bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Salivary Semaphorin 4D Level in Patients with Different Severities of Periodontitis (Observational Case–Control Study)
Authors: Alwan Zahraa M. , Mohammed Ayser N. 
Published: August 2023

Background:
Periodontal diseases are progressive, destructive, and inflammatory conditions of the tissues that support the teeth. An immune response is triggered by microbial dysbiosis in the sub-gingival biofilm. Semaphorin 4D (Sema4D) is a glycoprotein expressed by osteoclasts, T-cells, and activated B-cells involved in both immune response and bone remolding.

Objectives:
This study attempted to assess the salivary levels of Sema4D in patients with different severities (stages I–IV) of periodontitis in comparison to healthy control.

Materials and Methods:
A total of 171 participants of both genders were included into this case–control study. From the dental centers in Al-Najaf city and the Department of Periodontics in the College of Dentistry, University of Kufa, five groups were established for them: clinically healthy periodontium control group (19 subjects), Stage I periodontitis group (38 subjects), Stage II periodontitis group (38 subjects), Stage III periodontitis group (38 subjects), and Stage IV periodontitis group (38 subjects). The clinical periodontal parameters were examined after collecting whole unstimulated salivary samples from all individuals. The levels of Sema4D in saliva samples were estimated utilizing the ELISA technique. Statistical analysis used: ANOVA test, Games-Howell test, and Pearson correlation (r) test.

Results:
The findings revealed that the mean level of salivary Sema4D was the highest in the stage IV periodontitis group (758.11 ± 139.119), followed by stage III periodontitis group (725.815 ± 127.055), stage II periodontitis group (679.169 ± 121.993), stage I periodontitis group (601.742 ± 145.459), and control group (366.515 ± 47.635) respectively with a significant difference (P ≤ 0.01).

Conclusions:
The periodontitis patients showed higher Sema4D levels in unstimulated saliva as compared to the control. Hence, this molecule may play an essential role in the pathogenesis of periodontitis.
Impacts of Valproic Acid on Systemic Bone Loss Associated with Experimental Model of Rheumatoid Arthritis in Rats
Authors: Ali Mohammed Shaema Mohammed , Al-Zubaidy Adeeb A. 
Published: August 2023

Background:
Valproic acid (VA) is a compound used for many neurological disorders, which is also known as a histone deacetylase inhibitor. The impacts of VA on adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) in rats were investigated.

Objectives:
To investigate the possible osteoprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of VA in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Materials and Methods:
AIA was achieved through subdermal injection of complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) into the rat hindpaw. Forty Swiss albino rats were recruited in this study. These rats were divided into four groups: the normal control group received 0.1 mL phosphate buffer saline intraperitoneally each day, the positive control group received 0.75 mg/kg intraperitoneal once weekly dose of methotrexate, the AIA group received CFA without treatment, and the VA group received 300 mg/kg/day intraperitoneal dose of VA. Statistical analysis was done, and a P value of less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

Results:
VA (300 mg/kg body weight) administered intraperitoneally could significantly reverse the effect of adjuvant arthritis on bone mineral density and bone mineral content in addition to an improvement in bone formation markers (osteoprotegerin, osteoprotegerin/RANKL ratio). Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor and interleukin 1b were significantly reduced by VA treatment. Reduced serum malondialdehyde with the elevated superoxide dismutase level was also achieved.

Conclusion:
These findings support the evidence that VA has a positive effect on bone anabolism and its anti-inflammatory properties could be considered as a bonus in inflammatory disorders induced bone loss such as RA.
The Effect of Silica Nano Particle Derived from Natural Rice on Surface Roughness and Wettability of High Impact Heat Cure Resin
Authors: Khairi Azza Walaaldeen , Naji Ghassan Abdul-Hamid 
Published: August 2023

Background:
Poly (methyl-methacrylate) (PMMA) is considered the most popular current denture material; its principal material for the fabrication of denture base has relatively poor physical mechanical properties. Several nanofillers have been added to address this problem.

Objectives:
The aim of the current study was to investigate the incorporating of rice husk-derived silica particles into high impact heat cure acrylic resin to improve its physical properties.

Materials and Methods:
According to the results of the pilot study, high impact heat cure resin was mixed with 1% and 3% (by weight) of silica particles which derived from a natural rice husk source. The study’s samples were divided into two main groups (n = 10 samples for each group) based on the tests that were done. Each group was then divided into three smaller groups, (0% control, 1%, and 3%) depending on the amount of natural silica particles added (n = 10 samples for each subgroup).

Results:
The results showed that adding 3% silica particles derived from natural rice husk increased the roughness and wettability values significantly (P < 0.01), whereas adding 1% silica particles decreased the roughness and contact angle values significantly (P < 0.01) compared to the control group (0 wt.%).

Conclusion:
The incorporation of 1 wt.% and 3 wt.% silica nanoparticles derived from rice husk was found to enhance the surface roughness and wettability of high impact acrylic resin. With 1 wt.% and 3 wt.% rice husk derived silica produced the best outcomes.
Leptin and Ferritin as Indicators of Breast Cancer’S Severity in Overweight-Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Hamzah Sarah A. , Abd Basim A. , Mohammed Mushtaq Q. 
Published: August 2023

Background:
Breast cancer–obesity association is a significant hazard that affects postmenopausal women in a special concern. The microenvironment created by adipose tissue appears to be the basis for the relation between obesity and breast cancer, and raised values of leptin and ferritin may be the risk for tumor development.

Objectives:
This study aimed to investigate whether elevated levels of leptin and ferritin are correlated to a more severe form of postmenopausal breast cancer.

Materials and Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted on 240 postmenopausal women diagnosed with breast cancer at Babylon Oncology Treatment Center in Merjan Medical City in Al-Hillah City, Babylon Governorate under the supervision of the Department of Medical physiology in Babylon Medical Faculty. The study extended from the start of September 2022 to the end of March 2023. The patients were divided into two groups according to the score of their body mass indexes (BMIs). The first group of patients (n = 138) included those with BMI > 30 kg/m2, whereas the second group (n = 102) included those with BMI < 30 kg/m2. The diagnosis of breast cancer and its pathologic subtypes were determined based on the results of tissue biopsy samples. Serum leptin and ferritin values were addressed using special biochemical kits.

Results:
Values of leptin and ferritin were higher in the first group of patients in comparison to the second group and statistically significant differences were present between the two groups regarding those parameters (P = 0.001 for leptin and 0.0001 for ferritin).

Conclusion:
Elevated values of leptin and ferritin are correlated to a more severe form of breast cancer in postmenopausal women having elevated levels of BMIs.
Tracheobronchial Foreign Body Inhalation
Authors: Al-Anbari Abbas Jaafar Khaleel 
Published: August 2023

Background:Foreign body aspiration (FBA) is not an uncommon entity in the population.Objectives:In the current study, we discuss our experience in the management of 234 case series with tracheobronchial foreign body removal using bronchoscopy.Materials and Methods:The bronchoscopy database (from 2021 to 2022) was reviewed for subjects with a history of FBA managed with bronchoscopy. Demographic, clinical, and bronchoscopy data were collected and analyzed.Results:A total of 234 bronchoscopies were carried out for FBA throughout the study period. FBA was more prevalent in children under the age of two (29%) and in patients over the age of ten (24%). In 205 patients, a foreign corpse was found (87.6%). The majority of organic foreign bodies were sunflower seeds (22.4%). Nonetheless, the metallic pins (25.3%) were the most frequent foreign body. The preferred location for the impaction was the right major bronchus (45.9%). Just 90.2% of these individuals had a foreign body. History had an 89.7% sensitivity and a 31% specificity for detecting FBA. Laryngeal edema, which afflicted 32 patients (13.7%), and recurrent chronic chest infection, which affected 13 patients (5.5%), were the most frequent bronchoscopy-related side effects.Conclusions:Foreign body inhalation most frequently impacted children aged 1–2 years. The history is a major element in the diagnosis, and bronchoscopy findings were strongly correlated with the patient’s history of the incident. The most frequent clinical symptom among individuals who had a proven foreign body but no history of inhalation was protracted pneumonia. The location of the most frequent foreign body lodgment in the tracheobronchial tree depends on the type of foreign body, with metallic pins occurring more commonly in the left main bronchus. Laryngeal edema, which occurred in 13.7% of bronchoscopy patients, was the most frequent complication.
Interleukin-8 and -17 Levels in the Sera of Vaccinated Subjects Receiving a Booster Dose of Measles Virus
Authors: Al-Kaif Laith A. I. K. , Al-Khafaji Younis A. K. , Shandaway Sarah K. , AL-Janabi Uday H. K. , Kadhim Kawther Jawad , Akkaif Mohammed Ahmed 
Published: August 2023

Background:
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that can lead to severe complications. Vaccination has successfully reduced measles cases; however, the immune response to booster doses of the measles vaccine is not fully understood. This follow-up study aimed to investigate the levels of interleukin-8 (IL-8) and IL-17 in the sera of vaccinated subjects after receiving a booster dose of the measles virus.

Objectives:
This follow-up study evaluated the levels of IL-8 and IL-17 in the sera of volunteers who received a second booster dose of the measles virus vaccine compared to a control group.

Materials and Methods:
Forty volunteers were included in the study, with 20 volunteers receiving a second booster dose of the vaccine and the remaining volunteers serving as the control group. The levels of IL-8 and IL-17 were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at various time intervals.

Results:
The results revealed significant differences in IL-8 levels, whereas IL-17 levels showed non-significant differences among the tested subjects at different time intervals (P ≤ 0.05). In the vaccinated group, the mean IL-8 level after one week was 192.04 ± 31.44 pg/mL, whereas it decreased to 30.89 ± 4.44 pg/mL after 7 weeks, showing a significant difference between these two periods. The control group had an IL-8 level of 367.95 ± 32.61 pg/mL. Regarding IL-17, there was no significant difference between the 3-week measurement (415.63 ± 61.12 pg/mL) and the 7-week measurement (848.61 ± 54.29 pg/mL) in the vaccinated group, as well as the control group (819.46 ± 75.33 pg/mL).

Conclusions:
The findings of this study suggest that the levels of IL-8 decreased, whereas there was variation in IL-17 levels after administering a second booster dose of the measles vaccine compared to normal subjects. These results contribute to our understanding of the immune response following a booster dose of the measles vaccine and highlight potential differences in the immune profile of vaccinated individuals compared to the control group.
The Risk Impact and Benefits of Ramadan Fasting on Patients with Type 2 Diabetes in a Sample of Iraqi Patients
Authors: Selman Nihad Abdallah , Albayati Ali Hussein Alwan , Alsaffar Yasameen , Farhan Adil Hamid 
Published: August 2023

Background:
Ramadan fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam. In it, Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, and having sexual intercourse from dawn to sunset every day for the whole holy (Ramadan) month.

Objectives:
This study was conducted to assess the risk impact and benefits of Ramadan fasting on patients with diabetes in a sample of Iraqi patients.

Materials and Methods:
This is a cross-sectional prospective study involving 106 patients with type 2 diabetes who decide to fast Ramadan enrolled in this study and parameters gathered before and after Ramadan to identify anthropometric and biochemical changes that develop throughout the whole month.

Results:
More than 96% of patients fasted for more than 25 days of Ramadan. Hypoglycemia developed in 17% of patients. It occurred significantly in those with a history of mild and severe hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia >300 mg/dL in the preceding 3 months before Ramadan and those with comorbidities especially, stroke, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and hypertension. Following Ramadan, there was a significant reduction in HbA1c, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and significant weight reduction.

Conclusion:
Most patients with diabetes can fast for more than 25 days during the whole Ramadan month. Ramadan fasting can be considered as safe in patients with type 2 diabetes without comorbidities (like CKD, stroke). Ramadan fasting reduces the glycated hemoglobin, reduces body weight, and reduces blood pressure in patients with diabetes.
Assessment of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α, Interleukin-17, and Vitamin D3 Levels on a Group of Gastrointestinal Tumor Patients in Babylon Provence, Iraq
Authors: Al-Shimmery Ali Husain Shilib , Al-Alwany Marwan Hamed Obaid , Chabuck Zainab Adil Ghani , Al-Mammori Raheem Tuama Obayes , Mokif Thanaa Abdulmahdi , Mahdi Zena Abdul-Ameer , Al-Dahmoshi Hussein O. M. , Al-Khafaji Noor S. K. , Makki Al-Hindy Hayder Abdul-Amir , Abed Suhad Y. , Abdulabbas Hadi Sajid 
Published: August 2023

Background:
Gastrointestinal (GIT) tumors refer to collection of tumor including colorectal, gastric, liver, and pancreatic tumors and other.

Objective:
The current study aims to measure the serum level of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-17 (IL-17), and vitamin D3 among GIT tumor patients comparing with irritable bowel disease (IBD) patients and healthy control.

Materials and Methods:
Serum samples were taken from 88 participants (42 from malignant GIT tumor, 29 from benign GIT tumor, 10 from IBD (as positive control), and 7 from health individual (as negative control)). All patients admitted in GIT center of Babylon in Merjan Medical city at April up to December 2020. The TNF-α, IL-17, and vitamin D3 level were measured by Enzyme-Linked Immunoassay (ELISA.

Results:
The result showed younger men are more prevalent with malignant GIT tumor with mean age (53.39 years) than benign GIT tumor as well as IBD. There is an significant increase in TNF-α (Least Significant Difference (LSD = 1.79) levels of malignant GIT tumor when compared with other groups (mean ± Standard Deviation (SD) = 23.7 ± 8.1, 20.4 ± 2.8, 18.9 ± 2.66, and 18.1 ± 2.78 pg/mL for malignant GIT, benign GIT, IBD, and healthy persons respectively). Results of IL-17 level also reveal a significant increase (LSD = 13.2) of malignant GIT tumor when compared with other groups (mean ± SD = 222.2 ± 73.5, 128.2 ± 35.5, 201.5 ± 39.4, and 164.2 ± 44.1 pg/mL for malignant GIT, benign GIT, IBD, and healthy persons, respectively). Inverse results were documented for vitamin D3 level, in which a significant decrease (LSD = 23.45) in the levels of malignant GIT tumor was observed when compared with other groups (mean ± SD = 204.2 ± 24.3, 306.1 ± 97.2, 453.2 ± 78.2, 368 ± 78.0 pg/mL for malignant GIT, benign GIT, IBD, and healthy persons, respectively).

Conclusion:
The current study concluded that early age men get affected with malignant GIT tumor in Iraqi population giving a hint to that the population at high risk to involved with such tumor as well as other tumor types with elevated level of TNF-α and IL-17 and decreased level of vitamin D3. More and more studies with large number of patients should be recommended to exclude the factors in which that may lead to such conditions.
Comparison of ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block and quadratus lumborum block for postoperative analgesia following laparoscopic living donor nephrectomy
Authors: Sengupta Kaushik , Ladhania Jitendra , Kundu Amit , Mitra Titisa Sarkar , Mistry Tuhin 
Published: August 2023

Background and Aims:
The application of ultrasound (USG)-guided interfascial plane blocks in transplant anesthesia is expanding. This study evaluates and compares the postoperative analgesic efficacy of USG-guided transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) and quadratus lumborum block (QLB) in adult individuals undergoing laparoscopic living donor nephrectomy (LLDN).

Materials and Methods:
A hundred donors of either sex, aged 30–60 years, scheduled to undergo LLDN were randomly allocated into two groups. After completion of the LLDN, USG-guided unilateral TAPB and QLB were performed in lateral position in Groups A (n = 48) and B (n = 48), respectively. A volume of 20 ml of 0.375% ropivacaine was administered in both groups. Postextubation donors were shifted to the postanesthesia care unit (PACU). Heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and numeric rating scale (NRS) scores were recorded on arrival at PACU at the time of discharge from PACU. Subsequently, the donor was shifted to the intensive care unit, and the vitals and NRS scores (static and dynamic) were monitored postoperatively on the 2nd, 6th, 12th, 18th, and 24th h. Duration of analgesia and the number of donors who needed rescue analgesia were also noted. All the donors were observed for any side effects and complications. P <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:
The NRS score was significantly lower in Group B (QLB) than in Group A (TAPB). Duration of analgesia was significantly prolonged in Group B (11.34 ± 1.53 h) compared to Group A (9.05 ± 1.58 min). (P < 0.001)

Conclusion:
The QLB effectively prolonged the duration of analgesia, lowers pain scores, and decreases the requirement of rescue analgesia compared to the TAPB. Hence, the donors remain comfortable in the postoperative period without any potential side effects.
Comparative evaluation of intubating laryngeal mask airway with fiberoptic bronchoscopic intubation in anticipated difficult airway
Authors: Koul Neelakshi , Dhir Vinod Bala , Choudhary Nitin , Singh Jyoti , Nohwar Deepak Kumar , Kaur Mohandeep 
Published: August 2023

Background:
Management of difficult airway remains a cornerstone of anesthesiology requiring constant probe into newer devices challenging set gold standards. Hence, we compared the effectiveness of intubating laryngeal mask airway (ILMA) with flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope (FOB) in anticipated difficult airway.

Aims:
The aim of this study was to compare and evaluate ILMA and FOB for tracheal intubation in patients with anticipated difficult airway.

Settings and Design:
The study design involves comparative randomized study.

Materials and Methods:
Fifty patients undergoing elective surgery under general anesthesia with anticipated difficult airway (Modified Mallampati Class III/Wilson's Score 6-7) were divided into Group I (ILMA) and Group F (FOB). Primary outcomes, i.e., ease of intubation (number and duration of attempts) and success rate; and secondary outcomes, i.e., hemodynamic parameters and adverse events were noted.

Results:
Both the groups were comparable in age, gender distribution, body mass index, and type of surgery. The number of attempts required and hemodynamics changes were similar in both groups. ILMA required lesser time, i.e., 59.76 s versus FOB, i.e., 109.88 s in the first attempt (DA1) and 62.67 s for Group I versus 120.86 s for Group F in the second attempt (DA2), being statistically significant. ILMA showed higher adverse event rate versus FOB; however, the difference was statistically insignificant.

Conclusions:
ILMA is an effective alternative to FOB in patients with anticipated difficult airway with respect to ease of intubation, with similar hemodynamic stability, success rate, and adverse events.
A Randomized comparative study to observe the safety and efficacy of I gel and blockbuster laryngeal mask airway used in patients undergoing short surgical procedure under general anesthesia
Authors: Khare Arvind , Awana Poonam , Thada Beena , Mathur Veena , Kumar Pradeep 
Published: August 2023

Background and Aims:
Blockbuster laryngeal mask airway (LMA), a newer supraglottic airway device, provides a quick and reliable seal of the airway, making it useful for positive pressure ventilation. This randomized comparative study was undertaken to compare the safety and efficacy of I-gel and Blockbuster LMA used in short surgical procedures under general anesthesia.

Materials and Methods:
Hundred patients of either sex aged between 18 and 60 years belonging to the American Society of Anesthesiologist physical Status I and II undergoing general anesthesia were randomized into two groups of 50 patients each, using either I-gel (Group IG) or Blockbuster LMA (Group BB). After standard monitoring and induction of anesthesia, LMA was inserted according to their randomized groups and adequate ventilation was achieved. The primary objectives were grading of ease of insertion and time taken for successful insertion of device, while number of attempts for insertion, oropharyngeal seal pressure (OSP), hemodynamic changes, and adverse effects such as blood staining of device, injury of lips, tongue and teeth, postoperative hoarseness of voice and sore throat were secondary objectives. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 3.0.0.34.

Results:
The ease of insertion was graded as very easy in 46 patients in Group BB and 26 patients in Group IG (P < 0.001). The mean time for insertion was less with Group BB (24.30 ± 3.91 s) as compared to Group IG (29.50 ± 12.5 s) (P < 0.0001). 48 patients in Group BB while 37 patients in Group IG (P = 0.008) were required one attempt for insertion. The average OSP was 22.59 ± 1.44 cmH2O in Group BB as compared to 20.88 ± 2.22 cmH2O in Group IG (P < 0.0001). Hemodynamic changes were comparable at different time intervals. Complications such as blood stain of device and sore throat were more with I-gel.

Conclusions:
The Blockbuster LMA is an effective alternative to I-gel with faster, easier insertion, required a smaller number of attempts, high airway sealing pressure with stable hemodynamic, and less incidence of blood staining and postoperative sore throat.