bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CTLA4 Gene Polymorphism and its Association with Disease Occurrence, Clinical Manifestations, Serum Markers and Cytokine Levels in SLE Patients from North India
Authors: Kailashiya Vikas , Singh Usha , Kailashiya Jyotsna 
Published: September 2022

Background:
Cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated protein-4 (CTLA-4) or CD152 is an inhibitory receptor expressed constitutively on CD4+CD25+ T regulatory lymphocytes (Treg) and transiently on activated CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes. Association of CTLA4 gene polymorphisms with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) has been reported in south Indians, but not in north Indians. This study aims to investigate CTLA4 gene polymorphism and its association with the occurrence of SLE, its clinical manifestation and serological markers in north Indians.

Methods:
This cross sectional study was done in a tertiary health care centre in north India. Patients reporting to the hospital and diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus were included in study. +49 A/G (snp- rs231775) CTLA4 gene polymorphism was analysed in 41 SLE patients and 21 matched healthy controls by real time PCR method. ANA (Antinuclear Antibody), anti dsDNA, Interferon-γ (IFN- γ), TGF-β, IL-10 were measured by ELISA kits. Complement (C3 and C4) and immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG, IgM) estimation were done with the turbidometry method. Chi-square test was used for comparison between groups and odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was calculated to estimate the associated risk.

Results:
A/A genotype was most common (51.2%) followed by the A/G genotype (46.3%) and G/G genotype (2.4%, detected in only 1 patient). The frequency of A allele was 74.4%, while of G allele was only 25.6%. A/G genotype SLE patients showed a higher risk (odds ratio 37.5, 95% CI- 6.048-232.51) of developing edema compared to A/A genotype patients. There was no statistically significant association of various CTLA4 genotypes with the occurrence of SLE and serum markers.

Conclusions:
A/A was the most common CTLA4 genotype in both SLE patients and healthy controls of north India. Contrary to the previous report in south Indians, there was no statistically significant association between CTLA4 genotype and occurrence of SLE in north Indians. Only the presence of generalised edema was found significantly associated with the A/G genotype.
Assessment of Lornoxicam as a Mouth Dissolving film in Management of Post Extraction Pain-A Randomized Control Trial
Authors: Vijayan Aparna M , Mahesh KP , Patil Karthikeya 
Published: September 2022

Background:
Mouth dissolving film (MDF) is a fast-dissolving drug delivery system that provides a practical means to administer drugs not just to special populations with swallowing difficulties but also to the general public. MDFs are novel dosage forms that dissolve and disintegrate quickly within the mouth.

Aim:
To assess the efficacy of lornoxicam mouth dissolving film as a potent analgesic and drug delivery system and compare it with the aceclofenac tablet in the management of post-extraction pain.

Methodology:
The study group comprised 60 subjects of either sex of age group 20–50 years who were divided into an experimental group (group A) and a control group (group B). Group A was administered lornoxicam MDF and group B was administered aceclofenac tablets. Pre-treatment and post-treatment pain assessments were recorded using a visual analog scale (VAS) and an oral pain scale (OPS).

Results:
In a comparison of the mean value of pre-treatment VAS and VAS after 24 h, the percentage of pain reduction in group A was 86.66%, and in group B was 75%. When comparing the mean value of pre-treatment OPS and OPS after 24 h, the percentage of pain reduction in group A was 93.33% and in group B was 75%. These results were statistically significant, with a P value of 0.00 in both groups.

Conclusion:
Lornoxicam as an MDF showed promising results in managing post-extraction pain. The potential delivery of lornoxicam through the MDF was safe, with better patient compliance, and no reported cases of adverse effects.
Evaluation of Serum Urea, Uric Acid and Creatinine in OSMF Patients
Authors: Verma Swati , Bhowate Rahul R. 
Published: September 2022

Introduction:
Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is described as a chronic debilitating disease of the submucosal tissue. Leaching out compounds from areca nut is the main etiology for OSMF. Biochemical examinations have concentrated on demarcating changes in the blood, serum, or tissues of patients with this disease. Such examinations have given insights into the possible pathogenesis of OSMF.

Aim:
Estimation of serum urea, uric acid (UA), and creatinine (Cn.) in OSMF patients.

Objective:
To estimate the level of serum urea, UA, and Cn. in OSMF patients and compare them with habitual betel nut chewers.

Materials and Methods:
The purposive samples were selected from patients attending the OPD of the Oral Medicine and Radiology (OMR) Department. In total 180 patients were included and divided into three groups. Group I-Patients suffering from OSMF, Group II-Habitual control, and Group III-Healthy control.

Results:
The mean value of serum UA (mg/dL) in Group I was 7.82 ± 2.18, Group II was 5.83 ± 1.22, and Group III was 5.28 ± 1.10. The mean value of serum Cn. (mg/dL) in Group I was 1.05 ± 0.27, Group II was 1.15 ± 0.22, and Group III was 0.72 ± 0.21. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied between the groups and significant differences were found for both serum UA and Cn. with P < 0.0001, whereas no significant difference was found for serum urea.

Conclusion:
It can be concluded from this study that serum urea, UA, and Cn. of OSMF patients should be evaluated for liver and renal involvement and for overall improving the disease prognosis.
Frequency of Recommending Cone Beam Computed Tomography in Comparison to Panoramic Radiograph, While Diagnosing a Pathology/Status of Vital Structures Around Mandibular Impacted Third Molar
Authors: Naik Veena , Prakash Saurabh , Chuan Ng Wen , Nishanthisri  , Ying Ooi Chin 
Published: September 2022

Objective:
This study assesses the quantity and quality of reliability of both conventional and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in evaluating external root resorption (ERR) and proximity of inferior alveolar canal (IAC) around impacted mandibular third molars and also the practicability to advise CBCT as the first radiographic examination in every patient with above pathology.

Methodology:
A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 73 individuals, aged between 18 and 40 years, irrespective of their sex. Digital panoramic radiograph (PAN) and CBCT were carried out for individuals with mandibular impacted third molars, which were evaluated by three observers independently for ERR and relation of impacted teeth with inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) canal (resorption of IAN cortical plate, impingement, and approximation). The data was analyzed by Kappa test and the PAN and CBCT findings were compared using Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

Results:
Out of 73 subjects, 13 subjects showed resorption of the IAN cortical plate in CBCT, among which only five were confirmed in PAN. Forty-three cases showed impingement of the third molar on the IAN in PAN, which was completely absent in CBCT. Among 14 subjects who presented contact or approximation of the third molar with the canal in PAN, only seven were confirmed in CBCT. Twenty-five cases actually showed ERR in CBCT, whereas PAN confirmed only eight cases. Pathologies seen on PAN were considerably very less in comparison with CBCT.

Conclusion:
Thus, we conclude that two-dimensional (2D) radiographs are the first choice of diagnostic radiographs, even though the CBCT is accurate in displaying the pathology; however, the decision to advise CBCT image should depend on whether the information from CBCT changes the surgeon's diagnosis and treatment planning.
Assessment of Accuracy of Two Different Radiographic Methods for Age Estimation to Chronological Age – A Comparative CBCT Study
Authors: Thomas Delphia , Pushpanjali  , Dayanandam Mala , Kondoj Navyasree , Anakarla Vishal , Dhanabalan Swathi 
Published: September 2022

Introduction:
Assessment of age in adults is a difficult task in forensic medicine. In craniofacial structures, the mental, mandibular foramina and teeth are useful in age estimation. Because the pulp-to-tooth area ratio (PTR) based on secondary dentin deposition and the distance between the inferior border of the mental foramen and lower border of the mandible stays largely consistent over the course of a person's life, PTR and position of mental foramen are sensitive age markers.

Aim:
This study aims to assess an accurate method for age estimation, by comparing the results of the two different age estimation techniques such as mandibular canine's PTR and vertical position of the mental foramen using cone beam computed tomographic (CBCT) images.

Materials and Methods:
In 80 mandibular CBCT images, the pulp area and tooth area of the canine were measured from the axial section and a ratio was obtained. The same process was used for the sagittal sectional image. Another method involved measuring the mental foramen's four variables (X1, X2, X3, and X4) using a panoramic sectional image. The procured data were subjected to statistical analysis.

Results:
A negative linear relationship was acquired among the pulp cavity width, the height of the mandible (X1), and the age. Cubic regression analysis was performed, and the regression formulae were acquired. A mean difference of 2.11 years in axial section, 3.93 years in sagittal section, and 11.23 years in the mental foramen vertical position was acquired among the age estimated and chronological age.

Conclusion:
The sagittal sectional image of the mandibular canine's PTR is more accurate for determining age when compared with the vertical position of the mental foramen.
Prevalence of Calcified Carotid Artery Atheromas on Digital Panoramic Radiographs in type 2 Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Patients
Authors: Ramani Roja K , Reddy Vinay Kumar 
Published: September 2022

Introduction:
Panoramic radiographs are routinely used in dental clinics and are of great value in the diagnosis of calcified carotid artery atheromas. So the present study is aimed to know the prevalence of calcified carotid artery atheromas on the digital panoramic radiographs of patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus and non-diabetic.

Aim and Objectives:
To determine the prevalence of calcified carotid artery atheromas in Type 2 diabetes mellitus and to assess the reliability of digital panoramic radiographs in detection of calcified carotid artery atheromas.

Materials and Methods:
A total of 100 subjects were included in the present study, 50 Type 2 diabetic patients and 50 age and sex matched healthy individuals were chosen as controls. Blood samples were collected and a digital panoramic radiograph was advised. To confirm those carotid artery calcifications (CACs) which were evident on panoramic radiograph further ultrasound Color Doppler was advised.

Results:
Among 50 Type 2 diabetic patients 9 (18%) patients showed CACs on digital panoramic radiograph and among 50 controls there were no CACs on digital panoramic radiograph with a statistically significant P value of 0.0022 (P < 0.05). Type 2 diabetes who exhibited CACs on digital panoramic radiograph also showed CACs on ultra sound Color Doppler.

Conclusion:
Our study concludes that people with Type 2 diabetes mellitus have more prevalence of calcified carotid artery atheromas on digital panoramic radiographs than non-diabetics.
Evaluation of the Accuracy of Measurements Made at Probable Implant Site Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography
Authors: Sarfaraz Hasan , Shetty Mallika , Harini K , Shetty Sanath K. , Amreen Sazia , Prabhu Rachana 
Published: September 2022

Introduction:
Computed Tomography (CT) was the most used 3D radiographic diagnostic technique for years, but cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) was created to reduce radiation exposure, costs, and accessibility issues

. Aim:
To evaluate the accuracy of CBCT measurements made at probable implant sites.

Materials and Methodology:
This was a retrospective study that compared panoramic reconstructed CBCT with RVG measurements at 77 probable implant sites, especially mandibular posterior tooth-bounded edentulous areas. Measurements made were the mesiodistal width of the edentulous area at the crest and at the highest point of the adjacent tooth's contour and the length of the natural teeth in the mandibular first molar region from the highest cusp to the apex next to the edentulous area. Statistical analysis was done with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and the independent t-test.

Results:
The mean difference between CBCT and radiovisiography (RVG) readings for mesiodistal width at the crest and highest contour of the edentulous bounded two neighboring teeth was −0.21039 and 0.02961, respectively, which was not statistically significant. The mean difference between CBCT and RVG readings along the tooth was 0.80481, which was statistically significant (P = 0.018). RVG outperformed CBCT (SD = 1.7) in estimating tooth length.

Conclusion:
Conventional RVG radiographic measurements were similar to real tooth length, whereas CBCT panoramic reconstructions underestimated the lengths by 15% but were clinically acceptable. Clinical CBCT application requires operator abilities and knowledge with software. It is critical to pay close attention to the calibration of data obtained from clinical examination and CBCT.
Reliability of Toluidine Blue and Colposcopy in Determining Biopsy Site Among Patients with Oral Leukoplakia – A Comparative Study
Authors: Naik Karunakar , Sujatha D , Raj Kiran H , Pai Anuradha , Naik Pooja , Shruthi M 
Published: September 2022

Background:
To date, no simple and reliable method can replace oral biopsy site detection using Toluidine blue for early identification and treatment of potentially malignant oral disorders (OPMDs).

Aims and Objectives:
The study was conducted to assess the feasibility of using the colposcope and compare the findings with the toluidine blue staining method for selecting the biopsy site.

Materials and Methodology:
Study group included 30 patients; five patients dropped out as regression was seen in the lesion. Twenty patients with homogenous leucoplakia and five patients with nonhomogenous Leukoplakia formed a study group. An area with the most extensive cell change in the colposcopic examination was selected by the first version, Image J 1. x Software. After toluidine, blue staining was done. Dark blue-stained sites were considered positive, and site selection for the biopsy was made.

Results:
Normal vascular pattern in six (24%) cases, 10 (40%) cases showing punctuate vascular pattern, four (16%) of cases showed the mosaic vascular pattern, five (20%) of cases were with the atypical vascular pattern were assessed in colposcopic examination with statistically significant P value (0.009). Fourteen cases out of 20 cases of homogenous and all five cases of nonhomogenous leukoplakia were correctly diagnosed for the biopsy site with both toluidine blue and colposcopic techniques.

Conclusion:
In this study, Toluidine blue and colposcopic technique showed 76% accuracy for detecting the biopsy site. So colposcope can be an alternative diagnostic aid to toluidine blue in detecting biopsy sites for PMD.
A clinical profile of severe diphtheria in pediatric intensive care units of North India
Authors: Jaiswal Rahul , Kumar Atul , Chauhan Sandhya 
Published: September 2022

Background:
Myocarditis, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and renal failure have been reported to be the leading causes of mortality in patients of severe diphtheria. The aim of this article was to study the clinico-demographic profile of diphtheria patients and also to evaluate the performance of Pediatric Risk of Mortality (PRISM) III on the prediction of mortality in such patients. The objective was to study the clinical profile of severe diphtheria cases in children.

Subjects and Methods:
During the study period, 170 patients were admitted to the pediatric emergency unit, out of whom 26 patients were admitted with the diagnosis of clinical diphtheria.

Results:
Majority of the patients were categorized as having either central nervous system or respiratory illness at the time of admission. The third largest category was patients with suspected clinical diphtheria. Forty-five out of 170 were nonsurvivors among which the highest mortality was noted in patients of diphtheria. All the nonsurvivors with clinical diphtheria had signs and symptoms of myocarditis either at the time of admission or developed later during the hospital stay. On comparing the mean PRISM scores of survivors versus nonsurvivors, it was not found to be statistically significant.

Conclusions:
The presence of myocarditis in patients of diphtheria is highly fatal and PRISM III alone is not sufficient for mortality prediction in patients of severe diphtheria.
Etiologies of Acute Undifferentiated Febrile Illnesses in and near Iquitos from 1993 to 1999 in the Amazon River Basin of Peru
Authors: Watts Douglas M. , Russell Kevin L. , Wooster Mark T. , Sharp Trueman W. , Morrison Amy C. , Kochel Tad J. , Bautista Christian T. , Block Karla , Guevara Carolina , Aguilar Patricia , Palermo Pedro M. , Calampa Carlos , Porter Kevin R. , Hayes Curtis G. , Weaver Scott C. , de Rosa Amelia Travassos , Vinetz Joseph M. , Shope Robert E. , Gotuzzo Eduardo , Guzman Hilda , Tesh Robert B. 
Published: September 2022

ABSTRACT.
The objective of this study was to determine the etiology of febrile illnesses among patients from October 1, 1993 through September 30, 1999, in the urban community of Iquitos in the Amazon River Basin of Peru. Epidemiological and clinical data as well as blood samples were obtained from consenting patients at hospitals, health clinics and private residences. Samples were tested for arboviruses in cell cultures and for IgM and IgG antibodies by ELISA. Blood smears were examined for malaria, and sera were tested for antibodies to Leptospira spp. by ELISA and microscopic agglutination. Among 6,607 febrile patients studied, dengue viruses caused 14.6% of the cases, and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus caused 2.5%, Oropouche virus 1.0%, Mayaro virus 0.4%, and other arboviruses caused 0.2% of the cases. Also, 22.9% of 4,844 patients tested were positive for malaria, and of 400 samples tested, 9% had evidence of acute leptospirosis. Although the study was not designed to assess the importance of these pathogens as a cause of human morbidity in the total population, these results indicate that arboviruses, leptospirosis, and malaria were the cause of approximately 50% of the febrile cases. Although the arboviruses that were diagnosed can produce asymptomatic infections, our findings increased the overall understanding of the relative health burden of these infections, as well as baseline knowledge needed for designing and implementing further studies to better assess the health impact and threat of these pathogens in the Amazon Basin of Peru.
Relative Strength Performance Evaluation of Self-Compacting and High Strength Concrete Beams containing Polyethylene Terephthalate
Authors: Wasiu John , Joseph Sule 
Published: September 2022

This research compares the flexural resistance of self-compacting concrete (SCC) and High Strength Concrete (HSC) beams with embedded polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic bottle below the neutral axis using concrete grade of C70. Mix design for both SCC and HSC were performed in line with relevant specification. Experimental programme was achieved on both beam specimens. Workability, compressive and flexural strength tests were performed in the laboratory. The workability test revealed a more flowable concrete with the SCC mix than that of the HSC. The compressive strength for the SCC design mix yields a higher value (about 21.5% higher) than that of the HSC. The flexural resistance of each beam specimens (SCC beams and HSC beams) increases with increase in curing days of the beams but higher strength was achieved with SCC beams at 28 days curing. The stress-strain behavior is within the specified acceptable limit (0.002-0.0035) for concrete with grade less than or equal to C50/C60. It is concluded that the replacement of concrete with PET plastic bottles beneath the neutral axis will lead to reduction in volume of materials, reduction in environmental waste, price of removal of the garbage and eco-friendly environs.
The Quality Assessment of Selected Public Recreational Waters in Sango-Ota Metropolis, Nigeria
Authors: Opafola Omobolaji T. , Badejo Adebayo A. , Olaniyan Olatunji S. , Akisanya Olukunle O. , Amusan Grace M. , Audam Sokowoncin E. , Adebajo Micheal O. , Ojuade James O. 
Published: September 2022

The evaluation of selected public swimming pools within Sango-Ota metropolis was done to determine whether the pools adapt to the recommended WHO standard for swimming pool water. Six pools were selected based on the average population per use and user ratings. A total of 12 water samples were analysed physicochemical and microbial qualities using standard methods. The physicochemical characterization results are as follows; pH, 5.00 - 5.73 with mean value of 5.3; Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), 44.00 - 48.50 mg/L with mean 46.0 mg/L; Alkalinity, 24.00 - 28.50 mg/L with mean 26.0 mg/L; total hardness, 0.80 - 1.23 mg/L with mean 1.0 mg/L; iron, 0.05 – 0.69 mg/L with mean 0.3 mg/L; residual chlorine, 1.06 – 3.25 mg/L with mean 1.9 mg/L. The microbial characterization results are as follows; Zero count for Salmonella-shigella; Total Aerobic Plate Count (TAPC),1360 - 7270 cfu/mL; Escherichia coli count, 0 - 7 cfu/mL; coliform count, 2 – 25 cfu/mL. The isolated microorganisms from the pools were Escherichia coli, Proteus Vulgaris, Yersinia Enterocolitica, Proteus Mirabilis, Citrobacter Freundi and Vibro Chlorea occurred in 8.33%, respectively while Klebsiella Pneumonia, Entrobacter Aerogenes, Pseudonomas sp. occurred 16.67%. The pH of the analysed pools didn’t comply with the WHO standards while other physicochemical parameters conform to the standard except for pools C and F which had a higher concentration of iron. However, the existence of pathogenic microorganisms in the pools classified them as unsafe for swimming activities. This study recommends routine testing and comprehensive treatments with respect to regulatory standards. Pool managers should strictly adhere to the bathing load limit and ensure the pool users take shower before using the swimming pools to forestall the outbreak of waterborne diseases
Small-Scale Energy Generation for Remote Rural Areas using Solar-Powered Compressed Air Storage System
Authors: Uzedhe Godwin O. , Akinloye Benjamin O. 
Published: September 2022

Energy reach in the rural areas is still of major concern today especially in developing nations. Small-scale energy generation with stored compressed air is the focus of this work towards solving the energy deficit in remote rural environments through renewable sources. The method involves an experimental setup that harnessed energy from the sun through solar PV for isothermal compression and expansion of an air storage system to gain the advantages of low cost, longevity, and environmental friendliness of air storage in small scale electrical power generators. Results from a small, scalable, artificial air storage system of 360m3 show that one charge results in approximate temperature loss of 29oC for compression and 10oC for expansion (in a single cycle). A pressure charge of about 6bars from a compressor speed of 300rpm was also obtained and was able to maintain a constant alternator speed of 2500rpm on no load to produce electricity at 230Vac during expansion. When advanced and standardized, the air storage could provide a medium for cheap electrical energy storage for small scale renewable sources and a means for electrical energy availability in remote rural environments.