Background: The prevalence of white spot lesions/tooth demineralization during orthodontic fixed appliance therapy ranges widely from 2 to 96% of patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate measures used by orthodontists practicing in Nigeria to manage demineralization during and after fixed orthodontic treatment and how it compares with the available evidence-based information. Method: Study group comprised of 60 practitioners (21 orthodontists and 39 orthodontic residents) in Nigeria. Self-administered questionnaires were used to obtain information on the measures they use to prevent the occurrence of demineralization at the onset and during orthodontic treatment, as well as the management of its occurrence at treatment completion. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software, version 17.0. Descriptive statistics were used. Level of significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: Responses obtained showed that 96.7% of orthodontic practitioners routinely advised their patients on tooth cleaning methods; the use of manual orthodontic toothbrush (78.3%) and dental floss (51.7%) being popularly recommended methods. However, 51.7% used a specific demineralization preventive protocol at the start of treatment. Oral hygiene instruction was observed to be the most commonly adopted protocol (51.7%), followed by fluoride rinses (41.7%) (considered relatively ineffective). Extraoral hygiene instruction was the most common treatment protocol used when tooth demineralization occurred during and after treatment (56.7% and 73.3% respectively). Approximately 92% of the orthodontists agreed on the need for the development of a basic protocol to prevent demineralization. Conclusion: The demineralization preventive measures used by Nigerian orthodontists and orthodontic residents are inconsistent and not based on evidence-based information. The development of standardized demineralization prevention protocol was therefore recommended.

Aim: The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate and compare the 3-dimensional (3D) crown sizes of the left and right sides of upper and lower dental arches in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP). Materials and Methods: Dental casts of 94 patients all in permanent dentition were included in this study. Dental casts were divided into three groups as 36 casts with unilateral left cleft lip and palate (ULCLP), 18 casts with unilateral right cleft lip and palate (URCLP), and 40 casts without cleft (control). Mesiodistal (MD), buccolingual (BL), and gingiva incisal (GI) values of each tooth were measured by scanning the dental models with a high-precision optical 3D scanner. Paired t-test and independent t-test were used for statistical analysis. Results: U1 MD, U6 MD (P = 0.001) and BL (P = 0.01), L3 GI (P = 0.05) were greater in UCLP patients on the non-cleft side while U1 GI, L1 BL, L5 MD (P = 0.001), L4 MD, and BL (P = 0.01) values were found to be greater on the cleft side. Comparison of the cleft-sides and the control group showed that MD, BL, and GI dimensions of teeth on the cleft sides were generally found to be smaller, excluding the UR7 GI values for URCLP group (P = 0.05). Conclusion: In the measurements of teeth size, reliable and repeatable results were acquired through 3D software. Tooth size asymmetries can occur non-syndromic UCLP patients in both jaws. MD, BL, and GI dimensions of teeth are mostly found to be smaller in patients with CLP.

Objective: Periodontal diseases are inflammatory chronic infections. Sialic acid (SA) is an acute phase reactant by itself. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between salivary and serum SA levels and clinical parameters in different forms of periodontal diseases. Subject and Methods: Systemically healthy subjects were included in the study; patients with chronic gingivitis (CG) (n = 10), chronic periodontitis (CP) (n = 10), and aggressive periodontitis (AgP) (n = 10), and ten volunteers with healthy periodontium as the control group. Total SA levels were determined by Warren's thiobarbituric acid method in whole saliva, parotis saliva, and serum samples of subjects before and 3 months after nonsurgical periodontal treatment. Full mouth clinical parameters including plaque index, gingival index, probing depth, and bleeding on probing were also recorded. Results: Before treatment, in both periodontitis groups salivary and serum SA levels were higher than those of controls (P = 0.001). Both salivary and serum SA levels decreased significantly in the patient groups after treatment (P < 0.001). Multiple comparisons of baseline clinical parameters in all groups revealed significant differences (P = 0.001) and these parameters decreased significantly on the 90^th day (P < 0.01). There were positive correlations between SA levels and periodontal indices of the CG, CP, and AgP groups (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Our results suggest that SA level in both saliva and serum may be a potentially useful marker to determine inflammatory changes and investigate different forms of periodontal diseases.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of different pediatric drugs and toothbrushing on color changes of restorative materials used in pediatric dentistry. Materials and Methods: Sixty specimens were prepared from each of three restorative materials (compomer [Dyract XP], glass hybrid [Equia Forte], and glass carbomer [GCP Glass Fill]). Specimens were divided into six solution groups (n = 10) and immersed in five different pediatric drugs (antibiotic, analgesic, common cold syrup, cough syrup, and an iron and vitamin formula) and distilled water. Two subgroups (brushed and unbrushed) were established for each group (n = 5). Specimens were agitated for 1 min every 8 h over 2 weeks. Color changes [CIEDE2000 (ΔE₀₀)] were calculated at baseline, 7, and 14 days. Data were subjected to 4-factor mixed-design ANOVA using a general linear model procedure for repeated measurements. Results: After 14 days, the highest ΔE₀₀was found in the compomer/non-brushing group immersed in iron and vitamin formula (5.6 ± 0.27), and the lowest was in glass hybrid/brushing group immersed in distilled water (0.59 ± 0.8) pairwise. ΔE₀₀values were significantly greater for compomer than for glass hybrid or glass carbomer (P < 0.05). There were statistically significant differences between the brushing and non-brushing groups for all tested solutions on the compomer specimens (except antibiotic) and glass hybrid specimens (except antibiotic and cough syrup). The Δ₀₀ values in brushing groups were significantly lower statistically than in non-brushing groups (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Toothbrushing dramatically affected the color stability of the aesthetic restorative materials. The content of pediatric drugs is also an important factor for color change. Glass hybrids and glass carbomers used with their surface sealants appeared to be more resistant to staining from pediatric drug formulations than compomers.

Background: Shivering is a frequent undesirable event in patients undergoing cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia. Postanesthetic shivering has a multitude of deleterious effects and different methods have been used to prevent it. We therefore compare the efficacy of ondansetron to that of tramadol in preventing postanesthetic shivering in women undergoing cesarean section under subarachnoid block. Aim: Comparison of the efficacy of ondansetron to that of tramadol in preventing postanesthetic shivering in women undergoing cesarean section under subarachnoid block. Subject and Methods: This is a prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study. The patients (n = 109) were randomly allocated to three groups according to the study drugs, namely tramadol 50 mg group (Group T), ondansetron 4 mg group (Group O), and saline 4 ml group (Group S) using envelope randomization. Statistical analyses were done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences 20.0. Results: A total of 100 patients completed the study (33 in Group S, 33 in Group T, and 34 in Group O). The three groups were comparable with respect to demographic characteristics. Shivering was observed in 16 (48.5%) of the patients in Group S; 13 (39.4%) patients in Group T, and in only 2 (5.9%) patients in Group O. The differences in incidence of shivering were statistically significant between Groups O and S (P = 0.000) and Groups O and T (P = 0.001) but not between Groups T and S (P = 0.460). The differences across the groups were not statistically significant in terms of incidence of intraoperative hypotension, bradycardia, and the cumulative amount of ephedrine consumed. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that ondansetron is superior to tramadol in preventing shivering under spinal anesthesia in women undergoing cesarean section.

Background: Lipomas are rarely seen tumors of adipose tissue that are benign in character. Although mostly located to the subcutaneous region, specifically in the upper back, neck, and shoulder, they may also occur in thoracic cavity. Aim: They aim of the study was to analyse clinical features and outcome of treatment of intrathoracic pleural lipomas. Materials and Method: We retrospectively evaluated the clinicopathological records of seven patients with intrathoracic lipomas who had undergone surgery between 2005 and 2017. We made analyses in terms of age, gender, admission complaints, lesion locations and dimensions, diagnostic techniques, operative procedures, histopathological features, and prognosis. Results: Four women and three men with a mean age 62.7 (range, 48–75 years) were included. They had chest pain (n = 2), effort dyspnea (n = 1) as the admission symptom, whereas four patients were asymptomatic, whose lesions were detected on chest radiography on an incidental basis. The radiological features of the tumors were well-demarcated, homogenous lesions with fat density. Tumors of all cases were excised, which were located on the right side in two patients and left in five. We used video-assisted thoracoscopy in two patients, single-port video-assisted thoracoscopy in three patients, thoracotomy in two patients. All lesions were of parietal pleural origin and were located intrathoracically. They had a range of size between 4 and 10 cm, with an average of 6.7 cm. All cases were operated with complete resection. At a mean follow-up duration of 4.7 years no recurrence was noted. Conclusion: Intrathoracic lipomas are rare, benignly behaving tumors. As it may prove difficult to differentiate them from malignant lesions and they may grow in an invasive growth pattern, surgery should be pursued in all patients for both diagnosis and treatment.

Background: Replantation of avulsed teeth is an invasive treatment approach where patient cooperation is required after the risks are explained to the patient or family. Although replantation of an avulsed permanent teeth is an accepted treatment approach, the long-term prognosis of the replanted teeth is still controversial. This report describes the survival of delayed replanted 15 incisors that was stored in unfavorable conditions after avulsion. Materials and Methods: Nine patients, aged 8–12 years, were referred to the Inonu University, Pediatric Dentistry Department with traumatically avulsed incisors. The parents were informed about the possible complications of a delayed replantation. Results: Forty percent of the teeth were splinted with flexible orthodontic wire and composite. The follow-up periods were varied from 24 to 48 months. The mean follow-up periods were 33.3 ± 8 months. 40% of the teeth were retained in the mouth for at least 3 years and contributed to alveolar bone development. In these cases, the most common complication (9 teeth, 60%) was replacement root resorption. Two of the 15 teeth which had wide open apices, continued to the root development. Conclusion: In this study, replanted teeth were retained in the mouth for at least 2 years and contributed to the patient's development. Therefore, this study has shown that delayed replantation of an avulsed tooth for a child is still worthwhile, even in cases of poor prognosis where the tooth had extended extra-alveolar dry storage. We believe that delayed replantation should be done because of its importance for the child's jaw and facial development.

Background: Manual vacuum aspiration is a safe and effective technology for the treatment of incomplete miscarriage but it is not widely available and affordable in rural areas particularly in low-resource countries. Misoprostol is an alternative to manual vacuum aspiration for the treatment of incomplete miscarriage. Aim: To compare the effectiveness, client acceptability and satisfaction, and cost-effectiveness of misoprostol with manual vacuum aspiration for the treatment of the first-trimester incomplete miscarriage. Subjects and Methods: This study was conducted between February 1, 2018 and August 31, 2018 at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Nigeria. 100 participants were randomized to treatment with either manual vacuum aspiration or 600 μg oral misoprostol. The main outcome measures assessed at 1-week follow-up were complete uterine evacuation, client acceptability and satisfaction, and cost-effectiveness. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Sociodemographic characteristics, treatment outcomes and other variables were summarized by descriptive statistics. Chi-square test was used for comparison between groups as regard categorical data while Student's't' test was used for comparison between groups for continuous data. P value of <0.05 was regarded as statistically significant. Results: There was a higher failure rate in the misoprostol arm when compared with MVA. Although this difference in complete uterine evacuation rate did not reach statistical significance (81.3% versus 95.7%, RR = 4.3, 95% CI 0.98-18.9, P value = 0.05), more participants in the misoprostol arm would choose the method again when compared with women in the MVA group (47 versus 30, X^[2] = 16.95, P < 0.001). The mean client satisfaction score was significantly higher among women in the misoprostol arm compared to MVA group (13.2 (2.1) versus 7.3 (4.6), P < 0.001). The mean cost of primary treatment was higher in the MVA group compared with misoprostol arm ($67.8 (8.9) versus 14.4 (4.0), P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the mean cost of repeat uterine evacuation in both study arms (MVA, $64.9 (6.3) versus misoprostol, $65.76 (6.6), P = 0.86). Conclusion: Although medical treatment was associated with a higher failure rate, there was no statistically significant difference in the effectiveness of both treatment methods. However, medical treatment was associated with higher client acceptance and satisfaction and was more cost-effective than surgical treatment.

Background: Supracondylar humerus (SCH) fractures are serious injuries due to the neighborhood of critical neural and vascular structures. One of the most devastating complications of SCH fractures is neurological damage, since it may cause permanent disability. The aim of this study is to categorize neurological complications, to report long-term functional outcomes, and to determine risk factors associated with childhood SCH fractures. Methods: The records of 375 children were reviewed retrospectively. Data about amount and direction of displacement, the shape of the fracture, age at the time of fracture, gender, time from impaction to surgery, time of surgery, type of neurological injury, and recovery time were recorded. Results: Neurological complications were seen in 37 (9.85%) children. Thirteen (35.1%) of the children had an iatrogenic nerve injury. All iatrogenic injuries were fully recovered in this study. However, 2 children who had combined neurological injury of radial, ulnar, and median nerves did not recover. Nearly 95% of all children who had neurological injury recovered fully. An anterior long and sharp bone fragment (spike) was observed in most of the children with neurological injury, and this spike was seen in 14 (58.3%) patients who had a trauma-related injury (n = 24). Conclusion: The prognosis of these nerve injuries is excellent, especially the iatrogenic ones. A long and sharp bone fragment (spike) may be responsible for nerve injuries in some children. Surgical exploration is not necessary after an iatrogenic nerve injury when there is no neurotmesis. Patience and care are utmost needed to handle neurological complications.

Background: Tumours of the eye and adnexa demonstrate great histologic variety and constitute a serious threat to vision especially in children. Aims: The study aims to review the epidemiologic and pathologic characteristics of tumours of the eye and ocular adnexa in the paediatric age group (0-14 years). Methods: All the cases entered into the departmental records as tumours of the eye and ocular adnexa over a 10-year period in the age group 0-14 years were extracted. The patients' request cards with all relevant Haematoxylin & Eosin (H & E)–stained histology slides were retrieved. All the slides were reviewed and the cases were classified in accordance with the 4^th edition of the WHO Classification of Tumours of the Eye (2018). The collected data were subjected to descriptive statistical tabulation and analysis. Results: A total of 104 tumours of the eye and ocular adnexae were diagnosed in the paediatric age group, accounting for 40.5% of all eye and ocular adnexal tumours diagnosed over the study period. The male to female ratio was 1.7:1 and malignant tumours greatly outnumbered benign tumours by a ratio of 5.5:1. Majority (76%) of the tumours occurred in the retina with retinoblastoma representing all the tumours diagnosed in this location. Rhabdomyosarcoma was the most common paediatric orbital tumour accounting for over half (53.8%) of all tumours in the orbit. Tumours of the conjunctiva and the eyelid were infrequent with benign soft tissue tumours (vascular, neural and lipomatous tumours) being the major tumours at these sites. Conclusion: Retinoblastoma is the single most common tumour in this age group.

Aims: The aim of this study is to investigate the color changes of three different traditional composites, one ceramic and two resin-based composites CAD/CAM blocks in different solutions. Methods: The materials used in the study were CAD/CAM block containing lithium disilicate glass ceramic (Ivoclar), Vita Enamic containing resin (VITA), Lava Ultimate Block containing resin (3M ESPE), G-aenial anterior composite (GC,), Filtek™ Ultimate Universal composite (3M ESPE) and Clearfil Majesty Esthetic composite (Kuaray). As colouring solutions, red wine (Buzbaǧ), black tea (Lipton), coffee (Nescafe) and distilled water (EAU distillee) were used. For the preparation of the traditional composite samples to be used in the study, 7 × 7 mm square-shaped plexiglass moulds, 1.2 mm in thickness, were used. The CAD/CAM blocks with ceramic and resin content were cut at the same thickness using a Struers sensitive cutting device. The samples were then randomly separated into grups of 10 and of the 240 samples, groups were separated into 6 different materials and 4 different solutions. The colour measurements of the 240 samples were taken at baseline, 30 days and 120 days with a Lovibond spectrophotometer (Tintometer). Results: A statistically significant difference was determined between the materials in respect of the ΔE values in the 30-day solution groups (P < 0.05). No statistically significant difference was determined in the ΔE values of the different materials in the 30-day and 120-day distilled water groups (P > 0.05). A statistically significant difference was determined between the materials in respect of the ΔE values in the 120-day solution groups (P < 0.05). Conclusion: In respect of discolouration, ceramic blocks are more successful. Resin-based blocks and traditional aesthetic composites showed more discolouration. The dietary habits of the patient should be taken into consideration in the selection of the restorative material.

Background: In primary care, measurement of the ankle-brachial index (ABI) by using hand Doppler is recommended for screening of peripheral arterial disease. Despite being relatively a simple procedure, the ABI is rarely measured in primary care due to unpracticality of the hand Doppler method. Oscillometry is an accessible, reliable, and an easy to use method for the measurement of ABI. With a little training, it can be used by anybody. Aim: The aim of the study is to compare the oscillometric method with a reference test (i.e. hand Doppler) for the screening of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and arterial stiffness (AS) in primary care. Methods: A prospective observational diagnostic study was designed. Participants were 45 years of age or older. A survey including demographic data, risk factors, and symptoms of the peripheral arterial disease was applied to the participants besides measuring ABI both by Doppler and oscillometric methods. Results: Three hundred and forty participants included in our study with 59.78 ± 9.8 mean age. 60.9% of the participants were men. Even though the results of the oscillometric calculations were higher, a strong correlation was observed between the measurements of two methods. Using the Doppler-derived ABI, as the gold standard, and 0, 9 as a cutoff point, the sensitivity and specificity of the oscillometric method was 74.4% and 100%, respectively, with an area under the curve of 0.98 (95% CI: 0.96–0.99). Conclusion: Oscillometry seemed to be a reliable screening method in primary care both for peripheral arterial disease and AS.

Background: Low status of women and lack of decision making in utilization of maternal healthcare services are important factors influencing maternal complications. Antenatal care services and delivery in a health facility under the supervision of a skilled birth attendant are important ways of mitigating maternal complications. Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the influence of responsibility of health decision-making on maternal complications. Methodology: A cross-sectional study involving 206 women who delivered between February and April 2014 at the Yusuf Dantsoho Memorial General Hospital in Kaduna, Northwestern Nigeria. Consenting participants were recruited consecutively irrespective of their booking status. Data analyzed included the sociodemographic characteristics of the women, responsibility for health decision making, and pattern of obstetric complications. Results: Majority of the participants were Hausa ethnic group Muslims with no formal education. Most (54%) were unbooked. Healthcare decisions were made by the husbands in nearly 90% of the participants. Decision-making significantly influences the occurrence of maternal complications. Conclusion: The study showed a significant relationship between health decision-making and maternal complications. Women empowerment and partner participation in decision-making should be emphasized in maternal health education.

Background: Behcet's disease (BD) is a chronic, systemic inflammatory disease characterized with higher prevalence of psychiatric disorders, particularly major depression. This study aimed to determine the relationship between the psychological coping strategies with the disease and depression, anxiety, quality of life and disease activity in patients with BD. Methods: Fifty Behcet's patients and 38 control subjects were compared by using Behcet's disease current activity form (BDCAF), quality of life instrument (QOL), structured clinical interview for DSM-IV axis I disorders (SCID-I), ways of coping questionnaire (WCQ), Beck depression inventory (BDI), and Beck anxiety inventory (BAI). Results: In terms of coping, self-controlling and positive reappraisal scores were lower in BD patients than controls while escape-avoidance was negatively correlated with age in patients. Confrontive coping, accepting responsibility, and escape-avoidance scores were positively correlated with BDI and BAI. Confrontive coping, accepting responsibility, and planful problem solving were positively correlated with QOL score. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that confrontative coping was the major predictive factor for QOL and BDI scores. Conclusions: Excessive use of confrontive coping, accepting responsibility, and escape-avoidance strategies seems to increase depression and anxiety in Behcet's patients. Besides, among those strategies, confrontive coping is significantly associated with depression and quality of life in BD patients that should be considered in therapeutic approaches. Our results highlighted that Behcet's patients have different coping strategies than healthy controls that may impair the psychological adjustment process.

Background: The consequence of significant injury to the esophagus is devastating. The initial management when timely and appropriate is rewarding and often prevents lethal complications. The objective of this study is to describe the etiology of esophageal injury in our institution, the management procedures and the mid-term results. Method: Consecutive patients diagnosed and managed for esophageal injury from January 2005 to March 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Results: One hundred and eleven patients were seen and treated during this period; 85 (76.6%) predominantly children were corrosive esophageal injuries who accidentally ingested caustic soda and 26 (24.4%) were traumatic esophageal injuries. Patients with corrosive esophageal injuries were predominantly male (2:1), mean age 12.8 ± 14.2 years (2–58 years) and predominantly children (53% ≤5 years; 18.8% ≥ 18 years). Patients with non-corrosive esophageal injury were also predominantly male (4:1) with a mean age of 34.4 ± 20.1 years (1–73 years). The treatment procedures for corrosive esophageal injuries included esophagocoloplasty 64 (75.3%), colopharyngoplasty 10 (11.8%), colon-flap augmentation pharyngo-esophagoplasty 4 (4.7%), colopharyngoplasty with tracheostomy 4 (4.7%) and esophagoscopy and dilatation 3 (3.5%). Mortality was 5.9% and 5 patients were lost to follow-up. In patients with noncorrosive esophageal injury, esophageal perforation from instrumentation accounted for 14 (53.9%), foreign body impaction 11 (42.3%) and spontaneous perforation 1 (3.8%) making up the rest. Management of these patients included esophagotomy and removal of foreign body 7 (26.9%), esophagectomy, cervical esophagostomy and feeding gastrostomy 10 (38.6%), primary repair 7 (26.9%), Ivor Lewis procedure 1 (3.8%) and emergency esophagectomy with colon replacement 1 (3.8%). Mortality in this group of patients was 7.7% and 4 patients were lost to follow-up. Conclusion: Corrosive esophageal injuries were the most frequent form of esophageal injury at our center due to unrestricted access to corrosive substances. Generally, appropriate surgical intervention in patients with esophageal injury based on individualization of care yields excellent early and mid-term results.

Background: Locally advanced inoperable orofacial malignancies do present clinically, and constitute a significant public health burden worldwide. Objective: To determine the prevalence and clinical characteristics of Stage IV locally advanced inoperable orofacial malignancies for consecutive patients. Materials and Methods: A 24-year retrospective study was undertaken, and data obtained from hospital register, case files, and histopathological reports of patients were recorded in a proforma. The variables studied were age, sex, type of lesion and site, duration of lesion, tobacco/alcohol use, and socioeconomic status of the patients and clinical features of the lesions. Results: Twenty-six patients presented, giving a prevalence of 11.2%. The most common lesion was adenoid cystic carcinoma, 23.1%. Males accounted for 18 (69.2%) cases and females, 8 (30.8%) giving a male to female ratio of 2.3:1. The ages ranged from 21 to 65 years, mean (SD) 48.6 (7.3) years. The gender distribution was clinically and statistically significant in favor of the males (P = 0.001). The patients were in the low socioeconomic class and 20 (76.9%) indulged in chronic use of tobacco and alcohol. The duration of the lesions ranged from 1.8 to 3.1 years. The maxilla/facial skin was the commonest site (46.2%). Clinically and statistically, the relativity of site distribution of lesions was significant (P = 0. 002). The clinical features occurred in combination resulting in an average of 10 symptoms and signs in each patient. Conclusion: The synopsis of these lesions shows that all have undergone metastasis; salivary gland malignancies were most common with maxilla as the commonest site.

Background: The purpose of this study was to assess the quantity of the chelated calcium ions and the smear layer removal efficiency after root canal final irrigation with three different solutions.Materials and Methods: Forty-five teeth were instrumented with rotary-files, then randomly divided into 3 equal groups (n = 15) depending on the final irrigation solution; group I: 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), group II: 0.2% chitosan, and group III: 10% trisodium citrate. According to the time of application, every group was divided into 3 subgroups (1 min, 5 min, and 24 h). The quantification analysis of chelated calcium ions was performed by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). Then, the presence of smear layer was examined by splitting the samples longitudinally and using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to examine coronal, middle, and apical root canal levels. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test was used for the evaluation of treatment effect. Kruskal–Wallis test was executed to detect a significant difference between groups, while Mann–Whitney U test has determined the difference between each two groups for smear layer.Results: Both 17% EDTA and 0.2% chitosan had not been statistically significant difference for smear layer removal efficiency and observed calcium ion concentrations. Although, they were more efficient of 10% trisodium citrate with a significant difference (P < 0.05).Conclusion: The application time of the chelators' solutions must not exceed 5 min to completely remove smear layer, and 0.2% chitosan is a natural substitute for 17% EDTA with a safety application for 24 h.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of kinesiotaping (KT) and Extracorporeal Shock Wave therapy (ESWT) for patients with acute/subacute (complaints exist <3 months) lateral epicondylitis(LE) in terms of pain control, hand grip strength, and functionality. Methods: In total, 40 patients with newly diagnosed LE (27 females and 13 males with a mean age of 42.6 ± 8.4 years) were randomly allocated to receive a 3-week treatment of either KT for 5 days a week (n = 20) or ESWT once a week (n = 20). Patients were evaluated by the visual analog scale (VAS), hand grip strength (HGS), Roles and Maudsley scale (RMS), and quick DASHat baseline, after 4 weeks, and after 8 weeks of the treatment. Results: Both KT and ESWT could achieve significant improvements in VAS, HGS, RMS, and Q-Dash after 4 and 8 weeks of treatment. However, these improvements were more prominent in the KT group compared with ESWT after 4 and 8 weeks. KT group achieved lower VAS scores, higher HGS, lower RMS compared with ESWT (all P < 0.05). Conclusion: Both KT and ESWT could significantly improve pain, hand strength, and functionality in patients with newly diagnosed LE. However, these improvements were more prominent in the KT group. Considering the feasibility and the low cost of KT compared with ESWT, we recommend that KT should be considered for treating patients with newly diagnosed LE.

Background: One of the Nigerian vision 2020 National Malaria strategic plans is control and subsequent eradication of malaria. The present report looks at outpatient malaria clinic visits for a 3-year period with a view of ascertaining whether control measures put in place over decades are being reflected in the decline of the disease. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at Nsukka in the southeast Nigeria using a cluster sampling method for the selection of health care facilities. Collected data included patient demography, number attendees, and the levels of parasitemia. The “Plus System Scale” was used for the grouping of detected levels of Plasmodium parasites in the blood samples and data were analyzed using SPSS (version 23). Results: A total of 9,531 outpatient malaria clinic visits which consisted of females (67.5%) and males (32.5%) were used for the report. The difference in the number of males and female malaria clinic attendees was statistically significant [P < 0.05]. Examined blood samples showed 87.25% were positive with Plasmodium falciparum parasites with various levels of parasitemia. There were also negative Plasmodium parasites blood samples with mean scores of 67 (±22.62), 92.63 (±9.97), and 353 (±179.6) for years 2013, 2014, and 2015, respectively. Most (43.47%) of the patients were in the age group of 21–30 and while parasitemia was seen to be higher in this group (21–30). Conclusion: The incidence of malaria in the region of this study is still high despite the effects made at reducing the scourge of the disease and would need timely intervention.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of surface coating and 1-year water aging on flexural strength, compressive strength (CS) and surface roughness of fluoride-releasing restorative materials. Materials and Methods: The specimens were prepared from seven materials: GCP Glass Fill (GCP), Amalgomer CR (AHL), Zirconomer (Shofu), Fuji IX GP Capsule (GC), Beautifil II (Shofu), Estelite Σ Quick (Tokuyama), and reliaFIL LC (AHL). The specimens were randomly divided into two groups for each test: surface coated with G-Coat Plus (GC) and uncoated. Each group was subdivided into two groups stored in distilled water at 37°C for 24 h and 1 year before testing (n = 10). The flexural and CS were evaluated according to ISO standards on a universal testing machine. The surface roughness was assessed with AFM. After flexural strength test, a cross-section of the coated specimens was evaluated with SEM. Data were analyzed with one-way analysis of variance, Duncan and independent t-tests (P = 0.05). Results: After 24 h, a significant increase was observed on the flexural and CS of Amalgomer CR, Zirconomer, and Fuji IX GP by coating (P < 0.05). After 1 year, the coating increased the flexural strength of Amalgomer CR and Zirconomer, and CS of GCP Glass Fill (P < 0.05). The coating decreased the surface roughness of GCP Glass Fill, Amalgomer CR, and Zirconomer after 1 year (P < 0.05). The water aging decreased the mechanical properties of glass ionomer-based materials and increased their surface roughness (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The mechanical properties and surface roughness of glass ionomer-based materials were affected by coating and water aging.

Background: The clinical application of the ABO blood group is not limited to transfusion medicine but extends to other aspects of medicine. Its impact on preeclampsia is controversial. Aim: To determine the association of ABO blood group type with preeclampsia. Subjects and Methods: This was a cross-sectional analytical study of 66 women with preeclampsia and 81 apparently healthy women controls carried out in a tertiary health institution. The case and control groups were consecutively recruited during antenatal clinic visits and matched for age, parity, and gestational age. Data on demographics and the ABO blood group of the two groups of individuals were obtained. The analysis was both descriptive and inferential using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 21 (Chicago Il, USA). A P value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of the participants was 30.6 (4.9), 95% CI: 27.76–33.95. The majority of the women were ≤40 years (98.5%) and multigravidae constituted 81.8%. Forty-six (69.7%) women with preeclampsia had blood group O and 20 (30.3%) had a non-O blood group. Forty-nine (60.5%) of the controls had blood group O and 32 (39.5%) had a non-O blood group. The observed difference was not statistically significant (OR 1.50; 95% CI: 0.75–3.0; P = 0.26). The odds ratio for developing preeclampsia was 0.83 (95% CI: 0.37–1.91; P = 0.67) for the primigravidae. The non-O blood groups were more likely to present with symptoms than the O group (P < 0.01). Twenty-six (39.4%) women with preeclampsia had a mild disease while 40 (60.6%) had severe disease. Conclusion: Women with non-O blood groups are not at increased risk of developing preeclampsia but are more likely to be symptomatic than the O group.

Background: Survival outcomes are still far from being satisfactory in patients with advanced gastric cancer, despite availability of novel chemotherapeutic regimens. Aim: This study evaluated the outcomes of patients with advanced gastric cancer who received chemotherapy along with additional treatment modalities targeting multiple tumor cell vulnerabilities. Materials and Methods: A total of 24 patients diagnosed with stage III–IV locally advanced or metastatic gastric adenocarcinoma that received metabolically supported chemotherapy (MSCT) combined with ketogenic diet, local hyperthermia, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) between April 2014 and October 2017 were included in this retrospective study. Survival outcomes were evaluated. Results: In 22 patients (88.0%), complete response was achieved. Mean duration of follow-up was 23.9 ± 12.7 months. Mean overall survival was 39.5 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 28.1–51.0) and mean progression free survival was 36.5 months (95% CI: 25.7–47.2). No problems were encountered due to fasting, hypoglycemia, ketogenic diet, hyperthermia or HBOT. Conclusions: The combination treatment used in this study (MSCT together with a ketogenic diet, hyperthermia and HBOT) appears to be promising in the treatment of advanced gastric cancer. Further research and comparative clinical trials are warranted to support and standardize this novel treatment protocol.

Obturator hernia (OH) is a relatively rare pelvic hernia. OH is usually seen in elderly, multiparous females and patients with a low body weight. Obturator hernia accounts for 0.07-0.4% of all intraabdominal hernias and 0.2-5.8% of small bowel hernias. The diagnosis of obturator hernia can be difficult and often delayed. Any therapeutic delay is associated with serious complications and higher mortality rates. The correct preoperative diagnosis of obturator hernia is facilitated by computed tomography (CT). Our case was admitted to our emergency unit with intolerance to oral intake for one week. Abdominal ultrasonography was not helpful. The CT of the abdomen revealed the incarcerated intestinal segment. Diagnostic laparoscopy confirmed the CT findings. The intestine was gangrenous and perforated. Segmental resection and anastomosis was performed. Early diagnosis and surgical intervention are essential. This demonstrates that emergency CT scan is useful for the diagnosis of obturator hernia in patients presenting with mechanical intestinal obstruction of unknown origin.

Multiple symmetric lipomatosis (MSL) is a very uncommon disease. Its etiopathogenesis is uncertain, although it has been linked to a variety of factors. Its main characteristic is the overgrowth of fat in form of an unencapsulated lesion. Most of the cases reported are in the head and neck region. We report a case that occurred in the breasts of a 62-year-old man. A clinical diagnosis of gynecomastia was initially made. Partial mastectomy was done and MSL was reported on histopathologic examination. Our literature search revealed no previous case of MSL in the breast reported from our environment.

Coronavirus 2, or SARS-CoV-2 disease (COVID-19) is a global public health concern. Although there is a paucity of evidence to advise on the best practice, we recommend postponement of elective gynecological endoscopic surgeries until the pandemic is contained. Emergency surgeries should preferably be done through open surgeries than laparoscopy or hysteroscopy approach. However, if or when laparoscopy or hysteroscopy is considered, health personnel in theatre must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and all standard precautions should be observed to prevent COVID-19 infection. When COVID-19 is highly suspected or confirmed, the patient should be referred to centers equipped in taking care of such cases.