bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oral Manifestations in COVID-19-positive Patients: A Clinical Case Series
Authors: Kumar Srishti , Saluja Pulin , Dave Aparna 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
The development of oral lesions in COVID-19 patients can be attributed to a variety of factors. High viral load in saliva, the virus directly targeting the mucosa, association with dermal manifestations, use of corticosteroids, long hospital stay, intubation, and hospital-acquired infections are few possible causes. Evidence suggests that ACE2 receptors in salivary ducts, tongue, and other oral tissues have a high affinity for SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, it is important for clinicians to understand the different lesions that are most frequently seen in COVID-19 patients for proper management. In the present study, eight cases of oral manifestations in COVID-19 patients have been discussed along with their management. Tongue was found to be one of the most common sites due to the abundance of ACE2 receptors. Pigmentation, depapillation, hyperplastic papillae, benign migratory glossitis, and fungal overgrowth were noted on the tongue. Xerostomia, pigmentation, and fungal infection of oral mucosal surfaces, as well as oral ulceration, were other lesions.
Evaluation of Effectiveness of Three Different Behavioral Modification Techniques among 4–8-year-old Children
Authors: Kaur Savreen 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background:
Dental anxiety being attributed by many as a major cause to avoid seeking dental care by children, so several communicative, advanced, and pharmacological interventions have been developed to manage children’s anxious and cooperative behaviors.

Aim:
To evaluate the effectiveness of tell–show–do (TSD), tell–play–do (TPD), and ask–tell–ask (ATA) behavioral modification techniques among 4–8 years old coming for a restorative treatment.

Materials and Methods:
Thirty children aged 4–8 years were enrolled in the study and randomly allocated to three groups, 10 children in each group. Group A: Those to receive restorative treatment by the behavior modification technique (BMT) of TSD; Group B: Those to receive restorative treatment by BMT of TPD; and Group C: Those to receive restorative treatment by BMT of ATA.

Evaluation:
Each child’s heart rate was monitored before, during, and after the entire treatment with a pulse oximeter. The oximeter was clipped to the thumb of the child’s left hand. Furthermore, Frankel Behavioral Rating Scale was to be monitored before, during, and after the procedure.

Results:
TPD technique is more efficient than TSD and ATA to control 4–8-year-old children’s anxiety and achieve cooperative behavior during dental treatment.

Conclusion:
TPD is a technique worth practicing in pediatric dentistry. The dentist should consider the cognitive development of the patient to communicate effectively for developing sound rapport and trust. Each dental visit should be designed to receive proper behavioral guidance techniques such as TPD, TSD, and modeling; these can help the child to develop a positive attitude toward oral health.
Comparative Determination of Working Length by Electronic Apex Locator, Digital Radiography, and Cone-beam Computed Tomography: An In vitro Study
Authors: Bansal Rajinder , Bansal Manu , Singh Devinder , Singla Priya 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Purpose:
The aim of the present in vitro study is to evaluate and compare the working length determination by electronic apex locator, digital radiography radio visio graphy (RVG), and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Materials and Methods:
Sixty extracted teeth were collected, cleaned, and stored. Preoperative digital radiograph and CBCT scans of all the samples were taken. K-file was placed into root canal after access cavity preparation. According to the method used, different groups were made to determine the working length. Group I: Actual working length of each tooth was determined and kept as a control group. Group II: Each tooth working length was measured by electronic apex locator. Group III: Each tooth working length was measured by digital radiography (RVG). Group IV: Each tooth working length was measured by CBCT.

Results:
When compared with the actual working length by means of analysis of variance, the difference in mean working length calculated by electronic apex locator, RVG, and CBCT was found to be statistically significant (P = 0.001).

Conclusions:
Electronic apex locator is the most precise (96%) method for working length determination, followed by CBCT (94%). RVG was found to be a less accurate (93%) method in this study.
Cannula-based versus common needle-based subcision in combination with fractional CO2 laser in the treatment of post-traumatic atrophic facial scars: A clinical trial
Authors: Makki Mahmoud Abdel Sabour , Abdel-Aleem Hazem L. , Mohamed Marwa 
Published: May 2024

Background
Despite the presence of many treatment options for management of atrophic post-traumatic scar, it is still a challenging problem. Different modalities have been used and have shown some degree of success in the improvement of scars.

Objective
To evaluate and compare the effectiveness of the subcision technique by two different modalities (cannula based versus common needle) with fractional CO2 laser for the management of post-traumatic atrophic facial scars.

Patients and methods
This study was performed on 50 patients with post-traumatic facial scar were treated three times at a 4-week interval with a follow-up visit. Each scar were divided into two equal halves; cannula subcision technique was done for an upper and right half, while the lower left half-treated with common needle based one, followed by application of fractional CO2 laser to whole scar. The effectiveness of these two techniques of subcision was evaluated using Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS), along with patient and doctor’s satisfaction measures; in addition to the late adverse effects 3 months postsubcision.

Results
The study group included 50 patients, their ages ranged from 20 to 60 years old with mean (28.4±8.1). The mean total VSS score improved significantly from 5.65±1.61 to 3.64±1.33 and 4.78±1.34 to 3.16±1.42 with cannula-based subcision and common needle-based one, respectively (P < 0.001). However, the mean cannula was significantly superior to common needles (P = 0.001), as regard Vancouver score parameters (pigmentation, pliability, and height), such as the pigmentation, pliability, and height of the mean difference values of Vancouver score (2.1±1.18) and (1.57±1.07) P < 0.05 and a significant difference in Vancouver score parameters, such as the pigmentation, pliability, and height in both methods with fewer adverse effects and more satisfaction by both patient and physician in subcision technique using blunt cannula versus common needle one.

Conclusion
Cannula-based subcision is more preferred than common needle one in the treatment of post-traumatic atrophic facial scars because it is safer, more practical and with lesser side effects.
Factors associated with the occurrence of adult acne in African tropical environment
Authors: Kouassi Yao Isidore , Kouamé Menan Gerad , Gbandama Koffi Kouame Pacome , Touré Mariam , Allou Ange Sylvain , Kouassi Kouame Alexandre , Kourouma Hamdan Sarah , Kouamé Kanga , Kaloga Mamadou , Ahogo Kouadio Celestin , Ecra Elidje Joseph , Sangaré Abdoulaye 
Published: May 2024

Aim
To identify the risk factors associated with the occurrence of adult acne in tropical Africa.

Materials and methods
This was a matched case-control study at the Dermatology-Venerology Department of the Treichville University Hospital from January 5 to September 24, 2021. Cases were patients aged 25 years and older seen in consultation for recent acne. Controls were patients consulting in the same department without acne. We recruited two controls for one case by matching them on sex and age. SAS software version 9.4 was used for statistical analyses.

Results
We interviewed 1089 patients, of whom 144 were men and 945 were women. The cases consisted of 48 men and 315 women. The acne patients had a professional activity that exposed them to the sun most frequently (73%) and were mostly single (70%). The median age of the patients was 29.64 years, the median body mass index was 24.03 kg/m2. The median number of lesions was 10 (forehead), 15 (right cheek), 15 (left cheek), 10 (chin) and 8 (lower lip). After adjustment, variables associated with acne were sun exposure (OR = 2.19), low seafood consumption (OR = 6.74), family stress (OR = 2.53) and skin depigmentation (OR = 14.17).

Conclusion
The factors associated with adult acne in tropical environments are numerous. In our study, seafood seems to have protective effects against acne.
Burden of multiple genital warts on male sexual function
Authors: Khaled Hesham N. , Ali Hend N. , Arafat Eman S. 
Published: May 2024

Background
Anogenital warts are one of the many clinical symptoms of human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a highly contagious sexually transmitted virus. Every year, genital warts (GWs) are detected in an estimated 3–4 million males across the world. Patients with GWs have been observed to experience elevated degrees of worry, sadness, and sexual dysfunction.

Aims
The goal of the current study was to assess the influence of numerous GWs on the erectile function of male patients.

Patient and methods
Forty male patients with numerous GWs and 40 age and sex-matched healthy controls participated in this case-control research. Each patient had their history taken and was given a physical examination. Blood samples were taken from the veins. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was utilized to assess testosterone and HbA1c concentrations in the serum (ELISA).

Results
There was a highly significant difference between cases and control regarding libido, it was present only in 62.5% of cases while was present in all controls (P value 0.001). There was a highly significant difference among patients and control regarding the presence of orgasm and ejaculation, it was present in 75% of cases but present in all controls (P value 0.001). Mean depression and anxiety score was significantly higher in cases than controls12.0±5.15 vs. 6.15±3.66 and 10.5±5.18 vs. 5.80±2.20, respectively (P value 0.001). 52.5% of cases had depression compared with only 10% in controls and 40% of cases had anxiety compared with only 2.5% of controls (P value 0.001). There was a significant relation between the Dermatology life quality index (DLQI) score and number of warts, patients with more than 3 warts had an extreme effect on their quality of life (QOL) (P value 0.032). There was a significant relation between Dermatology life quality index score and size of warts, patients with large warts greater than or equal to 3 cm had an extreme effect on their quality of life (P value 0.038).

Conclusions
Multiple genital warts might hinder a person’s normal activities. As the condition progressed and recurrences occurred, the quantity and size of genital warts became increasingly significant. More often than not, males with genital warts experience erectile dysfunction. When comparing cases to controls, there was also a statistically significant decline in desire, orgasm, and ejaculation.
Efficacy of autologous adipose-derived stem cells and fractional carbon dioxide laser in the treatment of atrophic linear scars
Authors: Alashry Shereen E. , Fouad Sara H. , Fayed Hassan A. , El-Chennawi Farha A. , El-kamel Mohammed F. , El-Dessouki Ibrahim F. , Shaat Reham M. 
Published: May 2024

Background
Atrophic linear scars are scars that exhibit indentation or depression in the skin below the level of the surrounding tissues. Hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation may be present. They are often caused by surgery, burns, and trauma.

Objective
To evaluate the efficacy of autologous adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) combined with fractional carbon dioxide (CO2) laser in the treatment of atrophic linear scars.

Patients and methods
This randomized, controlled preliminary study included 20 patients aged 20–45 years of both sexes with facial atrophic linear scars. The patients were randomized systematically into two groups: group A (combined ADSCs and fractional CO2 laser procedure) and group B (fractional CO2 laser only) of 10 patients each. The scar was evaluated using the Vancouver scar scale, along with a subjective satisfaction questionnaire, and ultrasound skin analysis at baseline and 1 month after the third treatment session.

Results
All participants completed the study. The mean Vancouver scar scale score improved significantly from 3.60±0.69 to 1.20±0.79 and from 2.20±1.03 to 1.60±0.52 with fractional CO2 laser plus ADSCs and CO2 laser procedure, respectively (P<0.001). However, CO2 laser plus ADSCs was significantly superior. Ultrasound skin examination showed a statistically significant increase in dermal collagen density (thickness) in both groups.

Conclusion
Our study shows that treatment with CO2 laser exposure plus ADSCs is safe and more effective for atrophic linear scar management than CO2 laser exposure alone.
Clinical efficiency of narrowband–ultraviolet B phototherapy and methotrexate therapy and their effects on serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha in patients with cutaneous lichen planus
Authors: Hegazy Eisa M. , Mohammed Abdallah E. , Ahmad Marwa R. , El-Hamd Mohammed A. , Younis Ali M. , Ibrahim Hasan M. 
Published: May 2024

Objective
This study aimed to assess the clinical efficiency of narrowband–ultraviolet B (NB–UVB) phototherapy and methotrexate (MTX) therapy and their effects on serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in patients with cutaneous lichen planus (CLP).

Patients and methods
The present prospective cohort study was carried out on 60 patients with CLP. The included patients were indiscriminately classified into two treatment groups: group A (30 patients) received NB–UVB phototherapy for three months and group B (30 patients) received MTX therapy for 3 months. All the patients were assessed clinically and TNF-α before and after treatments.

Results
There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups of treatment with regard to clinical improvement after treatment (P=0.149). Regarding the levels of TNF-α, there was a statistically significant difference between the two treatment groups after treatment (P=0.024). There was a statistically significant reduction in TNF-α level after treatment in the MTX group.

Conclusion
This study concluded that NB–UVB phototherapy and MTX therapy were clinically effective in the treatment of patients with CLP. MTX therapy was more efficient in the reduction of TNF-α level than NB–UVB phototherapy in patients with CLP.
Glutathione S-transferase M1 and T1 gene polymorphisms in psoriasis patients: a pilot case-control study
Authors: Tawfik Noha Z. , Abdallah Hoda Y. , Abdullah Mona E. , Alshaarawy Hagar F. , Atwa Mona A. 
Published: May 2024

Background
The exact etiology of psoriasis remains unknown; nevertheless, it has been found that oxidative stress plays a vital role. Among the multiple antioxidant enzymes, genetic polymorphisms in the Glutathione S-Transferases (GSTs) led to an imbalance in the antioxidant system, resulting in increased levels of reactive oxygen species. Accordingly, the polymorphism in these genes could increase the susceptibility to psoriasis.

Objectives
To assess the association between Glutathione S-Transferase M1 (GSTM1) and Glutathione S Transferase Theta-1 (GSTT1) gene polymorphisms in psoriasis patients compared to healthy controls.

Methods
A total of 200 participants, 100 psoriasis cases who were assessed by the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), and 100 healthy controls were included. DNA extraction was done followed by multiplex PCR to detect genetic polymorphism in the GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes, Finally, the relation between the presence of polymorphism and the severity of psoriasis was estimated.

Results
The null genotype frequency of GSTM1 and GSTT1 was 76.0% and 58.0%, respectively among psoriasis patients, while it was 58.0% and 55.0%, respectively among healthy controls. There was a significantly higher risk for psoriasis in patients with the null genotype GSTM1 (OR=2.293) as compared to controls. On the other hand, there was no statistically significant relation between their polymorphisms and family history, psoriasis severity, and PASI score.

Conclusion
The null genotype GSTM1 could increase the risk of psoriasis susceptibility especially among males.
Treatment outcome of the tyrosine kinase inhibitor (bosutinib) in previously treated chronic myeloid leukemia patients (sample of Iraqi patients)
Authors: Ahmed Anfal Mumtaz , Matti Bassam Francis 
Published: May 2024

Abstract:

BACKGROUND:
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a type of myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by the excessive accumulation of malignant myeloid cells in the bone marrow and peripheral blood. This condition is primarily triggered by a specific chromosomal translocation known as t(9;22) (q34.13;q11.23), which leads to the formation of the BCR-ABL fusion gene. The treatment landscape for CML has undergone significant changes with the approval of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) targeting the BCR-ABL1 kinase activity. One such inhibitor is bosutinib, which has been available for several years to treat patients with chronic, accelerated, and blast-phase CML who have shown resistance or intolerance to previous therapies.

OBJECTIVES:
The aim of this study was to assess efficacy and safety of Bosutinib as a 2nd line therapy in CML patients, in addition to effect of adherence to treatment on patients response.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:
Eighty-five patients with CML were enrolled in a prospective cohort study from October 2021 to October 2022 at Hematology Center in Medical City Complex – Baghdad. All patients failed to at least one TKI, and all of them started escalated dose of bosutinib. The patients were followed-up by assessing molecular and cytogenetic response at 3 and 6 months and monitored carefully for adverse events (AEs) which were graded by common terminology IX criteria for AEs version 5. Adherence to bosutinib was also monitored by a specific adherence scale to optimize the response rate to treatment.

RESULTS:
The mean age of patients was 47.3 ± 14.9 (range: 18–77), with male:female ratio 1.4:1. Status of CML patients showed that 89.4% were in the chronic phase, 5.8% in accelerated phase, and 4.7% in blast phase. Regarding the number of previous TKIs before bosutinib, 72.9% of patients failed to prior one TKI (imatinib). At 6 months (72.3%), patients achieve optimal response according to European Leukemia Net criteria 2013. Gastrointestinal symptoms and dermatological manifestations were the most common nonhematological AEs of bosutinib. According to 9-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale, 42% of patients were adherent to medication which showed a significant association with a higher number of optimal response (P = 0.0001).

CONCLUSION:
Bosutinib is effective with a high and promising response as a subsequent line treatment in CML patients, and it is generally safe and associated with mild-to-moderate tolerable and manageable AEs. Adherence to the drug plays a significant role in optimal response to bosutinib.
Correlation between the International Prostate Symptom Score and sonographic parameters in patients with symptomatic benign prostate enlargement
Authors: Apata Kehinde Omotola , Jeje Emmanuel Ajibola , Tijani Kehinde H. , Ogunjimi Adebisi M. , Ojewola Rufus Wale , Adeyomoye A Adekunle 
Published: May 2024

Background:
Benign prostate enlargement is a common urological condition in the aging male that causes lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). The study was aimed at determining the correlation between International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and sonographic parameters in a cohort of men attending the outpatient urology clinic of our teaching hospital.

Methods:
One hundred and fifty consecutive patients who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled into the study. The severity of LUTS was assessed using the IPSS questionnaire. Prostate volume (PV), bladder wall thickness (BWT), and postvoid residual (PVR) were determined via transabdominal ultrasound using Toshiba Nemino XG (Osaka Japan) with probe frequency 3.5MHz. The data were collected into a pro forma and analyzed using SPSS version 22 (IBM SPSS, Chicago, IL, USA). The data were subjected to Pearson's correlation and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:
The 150 patients who were enrolled had an age range of 46–85 years, while the mean age was 63.37 ± 9.45 years. The mean total IPSS was 17.58 ± 7.69. The PV, BWT, and PVR had a mean of 71.96 ± 48.75 ml, 4.63 ± 1.99 mm, and 48.01 ± 59.17, respectively. There was a weak correlation between the total IPSS and PV (r = 0.118; P = 0.149), BWT (r = 0.174; P = 0.03), and PVR (r = 0.118; P = 0.151). Correlating voiding and storage symptoms with PV showed a poor correlation. There was a statistically significant correlation between voiding symptoms and BWT (r = 0.255; P = 0.002).

Conclusion:
There was no correlation between total IPSS and PV with PVR. Total IPSS and voiding symptom scores had a statistically significant positive correlation with BWT.
Predictors of depression and malnutrition among older persons attending primary healthcare centres in South Western Nigeria
Authors: Akodu Babatunde , Akinwunmi Samuel , Ladi-Akinyemi Temitope , Baiyeroju Ibukunoluwa , Onajole Adebayo 
Published: May 2024

Background:
Malnutrition and depression have been found to be prevalent in the older persons and often lead to preventable adverse complications. Depression has been shown to be associated with malnutrition. This study was aimed at determining the predictors of depression and malnutrition among older persons attending selected primary health-care centers (PHC) in Kosofe local government area in Lagos, Nigeria.

Methods:
This was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out among older persons attending PHC in Kosofe local government, Lagos. A multi-stage random technique was used to select the 219 participants from the PHC centers. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and analyzed using Epi Info 7.1. Chi-square was used to test the association between Socio-demographic characteristics and nutritional status, body mass index and depression, and one-way ANOVA was used to test for the association between anthropometric parameters and malnutrition. Associations were statistically significant if P < 0.05.

Results:
It was found that 57.9% were malnourished or at risk of malnutrition. The study showed that 47.1% of the participants were depressed. There was a significant association (<0.001) between the malnutrition and the level of depression. There was a statistically significant association between family support (P ≤ 0.001), malnutrition (P ≤ 0.001), and depression. There was statistically significant association between the height (P = 0.009), weight (P = 0.001), waist–hip ratio (P = 0.036), and the malnutrition. Remarkably, there was statistically significant association between the waist (P = 0.023) and hip circumference (P = 0.047) and their level of depression.

Conclusion:
The results from this study revealed a high prevalence of malnutrition and depression among older persons. Therefore, health providers working in PHC centers should have a high index of suspicion for depression among older persons with malnutrition.