bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cardiotoxicity in breast cancer – Are we getting to the heart of the matter?
Authors: Steenkamp Zine , Sherriff Alicia , Van Rooyen Cornel 
Published: November 2024

Background: The increasing awareness of chemotherapy-related cardiotoxicity has established a unique sub-speciality – cardio-oncology. However, consensus guidelines are still emerging. Patients at risk of cardiotoxicity should be identified and managed timeously to strike the balance between adequate cancer treatment and the impact of cardiovascular side-effects.Aim: To investigate chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 overexpressed breast cancer patients receiving anthracyclines and/or trastuzumab.Setting: Universitas Hospital Annex, Bloemfontein, South Africa.Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at Universitas Hospital Annex during 2019 and 2020. Data collected included baseline left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) measurement, repeat LVEF prior to trastuzumab treatment and after cycles 3, 6, 9 and 12, and the presence of known cardiovascular risk factors.Results: Thirty-one patients were evaluated. Seven (22.6%) patients were not eligible to receive trastuzumab after anthracycline treatment, and 11 (35.5%) patients were unable to complete the intended 6 months of adjuvant trastuzumab as per departmental protocol. Overall, the majority of patients (58.1%) who were planned to receive sequential anthracycline- and trastuzumab-based therapy did not complete the intended course, because of premature cessation of trastuzumab secondary to the detection of a decreasing LVEF. No significant correlation was observed between age, being overweight, laterality (left), pre-existing hypertension, diabetes mellitus, serum albumin, smoking or cardiotoxicity.Conclusion: Cardiovascular surveillance in patients receiving potentially cardiotoxic chemotherapy is recommended, especially in our population experiencing a disproportionately higher decline in cardiac function.Contribution: The findings emphasise the impact and raise awareness of chemotherapy-related cardiotoxicity in breast cancer treatment.
Changes in the gene expression of activation-induced cytidine deaminase in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in COVID-19 patients
Authors: Ahmadi Nioosha , Lajmiri Hossein , Ebrahimi Saeedeh , Nikoo Hadi Razavi , Farrokhnia Mehrdad , Heidari Elham , Mousavi Elham 
Published: November 2024

Objective:
To assess the changes in gene expression of activation- induced cytidine deaminase (AID) in COVID-19 patients and its relationship with the presence of autoantibodies in those ones.

Methods:
This retrospective study was carried out among COVID-19 patients’ serum and peripheral blood mononuclear cells that were archived at the main COVID-19 referral centers in Iran from January to March 2022. The titer of autoantibodies in the serum of healthy and COVID-19 subjects was investigated by serological tests. Then, the AID gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in two groups was evaluated using the real-time polymerase chain reaction method.

Results:
100 patients were included. In total, 8% and 1% of patients had a significant titer of anti-citruhinated protein antibody and antinuclear antibody autoantibodies, respectively, and those suffered from at least one comorbidity. No patient was positive for antiphospholipid autoantibody. Moreover, no significant changes were observed in the titer of autoantibodies between healthy subjects and patients. Furthermore, the increase in the expression of the AID gene was not significant in two groups.

Conclusions:
The presence of autoantibodies in COVID-19 patients might be linked to the previous underlying disease.
Thyroid dysfunction prevalence in high-risk pregnant women and maternal and neonatal consequences after delivery: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ahangari Roghaye , Mohammadbeigi Abolfazl , Miraj Sepideh , Ghassami Keivan , Asgarian Azadeh 
Published: November 2024

Objective:
To evaluate thyroid dysfunction prevalence and its consequences in high-risk pregnant women and their children.

Methods:
In this retrospective cohort study, data from high-risk pregnant women who were referred to a governmental referral hospital in Qom, Iran from March to August 2022 were collected. The thyroid disorders were determined according to the 2017 American Thyroid Association guidelines. The predictors of a mother’s hypothyroidism and its fetal and maternal consequences were assessed. Independent t-test, Chi-square test, and logistic regression were used for bivariate and multivariate analysis.

Results:
293 women were included. The prevalence of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism based on the thyroid stimulating hormone classification was 32.5% and 2.0%. The prevalence of subclinical and overt hypothyroidism was 6.1% and 4.1%, and the prevalence of subclinical and overt hyperthyroidism was 2.4% and 1.4%, respectively. Family history of thyroid disorders was the most important predictor of hypothyroidism during pregnancy (OR=2.6, 95% Cl=1.0-6.6, P=0.002), while preterm delivery (OR=2.2, 95% CI=1.3-6.8, P=0.220) and elevated neonate thyroid stimulating hormone (OR=1.2, 95% CI=1.1-1.3, P=0.041) were the most important consequence of hypothyroidism.

Conclusions:
Hypothyroidism is a highly prevalent thyroid disorder in high-risk pregnant women. Thyroid function screening should be performed in all pregnant women to increase the detection of subclinical and overt hypothyroidism during pregnancy.
Office Practice of Clinical Physiology
Authors: Jha Kamlesh , Gupta Manisha , Grover Alka 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Clinical physiology is a vital field in health care that focuses on understanding how the body’s systems function and respond to various stimuli, including disease, exercise, and rehabilitation. The office practice of clinical physiology is a cornerstone of modern health care, facilitating the assessment, diagnosis, and management of various health conditions. Clinical physiologists can significantly improve patient outcomes when fostering a preventive health culture by employing a patient-centered approach that integrates diagnostic testing with personalized care plans.
Self-perceived speech communication difficulties with the use of respiratory protective masks among students of speech–language pathology
Authors: Parambil Alfiya Khaleel Puliyulla , Jayakumar Thirunavukkarasu 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Purpose:
Respiratory protective mask usage has been recommended worldwide to hamper the spread of the COVID-19 virus, and since then, communication challenges created by use of the mask has become a topic of concern, especially among medical professionals. Hence, this study aims to determine self-perceived speech communication concerns and to identify any vocal symptoms in master’s students of speech–language pathology (SLP), when wearing nose-and-mouth covering respiratory protective masks during therapy.

Materials and Methods:
The current study used a survey-based research design, where a questionnaire was developed, validated, and was distributed through online platforms. Participants were recruited through the snowball sampling technique. From a total of 123 master’s students of SLP that participated, 110 participants (64 first year and 46 second year students) were included. The questions were divided into three domains of day-to-day communication, work-related, and vocal symptoms. The participants were asked to rate their self-perceived speech communication issues owing to use of mask, on a 5-point Semantic Likert Scale. The test–retest reliability of the questionnaire was determined among 10% of the participants in the study.

Results:
The work-related domain was affected more than the other two domains. Those who wore a cloth mask and N95 masks had a greater effect on speech than those using other masks.

Conclusion:
The use of respiratory protective masks reduced clarity and increased vocal strain among the speakers and also caused more difficulty in understanding speech in listeners.
Extratympanic electrocochleography using chirp stimuli: Effect of type of stimuli on the amplitude of summating potential and action potential
Authors: Walia Nirbhay Singh , Vanaja C. S. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Purpose:
The study aimed to investigate the effect of stimulus type on extratympanic electrocochleography (ECochG). The study specifically compared the amplitude of summating potential (SP); action potential (AP); SP/AP amplitude ratio; and SP/AP area ratio obtained for clicks, broadband (BB), and narrowband (NB) chirps.

Materials and Methods:
Extratympanic ECochG was recorded using TIPtrode electrodes for clicks, BB chirps, and NB chirps of 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz from participants with normal hearing. The SP amplitude, AP amplitude, SP/AP amplitude ratio, and SP/AP area ratio obtained for different stimuli were compared.

Results:
The results revealed that the type of stimuli affected the amplitude of SP and AP. The detection rate of SP was highest, with clicks followed by BB chirps. Among the NB chirps of different frequencies, 4000 Hz NB chirps had the highest detection rate for SP. The amplitude of SP was maximum for 500 Hz NB chirp. However, there was no effect of the type of stimuli on the SP/AP amplitude ratio and area ratio.

Conclusion:
BB chirps are better than NB chirps for detecting SP and AP. There is no need for separate normative data for SP/AP amplitude and area ratio for clicks, BB, chirps, and NB chirps.
Influence of vowel environment and speaking style in Tamil language and its implications on forensic speaker identification: An acoustic study
Authors: Lakshmi Narasimhan V. , Sugaraj Samuel R. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Purpose:
There are a number of challenges in forensic speaker identification (FSI) due to the variations in recorded speech samples. Two major variations which uniformly spread in entire speech samples are as follows: variation due to (1) speaking style and (2) vowel environment. The present study is carried out in Tamil language, and here, we study variations in formant frequency due to different speaking styles, i.e., reading and natural spontaneous speech mode.

Materials and Methods:
Speech samples were recorded in both reading and natural speech mode from 11 persons known to the authors. The present study is based on auditory and spectrographic analysis, a conventional method followed in FSI. The spectrographic analysis and measurement of formant frequencies were carried out by using computerized speech lab.

Results:
The study was carried out on the basis of Euclidian distances and statistical analysis on formant frequencies, and it was observed that the formant frequencies do not vary significantly during reading mode; however, in natural speech mode, it vary significantly. A detailed study on the effect of change in vowel environment was carried out, and it was revealed that there is a significant variation in formant frequencies due to difference in realization.

Conclusion:
The results show that the vocal tract geometry of a speaker shall vary significantly due to the difference in speaking style and vowel environment. The results obtained in this study will be useful in modeling text-dependent and text-independent automatic speaker identification systems. Further, there is a scope for similar study in different languages and applications.
Iatrogenic Enamel Lesions with Fixed Multi-bracket Treatment
Authors: Kumar Mukesh , Kumari Sommya , Guntipally Sowmya Shree , Chhabra Ajay , Kumar Ashok , Kumar Ratnesh , Singh Ritesh 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
Malocclusion is a serious oral health issue that requires orthodontic correction. Fixed orthodontic appliances are known for acquired enamel damage.

Aims:
To evaluate the incidence of iatrogenic white spots in subjects treated with fixed orthodontic therapy.

Methods and Materials:
This was a retrospective study. The study sample included the orthodontically treated subjects debonded during the study period. An imaging technique was followed to evaluate enamel white spots. Teeth debonded after orthodontic therapy were evaluated and compared with pretreatment records.

Results:
A majority of subjects were young adults. Maximum subjects were school-going children from the rural background. Maxillary incisors were the most affected tooth, whereas maxillary posteriors were the least affected with white spot lesions.

Conclusions:
Iatrogenic enamel damage is the prime concern for orthodontists. Good oral hygiene maintenance and demineralization prevention is the ideal strategy.
Assessing Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) Using the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) among the Prisoners in the Central Jail in Vidarbha Region of Maharashtra, India: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Shrigiriwar Manish B. , Chandwani Neelam D. , Gedam Unnati , Ramaraj PN , Deshmukh Ranjana , Gayke Anjali 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
The prison population is a physically, mentally, socially, and economically vulnerable sector in our society with neglected oral health. Dental check-ups not only provide the necessity of treatment but also create awareness regarding the importance of oral health among the incarcerated individuals.

Aim:
The study aims to evaluate the oral health status and its impact on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among the prisoners through the application of the oral health impact profile (OHIP-14).

Methodology:
A cross-sectional study design involved demographic details, oral examination to assess DMFT index, and structured OHIP-14 questionnaire to assess seven dimensions of the oral health impact profile of 440 male inmates. The responses were recorded in a five-point Likert scale from 0 to 4. The final score was calculated.

Results:
The overall mean OHIP score was 14.048 with a standard deviation of 9.995. Out of seven, the most affected domain was psychological discomfort (mean 2.49, SD 1.68) and the least affected domain was functional disability (mean 1.21, SD 1.18).

Conclusion:
The findings from this research can contribute valuable insights into the oral health challenges faced by incarcerated individuals, potentially guiding the development of targeted oral health interventions within correctional settings.
Minimal Inhibitory Concentration Assay of Tridax procumbens Stem Extract-Based Chitosan Gel against Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Aditya Sachin , Jeevitha M. , Gurumoorthy Kaarthikeyan , Shanmugham Rajeshkumar 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Tridax procumbens has long been used as an insect deterrent, anticoagulant, and for the healing of wounds. In some areas of India, traditional healers also employ T. procumbens to treat injuries, blisters, and boils. A widespread rod-shaped, gram-negative, strictly aerobic bacteria called Pseudomonas aeruginosa can infect both plants and animals, including humans. It can be found in a variety of infections, particularly those that have a tendency to become chronic such as gingivitis and periodontitis. This study aims to assess the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay of T. procumbens stem extract-based chitosan gel against P. aeruginosa.

Materials and Methods:
The extract was produced from powdered T. procumbens stem part. To create the wound-healing gel, medium molecular weight chitosan was added to the T. procumbens stem extract to form a homogenous gel. Time-kill assay was conducted to determine the time-kill kinetics of the T. procumbens stem extract-based chitosan gel against P. aeruginosa.

Results:
The absorbance values decreased progressively over time at all concentrations (25 μL, 50 μL, and 100 μL) showing its inhibitory effect. With the increase in concentration, the inhibitory effect of T. procumbens stem extract-based chitosan gel against P. aeruginosa also increased.

Conclusion:

T. procumbens stem extract-based chitosan gel has revealed potent antimicrobial activity against P. aeruginosa and therefore the gel can be applied for efficient wound healing.
To Study the Thyroid Hormone Levels in Neonates of Rural and Urban Vidarbha Region
Authors: Kondhalkar Ankita , Kaple Meghali , Ambad Ranjit S. , Dhok Archana , Anjankar Ashsish 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
This study aimed to evaluate thyroid hormone levels in neonates from the rural and urban Vidarbha region. Over the past decade, neonatal hypothyroidism screening has been conducted using filter paper techniques to identify congenital hypothyroidism (CH). In some screening programs, only T4 is measured initially, with TSH assessed if the T4 levels fall below normal. Conversely, some programs exclusively measure TSH to screen for CH. Currently, initial TSH screening can identify subclinical hypothyroidism in cases where T4 levels are normal, while preliminary T4 testing can reveal congenital hypothyroidism when TSH is elevated. If either T4 or TSH is found to be abnormal during preliminary screening, the other parameter should be monitored. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial in preventing intellectual disabilities in newborns.

Material and Method:
The present cross-sectional research will be conducted in collaboration with the Departments of Biochemistry, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Community Medicine, and Pediatrics at Jawaharlal-Nehru Medical College Sawangi (Meghe) Wardha, along with the Datta-Meghe Institute of Medical Science (Deemed University) in Maharashtra, India, and Datta-Meghe Medical College, Shalinitai Meghe Hospital and Research Centre, Nagpur.

Results:
A total of 272 neonates were tested for Congenital Hypothyroidism (CH) from the study area of the Vidarba region in which 138 neonates were from the rural area and 134 neonates were from the urban area. A total of 144 (53%) males and 128 (47%) females were born in rural and urban areas. In the neonates, it was observed that the Mean ± SD for free T4 and TSH was 0.84 ± 0.15 and 3.83 ± 2.12, respectively. If the free T4 value was less than the lower limit, the TSH value CB ≥25 μIU/ml and plasma ≥10 μIU/ml was considered as screen positive in the present study.

Conclusion:
Newborn screening programs were established to assess neonates at birth by measuring (TSH) levels. In many screening programs, TSH is the primary marker for evaluating thyroid function and is the preferred test for clinicians diagnosing various thyroid disorders. However, TSH levels can vary significantly and exhibit a broad reference range within the general population, which presents challenges in interpreting the results during newborn screening and in using it later as a clinical diagnostic tool for thyroid function.
Analyzing Predictive Indicators of Fever and Sepsis after Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy
Authors: Zalavadiya Gautam , Santhosh S , Tapnikar Lata Ajay , Vaidya Nikhil Ramesh , Patel Vivek Amritbhai , Patel Nilam V. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

Aim:
Our research aims to identify the factors that can help reduce the risk of complications and enhance patient safety.

Material and Methods:
This was a single institutional, retrospective study over a period of 1 year. A total of 250 patients were included in the study, and the study variables recorded were analyzed statistically.

Results:
A total of 115 patients presented with stones larger than 25 millimeters, while 75 patients were diagnosed with staghorn stones. Our study revealed a statistical connection between severe sepsis following surgery and three key factors: stone size exceeding 25 millimeters, an operative duration longer than 120 minutes, and substantial bleeding that necessitated a transfusion.

Conclusion:
Experiencing a fever after PCNL is a common response; however, the likelihood of it developing into a serious condition, such as life-threatening severe sepsis and MODS, is quite low.
Use of Analgesics in Dentistry and Orthopedics: A Survey-based Study in India
Authors: Pal Ananda Kisor , Dannana Chandra Sekhar , Archik Shreedhar , Avadhani Vineet , Miglani Sanjay , Desai Akshay Uttam , Keswani Neha 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background:
Pain is a significant health problem, and it is estimated that 1 in 5 adults suffers from pain, and even more alarmingly, 1 in 10 adults is diagnosed annually with chronic pain. Pharmacological treatments remain a core element of pain management for acute and chronic conditions, and more so for chronic painful conditions. In India, the major pharmacological options include paracetamol and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or combination therapies.

Aims and Objectives:
The cross-sectional study aimed to understand the practices for prescribing analgesics in either mono-or combination -therapy in management of chronic painful conditions.

Materials and Methods:
The KAP, was designed for dentists and orthopaedicians. A carefully crafted questionnaire was developed comprising 5 multiple-choice questions with subsets in orthopaedics and 7 multiple-choice questions in dentistry.

Results:
The survey included general dentists and specialists (n = 200) and orthpaedicians (n = 300). Most of the dentists (97.92%) agreed that their choice of analgesics prescribed depended on the severity of dental pain. While choosing NSAIDs as monotherapy, Diclofenac was the choice of drug for 72.4% of the participants. Dentists favoured combination therapies, with more than 50% preferring, either Diclofenac with Paracetamol and Serratiopeptidase. For management of acute low back pain and osteoarthritis most of the orthopaedicians preferred using Etoricoxib. A combination therapy was preferred with muscle relaxant.

Conclusion:
The (KAP) survey provided further insight into the selection of NSAIDs as analgesics in dentistry and orthopedic practices in India. There was a notable inclination toward COX-2 inhibitors.
Successful treatment of deep corneal abscess with serial intrastromal broad-spectrum antibiotic injection: Case report and literature review
Authors: Arias Valentina Cárdenas , Marulanda Jorge Rafael Mendez 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Purpose:
To report the case of a male with a deep stromal corneal abscess recalcitrant to topical treatment who presented complete resolution after serial intrastromal broad-spectrum antibiotics injections.

Observations:
A 66 years old man with a medical history of type 1- neurofibromatosis presented with a 1 1-month history of painful vision loss in his right eye. Ophthalmological examination showed a deep limbal corneal abscess with hypopyon, with a best corrected visual acuity of hand movements. The abscess was refractory to complete topical treatment. He underwent 4 interventions with intrastromal injections of 1mg/0.1ml vancomycin and ceftazidime with 15-day intervals each one, associated anterior chamber washout. A complete resolution of infection was established due to clinical and paraclinical improvement evidenced in serial anterior chamber tomographies.

Conclusion:
Treatment of bacterial deep corneal abscess is challenging because of the limited treatment options. There is a lack of evidence about standardized doses of intrastromal injection of antibiotics.
Kompleksitas Suara Ester: Negosiasi Subaltern atau Privilese?
Authors: Setiawan Yohanes 
Published: November 2024

Kelompok yang terpinggirkan sering kehilangan suara autentik dalam struktur kekuasaan dominan. Isu ini relevan dalam memahami representasi, kekuasaan, dan ketimpangan dalam berbagai konteks sosial, politik, dan budaya. Artikel ini berupaya untuk mengeksplorasi kompleksitas representasi dan identitas tokoh Ester melalui perspektif subaltern dan teologi pembebasan. Secara kritis meneliti pertanyaan yang diajukan oleh Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak, “Dapatkan subaltern berbicara?” dengan menganalisis identitas ganda Ester sebagai subaltern dan non-subaltern. Menggunakan analisis tekstual, penelitian ini bertujuan untuk memperdalam pemahaman tentang bagaimana narasi tentang Ester menantang gagasan tradisional tentang kekuasaan, agensi, dan representasi. Hasil analisis menemukan bahwa suara Ester hanya dapat didengar ketika posisi Ester selaras secara status sosial dengan struktur otoritas yang dominan dalam konteks sosial-politik dalam pemerintahan.