Masticatory muscles activity in patients with mandibular angle fractures: A literature review on which procedure to use to reverse the best masticatory muscles functionality.

Introduction: Mandible is the first or the second most fractured bone of facial skeleton. Fractures of the angle account for 23-43% of all mandibular fractures. Soft and hard tissue are affected in a traumatized mandible. Bite forces are an essential factor in masticatory muscles activity. An improved function is a result of improvement in the bite force. Aim: The objective of this research was to conduct a systematic review of all available literature regarding the masticatory muscles' activity and bite forces in patients with mandibular angle fractures. Methods: PubMed, and Google Scholar databases have been searched with the following keywords: "mandibular angle fractures" AND "bite forces "OR "masticatory muscles activity". Results: This research methodology provided 402 articles. Of which 33 were selected for analysis if they were pertinent to the topic. Then only 10 results have been identified and included in this review. Conclusions: We can conclude that bite force decreased significantly after trauma, specifically during the first month after injury, and then increases gradually over time. More randomized clinical trial studies and the incorporation of more methods such as electromyography (EMG) for measuring the electrical activity of muscles and bite force recorder could be considered in the future.

Comparison of 3 Enzyme-Linked Immunoassay Methods to Evaluate Serum Concentrations of Infliximab and Antibodies to Infliximab in 32 Patients with Moderate to Severe Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

BACKGROUND Monitoring of trough levels and anti-drug antibodies is important when patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are treated with anti-TNF biologics due to guided therapeutic decisions. The comparability of 3 ELISA tests for detection of the lowest serum concentration of infliximab (IFX) or antibodies to IFX (ATIs) was evaluated. MATERIAL AND METHODS Two commercial assays for measuring IFX levels were compared with the in-house (UHL) test. ATIs were measured with 1 commercial test and compared to the in-house test. According to the guidelines, IFX levels were within the range of 3 to 7 µg/mL. RESULTS The decision to continue therapy would be the same for 11 out of 16 patients when comparing the apDia Infliximab ELISA and UHL test, and for 12 out of 18 patients when comparing the Lisa-Tracker and in-house UHL test. Linear correlations between the tests were R=0.92 (UHL and apDia), R=0.91 (apDia and Lisa-Tracker), and R=0.89 (UHL and Lisa-Tracker) with P<0.001, respectively. CONCLUSIONS As the IFX levels are important for decisions on further therapy, detectable IFX levels realistically reflect the presence of the drug in the patients' blood and thus control inflammatory activity. The tests were found as comparable and performed well in this aspect and might be used in everyday clinical practice.

The fear of COVID-19 scale: Its structure and measurement invariance across 48 countries.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been a source of fear around the world. We asked whether the measurement of this fear is trustworthy and comparable across countries. In particular, we explored the measurement invariance and cross-cultural replicability of the widely used Fear of COVID-19 scale (FCV-19S), testing community samples from 48 countries (N = 14,558). The findings indicate that the FCV-19S has a somewhat problematic structure, yet the one-factor solution is replicable across cultural contexts and could be used in studies that compare people who vary on gender and educational level. The validity of the scale is supported by a consistent pattern of positive correlations with perceived stress and general anxiety. However, given the unclear structure of the FCV-19S, we recommend using latent factor scores, instead of raw scores, especially in cross-cultural comparisons. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

SEXUAL FUNCTION AND IN VITRO FERTILIZATION.

The aim of the study was to investigate the sexuality of individuals undergoing in vitro fertilization as one of the methods of infertility treatment. The focus was on sexual dysfunction, sexual satisfaction and associated risk factors. Data were collected based on a validated, standardized procedure. The sample consisted of 119 individuals who had undergone in vitro fertilization, 61 (51.3%) women and 58 (48.7%) men, average age 35 years. Most of the 119 survey participants were in the 31-35 age group (37%), married (79.8%), with high school diploma (51.3%), Catholic denomination (89.9%), childless (78.2%), with a one sexual partner in their lifetime (51.3%), and in current sexual relationship for a period of 7 to 8 years (18.5%). The survey found statistically significantly higher satisfaction among male participants, participants in the 26-30 age group, those with a higher level of education, nonreligious, without children in marriage, with four sexual partners in life, over a period of 1 to 2 years in current partner (sexual) relationship, and without a diagnosed sexual disorder. There was a correlation between infertility, associated treatment, and sexuality. Infertility and involvement in treatment procedures increased the risk of sexual dysfunction. The risk factors identified in our study could help facilitate detection and timely treatment of sexual dysfunction, which would help maintain healthy sexuality in couples participating in in vitro fertilization procedures.

PREDICTORS OF SEXUAL SATISFACTION: AN INTERNATIONAL STUDY.

The aim of this cross-cultural study was to examine predictors of sexual satisfaction. For the present analysis, we used a large-scale sample database that included 8821 individuals from 4 countries. All participants completed the same questionnaires, which were designed to capture numerous important variables that have been shown to correlate with sexual satisfaction. According to our results, predictors of sexual satisfaction were classified into four general categories (demographic factors, psychological factors, sociocultural factors, and pathophysiological factors). Our international study found statistically significantly higher satisfaction among homosexual participants, participants aged 18 to 23 years, those with a higher level of education, in a relationship, with a current sexual partner, in a current partnered (unmarried) relationship, and without a diagnosed sexual or mental disorder. At the same time, we found that the correlation between sexual satisfaction and the different predictors varieed considerably across countries, which calls for further research.

Disinfection of Infected Artificial Dental Periapical Lesions with Diode Laser: An In Vitro Study.

BACKGROUND Periapical lesions are primarily caused by infections in the root canals. The objective of this study was to assess the antibacterial effectiveness of diode laser during root canal treatment in artificial models of infected periapical lesions. MATERIAL AND METHODS One hundred twenty-two extracted premolar single-rooted teeth were inserted into methyl methacrylate artificial models of periapical lesions, and bacterial solutions of Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212) and Streptococcus mitis (ATCC 49456) were then applied to the models. The respective diameters of lesions in the artificial models represented 3 different subgroups based on lesion size. The laser protocol used for endodontic disinfection had a power output of 1.5 W and a wavelength of 810 nm. The impact on cell viability was evaluated by flow cytometry. RESULTS Disinfection with laser did not differ between microorganisms (P=0.137), and laser irradiation with a longer duration had better disinfecting action for both microorganisms (P.

The Risk Assessment of Pesticide Ingestion with Fruit and Vegetables for Consumer's Health.

Pesticides are chemicals used in agriculture to protect crops from pests. In addition to protection during cultivation, they are also used after harvesting to extend the shelf life of products. Postharvest control stands out, especially when it comes to products imported from distant countries, resulting in increased concentration of pesticides and risk to human health consuming such products. In this study, analyses of pesticide residues were performed on 200 samples of fruits and vegetables. Pesticide residues were identified and quantified in 30 out of 200 samples. Study results revealed imazalil to be the most frequently detected pesticide. Risk assessment was performed on the obtained results, and it was carried out separately for adults and for children under 6 years of age. Imazalil showed the highest ARfD percentage for adults (max% ARfD 251%), and these values were especially high on risk assessment for children, where they amounted up to max% ARfD 1087%. The study of imazalil impact was performed on 16 Swiss albino mice divided into two groups and 4 subgroups. Experimental group animals were treated with the corresponding NOAEL dose of imazalil (10 mg/kg) for 28 days. Body weight was measured before each pesticide application on a digital electronic Sartorius scale. Peripheral blood analysis was performed after 28-day animal exposure to pesticides. Animals were anesthetized, blood samples were obtained by cardiac puncture, and red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, and white blood cell (WBC) count were determined by standard hematological methods. The organs for determination of imazalil concentration were extracted immediately upon animal sacrifice and stored in a freezer at -80°C until analysis. Results show difference in gain weight, and an increase in WBC count was recorded in the experimental group as compared with a control group of animals. The highest imazalil levels were recorded in adipose tissue (45.2‰) which proves tendency to accumulate.

The effect of active occupational stress management on psychosocial and physiological wellbeing: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to address the working population with an occupational stress prevention program using mHealth solution and encourage them for healthy lifestyle choices. METHODS: Seventeen participants were randomized from the corporate setting. A 24alife app with a good compliance program was selected. Test battery has been designed to test the physical readiness, psychological evaluation and biological blood markers for stress. Participants were followed up after 30, 60 and 90 days, respectively, within the intervention period. Weight of participants was tracked three times per month. Univariate analysis compared the continuous variables by One-Way Repeated-Measures ANOVA test when the data were normally distributed, or Wilcoxon rank sum test for abnormal distribution of variables. RESULTS: Participants used the app with a compliance rate of 94.1%. The psychological evaluation revealed higher motivation for work, lower burnout scores and participants gave subjective responses of better general wellbeing. Some of the participants lost up to four kg of body mass. Physical readiness has also improved. CONCLUSIONS: Results of mHealth projects on corporate could include primary health care institutions and health ministry to extend the existing system to patients' pockets where they can monitor their disease and increase the ability of self-care.

Adherence of Female Health Care Workers to the Use a Web-Based Tool for Improving and Modifying Lifestyle: Prospective Target Group Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Health care professionals are exposed to the psychological and physiological effects of stress, which is a well-known risk factor for various mental and physical health problems. OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to assess the adherence of female health care workers to use a web-based tool for improving and modifying lifestyle and to identify the potential factors influencing their adherence. METHODS: A prospective, observational study was performed. A total of 80 female health care workers (physicians and gradated nurses) from 2 university medical centers and female members of a family medicine society participated. Participants completed a questionnaire that inquired about their basic demographic data and physical fitness. Physical fitness was assessed by the Rockport Fitness Walking Test. Adherence to a web-based application (24@life) was followed for 3 months and the number of log-ins into the application was counted. RESULTS: The study was conducted from March to October 2019. Significantly high workload has been detected in all groups (P<.05), except in the general practitioner with normal workload group. The graduated nurse working in the surgery room group showed chronic stress with elevated S-cortisol levels (>690 nmol/L); activated cellular immune system with elevated concentrations of lymphocytes (reference 1.1-2.5 × 109 cells/L), CD3 cells (reference 0.7-1.9 × 109 cells/L), CD8 cells (reference 0.2-0.7 × 109 cells/L), and HLA-DR/CD3 cells (reference 0.04-0.2 × 109 cells/L); and the worst quality of sleep (mean 2.8 [SD 1.2]). Only 32 of 80 participants (40%) were adherent to the web-based application. Participants most frequently viewed web pages on areas of physical activity (497 times) and nutrition (332 times). No factors or participant's characteristics such as weight (odds ratio [OR] 1.026, 95% CI 0.977-1.078), BMI (OR 0.993, 95% CI 0.834-1.184), age (OR 0.970, 95% CI 0.910-1.034), or stress level (OR 0.997, 95% CI 0.995-1.000) were identified to affect the adherence rates. CONCLUSIONS: Female health care workers exposed to high workload did not find the web-based application useful for improving and modifying their lifestyle. Therefore, other strategies that might help health care workers facing stress and improve their lifestyle should be identified.

Obesity with High Body Mass Index Does Not Influence Sperm Retrieval in Males with Azoospermia.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of male body mass index (BMI) on the retrieval of sperm from azoospermic patients who were undergoing testicular sperm extraction (TESE). MATERIAL AND METHODS The study included retrospective data of male patients suffering from non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). Age, BMI, testicular volumes, the serum concentration of the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, and prolactin were investigated and collected. RESULTS A total of 75 azoospermic males were evaluated between 2014 and 2019, including 35 patients (46.7%) with positive sperm retrieval. The majority of patients (57.3%) had normal BMI (between 20 kg/m² and 25 kg/m²) or first degree obesity (from 25 kg/m² to 30 kg/m²). No statistically significant correlation between BMI and positive sperm retrieval or hormone levels (LH, FSH, SHBG, prolactin) were found. However, lower serum testosterone levels were observed in patients with higher BMI (P=0.035). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that none of the hormones could potentially predict the positive outcome of TESE. CONCLUSIONS The hormonal levels or patient's BMI could not predict positive sperm retrieval outcome, however a negative correlation between serum testosterone and BMI levels was calculated implicating influence on fertility.

THE (A)SYMMETRY OF THE MALE GRAYING BEARD HAIRS AS AN INDICATION OF THE PROGRAMMED AGING PROCESS.

Aging interventions will be ineffective if we do not understand the basic principles of aging. Currently, there is no consensus on the issue whether aging is programmed or not. The hypothesis presented in this article indicates that aging (at least graying of male hairs) is programmed. This hypothesis is supported by the symmetry of the graying of male beard hairs. According to stochastic theories of aging, aging is a passive non-programmed process where random dispersion of graying hairs should result. On the contrary, programmed theories of aging would predict that there should be symmetry on the left and right parts of the face showing the same proportion, pattern and time of appearance of graying hairs.

Predictive factors for sperm retrieval from males with azoospermia who are eligible for testicular sperm extraction (TESE).

The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of factors in infertile male patients to retrieve sperm from their testicles before they undergo testicular sperm extraction (TESE). In total, 64 males were enrolled in this study. Infertility was identified as obstructive azoospermia (OA); non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA); Klinefelter syndrome (KS); and cryptozoospermia (Crypt). Age, body mass index and concomitant conditions were noted. Testicular volumes, serum levels of Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), testosterone (T) and prolactin were investigated. Sperm retrieval after TESE was noted as positive or negative. Average age of the cases was 36.8 years. TESE success rate of testicular sperm retrieval rate was 50.0%. Majority of men (83.9%) had a 46, XY karyotype, minority had genetic anomalies, and 5 of were diagnosed with KS - all were TESE-negative. There was no statistical difference in age, testicular volume, presence of varicocele and microcalcifications or hormonal levels in the TESE-positive and negative groups. Smoking as an independent variable was the only risk factor statistically showing (OR = 0.269; p = 0.045) prediction of negative sperm retrieval after the TESE procedure. None of the parameters investigated herein predicted successful TESE outcomes. However, in cases with negative TESE only smoking was identified as a predictive factor for negative sperm retrieval and was established as a risk factor.Abbreviations: AZF: azoospermia factor; BMI: body mass index; Crypt: cryptozoospermia; FSH: Follicle-Stimulating Hormone; ICSI: intracytoplasmic sperm injection; IU: international unit; KS: Klinefelter syndrome; LH: Luteinizing Hormone; mL: milliliter; NOA: non-obstructive azoospermia; OA: obstructive azoospermia; T: testosterone; TESA: testicular sperm aspiration; TESE: testicular sperm extraction.

PROOXIDANT ACTIVITIES OF ANTIOXIDANTS AND THEIR IMPACT ON HEALTH.

This review article is focused on the impact of antioxidants and prooxidants on health with emphasis on the type of antioxidants that should be taken. Medical researchers suggest that diet may be the solution for the control of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular complications, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and different cancers. In this survey, we found scientific evidence that the use of antioxidants should be limited only to the cases where oxidative stress has been identified. This is often the case of specific population groups such as postmenopausal women, the elderly, infants, workers exposed to environmental pollutants, and the obese. Before starting any supplementation, it is necessary to measure oxidative stress and to identify and eliminate the possible sources of free radicals and thus increased oxidative stress.

INFERTILITY AND SEXUAL DYSFUNCTIONS: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW.

This study aimed to investigate whether infertility and its treatment affect couple sexuality. A systematic literature review was performed, focusing on female and male sexual dysfunctions due to infertility. The method was descriptive, using a meta-synthesis of scientific research published between 2012 and 2017 in the English language. The search for suitable studies was carried out with the research databases Medline, CINAHL, PubMed and ScienceDirect using the following keywords: infertility, sexual dysfunctions, couple. It can be concluded that infertility negatively affects the sexuality of an infertile couple, which is further proven by a high percentage of sexual dysfunctions (43%-90% among women and 48%-58% among men). Couples report less satisfaction with sexuality. Since lower satisfaction and dysfunctions are closely connected with infertility and its treatment, couples might benefit from sexual therapy and support during the process of infertility treatment. Further research should focus on the evaluation of different psychological interventions that would address sexuality in couples when diagnosed and treated for infertility.

Morphological Characteristics and Frequency of Accessory Right Hepatic Veins - Evaluation with Computed Tomography.

In the liver, there are many vascular variants, which are important in liver surgery, the presence of accessory right hepatic veins (aRHVs) in particular. Th eir frequency, number and diameter vary considerably. Detailed imaging diagnostics with computed tomography (CT) should be undertaken before surgery. Th e aim of our study was to examine the characteristics of aRHVs and their demographic correlations. Th e study included data on 188 patients that underwent CT examination of the abdomen with contrast media, 103 men (54.8%) men and 85 (45.2%) women, mean age 63.1±14.3 (range, 21-94) years. Th e measurements of hepatic veins were carried out on CT images, which were obtained from the Clinical Institute of Radiology, University Medical Centre of Ljubljana. Forty-fi ve of 142 patients had at least one aRHV: one aRHV in 37 (26.1%) cases, two aRHVs in seven (4.9%) cases, and three aRHVs in one (0.7%) case. Th e incidence of aRHV was between 24% and 39.3% (mean, 31.7%) and of more than one aRHV between 2.3% and 10.3% with 95% confi dence interval (CI). Based on the test of proportions, the proportion of cases with inferior aRHV of at least 7 mm was between 7.2% and 18.1% with 95% CI. Th e mean distance between the aRHV and the main RHV confl uences into the inferior vena cava was 3.73 cm (between 3.32 cm and 4.13 cm, 95% CI). Th e proportion of cases with confl uence distance of at least 4 cm was between 21.6% and 49.5% in cases with at least one aRHV. In cases with more than one aRHV, the distance between the middle aRHV and the main RHV ranged from 1.90 cm to 4.32 cm (95% CI). Th e T-test of independent samples showed no eff ect of age on the incidence of accessory veins (p=0.18), and the test of diff erences of interests showed no impact of sex (p=0.75). Evaluation of the incidence and diameter of aRHVs is of great importance for safe surgical procedure. Th eir presence can change the surgeon's decision in 10%-20% of cases when employing appropriate imaging technique. CT examination, which is easily accessible and minimally invasive for patients, was successful in only 80% cases, when using standard protocol for CT scanning.

Female Sexual Function and Dysfunction: A Cross-National Prevalence Study in Slovenia.

The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction in Slovenia. We aimed to explore the prevalence itself, comparison among demographic groups and potential correlations. Data were collected based on the validated standardized Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) (N=605). Most participants had sexual intercourse with one partner (n=523), and the majority of sexual relationships were heterosexual (n=584). University educated subjects had the highest claims of arousal, followed by those with master/doctoral degrees and college educated ones. The lowest level was expressed by subjects with elementary school. The youngest subjects (18-23 years) expressed the highest levels of desire and arousal, followed by the 24-29 age group. The 42-47 age group reported higher levels of lubrication and orgasm. The claim of satisfaction was highest in the 24-29 age group, while the pain was highest in the 42-47 age group. Strong correlation was found between the claims of desire and arousal (r=0.585), arousal and lubrication (r=0.879), lubrication and pain (r=0.856), orgasm and lubrication (r=0.856), satisfaction and orgasm (r=0.782), and pain and arousal (r=0.776) (p<0.001). We identified a 31% prevalence of female sexual dysfunction in Slovenia.

Anatomy and surgical relevance of Rouviere's sulcus.

Rouviere's sulcus (RS) (i.e., incisura hepatis dextra, Gans incisura) represents an important anatomical landmark. The aim of the study was to determine the frequency of the RS, its description, its location, its relations to the right portal pedicle and to the plane of the common bile duct, and the evaluation of the surgical relevance of the obtained data. Forty macroscopically healthy and undamaged livers were removed during autopsies from cadavers of both sexes. The RS was present in 82% of the cases and in these the open RS was identified in 70% of the livers. The fused type was observed in 12% of the cases; 18% of the livers had no sulcus. The mean length of the open type RS was 28 ± 2 mm (range 24-32 mm) and its mean depth was 6 ± 2 mm (range 4-8 mm). The right posterior sectional pedicle was found in the RS in 70% of the cases. In 5% of the livers, we also dissected a branch of the anterior sectional pedicle. Inside 25% of the RS, we found the vein of segment 6. The RS identification may avoid bile duct injury during laparoscopic cholecystectomy and enables elective vascular control during the right liver resection.

Nursing professionalism in Slovenia: knowledge, power, and ethics.

The purpose of this column is to conceptualize nursing professionalism in Slovenia as a mutual process between social change and the education of professional nurses. The process of educating professional nurses in Slovenia occurs in a changing social and organizational context. As the complexity and speed of change increases it is becoming increasingly essential for all nurses to have expert knowledge, skills, and competencies. The author also aims to present the autonomy of new healthcare and the new theoretical concept of nursing as scientific human capital in Slovenia.