bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Crystal Structure of the Michaelis–Menten Complex of C1 Esterase Inhibitor and C1s Reveals Novel Insights into Complement Regulation
Authors: Garrigues Ryan J , Garrison Matthew P , Garcia Brandon L 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
The ancient arm of innate immunity known as the complement system is a blood proteolytic cascade involving dozens of membrane-bound and solution-phase components. Although many of these components serve as regulatory molecules to facilitate controlled activation of the cascade, C1 esterase inhibitor (C1-INH) is the sole canonical complement regulator belonging to a superfamily of covalent inhibitors known as serine protease inhibitors (SERPINs). In addition to its namesake role in complement regulation, C1-INH also regulates proteases of the coagulation, fibrinolysis, and contact pathways. Despite this, the structural basis for C1-INH recognition of its target proteases has remained elusive. In this study, we present the crystal structure of the Michaelis–Menten (M-M) complex of the catalytic domain of complement component C1s and the SERPIN domain of C1-INH at a limiting resolution of 3.94 Å. Analysis of the structure revealed that nearly half of the protein/protein interface is formed by residues outside of the C1-INH reactive center loop. The contribution of these residues to the affinity of the M-M complex was validated by site-directed mutagenesis using surface plasmon resonance. Parallel analysis confirmed that C1-INH–interfacing residues on C1s surface loops distal from the active site also drive affinity of the M-M complex. Detailed structural comparisons revealed differences in substrate recognition by C1s compared with C1-INH recognition and highlight the importance of exosite interactions across broader SERPIN/protease systems. Collectively, this study improves our understanding of how C1-INH regulates the classical pathway of complement, and it sheds new light on how SERPINs recognize their cognate protease targets.
Investigating salivary matrix metalloproteinase-2 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 activity in fixed orthodontic-induced gingival enlargement
Authors: Ziaei Narges , Kiani Amir , Mohammadi-Noori Ehsan , Arishi Shahram , Golmohammadi Shima 
Published: July 2024

Background:
Gingival enlargement (GE) is a common clinical observation among orthodontic patients, yet its underlying causes remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the potential involvement of salivary matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 activity in orthodontic-induced GE.

Materials and Methods:
In this case–control study, we enrolled 50 subjects, including 25 individuals with GE and 25 without. The participants, aged 10–35 years, were in the 4th or 5th month of their orthodontic treatment. Comprehensive clinical assessments, encompassing plaque index, gingival index, and GE score were performed, and saliva samples were subjected to gelatin zymography to assess enzyme activity. Statistical analysis, including the Chi-square test for age distribution, independent samples t-test for age comparison between study groups, Mann–Whitney U test for MMP activity comparison, and Wilcoxon signed–rank test for comparison of data from the 4th to 5th months of treatment, was performed using SPSS version 23.0, with a significance level set at 0.05.

Results:
MMP-2 activity was undetectable in the zymograms. In the 4th month of treatment, MMP-9 activity was more prominent in the case group, though this disparity did not reach statistical significance in the 5th month. Furthermore, MMP-9 activity did not exhibit a correlation with the GE score.

Conclusion:
The activity of MMP-9 in the saliva of orthodontic patients with GE increases during the 4th month of treatment, but no correlation exists with the degree of GE.
Apical and lateral accuracy of intraradicular impressions made using the indirect and direct technique at three different locations: A comparative in vitro analysis
Authors: Da Costa Godwin Clovis , Rajagopal Praveen , Aras Meena Ajay , Ferreira Amanda Nadia 
Published: July 2024

Background:There is limited literature available comparing the accuracy of intraradicular impressions made with a novel hybrid impression material using the indirect and direct technique at three different locations.Materials and Methods:For this comparativein vitroanalysis, postspace was prepared in 15 recently extracted teeth and impressions made with vinyl polysiloxane, polyether (PE), vinyl polyether silicone (VPES), and pattern resin. Postpatterns obtained were re-seated on the teeth and longitudinally sectioned. A binocular microscope was used to measure apical and lateral discrepancies at three locations (L1, L2, and L3). L1 at the postcore junction, L2 at the middle of the post space, and L3, 2 mm short of the apical end. The data obtained were statistically analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) (intergroup) followed by Tukey’sposthoctest withP≤ 0.05 was used.Results:The one-way ANOVA noted a highly significant difference at the apical location. Pattern resin had the highest apical discrepancy (151.93 ± 8.59 µm), whereas the lowest was with vinyl PE silicone (140.31 ± 11.46 µm). At L1, the highest discrepancy was seen with pattern resin (32.09 ± 2.31 µm), whereas the lowest was with the addition silicone (31.94 ± 2.54 µm). At L2, addition silicone (32.88 ± 2.81 µm) showed the highest discrepancy, whereas the lowest was with vinyl PE silicone (30.5 ± 8.79 µm). The PE group had the highest mean at the L3 location (31.38 ± 3.46 µm) and the lowest was with vinyl PE silicone (30.93 ± 2.25 µm). At all lateral locations, no significant difference was noted. Tukey’sposthoccomparison showed a significant difference between pattern resin and VPES (11.62 µm) followed by pattern resin and addition silicone (11.47 µm) apically.Conclusion:The indirect technique using VPES or addition silicone is more accurate than the direct technique at the apical location.
Effects of Use of Personal Protective Equipment on Physical and Mental Health of Health Care Workers: A Mixed-Method Study
Authors: Patil Rutuja S. , Gurjar Sahil K. , Datar Manjiri C. , Pore Prasad D. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background:
Due to the high transmissibility of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) was recommended worldwide during the COVID-19 pandemic for health care workers (HCWs).

Objectives:
The study aims to understand the effects of the use of PPE on the health of HCWs.

Materials and Methods:
The study was a mixed-method study consisting of two parts, conducted in the year 2019. Initially, 200 HCWs were asked to fill out an online questionnaire enquiring about the effects of PPE on their health. To assess the distress caused by PPE, Kessler Distress Scale was used. In the second part, 20 random participants were interviewed for a subjective understanding of their experience with PPE.

Results:
Excessive sweating, fatigue, increased thirst, dyspnea, and headache were the most reported symptoms, along with several dermatological symptoms. About 10% of the participants suffered from severe distress. The interviews showed themes involving donning and doffing, physical, psychological, and social well-being, work efficacy, security, and stigma.

Conclusion:
The scarcity of PPE, prolonged duty hours, and lack of prior training led to various mental and physical ailments among HCWs. These could be tackled by simple preventive strategies, which, if implemented at a broad scale, would help the health care community during similar situations in the future.
The Multiprong Approach in Breast Cancer Prevention: Current Scenario and Future Directions!
Authors: Kapoor Suraj , Garg Uma Shankar , Dhawan Rakhi , Kapoor Mansi 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Breast cancer stands as the most diagnosed cancer among women globally, accounting for one in four cancer cases. Despite this, there is a scarcity of literature addressing prevention strategies and approaches aimed at reducing the risk of breast cancer acquisition, as well as secondary prevention strategies aimed at mitigating morbidity and mortality associated with the disease. The objective of this review is to underscore novel approaches and strategies for the prevention and management of breast cancer. This review is particularly important in the context of resource-poor and developing countries facing challenges in curbing the burden of this disease. This review highlights the importance of addressing multifactorial risk factors with a multiprong approach strategy. This approach encompasses dietary and lifestyle modification, alongside pharmaceutical interventions. Furthermore, recent advances and future directions, including nutrigenomics and early detection strategies, are elucidated. Coordinated and planned efforts at all levels are imperative, encompassing the effective utilization of health education, health promotion, capacity building, and the integration of emerging modalities like precision medicine, targeted approaches, nutrigenomics, and advanced screening tools such as thermography. Exploration of avenues like chemoprevention, precision medicine, and immunoprevention, including targeted approaches, holds promise for further investigation in the future.
Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia Predominance in Iraq’s Southern Governorates
Authors: Mustafa Hamssa Majid , Hamad Anas Abdullah , Mohsein Osama A. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Aim:
Common parasites that can cause gastrointestinal diseases in humans include Entamoeba
histolytica and Giardia
lamblia. These parasites are abundant in Iraq’s Southern Governorates, while exact statistics on prevalence rates may be lacking. Inadequate sanitation, contaminated drinking water, and poor personal hygiene all help to transmit these parasites. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of E. histolytica and G. lamblia in the Southern Governorates.

Materials and Methods:
From January 2022 to December 2022, this study conducted a retrospective cohort study using the data from patients seeking medical care in hospitals and health centers in Iraq’s Southern Governorates. Microscopic inspection verified the diagnosis. The data were analyzed using the age groups, gender, season, and geographic dispersion.

Results:

G. lamblia was significantly outnumbered by E. histolytica across each province. Wasit Governorate has the most E. histolytica at 26.6%, whereas Maysan has 8.4% G. lamblia. All the seasons showed a greater incidence of E. histolytica, while spring showing the biggest variation (27.1%). E. histolytica outnumbered G. lamblia in all age groups, particularly among children aged 1–4 (31.3% vs. 3.6%) years. Males were more likely than females to have E. histolytica (58.96%) and G. lamblia (41.04%).

Conclusion:
Through microscopic examination, this study detected G. lamblia and E. histolytica infections in 2000 patients. Geographical location, age, and gender all had an impact on the incidence of those diseases, which differed throughout the Southern Governorates of Iraq.
Metastatic onset of prostate carcinoma: A clinical and pathological challenge
Authors: Dema Vlad S. F. , Nataras Bianca R. , Dema Sorin A. , Bercea Madalina , Barna Robert A. , Cumpanas Alin Adrian 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction:
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer, following lung cancer, and the fifth leading cause of cancer death in men worldwide. The onset of the disease, characterized by symptoms or changes caused by distant metastases, is rare and poses a challenge for clinicians and pathologists. We aimed to present a series of prostate carcinoma (PC) with unusual, histologically confirmed distant metastases (pM1) at the time of diagnosis, which raised suspicions of other types or origins of the primary tumor.

Materials and Methods:
Patients diagnosed with PC and distant metastases within a five-year timeframe (2017–2022) were extracted from the hospital database. The following data were collected: patient’s age, imaging data, serum PSA level, and histopathological evaluation results. Patients with unusual distant metastases were selected and analyzed.

Results:
We identified 10 patients in whom the diagnosis of PC was established following histopathological examination of tissue taken from distant metastatic sites (pM1). In three patients, the location of distant metastases was unusual: retroperitoneal, cranial/dural/epicranial and supradiaphragmatic lymph nodes which posed diagnostic challenges. Establishing the prostate origin of the tumor relied on immunohistochemical (IHC) investigation guided by clinical-imaging information.

Conclusions:
A metastasis of PC may rarely present as a cranial/dural tumor, retroperitoneal, or supradiaphragmatic lymphadenopathies in a man over the age of 50, but it should be taken into consideration. In the absence of correlated clinical, imaging, and histopathological/IHC data, diagnosing distant metastasis from PC is difficult, especially considering its potentially confusing IHC profile.
Effectiveness of selected interventions on quality of life and self-efficacy among elderly
Authors: Basnet Susma , Balu Venkatesan , Kamei Sonia , Devi Yumnam Sushma , Sapkota Pratima 
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND:
India is one of the world’s developing countries, and its population is ageing, that is, increasing, which increases the demand for health care. Ageing is a natural process. Quality of life (QoL) and self-efficacy are two of the most important factors in human development. This is a study to assess the effectiveness of selected interventions on QoL and self-efficacy among elderly.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
A community-based survey was used to select samples in a rural community. Data were collected between March 25 and April 23, 2022 using a quasi-experimental, one-group pre- and post-test research design. This survey was conducted among the elderly, of whom 60 were selected using simple random sampling techniques. Selected interventions were administered. The WHOQOL BREF (standardized tool) and GSE scales were used to assess the QoL and self-efficacy among the elderly.

RESULTS:
The study findings revealed that at the baseline level of QoL and self-efficacy, none of the subjects had good QoL and high self-efficacy, whereas after implementation of the selected interventions, the majority of the elderly had average QoL (98.3%) and 81.7% had high self-efficacy. The baseline mean score for QoL was 48.3% and that for self-efficacy was 61.3%, with post-test scores of 65.8% and 80.7%, respectively, and there was a statistical difference at P < 0.001.

CONCLUSION:
The study findings evidenced that selected interventions (education, reminiscence therapy, and demonstration of exercise) were effective in improving the QoL and self-efficacy among the elderly. Aged populations need to maintain their active, healthy, and happy living. Studies recommend these interventions are beneficial for elderly populations.
Risk factors and outcome of hepatitis C infection among patients in a secondary care hospital: A 5-year retrospective study
Authors: Sannathimmappa Mohan B. , Zehri Latifa , Al Zadjali Ayat A. M. , Albalushi Halima M. A. , Al Saadi Buthaina A. A. H. , Aravindakshan Rajeev , Al-Risi Elham S. , Al-Maqbali Saleema , Nambiar Vinod 
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND:
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, predominantly transmitted by exposure to infected blood, remains one of the major public health problems worldwide. This study aims to identify the risk factors of HCV transmission and its chronic complications among the study group.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
This retrospective study was approved by the Research and Ethical Review and Approve Committee (RERAC) of Oman and conducted at a secondary-care hospital situated in the North Batinah region of Oman. The study population included all HCV cases confirmed by positive serology and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction tests during their presence at the hospital between January 2017 and December 2022. The relevant data of the study population were retrieved from the hospital electronic health record system. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), Version 26.0.

RESULTS:
A total of 177 HCV confirmed cases were included in the study. HCV infection was predominant among males (74%) and individuals of the age group of 21–60 years (74.6%). Genotyping was possible only in 107 cases. Among HCV genotypes, genotype 3 (58.9%) was the most frequently identified, followed by genotype 1 (34.6%). Hemodialysis (21.5%), history of blood transfusion (16.4%), and injection drug use (11.9%) were the major risk factors for HCV infection, while cirrhosis (7.3%) and fatty liver disease (4%) were the most frequently observed chronic HCV complications. HCV infection in the spouse/partner (21.5%), alcohol use (7.3%), and co-infection with hepatitis B virus (2.3%) and human immunodeficiency virus (1.7%) were the other significant factors detected in our study population.

CONCLUSIONS:
HCV is a multi-factorial disease leading to severe chronic complications, thus representing a public health threat. This clearly emphasizes the cruciality of HCV community awareness campaigns and enhancement of Omani national guidelines for early screening of high-risk groups as well as effective management of HCV-infected cases to reduce the substantial burden of the disease on patients as well as the healthcare system.
Patients’ perceptions of the announcement of cancer diagnosis in Morocco “Cancer patients cases treated in the Fez-Meknes Region”
Authors: Rharib Oussama , Saadi Radouane , Mengad Aziz , Ertel Merouane , Bouferma Younes , Saka Khadija , Ababou Mohammed 
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND:
The announcement of a cancer diagnosis represents a real turning point, significantly and pessimistically changing the patient’s vision of his future. The task of the healthcare professional in communicating bad news is complex. It requires careful use of words, establishing a relationship of trust, a patient approach, and encouraging the person affected by cancer to express their emotions. This is a sociological study of a series of cancer patient cases designed to reveal the different perceptions and experiences of cancer patients with regard to the announcement of the diagnosis of cancer by healthcare professionals.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
This descriptive qualitative study was done in 2022. The participants were selected from cancer patients cases treated in the Fès-Meknès Region. Participants in this study were 35 patients selected using a purposeful sampling method. Data were collected using in-depth semi-structured interviews. The qualitative content analysis approach was used to analyze the data using Atlas.ti software.

RESULT:
A double suffering has been observed among cancer patients with regard to the announcement of their cancer diagnosis. In addition to the intensification of negative feelings and distress at the time of the announcement, dissatisfaction has been observed with the way in which the cancer diagnosis is communicated. The announcement does not address the holistic needs of the cancer patient, particularly with respect to health literacy. This finding is justified by limitations in relation to the basic training of the medical and nursing cops with regard to the announcement of the diagnosis.

CONCLUSION:
This event represents a critical moment, requiring a multidisciplinary approach and involving various professionals involved in cancer management. Health professionals need to develop the skills necessary to accurately but smoothly announce a cancer diagnosis in order to maintain hope regardless of prognosis. Thus, an indispensable aspect to take into account in diagnostic communication is the cancer patient’s level of literacy.
Preventive behaviors and psychological effects of COVID-19 and their associated factors among Iranian older adults: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Afshari Nasab Farokhbod , Darvishpour Azar , Mansour-ghanaei Roya , Gholami-Chaboki Bahare 
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND:The spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused a variety of psychological complications. One way to control the spread of this pandemic is compliance with health protocols and standards. Considering the limited research into the psychological effects of COVID-19 and the preventive behaviors among older adults, this study aimed to determine these variables and their relationship with associated factors.MATERIALS AND METHODS:This cross-sectional study was conducted on 153 older adults who were referred to the clinic of Pirouz Hospital in the east of Guilan, in the north of Iran, in 2022. The research instruments included the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) and the preventive behavior questionnaires. Descriptive (mean, standard deviation, frequency, and percentage) and inferential (Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney tests) statistics were used to analyze the data using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 20 with a significant level of 0.05.RESULTS:The findings showed that the overall mean score for preventive behaviors was 107 ± 10.38. The highest mean score of preventive behaviors was related to personal behavior (43.00 ± 5.58) and instructions to enter the house (30.15 ± 4.84), respectively. The highest mean scores of psychological effects were related to the intrusion dimension (11 ± 5.33) and avoidance dimension (7 ± 4.74), respectively. There was a significant relationship between drug use (F = 27.136,P= 0.028) and the psychological effects of COVID-19.CONCLUSION:Based on the results, the general condition of the preventive behaviors of older adults was average, and the majority of them were at a normal level of psychological effects. However, administrators and health policymakers should consider planning to develop interventions to encourage and improve preventive behaviors against COVID-19, especially among older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.