bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationship between Hemispheric Preference Score and Academic Performance among Preclinical Medical Students Studying Medicine and Dentistry
Authors: Khanal Laxman , Shah Sandip , Koirala Sarun , Rimal Jyotsna , Adhikari Baikuntha Raj , Baral Dharanidhar 
Published: March 2023

Background:
Understanding the style of learning and thinking (SOLAT) of the students is necessary to keep students actively involved in learning, which could influence the academic performance of the students.

Aim:
The objective of this study was to compare the right and left hemisphere preferences for processing information with academic performance of medical students in both theory and practical exams.

Materials and Methods:
The hemispheric preference score for learning and thinking style among first year MBBS (95) and BDS (42) students was determined by SOLAT tool prepared by Dr. V. Venkataraman (1994). A comparison of the hemispheric score between high achievers and low achievers in theory and practical exams was performed by using the unpaired Student’s t-test and Mann–Whitney U-test.

Results:
The mean hemispheric scores for the right hemisphere, left hemisphere, and whole brain were 26.51, 14.5, and 6.76, respectively. High achievers in theory exam and practical exam received a higher left-hemispheric score and whole-brain score than low achievers; the difference in the mean value of hemispheric score was statistically not significant.

Conclusion:
There was no statistically significant relationship between academic achievement and hemispheric preference scores.
Effect of Conventional and Rolled Cigarette Smoke on the Colour of Artificial Teeth and Effectiveness of Hygiene Protocols in Removing Pigmentation - An in vitro Study
Authors: Alvim Graziele Cristina , Paiva Gabriella Rodovalho , Alandia-Román Carla Cecilia , Lepri César P. , De Castro Denise T. 
Published: March 2023

Context:
Artificial teeth are widely used in oral rehabilitation. Despite the benefits, they are more susceptible to colour changes, causing aesthetic problems.

Aims:
To evaluate the effect of conventional cigarette and straw smoke on the colour of artificial teeth and the effectiveness of hygiene protocols in removing pigmentation.

Material and Methods:
Acrylic resin incisors were divided into two groups (n = 50): Exposed to conventional cigarette and straw smoke. Regarding the effectiveness of hygiene protocols, the teeth were divided into ten subgroups with predetermined immersion times. The colour was measured with a colorimeter. The CIE values L* a* b* were recorded before and after exposure to smoke and after hygiene protocols. Statistical analysis used T-test of independent samples and two-way ANOVA with Bonferroni post-test (α = 0.05).

Results:
Conventional (16.16 ± 1.65) and straw (16.29 ± 1.95) cigarettes provided clinically unacceptable ΔE values, with no significant difference between them (P = 0.719). Conventional cigarettes promoted less luminosity (ΔL = –12.68 ± 1.28) (P < 0.001) and straw greater tendency to yellow (Δb = 11.00 ± 1.46) (P < 0.001). The hygiene protocols influenced the ΔE, ΔL, and Δb of the samples, depending on the type of smoke (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:
The conventional and rolled cigarette smoke promote an unacceptable colour change in artificial teeth. Hygiene protocols with the use of brushing, in isolation or in association with chemical solutions are more effective in removing pigmentation caused by both types of cigarettes compared to only the chemical solution.
Evaluation of the Efficacy of Different Intracanal Medicaments Against Candida albicans and Enterococcus faecalis - An In-Vitro Study
Authors: Mathew Rohit , Sukumaran Ashok S. , Singh Prabath , Varughese Anju V. 
Published: March 2023

Aim:
This study aims to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of certain intracanal medicaments against Candida albicans and Enterococcus faecalis.

Methods:
Freshly extracted 120 single rooted mandibular premolars were selected for the study. Teeth were decoronated and cleaning and shaping was done up to F3 universal protaper system and were divided mainly into two groups: Candida albicans (C. albicans) (n = 60) and Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) (n = 60). The medicaments include: G1: chlorhexidine + calcium hydroxide, G2: sodium hypochlorite + calcium hydroxide, G3: 2% chlorhexidine gel, G4: octenisept, G5: 0.1% octenisept solution + calcium hydroxide, and G6: physiologic saline (n = 5). Teeth were contaminated with Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans which were cultured, respectively, in brain heart infusion and Sabouraud's dextrose agar for 21 days followed by intracanal medication and colony forming units were counted on the second and seventh day. Statistical analysis was done using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's post hoc test.

Results:
Against C. albicans, CHX + CH, 2% CHX gel, 0.1% octenidine (OCT) gel and OCT + CH showed statistically significant differences on the 2nd and 7th day. But against Enterococcus faecalis, only 0.1% OCT gel and 2% CHX gel showed statistically significant differences on the 2nd and 7th day. Among all the groups, 0.1% OCT gel and 2% CHX gel showed predominant antimicrobial efficacy.

Conclusion:
From the limitations of the current study, all the medicaments showed antimicrobial effect against Candida albicans and Enterococcus faecalis on the 2nd and 7th day with higher microbial inhibition on the 7th day.
The Effect of COVID-19 on Orthodontic Treatment Demand and its Delivery in India
Authors: Grewal Harpreet , Bhutiani Neha , Balachandran Rajiv 
Published: March 2023

Introduction:
The ongoing pandemic has transformed the entire structural and functional framework of the world including the medical and dental healthcare services. The current study intends to examine the pattern of dynamically changing working conditions and orthodontic treatment delivery during the various phases of pandemic.

Method:
An online survey was conducted using Google form for orthodontic specialists practicing in India. Information regarding the impact of the pandemic on various aspects like patient turnover, treatment demand, clinical management, and new challenges faced were analysed through a self-designed close-ended questionnaire for two phases. Phase I (March 2020 to September 2020) corresponded to the onset of COVID 19 pandemic and lockdown, whereas the Phase II (October 2020 to March 2021) coincided with the time of Unlock and resumption of activities thereafter.

Results:
The parameters showing similar trend in Phases I and II included the willingness of ongoing orthodontic patients to report for appointments, choice of treatment modality, number and type of emergencies, cost of materials, guidelines for work, and duration of non-delivery of orthodontic procedures. The new patients reporting, complex orthodontic therapy, tele-consultation, and financial wellbeing showed an improvement while the usage of personal protective equipment kit, fear amongst orthodontists reduced in Phase II.

Conclusions:
Challenging situations warrant prudent measures to combat and continue the essential services, especially those related to the healthcare. A detailed analysis of the various phases of the ongoing pandemic will enable us to devise suitable measures to ensure uninterrupted orthodontic treatment even in such critical times.
Prevalence of Periodontitis and its Association with Smokeless Tobacco (SLT) Use Amongst the Adult Population of Greater Noida, India - A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Athar Simoona , Arora Sachit A. , Kalsi Rupali , Saurav Kumar , Arora Vikram , Baro Kamal 
Published: March 2023

Context:
Smokeless tobacco (SLT) has been consumed in India since times immemorial. It is the need of an hour to emphasise about awareness and harmful effects of SLT in relation to periodontium.

Aim:
The aim of the study was to access the prevalence of periodontitis and its association with SLT amongst the adult population of Greater Noida, India. Settings and Design: Hospital-based study and cross-sectional design.

Methods and Material:
This cross-sectional study included 512 SLT subjects between the ages of 18 and 79 years. The study was carried out from December 2019 to January 2022. A self-designed questionnaire was used for recording demographic details, forms of SLT, frequency, duration of use, and sites of retention of SLT products. The clinical periodontal parameters such as periodontal pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) were recorded in a given point of time.

Statistical Analysis Used:
Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis.

Results:
The prevalence of periodontitis among SLT was 81.6% with the highest occurrence of Stage III Periodontitis (35.4%). The use of SLT for ≥10 years [odds ratio (OR) = 3.05, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.86–6.27] showed threefold the risk for periodontitis compared to others who consumed SLT for 4–5 years. Gutkha consumers [OR = 2.56 (95% CI = 0.75–3.48)] were 2.56 times more prone to have periodontitis as compared to other forms of SLT.

Conclusions:
Periodontitis is positively associated with SLT use. Awareness, timely intervention, and periodic screening in the SLT users will help to prevent the progression of periodontitis.
Evaluation of Wiping Edible Sesame Oils in the Oral Cavities of Hospitalised Older Patients Who Resist Oral Hygiene Management
Authors: Ogawa Toshiko , Nishio Junko 
Published: March 2023

Context:
One of the causes of aspiration pneumonia is poor oral hygiene. We need care methods that caregivers can quickly, safely and inexpensively implement for convalescents with inadequate self-care. Edible sesame oil containing sesamin or sesaminol has already been shown to inhibit bacterial and fungal growth and have a vasodilating effect.

Aims:
The aim of this study is to evaluate the usefulness of using edible sesame oils for oral hygiene management.

Settings and Design:
This study evaluates an oral hygiene management method using two types of sesame oils in elderly hospitalised patients resistant to oral hygiene management.

Methods and Material:
The inpatients received oral care for 90 days. In the intervention groups, nurses brushed and wiped the oral cavity with roasted sesame oil (RSO) or sesame salad oil, while in the control group, care with tap water alone and brushing were done. Bacteria and Candida counts from tongue swabs, water content from the tongue's surface and cheek mucosa, oral health assessment tool (OHAT) and cytology of the cheek mucosa were assessed every 30 days before and after the intervention.

Results:
RSO showed a tendency to reduce the number of bacteria and Candida. There was an improvement in the OHAT scores with both oils. The water content or cytology was not changing.

Conclusions:
Sesame oils may improve oral hygiene and maintain health in older patients.
Effects of Different Storage Temperatures on the Properties of Nonlatex Orthodontic Modules
Authors: Sharma Shivam , Singh Ashish K. , Batra Puneet , Arora Nitin , Kannan Sridhar 
Published: March 2023

Objective:
To evaluate and compare the effect of variation in storage temperatures and duration on a tensile load at failure of elastomeric modules.

Methods:
In total, 140 modules were used in the study, 20 of which were tested on day 0 as received from a company using a Universal testing machine for baseline estimation of tensile load at failure. The rest 120 modules were divided into 6 groups. Groups I, II, and III modules were stored at low (T1 = 1–5°C), moderate (T2 = 20–25°C) and high (T3 = 35–40°C) temperatures, respectively, for 6 months. Groups IV, V and VI modules were stored at temperatures T1, T2 and T3 for 1 year, respectively, and were tested for tensile load at failure.

Results:
The tensile load at failure for the control group was 21.588 ± 1.082 N and for 6-month interval at temperatures T1, T2 and T3 was 18.818 N ± 1.121 N, 17.841 N ± 1.334 N and 17.149 N ± 1.074 N, respectively, and for 1 year, it was 17.205 N ± 1.043 N, 16.836 N ± 0.487 N and 14.788 N ± 0.781 N, respectively. The tensile load at failure decreased significantly from 6 months to 1 year among each temperature group.

Conclusions:
Maximum force degradation was seen in modules at high temperature followed by medium temperature and low temperature at both 6 months and 1 year intervals, and tensile load at failure decreased significantly from 6 months to 1 year storage duration. These results conclude that the temperature and duration at which the samples were exposed during storage produce a significant change in the forces exerted by the modules.
Third Molar Maturity Index as an Efficient Tool for Prediction of Age in a Sample Indian Population - A Retrospective Study
Authors: Natarajan Srikant , Sharada C , Yellapurkar Shweta , Jose Nidhin Phillip , Shenoy Nandita , Naik Dilip G. 
Published: March 2023

Introduction:
The age of 18 years is an important milestone for legal matters, and developmental parameters of teeth are often used for estimation of this age. The aim of this study is to assess the efficiency of third molar maturity index (I3M) in establishing age of 18 years in Dakshina Kannada population.

Methods:
A total of 700 orthopantomograms were retrieved from the archives of the radiology department of Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Mangalore. The length and the width of the open apex of the mandibular left third molar was assessed using Image J software and the Third molar maturity Index (I3M) was calculated and correlated with the age of the individual.

Results:
Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed the Area under curve of 0.94 and 0.96 in females and males, respectively, for prediction of age of 18 years. The cut-off of 0.08 predicted the 18-year cut-off with 97% specificity and 90.2% negative predictive value. The percentage of the accuracy was 80.23% if the I3M was <0.08.

Conclusion:
The efficiency of the cut-off of 0.08 of I3M has been tested in various population including Kosovar, Peruvian, South Indian, Libyan, Montenegro, Croatian, African (Botswana), Albanian, and Serbian. Our study also shows the efficiency of the same in South Indian Dakshina Kannada population.
Evaluation and Comparison of Mechanical Properties of Platelet-Rich Fibrin Membrane, Fish Collagen Membrane, Bovine Collagen Membrane and Chorionic Membrane – An SEM Study
Authors: Chhaya Deesha , Vaidya Naman , Patel Vasumati , Chudasama Krutika , Doshi Shivani H , Kumar Pravin 
Published: March 2023

Objectives:
This study aimed to evaluate and compare the mechanical properties of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) membrane with that of commercially available collagen membranes and chorionic membranes.

Materials and Methods:
The modulus of elasticity and hardness of PRF membrane, bovine collagen membrane, fish collagen membrane, and chorionic membrane were assessed using a universal testing machine. The in vitro degradation rate was assessed by placing these membranes on a temperature-controlled shaker set for one week. The degradation profiles were expressed as the accumulated weight loss of the membrane. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) evaluation of these membranes was done under both low and high magnification. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's post hoc tests were performed for statistical analysis.

Results:
A statistically significant difference in the tensile strength and hardness of membranes was observed. Bovine collagen membrane had the highest strength (84.11 MPa and 16.46 MPa) followed by fish collagen membrane, chorionic membrane, and least for PRF membranes observed. The degradation rate at one week was highest for the PRF membrane (55.6%), followed by the fish collagen membrane (32.5%). SEM evaluation showed that the bovine collagen membrane had significantly higher numbers of collagen fibres compared to the fish collagen membrane and chorionic membrane.

Conclusion:
Bovine collagen membrane had the highest mechanical properties with the maximum amount of collagen fibre meshwork. Only the PRF membrane had cellular distribution in its composition, while the commercially available membrane had significantly higher numbers of collagen fibres with the total absence of cellular components.
“Oral Manifestations of HIV in Accordance with CD4 Count” – A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Ayyagari Kameswara R. , Karra Kalyan K. , Birra Vinod , Triveni V.V.S. , Sreedevi Janapareddi , Peela Parameswar 
Published: March 2023

Aims and Objectives:
Mouth acts as a mirror for most of the underlying systemic diseases. Very few studies were done in south Indian population to observe the oral manifestations of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in relation to the cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4) count, and this study mainly highlights the presenting complaint of HIV patients during their dental visit. The study was aimed to determine the chief complaints of patients along with oral manifestations of HIV and correlate them to CD4 count.

Materials and Methods:
One hundred consecutive HIV-positive patients were considered for the study. All the oral manifestations and the chief complaints along with the calculated CD4 counts were noted and the results were correlated. Spearman correlation was used for CD4 count and other oral manifestations.

Results:
The mean CD4 counts were 421 cells/mm3 with a standard deviation (SD) of 404.34 for the most common oral manifestation of burning mouth and 176.5 cells/mm3 for the least common manifestation of malignancies. The CD4 count ranged from 120 to 1100 cells/mm3. The mean age and CD4 count were 38 years and 398.86, respectively. There was a statistically significant correlation with candidiasis and gingivitis, and the rest of the conditions were insignificant.

Conclusion:
The study results suggest that the chief complaint of presentation of an HIV-positive patient is pain due to carious teeth/abscess followed by burning mouth, with candidiasis being the most common disease.
Antibiotic Prophylaxis Before Invasive Dental Procedures for Patients at High Risk of Infective Endocarditis - A Systematic Review
Authors: Albakri Aref , Ahsan Auswaf , Vengal Manoj , Ramacham parambathu Ashir Kolikkal , Majeed Abdul , Siddiq Hanan 
Published: March 2023

Background:
Clinical use of antibiotics prophylaxis (AP) for preventing infective endocarditis (IE) after invasive dental procedures is controversial. Expert consensus guidelines are inconsistent, either restricting its use to high-risk individuals or advising its use again.

Objectives:
To determine whether there is a genuine need for AP to prevent IE in high-risk patients undergoing invasive dental procedures.

Methods:
Online search was performed on PubMed, Science Direct, British Dental Journal and Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials. The methodological quality of each study was assessed using the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions.

Results:
Seventeen (17) clinical trials were included in the final analysis recruiting 2,410 patients (AP = 1,366; placebo = 1,044). Bacteraemia was detected in 302 AP patients (22.1%) and 362 placebo patients (34.7%). AP reduced the risk of bacteraemia by 49% (risk ratio: 0.51; 95% CI; 0.45 to 0.58; P = 0.0001).

Conclusion:
Although using AP for IE may be pragmatic and justified for high-risk patients undergoing invasive dental procedures, the evidence is inconclusive because post-procedural bacteraemia may not be a good surrogate marker for IE. Moreover, trials investigating the direct association between AP and IE are lacking due to low disease prevalence and high-cost challenges.
Clinicobacteriological profile and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of chronic dacryocystitis in adults
Authors: Minj Anita , Pareek Deergha , Satapathy Jasmita , Panigrahi Pradeep Kumar 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Background:
Chronic dacryocystitis is a constant menace to delicate ocular structures. If left untreated, it can lead to sight as well as life-threatening complications. However, such complications may be prevented by timely intervention along with appropriate antibiotic prophylaxis. The objectives are to investigate the current bacterial community profile in adult patients with chronic dacryocystitis attending a referral eye care center in Odisha and to determine their drug susceptibility pattern to commonly used antimicrobial agents.

Materials and Methods:
An observational study was conducted on 70 adult patients with chronic dacryocystitis. The discharge from the punctum was collected by doing a regurgitation test or lacrimal passage irrigation and sent for microbiological analysis.

Results:
Out of 70 samples collected, 54 (77.1%) samples showed bacterial growth after 24–48 h of incubation. Among various isolates recovered, 68.5% were gram-positive and 27.8% were gram-negative organisms. Staphylococcus aureus was found to be the most common isolate among gram-positive, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was most common among gram-negative organisms. Among all drugs used in the susceptibility test; amikacin, piperacilin + tazobactam, and netilmycin were found to be most sensitive and cefixime, and amoxycilin + clavulinic acid was found to be most resistant to gram-positive as well as for gram-negative organisms.

Conclusion:
Knowledge about the microbiological profile and the drug susceptibility pattern responsible for chronic dacryocystitis in a geographical area is important and should be kept in mind while treating these patients.
Awareness, willingness, and challenges of the informal sector toward state National Health Insurance Services in Benin City, Nigeria
Authors: Osunde Ngozi R , Olorunfemi Olaolorunpo , Oduyemi Rachael O 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Background:
As access to vital health services expands and universal health coverage is attained, health insurance is projected to serve as a critical risk protection for families and small enterprises.

Aim:
To assess the informal sector’s awareness, willingness, and problems in enrolling in the state national health insurance program.

Materials and Methods:
This cross-sectional descriptive study was done in Benin City, Nigeria, in the unorganized sector. A self-structured questionnaire was created, distributed, and retrieved for this study, which was conducted among 155 artisans chosen through a stratified random sample procedure. To evaluate the data, Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, SPSS version 22 was used.

Results:
In total, 138 people (89.0%) are aware of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), while only 93 people (60.0%) know that Edo state has a state-owned Health Insurance Scheme (SHIS). Only 17 people, or 11.0%, are engaged in the NHIS/SHIS program, whereas 107 people, or 77.5%, have expressed interest. Lack of accessibility to authorized healthcare facilities near house 22 (71.0%) is a significant deterrent to enrollment in the program. Long lines at service points (3.88, 1.093), the time it takes to enroll new members in the program (3.78, 1.101), the time it takes for health maintenance organizations to issue authorization codes (3.62, 1.316), the accessibility of NHIS services outside of registration institutions (3.29, 1.289), and the standard of drugs provided by the SHIS (3.12, 1.358) are all factors that hinder utilization. Sex and place of residence each strongly correlated with readiness to sign up for the program (AOR = 4.234, P = 0.017, 95% CI: 1.293–13.873 and AOR = 5.224, P = 0.007, 95% CI: 1.557–17.530, respectively).

Conclusion:
The artisans have a low rate of health insurance coverage but are eager to sign up for the program. State policymakers should increase their reach and make enrollment required to attain a higher range.