bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In Vitro Effects of Curcumin in Free and Phytosomal Forms on the Expression of T Helper1 and Regulatory T Cells’ Transcription Factors in Collagen-Induced Arthritis
Authors: Nosratabadi Reza , Ranjkesh Mahdi , Safari Mohammad , Ramezani Mahnaz , Zainodini Nahid , Mahmoodi Merat 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background:
Curcumin as a polyphenolic compound has a potential capacity to reduce autoimmune reactions by skewing the balance of Thelper1 (Th1)/regulatory T cells (Treg) toward Treg cells. However, the low absorption and bioavailability of this agent have prompted researchers to use various drug delivery systems such as phytosomes to reduce these drawbacks. To date, few studies have evaluated the effects of phytosomal curcumin (nano-curcumin) on immune responses. Hence, we compared the modulatory effects of curcumin in free and phytosomal form on the expression of Th1 and Treg transcription factors, T-bet (T-box-containing protein) and Foxp3 (forkhead box p3), respectively, in a collagen-induced arthritis model (CIA).

Materials and Methods:
Following the induction of CIA, splenocytes were isolated and re-stimulated with collagen in the absence or presence of two different doses of curcumin in free and phytosomal form. Then, expression of T-bet and Foxp3 was assessed by real-time PCR.

Results:
The expression of T-bet was reduced in curcumin and phytosomal curcumin groups rather than in the untreated group. The level of T-bet was not significantly different between free and phytosomal groups. Moreover, mRNA expression of Foxp3 enhanced after treatment with curcumin, while phytosomal curcumin groups showed no difference in comparison with the untreated group.

Conclusion:
curcumin in nano/free form showed a modulatory effect on the expression of T-bet. However, only free-form enhanced Foxp3 expression, which could be owing to the low amount of curcumin in the phytosomal complex rather than free-form at the same dose or due to leakage of curcumin from the complex.
A New Index for Assessment of Severity and Extent of Gingival Pigmentation; A Diagnostic Cross-Sectional Study According to Inter and Intra-Observer Variability
Authors: Nejad Azadeh Esmaeil , Meimandi Mansoor , Yaghmaei Hasti , Hatami Masoud , Madihi Saeed 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background:
Classification of gingival pigmentation (GP) is often performed using gingival pigmentation index (GPI), melanin pigmentation index (MPI), oral pigmentation index (DOPI), melanin index (MI), or physiologic/pathologic GPI. However, the internal and external reproducibility of these indexes have not been evaluated. This study aimed to introduce a new simple and applicable GPI and assess its internal and external reproducibility.

Materials and Methods:
This diagnostic cross-sectional study was conducted on 40 patients with maxillary and mandibular GP. Patients were in the age range of 12–60 years, and degree of GP was determined by four periodontists using DOPI, MI, MPI, GPI and the new index namely the severity and extension of gingival melanotic pigmentation index (SEMPI) under similar environmental and lighting conditions. The inclusion criteria were in the age range of 12–60 years and presence of melanin pigmentation (physiologic or pathologic) in the gingival margin, papilla, or attached gingiva. The exclusion criteria were systemic diseases, vascular lesions, hemochromatosis, amalgam tattoo, hyperbilirubinemia, or use of medications causing nonmelanotic pigmentation (hemoglobin, iron, and amalgam).

Results:
The Fleiss kappa between all examiners for all indexes at 0, 7, and 14 days was higher than 0.8, indicating high agreement among the examiners. The Spearman’s correlation coefficient for all indexes was positive and high at 0, 7, and 14 days (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:
Considering the high agreement among the examiners for all indexes and at all-time points as well as the positive, strong correlations among them, it seems that the new index is useful for classification of GP.
Comparative analysis of treponemal specific chemiluminescence test and rapid card test for screening of syphilis in blood donors – A tertiary center study
Authors: Jain Ankita , Sharma Anjali , Aradhana Bhargava , Sunil Ranga 
Published: August 2024

Abstract:

BACKGROUND:
Screening for transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs) is an important step for the safety of blood transfusion. Major TTIs for which screening is done are hepatitis B surface antigen, antibody to hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, human immunodeficiency virus, syphilis, and malaria. The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of treponemal-specific chemiluminescence test and rapid card test for the screening of syphilis by taking Treponema pallidum hemagglutination assay (TPHA) as a gold standard test.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
This was a cross-sectional study. All the routine blood donors were screened according to the National Blood Transfusion Council guidelines. One hundred and twenty syphilis serology-positive samples were obtained either by rapid card test immunochromatographic test/chemiluminescence assay or both. These samples were further tested by TPHA (gold standard test). Statistical analysis was done using the Mcnemar test, DeLong et al. test, and Chi-square test P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS:
The sensitivity and specificity of both chemiluminescence and rapid card test were comparable (P < 0.0001) and the diagnostic accuracy of chemiluminescence and rapid card test was 95.83% and 94.58%, respectively.

CONCLUSION:
Both chemiluminescence and rapid card tests show comparable performance, so it is concluded to use rapid card test as a reliable backup in remote areas, peripheral blood bank setup, and in emergency situations where timesaving is lifesaving.
Effectiveness of oral calcium to prevent citrate-related toxicity during peripheral blood hematopoietic stem cell collection – An experience from a tertiary care center
Authors: Sahoo Dibyajyoti , Noushad Shahida , Basavarajegowda Abhishekh 
Published: August 2024

Abstract:

BACKGROUND:
Apheresis procedures use citrate as an anticoagulant to ensure the fluidity of extracorporeal blood. Citrate-related toxicities are common adverse effects in peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) collections as they are lengthy procedures resulting in prolonged citrate exposure. Intravenous (IV) calcium administration during therapeutic apheresis procedures is commonly used to reduce the citrate-related toxicity in adults and pediatric population. Very few literature on the use of oral calcium for the prevention of citrate toxicity during PBSC collection are present.

OBJECTIVE:
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of prophylactic oral calcium in reducing citrate-related toxicities during PBSC collections.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
A prospective cross-sectional study was carried out at a tertiary care hospital of Southern India. All participants received calcium carbonate – 1 g before and at each 100 ml of collection. Preprocedure, interim, and postprocedure serum calcium were measured. All procedures were done using Spectra Optia. The ACD (acid-citrate-dextrose) rate were between 1:8 to 1:14 and were adjusted for inlet draw rate. The total blood volume processed between 2.5 to 3 based on body weight. Reduction in calcium levels and adverse reactions due to hypocalcemia were observed. Data were analyzed using SPSS 23 software.

RESULTS:
The majority of the procedures were undisturbed and tolerable to oral calcium. A total of 97.3% of the study subjects did not experience any symptoms of hypocalcemia. Only 2.7% (One autologous and one allogenic donor) had symptoms attributable to hypocalcemia though they had preprocedure calcium >9 mg/dl. Pre- and postprocedure calcium were compared using a paired t-test which was statistically significant.

CONCLUSION:
Prophylactic oral calcium in PBSC collection is an effective and easy way to the prevention of citrate-related adverse effects without affecting technical performance and product efficacy.
Awareness Regarding the Health Benefits of Millet and Its Consumption among the Population
Authors: Kulkarni Meenal , Patil Purva , Saoji Ajeet 
Published: August 2024

Background and Aim:
Although there are national initiatives such as the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture and the Millet Mission, there is a significant knowledge gap present among the people related to the importance and advantages of millets, inculcating their use in practice. Hence, the present study was conducted to assess the knowledge about the health benefits of millets and practices regarding its consumption and to determine the association between sociodemographic factors and the consumption of millets.

Materials and Methods:
Following institutional ethics committee approval, a semi-structured, pretested, prevalidated questionnaire was used to collect data via interviews of patients coming to the general outpatient department of a district hospital. Besides sociodemographic information, it also covered questions related to the participant’s knowledge and practices regarding the consumption of millets.

Results:
Only 23% of the participants had consumed any kind of millets. The most common reason for nonconsumption was the nonavailability of the millets followed by the family custom of not eating. Only 20.2% had moderate-to-good knowledge regarding the health benefits of millets. A statistically significant association was found between the consumption of millets and the type of family and level of education (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:
A significant knowledge gap was present among the population related to the health benefits of millets. The proportion of consumption of millets among the population was found to be low.
A Descriptive Study of Orgasm in Sexual Satisfaction and Intimacy among Females in India
Authors: Ramasubramanian R Vikhram , Veerabalajikumar  
Published: August 2024

Background and Aim:
Orgasm is the peak of sexual arousal or behavior, whenever the peak of satisfaction is attained. Sexual satisfaction refers to the subjective experience of pleasure, contentment, and fulfillment related to one’s sexual activities and relationships and intimacy is the heart and soul of a close relationship. India is a diverse country with unique cultural, social, and economic factors that can impact women’s experiences in terms of intimacy and sexual satisfaction. The aim is to find out the relationship between orgasm in sexual satisfaction and intimacy among females in India.

Materials and Methods:
A descriptive research design is used for the present study. Through simple random sampling, 128 females who were married, people who can understand English, and who provided informed consent were selected for the study. The study was conducted from April 2022 to March 2023. The 20-item New Sexual Satisfaction Scale and the 36-item personal assessment of intimacy in relationships, and a semi-structured interview schedule were administered. Data were statistically analyzed using the statistical package for social services software, Version 26.0. A simple percentage analysis was used. The correlation was calculated for the variables. The Pearson correlation method was used to find the relationship between variables. A one-way ANOVA was employed to find out the significant mean difference between the demographic variables with a 95% confidence level, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:
The result reveals that there is a relationship between intimacy and sexual satisfaction. Researchers found that there is a significant difference between sexual satisfaction and age, educational qualification, family type, place of living, and orgasm.

Conclusion:
There exists a positive correlation between intimacy and sexual satisfaction. This study helps to create awareness and promote intimacy, orgasm, and sexual satisfaction among Indian females.
Effectiveness of Mobile Call Reminders and Health Information Booklet to Improve Postnatal Blood Glucose Monitoring among Mothers with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Receiving Care from a Tertiary Health Centre, Puducherry - A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Manoharan Nandhini , Jayaseelan Venkatachalam , Kar Sitanshu Sekhar , Jha Nivedita 
Published: August 2024

Background:
In India, around 10% of mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) develop diabetes within months after delivery. But only 29% of them undergo blood glucose testing in the postnatal period. Our study aimed to compare the proportion of mothers with GDM who got postnatal blood glucose checked at 8 weeks among mothers who received health education booklets and mobile reminders.

Methods:
We conducted a randomised controlled trial among 165 mothers with GDM receiving care from a tertiary health centre between January 2020 and June 2021. Mothers with GDM in the intervention 1 arm received a health education booklet in the third trimester, those in intervention 2 arm received mobile call reminders at the fourth and fifth weeks postpartum, control arm received standard care advised in the hospital; they were followed up at 8 weeks postnatally. We used Chi-square test to compare the effectiveness of intervention and standard care. Relative risk with a 95% confidence interval was calculated to measure the strength of association. A P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:
A total of 161 participants (97.58%) completed the study; Out of 55 mothers with GDM in each arm, 30 (56.60%) in the booklet arm, 23 (42.59%) in the mobile reminder arm, and 13 (24.07%) in the standard care arm had undergone postnatal blood glucose monitoring at 8 weeks. There was a statistically significant difference in the postnatal blood glucose monitoring in the booklet arm (RR: 2.21 [1.35–3.64], P value <0.002) compared to the control arm, but the difference was not significant in the mobile reminder arm (1.65 [0.96–2.86], P value 0.072).

Conclusion:
Health education booklet and mobile call reminders effectively improved postnatal visit compliance compared to standard care. We can diagnose mothers with GDM progressing to diabetes in the postnatal period by implementing these interventions.
Efficacy and Safety of Levoketoconazole in Managing Cushing’s Syndrome: A Systematic Review
Authors: Patra Shinjan , Dutta Deep , Nagendra Lakshmi , Raizada Nishant 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
No systematic review has holistically analysed the efficacy and safety of levoketoconazole, a novel purified 2S,4R enantiomer of ketoconazole, believed to be 15- to 25-fold more potent than ketoconazole for managing Cushing’s syndrome (CS). We undertook this meta-analysis to address this knowledge gap. Electronic databases were searched for studies involving patients with CS receiving levoketoconazole in the intervention arm. The primary outcome was to evaluate changes in mean 24-hour urine-free cortisol (mUFC) levels. Secondary outcomes were to evaluate alterations in cortisol and adverse events. SONICS study showed that normalisation of mUFC was seen in 61%, 55%, and 41% of the patients at the end of 6, 9, and 12 months therapy, respectively. The LOGICs study showed that withdrawal of levoketoconazole was associated with a significant increase in mUFC from 81.3 ± 35.7 to 220.8 ± 333.5 nmol/24h. The late-night salivary-cortisol (LNSC) increase during the drug withdrawal phase was 2.6 nmol/L in the placebo group (PG) compared to 2.2 nmol/L in the levoketoconazole group (LG) (P < 0.05). Re-initiation of levoketoconazole in original LG was associated with a decrease in mUFC from 224.3 ± 341.3 to 135.6 ± 87.3 nmol/24h. Initiation of levoketoconazole in the original PG was associated with a decrease in mUFC from 537.9 ± 346.0 to 141.3 ± 130.3 nmol/24h. Normalisation of mUFC was observed in 50.0% patients in LG compared to 4.5% in the placebo group. The median time for the response was 25 days. The median time to loss of therapeutic response was significantly shorter for PG (24 days) compared to LG (62 days) (P < 0.0001). Levoketoconazole has good efficacy and safety in CS. Bigger and longer studies are warranted to establish its superiority over ketoconazole.
Age and Disease Duration Independent Cardiac Autonomic Neuropathy in Patients with Diabetic Foot Complications
Authors: Wadhera Sarthak , Rastogi Ashu , Dutta Pinaki , Gupta Ankur , Bhadada Sanjay K. 
Published: August 2024

Introduction:
Cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) in people with diabetes is associated with high mortality. We aimed to study age and disease duration, independent prevalence of CAN in people with diabetic foot complications.

Methods:
530 patients with diabetes were screened to undergo CAN assessment (automated CANS-analyser). CAN was defined as “early”, “definite,” or “severe” according to the Toronto consensus. History pertaining to autonomic symptoms, prior cardiovascular events (CVE), and assessment for peripheral neuropathy was done. Participants were grouped into those with diabetic foot complication (group A, n = 82) [Charcot foot (n = 42), diabetic foot ulcer (n = 40)]; with DPN without foot complications (group B, n = 82); and without DPN or foot complications (group C, n = 82).

Results:
Symptoms of autonomic dysfunction were prominent in people with foot complications than the other groups. Resting heart rate was significantly greater in those with foot complications [99.89 ± 26.71 (group A) vs. 86.99 ± 22.24 (group B) vs. 88.32 ± 17.08 (group C); P = 0.001]. The prevalence of CAN was 75.6% in group A (51.2% early, 12.2% definite, 12.2% severe), 57.2% in group B (45.1% early, 12.2% severe) and 58.5% in group C (43.9% early, 1.2% definite, 13.4% severe) (P = 0.002). Patients with foot complications were more likely to have CAN (75.6% vs. 57.9%, P < 0.001). Charcot foot had higher prevalence of CAN (78.6%) as compared with those with DFU (72.5%) or without DFU or DPN (57.9%), P < 0.001.

Conclusion:
CAN is present in more than two-third of patients with diabetes and foot complications with highest prevalence in Charcot neuroarthropathy.
Kayser-Fleischer-like rings in patients with hepatic disease
Authors: Chhikara Chetan , H Vijaya Pai , C Ganesh Pai 
Published: August 2024

Purpose:
The aim of this work was to study Kayser-Fleischer [KF]-like rings in patients with hepatic or cholestatic liver disease and to find out the relation between serum bilirubin level and the presence of KF like ring in these patients.

Methods:
In this study, we evaluated patients with hepatic and cholestatic liver diseases with total Serum bilirubin levels >10 mg/dl. These patients were evaluated for the presence or absence of KF like ring.

Results:
A total of 67 patients with total bilirubin >10 mg/dl were included in the study. Patients were divided into 3 groups based on total S. bilirubin level: Group 1 with S. bilirubin >30 mg/dl, Group 2 with S. bilirubin >20 - <30 mg/dl and Group 3 with S. bilirubin >10 - <20 mg/dl at baseline evaluation. On follow-up they were divided into 3 groups based on the serum bilirubin level. Group 1- >20 mg/dl, Group 2- >10 - <20 mg/dl, Group 3- <10 mg/dl. KF like ring was seen in 98.5% of patients with high total S. bilirubin level. KF like ring disappeared in 87.5% of patients with reduction in the total S. bilirubin level to less than 10 mg/dl.

Conclusion:
KF like ring was seen in 98.5% of patients with high total S. bilirubin, disappeared in 87.5% of patients with reduction in the total S. bilirubin level to less than 10 mg/dl. There was no significant difference between the Total S. bilirubin levels, age, gender and KF Like Ring.
Investigation of an anticancer activity of combination of interferon-alpha and gemcitabine on pancreatic cancer cells
Authors: Isayev Orkhan , Sokolova Darina V. , Anisimova Natalia Yu , Spirina Tatiana S. , Gasimov Eldar 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACT
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is still a clinical challenge due to its deteriorated prognosis. Therefore, new combination chemotherapeutic approaches are of research interest. In this work, we attempted to characterize the effects of gemcitabine and interferon-alpha as well as the combination of both on the metabolic, pro-apoptotic, and proliferative activity of MiaPaca and Panc-1 cells. We showed that the exposure of both drugs in combination increases effectively the metabolic activity of cells of MiaPaca and Panc-1 cell lines compared to the monotherapies. Based on the data from the analysis of apoptosis, the underlying molecular effect of metabolic and proliferative inhibition is an increase in the number of cells in the early apoptosis. These data can be of interest in the context of future preclinical research.
Assessment of quality of voice after 3D conformal hypofractionated radical radiotherapy in early-stage glottic cancer: A prospective study
Authors: Singh Shalini , Kumar Viney , Nautiyal Vipul , Gupta Meenu , Bansal Saurabh , Ahmad Mushtaq 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACT

Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the short-term outcomes in terms of oncological outcomes, toxicities, and impact of quality of voice on livability of early glottic cancer (EGC) (T1) patients after hypofractionated radiotherapy.

Material and Methods:
30 patients of early glottic carcinoma, staged cT1a-T1bN0M0 with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Performance Status (ECOG PS ≤ 2). Exclusion criteria included ECOG PS > 2, T2–T4 disease, and any other head and neck malignancy. Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) was used to score voice outcomes of patient’s pre- and post-radiation.

Results:
All the subjects were predominantly smokers (80%) having hoarseness of voice as the most common presenting complaint (76.7%) followed by dry cough (13.3%) and foreign body sensation (10%). On posttreatment response assessment, there has been a significant reduction in VHI-10 scores from pre-radiotherapy (RT) to 6, 12, and 24 weeks post-radiation completion in all three domains (functional, emotional, and physical), as well as total scores, with a significant P value (<0.05) being observed.

Conclusion:
The use of modest hypofractionated regimen (63 Gy in 28 fractions) in patients of early glottic disease (T1a and T1b) posttreatment completion provides good oncological outcomes with better quality of voice being observed.