bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characteristics and outcomes of patients receiving high flow nasal cannula therapy prior to mechanical ventilation in COVID-19 respiratory failure
Authors: Hansen Christopher K. , Stempek Susan , Liesching Timothy , Lei Yuxiu , Dargin James 
Published: June 2021

Background:
Treatment strategies for acute hypoxic respiratory failure secondary to coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19) had significant variation early in the pandemic. We sought to determine if patients treated with high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) prior to mechanical ventilation had differing outcomes compared to those treated only with conventional oxygen.

Methods:
This was a prospective, observational study of patients with COVID-19 admitted to a tertiary care medical center with a diagnosis of acute hypoxic respiratory failure. Adult patients with a positive polymerase chain reaction test for COVID-19 who required mechanical ventilation were included.

Results:
A total of 91 patients met the inclusion criteria for our study. The mean age was 68.4 years (standard deviation [SD] ± 12) and 58% were male. The mean initial partial pressure of arterial oxygen to fraction of inspired oxygen (PaO2/FiO2) ratio was 152 (SD ± 65) and was not significantly different between the HFNC group and the conventional oxygen strategy group (P = 0.95). The observed mortality rate was 30% in the HFNC group versus 52% in the conventional oxygen strategy group (P = 0.05). The multivariate odds ratio of mortality for patients on HFNC was 0.375 compared to a conventional oxygen strategy (95% confidence interval 0.122–1.151, P = 0.09).

Conclusions:
While HFNC appears to be safe as the initial treatment strategy for COVID-19 associated respiratory failure, HFNC did not result in a statistically significant difference in mortality compared to a conventional oxygen strategy. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
The association of ABO blood groups and trauma outcomes
Authors: Sauder Michael W. , Wolff Timothy W. , LaRiccia Aimee K. , Spalding M. Chance , Pandya Urmil B. 
Published: June 2021

Background:
There is currently a lack of understanding regarding the link between ABO blood types with outcomes of traumatically injured patients. The purpose of this study was to determine the association of ABO blood types with outcomes in traumatically injured patients separated by injury type.

Methods:
This retrospective study evaluated trauma patients at an urban, Level 1 trauma center from January 1, 2017, through December 31, 2017. Patients were excluded if they were pregnant or <16 years old. Recorded outcomes included: ABO blood group, mortality, Injury Severity Score (ISS), race, injury type, mechanism of injury, and complications. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics including Chi-squared, Kruskal–Wallis, and F-test calculations.

Results:
A total of 3779 patients were included in this study. No significant differences were present in mean age or ISS between blood types. In patients with penetrating injuries, blood type O was associated with a significant increase in mortality (P = 0.017), red blood cell transfusion (P = 0.027), and massive transfusion protocol (MTP) (P = 0.026) compared to non-O blood types. In patients with blunt injuries, blood type AB was associated with a significant increase in mortality rate compared to non-AB blood types (P = 0.03).

Conclusion:
ABO blood type is connected with an underlying process which affects trauma outcomes, including mortality. Blood type O is associated with increased blood transfusion, MTP, and mortality during the initial hospitalization following a traumatic penetrating injury, while blood type AB is associated with increased mortality during the initial hospitalization following a blunt traumatic injury.
Rapid Prototyping Technology for Silicone Auricular Prosthesis Fabrication
Authors: Manju V , Babu Anna Serene , Krishnapriya V. N. , Chandrashekar J 
Published: June 2021

Context:
Three-dimensional printing technologies have been used recently for patients with maxillofacial deformities who seek esthetic prosthesis. The aim of the present study was to assess the accuracy, surface texture, marginal adaptation, patient satisfaction, and ease of fabrication of silicone auricular prostheses fabricated by the rapid prototyping technology (RPT) when compared to the conventional method (CM).

Materials and Methods:
A pilot study was conducted on five patients who had partial auriculectomy defects. Ear prostheses fabricated by CM and RPT were compared. RPT include the fabrication of prostheses by the duplication of polymer model fabrication or by injecting silicone to mold obtained by Vacuum casting method (VCM). The prostheses were evaluated by 15 randomly allotted trained independent observers based on the Likert Scale. The patients performed a self-rating assessment followed by a report from the clinician and technician.

Statistical Analysis:
The scores for each of the dimension were analyzed using the ANOVA. The cost, time, and quantity of silicone material were expressed in means for three fabrication methods.

Results:
Prostheses fabricated by RPT yielded superior scores in terms of accuracy, texture, and marginal fit; the vacuum casted prostheses being more precise. The patient perspective was in favor of RPT though not significant statistically. Time for fabrication and number of patient visits were less for rapid prototyping methods than CM.

Conclusion:
The present study demonstrated the potential benefits of digital method in the fabrication of auricular prosthesis using RPT in the field of maxillofacial rehabilitation.
Tobacco Consumption Patterns and Coping Behavior during the COVID-19 Lockdown
Authors: Sujatha S. , Shwetha V. , Vaishnavi P. , Sreekanth P. , Nagi Ravleen 
Published: June 2021

Background:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of Indians were self-quarantined generating exceptional challenges and stress for all people and more so among regular tobacco users. Tobacco use is known to be detrimental to lung and immune function, thus suppressing the body's ability to combat infections including the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. This study was intended at surveying the stress, tobacco consumption patterns, and the coping behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methodology:
Seven hundred and twenty-nine current tobacco users aged 18 years and above participated in the questionnaire study on stress due to COVID-19, tobacco consumption patterns during lockdown, years of tobacco use, prior quit attempts, thoughts of quitting currently, and means of purchasing and coping behavior. The data were subjected to statistical analysis.

Results: The
average Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence score was 6, and males had higher scores than females. 68.4% of tobacco users reported increased use, 5.07% decreased use, and 26.4% no change in tobacco use during the lockdown. Causes for increased tobacco use were stress (62.1%), being alone and restrictions in movement (21.6%), and boredom (16.3%), while the fear of contracting COVID infection and becoming severely ill has motivated few (31.6%) to decrease tobacco use. 50.9% wanted to quit, the thought of quitting tobacco was more among men (54%) as compared to women and was higher among smokers as compared to smokeless tobacco users.

Conclusion:
Tobacco users appear to be affected by stress related to the COVID-19 pandemic, with majority of them increasing the consumption.
The Use of Vaginal Lubricants and Ultrasound Gels Can have Deleterious Effects on Sperm Function
Authors: Soriano María José , Botella Inmaculada Molina , Sadeghi Sara , Rios Andrea Palomar , Balasch Sebastià , Luján Saturnino , Pellicer Nuria , Rubio José María 
Published: June 2021

Context:
Some vaginal lubricants and ultrasound gels are known to be detrimental to sperm function and therefore could negatively affect fertility.

Aims:
The aim of the current study was to develop a sperm motility index (SMI) to test the sperm toxicity of ultrasound gels and vaginal lubricants used in reproductive medicine.

Settings and Design:
Two ultrasound gels (Aquasonic® and Kefus®) and five vaginal lubricants (Vaginesil™, Velastisa®, K-Y Jelly®, Control®, and Durex®) were studied. Three different concentrations (1%, 5%, and 10%) of each lubricant were tested.

Subjects and Methods:
SMI was calculated dividing the percentage of progressively motile sperm in each tested gel by that in the control at 0.5, 1, 2, and 24 h of incubation at 5% of CO2 and 37°C. SMI values <0.75 indicate sperm toxicity.

Statistical Analysis Used:
The main outcome measured was SMI for each concentration and time of incubation.

Results:
Only Durex® did not show any deleterious effect on sperm quality. The rest of lubricants presented different degrees of toxicity. Vaginesil™ resulted in toxic for all concentrations and incubation periods (SMI < 0.12). Control® and Velastisa® presented toxicity at 10% after 2 h, while K-Y Jelly® showed toxicity at 10% from 1 h of incubation. Regarding ultrasound gels, Aquasonic® showed toxic effects after only 0.5 h (SMI = 0.70 ± 0.15), while Kefus® showed slightly toxic effects after 2 h (SMI 0.69 ± 0.07).

Conclusions:
SMI is an accurate tool to evaluate sperm toxicity. One of the main strengths of the article is the inclusion of representative semen samples and known products used worldwide. This study has a relevant clinical translation since it highlights the importance of evaluating the possible sperm toxicity of simple products used in reproductive medicine.
The Spectrum of Chromosomal Abnormalities and Endocrine Profile of Male Infertility with Nonobstructive Semen Abnormality
Authors: Singhal Paresh , Pendkur Ganesh , Parihar Rituraj Singh , Singh Sharanjit , Chakrabarty Barun Kumar , Raghavendra S. K. 
Published: June 2021

Background:
Primary infertility is a common occurrence which affects approximately 15% of couples who desire to begin their family. Chromosomal abnormalities are well-established causes of pregnancy loss but may also have a role in explaining the cause of male infertility, especially with nonobstructive semen abnormalities. Hence, awareness regarding safety of artificial reproductive technology in these individuals due to underlying sperm aneuploidy is required.

Aims:
The aims of the study are to determine the prevalence of chromosomal abnormalities in primary infertile males with nonobstructive semen abnormalities and correlate with their endocrine profile.

Study Design:
A case–control study, in which 100 males with primary infertility and non-obstructive semen abnormalities were evaluated for chromosomal abnormality and hormonal profile; and were compared with 50 healthy males with normal semen analysis and at least one biological child.

Materials and Methods:
Blood T-lymphocytes were cultured using RPMI-1640 medium for obtaining metaphases and chromosomal analysis.

Statistical Analysis:
SPSS software and Student's t-test were used. A p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:
Azoospermia (81%) was the most common nonobstructive semen abnormality. Overall prevalence of major chromosomal abnormalities and polymorphic variants was 16% and 7%, respectively. Klinefelter syndrome was the most common sex chromosomal numerical abnormality seen in 6.17% of cases with azoospermia. All healthy control males had 46, XY karyotype. Higher levels of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone and lower levels of testosterone along with testicular volumes were observed in infertile males with abnormal karyotype (p < 0.05).

Conclusion:
Primary infertile males with nonobstructive semen abnormality have high frequency of chromosomal aberrations, which justify the requirement of cytogenetic testing in these patients.
Reduced Angiopoietin-2 as a Predictive Biomarker for Clomiphene Citrate Resistance in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Rajendiran Luxmipratha , Nandeesha Hanumanthappa , Chitra Thyagaraju 
Published: June 2021

Background:
Even though angiopoeitin-2 and interleukin (IL)-23 are known to be altered in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), their association with clomiphene citrate (CC) resistance has not been studied.

Aim:
The objective of the study was to investigate whether angiopoietin-2 levels are associated with inflammation and CC resistance in PCOS.

Settings and Design:
This study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital.

Materials and Methods:
Eighty-one women diagnosed with PCOS and on treatment with CC were enrolled in the study. Angiopoeitin-2 and IL -23 were analyzed in all the subjects.

Results:
Angiopoietin-2 was significantly reduced (P = 0.018), and body mass index (BMI) (P = 0.049) and duration of infertility (0.006) were significantly increased in PCOS women with CC resistance compared to those who are sensitive to CC. In CC resistant PCOS, IL-23 predicts reduction in angiopoietin-2 levels (P = 0.010). Among angiopoietin-2, IL-23, BMI, and duration of infertility, we found that angiopoeitn-2 (P = 0.020) and duration of infertility (0.036) can predict resistance to CC therapy among PCOS subjects.

Conclusion:
We conclude that reduced angiopoietin-2 levels predict CC resistance in women with PCOS.
Observable Protective Activities of Quercetin on Aluminum Chloride-Induced Testicular Toxicity in Adult Male Wistar Rat
Authors: Olanrewaju John Afees , Akinpade Toluwani Gabriel , Olatunji Sunday Yinka , Owolabi Joshua Oladele , Enya Joseph Igbo , Adelodun Stephen Taiye , Fabiyi Sunday Oluseyi , Desalu Ayodele Babajide 
Published: June 2021

Background:
Aluminum chloride (AlCl3) present in many manufactured consumable is considered as a toxic element.

Aim:
Our study evaluates the toxic effects induced by AlCl3 on the testes as well as the therapeutic tendency of Quercetin (QUE) agent as an antioxidant.

Setting and Design:
In the department of Anatomy of Medical School.

Methods and Materials:
Thirty-two male Wistar rats weighing approximately 170 ± 10 g were assigned into four groups with eight each, fed with rat chow and water ad-libitum. Group A served as control and was given distilled water throughout; Group B was given only QUE (200 mg/kg body weight) for 21 days; Group C was given only AlCl3 (300 mg/kg body weight) for 14 days; and Group D was given AlCl3 (300 mg/kg body weight) for 14 days followed with QUE (200 mg/kg body weight) for 21 days. Substance administrations were done orally.

Statistical analysis:
One-way analysis of variance was used to analyze the data, in GraphPad Prism 6.0 being the statistical software.

Results:
AlCl3 significantly reduced the relative organ (testes) weight, correlating the decrease in sperm count, sperm motility and sperm viability. Furthermore, there was a decrease in luteinizing hormone with an increase in follicle-stimulating hormone which accounted for a significant reduction in testosterone level that plays a great role in spermatogenesis, following AlCl3 treatment. The cytoarchitecture of the testes showed degenerative changes in the seminiferous tubules and leydin cells, nitric oxide synthases immunoreactivity was intense in the seminiferous epithelium of rat in Group C.

Conclusion:
These suggest that QUE antioxidant property could reverse the decrease in sperm status, hormonal effects, and functional deficit induced by aluminum chloride on the testes of Wistar rats.
Impact of Intrauterine Administration of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin before Intrauterine Insemination in Infertile Women
Authors: Wadhwa Leena , Rani Anupama 
Published: June 2021

Background:
Implantation is the rate-limiting step in the success of both intrauterine Insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization cycles. Numerous interventions that target various local signals have been tried to improve the implantation and clinical pregnancy rate (CPR). The most significant of these signals is human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) which acts as immunomodulator and improves implantation by decidualization of the endometrial stromal cells, trophoblast invasion, proliferation of uterine natural killer cells, stimulation of endometrial angiogenesis, and maintenance of progesterone secretion by the corpus luteum.

Aim:
The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of intrauterine hCG administration before IUI on CPR.

Settings and Design:
A prospective parallel randomized control study was done from September 2017 to February 2019.

Materials and Methods:
A total of 200 eligible women planned for IUI were randomly divided just before IUI into 2 groups. A computer-generated randomization list with block size of 10 with 1:1 allocation was used to randomize the patients. Experimental group received 0.5 ml containing 500 IU hCG, on the other hand control group received 0.5 ml of normal saline 2–3 min before IUI in single sitting. The main outcomes were CPR, miscarriage rate, and ongoing pregnancy rate.

Statistical Analysis:
It was performed using statistical software version SPSS 17.0.

Results:
Patient's demographic and baseline characteristics were comparable in both the groups. CPR in experimental group was significantly high compared to control group (26% vs. 9%, P = 0.002). Ongoing pregnancy rate was also significantly higher in experimental group (23%) compared to control group (7%) (P = 0.003). No significant difference in miscarriage rate was seen between the two groups. No cases of ectopic pregnancy, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, or multiple pregnancy were reported.

Conclusion:
Intrauterine hCG administration is a simple procedure that can be used to improve pregnancy outcome in IUI cycles.
Marital Duration, and Fertility-Related Stress as Predictors of Quality of life
Authors: Bose Swarnali , Roy Bharati , Umesh Shreekantiah 
Published: June 2021

Context:
Infertility is a global public health issue, and the current data suggest that the problem is growing. Various infertility-related issues are responsible for poorer mental health and well-being in couples with primary infertility.

Aim:
The present study aimed to understand the gender differences of psychological factors related to infertility in couples with primary infertility. Furthermore, an attempt was also made to understand gender-specific associations that could interact with the fertility-related quality of life (FertiQoL).

Settings and Design:
This cross-sectional hospital-based study included 100 married couples with the diagnosis of primary infertility, irrespective of the cause of infertility. The study was conducted at Infertility centers in the Eastern region of India.

Subject and Methods:
One hundred men and women (n = 100 couples) with the diagnosis of primary infertility were recruited in the study. The fertility problem inventory and FertiQoL were used to measure the couples fertility-related stress and FertiQoL, respectively.

Statistical Analysis Used:
Descriptive statistics, independent t-statistics, Pearson correlation, linear regression, and mediation analysis were conducted.

Results:
A significantly higher social and sexual concern of infertility and “need for parenthood” were found in women. Men had a significantly better quality of life compared to women. Significant negative predictors of quality of life were noted for both men and women separately. Fertility stress was a significant mediating factor between marital duration and global FertiQoL in men. However, women showed a direct negative association between marital duration and FertiQoL.

Conclusions:
The study provides important insights into the couple's experiences with various infertility problems that may potentially be addressed during psychotherapy or during infertility counseling.
Hydrogen Peroxide Has Adverse Effects on Human Sperm Quality Parameters, Induces Apoptosis, and Reduces Survival
Authors: Pujianto Dwi Ari , Oktarina Mona , Sharma Sharaswati Ida Ayu , Yulhasri  
Published: June 2021

Background:
One of the causes of male fertility disorders is the exposure of oxidative stress on the human sperm. Understanding the mechanism of disturbance is important to develop a better treatment for infertile or subfertile patients.

Aims:
The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) on human sperm quality parameters and cell survival.

Settings and Design:
This study used an experimental design.

Materials and Methods:
Sperm cells from 15 donors were washed in a Percoll gradient and dissolved in Biggers, Whitter, and Whittingham medium. Cells were incubated with H2O2 at various concentrations from 0 to 250 μM for 2 h. Sperm viability was examined by eosin assay, sperm kinetic by computer-assisted sperm analyzer, sperm penetration by cervical mucus penetration assay, and membrane integrity by hypo-osmotic swelling test. Sperm capacitation, apoptosis, and cell survival were analyzed using western immunoblotting.

Statistical Analysis Used:
One-way ANOVA on SPSS 21 combined with post hoc LSD test was used to analyze differences among the groups. A P < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results:
Sperm viability and kinetic were significantly reduced at H2O2 concentrations of 200 and 250 μM. H2O2 reduced sperm capability to penetrate cervical mucus and also damage cell membrane integrity at all concentrations used. H2O2 significantly inhibited sperm capacitation, indicated by reduced total tyrosine phosphorylation. H2O2 exposure stimulated activation of caspase 3 and significantly reduced phosphorylated AKT at all concentrations used.

Conclusions:
H2O2 comprehensively inhibits sperm qualities related to the capacity to fertilize oocyte, stimulates caspase activity, and inhibits cell survival.
Assessment and Establishment of Correlation between Reactive Oxidation Species, Citric Acid, and Fructose Level in Infertile Male Individuals
Authors: Shemshaki Golnaz , Murthy Ashitha S. Niranjana , Malini Suttur S. 
Published: June 2021

Background:
Biochemical complexity of seminal plasma and obesity has an important role in male infertility (MI); so far, it has not been possible to provide evidence of clinical significance for all of them.

Aims:
Our goal here is to evaluate the correlation between biochemical markers with semen parameters, which might play a role in MI.

Study Setting and Design:
We enlisted 100 infertile men as patients and 50 fertile men as controls to evaluate the sperm parameters and biochemical markers in ascertaining MI.

Materials and Methods:
Semen analyses, seminal fructose, citric acid, and reactive oxidation species (ROS) were measured in 100 patients and 50 controls.

Statistical Analysis:
Descriptive statistics, an independent t-test, Pearson correlation, and machine-learning approaches were used to integrate the various biochemical and seminal parameters measured to quantify the inter-relatedness between these measurements.

Results:
Pearson correlation results showed a significant positive correlation between body mass index (BMI) and fructose levels. Citric acid had a positive correlation with sperm count, morphology, motility, and volume but displayed a negative correlation with BMI and basal metabolic rate (BMR). However, BMI and BMR had a positive correlation with ROS. Sperm count, morphology, and motility were negative correlations with ROS. The machine-learning approach detected that pH was the most critical parameter with an inverse effect on citric acid, and BMI and motility were the most critical parameter for ROS.

Conclusion:
We recommend that evaluation of biochemical markers of seminal fluid may benefit in understanding the etiology of MI based on the functionality of accessory glands and ROS levels.