bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of efficacy of lag screw fixation in the management of mandibular parasymphysis fracture
Authors: Shakilur Rahman AFM , Haider Ismat A 
Published: May 2024

Objectives:
Mandibular fractures are treated surgically by either rigid or semi-rigid fixation. The focus of this study was to determine the efficacy of lag screws in treating mandibular parasymphysis fractures.

Materials and Methods:
We conducted a quasi-experimental study in which ten patients with mandibular sagittal parasymphysis fractures were enrolled. In these patients, two 2.0 mm stainless steel lag screws were installed for open reduction and internal fixation. Throughout the study, patients were examined for occlusion, fracture stability, screw location in relation to vital anatomical structures, reduction precision, maximum mouth opening (MMO), biting efficiency, and several other complications on the 1st day, 1st, 2nd, and 6th weeks postoperatively.

Results:
All parasymphysis fractures had a good bony union after surgery. One patient had mild occlusal discrepancies postoperatively, and statistical significance was found between preoperative and postoperative occlusion (P < 0.0004). Only one patient had abnormal mobility between the fracture lines postoperatively, with a highly meaningful statistical observation (P < 0.001). The comparative statistical analysis of MMO at different follow-up periods showed highly significant (P < 0.00001) results. Substantial improvement in biting effectiveness yielded a high statistical significance (P < 0.00001). There was no evidence of postoperative complications such as wound infection, wound dehiscence, intraoral screw exposure, or mental nerve injury in any of these patients.

Conclusions:
Lag screw fixation is a realistic and reliable method of internally fixing mandibular parasymphysis fractures. This technique allows the skilled surgeon to achieve optimum stability and functional healing by using the least amount of material.
Evaluation of attitude and preparedness of dental students to treat patients suffering from infectious diseases
Authors: Mahajan Santosh , Rehman S , Mahajan R 
Published: May 2024

Background:
Patients carrying serious infections always carry a high risk of transmission during dental treatment. Dentists by their positive attitude and level of preparedness can prevent the transmission of these infections in a dental setting.

Materials and Methods:
The present study was a cross-sectional study planned to evaluate the attitude and preparedness of undergraduate and postgraduate students of Baba Jaswant Singh Dental College, Hospital and Research Institute, Ludhiana, India, toward patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis B virus during their dental treatment. The study material was a questionnaire consisting of questions from various validated questions from the literature. The data obtained from 464 students (94 males and 360 females) were tabulated and analyzed using “t”-test and “Chi-square” test.

Results:
Students showed passive attitude (attitude score < 75%) and poor preparedness with no difference with respect to dentistry year. Females revealed more preparedness, and it was significantly associated with their attitude (t-test, P = 0.007).

Discussion:
Unwillingness of the students to treat infected patients is attributable to their fear of being infected during treatment, lack of supporting staff, and unawareness of the importance of biomedical waste disposal and use of disposable instruments.

Conclusions:
The study clearly highlighted the need of teaching students about the transmission of these diseases and implementation of universal precautions at regular intervals to increase their moral and practical ability to handle such patients.
The Effectiveness of Rajyoga Meditation as an Adjuvant for Panic Anxiety Syndrome
Authors: Jha Kamlesh , Kumar Pankaj , Kumar Yogesh , Ganashree C. P. , Tripathi Chandrabhushan , Shrikant B. K. 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
One of the most prevalent psychiatric conditions that affect a person's quality of life, ability to function and productivity, and consequently the loss of national income, are anxiety disorders. Rajyoga meditation (RM) is a form of meditation that is performed without rituals or mantras and can be practiced anywhere at any time. In this study, we attempted to evaluate the modulation of psycho-physiological parameters in panic disorder patients by a technique of short-term on RM.

Methods:
In this prospective randomized control study, 110 patients with panic disorder were randomized into two groups, Group A (standard treatment + RM) and Group B (Standard treatment). The participants of both group participants were subjected to sleep quality score, Physical Health Questionnaire-9 score, Panic Disorder Severity Scale (PDSS), and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) questionnaires before starting the study (baseline) and at the end of the 8th week. Study groups were compared at baseline and at the end of 8 weeks.

Results:
We found that the PDSS/HAM-A was not statistically different among the study groups at baseline (P > 0.05); however, there was a statistically significant difference in mean z-scores of PDSS and post-HAM-A scores among the study groups at 8 weeks (P < 0.001). The composite score was created by adding the z-scores of pre- and post-PDSS and HAM-A. We found a statistically significant difference in postcomposite scores between the study groups (P < 0.001). Analysis of co-variance for PDSS and HAM-A among study groups showed statistical significance (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:
When used in conjunction with pharmaceutical treatments for the treatment of panic disorder, RM is a successful therapy. The key factors are adherence and motivation while being supervised by a licensed therapist.
Clinicopathological spectrum of central nervous system germ cell tumors: A single-institution retrospective study
Authors: Appasani Sreelekha , Radhakrishnan Neelima , Mathews Anitha 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT

Context:
Central nervous system germ cell tumors (CNSGCTs) though rare is the second most common extragonadal site for GCTs.

Aims:
To determine the clinicopathological features of CNSGCTs diagnosed at our center.

Settings and Design:
A retrospective study of all histologically diagnosed CNSGCTs, during 2006-2019.

Materials and Methods:
The patients’ data were retrieved from the hospital information systems and analyzed.

Statistical Analysis:
Data on categorical variables were analyzed as percentages, and data on continuous variables calculated as mean. Chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test was used to study association between variables.

Results:
Of the total 34 cases with CNSGCT, age ranged from 1 to 27 years, majority in the second decade (19/34; 56%). Male: female (M: F) ratio was 1.6:1. Single site involvement was seen in 27 cases (27/34; 79%), whereas seven (7/34; 21%) showed bi/multifocal involvement. Among the unifocal cases, common sites involved were suprasellar (12/27; 44.4%), closely followed by the pineal (10/27; 37%). All multifocal tumors affected suprasellar compartment, being bifocal with pineal in four cases. A male gender predilection was noted among pineal region (9/10;90%) and multifocal tumors (5/7;71%). Germinoma was the commonest subtype (21/34; 61.8%) with male gender predilection (17/21; 81%) (M: F =4.3:1), with female predilection seen among mixed GCTs (MGCTs) (8/10; 80%) (M: F =1:4) and suprasellar location (M: F =1:2). Serum tumor markers (25 cases) and CSF markers (7 cases) were concordant with histology in all, except two cases.

Conclusion:
Though histology and immunohistochemistry were diagnostic, correlation between serum and/or CSF marker was essential to rule out GCT component(s) that may be missed on biopsy due to sampling error.
Association of Inflammatory Markers, Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio, and D-Dimer with Mortality in COVID-19 Infection
Authors: Rai Deependra Kumar , Ranjan Alok , Pandey Sanjay Kumar , Vardhan Harsh 
Published: May 2024

Introduction:
To assess the association of blood biomarkers such as C-reactive protein (CRP), serum ferritin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, and D-dimer at admission with in-hospital mortality in COVID-19 and to determine best predictive cut-offs for them.

Materials and Methods:
This cross-sectional study included 984 confirmed cases of COVID-19 admitted in months of July and August 2020. The optimal biomarker cut-off points for mortality were defined by a receiver operating characteristic curve. Survival probabilities were estimated by the Kaplan–Meier method and compared with the log-rank test.

Results:
The overall mortality rate among the hospitalized cases was 254 (25.81%). All the markers were found to be significantly higher (P < 0.001) in nonsurvivor group as compared to the survivors at the time of admission. Serum CRP, ferritin, D-dimer and LDH were found to be elevated, i.e., higher than the upper limit of normal range in 426 (83%), 469 (68.37%), 449 (67.9%), and 380 (93.1%) respectively overall. However, these markers were significantly more elevated in nonsurvivor compared to survivors. A significant increasing trend of elevated level of all biomarkers was observed with increase of severity level (P < 0.0001). It was found that CRP ≥82 mg/L had sensitivity of 63.58% and specificity of 68.38% for predicting the mortality. Similarly, serum ferritin ≥475.6 mg/ml had sensitivity of 68.09% and specificity of 65.26%, D-dimer ≥0.65 had sensitivity of 90.71% and specificity of 55.45%, and LDH ≥915 U/L had sensitivity of 69.34% and specificity of 73.8% to predict the mortality. Furthermore, neutrophil and lymphocyte count ratio (NLR) ≥8.86 had sensitivity of 65.61% and specificity of 79.7% to predict the mortality.

Conclusion:
Levels of the blood biomarker such as CRP, serum ferritin, LDH, NLR, and D-dimer at admission can predict mortality in COVID-19 infection.
Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Indian Medical and Engineering Students on COVID-19
Authors: Priyadarshini Bhagyajyoti , Mondal Himel , Swarup Shiba Sai , Behera Joshil Kumar , Panigrahi Akankhya , Basu Ankan 
Published: May 2024

Background:
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has created fear, misconceptions, and apprehensions among the public including the youth of the society. We evaluated and compared the knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward COVID-19 among undergraduate medical and engineering students of India.

Methods:
An online cross-sectional survey was carried out on Indian undergraduate medical and engineering students in September 2020. A prevalidated and pretested questionnaire was used in this study. The questionnaire had eight items for knowledge, six items for attitudes, and four for practices. A snowball sampling method was used to collect data.

Results:
A total of 1757 (1137 [64.71%] medical, 620 [35.29%] engineering) Indian students participated in the study. The overall scores of knowledge were 5.77 ± 1.2, the attitude was 5.06 ± 0.83, and practices were 2.32 ± 0.93 (analysis of variance P < 0.0001). There was no gender difference in knowledge, attitude, or practice. The medical student scored higher in knowledge (P < 0.0001) and attitude (P < 0.0001) compared to engineering students. Medical students showed a significant positive correlation (r = 0.13, P < 0.001) of attitude with semester of study. Engineering students showed significant positive correlation of knowledge (r = 0.12, P = 0.002) and practice (r = 0.11, P = 0.008) with semester of study.

Conclusion:
Indian medical and engineering students had a good level of knowledge and positive attitudes towards COVID-19. Although medical students scored higher in knowledge and attitude, the practice showed no difference. The practice scores were the lowest among the three parameters. This reaffirms the need for more strategic planning to ensure good practices among students of both the major sectors of science.
Comparison of Lignocaine Versus Articaine Local Anesthetic Solutions in Periodontal Therapies Administered by Computerized Anesthetic Delivery System
Authors: Vivek Haridas Abhishek , Deepika P. C. , Sharma Medha 
Published: May 2024

Objectives:
To compare the depth and duration of anesthesia experienced by the patient between lignocaine and articaine anesthetic solutions and to evaluate pain perception and intraoperative anxiety by computer-controlled injection while administering these anesthetic solutions.

Materials and Methods:
The clinical trial was designed as a randomized, single-center, double-blinded, parallel arm, and comparative study. Examiner and study patients were blinded to treatment assignment during the study. Patients were divided into three groups based on treatment to be performed (Root Planing 30, Curettage 30, and Surgery 20) and were anesthetized with articaine in one quadrant and lignocaine in another quadrant by computer-controlled anesthetic device (WAND®). The duration of anesthesia was self-reported by the patients and was calculated by paired t-test. The pain and anxiety scores were calculated on Wong Baker's Facial Pain/Anxiety Scale' by Chi-square test.

Results:
Articaine had longer duration of anesthesia than lignocaine in all the three groups (P < 0.000). Articaine showed significantly lesser pain scores than lignocaine in Root Planing Group (P < 0.000). There was no significant difference in anxiety scores between different groups.

Conclusion:
Articaine has longer duration of anesthesia. Articaine administration was less painful than lignocaine administration.
The Responses of Different Types of Diabetic Macular Edema after Three Loading Doses of Anti-vascular Growth Factor: Outcomes in Two Medical Centers
Authors: Liang I-Chia , Shen Hsin-Ching , Chang Yun-Hsiang , Pao Shu-I 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background:
Diabetic macular edema (DME) is currently treated by anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF).

Aim:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of intravitreal anti-VEGF in different types of DME classified by optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Methods:
This retrospective study included 161 treatment-naive eyes (116 patients) diagnosed with DME in two tertiary medical centers, which were classified into three groups according to initial OCT finding: diffuse retinal thickening (DRT), cystoid macular edema (CME), and serous retinal detachment (SRD). All eyes received three monthly loading doses of anti-VEGF. Primary and secondary outcomes were the improvement of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and the decrease of central foveal thickness (CFT) on OCT, respectively.

Results:
Among the three groups, there was no significant difference in baseline BCVA (P = 0.137); however, the SRD group had the thickest baseline CFT (P < 0.001). After three loading doses of anti-VEGF, the BCVA of all three groups improved from baseline (DRT vs. CME vs. SRD, P = 0.0002, P < 0.0001, and P < 0.0001, respectively), while the SRD group seemed to have relatively better improvement among three groups although not significant (P = 0.051). The CFTs of all three groups significantly decreased from baseline (P < 0.0001 in all three groups). The CFT decreased the most in the SRD group, followed by the CME group, and the least in the DRT group (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:
Anti-VEGF therapy improved the anatomical structure and function in all types of DME; SRD responded the best.
Autologous Fat Grafting: Whom does it satisfy: Patient or Surgeon?
Authors: Ramesh Patil Bhushan , Manashree Sankhe , Vishwanath Guruswamy 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Autologous fat grafting (AFG) is a versatile and minimally invasive technique in the hands of the plastic surgeon for the correction of contour and other volume deficits. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of correction of these defects using AFG in terms of improvement in appearance, as judged both by patient and clinician evaluation.

Methods:
This prospective study was conducted from 2012 to 2023. Thirty cases of contour and other defects underwent correction by AFG by a single surgeon using a single technique. The patients were evaluated by themselves and by an independent surgeon preoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively using a Likert scale. Data were evaluated using MS Excel, Python 3.9.18, and SPSS Statistics.

Results:
Thirty patients were studied as described. Significant improvement was found across age groups and indications. The improvement in scores was significant, both in the clinician and patients’ self-evaluations and was comparable. No significant complications were encountered.

Conclusion:
AFG appears to be a safe, minimally invasive, consistently reproducible tool for the correction of contour and other volume deficits.
Efficacy of Interlaminar Epidural Steroid Injection for the Treatment of Lumbar Disk Prolapse
Authors: Obiegbu Obinna Henry , Uchechukwu Uchechukwu Chibuzo 
Published: May 2024

Background:
Degenerative lumbar spine disease is a common cause of debilitating low back pain often associated with radiculopathy and attendant limb weakness. Several nonoperative treatment modalities have been proposed. Of these, epidural steroid injection has been proffered as a treatment modality to patients not responding to other noninvasive treatment plans.

Subjects and Methods:
This is a retrospective study analyzing the efficacy of patients with lumbar disk prolapse who received interlaminar epidural steroid injection. The injectate was made up of 80 mg of methylprednisolone and 2 mL of plain bupivacaine.

Result:
Out of 42 patients, there were 25 males and 17 females. The mean preinjection Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score was 60.83 ± 7.48, whereas the mean postinjection ODI score at 1 and 6 weeks, respectively, was 34.76 ± 10.06 and 35.60 ± 14.15, respectively; this was statistically significant (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:
Interlaminar epidural steroid injection is an effective treatment modality in patients with symptomatic lumbar disk prolapse.
Evaluation of Total Antioxidant Status among Pediatric Sickle Cell Anemia Patients and Hemoglobin AA Controls
Authors: Uju Chinenye MaryQueen , Ulasi Thomas Obiajulu , Ezeudu Chijioke Elias , Okpara Henry Chima , Elo-Ilo Jacinta Chinyere , Ezenyeaku Chijioke Amara 
Published: May 2024

Background:
Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is a major health problem in many parts of the world particularly in Sub-Saharan African countries. The disorder is characterized by chronic hemolytic events that result in increased generation of free radicals leading to excessive consumption and depletion of body antioxidants.

Aim:
This study evaluated the total antioxidant status (TAS) of children with SCA, aged 1–17 years, comparing findings among steady state, vaso-occlusive crisis and hemoglobin AA (HbAA) matched controls.

Materials and Methods:
Study participants were 50 children with SCA and 50 HbAA matched controls. Sociodemographic characteristics and clinical history were documented using pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaires. Physical examination was conducted and blood samples collected for serum TAS estimation. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS version 21 and P-value of significance was set at <0.05.

Results:
SCA subjects in vaso-occlusive crisis had lower mean serum TAS level than those in steady state (7.4 ± 3.5 vs 8.4 ± 4.0mmol/L) but this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.18). The mean TAS level of SCA patients either in steady state (8.4 ± 4.0 mmol/L) or vaso-occlusive crisis (7.5 ± 3.5 mmol/L) was higher than 7.0 ± 4.1 mmol/L for matched (HbAA) controls but the difference was also not statistically significant (F = 1.54, P = 0.09).

Conclusion:
This study shows that the TAS level of SCA children in steady state was higher than that of those in vaso-occlusive crisis, though not statistically significant. This may be an adaptive mechanism to counteract the oxidative stress seen in chronic inflammatory conditions like SCA.
The Effects of Flavonoids in Curcumin on Neurobehavioral Deficits in Insulin-resistant Rats
Authors: Mohammed Abdullahi Abiodun , Akinola Oluwole Busayo 
Published: May 2024

Background:
Diabetes mellitus is a risk factor for dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease (AD). In a Wistar rat model, we studied Alzheimer-like symptoms using a high-fat diet (HFD) and streptozotocin (STZ) to replicate insulin resistance and the resulting neurobehavioral abnormalities. Curcumin, a flavonoid in turmeric, was studied for its potential therapeutic effects.

Aim:
This study sought to look at the exploratory, discriminatory, and spatial cognitive indices in rats.

Materials and Methods:
Thirty-six male Wistar rats were randomized into six groups and given the following treatments: olive oil only for control; curcumin only for the curcumin group; HFD and three doses STZ for the diabetic rats; HFD, three doses STZ, and concurrent treatment with curcumin for the protective group; pretreatment with curcumin, then HFD and three doses STZ for a preventive group; and HFD, three doses STZ, and curcumin for a therapeutic group. Subsequently, line and center line crossing frequency assessed rats' exploratory activities; rearing frequency data assessed novel environment behavior. The novel object recognition test and Morris water maze test assessed discrimination and spatial memory. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and Tukey's post hoc test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:
Our findings revealed that insulin resistance prolonged escape latency of untreated diabetic rats; contrariwise, curcumin significantly reduced escape latency, increased difference score in novel object recognition paradigm, and increased explorative activities.

Conclusion:
Oral curcumin improves exploratory activity, discriminating memory, and spatial memory in male Wistar rats with AD-like neurobehavioral impairments. Patients with neurobehavioral abnormalities and comorbid insulin resistance may benefit from the flavonoids in curcumin.
Conjunctival attachment of a larvae stage tick
Authors: Fernandes Arthur Gustavo , Carboni Silvia 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Ocular tick attachment is a rare event; however, it carries a significant risk of tick-borne infections. Hereby, we describe a case of a 29-year-old female in the Amazon region who presented a tick attached to the left nasal bulbar conjunctiva with noticeable dilatation of conjunctival vessels. With no access to a medical center, the patient was guided to mechanically remove the tick by pulling it with sterile forceps. The conjunctiva was freely mobile, and the tick, later identified as Amblyomma spp., was completely removed from the eye. No ocular or systemic tick-transmitted diseases were observed within 6 months of follow-up. The prompt and secure removal of a tick attached to the conjunctiva should be undertaken as soon as possible to prevent the further transmission of pathogens, toxins, and allergens. The removal approach should be based on the tick’s location and the patient’s access to a medical facility.