bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of bone graft alloplast β-tricalcium phosphate in regenerative periodontal surgery treatment: A systematic review
Authors: Susanto Agus , Prasetyo Budhi Cahya , Norisma Ginta Wulan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Aim:
β-Tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) is an alloplastic bone graft material with osteoconductive and osteoinductive properties, which acts as an alternative bone graft that has been widely used in dentistry. This study aimed to review the use of β-TCP alloplastic bone grafts in several cases in the treatment of periodontal regenerative surgery.

Materials and Methods:
This study was conducted in PubMed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane, and EBSCOhost databases using the PICO framework based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Systems and Meta-Analyses. The type of article was research articles using β-TCP alloplast bone graft material in periodontal regenerative surgery in a human alveolar bone defect in English with randomized controlled trials and clinical trials methods in the last 10 years. Data includes number, author, defect criteria, study group, follow-up, parameters and results, and conclusions.

Results:
Ten articles were included based on eligibility criteria, consisting of nine articles using β-TCP in the treatment of periodontal defects, that are five articles on intrabony defects, two articles on infrabony defects, an article in localized periodontal defects, and an article on involvement furcation grade II. Then, another article used β-TCP for alveolar ridge preservation. The results showed eight articles had statistically significant results in clinical parameters (reducing clinical attachment level (CAL) and Periodontal Pocket Depth (PPD), and radiographic parameters at certain times compared with baseline, and two articles showed no significant results between the β-TCP alone and the β-TCP with additional biomaterials or other bone graft materials.

Conclusions:
β-TCP as an alloplastic bone graft improved clinical and radiographic parameters in regenerative periodontal surgery, especially in intrabony defects, infrabony defects, localized periodontal defects, grade II furcation, and alveolar ridge preservations.
The effectiveness of hydroxyapatite in alveolar ridge preservation: A systematic review
Authors: Razali Nurul Saadah , Younis Luay Thanoon , Ariffin Muhammad Hilmi Zainal 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Aim:
This systematic review is aimed to evaluate the clinical, radiographical, and histologic/histomorphometric outcomes of using hydroxyapatite (HA), either alone or in combination with other biomaterials in alveolar ridge preservation (ARP). The effects of particle sizes were also investigated.

Materials and Methods:
This study followed the requirements outlined in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and was duly registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews. Studies published from 2015 to 2021 were included, focusing on patients aged 18 years or older requiring tooth extraction. Various interventions and comparators were assessed, including HA alone and HA combined with organic/inorganic materials. Primary outcomes were the dimensional alveolar bone changes measured clinically and radiographically, whereas secondary outcomes included histological and histomorphometric evaluations.

Results:
A total of 15 studies were included, comprising case series, cohorts, and randomized controlled trials. HA, both alone and in combination, demonstrated potential in reducing alveolar bone resorption. Clinical and radiographic measurements revealed reduced horizontal and vertical ridge changes when HA was used. Histological analysis demonstrated favorable outcomes with the presence of new bone formation around residual graft particles.

Conclusions:
Combining HA with organic or inorganic materials showed promise in preserving alveolar ridge dimensions, with less residual graft material observed during implant placement. The use of nanoscale HA also demonstrated positive outcomes in bone regeneration. However, due to the heterogeneity of study designs, further research with larger sample sizes and uniform methodologies is needed to provide more definitive conclusions. In summary, HA, especially in combination with other materials, holds the potential for effective ARP, but standardization of approaches is essential for more reliable results in future studies.
Effect of photopolymerization time on shear bond strength and microleakage of orthodontic adhesives: An in vitro study
Authors: Puthiyapurayil Greeshma , Antony Vincy , Shaloob Muhamed , Roshan Gazanafer , Nayaz Mohamed , Parayaruthottam Prathapan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Aim:
The aim of this investigation was to assess the shear bond strength and microleakage of three different adhesives at 10, 15 and 20 s of photopolymerization time.

Materials and Methods:
Depending on the adhesive employed, 45 teeth were split into 3 groups. (Enlight, Transbond XT and Orthofix) and 3 subgroups based on polymerization time of 10, 15, 20 s. After bonding, the specimens were placed in 0.5% solution of methylene blue dye for 6 days and then the Universal Testing Machine was used to assess the shear bond strength. The debonded specimens were then examined for microleakage using 3D Optical profiler. One-way ANOVA test and repeated-measures ANOVA were used in inferential statistics to determine differences between and within the groups.

Results:
The mean shear bond strength was found highest for Enlight cured for 20 s (22.45 ± 4.22MPa) and lowest for Orthofix cured for 10 s (4.58 ± 1.60 MPa). In all three groups, there was a discernible rise in shear bond strength as the curing time increased. The mean microleakage was found highest in Orthofix cured for 10 s (0.04 ± 0.007 mm) and lowest in Transbond XT cured for 15 s (0.01 ± 0.002 mm). Mean microleakage decreased with an increase in curing time which was statistically significant in all groups.

Conclusions:
With an increase in polymerization time, the shear bond strength increases and microleakage decreases. Enlight light cure composite showed maximum shear bond strength and Orthofix showed the least shear bond strength at all three polymerization times. Microleakage at the gingival area was more when compared to the occlusal area in all the groups.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Monitoring of Thermal Lesions Produced by Focused Ultrasound
Authors: Antoniou Anastasia , Evripidou Nikolas , Nikolaou Anastasia , Georgiou Andreas , Giannakou Marinos , Chrysanthou Antreas , Georgiou Leonidas , Ioannides Cleanthis , Damianou Christakis 
Published: February 2024

Background:
The main goal of the study was to find the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters that optimize contrast between tissue and thermal lesions produced by focused ultrasound (FUS) using T1-weighted (T1-W) and T2-weighted (T2-W) fast spin echo (FSE) sequences.

Methods:
FUS sonications were performed in ex vivo porcine tissue using a single-element FUS transducer of 2.6 MHz in 1.5 and 3 T MRI scanners. The difference in relaxation times as well as the impact of critical MRI parameters on the resultant contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) between coagulated and normal tissues were assessed. Discrete and overlapping lesions were inflicted in tissue with simultaneous acquisition of T2-W FSE images.

Results:
FUS lesions are characterized by lower relaxation times than intact porcine tissue. CNR values above 80 were sufficient for proper lesion visualization. For T1-W imaging, repetition time values close to 1500 ms were considered optimum for obtaining sufficiently high CNR at the minimum time cost. Echo time values close to 50 ms offered the maximum lesion contrast in T2-W FSE imaging. Monitoring of acute FUS lesions during grid sonications was performed successfully. Lesions appeared as hypointense spots with excellent contrast from surrounding tissue.

Conclusion:
MRI monitoring of signal intensity changes during FUS sonication in grid patterns using optimized sequence parameters can provide useful information about lesion progression and the success of ablation. This preliminary study demonstrated the feasibility of the proposed monitoring method in ex vivo porcine tissue and should be supported by in vivo studies to assess its clinical potential.
Burden of Tuberculosis among tribal populations of India: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Debnath Aninda , Singh Nidhi , Gupta Sunanda , Kishore Jugal 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT
Tuberculosis (TB) continues to impose a significant burden on tribal populations in India, a high-risk group for the disease. Despite its preventable and curable nature, TB remains a formidable health challenge for these communities. However, a critical knowledge gap exists regarding the population-based prevalence of TB among tribal populations in India. The current systematic review and meta-analysis were carried out to provide a single, population-based estimate. A comprehensive search was conducted on PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases using the keywords ‘tuberculosis’, ‘TB’, and ‘tribal’ or ‘tribes’. This search encompassed articles published between 1 January 2000 and 1 March 2023. The included articles underwent a quality assessment screening to ensure their reliability and relevance. Subsequently, a pooled estimate of TB prevalence among tribal populations was quantified using a random-effects model. To investigate potential sources of heterogeneity in the prevalence estimates, subgroup analyses were performed. We identified 14 studies that encompassed a substantial population of 267,377 individuals from various regions in India belonging to tribal communities. The application of a random-effects model yielded a pooled prevalence estimate of 894.4 per 100,000 population, with a 95% confidence interval ranging from 523.5 to 1361.9. The assessment of heterogeneity using the Cochrane Q test indicated significant variability among the included studies (I2 = 99.17%; P < 0.001). Notably, the prevalence of TB among tribal populations was found to be higher than the national prevalence. The scientific evidence available for the prevalence of TB among tribal populations is restricted to a few tribes only. Conducting further research to estimate the prevalence among other tribes all over the country is the need of the hour and should be addressed accordingly.
NCCP-ICS joint consensus-based clinical practice guidelines on medical thoracoscopy
Authors: Chawla Rakesh K. , Kumar Mahendra , Madan Arun , Dhar Raja , Gupta Richa , Gothi Dipti , Desai Unnati , Goel Manoj , Swarankar Rajesh , Nene Amita , Munje Radha , Chaudhary Dhruv , Guleria Randeep , Hadda Vijay , Nangia Vivek , Sindhwani Girish , Chawla Rajesh , Dutt Naveen , Yuvarajan  , Dalal Sonia , Gaur Shailendra Nath , Katiyar Subodh , Samaria Jai Kumar , Gupta K. B , Koul Parvaiz A , Suryakant  , Christopher D.J. , Roy Dhrubajyoti , Hazarika Basant , Luhadia Shanti Kumar , Jaiswal Anand , Madan Karan , Gupta Prem Parkash , Prashad B.N.B.M. , Yusuf Nasser , James Prince , Dhamija Amit , Tomar Veerotam , Parakh Ujjwal , Khan Ajmal , Garg Rakesh , Singh Sheetu , Joshi Vinod , Sarangdhar Nikhil , Chaudhary Sushmita Roy , Nayar Sandeep , Patel Anand , Gupta Mansi , Dixit Rama Kant , Jain Sushil , Gogia Pratibha , Agarwal Manish , Katiyar Sandeep , Chawla Aditya , Gonuguntala Hari Kishan , Dosi Ravi , Chinnamchetty Vijya , Jindal Apar , Sharma Shubham , Chachra Vaibhav , Samaria Utsav , Nair Avinash , Mohan Shruti , Maitra Gargi , Sinha Ashish , Kochar Rishabh , Yadav Ajit , Choudhary Gaurav , Arunachalam M , Rangarajan Amith , Sanjan Ganesh 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT
Medical Thoracoscopy (MT) is commonly performed by respiratory physicians for diagnostic as well as therapeutic purposes. The aim of the study was to provide evidence-based information regarding all aspects of MT, both as a diagnostic tool and therapeutic aid for pulmonologists across India. The consensus-based guidelines were formulated based on a multistep process using a set of 31 questions. A systematic search of published randomized controlled clinical trials, open labelled studies, case reports and guidelines from electronic databases, like PubMed, EmBase and Cochrane, was performed. The modified grade system was used (1, 2, 3 or usual practice point) to classify the quality of available evidence. Then, a multitude of factors were taken into account, such as volume of evidence, applicability and practicality for implementation to the target population and then strength of recommendation was finalized. MT helps to improve diagnosis and patient management, with reduced risk of post procedure complications. Trainees should perform at least 20 medical thoracoscopy procedures. The diagnostic yield of both rigid and semirigid techniques is comparable. Sterile-graded talc is the ideal agent for chemical pleurodesis. The consensus statement will help pulmonologists to adopt best evidence-based practices during MT for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
Is Immune Thrombocytopenia and its Treatment Associated with Sarcopenia?
Authors: Tuna MK , Erkek ET 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is defined as an isolated platelet count less than 100 × 109/L in the absence of other causes of thrombocytopenia. Sarcopenia is a body-wide muscular disorder with a progressive nature that leads to reduced mobility, physical disability, falls, and poor quality of life. We aimed to evaluate the frequency of objectively diagnosed sarcopenia in patients with ITP and to determine whether ITP therapies have sarcopenic effects.

Methods:
This prospective study included patients who were followed up with ITP in the hematology outpatient clinic. Patients who had received corticosteroids within 3 months were excluded. The handgrip strength test, appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASMM), ASMM/height2 value, soft lean mass (SLM), trunk soft lean mass (SLMT), and the 6-min walking speed test were applied for muscular evaluations and physical performance assessment.

Results:
We included 53 patients (female/male: 73.58%/26.42%). While sarcopenia was not observed in 77.36% of ITP patients, possible sarcopenia was diagnosed in 9.43% and confirmed sarcopenia in 13.21%. Severe sarcopenia was not seen in any of the patients. Loss of muscle strength was observed in 22.64% of patients. SLM was found to be low in 92.45%.

Conclusion:
Sarcopenia may be more frequent among patients with ITP compared to the population, and it is important to note that 92.45% of patients had low SLM and 54.72% had low SLMT. Eltrombopag therapy might be beneficial as demonstrated by higher SLM, ASMM, and ASMM/height2 values.
Analysis of Age-Specific Predictors of Mortality in Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019
Authors: Ozden MF , Sogut O , Az A , Dogan Y 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Aim:
We investigated predictors of mortality, including demographic, clinical, and laboratory parameters, in hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia.

Patients and Methods:
This retrospective, single-center study included 651 consecutive Turkish adults who had been admitted to the emergency department with a diagnosis of COVID-19. We recorded the demographic, clinical, and laboratory parameters of the patients. The patients were divided into two groups: patients aged ≥65 years and patients aged <65 years. The predictors of mortality for hospitalized COVID-19 patients were evaluated.

Results:
The study included 651 patients (354 [54.4%] men and 297 [45.6%] women; mean age, 56.40 ± 15.70 years). The most common comorbidities were hypertension (37.6%), diabetes mellitus (28.9%), and coronary artery disease (CAD) (16.1%). The overall mortality rate was 10.6% (n = 69); the mortality rate was higher in men than in women. Advanced age; chronic renal failure (CRF); prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time; high serum neutrophil and platelet counts; high C-reactive protein to albumin (CRP/albumin) ratio; and high levels of albumin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and high-sensitivity troponin I (TnI-hs) were independent predictors of mortality in all age groups.

Conclusion:
Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), high serum platelet count, high CRP/albumin ratio, and high levels of albumin, TnI-hs, and D-dimer were independent predictors of mortality in patients aged <65 years. Conversely, advanced age, CAD, CRF, and high levels of serum CRP and LDH were independent predictors of mortality in patients aged ≥65 years.
Coinfection with hepatic cystic and alveolar echinococcosis with abdominal wall abscess and sinus tract formation: A case report
Authors: Wang Miao-Miao , An Xiu-Qing , Chai Jin-Ping , Yang Jin-Yu , A Ji-De , A Xiang-Ren 
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND
Hepatic cystic and alveolar echinococcosis coinfections, particularly with concurrent abscesses and sinus tract formation, are extremely rare. This article presents a case of a patient diagnosed with this unique presentation, discussing the typical imaging manifestations of both echinococcosis types and detailing the diagnosis and surgical treatment experience thereof.
CASE SUMMARY
A 39-year-old Tibetan woman presented with concurrent hepatic cystic and alveolar echinococcosis, accompanied by abdominal wall abscesses and sinus tract formation. Initial conventional imaging examinations suggested only hepatic cystic echinococcosis, but intraoperative and postoperative pathological examination revealed the coinfection. Following radical resection of the lesions, the patient’s condition improved, and she was discharged soon thereafter. Subsequent outpatient follow-ups confirmed no recurrence of the hydatid lesion and normal surgical wound healing. Though mixed hepatic cystic and alveolar echinococcosis with abdominal wall abscesses and sinus tract formations are rare, the general treatment approach remains consistent with that of simpler infections of alveolar echinococcosis.
CONCLUSION
Lesions involving the abdominal wall and sinus tract formation, may require radical resection. Long-term prognosis includes albendazole and follow-up examinations.
Characteristics of Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients at Admission and Factors Associated with Clinical Severity in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: An Observational Study
Authors: Abifadel Marianne , Ahmmed Kaousar , Banu Sayera , Camara Ibrahima , Chowdhury Fahmida , Coulibaly Daouda , Dabar Georges , Dananché Cédric , Daw Rachel , Hassan Zakiul , Hervé Magali , Islam Ariful , Komurian-Pradel Florence , Kouamé Jean-Pierre , Kouriba Bourema , Najjar-Pellet Josette , Rakotonaivo Andoniaina , Ranaivo-Rabetokotany Felana , Rasamoelina Mandranto , Rasolofoarison Tiavina , Riachi Moussa , Saadatian-Elahi Mitra , Samison Luc , Sanchez Picot Valentina , Savané Sita , Thera Ismaila , Touré Abdoulaye , Vanhems Philippe 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT.
Despite the numerous articles published on the clinical characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 with regard to high-income countries, little is known about patients in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) in this context. The objective of this observational, prospective, hospital-based multicentric study was to describe clinical features and outcomes of laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patients hospitalized in each of the participating centers in Bangladesh, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Lebanon, Madagascar, and Mali during the first year of the pandemic (March 5, 2020 to May 4, 2021). The study outcome was the clinical severity of COVID-19, defined as hospitalization in intensive care unit or death. Multivariate logistic regression models were performed to identify independent variables associated with disease severity. Overall, 1,096 patients were included. The median age was 49.0 years, ranging from 38.0 in Mali to 63.0 years in Guinea. The overall clinical severity of COVID-19 was 12.3%, ranging from 6.4% in Mali to 18.8% in Guinea. In both groups of patients <60 and ≥60 years old, cardiovascular diseases (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.99; 95% CI: 1.13–3.50, P = 0.02; aOR: 2.47; 95% CI: 1.33–4.57, P = 0.004) were independently associated with clinical severity, whereas in patients <60 years, diabetes (aOR: 2.13; 95% CI: 1.11–4.10, P = 0.02) was also associated with clinical severity. Our findings suggest that COVID-19-related severity and death in LMICs are mainly driven by older age. However, the presence of chronic diseases can also increase the risk of severity especially in younger patients.
Studies of Parasites on the Immune System of Honeybees <i>Apis spp</i> in Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, Nigeria
Authors: James O.O. , Ombugadu R.J. , Yako A.B. 
Published: February 2024

Mites continue to be considered the most devastating parasites of honeybee colonies. Atotal of 40 beehives were selected for examination of parasite infestations in four locations (Panda, Uchu, Tattara and Angwanwayo) of Karu L.G.A of Nasarawa State, Nigeria, from September 2018 to March 2019. Parasite isolation was carried out using the powdered sugar (Shake) method and the haemocyte cell quantification by using the haemocytometer where all haemocytes were counted under a light microscope. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) (Post hoc test) was used for statistical analysis. The p-value >0.05 in the first collection, showed no significant difference between the hives locations, while the p-value <0.05 in the second collection, showed that there was a significant difference in the hives locations. For Haemocytes cells quantification, the p-value <0.05, indicates that there was a significant difference in the mean values of the hives locations. The results recorded parasite infestations in 33% of honeybees. Training and effective bee management against parasite infestation is required for successful bee farming.
Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Parasites of Humans and Dogs in Amazah District of Jos-North LGA, Plateau State, Nigeria
Authors: Golshang J.G. , Patrobas M.N. , Oshadu D.O. , Dogo G.A. , Amuga G.A. , Lombin L.H. , Nanvyat N. 
Published: February 2024

Breeding of dogs in houses is a common practice in Amazah District which results in very close contact between humans and dogs. With the sharing of space, and sometimes even food, the conditions for the transmission of different zoonoses are created. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites of humans and dogs for treatment, control and prevention purposes in Amazah District, Jos North, Plateau State, Nigeria. A total of two hundred (200) stool samples of dogs and humans were collected from five (5) wards. Two diagnostic techniques namely, formol-ether concentration and flotation were used to analyse 100 each of the stool samples of dogs and humans. An overall prevalence of 41% and 52% were obtained from human and dog samples respectively. The variations observed between the prevalence in dog and man was found not to be statistically significant (p-value = 0.750). By gender, high prevalence of parasite eggs was recorded in males of humans and dogs compared to the females. However, the variations observed was not significant (p>0.05). In terms of age, the young humans (1-8 years) and dogs (<1-4 months) recorded higher prevalence of parasite eggs compared to the older age group (9-12 years) and >4 months respectively; the variation observed between the age groups of both human (p>0.05) and dog (p>0.05) was not found to be significant. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in both humans and dogs is high in this study. Males of both humans and dogs harbour more parasites compared to their female counterpart. It is therefore, recommended that public enlightenment be carried out in Amazah District to inform early diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal parasitic infections both in humans and pets.