenient sample of 50 was considered for either group (lean MetS vs. obese MetS). Included patients were investigated for lipid, liver, glycemic, and insulin resistance profiles. Other parameters included serum uric acid, thyroid function, whole abdomen ultrasound, electrocardiography, two-dimensional echocardiography (ECHO), fibroscan, and polysomnography for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Results:
The prevalence of lean MetS was 9.87%. Variables such as body mass index, WC, low-density lipoprotein, and systolic blood pressure were significantly higher in the obese MetS in comparison to the lean MetS group. Fasting insulin was also significantly higher in the obese MetS compared to lean MetS. Biochemical measures such as aspartate aminotransferase and alanine transferase were significantly higher for the obese MetS, while the change was nonsignificant for other biochemical measures. Except for complications such as polycystic ovary syndrome, acanthoses nigricans, and gallstones which were significantly higher in the obese MetS group, the rest of the complications were similar in both groups.

Conclusion:
MetS among nonobese or lean subjects differs in certain aspects from those with obesity. As lean MetS is an emerging entity, clinicians must be aware of it to avoid morbidity.
Managing risk of infectious disease transmission at religious mass gatherings: Insights from survey, COVID-19 PCR, and antibody tests from Arbaeen walkers in 2020
Authors: Al-Ansari Farah , Al-Ansari Basma , Abdulzahra Mohammed S. , Rashid Harunor , Hill-Cawthorne Grant A. , Al-Ansari Mohammad B. , Al-Fatlaw Sabah M. , Mawash Mohammad , Al Ansari Mustafa , Conigrave Katherine M. 
Published: April 2024

Background:
Arbaeen in Iraq has been one of the largest mass gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic with 14.5 million attendees in 2020. We set out to assess the prevalence of current or past COVID-19 among 2020 Arbaeen participants, and establish associations between COVID-19 test results, symptoms, and known recent exposure.

Methods:
This was a cross-sectional study involving participants who joined Arbaeen walk in Iraq in October 2020. COVID-19 PCR and/or rapid antibody test were conducted among consented participants. A short questionnaire was administered. Rapid antibody testing was done onsite. Nasal and throat swab samples were transferred to the laboratory for PCR testing.

Results:
A total of 835 (88.3% male; 11.7% female) participants were recruited. The most common symptom overall was cough (9.6%) followed by sore throat, fever, and loss of taste/smell (6.6%, 5.5%, and 5.0%, respectively). One in five (20.3%) participants reported close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case in the past 14 days. Of the 237 participants with a PCR test, 18 (7.6%) were positive. Of the 765 participants with rapid antibody test, 19.3% tested positive for IgM, 39.3% for IgG, and 16.4% for both. Approximately 40% of the participants had evidence of current or past COVID-19 infection based on antibody and PCR.

Conclusions:
The almost 1 in 10 COVID-19 cases within such a multimillion person gathering, illustrates the difficulty in limiting the participation of infectious individuals in religious mass gatherings. There is a pressing need to explore measures to reduce the risk of transmission of infectious diseases at major mass gathering events.