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Spectrophotometric evaluation of apical microleakage of three different endodontic sealers
Get PDFIntroduction: The main purpose of root canal filling materials is to provide an apical sealing that prevents the movement of bacteria and the diffusion of their metabolic products from the root canal system to periapical tissue. The aim of this study was to evaluate the apical sealing ability of mineral trioxide aggregate’s (MTA), epoxy resin, and zinc oxide eugenol- based sealer with single cone obturation techniques using the dye extraction leakage method.
Methods: Seventy-five extracted human single-rooted teeth were instrumented using the crown-down technique with the Mtwo rotary file system to file 25/6. The teeth were randomly divided into five experimental groups (n = 15); Group 1 obturated with AH plus, Group 2 obturated with MTA BIOSEAL, Group 3 obturated with Endoseal, Group 4 positive control (POS CTRL) root canals are processed but not obturated, and negative control- apex of teeth completely covered with nail varnish, canals are not treated or obturated. In the first three groups, the single cone obturation technique with gutta-percha 25/6 was used. Apical microleakage was assessed with the dye extraction method, where the absorbance of 2% methylene blue was measured using a spectrophotometer.
Results: The mean dye concentration values were MTA 22.79, AH plus 31.16, Endoseal 36.67, POS CTRL 280.15, negative control 9.01. Analysis of variance and pairwise comparisons indicated a significant difference in apical microleakage between the investigated groups (F = 3448, p < 0.001). The MTA BIOSEAL showed significantly less apical microleakage than the AH plus and Endoseal. The AH plus showed less apical microleakage than the Endoseal, although there was no significant difference between these two sealers.
Conclusion: With the limitation of the study, it was concluded that MTA sealers show statistically less apical leakage than AH Plus and Endoseal
Human papillomavirus infection in laryngeal lesions in Northeast Bosnia and Herzegovina
Get PDFIntroduction: Various studies conducted in the past few years have shown a causal relationship between human papillomavirus(HPV) and benign and malignant lesions on the laryngeal mucosa. There are no other studies on the association between HPV and laryngeal lesions in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of HPV infection on the development of benign and malignant lesions in the larynx.
Methods: Samples for the recommended HPV analysis were taken using cotton swabs from Digene’s Specimen Collection Kit (Sample Collection Kit) from the surface of the affected area of the laryngeal mucosa with a gentle rotational movement through the directoscope. Detection of the presence of HPV in the endolaryngeal swab was performed using Digene’s HPV test-Hybrid Capture II, and results were obtained on a DML 2000 luminometer.
Results: In this study, a total of 40 patients were enrolled. Among them, 17 cases (42.5%) presented with benign lesions of the larynx, whereas 23 cases (57.5%) had malignant lesions. Within the group of 17 cases with benign lesions, 5 tested positive for HPV: 2 for high-risk HPV (HR HPV), 2 for low-risk HPV (LR HPV), and 1 for both high-risk and LR HPV. Among the 23 cases with malignant lesions, 11 (47.83%) were HPV positive: 5 for HR HPV, 4 for LR HPV, and 2 for both high-risk and LR HPV.
Conclusion: Our findings underscore the noteworthy influence of HPV infection on both benign and malignant changes in the laryngeal mucosa. However, future studies necessitate larger sample sizes and the identification of specific virus types
Elementary school teachers’ support for children with a parent who has cancer in Japan
No full textIntroduction: When a parent is diagnosed with cancer, the psychological and social impact on their children can be profound. Teachers play a key role in supporting these children, yet limited research has examined school-based support in Japan. This study aimed to examine the awareness, perceptions, and support practices of elementary school teachers toward children with a parent who has cancer.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Akita City. Demographic data included sex, age, parenting status, teaching years, and cancer/bereavement experiences. Teachers reported support experience and completed items on perception, knowledge, and anxiety. Teachers with support experience provided details about their most memorable case.
Results: Among 500 questionnaires collected, 459 were analyzed. Of these, 270 teachers (54.0%) reported support experience. Support experience was significantly associated with being female, having children, and personal or familial cancer experience.Teachers with support experience showed higher perception, knowledge, and anxiety. Memorable cases involved initial contact with children of newly diagnosed parents. Support included observing behavior, promoting emotional expression.
Conclusion: While teachers actively support affected children, personal factors and greater awareness were linked to increased anxiety. Enhancing teacher training and school–medical collaboration may improve support for children facing parental cancer
Eating habits and certain anthropometric characteristics among individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Banja Luka (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Get PDFIntroduction: The analysis of healthy eating parameters in comparison with the anthropometric characteristics of individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus can serve as a useful tool to prove that changes in glucose metabolism are related to dietary habits. This study investigates the dietary habits and anthropometric characteristics of individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Banja Luka, Bosnia, and Herzegovina. The primary aim was to assess the correlation between dietary habits and anthropometric measurements, including body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-stature ratio (WSR), using the UK Diabetes and Diet Questionnaire (UKDDQ).
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted at the University Clinical Centre of the Republic of Srpska. The study involved 160 participants, aged 40-80 years, with a diagnosis of T2DM. Dietary habits were assessed using the UKDDQ, while anthropometric measurements (BMI, WC, and WSR) were calculated following standard procedures. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, applying descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA test, and the Mann–Whitney U test to assess associations.
Results: The results showed that only 27.5% of participants adhered to healthy dietary habits, while the majority (72.5%) exhibited partially unhealthy or unhealthy eating patterns. Significant correlations were found between unhealthy dietary habits and higher BMI, WC, and WSR values. In addition, sociodemographic data indicated a predominance of older individuals and a higher percentage of women among the participants, with a significant portion residing in urban areas with low socioeconomic status.
Conclusion: This study demonstrates a link between poor dietary habits and higher anthropometric indices in individuals with T2DM. Targeted nutritional interventions, particularly increasing fruit, vegetable, and omega-3 intake, are essential for better diabetes management, especially in urban populations with low socioeconomic status
Sensory integration of the proprioceptive sensory system of children with intellectual disabilities
Get PDFIntroduction: Sensory integration is the way in which the nervous system processes information from the senses. Irregularities or disturbances in brain function that make it difficult to integrate sensory input from stimuli lead to sensory disintegration. The proprioceptive sensory system provides information about joint and body movements, extent, strength, duration and direction of movement, position of the body or body parts in space, and muscle tone. The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of sensory integration disorders of the proprioceptive sensory system in children with intellectual disabilities and children without developmental disabilities and to determine whether the existing difference is statistically significant.
Methods: The study was conducted on a sample of 60 respondents. The first subsample of respondents (n = 30) consisted of children with intellectual disabilities. The second subsample of respondents (n = 30) consisted of children without developmental disabilities of the same chronological age. The measuring instrument “Questionnaire for examining proprioceptive sensory sensitivity” was used. Data were collected by observing the respondents and interviewing the rehabilitator and the child’s parents. The frequencies and percentages of the respondents’ answers for all variables were calculated. To determine the statistical significance of differences, the Mann-Whitney U test and Wilcoxon W test were used at a statistical significance level of p < 0.05.
Results: The results show that 81.4% of children with intellectual disabilities have difficulties with sensory integration of the sensations of the proprioceptive sensory system, manifested as hypersensitivity (37.6%), hyposensitivity (19.5%), and mixed sensory response (24.3%). Sensory integration difficulties are also experienced by 75.7% of children without developmental disabilities, manifested by hypersensitivity (17.62%), hyposensitivity (27.6%), and mixed sensory reactions (30.5%). There is a statistically significant difference in the variables: high-risk games, fine motor tasks, and activities requiring physical strength. For the other variables, the difference in sensory integration is not statistically significant.
Conclusion: 81.4% of children with intellectual disabilities and 75.7% of children without developmental disabilities have difficulties in sensory integration of the proprioceptive sensory system. Children with intellectual disabilities show better integration of proprioceptive sensory input in activities requiring physical strength and in activities with eyes closed or covered. In all other activities, they show poorer sensory integration of proprioceptive sensations than children without developmental disabilities
Quality of life among Croatian primary school-age children before and after the COVID-19 pandemic
Get PDFIntroduction: During the lockdown period, numerous different stressors negatively affected children and adolescents in the general population. Children under the age of 18 were the most vulnerable and most likely to suffer from more complex psychiatric symptoms during the closures of educational institutions. This study aimed to measure and compare the quality of life (QoL) of Croatian primary school-aged children before and after the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic.
Methods: The participants were 310 primary school children aged between 8 and 12 years and their parents or caregivers. QoL was measured by the Paediatric Quality of Life (PedsQL™) inventory generic core scale, which includes children’s- self-report (CSR) and parents-proxy-report (PPR) versions for ages 8-12 years. The significant difference of results in CSR and PPR was analyzed with a Student’s t-test. The level of significance was set to p < 0.05.
Results: Before the COVID-19 pandemic, CSR and PPR gave almost the same result on every subscale, including total QoL, which measured 82.18 ± 11.68 for children and 82.11 ± 11.66 for parents. Children’s QoL was significantly worse after the pandemic than it was before, according to both CSR and PPR, with the total QoL scale measuring 77.82 ± 17.08 and 77.96 ± 17.33, respectively. When comparing results of CSR before and after the pandemic, lower results were measured in the post-pandemic period for all subscales, with statistically significant differences found for emotional, school, and psychosocial functioning subscales and total QoL score. The same thing happened with PPR, a statistically significant difference was found for emotional, social, school, and psychosocial functioning subscales and total QoL score.
Conclusion: According to the results of the PedsQL™ inventory generic core scale, the COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected and decreased children’s QoL in the physical, emotional, social, school, and psychosocial spheres by both children’s and parents’ opinions
Exploring resilience among Palestinian hospital nurses: A phenomenological study
Get PDFIntroduction: Nurses play a vital role in the Palestinian healthcare system and work in challenging environments. Their well-being and providing high-quality care can be affected by multiple stressors. Resilience among nurses is essential for sustaining an effective workforce. This study explores sources of resilience among nurses working in the hospitals in Nablus, northern West Bank, Palestine.
Methods: A qualitative phenomenological approach was used. Purposeful sampling selected three hospitals (one governmental, one private, and one non-profit). Three focus group discussions were conducted with 24 full-time hospital nurses between October and December 2018. Group discussions were held in Arabic, then transcribed to paper then inductive thematic analysis done, and finally, the themes and sub-themes translated in English by a certified translator.
Results: Analysis yielded four main themes and eight sub-themes: Patriotic values and beliefs; motivation; coping skills; and supportive relationships.
Conclusions: Understanding nurses’ sources of resilience can inform interventions to support their well-being and capacity to face adversity. Further research is recommended to examine changes over time and in other regions of Palestine
The effectiveness of rehabilitation of persons with periarthritis humeroscapularis
Get PDFIntroduction: Periarthritis humeroscapularis (PHS) is an inflammatory reaction of the muscle tendons of the shoulder joint and other adjacent tissues of the shoulder joint. The main clinical signs are pain and limitation of mobility, which endangers the daily life activities. The aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness of rehabilitation in reducing the pain and the effectiveness of rehabilitation in improving the daily life activities of respondents with PHS.
Methods: This prospective, pre-post study, conducted from May to September 2023, included subjects of both sexes, different age groups, and different occupations, who were part of the rehabilitation program. The data were collected by filling out a questionnaires of the general data of the respondents and a the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon Score (ASES) questionnaire on activities of daily life and intensity of pain in the shoulder before and after the rehabilitation program. The rehabilitation program lasted an average of 14 days and included the following physical procedures: Electrotherapy, ultrasound, kinesitherapy, cryotherapy, short-wave diathermy, and manual massage.
Results: Comparison of the average pain score on an ASES pain scale of 1-10 shows that the respondents rated pain with an average score of 7.32 before the treatment and with an average score of 2.14 after the treatment. The average scores on the activities of daily living subscale of the ASES questionnaire were worse before the treatment and amounted to 20.72 ± 10.46 (range 3.33-40.0) compared to the scores after the treatment when they averaged 40.95 ± 7.46 (range 21.67-50). The average total score on the ASES scale before the treatment was 34.10 ± 13.93 (range 8.33-58.33), and after the treatment, it was 80.27 ± 14.7 (range 48.33-100.0).
Conclusion: The rehabilitation showed statistically significant improvement in the average score on the ASES subscales of pain and daily life activities
Gender-related epidemiological characteristics of cauda equina syndrome caused by disc herniation: a 10-year study in Zenica-Doboj Canton, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Get PDFIntroduction: The unrecognized cases of cauda equina syndrome (CES) and the lack of epidemiological data in Bosnia and Herzegovina about this neurosurgical emergency, including the Zenica-Doboj Canton, contribute to the lack of awareness among health-care professionals, potentially leading to delayed diagnosis and referral for surgical decompression. Aim of this study is to analyze gender-related epidemiological characteristics of CES in Zenica-Doboj Canton in 10 years period.
Methods: The study was conducted in the Zenica-Doboj Canton, and data were obtained from the time period between 2012 and 2022. The study included a total sample of 1709 patients diagnosed with disc herniation who underwent surgical decompression. In total, 48 patients developed CES.
Results: The analysis unveiled noteworthy gender disparities, with male predominance (79.2% vs. 20.8%, p < 0.001) and varying employment distributions (males: 23.7% unemployed, 63.2% employed, 13.1% retired; females: 40.0% unemployed, 20.0% employed, 40.0% retired, p < 0.001). The calculated OR for 2012-2022 was 2.969 (95% CI: 1.576-5.593), signifying a substantial gender-incidence relationship for CES. CES-I incidence ranged 0.80–1.60/100,000 and CES-R ranged 0.25-0.83/100,000. Highest CES incidence was 4.17/100,000 (2015); the lowest was in 2019 with no CES-R cases reported. Male incidence peaked at 2.64/100,000 (2018), and the lowest was 1.06/100,000 (2013, 2017). For females, the highest was 1.17/100,000 (2018, 2021), with no cases reported in certain years. The affected level demonstrated gender differences, with L4/L5 prevalence in males (47.4%) and L3/L4 in females (50%, p = 0.165).
Conclusion: This study revealed a higher incidence of CES in males compared to females in the Zenica-Doboj Canton. The heterogenicity of data regarding CES occurring due to the lumbar disc herniation is significant. This indicates a clear need for additional research and epidemiological studies that would highlight the population of patients that have a higher risk of CES onset
Ruthenium-based complexes as anti-tumor agents
Get PDFExtensive research into platinum-based chemotherapeutics has been underway for decades with ruthenium-based complexes emerging as interesting and potent candidates. Even still, there is no evidence of a single mechanism of action across all synthesized and tested Ru-based complexes, prompting the continuance of research in this field. In addition, the mechanism of action varies according to cell line and/or animal model and is seemingly highly individualized and personalized. In accordance with this, the ruthenium complexes are able to activate specific molecular pathways and interact with certain targets within the cell, sometimes reported simultaneously. In this review, we attempt to give a new perspective on ruthenium complexes’ anti-cancer properties and organize selected results from the past 15 years of research connecting their structure with the reported mechanism of action. These results corroborate the previously reported great potential that ruthenium complexes have on cancer in vitro. In addition, the review provides insight into Ru drugs in their clinical trials and their efficacy against cancer including a historical context on metallodrugs, particularly platinum-based complexes, and their antitumor capability