bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of MMP 9 in the diagnosis and management of pulmonary tuberculosis and its association with nutritional status
Authors: Warrier Aishwarya G. , Kumarchandra Reshma , Sudha Kuthethur , Jayashree Bhat B. , Durgarao Yalla 
Published: April 2021

Introductionand Aim: Etiopathogenesis of Pulmonary tuberculosis(PTB), is well established. Yet, the mechanisms by which a treatment regimen brings about remodelling of the pulmonary tissue during recovery phase is not well understood. The involvement of matrix metalloproteinase in this regard is debated, due to its dual role, either in disseminating the disease due to lung cavitation or reducing the inflammation due to recruitment of macrophages to the lung granulomas. PTB is a disease also driven by undernourishment.This study focuses on the association of nutritional status of PTB patients in restoring healthy lung tissue, monitored by blood levels of albumin, iron and MMP9, during the course of intensive treatment.
Materials and Methods: Serum levels of MMP9, iron, Total protein and albumin were estimated in 30 PTB patients who visited the Directly Observed Treatment Short course (DOTS) Centre at Government Wenlock Hospital, Mangalore, Karnataka,India. Twenty controls were enrolled for comparative statistics. Samples were collected at baseline and after two months of DOTS treatment in case of patients.Pre-treatment and post treatment values were compared by paired t test.Student’s ‘t’ test was used for comparing parameters in controls and patients. Correlation between parameters was done by Pearson’s correlation test.

Results: A significant increase was observed in serum iron (P=0.002) and total protein(P=0.01) levels post treatment but there was no significance in the levels of MMP9. Further, serum MMP9 correlatednegatively with body weight, BMI and serum total protein levels, post treatment, which was statistically significant. No other correlations were significant.
Conclusion: We conclude that MMP9 neither seems to be a diagnostic marker nor a therapeutic target in the treatment of tuberculosis. Although serum iron appears to be a predictor of improved nutritional status post treatment, it probably may have a role in tissue remodelling independent of MMP-9.
Altered levels of fructosamine and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) in thyroid disorder patients without diabetes mellitus-A cross sectional study
Authors: Sangamma G.Sajjan , Sonoli Smita S. , Angadi Naveen 
Published: April 2021

Introduction and Aim:Co-existence of thyroid disorder and Diabetes Mellitus is no more a coincidence. The cause and impact of thyroid disorder on glucose levels or vice versa is a well -established fact.Hence in this study we wanted to know the glycemic status by estimating fructosamine and glycated hemoglobin of the newly diagnosed thyroid patients without diabetes mellitus. The aim of the study was to estimatefructosamine and glycated hemoglobin levels in newly diagnosed subclinical hypothyroid, clinical hypothyroid and hyper thyroid patients without diabetes mellitus.
Material and Methods:Twenty cases of subclinical hypothyroid,30 cases of hypothyroid,30 cases of hyperthyroid and 30 healthy participantswere included in the study. Fasting plasma glucose and thyroid profile was estimated in suspected cases of thyroid disorder and participants with fasting plasma glucose (FPG) more than 110 mg/dL were excluded from the study.The participants who were eligible for an inclusion criterion were estimated for fructosamine by nitro bluetetrazolium, (NBT) method andion-exchange high performance liquid chromatography was for glycated hemoglobin.
Results:In Subclinical hypothyroid group there was a statistically significant increase in the mean fasting plasma glucose, fructosamine and glycated hemoglobin levels when compared with the controls.There was a significant increase in the mean fasting plasma glucose,fructosamine and glycated hemoglobin(HbA1c) levels in clinical hypothyroid group when compared with the controls.Pairwise comparison of FPG (p=0.001), fructosamine (p=0.001) and HbA1c (p=0.001) levels with controls showed a statistically significant difference.In clinical hyperthyroid group the mean FPG and HbA1c levels were high and low fructosamine levels when compared with the controls by one way ANOVA.Pairwise comparison of FPG (p=0.001), fructosamine levels (p=0.001) and HbA1c (p=0.001) levels (p=0.001) with controls showed a statistically significant difference.
Conclusion: Unidentified hyperglycemia could have an impact on thyroid disorder leading to its complication.Hence a systematic approach to fructosamine testing(monitor the plasma glucose concentration over 2–3 weeks) as a routine test in thyroid disorder patients, needs to be considered.Also the management of hyperglycemia in thyroid patients without diabetes mellitus may prove to be beneficial.
Web based and conventional classroom based anti-tobacco awareness programs: A comparative study
Authors: Poornima Radhakrishnan , Jose Maji , Nayak Shruti D. , Jacob Reuben Abraham 
Published: April 2021

Introduction and Aim: The technology enhanced education programs are efficient than traditional passive learning methodologies with respect to learning gains and knowledge retention, thereby reinforcing positive habits in students of all ages. The present study was designed to develop a computer assisted digital educational program on ill effects of tobacco and to assess the impactof this methodology over traditional classroom based anti-tobacco awareness program.

Materials and Methods:Two types of anti-tobacco awareness programs namely, computer assisted and conventional teaching, were administered to school childrenof teen age and successivelyknowledge retention, the attitude and behaviour towards tobacco were assessed through a structured questionnaire. Assessment was done on two occasions: subsequent to the training program (Phase I), six months after the program (Phase II). The results were compared usingindependent ‘t’ test and paired ‘t’ test. P < 0.05 was consideredstatistically significant.

Results:The students who received the computer-assistedtraining had a significantly higher cognitive learning outcome, both short term and long term and presented a significantly more positive attitude towards tobacco prevention (p < 0.05). However, no significant difference was noted in behaviour. Different parameters within Group 1 and 2, in phase I and phase II remained without significant difference (p> 0.05). A very strong positive correlation between knowledge and attitude was noted among participants of computer-assisted program.

Conclusion:Computer assisted anti-tobacco awareness program is better in terms of short term and long term knowledge retention in comparison to conventional classroom based learning program. Also long-term knowledge retention seems to have increased the concern about tobacco, which would have modified their behaviour towards engaging in protective practices.
Stress level among the final year medical students at an urban medical college: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Battula Monika , Arunashekar Preethi , John Arockia , ThiyagaRajan Radha , Vinoth P.N. 
Published: April 2021

Introduction and Aim: Stress is a condition which is perceived through environmental threats and events and is initiated by stressors. Globally there is a high prevalence of stress among the medical students which impacts the cognitive and learning ability of medical students and also their mental wellbeing. The present study was conducted to identify the stressors and measure the intensity of the stress among final year medical students at AnurbanMedical College in Chennai.

Methods:This cross-sectional studywas conducted among 250 final year undergraduate medical students between JulyandSeptember 2018. The students were exposed to medical student stressor questionnaire (MSSQ-20), consisting of six domains including academic related stressors (ARS), teaching related stressors (TLRS), intrapersonal and interpersonal development stressors (IRS), social related stressors (SRS), desire related stressors (DRS) and group activities related stressors (GARS).The stress levelswere graded as mild, moderate, high and severe.

Results: Majority of the participantswere females(56%) and the mean age was 22.17± 0.94 years. MSSQ-20 analysis showed that 138 (55%) students perceived severe stress due to ARS and 85(34%) students were prone to high stress as a result of GARS. The mean score was higher for ARS, followed by GARS and the least score was observed in DRS.

Conclusion: Since academics and group activities are the most dominant stressors, there is a need for restructuring the medical education delivery system to enable the medical students acquires knowledge without compromising their health and wellbeing.
Molecular profiling of breast carcinoma with IHC surrogates in a tertiary care centre in South India
Authors: Priyathersini N. , Thanka J. , Jayashree B 
Published: April 2021

Introduction and Aim: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in females worldwide. Almost 1.4 million new cases have been diagnosed with breast cancer every year. This aims to study the clinicopathological profile and molecular subtypes of invasive breast carcinoma in resected mastectomy specimens over a period of 5 years.
Materials and Methods:A retrospective study of 90 mastectomy and wide local resection specimens received during the period of January 2012 to June 2017 were analyzed. The clinical data of patients including age, gender, and stage of the diseasewere obtained from the medical records section. Immunohistochemical staining for Estrogen Receptor [ER], Progesterone Receptor[PR] and Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2HER2neu were done.The cases were classified according to the molecular classification based on the ER, PR and HER2 receptor status.
Results: The peak incidence of breast carcinoma was in the age group 50 to 60 years. Invasive ductal carcinoma,Not otherwise specified[NOS] accounted for the most common histologic type. There was higher incidence of pT2 tumors in our study. The most common molecular subtype was luminal A, followed by triple negative tumors. These molecular subtypes associated well with Tumor grade and HGDCIS with a statistically significant p value of 0.001 and 0.015 respectively. An increased proportion of Grade 3 tumors were Triple Negative tumors.
Conclusion:In breast carcinomas the routine histopathological features provide inexpensive method for understanding tumour biology and prognosis. It`s essential in areas with poor resources. ER, PR and HER2 assessment helps in identifying hormonal status and enables for hormone therapy and anti HER2 therapy.
Electromyography changes in assessment of functional status of muscles in subjects with knee-osteoarthritis undergoing low level laser therapy
Authors: Arun Kumar M , Venkatesh D , Ravindra Savita 
Published: April 2021

Introduction and Aim: Knee Osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common degenerative joint disease which is one of the leading causes of disability in elderly people. Electromyography (EMG) is an electrophysiological method in evaluating skeletal muscle activity. Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) is a modality of treatment used in several conditions required to suppress the pain, inflammation, stimulation of healing and restoration of function. Surface EMG parameters were studied before and after the low level laser therapy in subjects with knee osteoarthritis.
Materials and Methods: Subjects with knee OA participated in the study. Low level laser therapy (LLLT) was administered using a laser device with probe giving maximum power output of 10 mw with a wavelength of 810 nm. Surface electromyography (sEMG) of quadriceps muscles was recorded in all the study participants before and after the therapy. The parameters were statistically compared.
Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the maximum contraction and duration of contraction before and after the laser intervention in all the muscles.
Conclusion: It can be concluded that the muscle performance increased in the subjects with knee OA after the LLLT.
Assessment of carotid artery intima media thickness in prehypertension
Authors: Shenoy Basti Anahita R. , Shrilakshmi M , Shenoy Basti Ram 
Published: April 2021

Introduction and Aim: Increased carotid artery intima media thickness (CIMT) has been linked to the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVD is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in India. Increased CIMT has been documented in Hypertension (HT), thus putting them at a higher risk of CVD. Early identification and awareness of risk factors leading to increased morbidity and mortality could help in reducing its incidence. The aim of the study was to measure CIMTin prehypertensive Indian population.

Materials and Methods:In this analytical observational study, common carotid artery IMT was measured using B mode ultrasonography in 46 individuals having blood pressure in the prehypertensive range and 46 individuals with normal blood pressure. Cardiovascular risk factors like body mass index(BMI),fasting blood glucose (FBS), and lipid profile, which are known to influence CIMT,were also assessed and compared between the two groups.

Results:CIMT was significantly higher in prehypertensives as compared to subjects having normal blood pressure. BMI, FBS, and lipid profile was found to be comparable between the two groups.

Conclusions:The presence of increased CIMT in prehypertensives as compared to controls indicates an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events.
The effect of deep breathing test on heart rate variability in obese and non-obese patients with myocardial infarction
Authors: Galag Srinath C. , Rajalakshmi R , Desai Nagaraj , Basavanagowdappa H 
Published: April 2021

Introduction and Aim:Obesity and metabolic syndrome increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD).The acute myocardial infarction may be associated with autonomic dysfunction and it may have a bearing on the prognosis. The objective of the study wasto examine the effect of deep breathing test on heart rate variability in obese and non-obese patients with myocardial infarction (MI).

Materials and Methods:The patients with acute myocardial infarction were confirmed by universal definition and treatment was administered. At 12 weeks of follow up, the MI patients were screened and divided into two groups. 30 patients of MI with BMI 25 to 30 kg/m2 formed the obese group.30 patients of MI with BMI 18.5 to 24.9 kg/m2 formed the non-obese group. The baseline ECG was taken for 5 minutes by using Niviqure B3 machine for HRV analysis. Then, deep breathing test (DBT) was performed in a standardized manner.

Results:The two groupswere well matched for the age (53.7±11.5 vs.55.2±9.2years).In the baseline there was a statistically significant decrease in the total power (TP) of the heart i.e., HF plus LF (2178±762ms2 vs2991±771ms2 with a ‘p’ value 0.001) in the obese group when compared to non-obese group. On DBT there was a significant decrease in heart rate (81bpm to 65bpm) in non-obese group. However, in obese group there was no significant decrease in heart rate (79bpm to 72bpm) on DBT.

Conclusion: Accordingly, we concludethat in obese patients with MI there is a reduction in respiratory vagal modulation of heart rate during DBT.
Association of neck circumference with prehypertension and obesity in young paramedical students
Authors: Mangalavalli Shanmugarajah Mangani , Kaliyaperumal Senthamil Selvi , Deepika Velusami , Teli Shivayogappa S. , Soundariya Krishnamurthy 
Published: April 2021

Introduction and Aim: Prehypertension and obesity are the important cardio metabolic risk factors for developing metabolic syndrome. Neck circumference (NC) is an effective marker and screening tool for obesity. It gives a quick assessment of the upper body fat distribution. Early detection of obesity and prehypertension can increase the longevity of the individual. Hence, we aimed at evaluating the association of NC with prehypertension and obesity in young adults.

Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study where 150 Paramedical students were screened for prehypertension and fifty students were identified as pre-hypertensives (n=50). Routine anthropometric measurements were taken. NC was measured. The correlation of NC with body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was calculated. The prevalence and percentage distribution of obesity using NC in prehypertensive was calculated. The association of NC with obesity and prehypertension was demonstrated.

Results: The prevalence of obesity in prehypertensive students was 58%. The distribution of obesity using NC was 61% in males and 55% in females. Further, the association of NC with BMI (r=0.53,p=<0.0001), SBP(r=0.52,p=<0.0001) and DBP (r=0.44, p=<0.0001) was calculated using Pearson’s correlation and was statistically significant.

Conclusion: There was an increased prevalence of obesity among pre-hypertensives with a male predisposition. The study also establishes a statistically significant and strong correlation of NC with BMI, SBP and DBP. NC can be used as an effective screening tool to assess obesity and prehypertension.
Cytotoxic and apoptotic activity of Canavalia seed extract in HT-29 human colon carcinoma cells
Authors: Suvarna Geetha , Prabhu Ashwini , Muhseena N. Katheeja , Sharma Bhagya B. 
Published: April 2021

Introduction and Aim: Concanavalin the lectin from Canavalia spp. share high structural similarity among the same taxon and exhibit wide range of biological functions. The antiproliferative activity of lectins ConA (C. ensiformis), ConC (C. cathartica), ConG (C. gladiata) and ConM (C. rosea) were studied in human colon carcinoma.

Materials and Methods: Human colon carcinoma HT-29 cells and human normal kidney HEK293T cells were examined. The cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTT assay. Cell apoptosis was analyzed by AO-EB (acridine orange-ethidium bromide dual staining) method. Cell cycle was investigated by flow cytometry (RNase-propidium iodide-based flow cytometry). The expression of cell signaling genes was analyzed by qRT-PCR.

Results: All concanavalins significantly inhibited the proliferation of HT-29 cells in dose-dependent manner (IC50 values were ConG-10.45, ConA-14.86, ConC-33.34 and ConM-48.98 µg/mL respectively). ConA and ConG induced apoptotic morphology in HT-29 cells without affecting HEK293T cells. Similarly, both lectins increased the sub-G0/G1 proportions in HT-29 cells dose-dependently. ConG showed down-regulation of AKT1, ERK1/2 and mutant p53 in HT-29 cells.

Conclusion: Concanavalin extract is shown to possess cytotoxic effect through inducing apoptosis, especially causing cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase in HT-29 cells.
Gait parameters and functional performance following multi-factorial treatment among degenerative joint disease patients
Authors: Gopalswami A. D. , Senthil Kumar S. , Sinha A. G. 
Published: April 2021

Introduction and Aim: Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) poses a challenge to manage and restore functional capabilities among patients. Incorporation of structured exercises, manual therapy and patient education had a significant impact on clinical and functional status of patients. Past research hasexplored benefits of therapy on functions and gait. Although, such studies did not address the functional restoration. Hence, present study was aimedto address the lacunae.

Materials and Methods: 100 patients with mean age and SD; 51.61(5.4) were included. Participants had knee Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD); grade 2 or 3 on Kellgren and Lawrence scale, were allocated to Experimental Group (EG) and Comparative Group (CG). EG received joint mobilization and Muscle Energy Technique (MET). CG received Interferential therapy (carrier frequency 4 kHz; beat frequency 100 Hz; and sweep frequency 150 Hz). Strengthening exercises and patient education were common for both groups. Intervention lasted two weeks, the post-intervention metrics included; stride length, step length, and cadence for gait and knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score.

Results: Data obtained was subjected to statistical analysis. Frequency and percentage were used for categorical variables; mean andstandard deviation (SD) were used for continuous variables. Post-intervention, there was a significant improvement of gait parameters and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) in both groups. CG had a better improvement in STL, SL, CAD with mean of 39.84(5.68), 20.22(2.84), 97.16(3.75) and EG with mean of 44.36(4.48), 22.30(3.75), 92.82(3.75) and p < .0005. However, it was evident that the proportion of functional improvement among CG was lesser.

Conclusion: Inclusion of structured exercises, manual therapy and patient education in intervention would be effective and improve the functional status of DJD patients.
A comparative study to evaluate the feasibilityand efficacy of use of mehendi vs temporary pen markings for skin marking in patients undergoing conventional external beam radiotherapy with Cobalt 60 machine
Authors: SuparnaKanti Pal , Sumana Maiti Das , Neena Prasad S , Kunal Kishor Gupta , Basu Siddhartha 
Published: April 2021

Introduction and Aim: The most common practice for marking the radiation field borders in conventional radiotherapy is with marker pens. In the hot and humid environment in India these markings rapidly fade and require remarking. In some cases, they require re-simulation and re-planning. Mehndi has been used in India for ceremonial marking on skin for long. Here we seek to evaluate the same for radiotherapy.
Materials and Methods: Eighty-two patients with no history of hyper-sensitivity to mehendi were scheduled to be analyzed on per protocol treatment basis, with 41 in each arm. Subjects were randomized by lottery method till the target number in one of the arms is reached. Since one subject in each arm had not received the per protocol management due to default, two more subjects were included and randomized. The minimum duration of treatment was 5 weeks. Markings were done either with mehndi cones (Arm A) or conventionally used Skin marking pens. They were repeated as per requirements. The number of application and gap between them were recorded. The data was later analyzed with SPSS v23 for frequencies, independent sample T test, including Mann-Whitney test. The analysis was per protocol.
Results: No incidence of hypersensitivity to mehendi occurred.The mean and median number of applications was significantly less in the Mehndi arm compared to control arm (median being 2 in mehndi arm compared to 4 in Pen arm). The median gap between applications and each application was also significantly lower in the Mehndi arm (11.5 days vs 7.25 days). There was no significant difference with visualization. The comfort level of the technologists, consultants and patients were better with Mehndi than with pen arm on Likert scale.
Conclusion: Mehndi is more durable than the pen marking it is equally visible for health care professionals and more comfortable to patients. The skin tone of our patients did not pose any challenge in visualization during set up either in ambient lighting or with lasers.