bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical Effects of Pulsed Dye Laser Dynamically Combined with Triamcinolone Acetonide in the Treatment of Postoperative Recurrence Keloids
Authors: Liu Zhennan , Zhang Jiamin , Guo Xin 
Published: May 2024

Purpose:
This study aimed to explore the clinical effects of pulsed dye laser (PDL) dynamically combined with triamcinolone acetonide (TAC) in the treatment of post-operative keloids recurrence.

Materials and Methods:
This study retrospectively analysed the clinical data of 29 keloid patients (with 39 keloids) from April 2014 to February 2020. The patients were divided into TAC group (14 patients with 19 keloids) and dynamic treatment group (15 patients with 20 keloids) according to the post-operative treatment that they received. The keloids were assessed by Vancouver scar scale (VSS), patient and observer scar assessment scale (POSAS) and the effect of keloids on the quality of life of patients was evaluated with dermatology life quality index (DLQI) scale before the surgical treatment, at any time of relapse, and 24 months after the surgical treatment. The recurrence-free interval, relative cure time, and the cumulative times of TAC injection when the relative cure could be assessed as achieved, and the incidence of adverse reactions were calculated.

Results:
Patients experiencing a recurrence within 2 years after surgery included 19 keloids (25.33%) that developed a recurrent event within 6 months, 34 keloids (45.33%) that within 12 months, and 39 keloids (52.00%) that within 24 months after surgery. Anterior chest keloid had the highest recurrence rate and ear keloid had the lowest recurrence rate. The total pigmentation and vascularity (VSS and POSAS) scores of patients' keloids in TAC group and dynamic treatment group 24 months after treatment were significantly lower than those before treatment and at relapse (P < 0.05), the total VSS and POSAS scores were significantly lower at 24 months than before treatment and at relapse (P < 0.05), and the DLQI scale score was significantly lower at 24 months than before treatment (P < 0.05). The VSS and POSAS scores of patients' keloids at 24 months after treatment were significantly lower in the dynamic treatment group than in the TAC group. The relative cure time of patients' keloids in the dynamic treatment group was 6.47 ± 2.72 months, which was significantly shorter than 8.65 ± 3.67 months in the TAC group (P < 0.05). The cumulative number of TAC injections that were given to achieve a relative cure of patients' keloids in dynamic treatment group was 3.60 ± 1.76, which was significantly less than 5.24 ± 2.25 in TAC group. The total incidence of adverse reactions was lower in the dynamic group than in TAC group, but this difference did not reach statistical significance (P > 0.05).

Conclusions:
Compared with TAC injection alone, PDL dynamically combined with TAC in the treatment of keloid with post-operative recurrence can shorten the relative cure time, reduce the number of TAC injections and improve the clinical efficacy.
Dermoscopy in the Diagnosis of Palmoplantar Eczema and Palmoplantar Psoriasis
Authors: Chauhan Payal , Meena Dilip , Jindal Rashmi , Roy Samarjit , Shirazi Nadia 
Published: May 2024

Introduction:
Palmoplantar hyperkeratotic lesions pose a diagnostic difficulty when differentiating clinically between palmoplantar psoriasis (PPP) and palmoplantar eczema (PPE). Dermoscopy can provide valuable clues in reaching the final diagnosis.

Objectives:
To identify and compare dermoscopic findings seen in PPP and PPE.

Methods:
This was a cross-sectional, comparative study carried out prospectively between March 2019 and June 2020. All adult, consenting patients visiting the dermatology outpatient department who were clinically diagnosed and histopathologically confirmed as PPP and PPE were recruited into two groups. The dermoscopic examination was done, and images were taken from the representative area. The findings were analysed by two dermatologists who were unaware of the diagnosis. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of these findings were assessed.

Result:
A total of 81 patients were recruited (39 patients of PPP and 42 patients of PPE). Significant findings seen in psoriatic plaques were the presence of regular vessels (84.6%, P < 0.001), with diffuse scales (87.2%) over a dull red/pink background (69.2%, P < 0.001). Dermoscopy of PPE displayed a significant presence of yellowish scales (76.2%, P < 0.001), with focal (61.9%) or absent vessels (35.7%), brown/orange-brown dots and/or globules (66.7%), yellow/yellow-orange crusts (57.1%) over a yellow/yellow-brown background (88.1%).

Conclusion:
Distribution of vessels, distribution of scales and the colour of scales, presence of brown/orange-brown dots and/or globules, yellow/yellow-orange crust and background colour (dull red vs. yellow/yellow-brown) of the plaques can be useful clues in the diagnosis of PPP and PPE.
The Efficacy and Safety of 5-Aminolevulinic Acid Photodynamic Therapy for Lichen Sclerosus
Authors: Qing Chun , Mao Xiaoyong , Liu Gaoqing , Deng Yibin , Yang Xiaokun 
Published: May 2024

Background:Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis that occurs mainly in the anogenital area and causes itching, soreness, atrophy and scarring, which may result in burying of the clitoris in females and phimosis in males. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been suggested during the past years as an alternative non-invasive treatment for LS, but there is still no meta-analysis to evaluate its efficacy and safety.Aims:To assess the efficacy and safety of 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) for treatment of LS.Methods:We undertook a meta-analysis using the methodology of the Cochrane Collaboration and the guideline of PRISMA. A systematic literature search was carried out in PubMed, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, WanFang Data, CBM and CNKI up to 30 June 2020. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were compared with ALA-PDT, corticosteroids or tacrolimus ointments for treating LS. The risk of bias for each trial was rated according to the Cochrane Handbook. Risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were utilized to express the comparative outcomes.Results:We included 4 RCTs with a total of 184 participants. The meta-analysis showed ALA-PDT was better than topical ointments in treating LS (total effective rate: RR 1.38 [95% CI 1.19-1.60]).Conclusions:The current limited evidence supports the efficacy and safety of ALA-PDT in treating LS. The adverse reactions included pain, swelling, redness and exfoliation which would decrease with the continuing sessions of treatment. Further high-qualified RCTs of large samples are necessarily needed.
A Case-Control Study of Serum and Tissue Catalase among Morphological Variants of Vitiligo
Authors: Periasamy Nandhini , Ramesh V , Matlani Monika 
Published: May 2024

Background:
Role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of vitiligo.

Aim:
Estimation of serum and tissue catalase levels in morphological variants of vitiligo.

Settings and Design:
A prospective case-control study was conducted in the outpatient department of Dermatology in Safdarjung hospital.

Materials and Methods:
We estimated levels of serum and tissue catalase in 30 vitiligo patients and 30 matched healthy controls.

Statistical Analysis:
The data analysis was done in Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. Normality of data was tested by Kolmogorov–Smirnov test.

Results:
Serum and tissue catalase was lower in vitiligo patients than controls. Serum catalase was lowest in vulgaris type, whereas in the acrofacial type had lowest tissue catalase levels.

Conclusion:
Vitiligo patients have a generalized oxidative stress functioning at a higher pace as seen with decreased serum and tissue CAT which can well be taken as a marker of active disease and they can be helped with topical pseudoCAT preparations.
An Updated Mutation Spectrum of the γ-Secretase Complex
Authors: Ratnamala Uppala , Jain Nayan K. , Jhala Devendrasinh D , Prasad Pullabatla V.S. , Saiyed Nazia , Nair Sreelatha , Radhakrishna Uppala 
Published: May 2024

Background:
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a complex, chronic inflammatory skin disorder whose pathophysiology is poorly understood. Genetic studies have shown that HS is predisposed by mutations in the γ-secretase gene, but only a proportion of familial and partial sporadic cases have been shown to possess such mutations. HS has high genetic heterogeneity and is thought to be triggered by a combination of genetics and environmental factors.

Aims:
The study aimed to investigate the genetic causes of HS in a large cohort of patients and to update the mutation spectrum of γ-secretase complex genes.

Methods:
We conducted mutational screening of 95 sporadic HS cases and one large family with both HS and acne conglobata (AC) to identify mutations in the coding and splice junction region of γ-secretase complex genes (nicastrin (NCSTN), presenilin 1 (PSEN1), presenilin enhancer 2 (PSENEN), and aph-1 homolog B, gamma-secretase subunit (APH1B)).

Results:
Our study identified a nucleotide substitution of 1876C>T in the NCSTN gene, which caused a stop codon (p.Arg626X) in the affected members of a large family with HS and AC. No pathogenic variants were detected in 95 sporadic cases of HS, indicating there is possible genetic heterogeneity.

Conclusion:
We report a new family with a nonsense mutation in the NCSTN gene that supports the role of the γ-secretase complex genes in HS with AC. The updated γ-secretase mutation spectrum for HS now includes 78 mutations.
Clinical Study of Pleural Effusion in Elderly
Authors: Chordia Rohit Ravindra , Heda Mamata R. , Dubey Gaurav R. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background:
The usual sign of a wide variety of diseases is the formation of fluid in the pleural region. Pleural effusion (PE) is a prevalent condition in regular medical practice and has a wide range of underlying medical conditions as causes. The prognosis and treatment of PE can be greatly affected by the cause; hence, accurate differential diagnostic classification is essential.

Materials and Methods:
This prospective and observational clinical study was conducted between August 2013 and February 2015. A total of 100 patients were enrolled in the study. The clinical history and physical examination were done. For radiological evaluation X-ray of the chest was taken, and if necessary, ultrasonography and computed tomography were done. Thoracocentesis was performed after obtaining informed consent, and all necessary investigations were done.

Results:
Out of 511 patients, 100 patients were included in the study who were 60 or above 60 years of age. The most common comorbid condition was hypertension, which was found to be (32.81%) in males and (30.56%) in females. In exudative PE, tuberculosis (TB) was mostly found in males (53.13%) and malignancy in females (25%), while in transudative PE, the cardiac cause was mostly found in females (30.56%) as compared to males (15.63%).

Conclusion:
In India incidence of tubercular PE is more common than malignant. Accurate diagnosis and treatment can prevent disease progression and complications.
Interesting Cases of Wrist Drops and Foot Drops
Authors: Mahavar Sunil Kumar , Ishran Rohit , Kasana Rajendra Kumar , Prasad Mohit 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Lead exposures occur through many routes to the human body in a wide range of occupations. Chronic lead exposure can lead to a myriad of symptoms and signs. The most common manifestations are neurological. In our case series, we found chronic lead toxicity presenting as wrist drops and foot drops. Cases also had anemia and liver dysfunction. Occupational history is very important in wrist drops and foot drops to suspect plumbisms as serum lead level is not available everywhere. We have also observed that outdoor-based penicillamine treatment is efficacious.
An Interesting Case of Blau Syndrome – A Rare Autoinflammatory Disease
Authors: Nagpal Swapan , Singh Veer 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Blau syndrome is an autosomal dominant, autoinflammatory disease. It typically presents in early childhood with a triad of granulomatous uveitis, symmetrical arthritis, and dermatitis. A 6-year-old child presented to us after being diagnosed with granulomatous uveitis. Examination revealed bilateral boggy wrist swellings. Suspecting Blau syndrome, clinical exome sequencing was performed, which reported a mutation in the NOD2/CARD15 gene confirming the diagnosis. Our case demonstrates that the classical triad of this disease may not be present in all patients, and all features may not occur simultaneously. A high index of suspicion is required for the diagnosis of this rare disease.
Therapies to Treat Depression in Hypothyroid Patients
Authors: Nilkantham Savithri , Singh Amit 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid axis seems to play an important role in the pathogenesis of depression in hypothyroid patients. Studies have shown that hypothyroidism can induce mood changes and major depressive disorders, but what governs the reason for this linkage and the most suitable therapy to manage this condition is not very clear. We aim to investigate the various existing therapies administered for depression due to hypothyroidism and the potential scope of yoga therapy to treat these conditions effectively. A systematic literature search of five databases, namely, EBSCO, SCOPUS, PROQUEST, PubMed, and Elsevier using the keywords in the area of “hypothyroidism, depression, and therapies” was carried out till the period 2023 following the “Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses” guidelines to select the relevant English-language peer-reviewed articles for the study. The objective of this study was to present the work done so far in the field of treating depression in hypothyroidism through therapy techniques. The paper reviews 18 specific empirical studies on various available therapies administered for depression in hypothyroidism and based on the extant literature covers four broad themes: (1) hormone therapy, (2) antidepressant pharmacotherapy, (3) cognitive psychotherapy, and (4) yoga therapy. This review provides a clear need for more yoga therapy studies, as only two yoga studies were found for treating depression in hypothyroidism that have shown significant outcomes.
Enhancing Airway Management: A Comparative Study of Macintosh and TAS Scope in Difficult Intubations
Authors: Venkatalakshmana Sanjana Kota , Kaaviya R 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
Intubation is essential in anesthesia for patient safety, requiring accurate techniques for difficult airways. Achieving first-attempt success is crucial. This study evaluates traditional laryngoscopes, such as the Macintosh, versus advanced tools like the TAS Scope.

Material and Methods:
This observational study, conducted from April to August 2023 at Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, involved 60 patients aged 18–65. The two groups of Macintosh laryngoscope and TAS Scope 30 each are based on airway difficulty predictors and patient characteristics.

Results:
The TAS Scope group had a higher first-attempt success rate and easier intubation experiences according to Likert scale ratings.

Conclusion:
The study underscores the benefits of using advanced devices like the TAS Scope for difficult airway management, showing higher success rates and ease of use. These findings support the adoption of new technologies to enhance patient safety and intubation effectiveness.
Comparison Between the Conventional and Electronic Smoking Effects on Periodontal Health—A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Almazyad Rayan Khaled , Alazmi Saad Obaid , Syed Nubesh Khan , Altorisy Abdullah Bader , Alshyai Hammad Saleh , Alghofaili Meshal Mohammed , Alsaegh Mohammed Khalid 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT

Objectives:
To compare the adverse effect of e-cigarettes and conventional cigarette smoking on periodontal health.

Materials and Methods:
Sixty participants were split into two groups of 30 each (Group A—traditional cigarettes and Group B—e-cigarette smokers). Socio-demographic data, smoking, and oral health status were gathered using a self-administered questionnaire. Gingival index (GI), Russell’s periodontal index, and clinical attachment loss (CAL) were recorded in patients of both the groups.

Results:
The mean GI (1.79), periodontal index (5.92), and CAL (3.44) were higher in patients using traditional cigarettes than e-cigarettes. The questionnaire revealed that patients using traditional cigarettes had bleeding gums (32.22%), pus in the gums (39.22%), extracted teeth due to mobility (59.65%), discolored tooth (89.66%), and tongue (71.76%), which was more than e-cigarette smokers.

Conclusion:
E-cigarette smokers have similar adverse effects on the periodontal tissues but are less as compared to normal cigarette smokers.
Effect of academic-environmental stress on apical periodontitis of non-endodontic teeth
Authors: Shakir Amory Zainab , Mueen Hussein Hashim , Nashwan Naji Aya , Tariq Mutar Mustafa 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background:
The periapical area of a tooth was diagnosed using radiography; many types of risk factors can affect the health of the apical area which is the stress during life.

Objective:
To analyze the prevalence of academic-environmental stress and apical periodontitis in non-endodontic teeth of dental students using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) X-ray, and to demonstrate the association between stress and the prevalence of apical periodontitis.

Materials and Methods:
Cross-sectional study was done on the 103 recruited dental students aged 22–24 years during the final examination year of study in dentistry college. The academic-environmental stress scale was used to measure the level of stress in each student. The CBCT X-ray was taken for each student. The apical area was measured only for non-root canal-treated teeth using the CBCT periapical radiography index. Chi-square (χ
2) test was used to show the percentages of stress and the relationship between apical periodontitis and stress in students.

Results:
53 students (51.5%) had a stressed state, whereas 50 students (48.5%) had a non-stressful state. The prevalence of apical periodontitis was greater among stressed than that of non-stressed students in non-endodontic teeth. Statistically, there was a significant relationship between academic-environmental stress and apical periodontitis in non-endodontic teeth.

Conclusion:
There was a negative effect of examination stress on the apical healthy of teeth that can be increased with the presence of any additional factors such as problems of life.
Diagnostic study of fungal and bacterial pathogens that cause vaginal infection in women
Authors: Rashed Heba Hadid , Al-Hussaini Ibtihal Muiz , Al-Marzoqi Ali H 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background:
Vaginal infection is an inflammation of the vagina that can result in discharge, itching, and pain. A specific kind of vaginal inflammation known as bacterial vaginosis is roughing on by an overabundance of naturally occurring bacteria in the vagina, which throws the body’s delicate equilibrium out of whack. Vaginal candidiasis is a fungal infection that affects the vagina and the vulva, the tissues at the vaginal opening, causing irritation, discharge, and severe itching.

Objectives:
Isolation, identification, and partial purification of bacteria and fungi that cause vaginal infection.

Materials and Methods:
In this study, 150 vaginal samples were collected from women aged 15–55 who did not have any chronic diseases in the city of Hilla, Iraq. Cultivation of samples of bacteria on MacConkey, mannitol salt, and Eosin-methylene blue culture media and fungi on potato dextrose agar medium and chromo agar for Candida and conducting diagnostic tests for them.

Results:
The samples were culture on different medium. Bacteria have a percentage (55.3%) and fungi percentage (54.7%). Types of bacteria that appeared are Escherichia coli 24.3%, Klebsiella 20%, and Staphylococcus aureus 55.7%. Fungi are Candida albicans 52.6%, Candida glabrata 23.7%, and Candida krusie 23.7% have all been identified as fungi in clinical cases. Biochemical tests were performed for each sample, whether bacteria or fungi and included an examination (indol, citrate, urease, catalase, oxidase, coagulase, and H2S).

Conclusion:
Through results appeared S. aureus papered was found to be more common than bacteria species and fungi in clinical cases. C. albicans was found to be more common than other Candida species.
Study of some virulence genes from uropathogenic Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated in Wasit Province, Iraq
Authors: Raheema Rana H , Hadi Sabaa Hilal , Chabuck Zainab Adil Ghani 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background:

Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are the most common causes of nosocomial urinary tract infections (UTIs), and in recent years, these bacteria have become significantly more resistant to antibiotics.

Objective:
The objective of the study was to determine the frequency of uropathogenic K. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa in clinical urine samples from patients with UTIs in Wasit Province.

Materials and Methods:
Initially, 100 clinical urine samples were taken for this investigation from (October 1 to December 1, 2022), and the isolates were initially identified using culture, microscopic analysis, and biochemical assays.

Results:
The findings of the biochemical results revealed that 16/100 isolates had a 16% positive response for K. pneumonia, and 13/100 isolates had a 13% positive response for P. aeruginosa. When DNA was recovered from the isolates, the nucleic acid purity was diverse from 1.8 to 2.0, and the concentration fluctuated from 50 to 360 mg/µL. By using molecular techniques, including the 16S rRNA gene, for confirmation of the diagnosis. These findings were validated by the polymerase chain reaction method used to detect the virulence genes fimH gene, where 4/16 (25%) and mrkA gene, where result 7/16 (43.75%) were positive in recovered K. pneumoniae isolated. And RNA polymerase subunit B (rpoB) gene where results 10/13 (76.92%) were positive in recovered P. aeruginosa isolated.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the outcomes of this study presented a significant increase in biofilm-forming and multidrug-resistant K. pneumoniae isolates, which also harbor a wide range of virulence genes and used rpoB as high molecular identification properties to confirm the P. aeruginosa, the most efficient antibiotics for its treatment were Impinem and Nitrofurantoin for both K. pneumonia and P. aeruginosa.