bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relation between age at first alcohol drink & adult life drinking patterns in alcohol-dependent patients
Authors: Soundararajan Soundarya , Narayanan Gitanjali , Agrawal Arpana , Prabhakaran Dorairaj , Murthy Pratima 
Published: December 2024

Background & objectives:
Age at first drink has its influence on later life drinking patterns. The association between age at first drink and adult alcohol consumption has not been studied in clinical population. This study was aimed to determine the age at first drink and its correlation with adult life drinking patterns in alcohol-dependent patients.

Methods:
Adult participants with alcohol dependence were included from the inpatient and outpatient wards of a tertiary care de-addiction facility in India. Questionnaires administered were National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism-Quantity Frequency for alcohol and the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence for tobacco.

Results:
Of the 99 participants (92% males) with mean age 37±8.36 yr, mean age at first drink was 21.14±5.33 yr. After controlling for age, satisfaction with life scores and smoking, age at first drink showed a significant negative correlation with drinking days per week (r=-0.259, P=0.012), typical drink per day (r=-0.218, P=0.035) and maximum drinks in the previous month/year (r=-0.233, -0.223 and P=0.024, 0.031, respectively).

Interpretation & conclusions:
Our study suggested that earlier age of first drink correlated with chronic heavy drinking patterns in later adult life in alcohol-dependent patients. This may have implications for alcohol control policies determining the age for legal consumption.
Identification of a single nucleotide polymorphism indicative of high risk in acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Shalia Kavita , Saranath Dhananjaya , Rayar Jaipreet , Shah Vinod K. , Mashru Manoj R. , Soneji Surendra L. 
Published: December 2024

Background & objectives:
Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a major health concern in India. The aim of the study was to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with AMI in patients using dedicated chip and validating the identified SNPs on custom-designed chips using high-throughput microarray analysis.

Methods:
In pilot phase, 48 AMI patients and 48 healthy controls were screened for SNPs using human CVD55K BeadChip with 48,472 SNP probes on Illumina high-throughput microarray platform. The identified SNPs were validated by genotyping additional 160 patients and 179 controls using custom-made Illumina VeraCode GoldenGate Genotyping Assay. Analysis was carried out using PLINK software.

Results:
From the pilot phase, 98 SNPs present on 94 genes were identified with increased risk of AMI (odds ratio of 1.84-8.85, P=0.04861-0.003337). Five of these SNPs demonstrated association with AMI in the validation phase (P<0.05). Among these, one SNP rs9978223 on interferon gamma receptor 2 [IFNGR2, interferon (IFN)-gamma transducer 1] gene showed a significant association (P=0.00021) with AMI below Bonferroni corrected P value (P=0.00061). IFNGR2 is the second subunit of the receptor for IFN-gamma, an important cytokine in inflammatory reactions.

Interpretation & conclusions:
The study identified an SNP rs9978223 on IFNGR2 gene, associated with increased risk in AMI patient from India.
An observational study of incidence, risk factors & outcome of systemic inflammatory response & organ dysfunction following major trauma
Authors: Dharap Satish Balkrishna , Ekhande Sanket Vishnu 
Published: December 2024

Background & objectives:
Trauma is known to lead to systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), which is often a cause of late deaths after injury. SIRS and MODS have been objectively measured using scoring systems. This prospective observational study was carried out in a tertiary care hospital in India to evaluate SIRS and MODS following trauma in terms of their incidence, the associated risk factors and the effect on the outcome.

Methods:
All adult patients with major life- and limb-threatening trauma were included. Patients who died within 24 h, those with severe head injury, known comorbidity, immunocompromised state, on immunosuppressants or pregnancy were excluded. SIRS and MODS scores were recorded after initial management (baseline score), on days 3 and 6 of admission. SIRS was defined as SIRS score of ≥2 and MODS was defined as MODS score of ≥1.

Results:
Two hundred patients were enrolled. SIRS was noted in 156 patients (78%). MODS was noted in 145 (72.5%) patients. Overall mortality was 39 (19.5%). Both SIRS and MODS scores were significantly associated with age >60 yr, blunt injury, (lower) revised trauma score hypotension on admission and (higher) injury severity score, but not with gender, pre-hospital time or operative treatment.

Interpretation & conclusions:
Both SIRS and MODS scores were associated with longer Intensive Care Unit (ICU) stay, more ICU interventions and higher mortality. Incidence of MODS was significantly higher in patients with SIRS. Both scores showed rising trend with time in non-survivors and a decreasing trend in survivors. The serial assessment of scores can help prognosticate outcome and also allocate appropriate critical care resources to patients with rising scores.
Factors affecting high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in HIV-infected patients on nevirapine-based antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Padmapriyadarsini C. , Ramesh K. , Sekar L. , Ramachandran Geetha , Reddy Devaraj , Narendran G. , Sekar S. , Chandrasekar C. , Anbarasu D. , Wanke Christine , Swaminathan Soumya 
Published: December 2024

Background & objectives:
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk with low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and high triglycerides is common in the general population in India. As nevirapine (NVP)-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) tends to increase HDL-C, gene polymorphisms associated with HDL-C metabolism in HIV-infected adults on stable NVP-based ART were studied.

Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted between January 2013 and July 2014 among adults receiving NVP-based ART for 12-15 months. Blood lipids were estimated and gene polymorphisms in apolipoprotein C3 (APOC3), cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) genes were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Framingham's 10-yr CVD risk score was estimated. Logistic regression was done to show factors related to low HDL-C levels.

Results:
Of the 300 patients included (mean age: 38.6±8.7 yr; mean CD4 count 449±210 cell/μl), total cholesterol (TC) >200 mg/dl was observed in 116 (39%) patients. Thirty nine per cent males and 47 per cent females had HDL-C levels below normal while 32 per cent males and 37 per cent females had TC/HDL ratio of 4.5 and 4.0, respectively. Body mass index [adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=1.70, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01-2.84, P=0.04] and viral load (aOR=3.39, 95% CI: 1.52-7.52, P=0.003) were negatively associated with serum HDL-C levels. The 10-yr risk score of developing CVD was 11-20 per cent in 3 per cent patients. Allelic variants of APOC3 showed a trend towards low HDL-C.

Interpretation & conclusions:
High-risk lipid profiles for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease were common among HIV-infected individuals, even after 12 months of NVP-based ART. Targeted interventions to address these factors should be recommended in the national ART programmes.
Estimation of biofilm, proteinase & phospholipase production of the Candida species isolated from the oropharyngeal samples in HIV-infected patients
Authors: Lahkar Vicky , Saikia Lahari , Patgiri Saurav J. , Nath Reema , Das Partha Pratim 
Published: December 2024

Background & objectives:

Candida, the most common opportunistic infection in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), attributes its pathogenicity to its virulence factors, mainly the biofilms, the proteinases and the phospholipases. There is a significant interplay of these factors during the HIV infection. This study was aimed to estimate the biofilm, proteinase and phospholipase production in Candida species isolated from the oropharyngeal samples in the HIV-infected patients.

Methods:
A total of 126 consecutive HIV-positive patients were screened for Candida growth using oropharyngeal swabs. Identification was done by Gram staining, germ tube test, chlamydospore identification, chromagar and biochemical tests on Vitek 2. Biofilm production was observed on Sabouraud's dextrose broth with glucose, phospholipase production in egg yolk agar medium and proteinase production in bovine serum albumin agar medium.

Results:
Of a total of 126 patients, 53 (42.06%) showed Candida growth: Candida albicans (n=46, 86.8%) was most common followed by the non-albicans Candida (NAC) (n=7, 13.93%). Of a total 33 (62.3%) biofilm positive isolates, significant production was observed in the NAC species (P <0.05). C. albicans reported the highest phospholipase (n=37/41, 90.24%) and proteinase (n=37/43, 86%) activities in a total of 41 (77%) phospholipase positive and 43 (81.1%) proteinase positive isolates.

Interpretation & conclusions:
Although C. albicans was the most common Candida species identified in HIV positive patients, the emergence of NAC was of special concern. Virulence factors such as biofilms, proteinases and phospholipases were noted in both these groups. Further research is required for better understanding of the pathogenic role of Candida species so as to aid in therapeutic interventions.
Role of environmental factors & oxidative stress with respect to in vitro fertilization outcome
Authors: Kumar Sunil , Mishra Vineet , Thaker Riddhi , Gor Mansi , Perumal Siva , Joshi Pratiksha , Sheth Hardik , Shaikh Idrish , Gautam Anil K. , Verma Yogendra 
Published: December 2024

Background & objectives:
Oxidative stress, lifestyle factors as also exposure to certain environmental factors are known to affect the fertility status in human beings. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of OS and lifestyle and environmental factors affecting IVF outcome.

Methods:
A total of 253 couples were included, and biological samples such as blood, follicular fluid (FF), cumulus cells and semen were collected. Relevant biochemical parameters and metals namely lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) were determined in the biological samples. β-human chorionic gonadotropin levels ≥100 IU/l were considered to predict viable pregnancy on the 15th day of embryo transfer (ET).

Results:
The mean body mass index (BMI) was significantly lower in females with positive IVF outcome compared to those with negative outcome. Couples residing in the residential area showed more percentage of positive IVF outcomes as compared to couples residing in industrial/agricultural area. FF Zn level was significantly higher (P<0.001) among the females’ participants who have undergone ET as compared to those who have not undergone ET. FF MDA and serum Cu levels were significantly higher (P<0.05) in the female participants with negative IVF outcome as compared to positive IVF outcome. Logistic regression revealed that maternal BMI (P=0.034) and FF MDA level (P=0.047) were significantly associated with the IVF outcome.

Interpretation & conclusions:
The success rate of IVF was about 31.8 per cent, and BMI was significantly lower in females with positive outcome. The higher levels of MDA in FF and SP might have a negative impact on IVF outcome, higher Zn level in SP, FF and serum might have a positive role in embryo transfer as well as IVF outcome. The role of stress management and nutrition supplementation during the IVF treatment may be explored.
Meditation & yoga
Authors: Dhawan Vidhu , Kumar Manoj , Deka Dipika , Malhotra Neena , Dadhwal Vatsla , Singh Neeta , Dada Rima 
Published: December 2024

Background & objectives:
Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is one of the devastating complications of pregnancy and current focus lies in addressing the management of paternal factors. Dysregulation in selective transcripts delivered to oocyte at fertilization can result in pregnancy losses and adversely affect embryogenesis. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of yoga-based lifestyle intervention (YBLI) on seminal oxidative stress (OS), DNA damage and spermatozoal transcript levels.

Methods:
The present study was a part of a prospective ongoing exploratory study and 30 male partners of couples with RPL were included from August 2016 to June 2017. Semen samples were obtained at baseline and at the end of YBLI (21 days). Gene expression analysis was performed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction on spermatozoal FOXG1, SOX3, OGG1, PARP1, RPS6, RBM9, RPS17 and RPL29. The levels of seminal OS and sperm DNA damage was assessed by measuring levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by chemiluminescence and DNA fragmentation index (DFI) by sperm chromatin structure assay.

Results:

SOX3, OGG1 and PARP1 were observed to be upregulated, while FOXG1, RPS6, RBM9, RPS17 and RPL29 showed downregulation. A significant reduction in ROS levels, an increase in sperm motility, sperm count (done twice) and a decrease in DFI was seen after YBLI.

Interpretation & conclusions:
Adopting YBLI may help in a significant decline in oxidative DNA damage and normalization of sperm transcript levels. This may not only improve pregnancy outcomes but also improve the health trajectory of the offspring.
Effect of roscovitine on developmental competence of small follicle-derived buffalo oocytes
Authors: Pandey Sriti , Somal Anjali , Parmar Mehtab S. , Gupta Swati , Bharti Mukesh K. , Bhat Irfan A. , Indu B. , Chandra Vikash , Kumar G. Sai , Sharma G. Taru 
Published: December 2024

Background & objectives:
The lower recovery of competent oocytes in buffalo species limits the commercialization of in vitro embryo production technology in field condition. In this context, pre-maturation of small follicle (SF)-derived oocytes with meiotic inhibition may be a promising alternative to obtain more number of competent oocytes. Thus, the present study was conducted with an objective to enhance the developmental potential of less competent SF-derived buffalo oocytes.

Methods:
All the visible follicles (used for aspiration) from buffalo ovaries were divided into two categories: large follicle (LF) (follicles having diameter ≥6 mm) and SF (follicles of diameter <6 mm). The competence of LF and SF oocytes was observed in terms of brilliant cresyl blue (BCB) staining, cleavage rate, blastocyst rate and relative gene expression of oocyte and blastocyst competence markers. Thereafter, less competent SF oocytes were treated with 0, 12.5, 25, 50 and 100 mM doses of roscovitine (cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor) to enhance their developmental potential.

Results:
Based on parameters studied, LF oocytes were found to be more competent than SF oocytes. Pre-maturation incubation of SF oocytes with roscovitine reversibly arrested oocyte maturation for 24 h to ensure the proper maturation of less competent oocytes. A significantly higher number of BCB-positive oocytes were noted in roscovitine-treated group than SF group. Cleavage and blastocyst rates were also higher in roscovitine-treated group. The relative messenger RNA expression of oocyte (GDF9, BMP15, GREM1, EGFR, PTGS2 and HAS2) as well as blastocyst (INF-τ, GLUT1 and POU5F1) competence markers was significantly greater in roscovitine-treated group relative to SF group. Again, on comparison with LF group, these parameters depicted a lower value in the treatment group.

Interpretation & conclusions:
The findings of this study has revealed that pre-maturation incubation of SF-derived oocytes with 25 μM roscovitine can improve its developmental competence and thus can be utilized to get maximum number of competent oocytes for better commercialization of in vitro embryo production technology in buffalo.
Comparative analysis of Luminex-based donor-specific antibody mean fluorescence intensity values with complement-dependent cytotoxicity & flow crossmatch results in live donor renal transplantation
Authors: Baranwal Ajay Kumar , Bhat Deepali Krishan , Goswami Sanjeev , Agarwal Sanjay Kumar , Kaur Gurvinder , Kaur Jasmeet , Mehra Narinder 
Published: December 2024

Background & objectives:
Antibodies specific to donor human leucocyte antigen (HLA) play a critical role in graft rejection and graft loss. In recent years, techniques for their detection have evolved significantly providing an ever-increasing degree of sensitivity and specificity, from the conventional cell-based assays to the advanced solid-phase system based on the Luminex platform. Consensus is still evolving on the routine employment of all these methods, either stand alone or in combination. The objective of this study was to explore the near-accurate mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) cut-off values detected on Luminex platform predicting the strength of cell-based crossmatch results.

Methods:
Serum samples from 116 primary renal transplant recipients awaiting transplantation were tested for the presence of antidonor antibodies by the complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) and flow crossmatch (FCXM) methods with their corresponding donors as well as for HLA-donor-specific antibodies (DSA) detection using a sensitive single antigen bead (SAB) assay.

Results:
None of the patients having HLA Class I DSA with MFI values <1000 showed positivity for T-cell FCXM or CDC crossmatch, while in the group having MFI values between 1000 and 3000, 54 per cent showed positivity for the FCXM but none by the CDC method. However, in the group having MFI values >3000, 95 per cent of cases were positive for FCXM. Further, those groups with MFI values between 3000 and 5000, only 36 per cent were positive for CDC crossmatch, while 90 per cent showed positivity in the group with MFI >7000.

Interpretation & conclusions:
A cut-off MFI value of 3000 for Luminex SAB-based assay was found to significantly correlate with the FCXM positivity while a MFI value of 7000 and above predicted a positive CDC crossmatch. MFI cut-off value obtained as a surrogate marker for CDC and FCXM tests will help in resolving the limitations of different cell-based techniques.
Molecular strain typing of Trichophyton mentagrophytes (T. mentagrophytes var. interdigitale) using non-transcribed spacer region as a molecular marker
Authors: Ramaraj Vijayakumar , Vijayaraman Rajyoganandh S. , Hemanth Veena , Rangarajan Sudha , Kindo Anupma Jyoti 
Published: December 2024

Background & objectives:
Dermatophytes are keratinophilic fungi that infect keratinized tissues of human and animal origin. Trichophyton mentagrophytes is considered to be a species complex composed of several strains, which include both anthropophiles and zoophiles. Accurate discrimination is critical for comprehensive understanding of the clinical and epidemiological implications of the genetic heterogeneity of this complex. Molecular strain typing renders an effective way to discriminate each strain. The objective of the study was to characterize T. mentagrophytes clinical isolates to sub-species level using molecular techniques and non-transcribed spacer (NTS) region as marker.

Methods:
Sixty four T. mentagrophytes clinical isolates were identified by phenotypic methods. These were subjected to polymerase chain reaction targeting three sub-repeat elements (SREs), TmiS0, TmiS1 and TmiS2 of the NTS region. Sequence analysis of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of different types was also done.

Results:
Strain-specific polymorphism was observed in all three loci. Totally, 13 different PCR types were obtained on combining all the three SREs loci. No variation was observed in the ITS region.

Interpretation & conclusions:
The study described the usefulness of molecular strain typing technique for the discrimination of the T. mentagrophytes isolates. This will help for the future explorations into the epidemiology of T. mentagrophytes and its complex.
Comparative study of clinical features of patients with celiac disease & those with concurrent celiac disease & type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Bhadada Sanjay Kumar , Rastogi Ashu , Agarwal Aakash , Kochhar Rashi , Kochhar Rakesh , Bhansali Anil 
Published: December 2024

Background & objectives:
Celiac disease (CD) and type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) share a common genetic locus and clinical manifestations. The present study was planned to compare clinical, biochemical and hormonal profiles of patients with CD and CD with T1DM.

Methods:
Records of CD patients with age ≤20 yr, available anthropometric measurements, haematological, biochemical and hormonal workup with tissue transglutaminase IgA antibody and duodenal biopsy (Marsh grade) were screened. The patients were divided into two groups i.e., CD alone (Group A) and concurrent CD with T1DM (Group B).

Results:
One hundred and nine patients of CD (57 male) with a mean age of 14.9±2.9 yr were evaluated. Of these, 86 (78.9%) patients had CD alone and 23 (13 females) (21.1%) patients had CD with T1DM. The age at diagnosis and the lag duration for the diagnosis of CD were 11.5±4.6 versus 13.8±3.4 yr (P<0.05) and 48.8 ±43.3 versus 20.2±31.8 months (P<0.05) in groups A and B, respectively. The most common histopathological grade was type 3b (59.2%) in group A and type 2 (42.1%) in group B. Short stature (87% vs. 40.9%; P<0.01), anaemia (80.9% vs. 45%, P<0.01) and delayed puberty (61.9% vs. 29.4%; P<0.01) were more common in group A.

Interpretation & conclusions:
Patients with CD alone have a longer lag time to diagnosis and consequent sequel in the form of anaemia, short stature and delayed puberty, as compared to patients with concurrent CD and T1DM.
Adverse effects & drug load of antiepileptic drugs in patients with epilepsy
Authors: Joshi Rupa , Tripathi Manjari , Gupta Pooja , Gulati Sheffali , Gupta Yogendra Kumar 
Published: December 2024

Background & objectives:
Although the need for a combination of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in the treatment of epilepsy is well justified, but an associated increase in adverse effects (AEs) lends a restriction to polytherapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate AEs and drug load (prescribed daily dose/defined daily doses) of AEDs in patients with epilepsy (PWE).

Methods:
Consecutive PWEs attending Epilepsy clinic in a tertiary care hospital in New Delhi, India, were enrolled in the study. Demographic variables, such as age, gender, diagnosis, age at onset of seizures, frequency of seizures, use of all AEDs and adverse event profile (AEP) score were noted. Routine laboratory tests including lipid profile, fasting blood glucose, haematological parameters and liver and kidney function tests were done.

Results:
A total of 697 consecutive patients were included in this study. Of them, 64.4 per cent were male; mean age was 29.6 ± 10.6 yr. Generalized seizures and focal seizures were recorded in n=386 (55.4%) and n=311 (44.6%), respectively. Monotherapy and polytherapy with two and greater than or equal to three AEDs were prescribed in 264 (37.9%), 243 (34.9%) and 190 (27.2%) patients, respectively. The average AED load, duration of treatment as well as AEP score were found to be significantly higher in combination of greater than or equal to three AEDs as compared to both monotherapy and combination of two AEDs, whereas no significant difference was observed between monotherapy and combination of two AEDs. Patients on monotherapy were in good control of seizures as compared to polytherapy. There was no significant change in biochemical parameters between the groups.

Interpretation & conclusions:
Polytherapy with combination of greater than or equal to three AEDs was associated with higher AEs and lower seizure control as compared to both monotherapy and combination of two AEDs. AEs did not correlate with AED load, seizure type, gender and age of the patients but were associated with both numbers of AEDs as well as seizure frequency in PWE.