F Demirkaya Miloglu, G Gundogdu, B Bayrak, Y Kadioglu, B Yuksel
{"title":"Effects of STZ-Induced Diabetes on Zinc, Boron and Antioxidant Defense Mechanisms in Rats.","authors":"F Demirkaya Miloglu, G Gundogdu, B Bayrak, Y Kadioglu, B Yuksel","doi":"10.4103/njcp.njcp_566_24","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/njcp.njcp_566_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Diabetes mellitus (DM), characterized by dysregulation of glucose metabolism, is a significant global health issue. This study aims to investigate the effects of DM, induced with streptozotocin (STZ), on serum zinc and boron levels as well as antioxidant defense mechanisms in rats.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>In this study, a rat model was utilized where rats, after an overnight fast, were administered a single intraperitoneal dose of STZ to induce type-1 diabetes. Diabetic status was confirmed three days post-STZ administration with fasting blood glucose levels exceeding 300 mg/dL. Six rats were assigned to the STZ-induced diabetic (DM group) and control groups (C group). Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to analyze serum samples treated with hydrogen peroxide and nitric acid. Furthermore, serum samples were analyzed using ELISA to measure total oxidant-antioxidant status (TOS-TAS).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The ICP-MS method was validated with validation parameters including method linearity (10-500 ng/mL), precision (≤ 3.25% RSD), accuracy (≤ ±2.58% RE), and recovery (98.2 ± 4.53% for zinc and 101.4 ± 5.46% for boron). Our results showed significantly decreased serum levels of both zinc and boron in the DM group compared to the C group (P = 0.001), suggesting a possible link between trace element dysregulation and DM pathogenesis. The DM group showed a statistically significant increase in TOS (P = 0.006); and a decrease in TAS (P = 0.001) compared to the C group. Assessment of oxidative stress parameters demonstrated an imbalance in oxidative stress homeostasis in diabetic rats, further implicating the role of trace elements in DM-associated complications.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These findings contribute valuable insights into the complex interplay between trace elements and oxidative stress in DM.</p>","PeriodicalId":19431,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice","volume":"28 2","pages":"248-254"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143996323","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Assessment of Muscular Stiffness in Children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy using Real-Time Elastography.","authors":"G Güngör, O Güngör, M S Menzilcioğlu","doi":"10.4103/njcp.njcp_713_24","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/njcp.njcp_713_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Imaging modalities, such as ultrasonography (USG), can be used to evaluate and monitor the musculoskeletal system during the clinical progression of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study aimed to measure passive muscle stiffness in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and to compare these measurements with those of healthy children.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Patients with DMD were evaluated clinically (age, clinical functional score, timed Gover score), serum creatine kinase level, B-mode ultrasonography, and real-time tissue elastography imaging.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 64 boys were included in this study. The medial and lateral gastrocnemius muscle strain ratio in patients with DMD was significantly bigger than that in the control group (medial; 1.66 ± 1.23 vs 0.81 ± 0.16, P < 0.001, lateral; 1.49 ± 0.52 vs 0.85 ± 0.16, P < 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The strain ratios of the medial and lateral gastrocnemius muscles were greater in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy than in the controls, indicating that ultrasound elastography may be beneficial for diagnosis and follow-up.</p>","PeriodicalId":19431,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice","volume":"28 2","pages":"232-236"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143996319","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
E I Iloghalu, U U Aniebue, N R Dim, E O Ugwu, C I Onwuka, S N Obi
{"title":"Association of Placental Thickness with Birth Weight and Other Neonatal Anthropometries: A Prospective Cohort Study.","authors":"E I Iloghalu, U U Aniebue, N R Dim, E O Ugwu, C I Onwuka, S N Obi","doi":"10.4103/njcp.njcp_450_24","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/njcp.njcp_450_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Placental growth is concordant with fetal growth and any impairment would negatively impact fetal development and subsequent birthweight that is vital for newborn survival.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between placenta thickness and birth weight.</p><p><strong>Patients and methods: </strong>This prospective cohort study carried out at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu, Nigeria, involved 80 consecutive pregnant women with thick placenta (>4 cm) and another 80 in the control group with normal placenta thickness (2.5-4 cm) and matched for parity and maternal weight between 38 and 40 weeks of gestation. Both groups were followed up until delivery and the neonatal parameters were measured. Data analysis was descriptive and inferential at 95% confidence levels using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software version 20.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean placental thickness at recruitment were 5.3 ± 0.7 cm and 3.7 ± 0.2 cm among the study and control groups, respectively. The study group had significantly higher birthweight, head circumference, and crown-heel length compared to the control group (P < .05). There was a positive linear correlation between placental thickness and birth weight, head circumference, and crown-heel length.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study demonstrated that sonographic measurement of placental thickness antenatally is a reliable predictor of birth weight and other neonatal anthropometric parameters.</p>","PeriodicalId":19431,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice","volume":"28 2","pages":"162-166"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144036872","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Value of Prognostic Nutritional Index in Patients with Deep Neck Space Infection.","authors":"Fcs Kundi, Z B Paksoy","doi":"10.4103/njcp.njcp_34_24","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/njcp.njcp_34_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Antibiotic therapy is pivotal in deep neck space infections, yet inappropriate use and antibiotic resistance impact patient outcomes.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study aimed to evaluate the clinical significance of admission prognostic nutritional index (PNI) as a prognostic marker.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Data from 81 hospitalized patients (mean age 33.9 years) with deep neck space infections confirmed by CT scans were analyzed (Nov 2020 - Sep 2023). PNI, derived from serum albumin and lymphocyte count, was calculated. Primary outcome was antibiotic resistance; secondary outcome was length-of-stay.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Patients with antibiotic resistance (n = 24) had significantly lower PNI (mean 47.3, SD = 9.2) compared to the non-resistant group (n = 57, mean 57.5, SD = 12.2), P < 0.001. Adjusted multivariable analysis showed PNI as a significant predictor of antibiotic resistance (OR = 0.908, 95% CI 0.837-0.984, P = 0.004). ROC analysis established a PNI cut-off of 51.5 with 59% sensitivity and 80% specificity. Linear regression revealed decreasing PNI associated with prolonged length-of-hospital stays (adjusted R-squared = 0.40, P = 0.010).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The study underscores PNI's potential as a prognostic marker for deep neck space infections, particularly in predicting antibiotic resistance and length of hospital stay. Lower PNI values correlate with compromised nutritional and immune status, suggesting its clinical relevance for personalized treatment strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":19431,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice","volume":"28 2","pages":"237-242"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144038235","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
E P Nwankwo, D C Onyejesi, I S Chukwu, V I Modekwe, E I Nwangwu, U O Ezomike, S E Omebe, S O Ekenze, S C Aliozor, E C Aniwada
{"title":"Pediatric Perioperative Mortality in Southeastern (SE) Nigeria-A Multicenter, Prospective Study.","authors":"E P Nwankwo, D C Onyejesi, I S Chukwu, V I Modekwe, E I Nwangwu, U O Ezomike, S E Omebe, S O Ekenze, S C Aliozor, E C Aniwada","doi":"10.4103/njcp.njcp_695_24","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/njcp.njcp_695_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The perioperative mortality rate is a key indicator of the quality of surgical services in low and middle-income countries (LMIC). Objective: To determine the perioperative mortality rate of pediatric surgical conditions and the predictive factors in Southeastern Nigeria. Methodology: A prospective, multicenter study of peri-operative mortalities occurring in children under 18 years in five tertiary hospitals in Southeastern Nigeria over nine months was conducted. All-cause and case-specific in-hospital peri-operative mortality rates, as well as predictive factors, were identified. The mortality rate was expressed as percentages with a 95% confidence interval. The data were analyzed using SPSS 26.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 775 patients underwent anesthesia or surgery, with 28 deaths. The 30-day perioperative mortality rate was 3.61% (95% CI = 2.41- 5.18); 1.94% (95% CI = 1.09-3.17 within 24 hours, and 1.17% (95% CI = 0.91-2.91) from 24 hours to 30 days after the procedure. The mortality rate was 100% for gastroschisis and ruptured omphalocele, with overwhelming sepsis being the major cause of death (53.6%). Significant determinants of mortality were a higher ASA status (AOR)=13.944, 95% CI=1.509-128.851, p=0.020, sedation without ventilatory support (AOR)=15.295, 95% CI=3.304-70.800, p=0.001, and associated comorbidities (AOR)=65.448, 95% CI=11.244-380.962, p=0.001.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The pediatric peri-operative mortality rate in Southeastern Nigeria is high for gastroschisis. Associated comorbidities, higher ASA status, and sedation without ventilatory support were significant predictors ofmortality.</p>","PeriodicalId":19431,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice","volume":"28 2","pages":"225-231"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143995586","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
J M Chinawa, A T Chinawa, F N Ogbuka, N A Uwaezuoke, B F Chukwu, P N Yusuf
{"title":"Bicuspid Aortic Valve among Children Presenting in Two Health Institutions in Enugu, South-East Nigeria.","authors":"J M Chinawa, A T Chinawa, F N Ogbuka, N A Uwaezuoke, B F Chukwu, P N Yusuf","doi":"10.4103/njcp.njcp_687_24","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/njcp.njcp_687_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is the most common congenital heart defect. However, this is under-reported. It is not without associated cardiac anomalies.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study was aimed at documenting the prevalence of BAV in two referral health institutions and to determine the various types and associated cardiac anomalies.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This was a descriptive study carried out in two referral health institutions. One thousand and five echocardiography was carried out in children with suspected cardiac diseases over a nine-year period.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Data was analyzed with IBM statistical software version 20. The prevalence of children with BAV is 1.7%. The most common type of BAV is the presence of left coronary and non-coronary sinuses. The most common associated lesion among children with BAV is atrial septal defect 7 (41.2%), followed by significant tricuspid regurgitation three (17.7%) and aortic stenosis three (17.7%). The mean cardiac structure diameters were not different when compared with age- and gender-matched controls (Children without BAV).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Though BAV is the most common congenital heart disease, its rarity is proven in this study. It is also noteworthy that the cardiac defect is associated with valvar anomalies.</p>","PeriodicalId":19431,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice","volume":"28 2","pages":"167-173"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144034931","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
S N Onwubiko, W Nolan, F Garba, A E Aghaji, J Buchan, N Z Nwachukwu, R E Umeh
{"title":"Challenges with Trabeculectomy at University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Ituku-Ozalla Enugu, Nigeria: Ophthalmologists' Perspectives.","authors":"S N Onwubiko, W Nolan, F Garba, A E Aghaji, J Buchan, N Z Nwachukwu, R E Umeh","doi":"10.4103/njcp.njcp_832_23","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/njcp.njcp_832_23","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Black Africans are more vulnerable to primary open angle glaucoma, which runs a catastrophic course. Primary trabeculectomy with anti-metabolites has been recommended as the suitable therapeutic option. Yet, a low glaucoma surgical rate (GSR) has been documented in Nigeria.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To evaluate the challenges with performing trabeculectomy at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu from the Ophthalmologists' perspectives with a view to improving the GSR in Nigeria.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study design with a qualitative method was adopted for this study in July 2023. It involved 18 participants (ophthalmologists) from UNTH, comprising the (12) senior registrars for the focus group discussion, and a purposive sample of 6 consultants for the in-depth interviews. Discussions and interviews were recorded and transcribed. The transcripts were analysed using the Braun and Clarke guide to thematic content analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Poor surgical skill acquisition, with the consequent inadequate transfer of skills to trainees was the major challenge. Availability of better alternatives, the inherent lack of vision improvement following trabeculectomy and inability to pay for surgery, which translated to low uptake of trabeculectomy by patients were also important findings. Improved glaucoma surgical training, health insurance, hospital subsidy, public health education and individual patient's counselling were the recommendations to improve the GSR.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In UNTH Enugu, providers, patients, and glaucoma disease factors were identified as challenges with trabeculectomy. Strategies to address them especially, simulation-based glaucoma surgical training for trainers and trainees are advised to improve the situation.</p>","PeriodicalId":19431,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice","volume":"28 2","pages":"145-150"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144020565","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Exploring Nurses' Perceptions of Patients in the Workplace: The Case of Difficult Patients.","authors":"N Bilgic, M Z Avci, H Sutcu","doi":"10.4103/njcp.njcp_114_24","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/njcp.njcp_114_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Communication is a vital aspect of life. It is vital that all healthcare professionals maintain reliable communication with their patients.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study aimed to exploring how nurses perceive \"difficult patients\" in their work environments and their approaches to these patients.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This is a cross-sectional study. Data were collected from nurses who participated in the study via social media platforms between March 15 and June 15, 2021. In addition to the introduction section, the data were gathered using the \"Difficult Patients and Communication Form\" and the \"Difficult Patients Questionnaire.\"</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 359 participating nurses, 274 (75.2%) reported encountering difficult patients. On average, they scored three (3) points on the Difficult Patient Questionnaire (DPQ) and its sub-dimensions, indicating that nurses face challenges in communicating with patients perceived as difficult. The majority of nurses identified patients who were non-communicative (73%, n = 200), refused treatment and cooperation (52.9%, n = 145), or had emotional problems (35.8%, n = 98). Nurses aged 51 and over showed statistically significant differences in the Patient Difficulty and Staff Discomfort subscales and in total scores on the Patient Difficulty Scale (P < 0.05). These nurses also reported encountering difficult patients less frequently, whereas those in both the private and public hospitals encountered them more often. Most nurses reported experiencing communication difficulties primarily in clinical settings (62.4%, n = 171) and during nursing practice (44.9%, n = 123).</p><p><strong>Data access statement: </strong>The research data supporting this publication are available from Google Drive.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Nurses frequently encountered patients with difficulties. To manage such interactions, patients should be actively involved in the care process in order to help align their expectations. Additionally, in-service training can be offered to nurses to enhance their communication and problem-solving skills when dealing with challenging patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":19431,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice","volume":"28 2","pages":"203-211"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144036943","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
O R Okwesili, U C Mba, U U Nnadozie, L O Okwesili, E O Ugwu, J C Igwe, C C Maduba, I I Nnabugwu
{"title":"Use of Virtual Simulation as a Tool in Surgical Training: Survey of Surgeons in South-Eastern Nigeria.","authors":"O R Okwesili, U C Mba, U U Nnadozie, L O Okwesili, E O Ugwu, J C Igwe, C C Maduba, I I Nnabugwu","doi":"10.4103/njcp.njcp_676_24","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/njcp.njcp_676_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Surgical training in developing climes is predominantly based on the apprenticeship model. The number of surgical residents has increased worldwide. Surgical residents now have limited clinical exposure and decreased operation opportunities. This challenge is overcome by the incorporation of simulation models in surgical training. It is necessary to evaluate the extent of utilization of simulation-based surgical training in this digital era.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>The objective of this study was to evaluate the knowledge and exposure to use of simulation-based surgical training among surgeons in Southeastern Nigeria.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The study was conducted among surgical residents and consultants in three teaching Hospitals in South-eastern Nigeria. It was a descriptive cross-sectional survey, and the calculated sample size was 213. A survey questionnaire was administered to 216 respondents, and data collected were analysed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The majority of the respondents (75.9%) were males, and 52.3% of them were between 31 and 40 years. The respondents that have heard about any simulation-based training were 85.2%, and the most known modality of simulation was synthetic simulators (37.04%), followed by animal-derived simulators (26.45%) and cadaver-derived simulators (23.81%). The majority of the respondents (53.7%) said that simulation was not used routinely in surgical training in Nigeria, but only used during workshops, courses, and conferences (56.1%). Only 27 respondents were aware of any hospital where virtual simulation was used in training. The lack of relevant equipment and its high cost were the major limitations of using simulation in surgical training.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Virtual simulation is not readily available for surgical training in Nigeria mainly because it is expensive to procure. Other forms of simulation are used for training residents, but they are not used routinely.</p>","PeriodicalId":19431,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice","volume":"28 2","pages":"255-260"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144029047","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Effect of Aging Procedures on Phase Transformation of Posterior 3-Unit Zirconia Frameworks Used in Fixed Partial Dentures.","authors":"M Bülbül, N Palta, G Erdinç","doi":"10.4103/njcp.njcp_579_23","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/njcp.njcp_579_23","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Zirconia is an essential material for dentistry, and its properties should be investigated in all aspects.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>The primary objective of this study was to assess the impact of aging procedures on the phase transformation of posterior 3-unit zirconia frameworks used in fixed partial dentures.</p><p><strong>Setting and designs: </strong>The study considered three aging procedures: Group T underwent thermocycling with 20,000 cycles between 5°C and 55°C for 30 seconds, Group M experienced mastication cycles with 500,000 cycles at 1.3 Hz and 49 N force, and Group T + M was subjected to consecutive thermocycling (20,000 cycles/5-55°C/30 s) and mastication cycles (500,000 cycles/1.3 Hz/49 N).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>E ach group comprised 12 specimens from manufactured presintered zirconia blocks (inCoris ZI, Sirona, Salzburg, Austria). The evaluation of phase transformation was performed through X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis.</p><p><strong>Statistical analysis: </strong>The obtained data were subjected to statistical analysis using one-way ANOVA and the Tukey tests (α = 0.05).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study revealed statistically significant differences in the effects of aging processes on phase transformation in zirconia frameworks (P < 0.05). Group T + M demonstrated the highest phase transformation compared to other groups (P < 0.05). Moreover, significant differences were observed between the distal connector and pontic regions (P < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>All aging processes applied to zirconia increased the amount of monoclinic phase.</p>","PeriodicalId":19431,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice","volume":"28 2","pages":"188-194"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144003116","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}