bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of nasal obstruction and its impact on quality of life in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Fageeh Yahya Ahmed , Basurrah Mohammed Abdullah , ALAzwari Khalid Dhaifallah , AlAmri Mohammed Awadh , AlJuaid Waleed Mohammed , AlHumaidi Abdulaziz Abdullah , AlFaqih Mohammed Hamad , AlAlyani Osama Mohammed 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT

Purpose/Background:
Nasal obstruction is a significant issue influencing the patient’s quality of life. Chronic nasal obstruction is frequently associated with other symptoms such as headache, sleep disturbance, and daytime sleepiness. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of nasal obstruction in Saudi Arabia and examine its effect on patients’ quality of life.

Methods:
This is a cross-sectional study conducted in Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using a self-administered combination of two previously validated questionnaires (the NOSE scale and the WHOQOL-BREF) translated into Arabic. The Mann–Whitney test was used to investigate the association between nasal obstruction prevalence and the participants’ QOL.

Results:
The study included 1039 participants from different regions of Saudi Arabia. The prevalence of nasal obstruction was 60.3% among the participants. Several factors significantly affected the prevalence of nasal obstruction, including sex, suffering from a chronic disease, having a family member with nasal obstruction, and using medications (P < 0.001 for all factors). A better score was shown in the four domains of the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire by the participants who had no nasal obstruction: the physical health domain, psychological health, social relationships, and environment (P < 0.001 for all factors).

Conclusions:
Quality of life is affected by nasal obstruction. The subjective assessment is essential in evaluating the severity of nasal obstruction disease. It is recommended that healthcare providers use subjective tools combined with objective tools to assess the degree of nasal obstruction severity.
Segmentation and classification of lungs CT-scan for detecting COVID-19 abnormalities by deep learning technique: U-Net model
Authors: Moosavi Abdoulreza S. , Mahboobi Ashraf , Arabzadeh Farzin , Ramezani Nazanin , Moosavi Helia S. , Mehrpoor Golbarg 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
Artificial intelligence (AI) techniques have been ascertained useful in the analysis and description of infectious areas in radiological images promptly. Our aim in this study was to design a web-based application for detecting and labeling infected tissues on CT (computed tomography) lung images of patients based on the deep learning (DL) method as a type of AI.

Materials and Methods:
The U-Net architecture, one of the DL networks, is used as a hybrid model with pre-trained densely connected convolutional network 121 (DenseNet121) architecture for the segmentation process. The proposed model was constructed on 1031 persons’ CT-scan images from Ibn Sina Hospital of Iran in 2021 and some publicly available datasets. The network was trained using 6000 slices, validated on 1000 slices images, and tested against the 150 slices. Accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve (AUC) were calculated to evaluate model performance.

Results:
The results indicate the acceptable ability of the U-Net-DenseNet121 model in detecting COVID-19 abnormality (accuracy = 0.88 and AUC = 0.96 for thresholds of 0.13 and accuracy = 0.88 and AUC = 0.90 for thresholds of 0.2). Based on this model, we developed the “Imaging-Tech” web-based application for use at hospitals and clinics to make our project’s output more practical and attractive in the market.

Conclusion:
We designed a DL-based model for the segmentation of COVID-19 CT scan images and, based on this model, constructed a web-based application that, according to the results, is a reliable detector for infected tissue in lung CT-scans. The availability of such tools would aid in automating, prioritizing, fastening, and broadening the treatment of COVID-19 patients globally.
Predictors for multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) carriage in haemodialysis patients
Authors: Swetha Pavuluri Sai , Gupta Kavita , Saha Swarnatrisha , Panda Sandip K. , Behera Bijayini 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction:
Infections in haemodialysis (HD) patients are an important cause of morbidity, hospitalization, and mortality. Patients undergoing HD are more prone to develop bacterial infections by multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs).

Objectives:
This study is aimed to detect MDROs colonization in HD patients and its associated risk factors and outcome.

Methodology:
A total of 62 nasal swabs and 124 rectal swabs were collected from 62 patients coming to the haemodialysis unit from of March to May 2021 and were further screened for MRSA, VRE and CRE.

Results:
Out of 62 patients, 22.59% showed the presence of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) while VRE was present in four patients (4/62). CRE was found as 24.2% (15/62). Duration of dialysis was found as a significant risk factor-associated MRSA carriage, Whereas Charlson index and drug and medication were found as significant risk factor for VRE carriage.

Discussion & Conclusion:
HD patients are particularly vulnerable to life threatening infections. Therefore, continuous epidemiological surveillance for these MDROs, including genotypic analysis and implementation of adequate decolonization strategies, is crucial and will reduce the possibility of autoinfection as well as disrupt transmission of multi-resistant isolates to others.
Clinical Pattern of Pediatric Hydatid Disease
Authors: Lone Yasir Ahmad , Singh Santosh , Tyagi Shikha , Naaz Aisha , Tiwari Brijesh Kumar 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT

Context:
Literature regarding hydatid disease in children is sparse.

Aims:
To highlight the peculiarities in the clinical pattern of pediatric hydatid disease (PHD).

Settings and Design/Materials and Methods:
Data were collected retrospectively from all children aged <18 years who presented to our tertiary care institute from July 2021 to June 2023 with hydatid disease involving any organ.

Statistical Analysis Used:
Simple statistical analysis involving sums, means, averages, and percentages.

Results:
Four of the 10 cases (40%) involved the lung, while only 2 (20%) involved the liver. There were five females and four males with an age range of 2–17 years. Four of the cases had primary extrahepatic extrapulmonary hydatid disease (40%), two involving the pancreas, one in the rectouterine pouch, and one intracranial.

Conclusions:
The clinical pattern of PHD is different from that of adults. Pulmonary echinococcosis is more common than hepatic involvement. Primary extrahepatic extrapulmonary hydatid disease is also more common in children than previously thought. A cystic lesion anywhere in a child warrants a differential of hydatid disease.
Glycopyrrolate as an Adjunct in the Management of Anastomotic Leak Following Repair of Esophageal Atresia: A Clinicoradiological Perspective
Authors: Gupta Rahul , Chopra Ashok K. , Dogra Neelam 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT

Context:
Anastomotic leak after primary repair of esophageal atresia (EA) with tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) is a well-known complication and can represent a challenging clinical scenario.

Aims:
The present study aimed to evaluate the role of glycopyrrolate as an adjunct in the treatment of anastomotic leak after primary repair of EA Vogt type 3b.

Settings and Design:
A retrospective study was carried out in our tertiary care teaching institute from January 2015 to December 2022.

Materials and Methods:
Neonates with EA with distal TEF with primary repair who had developed anastomotic leak, managed by the author(s), were studied. The study included patients with major, minor, and radiological leaks. Glycopyrrolate was administered in the dose of 4 μg/kg 8 hourly. The outcomes of the study were either resolution or progression of the leak.

Results:
There were 21 patients who were managed with glycopyrrolate in addition to the classical treatment of the anastomotic leak following repair of EA with distal TEF. The male: female ratio was 1:1.1. All the cases had anastomotic leaks with either clinically detectable in the chest tube (15) or radiological leak (6). The leaks were detected early in patients with major leak (mean = 3.2 ± 0.84 days) compared to minor leak (mean =4.9 ± 1.29 days). Radiological leaks were detected in all the neonates on postoperative day 7. In five patients with major leak, there was a negligible reduction in the amount of chest tube output, and were subjected to diversion procedures. There were a total of three deaths out of five in this group. In 10 patients with minor leak, there was complete resolution of anastomotic leak in eight patients (80%); there was one patient each with mortality and diversion procedure. The patients with a radiological leak (6) did not show any deterioration, and they were fed 1–5 days after the esophagogram.

Conclusions:
Glycopyrrolate may be an advantageous postoperative adjunct in the management of minor and radiological leak after tracheoesophageal repair.
Ovulation induction in polycystic ovarian syndrome: A review to contemporary approaches
Authors: Chouhan Preeti , Garg Ayush Kumar 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine condition that impacts women’s reproductive capabilities and causes them to be infertile. Anovulation is the most common cause of PCOS infertility, although it is not alone. The ongoing hormonal imbalance causes complications such as cysts and an abnormal menstrual cycle, leading to infertility. A few of the reasons for PCOS have been discovered as several potential genes. PCOS is a heterogeneous syndrome that primarily affects women between the ages of 18 and 44 years. There are several methods of ovulation induction (OI) that can be made to make females fertile. Recent research has been conducted on OI using mediation, surgery, lifestyle changes, symptom, and treatment. On the other hand, each of these methods was limited to single or single-pathway research. Because PCOS is complex involving a gene regulatory milieu, it may be prone to the transient, self-limiting occurrence of endometrial receptivity. To induce ovulation in PCOS patients, genomic-based assessment is needed for therapeutic purposes.
SARS-CoV-2 and Helicobacter pylori and some hematological parameters
Authors: Al-Khikani Falah Hasan Obayes , Al-Hussainy Ahmed Danbous Obayes , Hussein Aliaa Zaraa Allah , Alshamary Rasha Salih Mahdi 
Published: March 2024

Background:
The SARS-CoV-2 associated with bacterial infection represents a serious public health challenge. Recently, there is a remarkable increase in the number of researches that confirms the effect of Helicobacter pylori on pulmonary diseases.

Aim:
The goal of this research was to see how H. pylori affected the presentation of COVID-19 infections as a prospective risk factor.

Materials and Methods:
This research was conducted in Babylon, Iraq, from January 1, 2022, to March 5, 2022. A total of 180 people were engaged in this study, with 90 patients identified with SARS-CoV-2 by polymerase chain reaction testing and 90 people serving as a control group. Antibody screening assays on blood samples were used to look for antibodies against H. pylori. The samples were processed for complete blood count and ABO blood group.

Results:
COVID-19 infection was more frequent in females than in males, especially between 31 and 45 years. When compared to healthy people, COVID-19 patients had a higher white blood cell count (P = 0.0001) and a lower lymphocyte count (P = 0.0001). H. pylori and COVID-19 have been found to have a strong relationship, especially in females. When comparing patients to healthy people, blood group A is the most common.

Conclusion:
People with H. pylori infections are considerably more sensitive to COVID-19 than people without H. pylori infections (P = 0.011). In combination with SARS-CoV-2, IgG for H. pylori might be a risk factor.
Influence of subclinical hypothyroidism on cardiovascular disease risk in geriatric population: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Nitha N. S. , Rao Satish B. , Shenoy Ramya , Sowndarya K. , Hegde Anupama 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
Changes in thyroid function are common in geriatric population. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) concentration increases in healthy elderly individual, whereas total and free thyroxine (FT4) concentrations remain unchanged presenting like subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH). Thyroid hormones influence the normal functioning of heart and vascular physiology. Changes in cardiac function and lipid parameters due to alteration in thyroid function could predispose the elderly population to increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.

Materials and Methods:
The present cross-sectional study included 75 apparently healthy elderly patients who were grouped as SCH (n = 30) or euthyroid (ET) (n = 45) based on their thyroid profile. Serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) was evaluated by immunoturbidimetric method. The laboratory data of thyroid profile and lipid profile were collected, and the demographic features of the patients were noted from the case sheet. CVD risk score was calculated using Framingham 10-year CVD risk calculator (Atherosclerotic-CVD).

Results:
There was no significant difference in age between cases and controls. Body mass index was found to be elevated in SCH. T4 was found to be slightly higher in the cases when compared to that of controls. The median value of TSH was found to be higher in patients with SCH. CVD risk score increased significantly in SCH group. A significant positive correlation was found between the hsCRP and CVD risk in subclinical hypothyroid as well as in ET group. A significant negative correlation was found between TSH and CVD risk scores in ET patients.

Conclusion:
SCH is associated with an increased risk of CVD risk among the older adults with an elevated level of TSH.
Ocular manifestations in post-coronavirus disease-2019 patients in a tertiary care institute in North-East India
Authors: Rajkumari Bigyabati , Rajkumar Victor , Chingakham Debeshwar Singh , Bishwalata Rajkumari 
Published: March 2024

Background:
There are various studies on coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) from globally which are mainly focused on respiratory and other medical manifestations of the disease. There are few studies on ocular manifestations in COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 patients.

Objectives:
We aim to investigate the ocular manifestations of hospitalized post-COVID-19 patients at a tertiary care institute in the North Eastern part of India.

Materials and Methods:
This cross-sectional study was conducted among hospitalized post-COVID-19 patients 18 years and above during July 1, 2021–December 31, 2021. A universal sampling method was employed. A structured pro forma was used for data collection along with detailed ocular examination. Descriptive statistics were generated from collected data. Approval of the study was obtained from the institutional ethics committee.

Results:
A total of 105 patients were included in the study with ages ranging from 18 to 85 years and males constituting 63.8%. Around two-thirds of the patients (70, 66.7%) had not received any vaccination. Chest X-ray showed bilateral moderate consolidation in 59 (56.2%) patients. Twelve (11.4%) patients developed ocular signs and symptoms. Dry eye, redness of the eye, dimness of vision, itching, blurring of vision, and discharge from the eyes are some of the symptoms encountered. Two patients developed subconjunctival hemorrhage, one patient had a retinal hemorrhage and exposure keratopathy was detected in one patient.

Conclusion:
In this study, 11.4% of hospitalized post-COVID-19 patients have ocular manifestations. Post-COVID-19 syndrome could affect the eyes thus necessitating meticulous follow-up of patients who recovered from COVID-19.
Morphometric Analysis of the Mental Foramen and Mandibular Canal Using Orthopantomogram and Cone-Beam Computed Tomography: A Comparative Radiographic Study
Authors: Pauly Geon , Ashok Navami , Kashyap Roopashri Rajesh , Kini Raghavendra , Rao Prasanna Kumar 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Purpose:
A pre-operative radiographic evaluation of the morphometry of the mental foramen (MF) and its true relationship to the alveolar crest (AC) and the mandibular canal (MC) and its true relationship to the roots of the mandibular third molar (M3) would help in negating possible sensory impairment during surgical procedures.

Materials and Methods:
A retrospective study of 50 cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and orthopantomogram (OPG) images of the same patients were selected. The diameters of MF, MC, distance between AC-MF and distance between apices of 3rd molar-MC were measured.

Results:
On OPG and CBCT, the mean values of the vertical diameter of MF were found as 3.044 mm and 2.948 mm, whereas the mean horizontal diameters obtained were 3.033 mm and 3.023 mm, respectively. The mean values of the diameter of MC were measured at 2.750 mm and 2.894 mm, respectively. The mean values of distance from M3 apex to MC and distance from AC to MF were obtained as 1.371 mm and 1.748 mm and 14.715 mm and 13.656 mm, respectively.

Conclusion:
The difference in the mean values of the diameter of the MF was statistically insignificant. The rest of the parameters gave us values which were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Therefore, in an era of steadfast increased use of dental implants and frequent need for planning disimpactions, the use of CBCT can truly help us dislodge the limitations of two-dimensional imaging and thereby help us carry out such surgical procedures more efficiently and with no or minimal complications.
Awareness and Knowledge of Periodontal Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery amongst House Surgeons – An Online Survey
Authors: George Navia , John Sneha Sara , Jose Smiya , Suha V. , Aparna T. K. , Kumar V. V. Harish 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Aim:
The survey aims to assess the degree of awareness and knowledge of periodontal plastic and aesthetic surgery amongst house surgeons.

Materials and Methods:
A questionnaire-based study was conducted to assess the degree of awareness and knowledge of periodontal plastic and aesthetic surgical procedures amongst 80 house surgeons in KMCT Dental College, Manassery, Kerala. A questionnaire containing 10 questions in English was prepared for data collection and distributed to 80 interns through Google form. Questions were formulated based on basic knowledge about mucogingival problems and their treatment modalities, understanding of various terminologies, indications for mucogingival procedures and awareness about prognosis and treatment outcome after mucogingival procedure. The possible options chosen by the participants were tabulated and the percentile for each question was represented using pie charts.

Results:
Amongst the 80 participants, around 80% of participants were having basic knowledge about mucogingival problems and their treatment modalities. About 48% of participants were aware of the indications of periodontal plastic and aesthetic surgical procedures and 85% of the participants knew about the prognosis and treatment outcome of these surgical procedures.

Conclusion:
Mucogingival procedures or periodontal plastic surgery involves the correction of soft-tissue defects involving the periodontium and frenum. The present study was able to assess the degree of knowledge of periodontal plastic surgical procedure amongst house surgeons. The awareness and knowledge of periodontal plastic and aesthetic surgery amongst house surgeons were good however it could be improved.
Autologous fat grafting and adipose-derived stem cells therapy for acute burns and burn-related scar: A systematic review
Authors: Lesmanawati Fanny Evasari , Windura Carolus Aldo , Saputro Iswinarno Doso , Hariani Lynda 
Published: March 2024

Objectives:
The objective of this study was to analyze all available research on the application of autologous fat grafting (AFG) and adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC) to present evidence-based recommendations, particularly in the clinical treatment of acute burns and burn-related scars.

Materials and Methods:
We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, COCHRANE, and EMBASE, as well as a manual search of previous reviews’ reference lists up. The risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using RoB 2.0 and ROBINS-I, where appropriate.

Results:
Six eligible studies were selected (2 randomized clinical trials [RCT], 1 retrospective cohort, and 3 experimental studies) with subjects ranging from 3 to 100. Only one study evaluated the use of AFG for acute burns. Improvements in wound healing, vascularization, scar characteristics, and tissue architecture were generally observed in some studies, supported by molecular markers, while one study reported nonsignificant results. Subjective patient satisfaction was reported to have improved. Functional outcomes improvement in the treated regions was minimal. However, study heterogeneity arose mainly from treatment protocols. Cautious results interpretation due to potential bias, especially in selection and confounding domains, and limited clinical trials are important to note. More studies are needed to evaluate.

Conclusion:
AFG and ADSC hold potential as valuable treatment options for burn-related scars, supported by a body of evidence, but further well-designed RCT are needed. The efficacy of acute burn settings is yet to be further evaluated since evidence is limited.
POTENSI EKOLOGIS HASIL HUTAN BUKAN KAYU (HHBK) JENIS TUMBUHAN PEWARNA ALAMI DI DESA ADAT BOTI KECAMATAN KIE KABUPATEN TIMOR TENGAH SELATAN PROVINSI NUSA TENGGARA TIMUR
Authors: Lalur Francisca Vainalia , Riwu Kaho Ludji Michael , Seran Wilhelmina 
Published: March 2024

Penelitian ini dilakukan untuk mengetahui apa saja potensi ekologis hasil hutan bukan kayu jenis tumbuhan pewarna alami di Desa Adat Boti serta upaya konservasi apa yang dilakukan oleh masyarakat di Desa Adat Boti. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode analisis vegetasi (purposive sampling) dan wawancara (snowball sampling). Berdasarkan hasil penelitian di sekitar kawasan hutan di Desa Boti, terdapat 5 jenis tumbuhan yang biasanya dimanfaatkan sebagai pewarna alami kain tenun ikat yaitu Mengkudu (Morinda citrifolia) 182,49% dan Loba (Symplocos sp) 147,56% memiliki potensi banyak sehingga harus dipertahankan terus. Sedangkan Tarum (Indigofera tinctoria) 51,77%, Arbila (Phaseolus lunatus L) 34,57% dan Kunyit (Curcuma longa) 20,30% sesuai dengan syarat tumbuh namun dilihat dari pertumbuhannya sampai tingkat semai sehingga potensinya semakin berkurang maka harus di budidayakan kembali. Tumbuhan pewarna di Desa Adat Boti paling banyak ditemukan pada tingkat kemiringan lereng 0-25%, 25-45%, dan >45% dan tingkat ketinggian <200 mdpl (rendah), 200-500 mdpl (sedang), dan >500 (tinggi).