bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tidal Seismicity in the Moon and Implications for the Rocky Interior of Europa
Authors: Pou Laurent , Panning Mark P. , Styczinski Marshall J. , Melwani Daswani Mohit , Nunn Ceri , Vance Steven D. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Seismology is a powerful tool for probing the deep interiors of planetary bodies. Just as deep moonquakes triggered by Earth’s tides occur on the Moon, as observed by the Apollo seismometers, icy moons of the giant planets may also have seismically active deep interiors, opening up future prospects for in situ seismic investigations at their surfaces. Of notable interest is Jupiter’s moon Europa, with its dynamic ice shell and potentially habitable subsurface ocean. In this work, we use different interior models of the Moon and model the tidal stress inside them to determine the most likely times and locations for the triggering of tidal moonquakes. Using the Mohr–Coulomb failure criterion, we derive cohesion and friction values for the lunar interior to match the observations of deep moonquakes by Apollo at a depth between 700 and 1200 km. By extending the same approach to different interior models of Europa, we show that Europa quakes triggered by the tides of Jupiter are 10 times more likely to occur than tidal moonquakes. The strength and depth of these tidal Europa quakes (euroquakes) strongly depend on the interior structure, with stronger events at the core–mantle boundary for liquid core models, while solid core models can be more prone to failure at the bottom of the ocean floor. Models without a metallic core favor failure in the upper third of the mantle with event strength similar to that in the solid core models.
B Cells of Early-life Origin Defined by RAG2-based Lymphoid Cell Tracking under Native Hematopoietic Conditions
Authors: Fujisaki Keiko , Okazaki Shogo , Ogawa Shuhei , Takeda Miyama , Sugihara Eiji , Imai Kenichi , Mizuno Seiya , Takahashi Satoru , Goitsuka Ryo 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
During the perinatal period, the immune system sets the threshold to select either response or tolerance to environmental Ags, which leads to the potential to provide a lifetime of protection and health. B-1a B cells have been demonstrated to develop during this perinatal time window, showing a unique and restricted BCR repertoire, and these cells play a major role in natural Ab secretion and immune regulation. In the current study, we developed a highly efficient temporally controllable RAG2-based lymphoid lineage cell labeling and tracking system and applied this system to understand the biological properties and contribution of B-1a cells generated at distinct developmental periods to the adult B-1a compartments. This approach revealed that B-1a cells with a history of RAG2 expression during the embryonic and neonatal periods dominate the adult B-1a compartment, including those in the bone marrow (BM), peritoneal cavity, and spleen. Moreover, the BCR repertoire of B-1a cells with a history of RAG2 expression during the embryonic period was restricted, becoming gradually more diverse during the neonatal period, and then heterogeneous at the adult stage. Furthermore, more than half of plasmablasts/plasma cells in the adult BM had embryonic and neonatal RAG2 expression histories. Moreover, BCR analysis revealed a high relatedness between BM plasmablasts/plasma cells and B-1a cells derived from embryonic and neonatal periods, suggesting that these cell types have a common origin. Taken together, these findings define, under native hematopoietic conditions, the importance in adulthood of B-1a cells generated during the perinatal period.
Investigating the effect of levothyroxine replacement on cholesterol levels in hypothyroid patients
Authors: Moradi Leila , Zaman Ferdos , Tangestani Makieh , Amiri Fatemeh , Sedaghat Ali R. 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction:
Effects of levothyroxine therapy on the lipid profile of hypothyroid patients lead to decrease in the risk of cardiovascular diseases and mortality.

Objective:
Overt or subclinical hypothyroid dysfunction has negative effects on lipid metabolism and leads to hypercholesterolemia that in turn increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases and mortality. In this matter, several interventional studies investigated the effects of levothyroxine therapy on the lipid profile of hypothyroid patients, and conflicting results have been obtained. The current research aims to investigate the effect of levothyroxine replacement on cholesterol levels in hypothyroid patients.

Methods:
The present prospective study examined 112 patients (mean age of 43.80 ± 14.36 years) with overt hypothyroidism. To do so, 72.3% of patients were females. Levothyroxine replacement therapy was prescribed for patients, and they were examined monthly to evaluate the effects of therapy on their lipid profiles. After reaching normal thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), the patients’ laboratory parameters, including TSH, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides, were surveyed.

Results:
After Levothyroxine therapy, there was a significant reduction in mean TSH (62.03 vs. 2.33 ± 1.95; P < 0.0001), triglycerides (145.57 ± 88.65 vs. 121.91 ± 59.52, P = 0.002), cholesterol (203.90 ± 53.73 vs. 166.65 ± 40.07, P < 0.0001), and serum LDL (123.61 ± 45.03 vs. 95.99 ± 24.20, P < 0.0001), but the mean value of serum HDL did not show any significant change (54.18 ± 16.60 vs. 51.59 ± 18.38, P = 0.274).

Conclusions:
Levothyroxine therapy has beneficial effects on lipid profile in patients with overt hypothyroidism because it decreases serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, and LDL. However, levothyroxine therapy does not significantly change HDL levels.
Characteristics associated with perceived level of confidence managing diabetes among United States adults with diabetes: A retrospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Cornelison Bernadette , Aqel Osama , Axon David R. 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

Objectives:
Identifying characteristics associated with patients’ confidence managing diabetes may aid the primary care provider in offering diabetes self-management education and support to patients. This analysis assessed the relationship between demographic, health, economic, access to care, satisfaction with care, and healthcare utilization characteristics with patients’ confidence managing diabetes.

Methods:
United States adults with diabetes in the 2020 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey were included in this retrospective cross-sectional analysis. Characteristics related statistically to patients’ confidence managing diabetes in multivariable logistic regression analysis were reported.

Results:
Among the 1,516 eligible individuals, 76.3% stated they were very confident/confident with their diabetes management. Adults who perceived their health positively (odds ratio 2.3, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.3–3.9), completed ≥30 min moderate/vigorous exercise five times weekly (odds ratio 1.6, 95% CI 1.0–2.6), had at least one inpatient discharge in 2020 (odds ratio 3.5, 95% CI 1.5–8.1), said it was not difficult to telephone their usual provider (odds ratio 3.3, 95% CI 1.4–7.8), and had no emergency room visits in 2020 (odds ratio 2, 95% CI 1.1–3.3) had higher odds of stating they were very confident or confident with their diabetes management.

Conclusion:
The characteristics associated with being very confident/confident managing diabetes should be considered by primary healthcare physicians and other healthcare professionals when helping patients manage diabetes.
Assessment of mass drug administration for lymphatic filariasis elimination in the Armori and Chamorshi blocks of Gadchiroli District, Maharashtra: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Inkane Swapnil , Gill Naresh , Shaikh Kamran , Choudhari Sonali G. , Maroju Revathi G. 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

Context:
Medical colleges regularly examine mass drug administration (MDA) programs to determine their effectiveness and pinpoint areas for development. These analyses frequently show a discrepancy between the program’s coverage and actual drug use. This study was conducted in the Chamorshi and Armori blocks of the Gadchiroli District in Maharashtra.

Aim:
This study aimed to find out the coverage and compliance of MDA in the Chamorshi and Armori blocks of Gadchiroli, Maharashtra.

Settings and Design:
This study was a cross-sectional study.

Materials and Methods:
Thirty houses from each of the three randomly chosen villages and a ward were surveyed in each implementing unit. Thus, a total of 120 households’ worth of data were gathered and examined. Information was gathered from each individual in the chosen home at the individual level.

Statistical Analysis Used:
Data were collected and duly filled out on questionnaire forms, which were then entered in Microsoft (MS) Excel. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0 (Chicago) was used as a statistical tool in the analysis.

Results:
Consumption rates in rural areas were much higher than in urban areas. A minimum consumption rate was found in the 2- to 5-year-old age range.

Conclusions:
In this study, the percentage of coverage and compliance rates was 89.5% and 99.4% and 90.81% and 99.2% for the Armori and Chamorshi blocks, respectively. In comparison, coverage was better in rural areas than in urban areas. The MDA program must therefore be significantly strengthened in urban areas, particularly by guaranteeing improved compliance through monitored drug consumption.
COVID-19 pandemic – Cocktail of variants, a study from Northern India
Authors: Chaudhary Preeti , Gulati Neelam , Gupta Varsha , Garg Rajni , Walia Sohini , Dhawan Isha , Thakur Bhuwaneshwar 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

Context:
The aim of the study was to identify and monitor the circulating strains of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in the samples received at our center and update the existing national and international genomic surveillance data.

Introduction:
SARS-CoV-2 is no exception to the basic nature of the viruses ability to change and evolve. Since its first report in December 2019 from Wuhan, China, multiple variants of the virus have emerged and been reported. Five variants of concern have been recognized and reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which are associated with variable degrees of transmissibility and mortality.

Materials and Methods:
Nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs received in viral transport medium at the Viral Research Diagnostic Laboratory were processed for reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction for SARS-CoV-2. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) was performed for selective positive samples using Oxford Nanopore sequencing technology, using MinKNOW software for data acquisition.

Statistical Analysis:
The clades were assigned using Nextclade v2.4.1 software. The statistical analysis was calculated using OpenEpi version 3, an open-source calculator, and two by two.

Results:
Variants reported over the study period included Alpha, Kappa, Delta, and Omicron. Delta dominated in the year 2021, while Omicron was the dominant variant in 2022. In both the dominant variants, asymptomatics contributed to around 30–40% of positives. Intensive care unit admissions and mortality were higher in the Delta variant, while vaccination history and travel history were higher in the patients with Omicron variant.

Conclusion:
The trend tracking of these variants has been important in view of public health, enabling early interventions to control the spread of the disease and foresight in preparation for the situation.
Study of cognitive functions and their association with depression in type II diabetes mellitus
Authors: Jain Akhilesh , Sunder Shyam , Jain Nitesh , Yadav Neelam , Saini Ashok , Yadav Kuldeep S. 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction:
Individuals with diabetes have higher risk of developing depression, cognitive impairment, and dementia compared to those who do not have diabetes. The present study aims to assess the level of cognitive functions and the presence of depression in diabetes patients and healthy controls. The study also explores the level of cognition among the normal control, diabetes without depression, and diabetes with depression.

Methods:
In the present study, the presence of depression and the level of cognitive functions of 59 cases of diabetes mellitus type-2 were compared with an age- and gender-matched control group of 40 individuals. Clinical and demographic details were recorded on a semi-structured performa. Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) were applied to both diabetes patients and healthy controls to assess the level of cognitive functions and the presence of depression, respectively.

Results:
On applying odds ratio (OR), it was observed in the present study that there were 93.50% more chances [OR 1.935 with 95% confidence interval (CI) being 0.481–7.789] of depression among diabetic cases as compared to the control group. Similarly, the chance of MoCA score being less than 26 was twice among the diabetic group as compared to the control group (OR 2.208 with 95% CI being 0.702–6.946). On application of the Chi-square test, the association of depression was significant with HBA1C level, level of education, and presence of complications.

Conclusions:
Patients with diabetes had almost double the risk of developing depression and poor cognitive functions as compared to the healthy control. High HbA1C level, level of education, and presence of complication in diabetes had a positive statistical association with depression. Thus, it is advisable to investigate patients with diabetes for the presence of depression and cognitive dysfunction by applying simple tools.
Prevalence of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Insights from a prospective study
Authors: Rayees AK , Chetambath Ravindran , Ibrahim Ramseena , Kumar Anoop 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency is a genetic risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) but prevalence data in acutely exacerbated Indian patients is limited. This study determined AAT deficiency rates and correlations with inflammation and lung function among hospitalized patients with COPD.

Methods:
A total of 106 patients hospitalized for acute COPD exacerbations were prospectively enrolled from June 2016 to February 2018 in Kerala, India, excluding any with known AAT deficiency. Serum AAT levels were quantified and correlated with C-reactive protein (CRP) levels as well as postbronchodilator spirometry.

Results:
Mean serum AAT level was 1.48 ± 0.27 g/L. No AAT deficiency cases were identified, although AAT and CRP both significantly increased during flares. AAT levels positively correlated with FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC ratios. Patients with lower AAT had worse pulmonary status.

Conclusion:
Despite finding no AAT deficiency in this regional Indian cohort, further studies across expanded, more diverse populations are warranted to definitively establish prevalence nationwide. Temporal monitoring of AAT kinetics could help gauge exacerbation trajectories.
C-reactive protein and thrombocytopenia as essential early indicators: Subtle approach to neonatal sepsis
Authors: Kotpal Ruchi , Jindal Sonal 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction:
Early diagnosis of neonatal sepsis is very essential part of newborn care to prevent mortality and decrease morbidity in newborns.

Aim:
The aim of this study is to correlate an increase in C-reactive protein (CRP) titre and a decrease in platelet count with an increased incidence of neonatal septicemia, for an effective subtle approach in neonatal septicemia.

Materials and Methods:
A retrospective study was conducted in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of a tertiary care hospital from Jan 2022 to July 2023. Neonates admitted to the NICU with suspected sepsis were screened for sepsis. Screening was done by taking blood culture samples before administration of antibiotics, serum samples for CRP and blood samples for platelet count.

Result:
A total of 270 newborns with suspected sepsis were included in the study. Blood culture positivity was seen in 27.7 (27/75) cases. About 32.9% (89/270) of the neonates with suspected sepsis and 61.3% (46/75) neonates with confirmed sepsis had raised CRP; 32.2% (87/270) neonates with suspected sepsis and 64% (48/75) with confirmed sepsis had decreased platelet count. Both an increase in CRP and a decrease in platelets were seen in 61.3% (46/75) of confirmed cases.

Conclusion:
In our study, both raised CRP and decreased platelet count were seen in around 60% of confirmed cases of sepsis. So, CRP titre and platelet count can be used as early, rapid diagnostic markers for confirmed sepsis.
Exploring physicians’ expectations of telehealth services implementation in primary care: An application of the social cognitive theory
Authors: Qashqary Mohammed Esmail 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
Understanding healthcare professionals’ expectations in telehealth is crucial for successful implementation. The present study used an adaptation of the antecedents-expectations model, supported by the social cognitive theory to evaluate physicians’ expectations regarding the implementation of telehealth in primary healthcare (PHC) and to investigate the potential influence, on expectations, of a prior telehealth experience (antecedents) during the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Materials and Methods:
A questionnaire-based survey was conducted online, targeting PHC physicians. Expectations covered four telehealth performance domains including public health and health promotion, Care Quality and Workflow Organization, Patient’s Convenience and Engagement and Providers’ Value and Training. Antecedents included six domains including gain in self-efficacy, gain in knowledge, gain in participation/engagement, gain in experience, enjoyment and satisfaction. Stepwise linear regression was performed to analyse the effect of antecedents on overall expectations.

Results:
A total of 54 physicians participated in the study. The mean expectation score was 114.15/154 (SD = 28.26), with highest expectations concerning cost-effectiveness, care timeliness and patients’ convenience. A previous experience with smart apps and dedicated telehealth platforms was associated with lower expectations scores. Expectations scores were positively correlated with antecedents scores; however, satisfaction was the sole independent factor of overall expectations (regression coefficient B = 4.40, 95%CI: 3.11–5.68).

Conclusion:
The findings highlight the significance of previous experience and various antecedents in shaping physicians’ expectations about telehealth. These insights can inform the development of strategies and interventions to enhance healthcare professionals’ expectations and facilitate the successful implementation of telehealth services.
Adherence to weekly iron folic acid supplementation and associated factors among adolescent girls – A mixed-method study
Authors: Y. Nisha Maheswari , Kandasamy Sunitha , J. Ezhil Ramya , Subbiah Padmavathi , Davidson Prathiksha D. , Gopal Muthukrishnan , Velappan Lakshmi K. , Kalyanaraman Shantaraman 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

Context:
Despite the Weekly Iron folic acid supplementation (WIFS) program, the prevalence of anaemia among adolescent girls remains high. Phase 1 Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) task force study conducted in 2016 in Kallur showed that the IFA provision rate for adolescent girls was 72% but the consumption rate was only 15% in the Kallur area. The present study was done to identify the gaps for the difference between provision and consumption rate of weekly IFA tablets among adolescent girls using the WHO conceptual framework in home-based settings.

Materials and Methods:
This crosssectional study with a mixedmethod design was conducted from October 2020 to December 2021. Quantitative data were collected from 972 adolescent girls and their parents using a structured pretested questionnaire, whereas qualitative exploration was done by focus group discussions. Descriptive analysis and bivariate analysis were used to analyse the quantitative data. Qualitative data were analysed and integrated with quantitative results.

Results:
The overall number of girls who were aware of Iron Folic acid therapy (IFAT) was 704 (72%). However, only 132 (13%) adolescent girls were found to be adherent to IFA therapy. Multivariable regression analysis revealed that side effects encountered on intake of IFAT (Odds ratio (OR) =0.5, P = 0.009) were associated with higher rates of nonadherence, whereas regular supply (OR = 13.6, P = 0.000), health education to parents (OR = 2.76, P = 0.002), and experiencing benefits (OR = 1.72, P = 0.006) were associated with higher rates of adherence. These were substantiated by qualitative findings.

Conclusions:
Ignorance on the impact of anaemia on adolescent health, fear of side effects, unpleasant effects experienced on intake of Iron folic acid (IFA), and inadequate counselling determines the adherence to weekly IFA supplements among adolescent girls.
Assessing NESTROFT as a preliminary screening tool for thalassemia in the Malayali tribes of Dharmapuri district, Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Pichamuthu Bala Ganesh , Arunachalam Kantha Deivi , Kosalram Kalpana 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
Mutations affecting transcription, translation, or beta-globin stability, among other stages of beta-globin production, cause beta-thalassemia.

Methods:
Beta-thalassemia results in a high red blood cell count with a low mean corpuscular volume (60–70fl) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (19–23pg), and Naked Eye Single Tube Red Cell Osmotic Fragility Test (NESTROFT) is recommended for mass screening of populations. Among tribals in Dharmapuri district, this cross-sectional analysis evaluated the efficacy of RBC and NESTROFT against HPLC, regarded as the gold standard, in a study involving 484 subjects.

Results:
Findings indicated that out of the 484 samples, 73 tested positive for the beta-thalassemia trait through HPLC. The NESTROFT test demonstrated 87% sensitivity, 98.5% specificity, a positive predictive value of 99.3%, and a negative predictive value of 73.3%. In the multivariate analysis, NESTROFT and hemoglobin showed high significance with P values of 0.003 and 0.000, respectively.

Conclusion:
NESTROFT’s high sensitivity is particularly noteworthy due to the absence of research among the Malayali tribes in the Dharmapuri district. Adoption of this preliminary test shows promise in detecting the disease at the local level, providing important information for early detection, especially considering the sizeable tribal population.