Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice

An In‑vitro Evaluation of the Shear Bond Strength to Dentin and Microhardness of Different Restorative Materials Placed by Different Techniques

M. Nezir, S. Özcan — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: The mentioned advantages of bulk‑fill composite resin and high-viscosity glass ionomer restorative materials have increased their use in restorative dentistry in recent years; accordingly, the bonding of these materials to dental tissues and their mechanical properties have become more important.

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different application methods on Vicker’s hardness and shear bond strength of three different restorative materials.

Methods: In this in‑vitro study; Teflon molds were used for the microhardness test. In the control group, reinforced high-viscosity glass ionomer, high-viscosity glass ionomer, and flowable bulk‑fill composite resin were applied by the manufacturer’s instructions. In other groups, preheating, ultrasonic activation, and both preheating and ultrasonic activation were applied, respectively (n = 14). Microhardness values of the upper surfaces of the specimens were measured with Vicker’s hardness measuring device. For the shear bond strength test, 84 intact human molar teeth were used. The teeth were sectioned two in the mesiodistal direction (n = 14). The materials were applied to the dentin using the same placement protocols as those used in the hardness test. After the specimens were maintained at 37°C for 24 h, the shear bond strength test was performed using a universal test device.

Statistical Analysis Used: The data were analyzed using SPSS 26.0 at a 95% confidence level. The Mann–Whitney test was also used for the statistical analysis of the data (P = 0.05).

Results: Preheating the restorative materials significantly decreased the shear bond strength in the flowable bulk‑fill composite resin group (11.77 ± 4.46 MPa) compared with that in the control group (12.14 ± 4.23 MPa) (P < 0.05) but significantly increased the shear bond strength in the reinforced high‑viscosity glass ionomer group (3.91 ± 2.93 MPa) (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: It can be concluded that preheating before application may increase the shear bond strength of reinforced high-viscosity glass ionomer.

The Association of the Presence of Esophageal and Colonic Diverticula with Hiatal Hernia: A Cross-sectional Study

B. Luvsandagva, T. Bai, X. Hou — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Objective: This study investigates the association between the presence of diverticula in the colon and esophagus and the occurrence of hiatal hernia, seeking to understand potential shared pathophysiological underpinnings and risk factors.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care center, including patients aged ≥18 years who underwent both gastroscopy and colonoscopy over 2 years. Exclusion criteria were prior gastrectomy or colectomy, incomplete medical records, and non-consent. The presence of hiatal hernia, colonic, and esophageal diverticulosis was identified via endoscopy. Logistic regression analysis assessed the associations, adjusting for age and sex.

Results: Among 3563 participants, males showed a higher prevalence of hiatal hernias compared to females (76.1% vs. 23.9%, P < 0.001). Hiatal hernia patients had a mean age of 51.28 years, slightly higher than those without (49.62 years, P = 0.034). A significant association was found between hiatal hernias and colonic diverticulosis (11.8% vs. 1.8%, P < 0.001), as well as between hiatal hernias and esophageal diverticulosis (2.4% vs. 0.3%, P < 0.001). Adjusted logistic regression revealed a 5–7 times higher likelihood of colonic diverticulosis in patients with hiatal hernias (odds ratio = 5.64, 95% confidence interval: 3.60–8.83; P < 0.001).

Conclusion: The study demonstrates a notable association between hiatal hernias and the presence of both colonic and esophageal diverticula, suggesting common pathophysiological processes. These findings highlight the need for further research into shared risk factors and mechanisms underlying these conditions, potentially guiding improved management strategies for affected patients.

Immunohistochemistry Expression of Programmed Death-Ligand 1 in Colorectal Carcinoma among Nigerians

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is the most common gastrointestinal malignancy in Nigeria with a dismal 5-year survival rate. Interactions between the CD8+ T-lymphocytes and the immune checkpoints such as cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expressions are important. Novel antibodies have been developed against these immune checkpoints and have been found to improve clinical outcome in many solid organ malignancies.

Aim: We aimed to determine immunohistochemical expression of PD-L1 in resected CRC cases assembled on tissue microarray blocks.

Methods: Representative blocks and clinical information of resected CRC cases between 2010 and 2019 were retrieved from the archives of our department. Tissue microarray (6 × 4) blocks were constructed with 2 mm core needles. Immunohistochemistry using anti-PD-L1 rabbit monoclonal antibody (clone EPR19759 #213524, 1:200 Abcam, MA, USA) was carried out according to manufacturer’s instruction.

Results: The study included 170 cases, of which 144 cases had sufficient tissue for analysis. The peak incidence was observed in the 50–59 age group. Approximately 80.1% of the cases were in T3 and T4 stages. Only 8 (5.6%) out of 144 cases were positive for PD-L1. All the PD-L1 positive cases were either right-sided CRC (6/68) or rectal cancer (2/3). Of the seven positive cases with available histological grading, four were poorly differentiated/ mucinous variants and three cases were moderately differentiated.

Conclusion: PD-L1 expression in CRC was low (5.6%) and showed strong associations with higher tumor grades (P < 0.013), right-sided tumors (P < 0.002), and rectal cancer. There was no association with age, tumor stage, and lymph node status.

Comparison of the Accuracy and Precision of Digital Scans for Implant-Supported Maxillary Hybrid Prosthesis: An in vitro Study

E. Guzelce Sultanoğlu, B. Keleş — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Numerous intraoral scanners (IOS) devices are currently used for intraoral impressions in prosthodontics. It is crucial to assess the accuracy and precision of these devices for clinical use. Aim: This in vitro study aimed to assess and compare the accuracy and precision of six IOS in the all-on-4 treatment concept. Trueness evaluation involved aligning the data from six dental scanners with the reference model. Precision analysis encompassed aligning the data from all six scanners within their respective groups.

Methods: An edentulous maxillary model was utilized, with four implants placed at 12, 15, 22, and 25 teeth positions, simulating the all-on-4 approach using resin acrylic. Following the placement of scanbodies, each of the six IOSs (Primescan, Trios 3, Trios 4, Trios 5, Virtuo Vivo, and Medit i 700) performed eight scans of the model. An industrial scanner was employed for the control group. Data alignment and comparison were executed using the CloudCompare software (v2.11.3, General Public License of Telecom ParisTech, Paris, France). Statistical scrutiny encompassed the Shapiro–Wilk, Levene’s, and Games–Howell tests.

Results: Among the scanners, Primescan exhibited the highest trueness (35.75 ± 26.08 m), whereas the Medit i700 demonstrated superior precision (0.163 m).

Conclusion: IOS can be used to make dental impressions within the all-on-4 concept. More comprehensive and clinical studies are needed on this subject.

Radiographic Changes and Clinical Outcomes Associated with Two Different Press-Fit Humeral Stems in Primary Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty

M.F. Catma, İ.F. Adıgüzel, S.Y. Yildiz — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) is used commonly for a wide range of indications. The complications after the total shoulder replacements have been reported to be related with the prosthesis design. The type of the humeral stem is a consideration to reduce complication. Radiographic changes are seen at a high rate with new‑generation press‑fit stems.

Aim: This study aims to reduce proximal humeral bone loss after RSA could have been achieved with adjustable humeral stem when compared with monoblock stem.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was made of 52 patients treated with RSA using a press‑fit humeral stem prosthesis. The patients were separated into two groups according to the type of humeral stem. The first group included 26 patients (18 females, 8 males) who underwent RSA using adjustable humeral stem. The second group included of 26 patients (17 females, 9 males) for whom monoblock humeral stem was used. Clinical and radiological evaluations were made based on the information obtained at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 18 months postoperatively. The follow-up duration was at least 18 months.

Results: There was no statistical difference between the adjustable and monoblock groups in respect to gender, age, height, and weight. According to the functional measurements at the final follow‑up, no statistically significant difference was determined between the groups with respect to the Constant, UCLA, Oxford, DASH, and VAS values. In terms of radiographic changes, both groups were seen to have been similarly affected. It was found that, irrespective of the stem type used, the humeral side radiographic adaptation was found to be high, which negatively affected the functional results (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: The increased radiographic stress shielding adaptation leading to humeral osteolysis was found to have a negative effect on the functional results with the press‑fit technique irrespective of stem design.

A Prospective Randomized Comparison of INTELLIVENT-ASV and PSV Modes in Terms of Weaning in Intensive Care Patients, Istanbul, Turkiye

D. Tatlisuluoglu, G.H. Alay, G. Turan — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: INTELLIVENT‑Adaptive Support Ventilation (I‑ASV; C6; Hamilton Medical; Bonaduz, Switzerland) is a closed-loop ventilation mode that continuously controls the patient’s ventilation and oxygenation. It sets the minute ventilation, PEEP, and oxygen levels based on the targets set by the clinician and on physiological input from the patient. Aim: The aim was to compare I‑ASV and PSV modes regarding weaning in intensive care patients.

Methods: A total of 140 patients who were over the age of 18 years, did not have a neuromuscular disease, and had been ventilated for at least 48 hours were reviewed. Using the sequential method, patients who met the requirements for weaning were put into two groups: I‑ASV and PSV (pressure support ventilation).

Results: The mean age of the I‑ASV group (n = 70) and the PSV group (n = 70) was 49.11 ± 17.74 and 49.92 ± 22.00, respectively. In the group using I‑ASV, FiO₂ was 30.12 ± 10.04%, inspiratory pressure (Pinsp) was 8.71 ± 2.78 cm H₂O, and Ppeak value was 11.67 ± 2.78 cm H2 O, which were significantly lower than those in the PSV mode (P < 0.001). The PEEP value was significantly lower in the PSV mode (P < 0.001). However, asynchrony‑tachycardia was significantly higher in the I‑ASV group (28 (20%)) compared to the PSV group (11 (7.9%)) (P < 0.003).

Conclusion: I‑ASV mode had no effect on weaning duration compared to PSV mode but decreased PEEP, FiO₂ , Pinsp, and Ppeak values in weaning patients.

Organization of the Middle Meningeal Artery in a Sample of Black South African Population: Clinical Correlates

B. Sekome, A.A. Adebesin, N.K. Xhakaza — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: The middle meningeal artery (MMA) is the leading supplier of the cranial dura and serves as a donor blood channel in raniotomy and cerebrovascular bypass procedures. However, the complex embryology of the MMA and population differences give rise to several anatomic variations that are of great importance in head injuries pertaining to the petrous and squamous parts of the temporal bone. Similarly, care must be taken to protect the artery during surgical operations that involve the maxillary artery and the vidian nerve. Aim: To evaluate the morphometry and clinical correlates of the middle meningeal artery in the black population of South Africa.

Methods: The current study investigated the organization of the MMA in 100 adult dry human skulls (n = 50 males: n = 50 females) by tracing its grooves and measuring the length of the MMA, its frontal branch (FB), parietal branch (PB), the angle between FB and PB, and the angle of MMA from the foramen ovale (FO) bilaterally. Results: In comparison to females, males had significantly longer left PB (P = 0.003) and a considerably larger right angle of the MMA from the FO (P = 0.018). Furthermore, the PB was significantly longer on the left side than the right side in the entire sample (P = 0.002). Other parameters had no significant differences in sex and side.

Conclusions: The longer PB and the larger angle of the MMA in males could be attributed to why there is a high incidence of chronic subdural hematomas and MMA aneurysms in males. The current study is the first to propose a possible explanation for the afore mentioned findings with regard to the organization of the MMA.

Treatment Outcome of Macular Hole Associated with Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment

O.N. Okonkwo, T. Akanbi, A.A. Onwuegbuna — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Macular holes are an infrequent association with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, increasing the complexity of surgery and affecting outcome.

Aim: To report the visual outcome, macular hole (MH) closure, and retinal reattachment rate after vitrectomy with silicone oil plus different MH closure techniques for MH associated with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and to compare the visual outcome between the techniques.

Materials and Methods: A retrospective, comparative study. Review of pre and postoperative Snellen best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and the logarithm of minimum angle of resolution (LogMAR) conversion for nine eyes of 9 consecutively treated macular hole in rhegmatogenous retinal detachment patients. Pre and postoperative optical coherence tomography (OCT) macula scans and retinal reattachment three months post silicone oil removal were assessed.

Results: Surgical techniques: Inverted internal limiting membrane flap (n = 4; 44.45%), internal limiting membrane (ILM) plug (n = 4; 44.45%), and autologous retinal transplant (n = 1; 11.1%).

Outcome: Single-surgery retinal reattachment rate was 88.9% (8/9 eyes), and 100% with second surgery. Primary MH closure was 100%. One reopened MH with retinal re-detachment, post silicone oil removal, required additional surgery. The mean preoperative BCVA was 2.53 ± 0.93 LogMAR, and mean postoperative BCVA was 0.94 ± SD 0.43 LogMAR (P = 0.000). Mean change in Snellen line = 2.22 ± 1.72. The postoperative vision was the same as preoperative in 22.2% and improved in 77.8%. Mean postoperative vision for the inverted ILM flap group (n = 4) was 1.10 ± 0.62 LogMAR (P = 0.038), and for the ILM plug group (n = 4) 0.83 ± 0.23 LogMAR (P = 0.002). The surgical technique did not influence postoperative BCVA (P = 0.85). Only one eye had an outer retina on OCT evaluation. Complications were macular atrophy (55.6%), macular edema (44.4%), and epiretinal membrane (33.3%).

Conclusion: Single-surgery retinal reattachment rate and macular hole closure using any of the techniques is high, and none showed superiority.

Selective Deep-Lobe Parotidectomy for Benign Parotid Gland Tumors

A. Bayram, A.Ş. Genç, S. Altıparmak, A. Kaya, F. Şenel — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Deep‑lobe tumors have been shown to possess a significantly thicker capsule with less tumor penetration compared to superficial tumors. Thus, more conservative surgical approaches, rather than aggressive methods, have been proposed for treating benign deep-lobe tumors of the parotid gland.

Aim: To evaluate the surgical outcomes and oncological safety of selective deep-lobe parotidectomy (SDLP) in patients with benign lesions located in the deep lobe of the parotid gland. Methods: Twenty-two patients who underwent SDLP were enrolled in the study. Data on age, sex, tumor size, hospitalization duration, recurrence, cosmetic outcomes, and complications—including facial nerve (FN) impairment, Frey’s syndrome (FS), sialocele, first‑bite syndrome (FBS), wound infection, hematoma, and seroma —were retrospectively evaluated from hospital records. Facial contour symmetry was rated by each patient using a 0–10 VAS score at least six months post-surgery.

Results: Final histopathological examination revealed that the most common tumor was pleomorphic adenoma (PA) (59.1%). Three patients (13%) experienced temporary paralysis of the marginal branch of the FN, with a House-Brackman Grade III, which resolved spontaneously within two months post-surgery. No cases of permanent FN paralysis, FS, FBS, or sialocele were observed in any patients. The mean VAS score for facial contour symmetry was 9.43 ± 0.78. No recurrence were noted in any patients over a median follow‑up period of 71.7 ± 21.2 months.

Conclusion: SDLP may facilitate the safe surgical removal of benign lesions located in the deep lobe of the parotid gland, with oncological safety, reduced complication rates, and improved cosmetic outcomes.

Effect of Oral-Related Quality of Life and Sexual Function in Dentally Compromised Women: A Prospective Cohort Study

H. Turgut, S. Turgut, S. Özcan, S. Atkın4, E. Hasırcı, F. İleri, M. Sarıer — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Oral health and edentulism significantly impact quality of life (QoL). However, the relationship between oral health-related quality of life (OHQoL) and sexual function remains unclear.

Aim: To assess OHQoL and the prevalence of sexual dysfunction (SD) in women before and after oral rehabilitation.

Methods: The study involved 102 women (aged 40–70 years) scheduled for prosthodontic treatment with incomplete natural dentition. Assessments were conducted using the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP‑14) and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaires at three timepoints: T0 (before treatment), T1 (1 month after), and T2 (3 months after prosthodontic treatment). Statistical analyses included Kruskal–Wallis, Friedman tests, and Spearman’s rank correlation test (P < 0.05).

Results: Significant differences were observed in total FSFI scores at T0 (18.1 ± 3.2), T1 (19.2 ± 3.4), and T2 (21.6 ± 3.7) (P < 0.001). The prevalence of SD was 89.6% at T0, 84.2% at T1, and 79.3% at T2. Scores in all FSFI domains improved significantly post-treatment (P < 0.001). Mean OHIP scores were 30.6 ± 2.7 at T0, 17.7 ± 4.1 at T1, and 10.2 ± 2.8 at T2 (P < 0.001). Scores in all OHIP-14 domains decreased significantly after dental treatment, reflecting improved OHQoL. Significant correlations were found between total OHIP‑14 and FSFI scores at T0 (r = −0.31, P = 0.01), T1 (r = −0.51, P = 0.021), and T2 (r = −0.80, P < 0.001).

Conclusion: OHQoL is associated with sexual function in women. Following dental treatment and oral rehabilitation, FSFI scores increased, and the prevalence of SD decreased.

The Effect of Mother’s Breastsleeping Behavior on Attachment and Postpartum Sleep Quality

E.S. Çağan, E. Solmaz, R. Taşkın, A. Ekşioğlu — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Nowadays, the increasing importance of mother-infant contact, the significant impact of mother and baby’s sleep quality, and the positive effects on breastfeeding are factors that make breastfeeding sleep important.

Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of mothers’ breastsleeping behavior on attachment and postpartum sleep quality.

Methods: This study is cross- sectional. The research was conducted with 202 mothers. The data of the study were collected using a descriptive information form, the Maternal Attachment Scale (MAS), and the Postpartum Sleep Quality Scale (PSQS). Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) (IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 22.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.) for Windows 22.0 software.

Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of the MAS score and PSQS score of mothers who breastsleep and mothers who did not. No statistically significant difference was found when the mothers’ socio‑demographic characteristics, breastsleeping‑related characteristics, maternal attachment, and sleep quality mean scores were compared (P > 0.05).

Conclusion: The literature is very limited in assessing the effects of breastsleeping on mothers’ sleep quality and attachment. This study found that breastsleeping did not affect maternal sleep quality and attachment.

Effects of Maternal Dyslipidemia on Maternal and Perinatal Outcomes in Enugu, Southeast Nigeria: A Prospective Cohort Study

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Maternal dyslipidemia is one of the consistent metabolic changes during pregnancy. There is a controversy as to whether maternal lipid disturbances in early pregnancy are associated with adverse maternal and perinatal outcome.

Aim: To determine the effects of maternal dyslipidemia on maternal and perinatal outcomes.

Methods: A prospective observational cohort study of eligible pregnant women attending antenatal clinic (ANC) at two tertiary hospitals in Southeast Nigeria. The attendees blood samples were collected for lipid profile analysis and those who met the criteria for dyslipidemia constituted the study (exposed) group, while those with normal lipid levels were the control (unexposed group). Both groups were followed up throughout pregnancy and in labor to determine the pregnancy and perinatal outcomes.

Results: Compared with pregnant women with normal lipid profile, those with dyslipidemia were at higher risk of low birth weight (LBW) (RR: 9.40, CI 95%: 1.3‑70.2, P = 0.005), intrauterine fetal death (IUFD) (RR: 5.98; 95% CI: 0.8-46.9; P = 0.04), still birth (RR: 6.84, CI 95%: 8.9-52.7, P = 0.03), and birth asphyxia (RR: 10.26, CI 95%:1.4-76.0, P = 0.003).

Conclusion: Maternal dyslipidemia is associated with some adverse perinatal outcomes such as LBW, IUFD, still birth, and birth asphyxia. These findings would guide in the care of pregnant women with dyslipidemia.

Evaluation of Basal Ganglia in Paediatric Patients With Primary Nephrotic Syndrome by Brain Magnetic Resonance Histogram Analysis

M. Demir, S. Onar — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Primary nephrotic syndrome is an important cause of chronic renal failure in childhood. Important neuronal complications may develop during the disease.

Aims: This study aims to demonstrate basal ganglia involvement in children with nephrotic syndrome by texture analysis.

Methods: Brain MRI images of 22 paediatric patients with primary nephrotic syndrome and 40 healthy children of similar age groups were analysed. Brain MRI T2-weighted images were extracted from the thalamus, lentiform nucleus and nucleus caudatus and texture analysis was performed.

Results: The images of 22 children with primary nephrotic syndrome and 40 children in the control group were evaluated. There were no notable distinctions identified in terms of age and gender between the patient and control groups (P value 0,410; 0,516, respectively). Accordingly, a significant difference was found between mean, 1.P, 10.P, 50.P, 90.P, 99.P values of histogram parameters obtained from thalamus (P values were 0.001; 0.000; 0.001; 0.002; 0.004; 0.009, respectively). A significant difference was found between mean, 1.P, 10.P, 50.P, 90.P, 99.P values of histogram parameters obtained from lentiform nuclei (P values were 0.031; 0.019; 0.006; 0.006; 0.003; 0.003; 0.001; 0.002, respectively). A significant difference was found between the mean, 1.P, 10.P, 50.P, 90.P, 99.P values of the histogram parameters obtained from the nucleus caudatus (P values 0,002; 0,005; 0,002; 0,002; 0,002; 0,003; 0,003, respectively).

Conclusion: Texture analysis may be helpful in demonstrating brain parenchymal involvement in paediatric patients with primary nephrotic.

Exploring the Effectiveness of Dental Public Health Education in Enhancing Student Competency for Refugee Care

E. Meral, C. Ozsin‑Ozler, C. Atalay, M. Uzamis‑Tekcicek, E. Ergin — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: As global migration rises, dental professionals must be prepared to treat refugee communities' particular oral health needs, emphasizing the need of education and training in readiness to treat these underserved groups.

Aim: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Dental Public Health (DPH) Field Study course on fifth‑year dental students’ willingness to provide care for refugee patients.

Methods: In this descriptive study, fifth‑year students at Hacettepe University’s Faculty of Dentistry were invited to participate in this study. Students were categorized into two groups based on whether they had completed the DPH field study course. Participants completed a questionnaire assessing their self-reported knowledge, experience, and attitudes toward refugee patients. Data were analyzed using Chi‑square and Fisher’s exact tests.

Results: Students who completed the DPH field study course reported gaining most of their knowledge about refugees from the course, whereas those who did not complete the course primarily obtained their information through social media. Furthermore, attitudes toward caring for refugee patients were significantly more positive among students who had completed the course (P<0.05). However, the willingness to volunteer for programs providing oral health care to refugee patients was higher among students who had not completed the course. Additionally, a higher rate of volunteering was significantly associated with students who were satisfied with their profession (P<0.05) and tended to be higher among female students (P>0.05).

Conclusion: The DPH field study course positively influenced students’ knowledge, experience, and willingness to provide care for refugee patients. Moreover, volunteering to participate in oral health care programs was positively correlated with a professional satisfaction and female gender. Further research involving a larger and more diverse group of students from different faculties is recommended to validate these findings.

An In‑vitro Evaluation of Tooth Discoloration and Shear Bond Strength of Glass Ionomer Cement Bonded to Tooth Surface Pretreated with Silver Diamine Fluoride and Glutathione Biomolecule

I.C. Al‑Azar, M.S. Girish, I.M. Devraj, K.C. Shylaja, K.S. Dhull — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is employed in caries prevention and treatment; however, tooth discoloration post treatment is a significant disadvantage, which can be reduced using glutathione (GSH), a water soluble tripeptide.

Aim: To evaluate and compare the effect of glutathione biomolecule (GSH) and potassium iodide (KI) along with SDF on tooth discoloration and shear bond strength of glass ionomer cement (GIC) on the tooth surface.

Methods: Artificial caries were created on 48 extracted unblemished premolars and divided into four groups (SDF, SDF + KI, SDF + GSH, and Water). The solutions were applied according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and the samples were incubated for 24 hours. The color assessment was recorded on days 1, 7, and 14 by using a spectrophotometer. Following the color assessment, all the treated samples were bonded with GIC. The shear bond strength was evaluated using a universal testing machine.

Results: Mixing SDF with GSH initially reduced tooth discoloration. Although there was an increase in the discoloration after 2 weeks, it was still less when compared to the SDF group. The application of GSH and KI post SDF application had no significant difference in the shear bond strength of GIC on the tooth surface.

Conclusions: The use of GSH along with SDF helps in reducing the discoloration without compromising the shear bond strength.

Brucellosis Prevention Questionnaire (BPQ): Adaptation to Turkish Culture, Validity and Reliability Study

M. Yılmaz, I. Arikan — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Brucellosis is the most common zoonosis worldwide. Prevention of brucellosis is based on surveillance and prevention of risk factors.

Aim: The aim of this methodological study, conducted with breeders living in Kütahya, was to perform the Turkish adaptation, validity and reliability study of the Brucellosis Prevention Questionnaire (BPQ).

Methods: This methodological study was conducted on breeders living in the villages of Kütahya in Türkiye between May and November 2021. Cultural adaptation–language validity and construct (concept) validity of the scale were evaluated. Item total score correlation, internal consistency, and test–retest correlation was used to evaluate the reliability of the scale.

Results: According to factor analysis, the variance explained in the five‑dimensional structure was 61.8%. A positive correlation was found between the mean BPQ score and Health Perception Scale scores (r = 0.170; P = 0.005). Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of the BPQ was found to be 0.944.

Conclusion: Findings from validity and reliability studies show that the Turkish version of the BPQ is a valid and reliable scale in Turkish society and culture.

Histopathological Comparison of Various Tongue Base Reduction Processes

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background and Aim: Tongue base reduction surgery is the only minimally invasive technique that can be performed under local anesthesia as an outpatient procedure, especially to treat obstructive sleep apnea caused by hypopharyngeal obstruction. Studies reported that various devices could be used for tongue base reduction, but comparisons of these methods are limited in the literature. Our study aimed to compare the histological effects of tongue base reduction methods performed with the Celon radiofrequency, monopolar cautery, Coblator, and Sutter devices on the tissue.

Methods: This study included 23 female rats (aged 4–8 months). Rats were divided into five groups. Tongue base reduction was performed with monopolar cautery in the first group (5 rats), then Celon radiofrequency in the second group (5 rats), the Coblator in the third group (5 rats), and the Sutter in the fourth group (5 rats). The fifth group was the control group, which comprised three rats. The rats’ tongues were resected for histological examination 1 week after procedures.

Results: While the highest amount of fibrosis was seen in the Sutter group, fibrosis was also relatively high in the Coblator group. A significant difference was observed in all groups when compared with the control group regarding tissue thickness. While the average tissue thicknesses of the monopolar, celon rf, and Coblator groups were almost the same, tissue reduction was more marked in the Sutter group.

Conclusion: Although we observed that all the methods used were safe, the method that produced the most fibrosis and tissue reduction was the Sutter method.

Recurrent Dermatofibrosarcoma Protruberans: For all Surgeons or the Right Surgeons – Challenges and Management Approach

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberan is a locally aggressive tumor that can be challenging to manage if it becomes recurrent. The best attempt at achieving cure is the first surgery. The outcome of the first surgery is dependent on who the initial surgeon is – right surgeon or not. Multidisciplinary care offers good outcomes when reconstructive needs are catered for. In our resource-poor setting, it will be beneficial to have an adequate (more than 5 cm margin) excision margin followed by reconstruction of defects by surgeons with adequate training in management of the pathology and tissue reconstruction.