bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of bedtime with recurrent aphthous stomatitis
Authors: Kamat Mamata , Datar Uma , Wadgave Umesh , Varsha V K 
Published: January 2022

Background:
Although recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is the most common oral mucosal disease, the etiology remains poorly understood till date. In addition, RAS lacks definitive therapeutic options, and hence, it becomes even more important to know the etiological factor so as to relieve the symptoms and render treatment effectively. Recently, late bedtime has been shown to be associated with RAS. Due to prolonged duty hours along with lengthy learning and training periods, late bedtime is a frequent observation among health-care professional students. However, this is a less explored field in the previous studies on RAS.

Aims:
This study aimed to evaluate the role of bedtime in the causation of RAS among health-care professional students.

Methods:
This present cross-sectional survey was carried out among medical, dental and nursing students studying in our medical campus, using an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire consisting of 18 items. The collected data was statistically analyzed and interpreted. Descriptive analysis and Chi-square tests were employed to assess the association of RAS with various variables.

Results:
Among a total of 1111 students who participated in the study, 39.8% (n = 442) experienced RAS. Factors such as history of digestive tract disease, family history and stress showed a positive correlation with RAS. Interestingly, both during examination and nonexamination period, RAS was more prevalent among students with bedtime >11pm than in students with bedtime <11 pm.

Conclusion:
The study indicates that late bedtime is an independent risk factor for RAS and thus clinicians should focus on recommending a healthy lifestyle with adequate sleep to patients with RAS. This would benefit patients with RAS, especially health-care professional students, and could probably contribute to long-term remission in RAS.
Identification of candida albicans and nonalbicans candida resistant species in tobacco users and oral squamous cell carcinoma patients
Authors: Saxena Ankit , Nagi Ravleen , Sandeep T , Patil Deepa Jatti , Choudhary Ruchika , Kaur Aninditya 
Published: January 2022

Introduction:
Candida is most common fungal pathogen in the immunocompromised and medically ill patients. Higher prevalence of Candida albicans has been reported in tobacco users and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients which may be due to immunosuppression. Recently, emergence of nonalbicans candida (NAC) species resistant to conventional antifungal treatment has been observed that requires accurate identification of organisms at species level for reduction of progression of suspicious oral lesions toward malignancy.

Aims and Objectives:
To detect and compare the prevalence of C. albicans and NAC species smokeless tobacco chewers, histopathologically confirmed oral squamous cell carcinoma patients and the normal individuals. Effectiveness of automated Vitek 2 system in comparison to HiCrome agar color media in the identification of the candida species was also evaluated.

Methodology:
One hundred and fifty patients (90 males, 60 females) aged between 20 and 76 years were divided into three groups: Group I individuals with habit of chewing Gutka, and betel quid/pan masala with or without tobacco, Group II individuals with clinically and histopathologically confirmed oral squamous cell carcinoma and Group III comprised of controls. Salivary samples were cultured on HiCrome agar color media and results were compared with those of Vitek 2 system in the accurate identification of candida species. Data were statistically analyzed and Chi-square test was used to estimate the effectiveness of color and Vitek method in the identification of candida species in all the three groups. P < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.

RESULTS:
HiCrome agar color method identified six candida isolates C. albicans, Candida tropicalis, Candida krusei and Candida glabrata isolates in all the three groups, with 0.00 unidentified organisms (P = 0.00001) whereas VITEK 2 system identified five isolates of candida; C. albicans, Candida famat, Candida ciferri, Candida gulleri, C. tropicalis, unidentified organisms were observed in 26% of subjects. Further confirmation by supplemental tests indicated the presence of two or three organisms of different species/or subspecies with low reactivity biopattern. Higher incidence of opportunistic infections was seen in Group II OSCC patients (P = 0.00001).

Conclusion:
The results suggested that there is shift toward NAC species, with higher species diversity in OSCC patients followed by gutka, betel quid/pan masala with or without tobacco users. Conventional agar media culture methods of species identification should be used in conjunction with automated Vitek 2 method for better control of candida-associated oral cancer.
Saliva as an alternative non-invasive biomarker for the estimation of uric acid levels during pregnancy
Authors: Deepashree Pramod Gujjar , Madhushankari Gunjiganur Shankarappa , Nandini Doddabasavaiah Basavapur , Priya Nagur Karibasappa , Ashwini Ramakrishna , Shruthy Ramappa 
Published: January 2022

Background:
Pregnancy is a physiological condition in which the maternal environment undergoes many changes. Serum uric acid (UA) levels have been used for the early diagnosis of preeclampsia, predictor of reduced birth weight and fetal outcome. UA is also expressed in saliva, and collection of saliva sample is a noninvasive method which will be more acceptable by the patients.

Aims and Objectives:
The present study aimed to estimate and compare serum and salivary UA levels in age-matched healthy nonpregnant and healthy pregnant women at different trimesters longitudinally.

Methodology:
Forty female participants with age ranging between 20 and 38 years comprised the study population. The study group consisted of 20 healthy nonpregnant women (controls) and an equal number of confirmed cases of healthy pregnant women in the first trimester (cases). The cases were followed in their second and third trimesters for the sample collection.

Results:
Both serum and salivary UA levels were significantly reduced in the first trimester of pregnancy than the controls. In the second and third trimesters, the values of serum and salivary UA levels gradually increased and gained values similar to that of nonpregnant women. Salivary UA levels showed a highly significant positive correlation with serum levels in both controls and cases.

Conclusion:
Salivary estimation, being a noninvasive procedure, is easily accepted by the patients and carries minimal risk of exposure to the blood-borne pathogens compared to serum estimation. Our findings warrant the use of saliva instead of blood for UA estimation.
Mucoepidermoid carcinoma
Authors: Jeergal Prabhakar A. , Karim Namazi Nasim Abdul , Patil Shashi , Kochar Anagha , Sohoni Rohan , Bussari Smita B. 
Published: January 2022

Background:
Salivary gland tumors are rare and clinically represent a diverse group of neoplasms among which mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is a relatively common salivary gland tumor with varying potential for aggressive behavior. The purpose of the study was aimed at to analyze the relative frequency and correlate with age, sex, anatomical site and histological grade of MEC and compare the findings with epidemiological data from different geographic locations.

Materials and Methods:
Twenty-five cases diagnosed with MEC during the period June 1985 to June 2004 (19 years) were retrieved from the Department of Pathology, Government Medical College and Hospital, Ambajogai, and clinical data were recorded and reviewed histopathologically.

Results:
The relative frequency of MEC was 13.15%. Low-grade MEC (44%) was the most common, followed by intermediate-grade MEC (36%) and high-grade MEC (20%). The mean age for occurrence of MEC was 44.28 ± 13.29 years. MEC was predominant in females (60%) than males (40%). Thus, the overall female-male ratio was 1.5:1. Among minor salivary glands, palate (48%) was the most common site, and among major salivary glands, parotid gland (16%) was the common site.

Conclusion:
Comparing the present data with previous studies on MEC, one may infer that some demographic characteristics and the predominance vary in different geographic regions. Analysis of the distribution and particular features of MEC in a specific population helps in establishment of appropriate treatment.
Salivary alpha-amylase–biomarker for monitoring type II diabetes
Authors: Shah Vandana S , Pareikh Dishant , Manjunatha Bhari S 
Published: January 2022

Background:
Diabetes is one of the most important causes of mortality worldwide. People having diabetes are vulnerable to infectious diseases and have been clinically recognized; which may be because of their deregulated immune system. Hyperglycemia in diabetes is consequence of chronic resistance to insulin and relative insulin deficiency on target cells. Alpha-amylase, a salivary enzyme is shown to increase in diabetic individuals compared to nondiabetics and can be used as a marker for the diagnosis of diabetes.

Aim and Objective:
The present study was undertaken to investigate the levels of salivary amylase in type II diabetic patients.

Materials and Methods:
A total of 80 participants in the age range of 30–60 years, were divided into three groups as Group I: Uncontrolled diabetics (30), Group II: Controlled diabetics (30) and Group III: Age- and sex-matched healthy controls (20) were taken for the study. Unstimulated whole saliva was collected for salivary amylase level estimation and blood samples were from the antecubital vein, after 12 h of overnight fasting of each individual for the estimation of blood glucose levels.

Results:
The mean random blood sugar and glycated hemoglobin A1c levels were found to be statistically significant among diabetics and healthy individuals. Salivary amylase levels were much higher in uncontrolled and controlled diabetics compared to healthy individuals showing a significant correlation (P = 0.001) between all groups. However, the salivary amylase levels nonsignificant (P = 0.060) between the controlled diabetics (Group II) and healthy individuals (Group III).

Conclusion:
Our study confirms the considerable increase in salivary amylase levels in diabetes patients as compared to healthy individuals. Studies with a larger sample size comprising prediabetics, type I diabetics and type II diabetics in all age groups are required to validate these results. Further, if our results are established, salivary amylase can be used as biomarker for the diagnosis of diabetes and also monitoring it.
Do school students with specific learning disabilities have lower emotional intelligence abilities? A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Authors: Karande S , Bhavani S , Gogtay NJ , Shiledar MP , Kelkar S , Oke AS 
Published: January 2022

Background and Objectives:
School students with specific learning disabilities (SpLDs) endure academic difficulties, anxiety, and social maladaptation. The primary objective of the present study was to evaluate the emotional intelligence (EI) abilities of these afflicted students. Its secondary objective was to analyze the impact of socio-demographic variables on their EI abilities.

Settings and Design:
Cross-sectional single-arm questionnaire-based study was conducted in the Learning Disability clinic in a public medical college in Mumbai.

Subjects and Methods:
SpLD students studying in class standards VII–IX were recruited by non-probability sampling. Their EI (overall, subscales, and settings) scores were measured using the Four EsScale of Emotional Intelligence-Adolescents (FESEI-A) questionnaire; and compared with Indian norm scores by utilizing the Mann - Whitney U test. To evaluate the unadjusted impact that each of the “variables” had on the FESEI-A scores, linear regression or the Mann-Whitney U test, or the Kruskal-Wallis test, was utilized as applicable.

Results:
SpLD students had similar “overall” EI abilities as their regular peers. Their EI scores in school setting were significantly lower (P = 0.001), but significantly higher in social setting (P = 0.005). At univariate level, presence of co-occurring attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder was significantly associated with a lower “school setting” score (P = 0.040). Higher socioeconomic status was significantly associated with a higher “overall” score and “family setting” score (P = 0.023 and P = 0.041, respectively).

Conclusions:
There is an urgent need to evaluate the EI abilities of SpLD students to identify deficits so that optimum rehabilitation can be facilitated.
Evaluation of Intermaxillary Fixation (IMF) Screw Therapy with Craniomandibular Index Analysis for Chronic Recurrent Dislocation in the Temporomandibular Joint
Authors: Ertaş Ü , Aşçl YE , Yalçın E , Urvasizoğlu G 
Published: January 2022

ABSTRACT

Background:
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) hypermobility is classified as a subluxation, complete (luxation), unilateral, or bilateral, acute, chronic protracted, or chronic recurrent dislocation.

Aims:
This controlled randomized clinical study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of intermaxillary fixation (IMF) screw application and autologous blood injections in the treatment of chronic recurrent dislocation of TMJ in comparison with the placebo group.

Patients and Methods:
The patients who were admitted to the Faculty of Dentistry of the Atatürk University between October 2018 and January 2020 were evaluated. Three hundred patients diagnosed with bilateral chronic recurrent dislocation of TMJ based on clinical findings and radiographs were included in the study. The patients were randomly divided into three groups according to the evaluation criteria. Group 1 received IMF, group 2 received autologous blood injection, and group 3 (placebo group) received an intraarticular saline injection.

Results:
The results of the patients who received IMF, autologous blood injection, and saline injection were evaluated by the craniomandibular index. The IMF group showed significant improvement after 1 month and 6 months (P < 0.001), while the patients who received autologous blood injection and saline injection showed no significant improvement (P > 0.05). The data were analyzed with IBM SPSS V23. The significance level was P < 0.05.

Conclusion:
In our study, the IMF gave the best results among all the study groups. The IMF technique can be used in patients with protracted chronic recurrent dislocation in whom autologous blood injection has failed.
Comparative Analysis of the Impact of Visual Impairment on Quality of Life of Patients Attending a Tertiary Hospital in South East, Nigeria
Authors: Ejiakor IL , Achigbu EO , Onyia OE , Edema O , Nkwogu FU , Okeke AJ , Ohanele PE 
Published: January 2022

ABSTRACT

Background:
Quality of life (QoL) is defined as an “individual's perception of their position in life in the context of the culture and value system in which they live and in relation to goals, expectations, standards, and concerns.” Visual Impairment affects QoL because of the restrictions it imposes on everyday life activities.

Aims:
This study aims to compare the QoL of visually impaired patients attending the Eye Clinic of Federal Medical Centre, Owerri with that of normally sighted persons. The findings will aid the formulation of policies guiding the management of visually impaired patients.

Patients and Methods:
This was a hospital-based case-control study which recruited all consenting new patients with visual impairment, and age, and sex-matched controls who presented at the Eye Clinic, Federal Medical Centre, Imo State, Nigeria during the period of the study. Data was collected using a semi-structured closed-ended questionnaire, and the World Health Organization QoL-BREF and analyzed with the Statistical Package for Social Science version 22.

Results:
Four hundred and two participants were recruited. Lower scores were recorded in all the quality of life (QoL) domains for the visually impaired compared with controls. The overall QoL and health status mean score for the visually impaired (61.10 ± 19.75) was significantly lower than that for the controls (70.90 ± 21.19) at P < 0.001. Severity of visual impairment at P < 0.001 significantly affected all the QoL domains for the visually impaired with the lowest score noted among the blind (58.21 ± 11.63) compared to controls (79.33 ± 11.74). Occupation and educational level significantly affected the QoL of the study group but not the controls.

Conclusion:
Visual impairment significantly reduces the QOL of patients. Policies targeted at enhancing the QoL of the visually impaired through rehabilitation and societal integration is recommended.
Risk Factors Affecting Complications of Access Site in Vascular Intervention through Common Femoral Artery
Authors: Lee MO , Jeong KU , Kim KM , Song YG 
Published: January 2022

ABSTRACT

Backgrounds:
Traditionally, vascular interventions have been performed through the femoral artery.

Aims:
The purpose of this study was to evaluate risk factors affecting access-site complications in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma or peripheral arterial disease in lower extremity who underwent vascular intervention by accessing the common femoral artery (CFA).

Patients and Methods:
From December 2015 to November 2018, 287 patients underwent transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) or peripheral vascular intervention with ultrasound (US)-guided CFA access. Standard 18-gauge (G) access was used in 127 patients and Micropuncture® 21-G needles in 160 patients. Most access sites were managed with vascular closure devices and several were managed with manual compression. Within 24 hours after the procedure, all patients underwent US to evaluate the puncture site.

Results:
Access-site complications occurred in 55 of 287 patients: 34 hematomas (11.9%), 20 pseudoaneurysms (7.0%), and 1 dissection (0.4%). In the crude model, risk factors related to access-site complications were the usage of 18-G needles (OR, 2.18; 95% CI, 1.17-4.07; P = 0.014), smoking (OR, 2.23; 95% CI, 1.16-4.27; P = 0.016), and approach route (OR, 3.23; 95% CI, 1.33-7.82; P = 0.009). Needle size (OR, 2.13; 95% CI, 1.10-4.12; P = 0.025) was the only factor associated with access-site complications in the adjusted model.

Conclusion:
Needle profile was the only factor associated with access-site complications in this study. Therefore, a needle with a smaller profile than an 18-G needle will reduce the incidence of complications at the access site.
Factors Affecting the Level of Perceived Competence in Disaster Preparedness among Nurses Based on their Personal and Work-related Characteristics
Authors: Baker OG 
Published: January 2022

ABSTRACT

Background:
The disaster situations call upon the effective and speedy response from the nurses. The link to self-perceived competence in disaster preparedness remains unclear, although there is strong support for competence in nursing practice to ensure safe patient care.

Aims:
The study aims to evaluate the self-perceived competence and familiarity of nurses at personal and professional levels concerning disaster preparedness. Cross-sectional exploratory design was employed. A sample of 350 nurses from five government hospitals in Medina was surveyed using an emergency preparedness information questionnaire.

Patients and Methods:
IBM SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) for Windows, Version 21.0, was used for analyzing the data.

Results:
Nurses perceived inadequate preparation for emergencies. The unit area had no impact on their self-perceived competence and familiarity.

Conclusions:
Female nurses, non-Saudi staff, and years of work experience were perceived to increase nurse competence in disaster preparedness. The managers can create activities to enable nurses to learn and view their disaster preparedness concerns.
Postcesarean Difficulties and their Association with Breastfeeding Success in Postpartum Women
Authors: Cirpanli C , Hicyilmaz B Demirtas 
Published: January 2022

ABSTRACT

Background:
The rate of cesarean section (CS) has been gradually increasing throughout the world. The impact of CS on the issue of breastfeeding success therefore merits attention.

Aim:
This study investigates postcesarean difficulties and their association with breastfeeding success.

Patients and Methods:
This study is a cross-sectional study involving the participation of 220 mothers who were receiving care at the Women's Health Training and Research Hospital in Ankara, Turkey between the dates of February 10 and August 10 of 2016. Data were collected using the Socio-demographic and Obstetric Characteristics Form and the LATCH Breastfeeding Assessment Tool (LBAT).

Results:
Women who had breastfeeding problems both previously (OR = 0.59; 95% CI: 0.18–1.76; P = 0.004) and currently (OR = 0.29; 95% CI: 0.14–1.30; P < 0.001) were more likely to have low breastfeeding success scores. There was no statistically significant relationship found between LBAT mean scores and other post-CS difficulties. Women aged 35 and older were more likely to have breastfeeding success compared to that of women of ≤19 years of age (OR = 4.33; 95% CI: 3.50–4.45; P = 0.051). Furthermore, women who had breastfeeding experience were more likely (OR = 1.86; 95% CI: 1.40–2.67; P = 0.010) to have a high breastfeeding success score.

Conclusions:
This study has revealed that breastfeeding success was associated more with breastfeeding problems than with other difficulties experienced after a CS. To prevent breastfeeding problems before they occur, newborns who are without complications should be kept in skin-to-skin contact (SSC) with their mothers immediately after the CS, breastfed within the first 1 hour after birth, and remain in SSC until the end of the first breastfeeding. Most importantly, to increase breastfeeding success after CS, creative staffing solutions need to be employed.
Cancer in Five Countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region
Authors: Shurrab SA. , Al-Badarneh AF. , Nassar HI. , Almshnanah AH. 
Published: January 2022

ABSTRACT

Background:
Cancer is a major public health problem and is the second leading cause of death around the world. The incidence rates of some cancer types rise dramatically with certain risk factors, a fact that is exemplified by the high susceptibility to lung cancer as a result of tobacco smoking. The frame of cancer as a preventable disease and the challenges of its treatment emphasize the need for specific risk preventive measures. Therefore, attempts are continuously carried out to provide a better understanding of the cancer incidence patterns and how the most common risk factors are implicated.

Aims:
This study aimed to compare the cancer incidence rates in Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, and Iraq over 18 years (2000-2017) and relate the high estimates to certain risk factors to help decision-makers better prevent this disease.

Materials and Methods:
Graphical and numerical descriptive illustrations of the total incidence rates, age-specific incidence rates, and incidence by cancer type were generated using data obtained from the Global Health Data exchange database. Risk factors prevalence and their pathogenic role were sought using PubMed and science direct databases as well as the world bank data.

Results:
Lebanon had the highest overall age-adjusted incidence rates with a gradual increase from 231 to 353 and the highest life expectancy mean of 77.5 years. Breast, lung, and colorectal cancers were the most common cancer types in both genders and all ages in the five countries with varied ratios that were consistent with the risk factors prevalent.

Conclusions:
The association between the spread of the studied risk factors and the high trends of the corresponding cancer types highlights the importance of targeted preventive measures and serve as a guide for evidence-based prevention strategies.