bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress and Female Reproductive Hormones in Post Menopausal Women with Breast Cancer in Southern Nigeria
Authors: Nsonwu-Anyanwu AC , Usoro A , Etuk EB , Chukwuanukwu RC , Usoro CAO 
Published: August 2023

Background:
Reproductive hormones and reactive oxygen species produced by either hormonal or aerobic metabolism have been implicated in carcinogenesis of the breast and disease progression. Perturbations in the homeostasis of female reproductive hormones and oxidative stress indices in breast cancer (BCa) could be used for monitoring disease prognosis.

Objectives:
The aim of this study was to assess levels of some biomarkers of oxidative stress and female reproductive hormones in postmenopausal women with BCa at different stages.

Methods:
Reduced glutathione (GSH), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total plasma peroxides (TPP), nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), estradiol (E2), and prolactin (PRL) levels were determined in 50 post-menopausal women with BCa (stages II–IV) and 50 women without BCa (controls) by colorimetry and ELISA methods. Oxidative stress and body mass indices (OSI &BMI) and clinical history were obtained.

Results:
Post-menopausal women with BCa had significantly higher BMI (26.60 ± 5.17 vs 22.73 ± 1.21 kg/m2, P=<0.001), TAC (5.59 ± 2.38 vs 4.43 ± 2.66 mmol/l, P = 0.023), TPP (4.92 ± 3.59 vs 2.98 ± 2.82 mmol/l, P = 0.003), NO (31.96 ± 10.73 vs 23.92 ± 6.37 μmol/l, P=<0.001) and E2 (78.89 ± 54.54 vs 11.08 ± 14.80 pg/ml, P = 0.003) levels and lower mean age at menarche (13.16 ± 0.87 vs 14.14 ± 1.60 years, P=<0.001) compared to controls. Controls had significantly lower E2 (P = 0.003), TPP (P = 0.005) and OSI (P = 0.043) compared to women with stage II BCa; lower E2 (P=<0.001), NO (P = 0.010), TAC (P = 0.010) and TPP (P=<0.001) compared to stage III BCa; and lower E2, (P=<0.001), NO (P = 0.044) and MDA (P = 0.020) compared to stage IV BCa respectively. Prolactin correlated positively with E2 (r = 0.296, P = 0.037), and TAC (r = 0.336, P = 0.011) in women with BCa.

Conclusion:
Postmenopausal women with BCa at different stages have increased estradiol, antioxidants, lipid peroxidation, and oxidative stress index suggesting that these indices may be useful for clinical assessment and monitoring progression of breast cancer.
High-Risk Surgeries, Anesthetic Challenges, and Real Benefits of Peripheral Regional Techniques Revisited
Authors: Jasper AO , Onohwakpor EA , Akhator A 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACT
Patients with high-risk conditions for surgery may benefit from some form of regional block when neuroaxial regional blocks may be life threatening. Despite the increased use of ultrasound-guided peripheral regional blocks internationally, local infiltration and targeted nerve blocks aided by knowledge of anatomical landmarks remain helpful in these two patients presented. A 48-year old woman, presented with bleeding left breast mass, mild respiratory distress, and radiological features of lung metastases (Carcinoma of the breast stage 4). Her American Society of Anesthesiologist risk assessment (ASA) was grade 4. Anesthetic technique was mainly local infiltration and intercostal nerve block with 1% lignocaine (10 mg) and 2.5% bupivacaine (62.5 mg) and a 1 in 100,000 dilution of adrenaline in cardiac position with mild sedation with good analgesia and outcome. Another 24-year-old pregnant woman with dilated cardiomyopathy was being managed by a multidisciplinary team. Her cardiac state deteriorated as pregnancy progressed. Caesarean section was done successfully at 35 weeks gestation under local infiltration and rectus sheath block with local anesthetic agents, sedation, and oxygen masks in the cardiac position with good outcome. The good outcomes in these two patients showed the benefit of peripheral regional blocks in high risk patients. Early recognition of high-risk patients and appropriate anesthetic and clinical assessment with the formulation of right techniques can help salvage lives. This thought is more apt in equipment challenged environments like ours in Nigeria, when resources for ultrasound assisted peripheral nerve blocks are not always available.
Fournier's Gangrene
Authors: Gul MO , Sunamak O , Kina U , Gunay E , Akyuz C 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACT

Background:
Fournier's Gangrene (FG) is the necrotizing fasciitis of the perineal region.

Aims:
To compare the effectiveness of debridement alone and debridement with vacuum-assisted closure in the treatment of Fournier's gangrene.

Methods:
Twenty-two patients operated for FG were analyzed retrospectively. Debridement-only and debridement + VAC treatment groups were compared in terms of age, gender, predisposing factors, comorbid diseases, intensive care unit and hospital stay durations, laboratory results, septic shock, treatment methods, Fournier' gangrene severity index (FGSI) and mortality.

Results:
The M/F ratio was 13/9. There were 10 and 12 patients in debridement-only and debridement + VAC groups, respectively. Ten patients (45.5%) were admitted to intensive care unit, 8 (36.4%) needed colostomy and 7 (31.9%) developed septic shock, respectively. The mortality rate was 27.3%. There was no significant difference in terms of age, gender, laboratory parameters, number of debridement, length of stay in intensive care unit and hospital, shock duration, and mortality (P > 0.05). The FGSI scores also did not show any difference between the groups which showed that the severity of the disease in both groups are similar.

Conclusion:
The VAC treatment was found not to provide a statistically significant benefit on mortality. Early and adequate debridement and antibiotic are still the most important factors in the treatment of FG and to reduce mortality.
The Impact of Demographic Factors on Quality of Life in Women after Breast Cancer Surgery
Authors: Pačarić S , Turk T , Orkić Ž , Farčić N , Erić I , Nemčić A 
Published: August 2023

Background:
Health is the main focus of studies on quality of life. Cancer can lead to changes in quality of life in postmastectomy women.

Aims:
The aim of this study was to examine the relation among sociodemographic factors and to assess the quality of life of women with breast cancer a year from their surgery.

Materials and Methods:
This single-center cross-sectional study included 104 participants (50 participants with mastectomy and 54 participants with quadrantectomy) aged from 37 to 72 years. The 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) was used to assess physical, psychological, and social functioning of participants, as well as their sociodemographic factors and the clinical variables of the treatment.

Results:
Participants with quadrantectomy aged up to 50 years had a significantly higher score when assessed in social functioning and mental/emotional health. Older participants expressed no significant differences in quality of life. Participants with quadrantectomy in all age groups had a higher score in social functioning, mental/emotional health, energy, and vitality than participants with mastectomy.

Conclusion:
A year from the surgery and cancer treatment, the quality of life of postquadrantectomy women was better compared to postmastectomy women.
Evaluation of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Awareness of Patients Undergoing Dental Interventions in Turkey
Authors: Yilmaz B , Somay E 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACT

Aims:
We aimed to objectively assess the COVID-19 awareness of the patients requiring dental interventions in our dental clinic by utilizing a newly generated questionnaire, which may serve helpfully in the hard battle against the pandemic in our country.

Materials and Methods:
This study included 306 volunteer adults who applied to our dental clinic for dental interventions during the early days of COVID-19 outbreak in Turkey. All patients responded to a newly created questionnaire composed of four sections with 19 questions those mostly assessing the social and demographic details; like the participant's age, gender, marital status, education status, medical history, basic dental hygiene habits, occupation, and general information about the COVID-19 infection and its protection methods.

Results:
The outcomes of 306 participants revealed that their gender, age, and education status showed significant distinctions about the dissemination of coronavirus via dental interventions. Higher education status was linked to a loftier level of social awareness about the COVID-19 infection and its potential associations with dental interventions. It was observed that the participants were unsatisfactorily cautious against the COVID-19 infection and its dissemination pathways in their social environment, particularly in the specific case of systematic diseases and preventive measures. The primary way of obtaining information about the COVID-19 infection was the electronic websites.

Conclusion:
Deplorably, accentuating the urgent need for further intensive training programs on the relationship between the systemic diseases and COVID-19 infection, and explicit daily care methods in the social environment.
Apical Fenestration in Endodontically Treated Teeth
Authors: Alroomy R 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACT
Root canal therapy in teeth with root fenestrations can present with pain on apical palpation or persistent pain. The signs and symptoms of root fenestration in the absence of mucosal fenestration may be misleading, which may be misdiagnosed as non-odontogenic pain. Although CBCT is superior to periapical radiographs for the diagnosis of root fenestration, it failed to detect the intact cortical plate in the middle third in our cases. Therefore, the type was different in CBCT from its actual size surgically. Repeated non-surgical root canal treatment would not alleviate pain in the presence of root fenestration and may lead to apical root fracture. Root-resection relieves pain, unless the fenestration is accompanied by fracture. The aim of these two case reports was to describe the diagnosis and treatment of endodontically treated teeth with a persistent pain. Also, the difference of root fenestration type between CBCT and its actual size was described.
Comparability of Serum Creatinine-Based Glomerular Filtration Rate Equations in West African Adult Communities
Authors: Akpan EE , Ekrikpo UE , Udo AIA , Umoh VA , Nkanta AS 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACT

Background:
The clinical diagnosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is based on estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) using serum creatinine-based equations. Many formulas are used in estimating GFR.

Objectives:
We set out to determine the degree of agreement between the Cockcroft-Gault (CG), 4-variable Modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD). Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equations in our indigenous population.

Patients and Methods:
Adult participants were recruited across all sectors of life, education, and occupation. Blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, lipid profile, urinalysis, serum creatinine, and anthropometry were measured. Estimated GFR (eGFR) was computed using CG, MDRD, and CKD-EPI equations with and without the race factor. The Lin's concordance index (rho_c) and Bland–Altman analysis were used to determine the degree of agreement between various pairs of creatinine-based eGFR equations [MDRD with the race factor (MDRDw)]; MDRD without the race factor (MDRD); CKD-EPI with race factor (CKD-EPIw); CKD-EPI without the race factor (CKD-EPI), and the CG equation.

Results:
Two hundred and sixty-one adults, mean age 47.5 ± 9.9 years, 45.2% females participated in the study. Hypertension prevalence in the study population was 41.4 (95% CI 35.3–47.6%) while diabetes mellitus was 8.1% (95% CI 5.0–12.0%). The proportion of individuals with eGFRCKD-EPI less than 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 was 17.6 (95% CI 13.2–22.8%). All pairs of rho_c were lower than the threshold of 0.9 except for eGFRCKD-EPI versus eGFRCKD-EPw.

Conclusion:
There is significant discordance in the eGFR obtained from the various serum creatinine-based GFR equations in our population suggesting the need to validate these equations and determine the best equation for our general population.
Comparative Evaluation of Three Histidine-Rich Protein-2 Based Rapid Diagnostic Tests, Microscopy and PCR for Guiding Malaria Treatment in Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria
Authors: Orimadegun AE , Funwei RI , Michael OS , Ogunkunle OO , Badejo JA , Olusola FI , Agede O , Anjorin OE , Ajayi IO , Jegede AS , Ojurongbe O , Falade CO 
Published: August 2023

Background:
Malaria rapid diagnostic tests (mRDTs) are the preferred option for programmatic deployment.

Aims:
There are numerous mRDTs on the Nigerian market and there is a need to guide practitioners on the relative performance of the commonly used brands of mRDT in Nigeria.

Subjects and Methods:
The performance of three commonly used Histidine-Rich-Protein-2-based mRDTs (SD-Bioline™, Carestart™ and Paracheck-Pf™) against microscopy of Giemsa stained blood and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was evaluated among 190 febrile under-5 children in Ibadan, Nigeria. We calculated the sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, accuracy, and agreements.

Results:
There were 53.2% males. The prevalence of malaria parasite by microscopy was 46.8% and 57.9% by PCR. Malaria parasite detection by SD-Bioline™ was 60.5%, Carestart™: 60.0% and Paracheck-Pf™ 60.0%. Using microscopy as the gold standard, the sensitivities of SD-Bioline™, Carestart™ and Paracheck-Pf™ mRDT were 97.8%, 96.7% and 97.8% respectively while the specificities were 73.0%, 72.0% and 74.0% respectively. Using PCR as the gold standard, the sensitivity for both SD-Bioline™ and Paracheck-Pf™ was 85.5% and for CareStart was 84.6% while the specificity of SD-Bioline™, Carestart™, and Paracheck-Pf™ was 73.8%, 72.4%, and 75.0% respectively. The test accuracy was 81.0% for both SD-Bioline™ and Paracheck-Pf™ and 80.0% for Caresatrt™. The kappa coefficient of agreement between PCR and each of SD-Bioline™, Carestart, ParaCheck™ and microscopy was 0.597, 0.578, 0.609 and 0.739 respectively.

Conclusion:
The performance of the three mRDTs is a proof that any of the three is suitable for use in the diagnosis of malaria in the southwest of Nigeria.
Clinical Applications of Dental Stem Cells in Modern Regenerative Medicine
Authors: Alhazzazi TY , Alghamdi FT 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACT
The use of dental stem cells (DSCs) has emerged as a promising new approach for therapeutic purposes to treat dental and non-dental diseases. Thus, the aim of this systematic review was to compile all current information on the role and clinical applications of DSCs in modern regenerative medical therapy. PubMed and Google Scholar electronic databases were used to search the literature for relevant studies after applying specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. The search included articles that were published from 2009 to 2019. Several keywords were combined for the search: (1) “Clinical applications”, (2) “Dental Stem Cell”, and (3) “Medicine”. Only the 17 studies that fulfilled both the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in this systematic review. These studies investigated different aspects of DSCs, including cell types, clinical applications, and updates of their use in regenerative medicine. All 17 studies favored the use of different DSCS in regenerative medicine to treat diseases, such as bone defects, neural and skin injuries, Parkinson's disease, ischemia, and others. None of the studies were conducted on humans. This systematic review demonstrated the growing body of evidence supporting the role of DSCs in the field of modern generative medicine. The noninvasive methods of isolating these cells compared to those for isolating non-DSCs make them promising potential sources for the treatment of chronic and devastating diseases. However, more studies are needed to develop the proper guidelines for cases in which DSCs could be considered an accurate and reliable tool for modern regenerative medicine in clinical trials.
Pattern of Third Molar Impactions in North-Eastern Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Ahmad P , V'Vian T , Chaudhary FA , Chaudhary A , Haseeb AA , Yaqoob MA , Asif JA 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACT

Background:
Third molar impaction, if left untreated, has the potential to cause several complications. The evaluation of surgical difficulty of impacted third molar extraction aids in better formulation of treatment plan by minimizing surgical complications.

Objective:
This study aimed to determine the prevalence of third molar impaction and related pathologic conditions in a cohort of patients living in North-eastern Peninsular Malaysia.

Methods:
In this retrospective study, 490 orthopantomograms (OPGs) of patients who were referred to the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery department between January 2010 and December 2019 were assessed. Data including age, gender, ethnicity, frequency of third molar impactions, their angulations and levels of eruption, retromolar space, and associated pathologic conditions were collected. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24.0. The significance level was set to P < 0.05.

Results:
A total of 490 patients with a mean age of 28.87 years (range: 20–64) demonstrated 1957 impacted third molars (1022 mandibular + 935 maxillary). Impacted third molars were more likely present in females than males (1:2.20) (p < 0.05); and in Malay-ethnic (44.49%) patients followed by Chinese (34.45%) and Indians (21.02%). Mesioangular was the most common angulation of impaction both in the maxilla (24.68%) and mandible (18.34%). The most common pattern of third molar impaction was IIA (61.67%), and the retromolar space was significantly larger in males (13.6 mm; P < 0.05) than females (11.6 mm). The most frequently occurring pathological condition associated with third molars impaction is dental caries in the second or third molar (15.38%).

Conclusions:
This study highlights mesioangular impaction with their occlusal plane at the same level as the occlusal plane of the adjacent tooth being the most prevalent pattern of third molar impaction in North-eastern Peninsular Malaysia.
The Distribution of Geriatric Problems in Otolaryngology and their Alteration from Young Adults
Authors: Önay Ö , Aydin C 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACT

Background:
Many changes occur in human physiology with aging, and as expected complaints of geriatric patients differ from the other age groups in population.

Aims:
The objective of the study was to investigate the common complaints of geriatric patients attending to an otolaryngology clinic (ENT clinic), and to compare their complaints with the 18–65 years aged patients'. Materials and

Methods:
A total number of 41888 adult patients who visited the ENT clinic from 2015 to 2018 were retrospectively investigated. Patient complaints were scanned, and subcategorized as five groups (otologic/rhinologic/head and neck/ others/ neoplasias) and all data were evaluated.

Results:
Forty-one thousand, eight hundred and eighty-eight patients were included in the study, and 3946 of them were geriatric patients. The most frequent problem was otologic problems, followed by rhinologic problems among geriatric patients. However, rhinologic problems were the major complaint among the 18–65-year-old patients. A comparison of all the individual complaints bringing the geriatric patients to the ENT clinic revealed the three most frequent complaints: 1. hearing loss, 2. balance disorders, and 3. common cold. However, the three major complaints beyond nongeriatric adults were 1. tonsillopharyngeal disease, 2. common cold, and 3. inflammatory and infectious diseases of the sinuses, and these differences were statistically significant (P = 0.001*).

Conclusion:
It was found in this study that the five most frequently reported complaints of geriatric patients when applying to an ENT clinic are hearing loss, loss of balance, common cold, cerumen, and tonsillopharyngeal diseases. Unlike from nongeriatric population, otologic problems (most commonly hearing loss) were the essential ENT clinic complaints of geriatric patients.
Blood Count Parameters can be Useful in Predicting Vascular Events in Microvascular Surgery
Authors: Gunusen Ilkben , Ozdemir Ozlem Yakut , Gur Ersin , Tiftikcioglu Yigit Ozer , Ekin Yusuf Can , Ozturk Kerem 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACT

Background:
Vascular events are a major cause of flap failure and identifying patients who are at risk is of paramount importance. In the past, many studies have been conducted to investigate the effect of blood count parameters for ischemic events such as peripheral vascular diseases.

Aims:
This study aimed to evaluate whether blood count parameters can have predictive value for vascular events in microvascular flap surgery.

Methods:
Elective cases with free flap microsurgery performed in a single center were reviewed from 2015 to 2019. Demographic data, comorbidities, flap types, perioperative complications, and preoperative blood count parameters from the hospital records were screened.

Results:
A total of 147 patients were included in the study, taken from the 163 patients undergoing free tissue transfer. The rate of thrombosis and partial necrosis was 8.8%, was 8.2%, respectively, and the total flap loss due to these complications was 5.4%. Only patient age, gender, and length of hospital stay were correlated with flap loss. According to the preoperative blood count results, there were significant differences between vascular events and leucocyte, and neutrophil counts.

Conclusion:
The findings of this preliminary study suggest that these parameters may be used in predicting vascular events in flap surgery.
Evaluating the Efficacy of Chemical Disinfectants on Contaminated Dental Materials Contaminated by An Airborne Disease Tuberculosis Similar to COVID-19
Authors: Karaman B , Balık A , Cifter ED , Balıkcı A , Ozenen G , Ozdemir-Ozenen D , Ozdemir-Karatas M 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACT

Background:
Tuberculosis (TB) is a communicable disease as well as an airborne disease. Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) could survive on dental materials shipped to dental laboratories.

Aims:
The aim of this study was to determine the number of bacilli held on the prosthetic material and the effect of chemical disinfection agents on various prosthetic materials that were shipped to dental laboratory of TB patient.

Materials and Methods:
The study consisted of three study groups, and a control group. 10 mm x 2 mm disc-shaped (n = 18 for each group, n = 72 in total) nickel-chromium alloy (Ni-Cr), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), and dental ceramic (DC) samples were prepared. After exposure to MTB 24 hours in a 37°C incubator, six samples for each group (PMMA), Ni-Cr alloy and a control group DC samples) were exposed to three disinfectants; 10 minutes into 2% glutaraldehyde, 10 minutes into 5% sodium hypochlorite, and 1 minute into alcohol-based disinfectant after vortexed in distilled water. Colony forming units (CFU/ml) were calculated per milliliters. Two-way ANOVA statistical analysis method was used, and a P value less than 0.05 was considered as significant.

Results:
The bacteria count for six Ni-Cr alloy disc-shaped specimens were recorded as 40, 10, 8, 6, 5, and 4 CFU/ml, respectively. Intensity of the colonies were found to be lower in other groups. 5 CFU/ml were detected on a single PMMA sample in the control group, and 40 CFU/ml were detected on one of the dental ceramic sample. No MTB uptake was observed on any sample in the 2% glutaraldehyde and 5% NaOCl disinfectant study groups. In alcohol-based disinfectant group, 1 CFU/ml was observed on Ni-Cr alloy sample. The effect of prosthetic materials used in this experimental study were not statistically significant on the CFU (p = 0.293). However, the disinfectants use was statistically significant on the number of colonies (p = 0.004).

Conclusion:
NaOCl and glutaraldehyde appeared to be more effective than alcohol-based disinfectant in removing MTB from Ni-Cr alloy, PMMA and dental ceramic surfaces.