bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diminished γδ T Cells during Murine Allergic Skin Inflammation Is Mediated by IL-4 Signaling in Keratinocytes
Authors: Zhang Wenwu , Pajulas Abigail , Niese Michelle , Zhou Hongming , Zhao Jennifer , Akhtar Nahid , Turner Matthew J , Kaplan Mark H 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Atopic dermatitis results in diminished barrier function and altered production of antimicrobial peptides. Dendritic epidermal T cells (DETCs) play an important role in the wound repair and inflammation process. Our previous work identified an IL-4–dependent loss of DETCs in Stat6VT mice and in the MC903-induced skin inflammation mouse model. However, the mechanisms through which IL-4 mediates the loss of DETCs are unclear. In this study, we show that IL-4Rα germline knockout mice (Il4ra–/–) have increased DETCs, faster wound healing, and increased epidermal differentiation complex gene and fibronectin expression. The absence of IL-4Rα minimized the MC903-induced loss of DETCs, and reciprocal bone marrow chimera experiments in Il4ra–/– and wild-type mice demonstrated structural nonhematopoietic IL-4–responsive cell-mediated DETC homeostasis. Skin keratinocyte-derived IL-15 decreased dramatically in the MC903 model, while injection of IL-15 rescued DETC loss by promoting DETC proliferation and limiting apoptosis. Conditional deletion of IL-4Rα from keratinocytes using Il4rafl/fl K14-Cre mice showed an increase of DETCs, increased IL-15 production, and diminished skin inflammation following wounding. These results suggest that IL-4–dependent effects on DETCs in allergic skin inflammation are mediated by the IL-4Rα receptor of keratinocytes.
Elevated serum ELABELA and SERPINA3 as novel biomarkers to predict poor prognosis in Egyptian chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients
Authors: Othman Amira M , Abdel-Rahman Noha , Denewer May , Eissa Laila A 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common kind of adult leukemia worldwide. Increased expressions of serpin peptidase inhibitor, clade A member 3 (SERPINA3) and apelin receptor early endogenous ligand (ELABELA) have been observed in various malignancies. However, there is little information on their clinical importance in CLL.

Patients and methods
The study included 67 newly diagnosed CLL patients and 66 healthy individuals as a control group. This study was conducted at the Oncology Center, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt from April 2020 to March 2022. Serum levels of SERPINA3 and ELABELA were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results
This study found that serum levels of SERPINA3 and ELABELA were significantly higher in CLL patients than in the control group with P less than 0.001 and P=0.001, respectively. SERPINA3 and ELABELA were found to be independent risk factors for CLL. In CLL patients, increased serum levels of SERPINA3 and ELABELA were associated with advanced staging, reduced progression-free survival, and overall survival.

Conclusion
Serum SERPINA3 and ELABELA could be used as prognostic biomarkers to predict poor prognosis in CLL patients. So, inhibition of SERPINA3 and ELABELA may be a promising therapeutic target for CLL treatment.
Screening of asymptomatic bacteriuria in children with sickle cell disease
Authors: Abdelhamid Dalia H , Abdel Kader Nouran O , Makkeyah Sara M , El-Ashry Marwa A 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) refers to two consecutive urine cultures growing more than 100 000 CFU/ml in a patient with no symptoms of urinary tract infection. In patients with sickle cell disease (SCD), the anatomical and physiological defects make ASB more prone to worsen the sickle nephropathy. Early detection and management of ASB in children with SCD may retard this progression.

Aim
To investigate the prevalence of ASB, its major determinants, and its effect on kidney functions in patients with SCD for early detection and treatment.

Patients and methods
The study was conducted at a children’s hospital during the period between June 2019 and February 2020. The study included 30 children previously diagnosed as having SCD. Midstream urine samples were collected twice from all patients and subjected to urinalysis and culture on chromogenic media. Only significant isolates were identified and subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Patients were divided into either ASB or sterile urine group. All patients with SCD were subjected to complete blood picture, reticulocytic count, markers of hemolysis, and serum creatinine.

Results
The prevalence of confirmed ASB was 16.7%. All children in ASB group had pyuria (100%). Staphylococcus saprophyticus (60%) was the commonest organism isolated, followed by Escherichia coli (20%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (20%). Sulfamethoxazole+trimethoprim was the most sensitive antibiotic among all isolated microorganisms. The differences in kidney function results between the two groups were statistically insignificant.

Conclusion
ASB was of high prevalence in pediatric patients with SCD in Egypt at our hospital. Pyuria was the only major determinant. S. saprophyticus was the predominant organism. Serum creatinine was a nonsensitive marker to monitor kidney functions.
Outcomes of Unprotected Left Main Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Yousif Nooraldaem , Thevan Babu , Subbramaniyam Suddharsan , Alkhayat Mohamed , Alshaikh Shereen , Shivappa Sadananda , Amin Haitham , Tareif Mary , Abdulqader Fuad , Noor Husam A. 
Published: May 2024

Introduction:
When the baseline anatomical syntax score-I (SxSI) is more than or equal to 33, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of unprotected left main (UPLM) is discouraged and considered as high-risk of adverse cardiac events. We designed this study to compare the outcomes of UPLM-PCI between the low to intermediate-syntax score (SxSIlow/int.) group (defined as SxSI <33) and the high-syntax score (SxSIhigh) group (defined as SxSI more than or equal 33) with a subanalysis to explore the predictive role of intravascular images (IVI).

Methods:
The study is a retrospective observational analysis in a prospective cohort. The prospectively gathered data of consecutive patients, who were enrolled from January 2018 to December 2018, were analyzed at 1-year regarding the primary outcome of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE). An independent committee calculated the SxSI and reviewed all the events.

Results:
Baseline data of 2144 patients were considered for analysis. 1245 underwent PCI and 32 (2.57%) had PCI of UPLM; of these, 24 (75%) were in SxSIlow/int. group and 8 (25%) in SxSIhigh group. The mean SxSI was 20.3 ± 6.5 and 37.1 ± 4.9 for SxSIlow/int. and SxSIhigh groups, respectively. Compared with patients in the SxSIlow/int., patients in SxSIhigh group had a greater syntax score-II (<0.0001), which reflects the expected 4-year mortality after PCI by combining the SxSI and clinical variables.
Interestingly, despite the fact that the proportion of subjects who sustained MACCE was almost three times more among the SxSIhigh compared to their SxSIlow/int. counterparts [1 (12.5%) vs. 1 (4.2%), P = 0.444], this difference was not statistically significant.
It was noted that a higher proportion of patients in whom intravascular imaging (IVI) was not used to guide PCI sustained MACCE compared with that in whom IVI was utilized (2 [50%] vs. [0%], P = 0.012). There is a strong, negative, statistically significant association between the use of IVI and the occurrence of MAACE (Phi=-0.681), which reflects that the use of imaging is associated with significantly lower probability of developing MACCE.

Conclusion:
As demonstrated in this real-world cohort, PCI of UPLM provides excellent outcome at one year regardless of the initial anatomical syntax score. Furthermore, it appears that IVI utilization during the index PCI procedure of UPLM is a potent and independent predictor of MACCE.
Scutellarin Protects against Myocardial Ischemia–reperfusion Injury by Enhancing Aerobic Glycolysis through miR-34c-5p/ALDOA Axis
Authors: Xiang Yijia , Xu Zhongjiao , Qian Renyi , Wu Daying , Lin Li , Shen Jiayi , Zhu Pengchong , Chen Fenghui , Liu Chong 
Published: May 2024

Background:
Aerobic glycolysis has recently demonstrated promising potential in mitigating the effects of ischemia–reperfusion (IR) injury. Scutellarin (Scu) possesses various cardioprotective properties that warrant investigation. To mimic IR injury in
vitro, this study employed hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injury.

Methods and Results:
First, we conducted an assessment of the protective properties of Scu against HR in H9c2 cells, encompassing inflammation damage, apoptosis injury, and oxidative stress. Then, we verified the effects of Scu on the Warburg effect in H9c2 cells during HR injury. The findings indicated that Scu augmented aerobic glycolysis by upregulating p-PKM2/PKM2 levels. Following, we built a panel of six long noncoding RNAs and seventeen microRNAs that were reported to mediate the Warburg effect. Based on the results, miR-34c-5p was selected for further experiments. Then, we observed Scu could mitigate the HR-induced elevation of miR-34c-5p. Upregulation of miR-34c-5p could weaken the beneficial impacts of Scu in cellular viability, inflammatory damage, oxidative stress, and the facilitation of the Warburg effect. Subsequently, our investigation revealed a decrease in both ALDOA mRNA and protein levels following HR injury, which could be restored by Scu administration. Downregulation of ALDOA or Mimic of miR-34c-5p could reduce these effects induced by Scu.

Conclusions:
Scu provides cardioprotective effects against IR injury by upregulating the Warburg effect via miR-34c-5p/ALDOA.
D-dimer as a Marker of Severity and Prognosis in Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Newton Mario Victor 
Published: May 2024

Background and Objectives:
Acute pancreatitis (AP) scores need a battery of tests that are not helpful at an early stage. Can a single test predict Complicated Acute Pancreatitis (CAP) which includes moderate and severe AP, local complications, and need for intensive care unit (ICU).

Methodology:
30 patients of AP. D-dimer, C-reactive protein levels done within 3 days of AP onset. APACHE II, Ranson’s score, CT severity index were done. Inhospital disease course for development of organ failure and need for ICU care was followed daily.

Results:
D-dimer in CAP was 2732 ng/L (MAP 567 ng/L), in abnormal computed tomography (CT) was 1916 ng/L (normal CT 363 ng/L), and in organ failure was 4776 ng/L (776.5 ng/L absent organ failure). D-dimer increases as the severity of organ failure increases (P = 0.04). D-dimer in ICU patients was significantly elevated (P = 0.021). D-dimer correlates with APACHE II score well, with an increase in predictive mortality rate (P = 0.01). On receiver operator characteristics, D-dimer >933.5 ng/L predicts CAP, >827.5 ng/L predicts positive CT findings (local complications), and >1060.5 ng/L predicts the development of organ failure.

Conclusion:
Coagulopathy and microthrombi play a significant role in early pathogenesis. D-dimer test acts at the level of this core pathogenesis, even before the complications set in. D-dimer within 72 h of AP correlates well with the CT findings after 72 h. This is the first study that correlates D-dimer levels with CT scores, ICU requirement. D-dimer can guide primary care physicians in selecting AP patients for referral to a higher center in a resource-limited setting.
A Pilot Study to Show Longitudinal Trends in Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) in a Cohort of Breast Cancer Patients Under Treatment at a Tertiary Healthcare Facility in Bhubaneswar, India
Authors: Kar Sonali , Shrivastava Varsha , Meena Jitendra Kumar , Mohapatra Ipsa , Sahoo Saroj Ranjan , Kar Madhabananda 
Published: May 2024

Introduction:
Breast cancer incidence has overtaken that of cervical cancer among women in India according to the Globacon 2020 reports. Cancer management is also being streamlined at the Center and district levels, such that comprehensive integrated management is offered to cases to optimize the best results. In breast cancer, there are two modes of surgery namely Breast Conservation Surgery(BCS) and Modified Radical Mastectomy (MRM) now over 2 decades, with recommended Chemo radiation depending on the extent of the disease. HRQOL (Health-related Quality of Life) studies have been done in these groups of patients, due to their added relevance in terms of the loss of a vital organ like the breast. EORTC 30 and BR23 are standardized and detailed tools that have been seen to estimate QOL, keeping in mind a whole array of domains that are affected by the disease.

Objective:
To evaluate the “Body Image” and “Quality of life” (QOL) in operated breast cancer patients using BR -23 and EORTC – QLQ- questionnaire at 1month (after surgery) and then 3 to 4 months after surgery.

Methods:
This article attempts to draw a comparison among of EORTC30 and BR 23 scores calculated for 46 breast cancer patients operated during the pandemic time in one center and consenting to repeat the measures at pre-decided three time periods during the course of management.

Results:
No significant differences are noted in the mean scores for EORTC 30 and BR23 for the two types of surgeries. Visit 1 scores for both modes of surgery are over 75 and by Visit 3 become less than 55 for EORTC. BR 23 (which measures the symptoms core to Breast cancer) at all 3 visits are between 45 to 55. Friedman’s test shows that the scores are not significant for age groups, the number of living children, or lifestyle factors like alcohol or tobacco chewing, though quadratic graphs depict the distinct variations in the scores at the 3 times reinforcing the need for follow-up of mental health in these subjects at intervals. The study largely brings out a strong need for repeated follow-up and counseling at regular and short intervals, post-surgery in breast cancer patients. EORTC 30 and BR 23 tools are excellent to use to essay information on the mental health of patients with breast cancer.
Influence of Packed Food Labeling on Shopping Practices: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Verma Prerna , Rathod Hetal , Johnson S. , Palal Deepu , Sohkhlet Gracia , Jadav Vallari , Borah Nirankush , Nallapu Sandeep , Gangurde Shweta , Vishwakarma Kavita , Mahajan Anil , Jadhav Sudhir L. , Joon Shubham 
Published: May 2024

Background:
The basic product information, health, safety, and nutritional details, as well as food marketing, advertising, and promotion, are all provided on a packed food label. This study was carried out to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices of the shoppers regarding food labels as there are few studies done in India and none in Pune.

Methodology:
A cross-sectional study was carried out among 226 participants using a validated semi-structured questionnaire, which consisted of sociodemographic details and questions on their knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding food labels while purchasing a packed food item. Quantitative data are presented in the form of mean, standard deviation, 95% confidence interval (CI) of mean, median, and interquartile range (IQR). Qualitative data are in terms of number (N), percentages (%), and 95% CI of percentage.

Results:
Of the 226 participants, 163 (72.12) were aware of the label on packaged foods. One hundred seventy-seven (78.32%) participants in all read the label on the packaged food. The maximum retail price (MRP) and expiration date were the most frequent labels sought. Although 17.7% of consumers did not consider nutrient composition when making a purchase, energy and protein were the most often considered nutrients. The majority (70.35%) falsely believed that juice was healthy. The packed food label’s tiny font made it difficult to read for 30.38% of the customers.

Conclusion:
Despite the increased awareness about packed food labeling, a fraction of shoppers were not concerned about nutritional information. In contrast to the prevailing knowledge, the majority believes packed food has a positive effect on health.
Utility of demographic and clinical signs as diagnostic predictors for leptospiral uveitis: A retrospective study
Authors: Rathinam SR , Kohila Jeya G. , Sundar Balagiri K , Gowri Chidambaranathan P , Vedhanayagi Rajesh , Radhika Manoj , Nadella Venu 
Published: May 2024

Purpose:
Leptospirosis is a waterborne zoonotic disease prevalent in tropical regions, causing significant morbidity and mortality. It can involve any organ in its primary stage, and uveitis is its late complication. While advanced laboratory diagnosis is available only in tertiary care centers globally, a cost-effective bedside assessment of clinical signs and their scoring could offer a provisional diagnosis.

Aim:
To analyze the diagnostic potential of demographic and clinical signs in a large cohort of serologically confirmed leptospiral uveitis patients.

Methods:
In this retrospective study, demographic and clinical parameters of 876 seropositive leptospiral uveitis patients and 1042 nonleptospiral uveitis controls were studied. Multivariable logistic regression analysis with bootstrap confidence interval (CI) characterized the diagnostic predictors. The performance of the model was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating curve (AUROC).

Results:
Presence of nongranulomatous uveitis (odds ratio [OR] = 6.9), hypopyon (OR = 4.6), vitreous infiltration with membranous opacities (OR = 4.3), bilateral involvement (OR = 4), panuveitis (OR = 3.3), vasculitis (OR = 1.9), disc hyperemia (OR = 1.6), absence of retinochoroiditis (OR = 15), and absence of cystoid macular edema (OR = 8.9) emerged as predictive parameters. The AUROC value was 0.86 with 95% CI of 0.846–0.874. At a cut-off score of 40, the sensitivity and specificity were 79.5 and 78.4, respectively.

Conclusion:
The study demonstrates that ocular signs can serve as diagnostic predictors for leptospiral uveitis, enabling primary care ophthalmologists to make bedside diagnosis. This can be further confirmed by laboratory methods available at tertiary care centers.
Hemoptysis and Deep Vein Thrombosis in a middle aged male due to Anti Phospholipid Antibody (APLA) Syndrome’’ - A Case Report
Authors: Paul P. Jerin , Kumar Suresh 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
36 Years old male, farmer by profession from rural Tamil Nadu presented with complaints of unilateral painful leg swelling for 1 month and cough with hemoptysis for 3 weeks. Chest skiagram revealed Hampton’s hump and ultrasound venous Doppler revealed deep vein thrombosis of the left leg. His computed tomography pulmonary angiogram revealed pulmonary embolism. Due to unusual presentation work up was done and we found positive anti cardiolipin antibody, lupus anticoagulant and anti β 2 glycoprotein antibody. Patient was diagnosed as APLA and was started on oral anticoagulant.
Knowledge and Practices of Airborne Infection Control at the Household Level among Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients Attending a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital in Central Karnataka, India
Authors: Amuje Rohit , Davalagi Shubha B , Krishna Nukala V. S. R. R. Phani 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background:
Airborne transmission of tuberculosis (TB) is a major route of spread. Household contacts of TB patients are at high risk of infection. However, there is limited evidence on airborne infection control knowledge and practices among TB patients in India. This study was done to assess the knowledge and practices related to airborne infection control among pulmonary TB (PTB) patients at the household level and determine associated factors.

Subjects and Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 157 smear-positive PTB patients at a tertiary care hospital in Karnataka, India, using a pretested questionnaire. Knowledge and self-reported practices regarding airborne precautions were assessed. Bivariate analysis was done to determine associated factors. P <0.005 was considered significant.

Results:
Major gaps were found in knowledge about ventilation (50.3%), avoiding visitors (39.5%), and sputum disposal (33.8%). Suboptimal practices were reported for using tissues (19%), handwashing (25%), ventilation (66%), sputum handling (54%), and waste disposal (30%). Good knowledge was associated with younger age, higher education, Hindu religion, family history of TB, intensive phase treatment, and presence of symptoms (P < 0.05). Participants with good knowledge had significantly better preventive practices (P < 0.00001).

Conclusion:
Tailored education on airborne precautions focusing on identified knowledge gaps and risky practices can help improve the adoption of infection control measures among TB patients at the household level. A multifaceted approach is required to translate improved awareness into optimal preventive behaviors.
Neuroanatomy of Stroke: A Computed Tomography-based Topographic Analysis
Authors: Subhadarsini Sonali , Shani Aboobacker Sait , Mishra Dharma Niranjan 
Published: May 2024

Background:
The present study is a computed tomography (CT)-based topographic analysis of cerebral stroke that constitutes the distribution of infarction and hemorrhage with respect to different neuro-anatomical structures. CT scanning is the easily affordable technique in India for the accurate diagnosis of cerebral stroke.

Aim:
The aim of the present study is to evaluate the incidence of brain stroke by CT scan in patients with cerebrovascular accidents.

Subjects and Methods:
Patients with cerebrovascular accidents were subjected to CT scan of the head using GE Revolution ACTs 16 slice multi-detector row CT scanners, slice thickness – 2 mm, 5 mm, and 10 mm and matrix size of 512 × 512. The incidence of stroke in patients over 20 years of age at SCB Medical College was evaluated during the period 2019–2021. The incidence of stroke was studied according to age, sex, and stroke subtype with arterial involvement.

Results:
The topography of brain infarction was highly variable with all regions of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory. There were 190 ischemic and 106 hemorrhagic stroke cases out of 296 patients. The mean age was 55.28 ± 12.73 years. Maximum stroke cases were seen in the age group of 41–60 years and 61–80 years of age. The most common site was basal ganglia 112 (37.83%) and common arterial involvement was MCA 161 (54.4%) with statistical significance (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:
The incidence of stroke rises with age and has its peak in the highly productive age group of 40–60 years of age. The findings of the present study will be helpful to young doctors for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Morphometric Evaluation of the Human Corpus Callosum using Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Sex Difference and Relationship to Age and Intracranial Size
Authors: Tuncer Işik 
Published: May 2024

Introduction:
The objective of this study was to determine the normal values of corpus callosum (CC) subregions in healthy adult individuals in our population using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to reveal gender differences during normal aging.

Material and Methods:
We performed the measurements of certain CC dimensions in 104 (44 males and 60 females) individuals. MRI imaging device was used for the measurements. The subregions of CC were measured with the midsagittal images. After the measurements of CC and its sections’ (rostrum [R], genus [G], anterior body, posterior body, isthmus [I], and splenium [S]), length (L), width (W), and area (A) were carried out, the intracranial volume (ICV) and intracranial area (ICA) values were calculated. The Student’s t-test and Pearson correlation test were used for statistical analysis.

Results:
Morphometric data of length, width, area, ICV, and ICA were collected. No significant difference was identified in CC morphometry by age among the patients (P > 0.05). Indicating longer diameters in males, the differences between the genders were significant (P < 0.05). Moreover, the mean of R-L, G-A, and G-W measurements was found significant between the age groups (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:
Sexual dimorphism in the CC is not a simple artifact of sex differences in brain size and may reflect differences in connectivity necessitated by differences in brain sizes.