bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Role of Contrast Fluoroscopy in Modern Day Oesophageal Imaging
Authors: Baduku TS 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACT
There has been a slow but steady decline in the frequency of contrast fluoroscopic studies performed all over the world, including oesophagography. This trend is attributed to the increasing availability of endoscopy, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Other diagnostic modalities that are continually supplanting oesophagography are manometry and oesophageal pH monitoring. As a result, contrast oesophageal imaging as a diagnostic modality is gradually being relegated to the background by both the radiologists and other physicians. The aim of this paper is to consider some of the reasons responsible for the general decline, especially as it relates to the third world, and to review, in general terms, the role of contrast oesophageal imaging studies in the diagnoses of gastro-intestinal diseases, and the reasons for continuous use of this modality in modern medical practice.
Urinary Incontinence in Women aged 40 and Older
Authors: Yağmur Y , Gül S 
Published: August 2023

Background:
Urinary incontinence (UI) paves the way for many health problems ranging from discomforts of continuous wetness and irritation to social isolation and depression in women.

Aim:
The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of UI in women aged 40 and older as well as its risk factors and also its effect on quality of life.

Materials and Methods:
This cross-sectional study was conducted with 286 women included in the sample. Subjects were selected randomly. The data were collected using a questionnaire, which was prepared by the researchers, and the Incontinence Quality of Life Questionnaire. The data were analyzed using number, percentage, mean, Chi-square test, and binary logistic regression analysis in the SPSS program.

Results:
It was found that 86 (30.1%) of the women experienced the symptom of UI. The women had mostly the mixed UI. The correlations between UI and age, educational level, status of employment, the presence of chronic diseases, chronic constipation, difficult birth history, and state of menopause were significant. Total mean score of the women with UI for the Incontinence Quality of Life Questionnaire was 73.62 ± 24.36 and the most affected domain of the quality of life field was social embarrassment.

Conclusions:
In the present study, it was found that UI was prevalent in Turkish women and impaired their quality of life. The results can help to provide education and counseling services to women in a society-sensitive manner.
Clinical Comparison of Patients with Angiography
Authors: Arslan A , Acik V , Bilgin E , Afser KA , Cavus G , Gezercan Y , Okten AI 
Published: August 2023

Aims:
This study aimed to compare the clinical courses, complications, and clinical outcome scores of patients with perimesencephalic (PM) and nonperimesencephalic (n-PM) subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) with no vascular pathology observed on cerebral angiography.

Materials and Methods:
This retrospective study included 52 of 310 patients who underwent cerebral digital subtraction angiography for SAH between October 2016 and April 2018. The patients were categorized into PM and n-PM groups based on the type of hemorrhage observed on brain CT. The patients Fischer's grades, Glasgow Coma Scale scores, and World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies SAH grades were recorded. Hydrocephalus, vasospasm findings in both groups, and modified Rankin scale (mRS) scores were assessed, and vascular pathology factors (diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and smoking) were compared between the patient groups.

Results:
The PM group included 30 patients, the n-PM group 22 patients. Minimal hydrocephalus was observed in two patients in the PM group and six patients developed apparent hydrocephalus in the n-PM group. Angiographic vasospasm was observed in four patients in the n-PM group but none of the patients in the PM group. On discharge, all patients in the PM group had mRS scores of 0. One patient in the n-PM group become exitus and 18 patients were discharged mRS 0, 2 for two patients, and 3 for one patient.

Conclusion:
The patients with PM SAH experienced a benign course, whereas those with n-PM SAH showed a higher risk of vasospasm and hydrocephalus as well as worse exit scores.
The Impact of Restarting the High-Risk Procedures for COVID-19 Infection in Dental Practice on the Anxiety of Dental Employees
Authors: Kirli M Cakir , Kirli U 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACT

Background:
As SARS-CoV-2 is detected in the infected patients' saliva, dental employees performing aerosol-generating procedures are at high risk of being infected/spreading the infection.

Aims:
This study aimed to assess the impact of restarting the high-risk procedures for COVID-19 infection in dental practice during the pandemic on the anxiety levels of dental employees.

Methods:
All dental employees (dentists, nurses, data entry/cleaning staff) working in a university dental clinic were invited to the study and eighty-one employees (response rate: 97.5%) participated in the study. The volunteers' anxiety was measured consecutively twice with the State-Trait Anxiety Scale: First, on the day prior to restarting the high-risk procedures and the second, on the day these procedures began. Data were analyzed using t tests and the repeated measures ANOVA.

Results:
The state anxiety level of the dental employees increased significantly on the day that the high risk procedures were restarted (mean 42.6 vs. 49.0, d = 0.6, P < 0.001). Concerning the subgroups, the increase in state anxiety levels was significant for females (t = 3,7; d = 0,8; P < 0.001), dentists working in departments of endodontics and restorative dental care (t = 3,5; d = 0,9; P < 0.001) and nurses (t = 2,8; d = 0,9; P < 0.001). The analysis showed no significant difference in trait anxiety levels between the assessment days (mean 44.0 vs. 44.2, P = 0.9).

Conclusions:
Restarting the high-risk procedures for COVID-19 infection in dental practice during the pandemic seems to be an extra stressor for dental employees' who already have high anxiety levels during the pandemic.
Effects of Amoxicillin on Gingival Biopsies and Oral Smears
Authors: Alkan B , Koroglu P 
Published: August 2023

Background:
Antibiotic use in research volunteers partaking in dental studies varies widely, as inclusion and exclusion criteria used in participant selection lack strict rules.

Aim:
We aimed to investigate the most appropriate ending time of amoxicillin therapy in healthy subjects before their recruitment and participation in oral histology trials. A cross-sectional design study was conducted in Istanbul, Turkey, between October 2018 and June 2019.

Subjects and Methods:
Study participants who had undergone a previous course of amoxicillin were divided into three groups according to the amount of time since their last antibiotic dose: group I, within 1 month; group II, within 4–6 months; and group III, within 7–12 months. Periodontal parameters were measured, and smear samples were obtained from buccal mucosa and keratinized gingiva. Gingival biopsies were taken from the upper premolars. Genetic damage and histopathological damage were analyzed with Feulgen reaction and with hematoxylin–eosin staining. Data were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U, Kruskal–Wallis, and the Pearson Chi-square tests.

Results:
There were no significant differences in the periodontal parameters and sociodemographic characteristics between the groups (P > 0.05). Higher genetic and histopathological damage scores were observed in group I, which were significantly different compared to the other groups (P < 0.05). No significant differences were observed between groups II and III (P > 0.05).

Conclusions:
When selecting healthy participants for oral histology trials, at least 3 months should pass after the final dose of amoxicillin is taken to avoid negative effects on gingival tissue and smear samples.
Biomechanical Properties and Biocompatibility of Implant-Supported Full Arch Fixed Prosthesis Substructural Materials
Authors: Eraslan R , Colpak ED , Kilic K , Polat ZA 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACT

Objectives:
The purpose of this study was to investigate the fracture resistance, biocompatibility, hardness, and transverse strength of non-precious metal alloy (chromium-cobalt; Cr-Co), titanium (Ti), zirconia (Zr), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), and polyetheretherketone (PEEK) when employed as substructure materials according to the implant supported full arch fixed prosthesis treatment concept.

Materials and Methods:
In total, 150 Cr-Co, Ti, Zr, PMMA, and PEEK samples (n = 30 per material) measuring 25 × 2 × 2 mm in size were produced. Of the samples, 50 (n = 10 for each material, all having dimensions of 6 × 3 mm) were subjected to biocompatibility tests. The Vickers hardness test and three-point bending test were performed; fracture resistance measurements were taken and the biocompatibility of the samples was evaluated by the XTT assay.

Results:
Vickers hardness was highest for Zr (p < 0.05). PEEK and PMMA had the lowest (and similar) fracture resistance values (p < 0.05). Cell proliferation on the surfaces of the materials was similar between PEEK and Zr (p > 0.05), which were the most biocompatible materials.

Conclusions:
Within the limitations of this study, the most favorable materials in terms of biocompatibility were found as PEEK and Zr. When biomechanical properties are evaluated, the most durable materials can be specified as Cr-Co and Zr. Also, further studies are needed to improve material stability.
Impact of COVID-19 on Ophthalmic Outpatient Services in An Eye Care Center in Southern Nigeria
Authors: Osaguona VB , Osahon AI , Uhumwangho OM 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACT

Background:
Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is a communicable disease and a global pandemic affecting different parts of the world including Nigeria. Measures to curb the spread of the causative virus included a nationwide lockdown.

Aim:
The aim of this study was to assess the impact of COVID-19 on ophthalmic outpatient services in an eye care center in Nigeria.

Method:
The medical statistics for all persons attending the Ophthalmic Outpatient Clinic from January to August 2020 and January to August 2019 was obtained. The statistics for January to August 2020 was compared with that of the corresponding months in 2019 for outpatient clinic attendance, gender, and number of children and adults.

Results:
In the 2019 study period, the total number of patients attending the Ophthalmic Outpatient Clinic was 16,189. There were 6788 males, 9401 females, 2963 children, and 13,226 adults. In similar months in 2020, the total number of patients was 8,735, of which 3,934 were males, 4801 females, 1651 children, and 7084 adults. There was an overall decline of 46% in the number of outpatient attendance in 2020. The decline was 76.3% in April 2020 (peak of the lockdown). There was a rebound in outpatient visits in July 2020 (when the interstate travel ban was lifted) to 4.9 times that of April 2020; however, this was 56.9% that of July of the preceding year.

Conclusion:
COVID-19 pandemic impacted negatively on outpatient visits. A rebound in the number of visits was observed when the interstate travel ban was lifted, although far below the preceding year's value.
Myxoma Complicated Acute Intestinal Obstruction
Authors: Ersoy O , Sekmen U , Balmuk AB , Girit A 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACT
Myxomas are slowly growing mesenchymal tumors and are considered as extremely rare benign tumors of small intestine. This is the case of a young woman presenting with acute bowel obstruction due to ileo-ileal intussusception caused by an intraluminal 4- cm solitary nodule, found to be a myxoma upon pathologic examination, after resection by surgery.
Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy Amongst Nigerians; A Multicenter Study
Authors: Adenuga O , Okonkwo ON , Udoh MM , Ovienra W , Ibanga A , Agweye C , Nkanga D , Akanbi T , Oyekunle I 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACTObjective:To investigate the prevalence and presentation of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) in Nigerians.Methods:A cross-sectional, multicenter, hospital-based, descriptive study. Data were collected prospectively between January and December 2018, from consecutive patients diagnosed to have a retina disease at the general outpatient and retinal clinics of four eye departments in Nigeria. All participants had visual acuity, refraction, intraocular pressure, anterior segment examination, and dilated fundus examination. Some patients had fundus fluorescein angiography, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and OCT angiography (OCTA). Systemic comorbidity was determined by medical history and systemic evaluation. Diagnosis of PCV was based on clinical findings, and in some patients using OCT.Results:A total of 8,614 patients were seen and 15 patients (18 eyes) were diagnosed to have PCV giving a yearly hospital-based prevalence of 0.17%. The mean age at presentation was 63.27 ± 11.5 years (range 44–84 years). There were nine females (60%). The male: female ratio was 1.5:1. Twelve (66.7%) of the 18 eyes were blind, 16.7% had severe visual impairment while 11.1% had mild visual impairment. Seven eyes (38.9%) had vitreous hemorrhage. Of the 12 blind eyes, 50% had vitreous hemorrhage (P= 0.463). Nine patients (60%) had systemic hypertensive as comorbidity (P= 0.016).Conclusion:PCV is a cause of vision loss among Nigerians. Majority of the eyes were blind and 50% of blind eyes had vitreous hemorrhage. Since Indocyanine Green Angiography is the most appropriate imaging technology and is mostly unavailable in Nigeria, efforts should be made to address this need and improve the diagnostic accuracy.
Prevalence and risk factors for helicobacter pylori infection among children in Owerri, Nigeria
Authors: Emerenini FC , Nwolisa EC , Iregbu FU , Eke CB , Ikefuna AN 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACT

Background:
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a gram-negative ubiquitous bacterium affecting over half of the world's population. Most infections are acquired in early childhood with highest prevalence in Africa and Asia. Infected individuals develop antibodies against H. pylori which persist up to 6 months after eradication. Low socioeconomic status, poor sanitation, poor personal hygiene, and absence of potable household water supply are prevalent in our environment and also linked with increased frequency of the disease with attendant health consequences.

Aims:
The aim of the study was to determine the seroprevalence of H. pylori infection and potential sociodemographic factors among children in Owerri.

Methods:
One hundred and twenty children aged 6 months to 15 years were studied from March to June 2016. Sociodemographic data was documented in a pretested structured questionnaire while rapid test kit that detects antibody to H. pylori by chromatographic flow was used to identify subjects with infection. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0 with level of statistical significance at P < 0.05.

Results:
H. pylori infection prevalence was 20.0%, increased with age and highest in the 10–15 years age group (P = 0.001). Increasing age and low socioeconomic class (SEC) were found to be significant risk factors of H. pylori seropositivity among study subjects.

Conclusion:
Prevalence of H. pylori infection was high, increased with age and lower SEC as well as highest among children aged 10 years and older. Efforts should be made to exclude H. pylori infection in children with suspected symptoms considering the high burden of the disease in our setting.
Anti-Microbial Efficacy of Root Canal Preparation in Deciduous Teeth With Manual and Rotary Files
Authors: Lakshmanan L , Jeevanandan G , Vishwanathaiah S , Maganur Prabhadevi C , Alzahrani KJ , Alkahtani A , Boreak N , Testarelli L , Baeshen HA , Patil S 
Published: August 2023

Background:
In a pulpectomy, the eradication of microbes from the primary root canal is accomplished through biomechanical preparation, which could be carried out with either manual or rotary instruments.

Aims:
The objective of this clinical trial was to evaluate the efficiency of manual K-files, H-files, and Kedo-S Square rotary files in reducing microbial flora after canal preparation in primary molars.

Materials and Methods:
This randomized clinical trial consisted of 45 primary molars requiring pulpectomy. The teeth were randomly allocated to one of the three groups: Group I: Manual K-files, Group II: Manual H-files, and Group III: Kedo-S Square rotary files, based on the type of instrumentation. Pre-and Post-instrumentation sampling was performed using clean absorbent paper points and kept in a clean Eppendorf tube having thioglycolate broth as the transport medium. Culturing was performed on agar media from which both aerobic and anaerobic microbial counts were estimated. Collected data were statistically analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Following root canal preparation, 87–89% reduction of the aerobic and anaerobic microbial load was noted in group I, whereas it was an 89–92% reduction in group II and a 93–95% reduction in group III.

Results:
Biomechanical preparation with Kedo-S Square rotary file showed higher efficacy in microbial reduction compared to manual instrumentation.

Conclusion:
Manual and rotary files were equally effective in removing root canal microbes. Biomechanical preparation with a KedoS Square rotary file resulted in greater microbial efficacy. Hence In children, effective root canal cleaning in a short period of time is a major consideration.
Transperineal Anastomotic Urethroplasty for Pelvic Fracture Urethral Distraction Defects
Authors: Akpayak IC , Samaila SI , Jacob JB 
Published: August 2023

Background:
Currently, transperineal anastomotic urethroplasty approach is the reference standard in the surgical reconstruction of pelvic fracture urethral distraction defects. The approach is suitable for all but the most complex cases which might require abdominoperineal approach.

Aims:
We reviewed our recent experience with transperineal anastomotic urethroplasty with respect to success rate and complications.

Patients and Methods:
This was a retrospective descriptive study carried out at Jos University Teaching Hospital from March 2015 to March 2018. The case notes of male patients who had transperineal anastomotic urethroplasty for pelvic fracture urethral distraction defects within the study period were retrieved. Patients' demographics, cause and nature of pelvic fracture urethral distraction defects, the success rate, and complications were collected and subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS® version 22.

Results:
Sixteen men with mean age of 29.6 ± 7.8 years had transperineal anastomotic urethroplasty for pelvic fracture urethral distraction defect (PFUDD) during the study period. The mean defect gap length was 4.5 cm (range, 2–7 cm). Out of the 16 patients, 6 (37.5%) had simple transperineal urethroplasty, while 10 (62.5%) underwent a more extensive transperineal urethroplasty. Four patients (25%) had inferior pubectomy. A total of 7 (43.8%) patients had erectile dysfunction (ED) before and after the urethroplasty. Five (31.3%) patients had ED before the urethroplasty 2 (12.5%) patients developed ED after the surgery. After mean follow-up duration of 2 years (range, 1–4 years), 12 (75%) patients had satisfactory urinary stream. The mean Qmax for the 16 patients was 16 ml/s (range, 0–35 ml/s). The 12 (75%) patients that had no complaints of LUTS, had Qmax ≥ 15 ml/s at mean follow-up duration of 2 years.

Conclusion:
Transperineal anastomotic urethroplasty for PFUDD is considered suitable technique for treatment of PFUDD with good surgical outcome.
Perfusion Index as an Objective, Simple and Quick Parameter for Determining the Success of Paravertebral Block
Authors: Tugcugil E , Besir A 
Published: August 2023

Background:
The use of paravertebral block (PVB) for postoperative analgesia in the thoracic surgery has increased in recent years. However, the traditional methods used to evaluate the success and adequacy of the block are time-consuming, subjective and depend on the patient's compliance. Therefore, the search still continues to find a method to objectively evaluate the success and adequacy of the paravertebral block.

Aims:
The aim of this study was to investigate whether the Perfusion Index (PI) measured by pulse oximetry technology was an early and quantitative marker for the success of PVB. We also aimed to compare the PI and pinprick method.

Methods:
The study included a total of 38 patients undergoing elective thoracotomy surgery within the age group of 18-65 years, with class I-II American Society of Anesthesiologists' (ASA) physical status classification. Thoracic PVB was performed for all patients using 20 mL of 5% bupivacaine under ultrasound guidance. After the block was performed, PI measurements were made from the finger and earlobe of the block side for 30 minutes at one-minute intervals. The spread of the block to the anterior chest wall T3-T8 dermatomes was recorded by pinprick sensory test before the block application and fifth, 10th, 15th, 20th, and 30th minutes following the block application.

Results:
The PI value measured from the finger on the block side increased 1.5 times compared to the baseline value 12 minutes after the block application (p < 0.05). The sensitivity and specificity of PI in determining the success of PVB at 12th minute were 67% and 85%, respectively. Positive predictive value [PPV] was 93% and negative predictive value [NPV] was 75%. The accepted cut-off PI value was found to be 0.84 for a successful PVB. A weak positive correlation was observed between PI and pinprick test (rs = 0.35, P < 0.05).

Conclusion:
The present study has shown that PI is an objective, fast, practical and non-invasive method, when compare with pinprick method, that can be used to evaluate PVB success.
Clinical Variations Between Three Different Causes of Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Akin S , Haznedaroglu IC 
Published: August 2023

Background:
Thrombocytopenia is defined as the platelet count of less than 150 × 109/L and is a prominent cause of bleeding. Aplastic anemia (AA), immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) are some of the reasons of low platelet counts.

Aims:
We aimed to interpret different laboratory and clinical findings in these different reasons of thrombocytopenia.

Methods:
Among patients with these disorders we assessed the performance of the ITP Bleeding Scale Assessment (ITP-BSA), which is principally designed for ITP patients.

Results:
A hundred patients were included in analysis. Median platelet count at presentation was similar in all three groups. Thrombosis was seen more common in patients with TTP (20.7%) than the others (ITP; 5.6%, AA; 2.9%). In patients with TTP, sepsis (41.4%) and neurological findings (89.7%) are also more common than in the patients with ITP or AA. Bleeding was determined in all patients with AA. However, 13 patients with ITP (%36.1) and 10 patients with TTP (%34.5) had no bleeding. The most common bleeding site was skin in all three groups. There was not any gastrointestinal, lung, genitourinary, and cranial bleeding in patients with ITP. Patients with AA obtained the highest scores from the ITP-BSA. There was a significant difference between AA and the other two groups. The scores were found similar in patients with ITP and TTP (P = 0.17).

Conclusion:
Clinical variations in thrombocytopenic patients may vary and assist to diagnose the cause of thrombocytopenia. The bleeding scoring systems might be helpful.