bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative Evaluation of Efficacy of Herbal and Chlorhexidine Mouthwash on Gingival Health
Authors: Senkalvarayan Vaishnavi , Kesavan Priya , Dorairaj Jayachandran , Madhumala R , Ravi Saranyan , Tomy Ann Theresa 
Published: April 2024

Introduction:
Chlorhexidine (CHX) is a chemical mouthwash that has been considered the gold standard, but has its drawbacks. When used for a longer duration, it produces taste alteration and staining on the tooth surfaces. Nowadays, herbal extracts from plants have been widely used as they possess anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and analgesic actions.

Material and Methods:
A group of 45 healthy subjects in the age group of 19–35 years were selected and randomly divided into three groups, Group A - Himalaya complete care mouthwash, Group B - CHX mouthwash, Group C - Distilled water as a control group. Gingival index and plaque index, OHI-s index, and Ainamo and Bay index for bleeding were recorded. Subjects received complete supragingival scaling at baseline and were instructed to use 10 ml of mouthwashes twice a day in their group. Variables were again recorded on the seventh and 14th day after the use of mouthwashes, and data obtained was subjected to statistical analysis. Post
hoc and ANOVA tests were used for statistical analysis.

Results:
It was found that both CHX and herbal mouthwash proved to be more effective than placebo in maintaining gingival health. There was no significant difference between the test group on gingival health.

Conclusion:
Herbal mouthwash is an effective alternative to CHX mouthwash, in the light of the reported side effects of CHX mouthwash.
Clinical Outcomes of Titanium Zirconium and Titanium Dental Implants under Immediate Functional Loading in Posterior Mandibular Region
Authors: Verma Aditi , Agrawal Kaushal Kishor , Chand Pooran , Ramashanker  , Tripathi Shuchi , Arya Deeksha 
Published: April 2024

Background:
Studies comparing the clinical performance of titanium zirconium (Ti-Zr) and titanium (Ti) dental implants subjected to immediate loading in the posterior mandibular region where occlusal forces are higher are sparse in the current literature. Hence, the study aimed to evaluate and compare the clinical outcomes of Ti-Zr and Ti dental implants under immediate functional loading in the mandibular posterior region.

Methods:
Forty participants fulfilling the predetermined selection criteria were randomly grouped based on dental implant used; Titanium zirconium (Ti-Zr):20, and Titanium (Ti):20. Dental implants were placed through a standard full-thickness mucoperiosteal flap approach and loaded immediately fulfilling the principle of implant protective occlusion. Clinical parameters including crestal bone loss (CBL), modified plaque index (MPI), probing depth (PD) and modified sulcular bleeding index (MSBI) were measured at baseline and follow-up visits (4, 8, and 12 months). Obtained data were compared with standard tests such as the t-test, Chi-square test, and Mann-Whitney U test.

Results:
On intergroup comparison, CBL was more in the Ti-Zr group as compared to the Ti group at 4 months (0.72 ± 0.16 mm versus 0.70 ± 0.13 mm), but it was less at 8 months (1.08 ± 0.16 mm versus 1.13 ± 0.13 mm) and 12 months (1.19 ± 0.17 mm versus 1.24 ± 0.12 mm) but the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Mann-Whitney test also revealed no statistically significant difference in MPI, PD and MSBI at 4 months, 8 months and 12 months recall (P > 0.05).

Conclusions:
CBL and periodontal parameters of Ti-Zr dental implants were found similar to Ti dental implants under immediate loading in the posterior mandibular region. However, further studies are needed to determine its long-term efficacy and cost-effectiveness.
Dens Evaginatus and Dens Invaginatus in Dilacerated Maxillary Lateral Incisor Diagnosed Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography - A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Sawhney Hemant , Agarwal Vanshika , Gupta Geetanjali 
Published: April 2024

Introduction:
Dens invaginatus (DI) and Dens evaginatus (DE), the developmental anomalies affecting the morphology of the tooth structure are extremely rare to occur. DI occurs because of invagination of a crown into dental papillae. DE is a tubercular emergence from occlusal surfaces of posterior teeth and lingual surfaces of anterior teeth. The two anomalies on separate teeth are frequently mentioned, but their co-occurrence in a single tooth is a rare entity.

Patient Concerns:
A 20-year-old male patient presented with the rare combination of DE and DI on a dilacerated maxillary right lateral incisor diagnosed using cone beam CT. Treatment: The patient was managed conservatively and is undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment for malocclusion. Despite its uniqueness, very few localized cases have been documented.

Take-away Lessons:
These anomalies act as an etiological factor for several dental problems for neighboring & opposing tooth. Early diagnosis of such anomalies should be done so that prophylactic management can be initiated.
Evaluation of Giomer Using Eighth Generation Bonding Agent and Resin-Modified Glass Ionomer Cement Restoration in Non-Carious Cervical Lesions
Authors: Bheda Rajvi , Mulay Sanjyot , Tandale Anita Sanap 
Published: April 2024

Introduction:
Non-carious cervical lesions (NCCL) raise a considerable restorative challenge for the dentist in bonding, as adhesion is not as strong and predictable as enamel bonding. A critical factor for restorative success is the selection of restorative material. Clinicians have tried many restorative materials and techniques to obtain the best performance. The aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare the clinical outcome of a Giomer and Resin modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) restoration in NCCL using united states public health service (USPHS) criteria at baseline, 3, 6 and 12 months.

Materials and Method:
Patients from age 25 - 50 years having non-carious cervical lesions on both the sides and requiring restorations were screened. 20 patients were selected and further divided into 2 groups using simple random sampling technique. Group A- Beautifil II restoration using G-Premio bond (n = 10) and Group B- Ketac N100 restoration (n = 10). Restorations were done according to manufacturer's instructions and consequently evaluated at baseline, 3, 6 and 12 months using the USPHS criteria for marginal discolouration, marginal integrity, surface texture, colour match, gross fracture and post-operative sensitivity.

Results:
Giomer restorations showed better results than RMGIC. There was decrease in alpha ratings in both the study groups i.e., Giomer and RMGIC from 6 to 12 months.

Discussion:
The overall findings suggest that both Giomer and RMGIC gave satisfactory clinical results when used to restore non-carious cervical lesions. Both the materials can successfully be used since there was no statistically significant difference in the clinical outcome.
Efficacy of Frontal Sinus as a Reliable Tool for Sex Differentiation – A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Bhola Ridhi , Chatterjee Shreya , Kamboj Mala , Narwal Anjali , Devi Anju , Kukreja Manisha Kamal 
Published: April 2024

Objective:
Gender determination is pivotal in establishing a biological profile of human remains, where fragments of the skull persist with unidentifiable dental arch data. Owing to the resistance and stability against external factors such as trauma and fractures, radiological assessment of the frontal sinus can be a useful indicator for sexual dimorphism. Keeping this in mind, a study was designed to analyse the efficacy of morphometric assessment of the frontal sinus for gender determination in the North Indian population.

Materials and Method:
A total of 300 (150 males and 150 females) lateral cephalograms of the age >20 years were retrieved. The frontal sinus index (ratio of maximum height to depth), area, and perimeter of the same were calculated using Adobe Photoshop software. The results obtained were further subjected to statistical analysis.

Result and Conclusion:
The study yielded an accuracy rate of 75.3% for sex differentiation. The frontal sinus perimeter was a novel parameter which was utilised as a variable in the obtained discriminant equation for sex differentiation. Thus, this cost-effective technique might be useful as an adjunct to assess sexual dimorphism.
Study of biomarkers p53, Ki-67, Bcl-2, and VEGF in pterygium
Authors: Ghosh Shilpa , Arora Ritu , Hariani Avani , Saran Ravindra , Jain Parul 
Published: April 2024

Purpose:To study the biomarkers present in primary pterygium samples of patients of Indian ethnicity and compare it with the samples obtained from the unaffected conjunctiva of the same eye.Methods:A prospective case-control study of 17 eyes in patients above 10 years of age with primary pterygium who underwent pterygium excision using limbal conjunctival autograft technique. The pterygium samples (cases) and conjunctival samples (controls) were sent for immunohistochemical (IHC) staining for the following biomarkers: p53, Bcl-2, Ki-67, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).Result:The immunohistochemistry of the samples and the controls revealed p53 positivity in 47.05% of pterygium samples and 29.4% of controls (P< 0.587). Nine cases each in pterygium and control samples were positive for Ki-67 expression. Differences in the staining pattern between the two groups were not statistically significant (P< 1.000). Bcl-2 positivity was seen in 10 pterygium samples (58.8%) and 12 controls (70.5%), with no statistical difference between the two groups (P< 0.455). VEGF expression was seen in both epithelial and endothelial cells of the samples and controls, with no statistical difference between the two groups, withP= 1.000 for the epithelial staining andP= 0.637 for endothelial staining.Conclusion:The expression of biomarkers was comparable in both groups. We conclude that pterygium, against common belief, might not be a localized disease process but a global ocular phenomenon where the apparently healthy tissue also has some ongoing disease process at a molecular level.
A practical model for effective eye care delivery in Southeast Asian rural communities: A proposal built based on experts’ recommendations
Authors: Liu Renee , Sule Ashita A , Shannon Choo Sheriel , Ravilla Thulasiraj , Taylor Hugh , Rojas-Carabali William , Khanna Rohit C , Mishra Chitaranjan , Sen Alok , Khatri Anadi , Tan Anna C S , Sobrin Lucia , Agrawal Rupesh 
Published: April 2024

Purpose:
To evaluate rural community-based eye care models from the perspective of community ophthalmology experts and suggest sustainable technological solutions for enhancing rural eye care delivery.

Methods:
A semi-structured descriptive survey, using close-ended and open-ended questions, was administered to the experts in community ophthalmology sourced through purposive sampling. The survey was self-administered and was facilitated through online platforms or in-person meetings. Uniform questions were presented to all participants, irrespective of their roles.

Results:
Surveyed participants (n = 22 with 15 from India and 7 from Nepal) in high-volume tertiary eye hospitals faced challenges with resources and rural outreach. Participants had mixed satisfaction with pre-operative screening and theatre resources. Delayed presentations and inexperienced surgeons contributed to the surgery complications. Barriers to rural eye care included resource scarcity, funding disparities, and limited infrastructure. In rural/peri-urban areas 87% of participants agreed with providing primary eye care services, with more than 60% of the experts not in agreement with the makeshift center model of eye care delivery. Key components for an effective eye care model are sustainability, accessibility, affordability, and quality. These can be bolstered through a healthcare management platform and a human-chain supply distribution system.

Conclusion:
Tailored interventions are crucial for rural eye care, emphasizing the need for stronger human resources, optimized funding, and community awareness. Addressing challenges pertinent to delayed presentation and surgical training is vital to minimizing complications, especially with advanced cataracts. Enhancements in rural eye care demand a comprehensive approach prioritizing accessibility, affordability, and consistent quality.
Differences of ocular oscillations and neuro-retinal structures in patients with nystagmus caused by GPR143 and FRMD7 gene variants
Authors: Huang Lijuan , Xu Biru , Li Ningdong 
Published: April 2024

Purpose:
Mutations of G protein-coupled receptor 143 (GPR143) and FERM domain containing 7 (FRMD7) may result in congenital nystagmus (CN) in the first 6 months of life. We aimed to compare the differences in ocular oscillations between patients with these two gene mutations as well as the functional and structural changes in their retinas and visual pathways.

Methods:
Medical records were retrospectively reviewed to identify patients of congenital nystagmus with confirmed mutations in either GPR143 or FMRD7 genes from January 2018 to May 2023. The parameters of the ocular oscillations were recorded using Eyelink 1000 Plus. The retinal structure and function were evaluated using optical coherence tomography and multi-focal electroretinography (mERG). The visual pathway and optical nerve projection were evaluated using visual evoked potentials. The next-generation sequencing technique was used to identify the pathogenic variations in the disease-causing genes for CN.

Results:
Twenty nystagmus patients of GPR143 and 21 patients of FMRD7 who had been confirmed by molecular testing between January 2018 and May 2023 were included. Foveal hypoplasia was detected only in patients with the GPR143 pathogenic variant. mERG examination showed a flat response topography in the GPR143 group compared to the FRMD7 group. VEP showed that bilateral amplitude inconsistency was detected only in the patients with GPR143 gene mutation. The amplitude and frequency of the ocular oscillations were not found to differ between patients with two different genetic mutations.

Conclusions:
Although the etiology and molecular mechanisms are completely different between CN patients, they may have similar ocular oscillations. A careful clinical examination and electrophysiological test will be helpful in making a differential diagnosis. Our novel identified variants will further expand the spectrum of the GPR143 and FRMD7 variants.
Repeat corneal transplantation in Southern China: Indications, surgical technique, outcomes, and risk factors for repeat keratoplasty failure
Authors: Zheng Qiaolan , Zheng Qinxiang , Chen Wuhe , Li Jinyang , Zhao Zelin , Wang Haiou , Jiang Dan , Chen Wei 
Published: April 2024

Purpose:
To report the indications, surgical techniques, and outcomes of repeat keratoplasty and evaluate the risk factors for graft failure in the Chinese population.

Methods:
The medical records of 216 patients (243 cases) who underwent at least two keratoplasties at a leading eye hospital in southern China between 2011 and 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Indications and surgical procedures for repeat corneal transplantation were analyzed. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was used to determine the graft survival rate after repeat keratoplasty. A multivariable survival model was used to assess the risk factors.

Results:
Repeated keratoplasties increased continuously from 2011 to 2020 (P = 0.002). The most common primary indication was infectious keratitis (38.7%), and the most common reason for repeat keratoplasty was graft rejection (30.04%). Regraft techniques included penetrating keratoplasty (PK) in 165 cases (67.9%), deep lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) in 52 cases (21.40%), and endothelial keratoplasty (EK) in 26 cases (10.7%). Median survival was 5.3, 6.8, and 6.4 years for PK, DALK, and EK, respectively. The 5-year survival rate was 53.5%, 66.6%, and 69.8% for PK, DALK, and EK, respectively. The median LogMAR visual acuity was 1.4 for PK, 0.75 for DALK, and 1.2 for EK at the end of the follow-up. Multivariate analysis revealed that graft rejection is a risk factor for repeat keratoplasty failure (P = 0.002).

Conclusions:
DALK and EK may provide better outcomes than PK in treating graft failure. Preventing and treating postoperative graft rejection may be key to improving regraft survival. These findings will aid in the management of failed corneal grafts.
BRCA-associated protein1 (BAP1) immunohistochemical stain reliability in postbrachytherapy uveal melanoma enucleation specimens
Authors: Eiger-Moscovich Maya , Shields Carol L , Eagle Ralph C , Milman Tatyana 
Published: April 2024

Purpose:
The BRCA-associated protein1 (BAP1) immunohistochemical (IHC) stain has emerged as a powerful and inexpensive prognostic tool in uveal melanoma (UM), correlating with UM genetics and outcome. The data on the reliability of BAP1 immunohistochemistry in previously irradiated UM is scant. We aim to assess BAP1 IHC in post-Iodine-125 plaque brachytherapy-treated UM-enucleated eyes.

Methods:
In a case-control study, the medical records of all patients who underwent enucleation for UM at a major Ocular Oncology Service from December 1st, 2007 to December 31st, 2014 were reviewed. All cases with either chromosome 3 (ch3) status or sufficient follow-up (>5 years or metastasis) were selected. Nuclear BAP1 (nBAP1) immunoreactivity was interpreted as intact (positive in >90% of nuclei), lost (positive in <5% of nuclei), or heterogeneous (positive in 5–90% of nuclei). Retina and intratumoral blood vessels served as internal positive controls.

Results:
A comparison of 34 postbrachytherapy UM secondary-enucleated eyes with 47 nonbrachytherapy primary enucleated controls revealed no significant difference with respect to nBAP1 IHC (lost in 41% vs 51%, P = 0.19), ch3 status (ch3 monosomy in 59% vs 60%, P = 0.48), and outcome (metastatic disease in 44% vs 47%, P = 0.8). Association of nBAP1 IHC with ch3 status and outcome [intact nBAP1/(ch3 disomy and/or no metastasis) and lost nBAP1 (ch3 monosomy and/or metastasis)] in post-brachytherapy UM was significantly lower when compared with non-brachytherapy tumors [21/30 (70%) vs 41/44 (93%), P = 0.004*].

Conclusion:
Although nBAP1 IHC stain is a strong prognostic tool in UM, its association with ch3 status, and outcome in postbrachytherapy UM was significantly lower compared with nonbrachytherapy tumors due to pitfalls in the interpretation of nBAP1 immunoreactivity in irradiated UM. This test should be used judiciously in the prognostication of postbrachytherapy-enucleated UM.
Hybrid intelligent reflective surfaces and relay assisted secure transmission scheme with power allocation
Authors: Shi Yan , Zhao Dongqing , Wu Yue 
Published: April 2024

AbstractTo improve the security and reliability of communication transmissions, this study proposes a novel hybrid secure scheme that combines a decode‐and‐forward (DF) relay and an intelligent reflecting surface (IRS) for downlinking multiple‐input single‐output systems. The proposal maximizes the minimum achievable secrecy rate by utilizing alternating optimization algorithms to derive the closed‐form solution of the beamforming vector, obtain the optimal power allocation factor with the successive convex approximation method, and obtain the optimal phase‐shift matrix with the semi‐definite relaxation method. The simulation results demonstrate that our approach outperforms state‐of‐the‐art solutions using only the IRS or DF relay. Moreover, performance improves at a high signal‐to‐noise when increasing the number of IRSs. Notably, a proper power allocation is important to achieve optimal performance.
Ground-penetration radar detection of Root-mass in a Tree Groove in Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Aminu M.B. , Ologunaye F. 
Published: April 2024

In this study, we present the results of a ground-penetrating radar (GPR) survey aimed at imaging the lateral root systems of a section of a tree groove lined by the Tectona Grandis (Teak) species. This was to set the basis for deploying a multi-frequency GPR system for the non-invasive monitoring of rootmass development and evaluation of plant development and health. The survey involved a single GPR Transect with a total length of 60.1 m established along the middle of a line of matured Teak trees. Data was collected at 250 MHz, 500 MHz and 1000 MHz, simultaneously using a wheel-triggered Utsi Trivue system. Data processing involved a dewow, static corrections, gain application and background removal. A root zone consisting of two layers was delineated and a total of 159 hyperbolae were interpreted as roots. The roots were limited to the shallow subsurface, the upper 1.1 m of a potential root zone 1.6 m deep. Imaged roots generally occur in clusters that create much disturbance of the otherwise continuous reflections in the root zone. Often, roots may be laterally offset from the location of tree bases on the Transect. We further identified a potential set of laterally migrating roots in a zone of undisturbed ground outside the main groove indicating the lateral reach of the usually shallow roots of the Teak tree. The results set the basis for further work in root-mass estimation and monitoring tree health within our team.
Detection of Heavy Metals in Some Edible Grains Obtained from Two Markets in Bauchi Metropolis, Nigeria
Authors: Mustapha Aisha , Hameed Ahmad Abdul , Yakubu Mohammed Nuru 
Published: April 2024

This study investigated the level of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb and Zn) in grains sold in Central and Muda Lawal markets in Bauchi. Our objectives include assessing heavy metal concentrations in the grains and evaluating associated health risks. We utilized Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry following acid digestion of grains to determine heavy metal concentrations. In Central market-sourced crops, the mean concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb, and Zn were 0.06, 0.49, 0.21, 1.16, 0.15, and 0.17mg/kg respectively. Meanwhile, crops from Muda Lawal market exhibited mean concentrations of 0.06, 0.58, 0.17, 1.62, 0.1, and 0.22 mg/kg for Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb, and Zn, respectively. Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn levels were below the permissible limits. However, Fe exceeded permissible limits in small beans, Syria maize, and white guinea corn from Central market, as well as in Syria maize, Pearl millet II, and white guinea corn from Muda Lawal market. The daily intake of Cd, Cu, and Pb from most studied crops exceeded the oral reference dose, posing potential health risks. Conversely, Cr, Fe, and Zn intake levels were within acceptable limits, posing minimal health risks. Hazard quotient and hazard index values were below 1, suggesting that crop consumption is unlikely to pose health risks.