bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epidemiology of Coronavirus Disease 2019 during the Second and Third Wave in Chennai, India: An Analysis of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Surveillance System, February 2021–February 2022
Authors: Parasuraman Ganeshkumar , Kaviprawin Mogan , Sakthivel Manikandanesan , Jagadeesan M. , Varghese Alby John , Sriramulu Hemalatha Masanam , Ramamurthy Srinath , Murali Sharan , Rubeshkumar Polani , Murugesan Lakshmidevi , Ganapathi Raajkumar , Srinivasan Mahalakshmi , Kaur Prabhdeep 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Analysis of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) surveillance system in the first wave indicated that the data-driven approach helped in resource allocation and public health interventions.

Objectives:
We described the epidemiology of COVID-19 cases in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, from February 2021 to February 2022.

Materials and Methods:
We analyzed the COVID-19 surveillance data from Chennai City, Tamil Nadu, India’s Greater Chennai Corporation. We described the deidentified line list of COVID-19 cases and deaths by months, zones, age, and gender. We estimated the incidence of COVID-19 cases per million population, test positivity rate (TPR), and case fatality ratio (CFR).

Results:
Of the 434,040 cases reported in Chennai from February 1, 2021, to February 28, 2022, 53% were male. The incidence per million peaked in May 2021 (19,210) and January 2022 (15,881). Age groups more than 60 years reported maximum incidence. Southern region zones reported higher incidence. Overall TPR was 5.8%, peaked in May 2021 (17.5%) and January 2022 (15.1%). Over half of the 4929 reported deaths were in May 2021 (56%). Almost half of the deaths were 61–80 years (52%), followed by 41–60 years (26%). Overall CFR was 1%, which peaked in June 2021 (4%).

Conclusion:
We conclude that Chennai city experienced a surge in COVID-19 due to delta and omicron variants. Understanding descriptive epidemiology is vital for planning the public health response, resource allocation, vaccination policies, and risk communication to the community.
Social and Cultural Insights into Healthy Aging: A Qualitative Study from the South Indian City of Bengaluru, India
Authors: Vaz Manjulika , Kalliath Priyanka Catherine Mani , Nagaraja Deepika , Kiran Pretesh Rohan , Garady Lavanya , Kasthuri Arvind , Sambashivaiah Sucharita 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background:
Qualitative methods through lived experience narratives provide relevant sociocultural insights into healthy aging.

Objectives:
The aim of this qualitative study was to explore social and cultural perceptions of healthy aging from older adults (OAs), their next of kin, and those involved in providing services to OAs in Bengaluru, India.

Materials and Methods:
We conducted in-depth interviews with 28 participants, all purposefully selected based on specific inclusion criteria, to get as varied a sample as possible. A pilot-tested, open-ended topic guide was used for every interview which was audio recorded with the permission of the respondent. Verbatim data were transcribed, reviewed for errors, and coded using NVivo 12 software and the framework analysis method of combining deductive and inductive codes.

Results:
In total, 794 codes covering concepts of healthy aging, enablers and threats to healthy aging, and perspectives for the future were categorized into four themes supporting healthy aging, namely emotional well-being and a sense of purpose, family and social support, financial security, and health-care access. Each of these had a bearing on the OA’s physical and mental health. Across socioeconomic groups, a sense of purpose at the level of the self, family, and society emerged as a key emotional sustainer. Social and economic deprivations were key threats to healthy aging and hence required social security and governmental interventions.

Conclusion:
Sociocultural economic factors are key to healthy physical and mental aging in the context of India. The same factor could be an enabler and in its absence a threat.
Immunophenotypic and Cytogenetic Characteristics of Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Burden Estimation Study from Eastern India
Authors: Sarkar Subhajit Dey , Maiti Dipshikha , Ghosh Apurba , Ganguly Mimi , Ahmed Nazneen 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background:
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common childhood cancer. Immunophenotype (IPT) and cytogenetics are essential for diagnosis, risk stratification, and management for ALL.

Objectives:
Evaluating the burden of immunophenotypic and cytogenetic profile of pediatric ALL patients.

Materials and Methods:
A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 patients of ALL (1–18 completed years) attending a tertiary-care center in Kolkata, Eastern India.

Results:
Ninety-six percent of patients had B-cell ALL (94.00% pre-B ALL and 2.00% Pro-B ALL) and 4.0% had T-ALL. 60% B-cell ALL were CD19/CD10 positive, 10% were CD79a positive, 9% were only CD19 positive, and 7% were only CD10 positive. Thirty-three percent of T-ALL were CD3+, whereas 22% were positive each for CD4 and CD7. 51.0% of patients had diploid, 46.0% hyperdiploid, and 3.0% hypodiploid karyotype. Among hyperdiploids, 98% had good prednisolone response and 89% had measurable residual disease (MRD) <0.01.

Conclusion:
The most commonly diagnosed ALL by IPT was pre-B ALL. Among the detectable cytogenetic abnormalities, t(12; 21) ETV6-RUNX1 was the most common. ZNF-384 gene arrangement was also detected in our study. t(12;21) ETV6-RUNX1 had a good treatment response, while t(9;22) BCR-ABL, t(1;19) TCF3-PBX1, iAMP-21, MLL gene rearrangement, and ZNF-384 gene arrangement had poor treatment response in terms of MRD.
Does Public Spending Reflect the Need for Health: A Cross-sectional Analysis at District Level in India
Authors: Prinja Shankar , Sharma Atul , Goyal Aarti , Muraleedharan V. R. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background:
There is mixed evidence on the extent of association between the allocation of public revenue for healthcare and its indicators of need.

Objective:
In this study, we examined the relationship between allocations through state health financing (SHF) and the Central Government with infant mortality.

Materials and Methods:
District-wise infant mortality rate (IMR) was computed using National Family Health Survey-4 data. State-wise data for health budgets through SHF and National Health Mission (NHM, a Centrally Sponsored Scheme), were obtained for the year 2015-16. We used a multivariable analysis through generalized linear model method using identity-link function.

Results:
We found per capita SHF (₹3169) to be more than 12 times that of public health spending per capita through NHM (₹261). IMR was lower in districts with higher SHF allocation, although statistically insignificant. The allocation through NHM was higher in districts with higher IMR, which is statistically significant. Every unit percentage increase in per capita net state domestic product and female literacy led to 0.31% and 0.54% decline, while a 1% increase in under-five diarrhoea prevalence led to 0.17% increase in IMR.

Conclusion:
The NHM has contributed to enhancing vertical equity in health-care financing. The States’ need to be more responsive to the differences in districts while allocating health-care resources. There needs to be a focus on spending on social determinants, which should be the cornerstone for any universal health coverage strategy.
Challenges and adaptations of dental students post-COVID-19 lockdown: A cross-sectional study in an Indian Dental Institution
Authors: Noor Rana , Khan Shariya , Yasmeen Subuhi 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE:
The transition from online learning methods to the traditional offline mode of education post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has brought several challenges for dental students. The present study aimed to investigate the hardships and adaptations experienced by dental students while shifting back to an offline mode of education.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
An online survey-based questionnaire was distributed among 160 Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) students and the feedback of about 102 students was recorded.

RESULTS:
The study yielded a response rate of 63.7% comprising of females (66.7%) and males (33.3%) respondents. The participants were categorized among two different age groups including students below 22 years of age and students equal to or above 22 years of age. The majority of the females (67.6%) are found to be more fearful of exposure to infection while working with patients in clinics compared with males (44.1%; P = 0.022). The students (≥22 years of age; 76.3%) found more difficulty in convincing their patients to get the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction test done before proceeding with the clinical procedure than the students (<22 years of age; 48.8%; P = 0.004). Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) third year (61.8%), fourth-year (62.5%), 2018 batch interns (88.9%), and 2019 batch interns (94.1%) students experienced difficulty in wearing personal protective equipment all the time while working in clinics (P = 0.011). The maximum number of students (79.4%) still prefer writing over typing comprising a greater number of females (85.3%) than males (67.6%; P = 0.038). Male students (70.6%) are found less anxious about COVID-19 infection while staying in a hostel/paying guests compared with female students (45.6%; P =0.017). The majority of the students (95.1%) including more females (98.5%) compared with males (88.2%) follow proper sterilization procedures while working in clinics (P = 0.023).

CONCLUSION:
Dental students have faced various difficulties post-COVID-19 lockdown, particularly in the field of clinical practice while shifting back to offline mode of education.
Association of phase angle with sarcopenia in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis: A case–control study
Authors: Alirezaei Amirhesam , Miladipour Amirhossein , Asgari Navid , Latifi Marzieh , Fazeli Seyed Amirhossein 
Published: July 2024

Background:
Sarcopenia, characterized by reduced muscle strength and mass, is commonly observed in patients with kidney disease. This study aimed to investigate the factors that influence sarcopenia in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (HD patients).

Materials and Methods:
A case–control study was conducted from 2022 to 2023, involving a total of 137 HD patients receiving regular dialysis. Relevant data were collected, and based on diagnostic criteria, patients were classified into sarcopenia and nonsarcopenia groups. All patients received polysulfone membrane HD at a flow rate of 500 mL/min. Bioelectrical impedance analysis was used to evaluate phase angle (PhA), muscle volume, and body composition.

Results:
The prevalence of sarcopenia among maintenance HD patients was found to be 40.14%. There was a higher proportion of women (76.36%) with sarcopenia compared to men (P < 0.001). Furthermore, a significant difference was observed in PhA (P < 0.006) between patients undergoing maintenance HD with and without sarcopenia. PhA was positively associated with body mass index, body cell mass, basal metabolic rate, fat-free mass, soft lean mass, and minerals, whereas age and skeletal muscle index showed an inverse significant correlation.

Conclusion:
Sarcopenia, a condition associated with increased mortality risk, affects a considerable proportion of dialysis patients. It is imperative to urgently identify and develop preventive and therapeutic strategies to counteract the detrimental effects of sarcopenia on the health outcomes of kidney patients.
Success rate and complications of performing elective ureteroscopy in <1 week versus over 1 week from renal colic initiation in ureteral stones larger than 6 mm
Authors: Kazemi Reza , Javid Amir , Ghandehari Amir Hossein , Salehi Hanieh 
Published: July 2024

Background:
The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes, success rate, and complications of performing elective ureteroscopy at different times: <1 week from renal colic initiation (early) and more than 1 week from renal colic initiation (late) in patients with ureteral stone larger than 6 mm.

Materials and Methods:
This comparative observational study was conducted on 338 consecutive patients. Patients were evaluated in two groups: patients who underwent ureteroscopy in <1 week (A) and patients who underwent ureteroscopy in more than 1 week (B) from renal colic initiation. Helical unenhanced computed tomography was used to assess the size, location, and hardness of stone for all patients. Operation success was defined as complete clearance of stone with no stone residue (stone free) at 2-week postoperative ultrasonography with no need to further interventions. Operation data were collected using medical records, and postoperative complications were investigated at 2 weeks postoperative follow-up visits.

Results:
Group A included 165 patients and Group B included 173 patients. The overall mean stone size was 8.60 ± 1.12 mm: for Group A 9.13 ± 0.94 mm and for Group B 8.10 ± 1.04 mm (P < 0.001). Stone residues were found in 11 patients: 9 in Group A (5.4%) and 2 in Group B (1.1%) (P = 0.026). Nine patients needed repeated ureteroscopy: 8 (4.8%) in Group A and 1 (0.6%) in Group B (P = 0.015). A double-J stent was used for 85 (51.5%) patients in Group A and 66 (38.2%) patients in Group B (P = 0.016). Major intraoperative complications did not happen in any patients. Fifty-three (32.1%) patients in Group A and 28 (16.2%) patients in Group B suffered from postoperative complications (P = 0.001).

Conclusion:
Our study revealed that performing elective ureteroscopy with an interval of more than 1 week from the onset of renal colic in combination with medical treatments was associated with less need for double-J stent placement, less need for repeated ureteroscopy, and fewer postoperative complications compared to performing elective ureteroscopy in <1 week from the renal colic onset in nonemergent patients with ureteral stone larger than 6 mm. Although the rate of ureteroscopy failure was higher among the patients who underwent ureteroscopy in <1 week from their renal colic initiation, there was no statistically significant relationship between performing ureteroscopy in <1 week and an increased risk for ureteroscopy failure.
Left Atrial Strain by 2D Speckle Tracking Echocardiography in Patients with Systemic Hypertension in Babylon Province
Authors: Al-Murib Ali Hamid Abbas , Al-Jumaily Hassan Salim , Hassan Zainab Falah , Al-Saad Shokry F. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background:
Systemic hypertension is an expanding health problem and a major cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Left atrial (LA) strain by speckle tracking is a new echocardiographic modality that can detect impairment in LA function.

Objectives:
The aim was to analyze the parameters of LA strain in patients with systemic hypertension and compare them to those of normal persons.

Materials and Methods:
A case–control study was conducted at the echocardiography department of Marjan Medical City in Hillah from February 2023 to June 2023. The study focused on patients with hypertension and compared their 2D echocardiography, Doppler, tissue Doppler, left ventricle global longitudinal strain, and LA strain to those of a control healthy group. Data collection included a questionnaire, echocardiography using the GE Vivid iq machine, and statistical analysis using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 27 software.

Results:
In total, 100 persons were enrolled in the study; 50 of them were patients with systemic hypertension, and the other 50 were persons with negative medical history. The two groups were age, gender, and body surface area matched. Echocardiographic parameters were compared, concentrating on LA strain and diastolic function parameters. A strong correlation was found between hypertension and LA strain parameters. Reservoir, conduit, and contractile strain were lower in the hypertensive group, while the LA volume and LA indexed volume were statistically larger in the hypertensive group than the control group, with a P value of less than 0.001 in both.

Conclusion:
LA strain by speckle tracking is affected in systemic hypertension more and even before the diastolic function affection. Earlier detection and treatment of dysfunction can delay or even prevent complications.
Exploring the Role of Vitamin D2, Parathyroid Hormone, and C-Peptides as Biomarkers in Diabetic Neuropathy Development
Authors: Al-Joda Ban Mahmood Shaker , Al-Hindy Hayder Abdul-Amir Makki , Mousa Mazin J. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background:
Diabetic neuropathy affects significant individuals worldwide and is considered a chronic complication of diabetes. However, the exact mechanisms underlying the development of diabetic neuropathy are still not fully understood.

Objectives:
This study investigated the involvement of vitamin D2, PTH, and C-peptide in the onset of diabetic neuropathy.

Materials and Methods:
This study included 120 diabetic patients and 30 healthy controls. Diabetic patients were divided into group 1 with neuropathy (N = 80) and group 2 without neuropathy (N = 40). The following data were incorporated: sex, age, diabetes duration, and BMI. Biochemical evaluations involved HbA1C, C-peptide, PTH, and vitamin D2.

Results:
The study’s population had a 52.2 ± 13.9 years mean age. Patients had 9.8 years average diabetes duration, were mostly overweight, and were poorly controlled (mean HbA1C = 8.8). Vitamin D2 was insufficient, particularly in diabetics, and C-peptide measures were markedly low. There were differences in the three parameters between diabetes and controls. Potential relationships among the parameters were detected namely, higher HbA1C, elder, lower vitamin D2, besides higher C-peptide and vitamin D2 levels. ROC-curve metrics for vitamin D2, PTH, and C-peptide, revealed varied diagnostic potential. All parameters were unable to distinguish between patients with or without neuropathy from healthy subjects.

Conclusion:
The study highlights the importance of glycemic control, insulin production, PTH, and vitamin D2 levels in the context of diabetic neuropathy. While these biomarkers show associations with neuropathy risk, their diagnostic potential is still limited. The associations between age, HbA1C levels, PTH, C-peptide levels, and vitamin D2 levels provide valuable insights into potential contributors to neuropathy risk.
Molecular Detection, Antibiotic Resistance, and Biofilm Formation of Clinical Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates from Patients in Al-Hillah, Babylon Province, Iraq
Authors: Jameel Zainab Hafidh , Alwash Mourouge Saadi , Abdulla Anwar A. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background:

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is known as one of the main causes of nosocomial infections and is repeatedly related to opportunistic infections among hospitalized patients worldwide. Antibiotic resistance (AR) and biofilm-forming ability (BFA) are two major virulence factors of P. aeruginosa isolates that are involved in the continuation of infections.

Objectives:
This study aimed to isolate and identify P. aeruginosa isolates from patients and to elucidate the correlation between AR and BFA among isolates.

Materials and Methods:
A total of 130 clinical P. aeruginosa isolates were obtained from Al-Hillah Al-Sadiq Hospital in Babylon province, Iraq during the period from March to July 2022. AR profile and BFA of P. aeruginosa isolates were proceeded by Kirby-Bauer and Congo red agar (CRA) methods, respectively. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) screening, targeting the ecfX gene, was conducted to identify species-specific ecfX genes in P. aeruginosa.

Results:
Multidrug-resistant (MDR) P. aeruginosa accounted for 96.1% (125/130) and 85.4% (111/130) of isolates showed BFA. Statistical analyses showed a nonsignificant correlation between AR and BFA in P. aeruginosa isolates. The ecfX PCR product analyses affirmed their allocation to P. aeruginosa isolates.

Conclusion:
The high incidence of MDR and BFA among P. aeruginosa isolates might require a plan for regular evaluation and controlling policy programs.
The Impact of Urogenital Tract Infectious Bacteria on Male Fertility
Authors: Alzaidi Jawad R. , Kareem Aqeel A. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background:
Infertile men aged 18 to 40 with urogenital bacterial infections can be assessed for the presence of pus cells in their sperm or urine using direct microscopy, urine culture, and sperm culture techniques.

Objectives:
To examine the impact of microbial infections on the male genitourinary system and assess the probability of male sterility resulting from these conditions.

Materials and Methods:
Microorganisms including Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, coagulase-negative Staphylococci, Staphylococcus aureus, and Klebsiella species, as well as Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterococcus faecalis, were identified in samples obtained from semen and urine.

Results:
The correlation (Cor = 0.1) between isolates found in sperm and urine samples was demonstrated. This correlation indicates the potential for infections originating in the urinary tract to migrate to the spermatic tract. Antibiotics such as gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, rifampicin, ceftriaxone (amoxicillin and clavulanic acid), and augmentin have proven effective in treating severe infections. The broad spectrum of activity exhibited by these potent antibiotics underscores their efficacy in addressing various diseases and conditions caused by infections, as evidenced by their effectiveness against isolated pathogens. Among the patients assessed, 37 individuals were diagnosed with azoospermia, representing 28% of the total; 80 patients exhibited oligospermia, constituting 62% of the cohort; while 13 patients demonstrated sperm counts within the normal range, accounting for 10% of the sample.

Conclusion:
According to the findings of this prospective study, the occurrence of an infection in the male reproductive system should be regarded as a potential contributing feature to male sterility. This revelation enhances the aggregate body of indication that underscores the significance of considering various factors in assessing male infertility.
Histopathological profiling of endometrial biopsies in cases of abnormal uterine bleeding: Insights from a tertiary care center in India
Authors: Verma Ashi , Singh Swati , Tyagi Mayurika Subodh Kumar , Bajpai Malay , Aarthi K. B. 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction:
Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB), characterized by excessive, irregular, or prolonged uterine bleeding, is a prevalent gynecological concern, accounting for more than 30% of outpatient gynecological visits.

Aim and Objective:
This study aimed to assess: (A) The histomorphological patterns of the endometrium in cases of AUB. (B) The distribution of various endometrial pathologies across different age groups. (C) The occurrence of endometrial carcinoma among patients experiencing AUB.

Materials and Methods:
A prospective investigation was conducted among patients seeking care for AUB and infertility at a tertiary care center in northern India. A total of 130 endometrial specimens (collected through endometrial curettage, biopsy, or hysterectomy) were examined over a 2-year period. Tissue samples were preserved in 10% neutral buffered formalin, processed routinely, and examined using light microscopy.

Results:
The largest proportion of cases (36.2%) fell within the 31–40-year age group. The predominant histopathological pattern observed was secretory endometrium in 47 patients (36.2%), followed by proliferative endometrium in 44 cases (33.8%). Hyperplasia with atypia was more frequently noted in the perimenopausal age group; however, the incidence of malignancy in this subset of the population was relatively low.

Conclusion:
Histomorphological examination in cases of AUB contributes valuable insights for the diagnosis and management of AUB.