bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of pre- and postsurgical periodontal therapeutic effects on serum sclerostin in confirmed periodontitis cases
Authors: Madhavi Banda , Prasanna Jammula Surya , Rani Koduganti Rekha 
Published: February 2024

Context:
Connective tissue and alveolar bone loss in the region of the teeth is very frequent in inflammatory conditions like periodontitis (PD). As things go, apical movement of junctional epithelium deepens the periodontal pocket, ultimately tooth loss. Periodontal research advancements in biomarker assay prop up the risk by prior identification. Sclerostin, a skeletal marker, has been assessed to explore the intensity of PD and its effect after periodontal therapy.

Aims:
This study aimed to estimate serum sclerostin in patients affected with PD at the reference point and after periodontal therapy.

Settings and Design:
This was an interventional prospective study.

Materials and Methods:
Age-matched 30 PD patients, both male and female, were chosen. Clinical considerations, probing pocket depth and clinical attachment level, were assessed. Serum sclerostin levels were estimated using ELISA at baseline, 4 weeks after nonsurgical periodontal therapy (NSPT), and after 6 weeks of Surgical Periodontal Therapy (SPT).

Statistical Analysis Used:
Data were scrutinized by the SPSS version 23. A descriptive, paired t-test was done for values obtained at various intervals.

Results:
A positive correlation of sclerostin was found with severity of PD and was declined from starting point to NSPT and further to SPT (P<0.001). Both clinical as well as biochemical parameters reduced to NSPT and more significant reduction to SPT (< 0.001).

Conclusions:
Sclerostin severity was reduced in NSPT stage compared with baseline values, and furthermore reduced in SPT stage. Concluding that periodontal therapy is effective on biochemical marks, intensity and periodontal disease initiation can prior be detected by markers such as sclerostin.
The prevalence of pulp stones in a North Indian population
Authors: Lyngdoh Daiasharailang , Alam Sharique , Iftekhar Huma , Rehman Aaliya , Un Nisar Andrabi Syed Mukhtar 
Published: February 2024

Background:
Pulp stones (PSs) are calcification within the pulp space formed as a physiologic or pathogenic response. Local and systemic factors are implicated in its occurrence.

Objectives:
The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of PSs in a sample of the North Indian population using dental panoramic radiographs, and to report its association with age, gender, tooth class, dental arch, and restorative status of the teeth (restored/unrestored).

Materials and Methods:
A total of 500 panoramic radiographs were randomly sampled from the archived dental records of patients treated in the dental hospital from 2015 to 2021. 450 panoramic radiographs containing 10,007 teeth met the inclusion criterion and were evaluated for the presence of PSs. The frequency of occurrence of PS between age, gender, tooth class, dental arch, and restorative status of the teeth was also calculated.

Results:
PSs were detected in 128 (28.44%) out of the 450 patients, and 369 (3.68%) of the 10,007 teeth examined. A χ
2 test of independence did not reveal any statistically significant association of PS with gender, age, and dental arch. The presence of PS was greatest in molars, and the results were statistically significant compared to all the other tooth types. The frequencies of PS were higher in the first molars (18.21%) than in the second molars (9.01%) when consolidated data for both arches were analyzed (P < 0.05). Carious/restored teeth displayed a statistically significant higher prevalence of PS than unrestored and intact teeth (12.95% vs. 10.32% prevalence rate as a ratio of total teeth examined).

Conclusions:
The etiology of PSs is not completely validated. Further studies are needed to establish the factors involved in PS formation and evaluate its association with systemic diseases.
Comparative cross-sectional study regarding the knowledge and attitude of dental students toward biomedical waste legislation, segregation, and management practice
Authors: Mahajan Santosh , Kapoor Harsimran Singh , Singh Jagtar 
Published: February 2024

Introduction:
Dental practices generate a huge amount of biomedical waste (BMW) and dental waste contaminated with body fluids and many toxic chemicals. Improper handling of these wastes affects the surroundings and health of all living beings of that area. It is, therefore, important for budding dentists to be well versed with the existing rules and regulations of BMW management and the harmful effects of these wastes.

Materials and Methods:
A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was carried out among undergraduates, interns, and postgraduate students pursuing dentistry in a dental institute in Punjab. The responses of the student were recorded and analyzed statistically using Chi-square test and Student's t-test.

Results:
The mean knowledge score of the students about the segregation of BMW is significantly more than legislation (P = 0.003) and management (P = 0.03). The knowledge of preclinical students is found to be less than other students. More than 80% opined that and there should be a regular program on BMW management and it should be made a compulsory part of the college education.

Conclusion:
Although the knowledge of students attending patients is more than the preclinical students, their overall awareness is less than adequate. It is envisaged through this study that implementing BMW management to be a compulsory part of college education could help to fill the lacuna in the knowledge of the present scenario.
Netherton Syndrome in a 1-year-old Filipino Female
Authors: Magpantay Loren Ann C. , Vista Emmerson Gale S. , Tuazon Camille Faye R. , Zuniga-Baylon Anne Irene C. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Netherton syndrome (NS) is an autosomal recessive genodermatosis characterized by cutaneous and systemic complications (recurrent infections, dehydration, and sepsis). This highlights the urgency of making an accurate diagnosis, especially in infants and children. However, it is important to note that the recognition of NS is usually delayed due to its rarity and similarity to cutaneous disorders with atopiform, erythrodermic, and ichthyosiform presentations. We report a case of a 1-year-old female who was previously diagnosed with a case of infantile psoriasis and was subsequently treated with topical emollients. However, after months of surveillance, the patient developed feeding problems, failure to thrive, recurrent diarrhea, upper respiratory tract, and gastrointestinal infection, leading to repeated hospitalizations. The patient then underwent further clinical examinations and laboratory analysis, which revealed abnormal hair shaft findings, elevated immunoglobulin (Ig) E levels, and normal chromosomal analysis. Multispecialty referrals with other services were done to address the current problems and ensure holistic care for the patient. On her last admission, the patient was given three doses of intravenous Ig therapy with noted improvement in lesion presentation without any systemic symptoms.
Cutaneous Metastasis of Unknown Origin: Dermatologic Features and Pathology
Authors: Solon Patricia Relatado , Hingpit Lea Fatima Bebura , Diaz Rosa Beatriz Santander , Quijote Kirk Llew Vilo , Gabaton Niña Aala , Guevara Bryan Edgar Ko , Visitacion Lalaine Rabe 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background:
Skin metastases are rare yet crucial indicators of advanced disease. They can mimic various skin conditions, making them challenging to diagnose.

Aims and Objectives:
To investigate the incidence rate of biopsy-confirmed cutaneous metastasis and explore the clinical presentation, workup, and diagnostic techniques for skin metastases.

Materials and Methods:
Local study involving comprehensive laboratory tests, pathological examination, and immunohistochemistry to identify primary tumors and confirm diagnoses.

Results:
Nodules were the most common manifestation of skin metastases, particularly in breast carcinoma. The chest wall and abdomen were frequent sites of involvement. Pathological examination and immunohistochemistry played a critical role in confirming diagnoses, revealing various histopathologic patterns. Immunohistochemical markers assisted in determining tumor origin but required careful interpretation. Monitoring tumor behavior over time provided insights into nature and origins.

Conclusion:
Comprehensive workups including laboratory testing, pathology, and immunohistochemistry are essential for accurate diagnosis and management of skin metastases. Careful monitoring of tumor behavior can provide valuable information about its nature and origins.
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices on Teledermatology among Dermatologists in the Philippines
Authors: Acoba Janine Bianca M. , Genuino Rowena F. , Dim-Jamora Krisinda Clare C. , Jamora Maria Jasmin J. , Sison Antonio C. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background:
Teledermatology has been widely used during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic to overcome barriers in access to care. The objective of this study was to assess the current knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding teledermatology among dermatologists in the Philippines.

Materials and Methods:
This was a cross-sectional and analytical study conducted from January 2022 to April 2022, among Filipino dermatologists using a self-administered online questionnaire. Descriptive statistics was used to summarize the demographics of the participants. The two-sample t-test, Chi-square test, and multiple logistic regression model were used to analyze the data.

Results:
Out of 113 respondents, 108 (95.5%) had adequate knowledge and a positive attitude toward teledermatology. The majority (110/113, 97.35%) practiced teledermatology. The most commonly used platform was instant messaging applications (78/100, 70.91%), and the most common factor that influenced their practice was patient demands or needs (74/110, 67.27%). Those who did not practice teledermatology cited technological difficulties as the main reason.

Conclusion:
Teledermatology was widely used by Filipino dermatologists to provide remote care during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, to fully utilize its potential and limit potential issues associated with its use even after the pandemic, continuous training and education among dermatologists and a more enabling technological environment may be needed.
Efficacy of Oral Lycopene Supplementation for Photoprotection in Filipino Patients in a Tertiary Hospital in Makati: A Single-blind Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Torno Katrina Marie A. , Tinio Patricia Anne T. , Lacson Stephen Thomas F. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background:
Ultraviolet radiation has been proven to result in unwarranted effects on the skin through reactive oxygen species (ROS) and direct DNA damage. Lycopene, a naturally occurring substance, acts as an antioxidant by neutralizing ROS.

Objective:
The objective of the study was to determine the efficacy of oral lycopene supplementation for photoprotection in adult Filipino patients seen in a tertiary hospital in Makati City.

Design:
The study design involves single-blind, parallel, randomized controlled trial.

Methods:
Thirty-six Filipino patients aged 18 years old and above with Fitzpatrick Skin Phototype (FSP) III–V were divided into two groups using a computer-generated randomization. Group A received lycopene 500 mg/soft gel capsule two capsules per orem once daily for 12 weeks, while Group B received no intervention during the entire observation period. Minimal erythema dose (MED) of patients from both groups was assessed by a single treatment-blinded reader at baseline, week 6, and week 12.

Results:
Group A showed a significant increase in MED across periods, with a 20.83% increase from baseline at week 6 and a 43.06% increase at week 12. Group B MED remained constant from baseline to week 6 and to week 12. These results show that there is a significant effect in the increase in MED as compared to the control group.

Conclusion:
Oral lycopene is effective in increasing the MED of patients and may be used for photoprotection among patients with FSP III–V.
A study of incidence of fibroid uterus, symptomatology, and therapeutic outcome of different procedures in patients with fibroid uterus
Authors: Rohin  , Deepthisri T. , Chaitanya N. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background:
Fibroids are benign, monoclonal tumors of smooth muscle cells of myometrium. Due to wide spectrum of clinical symptoms, they represent tremendous public health burden on women and economic costs to society. Strategies are needed to prevent its formation to limit growth and to treat nonsurgically.

Objective:
The objective of the study was to study the incidence of fibroid uterus, symptomatology, and therapeutic outcome of different procedures in fibroid uterus.

Materials and Methods:
Hospital-based prospective study was carried out among 14,250 patients. Among them, 3277 patients had fibroid uterus and 100 cases were included. Diagnosis was made by clinical examination and confirmed by radiological evaluation. Asymptomatic patients were monitored at every 6 months with pelvic examination and pelvic ultrasonography to determine growth rate of fibroid and symptoms. Medical therapy with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist was given as an adjunct to surgical treatment where temporary postponement of surgery was required. Myomectomy, laparoscopic myomectomy, hysteroscopic myoma resection, uterine artery embolization and hysterectomy were performed as per individual patient indication. Postoperatively, all patients were followed for 1 year, and outcome of various procedures in relieving symptoms and fertility was recorded.

Results:
The incidence of fibroid uterus was 23%. The incidence of fibroid was more in 31–35 years, in nulliparous women. The incidence of symptoms was 52%; most common was menorrhagia (44.2%). Dysmenorrhea was the most common cause of pain (37.5%). Proportion of patients got relieved of symptoms was the highest with hysterectomy (92%). Highest conception rate was after laparotomy/myomectomy in 58.3%.

Conclusion:
Dysmenorrhea was the most common cause of pain. Hysterectomy was best for relief of symptoms. Laparotomy/myomectomy was best for those who want to conceive.
Retrospective analysis of hysterectomies done for benign conditions at a tertiary care hospital in South India over a two year period
Authors: Purushotham. K , Padma. P , Manjula. D , Swathi. K 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
According to the statistics, hysterectomy is the most common procedure done in South India with the highest rates in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The present study was carried out to analyze patient characteristics, common causes and route of procedure, rate of concurrent oophorectomy, and complication rates. A retrospective study was conducted using medical records. The patient characteristics who had undergone hysterectomy for benign conditions were noted in a questionnaire along with the indication for surgery, operative findings, comorbidities, and complications. Overall, 243 patients were recruited of whom the majority (62%) had undergone total abdominal hysterectomy. The mean age was 43.4 ± 9.6 years. The most common cause for the procedure was abnormal uterine bleeding (78%). Twenty percentage had associated comorbidities during admission. The complication rate was 13.5%, and postoperative fever was the most common. Concurrent oophorectomy was done in 46% of cases. Increased age and parity were in more favor of vaginal hysterectomy (P = 0.00). The mean length of stay (LOS) in the hospital was 6.4 ± 2.9 days and was influenced by surgical procedure (P = 0.016), occurrence of complications (P = 0.00), and concurrent oophorectomy (P = 0.00). We conclude that the route of the procedure, the presence of complications, and concurrent oophorectomy influenced the LOS in the hospital.
Comparison of contrast sensitivity among strabismic and anisometropic amblyopes and its association with disease-related parameters
Authors: Naheed Farah , Ullah Saif , Asgher Mehmoona , Qayyum Sadaf 
Published: February 2024

Abstract:

PURPOSE:
To evaluate and contrast the contrast sensitivity defects present in strabismic and anisometropic amblyopes. And to find out the association of contrast deterioration with the visual acuity of the amblyopic eye, the magnitude of strabismus, and the amount of anisometropia in both groups.

METHODS:
This cross-sectional study was carried out in the orthoptics unit of a tertiary eye care facility between October 2021 and December 2021. There were 45 patients altogether. In the first phase, the patient’s history and ocular examination data were recorded after informed consent. The Pelli-Robson chart was used to measure contrast sensitivity. In the second phase, results were interpreted using the SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) version 26.0.

RESULTS:
Strabismic amblyopes were 24 and anisometropic amblyopes were 21. A significant positive association existed between both groups’ contrast sensitivity and visual acuity (P = 0.000). A moderately negative correlation between contrast and anisometropia was statistically significant (P = 0.025) in anisometropic amblyopes. However, no association (P > 0.050) existed between the contrast and magnitude of strabismus in any group.

CONCLUSION:
The study concluded that contrast sensitivity decreases in both groups, whereas anisometropic amblyopes have poorer contrast than strabismic amblyopes. Excessively decreased contrast sensitivity among anisometropic amblyopes was solely because of the worst amblyopia in this group, whereas the magnitude of strabismus does not affect contrast sensitivity.
Effectiveness of a Digital Application-Based Self-Care Management Program in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes in Thai Nguyen Province, Vietnam
Authors: Loi Phung Van , Hoang Ngo Huy , Xuyen Dao Thanh 
Published: February 2024

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of educational communication intervention using SMDia software in improving knowledge, self-care activities, quality of life and glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes in Thai Nguyen province, Vietnam.
Methodology: It was an intervention study with control group. Intervention study was conducted from March 2021 to May 2022 on 240 patient’s type 2 diabetes who was randomly assigned to the control group and intervention group, each group had 120 people. It was to evaluate the effectiveness of educational communication intervention using SMDia software for self-care knowledge, self-care activities, and quality of life, using the DSCKQ-30, SDSCA, and V.SF-36v2 toolkits for glycemic control by fasting blood sugar levels, HbA1c at times before and after intervention.
Findings: After intervention, there was a clear improvement over time and level in the intervention group compared to the control group after 24 weeks. The self-care knowledge score in the intervention group’s 26.60 ± 2.96 points; the self-care activity score in the intervention group's 69.40 ± 9.31 points; the quality of life score for physical health in the intervention group's 73.25 ± 9.34 points; the mental health quality of life score in the intervention group's 72.74 ± 7.0 points. The intervention effect on change in self-care activities, quality of life and self-care knowledge were 167.8%, 163.6%, and 64.0%, respectively. After 24 weeks, the rates of patients with poor blood sugar control and poor HbA1c in the intervention group was 36.7% and 7.5%. The rate of blood sugar control achieved the target increased by 15.8%, HbA1c reached the target increased by 31.7%. Intervention effectiveness reached 8.2% for blood sugar control and 41.8% for HbA1c control.
Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: Educational communication intervention using SMDia software has shown to significantly improve self-care knowledge, self-care activities, quality of life and glycemic control for patients with type 2 diabetes.
Estimation of Energy Separation in Tunelling States in Symmetric-Hyperbolicus Double-Well Potential Problem using Filter Method
Authors: Abdurrouf Abdurrouf , Saroja Gancang , Nurhuda Muhammad 
Published: February 2024

Double well potential (DWP) plays an important role in quantum physics but its analytical exact solutions are incomplete, except for some limited quasi-exact solvable (QES) and therefore numerical solutions are still required. This paper is aimed to obtain numerical solution of the recently proposed symnetric-hyperbolicus DWP and by using our newly developed filter method. The filter method is able to produce eigen-energies ​​and eigenfunctions those are in accordance with the exact analytical results. Next, we obtain the dependence of the ground state energy and the energy separation between the 2 lowest states on the DWP parameter k. For large k, the 2 lowest energy levels are below the potential barrier so the eigenfunctions penetrate the barrier, so the 2 lowest energy levels can be considered as the result of a single energy split. In this case, we observe that the energy separation is an exponential function k, as opposed to a linear function for smaller k in the non tunelling region. The exponential trend of the numerical results is in good agreement with the theoretical approach and allows one to estimate the 2 lowest energies for a given k.
HIGHLIGHTS

For small , the two lowest energy levels lie above the barrier potential, where both ground state and the energy separation is a linier function of
For large , the two lowest energy levels lie below the barrier potential so that the eigenfunction penetrates the barrier. As a result, the two lowest energy levels can be thought of as splitting energy states. In this case, we observe that the energy separation is an exponential function . Since also depends on , it is possible to estimate the two lowest energy levels
The exponential trend of the numerical results for large agrees well with the theoretical approach, shown by the linear relationship between and the classical actions in the classical forbidden regions,

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
KHẢO SÁT TỈ LỆ HUYẾT KHỐI TIỂU NHĨ TRÁI TRÊN SIÊU ÂM TIM QUA THỰC QUẢN Ở NGƯỜI CAO TUỔI RUNG NHĨ
Authors: Lê Quốc Hưng , Nguyễn Thanh Huân , Nguyễn Thanh Huân , Nguyễn Quang Huy , Nguyễn Văn Bé Hai 
Published: February 2024

Đặt vấn đề: Xác định tỉ lệ huyết khối tiểu nhĩ trái trên bệnh nhân cao tuổi và khảo sát đặc điểm lâm sàng, cận lâm sàng, giữa hai nhóm có và không có huyết khối tiểu nhĩ trái cũng như khảo sát mối liên quan giữa siêu âm tim và sự hình thành huyết khối tiểu nhĩ trái. Đối tượng và phương pháp nghiên cứu: Nghiên cứu mô tả cắt ngang trên bệnh nhân cao tuổi được siêu âm tim qua thực quản tại khoa Nội Tim mạch Bệnh viện Thống Nhất từ tháng 11/2022 đến tháng 6/2023. Kết quả: Nghiên cứu được thực hiện trên 103 bệnh nhân cao tuổi với tuổi trung bình là 71,22 ± 7,56, tỉ lệ nam giới là 58,3%, chúng tôi ghi nhận kết quả: Tần suất huyết khối tiểu nhĩ trái bằng siêu âm tim qua thực quản trên bệnh nhân cao tuổi có rung nhĩ là: 24.3%. Ở nhóm bệnh nhân có huyết khối tiểu nhĩ trái có đường kính nhĩ trái lớn hơn và tỉ lệ máu xoáy trong nhĩ trái/tiểu nhĩ trái cao hơn có ý nghĩa thống kê khi so sánh với nhóm không có huyết khối tiểu nhĩ trái. Hồi quy logistic đa biến ghi nhận vận tốc dòng máu qua tiểu nhĩ trái ở nhóm có huyết khối thấp hơn so với nhóm không có huyết khối tiểu nhĩ trái với OR = 0,0001; KTC 95%: 0,0000003 – 0,02; p < 0,01. Kết luận: Tỉ lệ huyết khối tiểu nhĩ trái ở người cao tuổi rung nhĩ còn cao, cần thực hiện siêu âm tim qua thực quản một cách thường quy để phát hiện và điều trị tích cực trước khi thực hiện triệt đốt cho bệnh nhân. Cần khảo sát huyết khối cẩn thận hơn nếu có các dấu hiệu giãn nhĩ trái, máu xoáy đặc biệt là vận tốc dòng máu qua tiểu nhĩ trái thấp.