bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Red cell distribution width as a prognostic marker for patients with heart failure
Authors: Kumar Vineet , Ramamoorthi Kusugodlu , Shridhar Meghana 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Heart failure (HF) is among the increasing concerns in the Indian population. Since HF shows close association with increasing inflammation, the present study was conducted with an aim to study the role of red cell distribution width (RDW) as a prognostic marker for heart failure (HF) and to correlate RDW with severity of HF and outcomes.

Materials and Methods:
A cross-sectional observational study was done on 100 adult patients with HF. Demographic, clinical, comorbidities, and New York Heart Association (NYHA) grading were noted. Laboratory investigations included complete blood counts, troponin T, RDW, NT-proBNP, and kidney function test. Electrocardiogram and echocardiography were done. The outcomes noted were intensive care unit admission, use of mechanical ventilation, duration of hospital stay, and in-hospital mortality. Association of RDW with outcomes was assessed.

Results:
Patients with HF had reduced ejection fraction in 81% of cases and preserved ejection fraction in 19% of cases. The rate of in-hospital mortality was 2%. The mean duration of hospital stay was 4.71 ± 2.68 days. RDW showed a significant association with dyspnea NYHA grade (P = 0.002) and fatigue NYHA grade (P = 0.006). RDW was significantly higher in HF with reduced ejection fraction as compared to HF with preserved ejection fraction (16.47 ± 2 vs. 15.09 ± 1.7, P = 0.007). At the cutoff value of >17.4%, RDW proved to be the significant predictor of in-hospital mortality with area under the curve of 0.801 to accurately predict in-hospital mortality.

Conclusion:
RDW independently predicts outcomes in critically ill HF patients. RDW proved to be a predictor of preserved and reduced ejection fraction and hospital mortality. The prognostic significance of RDW suggests that RDW can help with risk stratification upon admission and for prognostication of mortality in patients with HF.

The core competencies addressed in this article are: Patient care, Medical knowledge, Systems-based practice, and Practice-based learning and improvement.
Are students of medical institute ready for a pandemic-influenced future with online classes? A study from Southern India
Authors: Mithra Prasanna , Unnikrishnan Bhaskaran , Rekha T , Kumar Nithin , Hegde Kausthubh , Bhat Nishantha , Jolly Arshia 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Online teaching and blended mode of teaching in health sciences introduced due to lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic, will be required in case of any future contingencies. Hence, opinions and perceptions of students become important to keep up the quality of education.
The objective of this study was to assess medical students’ perceptions of online lecture classes, their experience with online teaching, and the associated factors.

Materials and Methods:
This cross sectional study was conducted in a Medical Institute in Mangalore, India between 2020 and 2022 among 992 undergraduate students from health sciences. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 29.0 and a P < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

Results:
Overall, 638 (64.3%) were female and 354 (35.7%) were male; 729 (73.5%) were from medicine (MBBS), 134 (13.5%) from physiotherapy (BPT) 117 (11.8%); rest from BSc. A higher number of MBBS students (vs. other streams), males (P = 0.009) and those with previous experience with online discussions preferred online classes (P = 0.312). The most common reasons to prefer online classes were freedom in terms of choice of location and attire, flexible timings to rewatch the classes, and ease of clarifying doubts online. Internet speed, device-related issues, and strain on the eyes were the challenges of online classes. Furthermore, students felt that lack of clinical exposure and person-to-person interaction were disadvantages of online classes.

Conclusions:
Higher number of undergraduate health sciences students preferred offline teaching mode. Online teaching offers many learner-friendly features. However, online teaching lacks direct interaction, which could be enhanced by blended teaching methods.

The following core competencies are addressed in this article: Professionalism, Interpersonal and Communication Skills, Systems-Based Practice
Insufficiency Fracture of Medial Tibial Condyle: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Baskaran Sibi Sanjay , Balasubramanian Swathi , Ganapathy Balasubramanian 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Insufficiency fractures (IFs) of medial tibial plateau are a rare presentation of acute knee pain. We present the case of a 65-year-old female who presented with acute knee pain with no history of trauma. X-rays were normal, but magnetic resonance imaging showed IF of medial tibial condyle. The patient was managed conservatively with protected weight bearing and antiosteoporosis therapy. Acute onset knee pain without any trauma should raise the suspicion of IF as one of the differential diagnosis.
New Record of Different Yeast Isolates from Patients with Ear Infections Using DNA Sequencing in Al-Najaf Governorate, Iraq
Authors: Alrufae Mohammad Mohsien , Abboud Zuhair Hameed , Hassan Ban Mousa 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background:

Candida albicans may cause other chronic fungal infections in the human ear. Otomycosis is a common disease found in the general clinical setting of otolaryngology.

Objectives:
The present study aims to establish a database of fungal species causing ear canal, infections, characterize their genetics, and compare them with standard isolates documented in the National Center for Biotechnology Information global sites.

Materials and Methods:
A total of 120 samples were collected from patients with ear infections at Al-Sadder Medical City in Al-Najaf Province, and incubated at 37°C for 1–2 days for visible. A specific fungal genomic deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) kit was used for the purification of young Candida colonies' DNA. Amplification of genes was carried out according to the experimental protocol, and the polymerase chain reaction products of Candida spp were sent to Macrogen Lab, USA, for sequencing.

Results:
The present study included a collection of 120 ear swab samples from patients with different ear infections, 47 (39.2%) samples of otitis externa, 71 (59.2%) samples of otitis media, and 2 (1.6%) from otitis enterna. C. albicans and Candida tropicals recorded the highest frequency. All 33 isolates were characterized as genotypes using two pairs of primers (ITS5-ITS4 and ITS3-ITS4), only 13/33 (39.5%) were classified as C. albicans, 8/33 (24.25%) were classified as C. tropicalis. DNA sequencing for five isolates was received online and aligned to the NCBI database using Blast software. Strain no. 3 was found to be the nearest neighbor to Meyerozyma guilliermondii strain MK267616.1 with an identity of 93.42%.

Conclusion:
The DNA sequencing method is considered one of the best methods for the diagnosis of mold and yeasts.
Sex-Based Variations in Hemato-Physiological Characteristics of Patients with Major Depressive Disorder: Clinical and Socioeconomic Insights
Authors: Abd Basim A. , Al-Hindy Hayder Abdul-Amir Makki , Obaid Samer Raheem 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background:
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a well-known psychiatric condition that can affect a diverse range of populations worldwide.

Objectives:
This research aimed to examine sex differences in hemato-physiological, clinical, and socioeconomic factors, as well as response to antidepressant psychiatric therapy, in a group of 198 adult subjects with MDD.

Materials and Methods:
The study collected basic demographic characteristics, including age, leukocyte counts, body mass index (BMI), hemoglobin (Hb) blood values, and inflammatory marker “C-reactive protein” (CRP). The cohort exhibited significant alterations between the two sexes in various clinical variables.

Results:
Despite females exhibiting high levels of somatic symptomatology, as evidenced by increased white blood cell counts and BMI, male patients presented higher Hb readings, reflecting probable disparities in physical body responses to depression. A comprehensive review of marital status and educational attainment revealed further sex-linked changes in MDD manifestation. The findings suggest that female patients with higher educational attainment exhibited higher BMI measures compared to their male counterparts, highlighting latent sociocultural impacts on disease presentation. Moreover, marital status meaningfully impacted the clinical presentation of both sexes. The age and BMI physical measurements of married individuals differed from those who were non-married. Additionally, the socioeconomic setting affects the clinical performances of MDD patients. The fluctuating BMI means of those residing in urban and rural areas underscore the significance of external inspirations on health outcomes. Furthermore, the administration of antidepressant medicines revealed sex-associated differences in clinical body reactions, predominantly in CRP serum levels, indicating potential alterations in the effectiveness of antidepressants between the two sexes.

Conclusion:
The present work focuses on the challenges in classifying and managing depressive symptoms, highlighting the importance of considering sex-specific alterations. Considering such variations might indeed help improve therapy plans and improve their outcomes. Given the complexity of MDD, medications should be modified to the individual’s clinical symptomatology, sex, and socioeconomic circumstances.
Variation of DNA Repair Genes APE1 and RAD18 in β-Thalassemia Patients
Authors: Jawad Nawras Najah , Al-Terehi Mona N. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background:
In the last decade, beta-thalassemia (β-thalassemia) has been recorded in high percentages among the Iraqi population and this disorder has a deficiency in β-globin chains causing striking heterogeneity of molecular disorder. The study subjects’ characteristics showed nonsignificant differences between age, body mass index, and the percentage of gender between patients and control.

Objectives:
The objective of the study was to detect the apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease enzyme (APE1) Asp148Glu (rs3136820) and RAD18 Arg302Gln (rs373572) in β-thalassemia patients.

Materials and Methods:
A case–control study was conducted, which included β-thalassemia patients. Thirty acute myeloid leukemia patients attended the Hematology Consultation Clinic and were diagnosed by a specialized hematologist belonging to disease criteria. The control group included 28 healthy individuals, blood samples were collected with approval from each contributor, and ethical approval was given according to the Ministry of Environment and Health in Iraq.

Results:
A significant elevation in iron and ferritin level were observed in the patient group (P = 0.000) the RAD18 genotypes showed nonsignificant differences between Gln/Gln and other genotypes, and between Gln/Arg and Arg/Arg, in allele frequency, there was nonsignificant difference also, the Gln/Arg genotype frequent in slightly changes in patients and control group, Arg/Arg did not observe in the control group. The APE1 genotype showed that GG and TT were more frequent in patients compared with the control group, GT was more frequent in the control compared with the patient group, and all changes were nonsignificant. The allele frequency showed that the T was more frequent in the patient group with nonsignificant differences.

Conclusion:
From this study, we can conclude there was a nonsignificant association between APE1 and RAD18 at the single-nucleotide polymorphisms RAD18 Arg302Gln (rs373572) the APE1 Asp148Glu (rs3136820).
FV Leiden, Prothrombin II, and MTHFR C677T Mutations in Children and Young Adults with Thromboembolic Diseases
Authors: AL-Dewachi Sura O. , Alkafaf Wasem , Fattah Farah Mudhafar , Haza Salman , Kashmoola Muna A. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background:
The main markers for estimation of the tendency for thromboembolic disorders are Factor V Leiden, Prothrombin gene (G20210A), and MTHFR (C677T) polymorphism.

Objectives:
The aim of the present research is to determine the frequency distribution of genetic mutations of (FV Leiden, Prothrombin II, and MTHFR) genes in patients with early-onset thromboembolic diseases.

Materials and Methods:
This is a retrospective study done on children and young adults of both sexes aged from 1 to 45 years with thromboembolic disease with no obvious reason who attended patients clinics in Al-Salam Teaching Hospital and were referred from private clinics for a period from June 1, 2019, to August 30, 2020. Detection of gene polymorphism was done in three steps started by isolation of DNA from the blood samples followed by in vitro polymerase chain reaction amplification then hybridization of amplification products at 45°C.

Results:
A total of 50 cases with thromboembolic diseases were enrolled in this study; 21 (42%) were male and 29 (58%) were female. Patients’ mean age was (26.64 ± 8.68) years. Factor V Leiden mutation was the most frequent mutation (12%) followed by MTHFR (C677T) mutation 6%, and the least frequency was for prothrombin gene mutation G20210A (2%).

Conclusion:
The prevalence of mutations in gene encoding Factor V Leiden was higher than MTHFR C677T and Prothrombin 20210A polymorphisms in our locality, consequently, assay for mutation of Factor V Leiden must be included in the evaluation of patients with thromboembolic diseases with no obvious cause.
Determination the Risks Factors of Tuberculosis and Its Clinical Outcome during the Year (2022) in Al-Hilla City, Iraq
Authors: Al-Salih Sadiq Salam H. , Radhi Mohammed Malih , Kadhim Hindi Nada Khazal 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background:
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by mycobacterium TB bacteria. Tuberculosis generally affects the lungs, but can also affect other parts of the body. The classic symptoms of active TB are a chronic cough with blood-containing mucus, fever, night sweats, and weight loss.

Objectives:
To determine the risks factors of tuberculosis and its clinical outcome in Hilla city and to determine the association between risks factors of tuberculosis and its clinical outcome.

Materials and Methods:
A descriptive study is conducted in Hilla City from periods September 1st 2021 to June 1st 2022. The sources of data are the TB patients’ medical records. A non-probability “purposive sample” of (N = 127) patients diagnosed with tuberculosis. The data were obtained retrospectively by reference to these cards. The medical records are in the form of cards and the information contained in them include demographic data of the patients (age, gender, smoking status, history of chronic diseases, and residency).

Results:
The results of study indicate that age group (21‐30) are have highest percentage between all age groups and men are more affected than women.

Conclusion:
The study concluded that the people who are male young adults and elderly, smoker and with chronic diseases are high risk factors for TB.
A review of hysteroscopic myomectomy cases: A 5-year experience in a tertiary hospital
Authors: Abalos-Gaddi Karen Therese , Habana Maria Antonia E. 
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND:
Hysteroscopic myomectomy is regarded as the gold standard in the management of intracavitary myomas. With its increased use, it is essential to explore its effectiveness for better therapeutic planning and patient selection.

OBJECTIVES:
This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of hysteroscopic myomectomy performed in a tertiary hospital in the Philippines.

METHODS:
A retrospective cross-sectional study of women who underwent hysteroscopic myomectomy in 5 years was performed.

RESULTS:
A total of 167 women were included. Completeness of resection was achieved in 88.46% of the cases. In the final multivariate model, older age, pretreatment with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist, and lesser total fluid input were associated with increased odds of complete resection. Submucous myoma at least 3 cm in size had greater total fluid input, greater blood loss, the presence of complications, and a greater need for transfusion. Pretreatment with GnRH agonists had more International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics Grade 1 and 2 myoma, higher frequency of ≥3 myomas, lower frequency of complete resection, and increased operative time compared to those without pretreatment with GnRH agonists. Pretreatment with other hormonal therapy had a lesser need for transfusion compared to those without pretreatment with hormonal therapy.

CONCLUSIONS:
Hysteroscopic myomectomy is a generally safe and effective procedure for the treatment of submucous myomas. The odds of complete resection are greater with older age and decreased with pretreatment with GnRH agonist and more distention fluid used. Larger submucous myoma was associated with greater total fluid input and blood loss, more complications, and greater need for transfusion. Pretreatment with GnRH agonist had no significant benefit and was associated with longer surgical time and lesser complete resection.
The effect of suction curettage on the visualization, operative time, fluid deficit, and histopathological diagnosis among perimenopausal women with abnormal uterine bleeding and unprepared endometrium for operative hysteroscopy: A single-center randomized controlled trial
Authors: Paningbatan Andy Teodoro Kwan , Umipig-Guevara Zoraida 
Published: December 2024

INTRODUCTION:
Hysteroscopy is the gold standard procedure for the evaluation and diagnosis of intrauterine pathologies. The optimal time to do hysteroscopy is during the proliferative phase. However, for women with irregular bleeding, the optimal time is unpredictable. Besides pharmacological means, mechanical endometrial preparation could be done.

OBJECTIVE:
The objective of this study was to determine the effect of suction curettage on visualization, operative time, fluid deficit, and histopathologic diagnosis among perimenopausal women with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) and unprepared endometrium prior to operative hysteroscopy.

METHODOLOGY:
Thirty-four (34) perimenopausal women admitted for AUB with unprepared endometrium for operative hysteroscopy who consented to participate were recruited and randomly divided into two groups: 18 women had suction curettage done prior to operative hysteroscopy and 16 women had operative hysteroscopy done alone. The following data were obtained for each group: (1) improvement in clarity (i.e., visualization of fundus and both tubal ostia), (2) operative time from entry to withdrawal of the resectoscope (measured in minutes), (3) fluid deficit, and (4) final histopathological diagnosis. P <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS:
Women who underwent suction curettage prior to operative hysteroscopy had improved visualization (72.2%, P < 0.001), shorter operative time (29.06 ± 7.06 min vs. 35.5 ± 7.2 min, P = 0.013), no difference in fluid deficit (P = 0.276), and the histopathologic diagnosis (P = 0.470).

CONCLUSION:
Suction curettage prior to operative hysteroscopy among perimenopausal women with AUB and unprepared endometrium improved visualization and shortened operative time without affecting fluid deficit and histopathologic diagnosis.
Study of prevalence of impaired body image in patients with hypothyroidism: Experience from Central India
Authors: Khare Jaideep , Pendharkar Preeti Sadhu , Patel Atul , Garg Nancy , Bansal Shaifali , Jindal Sushil 
Published: December 2024

Introduction:
Body image is a subjective perception of an individual toward their body which may be positive or negative. Negative image is defined by negative thoughts and feelings about one’s appearance. Hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disorder and its symptoms may contribute to a negative body image.

Aim:
The aim of the study was to study the prevalence of impaired body image in patients with hypothyroidism and compare it with general adult population.

Methods:
This was a cross-sectional observational study carried out at the endocrinology department. A total of 100 individuals known with hypothyroidism and 100 matched euthyroid individuals were recruited. The Appearance Anxiety Inventory was used to assess the body image.

Results:
31 % euthyroid while 48% hypothyroid individuals had high appearance anxiety. Among hypothyroid individuals, 44.28% with thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) <10 mIU/L and 56.66% with TSH >10 mIU/L had high appearance anxiety.

Conclusion:
The prevalence of high appearance anxiety with impaired body image was higher in individuals with hypothyroidism than general population. Our study encourages for screening of appearance anxiety in hypothyroid individuals.
Двое с одного листа: атрибуция мужских гравюрных портретов первой трети XVIII века из собрания Омского областного музея изобразительных искусств имени М.А. Врубеля
Authors: Буреева Ф.М. 
Published: December 2024

В статье обосновывается атрибуция двух мужских гравюрных портретов XVIII века из собрания Омского областного музея изобразительных искусств имени М.А. Врубеля на основе образно-стилистического анализа с применением технологического и историко-предметного метода. Произведения считались работами неизвестных французских мастеров. До настоящего времени эти листы практически не входили в поле внимания исследователей музейной коллекции. В ходе изучения установлены имена героев произведений — немецких медиков Вейта Ридлина (1656–1724) и Иоганна Морица Хоффманна (1653–1727). Портрет последнего выполнил немецкий гравер из Нюрнберга Георг Лихтенштегер (1700–1781) по инвенции Иоганна Кристофа Филлиша (1692–1742). Имя автора изображения Вейта Ридлина остается неизвестным. Однако портрет композиционно восходит к гравюре аугсбургского мастера Филиппа Килиана (1628–1693) по оригиналу Иоганна Ульриха Майра (1629–1704) 1685–1686 годов. Оба произведения датируются 1730 годом и были опубликованы в научном издании академии Леопольдины. Результаты исследования позволят максимально полно представить графическую коллекцию в научном каталоге музейного собрания, произведения могут быть включены в тематические выставочные проекты и использованы в просветительских музейных проектах.
The article supports the attribution of two male engraved portraits of the 18th century from the collection of the Omsk Regional Museum of Fine Arts named after M.A. Vrubel on the basis of figurative and stylistic analysis using a technological and historical-subject method. The works were considered to be the works of unknown French masters. Until now, these sheets have practically not been included in the field of attention of researchers of the museum collection. During the study the names of the heroes of the works were established — the German physicians Veit Riedlin (1656–1724) and Johann Moritz Hoffmann (1653–1727). Hoffmann’s portrait was executed by the German engraver from Nuremberg Georg Lichtensteger (1700–1781) after the invention of Johann Christoph Fillisch (1692–1742). The name of the author of the image Veit Riedlin remains unknown. However, the portrait goes back compositionally to an engraving by the Augsburg master Philip Kilian (1628–1693) after the original by Johann Ulrich Mayr (1629–1704) of 1685–1686. Both works were created in 1730 and were published in a scientific journal Academy Leopoldina. The results of the study will allow the graphic collection to be presented as fully as possible in the scientific catalogue of the museum collection, the works can be included in thematic exhibition projects and used in educational museum projects.