bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biomechanical properties of mandibular first molar with truss and conventional access cavities
Authors: Lakshmisetty Harika , Raghu Ramya , Shetty Ashish , Rajasekhara Subhashini , Sharma Sumit , Bharath G. 
Published: May 2024

Aim:
The aim of this study was to compare the biomechanical strength properties of the mandibular first molar with truss and conventional endodontic access cavities using the finite element method.

Methods:
Two finite element analysis (FEA) models of a mandibular first molar were designed and constructed with truss endodontic cavity (TREC) and Conventional endodontic cavity (CEC). Each model was subjected to three different force loads directed at the occlusal surface. The stress distribution patterns and the maximum von Mises (VM) stresses were calculated and compared. FEM software ANSYS was used for evaluation.

Results:
The peak VM stress on both models was at the site of the force load. The occlusal stresses were spread in an approximate actinomorphic pattern from where the force was loaded, and the stress was much higher when the force load was close to the access cavity margin. The peak root VM stresses on the root-filled teeth occurred at the apex and were significantly higher than that on the intact tooth, which appeared on the pericervical dentin. The area of pericervical dentin experiencing high VM stress increased as the cavity size increased and became concentrated in the area between the filling materials and the dentin.

Conclusion:
Under all loading conditions, the TREC model showed low-stress concentration compared to the CEC model. With enlargement of the access cavity, the stress on the pericervical dentin increased significantly.
Antibacterial efficacy of sodium hypochlorite versus apple cider vinegar against Enterococcus faecalis in contracted endodontic cavity
Authors: Supreet Kaur , Kishan Karkala Venkappa , Shah Nimisha Chinmay 
Published: May 2024

Aim:
The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the antibacterial efficacy of 3% sodium hypochlorite with 5% apple cider vinegar using passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) against Enterococcus faecalis in contracted endodontic access cavity on mandibular molars.

Methods:
Contracted access cavity was prepared in 30 extracted human permanent mandibular molar teeth. The root canals were incubated with strain of E. faecalis MTCC 9845 (Strain designation – HBL/BAC– 002/08–09) using 15 K-type manual file for 3 weeks. At this point, the S1 sample was collected using 15 paper points. The extracted teeth were randomly divided into two groups: sodium hypochlorite group and apple cider vinegar group. After mechanical instrumentation up to 25/04 rotary files HyFlex CM (Coltene Whaledent, Altstätten, Switzerland) and use of respective irrigants (3% sodium hypochlorite and 5% apple cider vinegar) using PUI, S2 sample was collected using 25 size paper point. The cultivated samples were incubated at 37°C for 24 h, and the number of bacterial colonies was counted as colony-forming units (CFUs)/mL. Data obtained from S1 and S2 were tabulated and subjected to Wilcoxon signed-ranks test and Mann–Whitney test.

Results:
There was a significant reduction in microbial count in both groups (P < 0.05) when preoperative CFUs were compared with postoperative. There was slightly higher reduction in the apple cider vinegar group in S2 sample, as compared to the sodium hypochlorite group, but it was not statistically significant (P > 0.05).

Conclusion:
Antimicrobial activity of 5% apple cider vinegar is similar to 3% sodium hypochlorite.
The effect of ginger extract on gastric residual volume among mechanically ventilated patients receiving enteral feedings
Authors: Abdullah Sherif S.A. , Khalil Nahla S. , Soliman Fathy M. , Soliman Mahmoud S. 
Published: May 2024

Background
Critically ill, mechanically ventilated patients in ICUs are most likely to experience delayed gastric emptying and intolerance of enteral feeding. Recently, greater attention has been paid to the use of herbal remedies such as ginger, which has no adverse effects, to improve gastrointestinal motility.

Aim
To evaluate the effect of ginger on gastric residual volume among mechanically ventilated patients.

Research hypothesis
Mechanically ventilated patients receiving ginger would have significantly lower mean gastric residual volume 4 h after enteral feeding on the second day during breakfast and lunch than on the first day in the same patients receiving enteral feeding without ginger.

Design
A quasi-experimental design (pre/posttest design) was used.

Setting
This study was conducted in one of the ICUs of Kaser EL-Aini Hospital.

Sample
A purposeful sample of 50 adult male and female mechanically ventilated patients was recruited.

Tools
Baseline characteristics and gastric residual volume measurement data were used in data collection.

Results
The study findings revealed dominance of male patients (74%). Most patients’ age ranged between 51 and 59 years, and the mean age was 42.5±15.4 years. In addition, there were significant statistical differences in the mean gastric residual volume with and without intervention of ginger during breakfast time (t=11.825, P≤0.000) as well as lunch time (t=7.286, P≤0.000).

Conclusion
The current study concluded that ginger effectively reduces the gastric residual volume in mechanically ventilated patients in ICUs.

Recommendation
Herbal remedies such as ginger, which has no adverse effects, should be used to improve gastrointestinal motility and enhance food tolerance in the nursing care of critically ill patients receiving enteral nutrition.
Prevalence and associated risk factors of intrauterine fetal deaths among pregnant women at El-Manial University Hospital
Authors: Ahmed Eman S. , Elsayed Yousria A. , Elhalim Aymen Abd , Ibrahim Sahar M. 
Published: May 2024

Background and aim
Stillbirth is one of the most dreaded consequence of pregnancy and is distressing when it occurs without warning in pregnancy. It is defined as death at a gestational age of 20 completed weeks or greater or if the fetal weight is 300 g or more. The aim of study was to determine the incidence of intrauterine fetal death (IUFD) among pregnant women and relationship between the risk factors and incidence of IUFD.

Design
A descriptive correlational design was adopted in this study.

Setting
The study was conducted at the casualty department (section 10) of El-Manial University Hospital affiliated to Cairo University.

Sample
A convenience sample of 450 pregnant women was recruited throughout a period of 1 year from February 2019 to January 2020 and retrospectively from archived women files 1 year before start of the study from February 2018 to January 2019.

Results
A total of 255 IUFDs were reported among 13 400 deliveries with a prevalence of 19.02/1000 live births in 2018 from archived files and 165 cases among 14 500 deliveries with a prevalence of 11.4/1000 live births in 2019. The maximum age group of the study sample ranged from 20 to 25 years, with a mean age of 29.59±6.6 years. The risk factors of IUFD were preeclampsia (P=0.00), gestational diabetes mellitus (P=0.050), antepartum hemorrhage (P=0.00), preterm premature rupture of membrane (P=0.033), maternal age (P=0.041), oligohydramnios (P=0.022), gravidity (P=0.005), residence (P=0.05), cardiac disease (P=0.001, previous abortion (P=0.003), and previous IUFD (P=0.000).

Conclusion
The incidence of IUFDs decreased to 11.4 per 1000 births in 2019. Preeclampsia, antepartum hemorrhage, cardiac disease, and previous IUFD were the major leading causes for IUFD.

Recommendations
It is recommended to increase the awareness of pregnant women regarding IUFDs with the help of booklets and brochures with emphasis on antenatal care and the benefits of regular attendance on early detection and management of deteriorated pregnancy conditions.
Assessment of knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward rabies among visitors of a family health center
Authors: Mekhail Nevein G. , Shenouda Mona S. , Mohamed Afaf I. 
Published: May 2024

Background
Rabies is a highly contagious but still an undervalued zoonotic disease. The disease affects almost all mammals, and infected species will always die owing to the disease once the associated clinical signs appear. Dog-mediated rabies is responsible for 99% of rabies transmission to humans, and as a result, it leads to rabies-related human deaths, despite the fact that canine rabies vaccination is extremely effective and provides protection. Rabies control, prevention, and management necessitates adequate information about community knowledge, attitudes, and practices linked to rabies disease.

Aim
To assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward rabies among visitors of a family health center.

Patients and methods
A descriptive research design was used.

Setting
The study was conducted at Abu Al-Saud Family Health Center, Masr El-Kadema medical health sector, Cairo.

Sample
A convenience sample of 240 visitors of Abu Al-Saud Family Health Center was included.

Tools
A rabies KAP questionnaire was prepared by the investigators for visitors of the family health center. It consists of 47 questions, including the following four parts: part A, demographic characteristics; part B, knowledge of participants about rabies disease; part C, the three-point Likert scale for attitudes; and part D, assessment of participants’ practices after dog bites.

Results
The current study revealed that all participants were living in urban area and 66.3% of the study participants did not know what rabies is. Regarding participants’ attitudes, 82.9% of the study participants agreed that stray dogs were considered a problem in the Egyptian society. Concerning participants’ practice, 79.6% of them went to the nearest health facilities to receive health care as a first aid for the wounds caused by a dog or any other animal bite.

Conclusion
Overall, 98.3% of the study participants had poor knowledge about rabies, 84.6% of them had a negative attitude toward rabies, and 100%of them had unacceptable level of practice regarding dog bites.

Recommendation
Education health programs should be conducted about rabies disease to improve people’s knowledge, attitude, and practice toward rabies. Further research studies should be performed on a larger sample in different community settings across the country with the intention to generalize the results.
Self-assessment of nursing informatics competencies and attitudes among baccalaureate-nursing students
Authors: Mohamed Lobna Khamis , Abouzaied Manal Tharwat 
Published: May 2024

Background
The growing complexity of the healthcare field and nursing profession necessitates the nurses to incorporate evidence-based nursing informatics into everyday practices to manage acute and chronic illnesses.

Aim
This research aimed at self-assessing the nursing informatics competencies and attitudes among baccalaureate-nursing students.

Participants and methods
A descriptive, correlational design was used in this research, which was conducted in the Nursing Department of Applied Medical Sciences College, University of Hafr Al-Batin. The sampling consisted of 103 baccalaureate-nursing students. The data-collection tools included the adapted self-assessment nursing informatics competencies and attitudes toward using of nursing informatics in the healthcare system generally and the nursing profession specifically.

Results
This study illustrated that 70.5% of participants assessed themselves as competent, 21% of them were beginners, and only 8.5% of them were novices in the nursing informatics competencies, as well as the majority of them hold positive attitudes toward using of nursing informatics in the healthcare system and the nursing profession.

Conclusion
The study concluded that the baccalaureate-nursing students recognized the essentiality and magnitude of informatics in nursing education for providing safe, effective, and high-quality patient care. This research illuminated that the nursing students who hold a high level of informatics competencies had positive attitudes toward using of nursing informatics in the healthcare system and the nursing profession.

Recommendations
There is a need to integrate the nursing informatics subject into undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Moreover, there are continuing efforts from researchers in this area to address the challenges, barriers, and facilitators in nursing education and practice.
Effect of baricitinib in regulating programmed death 1 and ligand programmed cell death ligand 1 through JAK/STAT pathway in psoriasis
Authors: Deepak H. B. , Prince Sabina Evan , Deshpande Pratima 
Published: May 2024

OBJECTIVES:
Psoriasis is a chronic infectious skin disease triggered by an autoimmune process involving T-cell-mediated hyper-proliferation of keratinocytes. The objective of this study is to assess the modulation of programmed death 1 (PD-1) and its ligand programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) through JAK/STAT pathway during the development of a psoriasis-like disease by both in vitro and in vivo model. Baricitinib, a known inhibitor of JAK1 and JAK2, was used to study the impact on PD-1 and PD-L1.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were stimulated with either anti-CD3/CD28 or PMA/Ionomycin, to modulate level of PD-1 and PD-L1 under psoriasis-like condition. Interferon-gamma (IFNγ) was used to treat HaCaT cells to mimic the diseased keratinocytes found in Psoriatic patients. Psoriasis was induced with Imiquimod (IMQ) in animal model to study the cross-talk between different cell types and pathways.

RESULTS:
Expression levels of PD-1 and PD-L1 in PBMC, and secretion of cytokines, namely tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), IFNγ, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1 β, were down-regulated on treatment with baricitinib. Further, in IFNγ-treated HaCaT cells (keratinocytes) mRNA levels of KRT-17 and PD-L1 were up-regulated.). Interestingly, in IFNγ-treated HaCat cells baricitinib decreased the levels of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1 β, IL-6, and TNFα along with KRT-17 and PD-L1. On IFNγ-treatment. Data from both PBMC and HaCaT suggest an anti-inflammatory role for this compound. Accordingly, baricitinib was able to alleviate disease symptom in IMQ induce mice model of psoriasis. As a consequence of baricitinib treatment down-regulation of p-STAT3, PD- and PD-L1 expression levels were observed.

CONCLUSION:
This study demonstrates a crosstalk between JAK/STAT and PD-1/PD-L1 pathways. It also demonstrates that cytokines such as IFNγ and IL-17 are down-regulated by baricitinib. We believe decreased expressions of PD-1 and PD-L1 may be a consequence of baricitinib-induced down-regulation of IFNγ and IL-17. More importantly, our data from the acute model of psoriasis indicates that PD-L1 behaves as a T-cell-associated T-cell-associated surrogate activation marker rather than immunosuppressive marker in early phase of psoriasis. Therefore it does not exhibit a causal relationship to disease.
Hand–foot syndrome induced by chemotherapy drug
Authors: Zaiem Ahmed , Hammamia Syrine Ben , Aouinti Imen , Charfi Ons , Ladhari Walid , Kastalli Sarrah , Aidli Sihem E , Lakhoua Ghozlane 
Published: May 2024

INTRODUCTION:
Chemotherapy drugs can be responsible of several side effects such as hand–foot syndrome (HFS). This syndrome is also called “palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia” and “acral erythema.” Without proper management, it can deteriorate the quality of life of a patient, leading to temporary or definitive stop of chemotherapy.

AIM OF THIS STUDY:
To identify the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients, the risk factors for occurrence and worsening of this syndrome, and the drugs most likely to be responsible of HFS.

METHODS:
Our study was retrospective, including 42 patients with HFS secondary to a chemotherapy drug. These cases were notified to the National Center of Pharmacovigilance over 7 years. The severity of HFS has been classified according to the NCI-CTCAE v4.0 classification.

RESULTS:
Our population was composed of 40 women and 2 men. The mean age was 51 years. Docetaxel was the main drug associated with this adverse effect. Hands were involved in all cases and were sometimes associated with other skin surfaces apart from feet. Erythema of the hands and/or feet was present in all patients; it was associated with edema in more than half of the cases. The distribution of different grades according to the NCI-CTCAE classification among the patients was almost equal: 28% Grade 1, 36% Grade 2, and 36% Grade 3. HFS occurred mainly after the first course of chemotherapy with a mean period of 3–4 days. The regression of HFS occurred more rapidly for Grade 1 and Grade 2 compared with Grade 3, especially when assisted by symptomatic treatment. The recurrence rate of HFS for those patients with decreased doses, spacing of cures, and/or symptomatic and prophylaxis treatment was 25%.

CONCLUSION:
An early detection of HFS, associated with preventive measures, enables patients to continue the chemotherapy.
A comprehensive review on traditional applications, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology of Thymus serpyllum
Authors: Salaria Deeksha , Rolta Rajan , Lal Uma Ranjan , Dev Kamal , Kumar Vikas 
Published: May 2024

Abstract:

Thymus serpyllum L. from the Lamiaceae family is an underexplored perennial medicinal shrub with traditional usage in treating respiratory and gastrointestinal issues in the upper foothills of India. This review aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of current knowledge concerning the traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of T. serpyllum. The primary objective is to collect updated information on this plant and encourage further in vivo and in vitro research to validate local claims. Notably, the essential oil derived from T. serpyllum has gained significant attention as a plant-derived product due to its diverse pharmacological properties, including antioxidative, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities. Ethnomedicinal research revealed a vast scope of T. serpyllum in developing new drugs to address numerous health sector challenges. While T. serpyllum has been used widely, pharmacological studies are not enough. Most studies are either in vivo or in vitro. More studies are required to assess these medicinal claims through well-planned pharmacological experiments. This review will provide the groundwork for future research. While T. serpyllum has been put to considerable conventional use, pharmacological studies are insufficient; most studies are either in vivo or in vitro. More compound isolation, comprehensive pharmacological analysis, and exploration of food applications are vital areas to investigate.
Neuroprotective potential of erucic acid via inhibition of N2a cell lines and rotenone induced Parkinson’s disease rat model
Authors: Sharma Bhawna , Gupta Pankaj , Biswas Largee , Verma Anita Kamra , Pasha Arif Mohammad , Thota Prasad , Medhi Bikash 
Published: May 2024

Abstract:

OBJECTIVE:
The objective of this study was to investigate the potential for erucic acid (EA), an omega-9 monounsaturated fatty acid, to act as a neuroprotective agent.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
In this study, EA was investigated against N2a cell lines and a rotenone (ROT)-induced model of Parkinson’s disease for its neuroprotective potential. The N2a cell line was incubated with fetal bovine serum, penicillin, and streptomycin supplemented with Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle’s Medium, and the following assays were carried out: (i) MTT, (ii) biocompatibility, (iii) DCFDA, and (iv) diphenylamine. A cell morphology study was also performed. Further, ROT 1 mg/kg s.c. and EA 3 and 10 mg/kg p.o. were given to rats on a daily basis for 21 days, and the following parameters were assessed: (i) neurobehavioral studies, (ii) oxidative stress markers, (iii) neuroinflammatory markers, (iv) neurotransmitters, and (v) histopathological study.

RESULTS:
The cell viability assay revealed that EA showed protection against ROT-induced toxicity in N2a cells, which was confirmed by a cell morphology study. EA decreased oxidative stress and % DNA fragmentation significantly. EA also prevented ROT-induced motor impairment and altered levels of oxidative stress markers, neurotransmitters, and neuroinflammatory markers significantly. When compared to the ROT group, a histological investigation of the EA group showed partial neuronal loss with the existence of intact neurons in between the vacuolated gaps.

CONCLUSION:
This study revealed that EA possesses profound neuroprotective properties in in vitro and in vivo studies. Additional research can be carried out to study the mechanism of EA with respect to its neuroprotective potential.
The effect of protocatechuic acid on neuropathic pain and possible mechanism
Authors: Cici Melda Ozgurbuz , Bektas Nurcan 
Published: May 2024

OBJECTIVES:
The goal of the research is to investigate the protocatechuic acid (PCA) potential action, a phenolic acid derivative, on pain induced by neuropathy and to determine its efficacy on activation of KATP type channels and A1 receptors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
Neuropathic pain by cause of sciatic nerve damage was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats. Anti-allodynic and anti-hyperalgesic effects were evaluated with von Frey apparatus and Hargreave's plantar test apparatus, respectively. The effects of PCA at the doses of 75, 150 and 300 mg/kg, carbamazepine at the doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg, combination of low effective doses of PCA and carbamazepine were tested. Pretreatments 3 μg/kg DPCPX as adenosine A1 receptor antagonist and 60.7 nmol glibenclamide as KATP channel blocker were applied for mechanistic studies.

RESULTS:
PCA showed anti-allodynic and anti-hyperalgesic effects without impairing locomotor activity. In addition, the combination treatment was found to be more effective than the separate individual treatments of drugs. KATP channel activation related with A1 receptor stimulation makes a significant contribution to the anti-allodynia and anti-hyperalgesia induced by PCA.

CONCLUSIONS:
It can be said that PCA has similar effects with carbamazepine, which is used in clinical practice, and that PCA can take place as an adjuvant drug in neuropathic pain with the combination group. In addition, it is seen that the undesirable effects that drugs can cause alone can be avoided and a more effective treatment potential can be created with multiple mechanisms.
A retrospective review of a 2-year strong antimicrobial stewardship program in a tertiary care institute in Mumbai
Authors: Saseedharan Sanjith , Shaffi Nausheen , Rambhad Sonal , Kadam Vaijyanti , Mathew Elizabeth J. 
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Many institutes have implemented a strict antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) program in the postantibiotic era.

AIM:
To investigate how the resistance pattern changes after implementation of a stringent AMS programme.

METHODOLOGY:
It employs a defined daily dose methodology (DDD). The formulae listed below are used to compute this for two periods: October 2015 to October 2017 (Period 1) and October 2017 to October 2019 (Period 2) (Period 2).
DDD = Antibiotics used in total (g) per year
The length of stay was determined using the data from the hospital's information system (HIS). The patterns of resistance to the limited antibiotics are vancomycin, linezolid, tigecycline, and colistin. In both Periods 1 and 2, skin and soft-tissue infections, urinary tract infections, bloodstream infections, and respiratory tract infections were studied in both periods.

RESULTS:
In the year from October 2015 to October 2017, 4569 patients received limited antibiotics out of a total of 14,544 admissions. The average length of stay was 7.48 days in Period 1, however, it was reduced to 3.96 days in Period 2 out of 15,199 patients. In vitro isolate sensitivities to vancomycin, linezolid, tigecycline, and colistin were increased.

CONCLUSION:
Some of the most common antibiotics were used less frequently. This appears to be linked to a shorter stay in the hospital and increased antibiotic susceptibility.