bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of intralesional platelets-rich plasma injections on oral lichen planus lesions and salivary interleukin-8
Authors: Asal Haider A , Diajil Ameena Ryhan , Al-Asady Furqan Mohammed 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background:
Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory disease of oral mucosal surfaces.

Objective:
The aim of this study was to determine if salivary IL-8 levels changed after autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy and to assess its therapeutic effects on OLP.

Materials and Methods:
For each patient, demography, social, medical, and medication history was recorded. Before receiving 0.5 mL of PRP for each square centimeter of lesion, each patient was examined for phenotype, color, size, and site of OLP lesions. Patient’s salivary samples were taken between 8 and 11 AM. Three to four milliliters of saliva was obtained from each patient. ELISA kit for IL-8 using a sandwich-ELISA technique, to measure salivary IL-8 before and after PRP injections. Each patient had signed a consent form to participate in this study.

Results:
Thirteen OLP patients took part in this study, six males (46.2%) and seven females (53.8%). Patients were between 32 and 79 years of age, with a mean age of 60.2 ± 13.9 years. Mean salivary IL-8 was (459.94 ± 233.74 pg/mL) before PRP injections and (465.68 ± 158.30 pg/mL) after PRP injections with no significant difference; however, IL-8 was higher after PRP injections. No association was found in salivary IL-8 level in relation to color changes, signs, and symptoms; pain and burning sensation, lesion phenotype, size, and location.

Conclusion:
Majority of OLP lesions showed an increased salivary IL-8 level after PRP treatment. PRP injections relieved OLP lesions’ signs and symptoms, and turned hyperemic lesions into normal mucosal color, but lesions’ dimensions were resistant to change.
Determine school principals’ satisfaction toward school health services provided by primary health care centers in Al-Numaniyah District, Iraq
Authors: Washi Ghassan Abdameer , Saadoon Naji Yasser 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background:
The delivery of school health services (SHS) is commonly considered to be one of the more crucial parts of the health program in schools, and they are responsible for the students’ overall health.

Objectives:
To determine satisfaction of elementary school principals toward school health services provided by primary health care centers (PHCCs). Also, to identify the relationship between satisfaction of elementary school principals their socio-demographic characteristics.

Materials and Methods:
A cross-sectional study design consisting of 133 school principals selected by convenient sample distributed on six main PHCCs at Al-Numaniya District from July 5, 2022 to January 25, 2023. Questionnaire was created and prepared to be used for the study’s aim after having revised the literature and comparable research data were collected by interviewing school principals.

Results:
The study showed 64.7% of the school principals expressed a moderately satisfied and 26.3% of the school principals expressed satisfied while only 9.0% expressed unsatisfied regarding elementary school health services in PHCCs.

Conclusions:
The study concludes that overall satisfaction of school principals were moderate regarding school health services in PHCCs and there is a significant relationship between satisfaction of school principals and their socio-demographic characteristics (age and training).
The Experience of a Middle Eastern Smoking Cessation Program
Authors: Koubaissi Salwa A. , Jawhar Sarah , Romani Maya , Honein Gladys , Degheili Jad A. , Kanj Nadim 
Published: May 2024

Introduction:
Almost one-third of the Lebanese population are active smokers, with limited knowledge about their attitudes toward existing smoking cessation interventions. This study aims at exploring the facilitators and barriers facing a smoking cessation program (SCP) in a Lebanese tertiary referral center from the providers’ perspective.

Materials and Methods:
This is a qualitative study comprising a focus group discussion (FGD) among five practitioners from the SCP. The data collected were then transcribed and summarized by coding, simplifying, and transforming the raw data into major themes and subthemes as per the Miles and Huberman method of organization.

Results:
Facilitators and barriers fell under three subthemes: (1) participant factors, (2) provider factors, and (3) system factors. Facilitators included motivation and concerns about health among patients, in addition to increased behavioral support from providers. Meanwhile, barriers were much predominant and included stress factors and nicotine addiction among patients, time constraints among providers, lack of an effective referral system, inaccessibility, and unavailability of pharmacotherapy as well as a pro-smoking environment with weakly enforced tobacco legislation.

Conclusion:
Our findings implicate the need for multilevel strategies to help improve smoking cessation interventions. Addressing identified barriers is of paramount importance to help develop effective, accessible, and culturally specific tobacco treatment.
The incidence of ulnar nerve subluxation in patients with ulnar neuropathy at the elbow and healthy control: A clinical, electrodiagnostic, and ultrasonographic study
Authors: Kadhim Zahid Mohammad , Edan Ban Jabir 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background:
Ulnar neuropathy at the elbow is a common presenting disorder in neuromuscular medicine. Patients suffer from paresthesia in the 4/5 finger, pain at the elbow, and weakness and atrophy in advanced cases.

Objective:
This study aimed to find the incidence of ulnar nerve subluxation in patients with ulnar neuropathy at the elbow.

Materials and Methods:
This is a case-control study conducted in Al-Sadiq teaching hospital at the period of January 2018–August 2022. It included 84 patients diagnosed with ulnar neuropathy at the elbow by history, clinical examination and electrodiagnostic testing. All patients and control undergo ultrasonographic examination by high-resolution ultrasound looking for ulnar nerve cross-sectional area at 3 points: (1) 7 cm proximal to medial epicondyle, (2) at the medial epicondyle, and (3) at the cubital tunnel 2-3 cm distal to medial epicondyle. Also, dynamic ultrasonographic examination were done looking for subluxation of ulnar nerve behind medial epicondyle during elbow flexion. If ulnar nerve move on the top of medial epicondyle it is considered partial and when it dislocates anteriorly beyond the tip of medial epicondyle it is considered complete subluxation.
Evaluation of Glycated Hemoglobin Results in Different Anticoagulant Materials and Methods
Authors: Abdullateef Ammar Hatem , Saleh Basil O. M. 
Published: May 2024

Background:
Samples for glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) measurements should be collected in ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) tubes, and only a few studies were available for the assessment of its measurements by another anticoagulant tube. There are different methods with different principles for the measurement of HbA1c in addition to high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) standard method, and one of these methods is ion exchange chromatography (IEC) which depends on the charge differences principle.

Aim of the study:
The aim is to compare the effect of different anticoagulant additives (EDTA, lithium heparin, and sodium citrate) on HbA1c value and to compare the results of HbA1c obtained by the IEC method with those by the HPLC method.

Materials and Methods:
This case methodology study investigated the effect of different anticoagulant additives on HbA1c values on 40 diabetic patients and compared the results of HbA1c values between HPLC method and IEC method on another 40 diabetic patients.

Results:
The study showed that there were non-significant differences in HbA1c mean values among different types of these anticoagulant materials and non-significant differences in glycated hemoglobin mean values between the methods of HPLC and IEC, and sensitivity and specificity for these techniques were 97.3% and 100% and 97.1% and 100%, respectively.

Conclusion:
This study showed that HbA1c can be tested with lithium heparin or sodium citrate as an alternative to EDTA tube, and the IEC method can be used as one of the main methods for the assessment of HbA1c.
Flowcytometry Aiding Morphological Diagnosis of Mature B-Cell Neoplasm in Patients with Lymphocytosis
Authors: Abbas Husham Raad , Al-Mashta Mohammed Abdul Rassoul 
Published: May 2024

Background:
Mature B-cell neoplasms (MBCNs) are a category of disorders with a broad range of clinical manifestations, pathologic features, and outcomes that share common characteristics. They originate from the B-cell lineage, are clonal, and have the immunophenotypic and genetic features of mature B-cells. Flow cytometry (FC) is a widely used method for diagnosing suspected lymphoproliferative disorders in patients with lymphocytosis, lymphadenopathy, and other lymphoproliferative disorders.

Aim:
To evaluate the role of FC in confirming the provisional morphologic diagnosis in patients with MBCNs.

Materials and Methods:
This is a retrospective; descriptive study conducted on 193 adult patients newly diagnosed with MBCNs; immunophenotypic findings of the patients were reviewed. The B lymphocytes were identified according to their Side-Scattered/CD19 distribution.

Results:
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) was the most common subtype (127, 65.9%). Splenomegaly was noted more frequently in hairy cell leukemia variant cases (85.7%) and hairy cell leukemia cases (75%). The anemia at presentation was the least frequent in CLL (20%). The CD5+/CD23+ phenotype of CLL was seen in 114 cases (90%); negativity for FMC7 showed high sensitivity (93.7%) and sufficient specificity (60%) in the diagnosis of CLL.

Conclusions:
It is difficult to diagnose B-chronic lymphoproliferative disorders solely based on morphologic findings. Consequently, FC findings combined with clinical, hematologic, and morphologic features can confidently result in a precise diagnosis.
Detection of exopolysaccharides (algD, pelF, and pslD) genes in burn wound Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates
Authors: Alwan Zeena Hadi Obaid , Lilo Rafal Ahmed , Al-Taee Zahraa M , Mohsen Liqaa Y , Al-Alaq Farah Tareq 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background:

Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm is an essential component of virulence that plays a significant role in antimicrobial resistance and chronic burn wound infections.

Objective:
This study aimed to investigate the biofilm formation capacity of P. aeruginosa isolated from chronic burn wound from January to May 2022 by biochemical and molecular techniques.

Materials and Methods:
Quantification of biofilm was performed based on tube method for local isolates of P. aeruginosa after growing on brain heart Broth. The genes encoding exopolysaccharides (algD, pelF, and pslD) were targeted by using conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results:
The results showed that 92.6% of isolates were biofilm former, interestingly 68% of isolates were considered as strong former comparing with other biofilm categories. Gel electrophoresis result of PCR products presented clear bands for algD and psID genes with percentages (96%) and (3.7%) respectively. However, there was no PCR product for pelf gene among all isolates.

Conclusion:
The prevalence of algD, the large operon necessary for alginate production, was high among P. aeruginosa biofilm producer in this study and it can be an essential agent in the pathogenicity of P. aeruginosa burn wound infections comparing with other biofilm genes (pelF and pslD) of exopolysaccharide structure.
Association of Tuberculosis with Diabetes and Anemia
Authors: Rathi Anurag , Patil Bharat Umakant , Raut Abhishek 
Published: May 2024

Background:
According to the World Health Organization, there were 10.4 million cases of tuberculosis (TB) in 2017 and 1.8 million deaths. The highest prevalence is in Asia, where China, India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Pakistan collectively make up over 50% of the global burden. India ranks second in the total number of patients who have diabetes. While the national prevalence of diabetes mellitus in India is estimated at 7.3%, it is higher at 11.2% in urban regions.

Objectives:
The aim is to determine the association of pulmonary TB with diabetes and anemia.

Materials and Methods:
A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care rural hospital in central India. The study population was recruited from the DOTS center in the hospital. Complete blood count and blood sugar were carried out.

Results:
Among 162 patients, 31 were TB-positive. Anemic patients were more significantly at higher odds (odds ratio [OR]=15.18, 95% confidence interval [CI]=3.5, 66.2) of having TB than non-anemic patients. Similarly, diabetic individuals had higher odds (OR=2.3, 95% CI=0.64, 8.1) than non-diabetic individuals for TB, but this association was not statistically significant.

Conclusion:
In this study, we found a significant association between anemia and TB. Also, there is a probable association between diabetes and TB. So, we suggest that every TB patient be screened for anemia and diabetes.
Evaluation and Challenges of a Smoking Cessation Program in the Eastern Mediterranean Region
Authors: Koubaissi Salwa A. , Jawhar Sarah , Romani Maya , Honein Gladys , Degheili Jad A. , Kanj Nadim 
Published: May 2024

Introduction:
Given the lack of studies on tobacco cessation interventions in the Eastern Mediterranean region, this paper presents findings from a smoking cessation program (SCP) in a tertiary referral center. The aim is to evaluate the predictors, facilitators, and barriers associated with successful smoking cessation from both participant and provider perspectives.

Materials and Methods:
A mixed-method approach was used. Part 1 was a retrospective cross-sectional quantitative study with a telephone-based survey conducted on a sample of 47 patients enrolled in the SCP between March 2014 and August 2017. Part 2 was a qualitative study comprising a focus group discussion among five practitioners from the SCP.

Results:
Only 37% reported being adherent to the prescribed treatment and 74.5% reported receiving behavioral counseling. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, adhering to pharmacotherapy increased the odds of being a quitter at 1 and 6 months after quit date (QD), whereas completing behavioral counseling increased the odds of being a quitter at 1, 6, and 12 months after QD. Point prevalence abstinence at 1 month and prolonged abstinence at 6 and 12 months after QD were 42.2%, 32.6%, and 24.4%, respectively. The overall relapse rate reached 62.5%. Facilitators and barriers fell under three subthemes: (1) participant factors; (2) provider factors; and (3) system factors. The most common barriers for non-compliance to the program were stress factors, nicotine addiction, accessibility and availability of pharmacotherapy, cost of the program and medications, and time restrictions.

Conclusion:
Adherence to pharmacotherapy and receiving behavioral counseling increase the odds of smoking abstinence maintenance. Success or failed cessation is influenced by several underlying factors operating on multiple levels and understanding them might help improve tobacco cessation interventions.
Impact of Different Surface Treatments on Zirconia Strength
Authors: Azeez Sazan M. , Salih Shatha A. 
Published: May 2024

Background:
Intraoral polishing of zirconia surfaces had led to a significant increase in the surface smoothness and flexural strength of zirconia after surface modifications in the try-in procedure; this is a straightforward procedure and does not need any laboratory interventions.

Objectives:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different surface treatments on yttrium-stabilized zirconia restorations.

Materials and Methods:
In this study, 36 disk-shaped specimens from zirconia blocks were milled using a CAD-CAM machine with 12 mm diameter and 1.4 mm thickness for 27 disks; however, 12 mm diameter and 1.2 mm thickness were used for nine disks as a control group. They were sintered and glazed according to the manufacturer's instructions. The control group (GA) remained untouched, whereas the other specimens were ground with a diamond rotary instrument. The final dimension was 12 mm in diameter and 1.2 ± 0.1 mm in thickness. The disks were divided into three groups: Grinded group (GB) without any additional surface treatment; reglazed group (GC) by adding glaze material; and polished group (GD), polished with an intraoral polishing kit. The specimens were subjected to a biaxial flexural strength (BFS) test. Data were statistically analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and least significant difference (LSD) significant difference tests (a = 0.05).

Results:
Descriptive statistics shows that the highest BFS was recorded for the GD followed by GB, and both GA and GC show nearly similar values. The LSD tests revealed that there was a statistically significant difference between GD and GA (P < 0.05), GD had significantly increased the BFS value after being polished compared with other groups, and there was a statistically significant difference between GB and GA (P < 0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference between GC and GA (P = 0.494).

Conclusion:
Grinding and polishing techniques significantly increased the flexural strength of full-contoured zirconia, whereas reglazing significantly decreased it.
Seroprevalence of Hepatitis C Virus in Voluntary Blood Donors at a Tertiary Care Hospital, Ahmedabad, India
Authors: Tahiliani Henisha Tulsidas , Purohit Asha Poonamchand , Prajapati Vipul Bachubhai , Jarwani Puja Bhavesh 
Published: May 2024

Background:
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the most common cause of post transfusion non-A, non-B hepatitis worldwide. The prevalence of HCV in blood donors in high-income countries ranges from 0.002% to 0.05%, in middle-income countries ranges from 0.03% to 0.80%, and in low-income countries, prevalence varies from 0.50% to 2.23%.

Objectives:
The objectives of this study are to assess the seroprevalence and the trend of HCV in healthy voluntary blood donors at a tertiary care hospital in Ahmedabad over a period of 3 years.

Settings and Design:
Observational, retrospective study.

Materials and Methods:
During January 2017 to December 2019, 9477 voluntary blood donors were tested for the presence of anti-HCV antibody by using a 3rd-generation enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test.

Statistical Analysis Used:
Data were statistically analyzed by using the Chi-square test, and Chi-Square test for linear trends using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software trial version 19.

Results:
Out of 9477 voluntary blood donors, 9229 (97.38%) donors were male and 248 (2.62%) were female. Ten donors (0.11%) were positive for anti-HCV. All seropositive donors were male. Out of total 0.11% seropositive donors, maximum (0.07%) were within the age group of 21–30 years. Seroprevalence of HCV showed a statistically significant decreasing trend over 3 years.

Conclusion:
Hepatitis C is a common cause of transfusion-related hepatitis. Early identification of persons with chronic HCV infection would enable infected persons to receive the necessary care and treatment to prevent or delay the onset of liver disease.
Contamination of Fresh Vegetables with Protozoan Parasites, in Duhok City, Kurdistan Region of Iraq
Authors: Abdullah Arshad Mohammad 
Published: May 2024

Background:
Vegetables are essential for the human body and they constitute the main daily consumed diet. However, vegetable consumption is one of the main routes of transmission of intestinal parasites in humans.

Objective:
This study aimed to investigate parasites that caused vegetable contamination in Duhok city, Kurdistan region of Iraq.

Materials and Methods:
In the current study, from June 2021 through August 2021, a total of 166 samples of fresh vegetables were collected from several markets in different places of Duhok city. Samples were examined microscopically for parasitic investigation.

Results:
It was shown that 10.2% of vegetables were contaminated with parasites, but with no significant margin between contaminated and non-contaminated vegetables (P value = 0.81). The parasitic contamination was detected in lettuce (15%), parsley (14.3%), and radish (14.3%), with no parasitic contamination in both carrot and cucumber. Three types of parasites were detected in vegetable samples; they were in the order of 5.4% for Entamoeba spp., 4.2% Giardia lamblia, and 1.2% Balantidium coli.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the present study identified fresh vegetable contamination with protozoan parasites in moderate rate, which can play an important role in the transmission of pathogenic intestinal parasites.
A comparison of suprapubic percutaneous versus transurethral approach for the treatment of vesical stone in male patients: prospective clinical trial
Authors: Almarzooq Wadhah A , Yahya Salam Abd Elameer , Al-Humairi Ameer Kadhim , Shubbar Abdulridha Mohammed-Ali 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background:
Urolithiasis can affect all parts of the urinary tract (kidneys, ureter, urinary bladder, urethra, and even the prostate). The disease is usually symptomatic; however, a symptomatic disease can occur in some cases; vesical stones account for approximately 5% of urinary tract calculi.

Objectives:
In the present study, we try to compare two different techniques for endoscopic surgical treatment of vesical stone (transurethral versus percutaneous).

Materials and Methods:
This work involved 37 male patients with vesical stones; those patients split into two groups, the first treated by transurethral vesicolithotripsy while Group 2 (G2) treated by suprapubic vesicolithotripsy using pneumatic lithoclast system in both groups. Patients in both groups have been compared regarding operative time, stone clearance, postoperative hematuria, hospital stay, and some other parameters.

Results:
There was no clinical significance regarding the sizes and the number of vesical stones between the two groups of patients. The study showed the operative time was significantly shorter in G2 than in Group (G1); in addition to that postoperative hematuria was little in G2 than in G1. Stone clearance was also significantly higher in G2 than G1.

Conclusion:
We conclude that the suprapubic approach is better than transurethral approach for the treatment of vesical stones in male patients due to its higher efficacy and shorter operative time.