bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative Evaluation of the Osteogenic Potential of Titanium Discs Subjected to Argon Plasma Surface Treatment: An in vitro Study
Authors: Sardesai Poonam M. , Nayakar Ramesh P. , Uppin Ritiha C. , Killedar Sayed M. , Kakodker Mangesh A. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Titanium is the most widely used material for dental implants; however, its biological aging can lead to a decreased rate of osseointegration. Titanium surfaces on exposure to argon plasma possess a hydrophilic surface that increases the biological activity of osteoblasts on the implant surface. Hence, this in vitro study was undertaken to assess and compare the osteogenic potential and proliferative nature of osteoblast-like cells on titanium when subjected to argon plasma surface treatment.

Materials and Methods:
A total of 108 titanium discs (10 mm × 2 mm ASTM B348) were included in the study, and their surface topography was characterized. The test specimens were divided into two subgroups based on surface treatments used, i.e. the study group (n = 54): titanium discs treated with argon plasma and the control group (n = 54): sandblasted titanium discs. The osteogenic potential of the specimens was evaluated by assessing the cell attachment using a hemocytometer and cell proliferation using an MTT assay on MG-63 cell lines at three different time intervals of 24, 48, and 72 h.

Results:
The cell attachment and cell proliferation values were statistically significant (P = 0.001*). In comparison to the control group, these two parameters were considerably greater in the plasma-treated group. The total effect size of the study group was 85% as opposed to 35% of the control group.

Conclusion:
Argon plasma surface treatment had a positive effect on the cellular events of MG-63 cells which can be thought of as an added advantage along with the decontamination procedure for titanium to help in the process of osseointegration.
A Cauliflower-like Growth on the Anterior Mandibular Gingivae
Authors: Shetty Subraj J. , Pereira Treville , Desai Rajiv S. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Verruciform xanthoma (VX) is a rare, benign, soft-tissue growth, mostly affecting the oral cavity. The distinguishing feature in its diagnosis is the occurrence of foam cells in the papillary connective tissue. The growth typically resembles a malignant tumor; therefore, the clinical presentation may be deceiving. The histopathological confirmation of the diagnosis is, therefore, crucial. Once entirely removed, there is a low likelihood of recurrence. Here, we describe a 60-year-old woman’s case with VX on the mandibular gingiva.
Quality of Sexual Life and Attitudes toward Menopause among Postmenopausal Women Living in Northern Cyprus: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Uslu-Sahan Fatma , Er-Korucu Asli , Abic Arzu 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
Most middle-aged women in the menopausal period consider sexuality an important part of life. The aim of the present study was to investigate the factors affecting the quality of sexual life and attitudes toward menopause in postmenopausal women and the effects of their attitudes toward menopause on the quality of sexual life.

Materials and Methods:
This cross-sectional study was conducted with postmenopausal women in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus between July 2021 and April 2022. The research sample consisted of 255 postmenopausal women. The Attitudes Toward Menopause Scale and the Sexual Quality of Life Scale (SQLS) were used to collect data. The questionnaire forms were administered online. The data were analyzed using the independent t-test, analysis of variance, Tukey’s test, Pearson’s correlation, and linear regression analysis.

Results:
The mean score of the participants on the SQLS was 43.54 ± 12.56 and the mean score of the Attitudes Toward Menopause Scale was 60.39 ± 16.29. The study revealed that variables such as age, level of education, employment status, duration of menopause, and knowledge about menopause have an effect on women’s sexual life quality. In addition to the listed variables, income level was found to affect attitudes toward menopause. A positive attitude toward menopause causes an increase in the level of sexual life quality (β = 0.544, R
2 = 0.30, F = 106.260, R = 0.544, P = 0.001).

Conclusions:
The attitudes of postmenopausal women toward menopause are an important determinant of their sexual life quality. For this reason, it is recommended to develop and implement training programs that can improve sexual health of women and their attitudes toward menopause.
A Study to Assess the Prevalence and Factors Affecting Menopausal Symptoms among Middle-Aged Females in the Garhwal Region of Uttarakhand
Authors: Singh Pragya , Vyas Shaili , Vallabh Vidisha , Nautiyal Ruchira , Srivastava Abhay , Semwal Jayanti 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
Middle age is a link between adulthood and old age, which requires special attention. During middle age among females, changes like menopause occur, which is responsible for causing various physical, vasomotor, psychological, and social changes, which may affect overall well-being and positive mental health status. Hence, the present study has been planned to assess the prevalence of menopausal symptoms among middle-aged females.

Materials and Methods:
The present study was a cross-sectional study carried out in rural and urban areas of district Dehradun among 400 females. A stratified systematic random sampling technique method was used. All the females fulfilling the inclusion criteria and aged 40–60 years were included in the study. The Menopause-Specific Quality of Life (MENQOL) questionnaire was used to assess the prevalence of menopausal symptoms.

Results:
A total of 400 women were recruited in the study, 200 from rural and urban areas each. The mean age of the total study participants was 50.00 ± 0.32 years. Among 400 middle-aged women, 189 were premenopausal and 211 were postmenopausal. The frequencies of occurrence of menopausal symptoms were explored in 189 premenopausal and 211 postmenopausal women. The mean age of premenopausal women was 44.21 ± 2.35 and postmenopausal was 54.39 ± 4.21. Females experienced varying grades of MENQOL symptoms.

Conclusions:
It was found that majority of the females’ quality of life were found to be affected with different grades of menopausal symptoms. With increasing age, symptoms also increase and are significantly high among postmenopausal women.
A Study on Quality of Life among the Elderly at Urban Health Center in North Delhi
Authors: Mahaur Gunjan , Dwivedi Archana , Joshi Deepika , Dwivedi Nidhi 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
Elderly population in India is growing around 3% annually and is supposed to triple by 2050 than that at the time of 2011 census, according to a country report published by the UN Population Fund (UNFPA, 2017). A better quality of life (QOL) of the elderly has become a major public health challenges of the 21st century, so timely emphasis on maintenance of physical health and psychological issues is crucial. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to measure QOL among the elderly population and to find out the association with sociodemographic factors.

Materials and Methods:
This is a cross-sectional study done among the elderly population of an urban health training center. The study includes the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire-Brief version and a questionnaire for sociodemographic variables. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine associations and P value.

Results:
The overall QOL scores ranged between 52 and 110, with a mean score of 78.59 ± 12.6. Good QOL was observed among 64.9%of the elderly, excellent was observed among 19.8%; and the rest 15.3% had fair/average, while none of the elderly had poor QOL. Determinants significantly associated with QOL with P < 0.05 are age, educational status, professional status, marital status, and behavior of children with them and the elderly with comorbidities.

Conclusion:
This study shows the association of multiple factors with QOL among the elderly. Factors such as age, educational status, professional status, marital status, and behavior of children with them and the elderly with comorbidities significantly affect the QOL of the elderly. Hence, strengthening the health-care system, increase in level of education, encouraging social interaction, social security systems, and better environmental infrastructure could potentially increase QOL of the elderly population.
Functional Endoscopic Sinonasal Surgery in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Wardani Retno S. , Rahmawati Elvie Zulka Kautzia , Hutauruk Syahrial Marsinta , Lekatompessy Michael , Afina Rizka Dany , Tamin Susyana , Supartono Natasha 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background:
Functional Endoscopic Sinonasal Surgery needs indicators to determine success outcomes in the management of nasal obstruction-related obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Materials and Methods:
Preexperimental pretest and posttest designed studies were performed to evaluate the percentage changes value of Visual Analog Scale (VAS) nasal obstruction, Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), polysomnographic parameters, and upper airway collapsibility examined by drug-induced sleep endoscopy.

Results:
Seventeen patients from 2 studies were recruited with mean Apnea-Hypopnea Index of 3.74 ± 3.30 and respiratory disturbance index of 7.03 ± 3.56. The first study showed a significant percentage change in inferior turbinate size, nasal obstruction VAS, peak nasal inspiratory flow, and ESS Score as well as the second study of significant differences pre- and postoperatively of NOSE (from 49.50 ± 19.2 to 4.50 ± 4.4) and ESS (from 12.60 ± 3.6 to 6.60 ± 3.9). Both studies significantly changed the percentage of the duration of Rapid Eye Movement (REM) to 81.4% ±100% (95% confidence interval − 23.6, 186.3) and a significant difference from preoperative of 4.93 ± 4.40% to post-operative of 11.89 ± 6.19%. Three subjects with preoperative epiglottic collapse (EC) showed a mean value of NOSE 60 ± 5 compared to the non-EC collapse of 45 ± 21.6. In postoperative, there were 4 subjects with EC collapse with a NOSE of 6.25 ± 4.7 and 6 subjects without EC collapse with a NOSE of 3.33 ± 4.1.

Conclusion:
Functional Endoscopic sinonasal surgery improves NOSE, ESS score, and REM sleep in OSA.
Superficial Circumflex Iliac Artery Perforator-Free Flaps in Head and Neck Reconstruction: A Report on 10 Cases
Authors: Al-Assiry Ahmed M. , AlAssiry Mansour A. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The superficial circumflex iliac artery flap or as it was traditionally called the groin flap has gained a growing interest recently with the concept of perforators that revolutionized our understanding of many other classic flaps like the deep inferior epigastric artery, the thoracodorsal artery-based flaps, and many others. This revisiting process was brought about by further deeper knowledge of the anatomy of these flaps at finer levels. These advances made it possible to raise flaps with minimal donor site morbidities as well as to expand the applications for certain flaps to include different tissue components that serve the reconstructive needs better. Recent studies investigated its vascular supply, and a refined approach was adopted for using it in reconstruction. Another factor for revisiting this flap, is the lymph nodes that lie in its territory that may be used for lymph node transplant in lymphedema cases. Our objective from this report on 10 cases, is to display the flexibility and uses of the superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) free flap. We utilized the SCIP flap for ten sequential patients between November 2019 to August 2020 that were reconstructed with primary or secondary reconstruction in the head and neck region. All were performed by the same primary surgeon and his team. The serial cases incorporated 6 females and 4 males with a mean age of 51.5 years (range 16–80 years). In two cases, this flap was designed in a chimeric fashion including a bony segment from the iliac crest. In conclusion, we have found that the superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap has a reliable anatomy which facilitates a fast and easy dissection. Among others, this flap has shown that it has a strong advantage since it displayed minimal donor site morbidity.
Intratympanic Steroid Use for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Current Otolaryngology Practice in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Kanawi Hala M. Ali , Amoodi Hosam A. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Objectives:
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is commonly defined as a hearing loss of more than 30 decibels in three consecutive frequencies that occurs within 72 h. In most cases, it is considered idiopathic, and an evidence-based strategy to treat it is still debated. We aim to analyze the current practice of intratympanic steroid injection (ITSI) for SSNHL in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and compare it to the published data from the United Kingdom (UK), the United States (US), and continental Europe.

Methodology:
A survey of 28 questions was distributed among Otolaryngology Consultants and Specialists of KSA. It includes questions about demographics, indications for IT treatment, procedure, follow-up, and outcomes.

Results:
We received 75 responses. Around 66% of them indicated that they use ITSI to treat idiopathic SSNHL (ISSNHL). Forty-six percent (n = 23) did not use ITSI as a primary therapy. Forty percent (n = 20) used it in combination with other treatments, including oral steroids, and 14% (n = 7) used it as a primary monotherapy. The majority (36%, n = 18) considered using ITSI for up to 1 month. The commonly used course of treatment for our ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctors was three injections (50% n = 25), with a weekly dose being the most frequent interval (42% n = 21).

Conclusion:
This study showed wide variability in practice among Saudi ENT clinicians. This variation has been found across countries, in the UK, US, and continental Europe, which tells us that this is a global issue and there is not yet one unified protocol to be followed in the treatment of ISSNHL.
Facial Artery and Vein Myomucosal Flap: A Case Series and Review
Authors: Alansari Khadija Yusuf , Khan Faateh , Sabra Omar 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Islanded facial artery myomucosal flap (iFAMM) provide a reliable, thin, and pliable reconstruction modality for oral cavity defects with variable harvesting techniques. When pedicled on the facial artery and vein, intra-oral lesions can be closed in a single stage without the need for microvascular techniques. We discuss five cases here of patients ranging in age from 47 to 69 years, diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue, who underwent reconstruction of the oral cavity through the use of the iFAMM after primary excision of the local lesions by hemiglossectomy. All five patients had good postoperative outcomes with desirable aesthetic and functional results. iFAMM flap is an underestimated, satisfactory reconstructive tool for oral cavity defects after local excision of primary tumors. The pedicled technique over the facial artery and vein provides more reach and practicality for this flap.
Outcomes of 320-degree intrastromal corneal ring segment implantation for advanced keratoconus
Authors: Chen Nan-Ni , Sun Chi-Chin 
Published: February 2024

Abstract:

PURPOSE:
The purpose of this study is to investigate visual and tomographic outcomes and complications of long-arc length intrastromal corneal ring segment (ICRS) implantation for the treatment of advanced keratoconus.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
This retrospective study enrolled 10 eyes of 9 subjects. All patients received 320-degree ICRS (320-ICRS) implantation with femtosecond laser-assisted technique based on their advanced grading with preoperative high keratometry (K) value, asphericity (Q), and astigmatism. Medical records and corneal tomography changes of consecutive patients were reviewed at baseline, 1, and 3 months after treatment.

RESULTS:
There are 6 female and 3 male patients with a mean age of 29.6 ± 7.8 years in this study. Mean K (Km) reduced from 59.01 ± 5.81 D preoperatively to 50.7 ± 5.3 and 50.2 ± 3.66 postoperatively (after 1 month and 3 months respectively, P < 0.001). The changes in mean K, K1, K2, and maximum K (Kmax) reading were all statistically significant (all P < 0.001). Mean uncorrected distance visual acuity (UCVA) improved from 20/400 to 20/200. Mean best-corrected distance visual acuity (BCVA) improved from 20/100 to 20/60. Both UCVA and BCVA showed a trend of improvement at postoperative month 3, though insignificant in BCVA (P = 0.114). Mean Q improved from −1.59 ± 0.62 preoperatively to −0.48 ± 1.08 and −0.11 ± 1.04 postoperatively (after 1 month and 3 months respectively, P = 0.016, 0.002). No intraoperative or postoperative complications were observed.

CONCLUSIONS:
The present results suggest that implanting a 320-ICRS is a safe and effective procedure for treating patients with advanced keratoconus. Preoperative corneal measurements and the selection of types and thickness of ICRS are important to prevent unpredictable results.
The legal role of immorality in family property contracts
Authors: Kriston Edit 
Published: February 2024

A family property contract is an atypical contract, regulated by family law and contractual legal rules simultaneously. Contractual freedom is an important part of family property relations. Although private autonomy between family members cannot tolerate intervention, there are several situations that make it necessary. The limits of contractual freedom have a complex system in the Civil Code. The reason for that is the protection of legal rules has two directions. On the one hand, it helps family members in a vulnerable situation, and, on the other hand, it protects third parties who have a legal relationship with the family members. Another important reason for this complexity is the connectable nature of legal rules. Property contracts are primarily regulated under family law, secondly under contract law. As a result, we can find limits raised from family law orders, parallel to those, having contractual nature but at the same time adjusting effect to the family relationships. However, the invalidity of these contracts, as an important issue is already a neuralgic point. In cases of family property contracts, the long-term nature and emotional relation among family members make it difficult to use the traditional legal consequences of contract law. Furthermore, it is also complicated to find a perfect solution for legal arguments between parties. This is especially true in the internal/intimate legal relations of the parties, where the basis of accounts is called into question – because the property of parties is always changing –, it is difficult to reconstruct the circumstances at the time of concluding the contract not mentioning occurring temporary changes of property value.Immorality, as a ground for invalidity, has a unique interpretation and adjudication in family property contract because the emotional reason of parties complicates the situation, and it is difficult to track back the root cause or the original motivation, which led family members to accept disadvantageous terms.In my study, I will introduce the Hungarian legal practice and the interpretation of immoral family property contracts.
The invalidity of asset management contracts
Authors: Dúl János 
Published: February 2024

The paper addresses the issue of validity and invalidity of the asset management contract of national property. The definition of ‘national property’ covers both state property and municipal property, therefore the asset management contract is regulated by Act CXCVI of 2011 on the national property, Act CVI of 2007 on state property, and Act CLXXXIX of 2011 on Hungary’s local governments. Those must be taken also other legal acts into consideration such as Act V of 2013 on the Civil Code because the above-mentioned legal acts use certain legal terms regulated by the Civil Code. The contract shall be considered asa contract on the borderline of private law and public law; one must pay attention to every aspect of this contract. One aspect of it is the validity and invalidity of the contract.I will outline the issue of validity primarily along the grounds for invalidity regulated by the Civil Code. However, certain grounds cannot be taken into account. They are, in principle, related to the performance of a public task as the purpose of the asset management contract, or to the subjects of this contract, or the contract is valid due to other special features.
Role of Emotional Intelligence and Social Skills in Effective Leadership and Teamwork in Indonesia
Authors: Bethari Andini 
Published: February 2024

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate role of emotional intelligence and social skills in effective leadership and teamwork in Indonesia
Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.
Findings: The role of emotional intelligence (EI) and social skills in effective leadership and teamwork is paramount. Studies have consistently shown that leaders with high EI can build trust, facilitate open communication, and inspire their teams, leading to improved team cohesion and performance. Social skills, including effective communication and collaboration, contribute significantly to a leader's ability to motivate and influence team members positively.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Emotional intelligence (EI) theory, social learning theory & transformational leadership theory may be used to anchor future studies role of emotional intelligence and social skills in effective leadership and teamwork in Indonesia. Organizations should prioritize leadership training programs that focus on enhancing EI and social skills among their leaders. Organizations should include EI and social skills development as integral components of their leadership development policies.
Особенности изучения предмета микробиологии полости рта студентами–стоматологами
Authors: Сулейманов Сулейман 
Published: February 2024

В Бухарском государственном медицинском институте предмет микробиология полости рта (МПР) преподается студентам 2 курса направления "Стоматология" международного иностранного факультета по совместной обучающей программе (СОП) с медицинскими университетами России. На освоение предмета МПР всего выделено 144 часа. Преподавание МПР осуществляется путем чтения курсов лекций по общей и частной микробиологии, а также МПР и проведения практических занятий. В лекциях преподносится материал по основным темам и разделам предмета, новейшим достижениям и тенденциям развития микробиологии, вирусологии и иммунологии. В подготовке врача–стоматолога микробиология имеет очень важное значение, причем она ориентированы на подготовку врачей–стоматологов в соответствии квалификационными характеристиками. Для освещения материала мы используем презентационные материалы и мультимедийные средства, что значительно облегчает студентам усвоение материала. На практических занятиях по микробиологии полости рта мы знакомим студентов с микрофлорой полости рта, её составом и характеристикой (микрофлора зубной бляшки, слюны, десневых карманов), методами микробиологического изучения микрофлоры полости рта, гнойно–воспалительными процессами полости рта, обусловленными условно–патогенными грамположительными и грамотрицательными микроорганизмами. Теоретическая подготовка и практические навыки, приобретаемые студентами стоматологического факультета в процессе обучения, ориентированы на конечную цель подготовки врача–стоматолога в соответствии с квалификационными характеристиками.