bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigating vitamin D status following severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection and its relationship with long coronavirus disease
Authors: Kaddah Safy Zahed , Mousa Heba Allah , Elhalafawy Mariam Yasser , Ashraf Hala , Osman Mahmoud , Bayoumi Aml Ibrahim 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objective
Health-care systems are facing a brand new difficulty as a result of post-COVID-19 syndrome. The relationship between long COVID and vitamin d.(25OHD levels was not extensively studied. Also, to our knowledge, no study evaluated vit d.(25OHD) levels and their relation to long COVID in the long-term period [3–6 months) after COVID infection. This study aims to evaluate vit d.(25OHD) levels post-COVID-19 infection and its relation to persistent symptoms in long-term COVID.

Patients and methods
A cross-sectional, single-center study involving 84 patients who were recruited during the period from December 2021 to May 2022, during the previous 6 months after the COVID-19 sickness. Complete history, clinical examination, and laboratory analysis [C-reactive protein, D-dimer, total leukocyte count, lymphocyte count. Serum vit d.(25OHD), and HRCT chest were performed.

Results
Of the patients, 44% had insufficient levels [20–30 ng/dL), 36% had deficient vitamin D levels [<20 ng/dL), and only 19% reported normal levels. In the examined groups, there was no association between vitamin d.(25OHD) levels and post-COVID-19 symptoms.

Conclusion
The study population had a high rate of vit d.(25OHD) insufficiency; however, no association was found between vit d.(25OHD) level and post-COVID-19 symptoms. The relation between long COVID-19 pathophysiology and the immune system is more complicated. More research is required to determine whether vit d.(25OHD) may have a part in long-term COVID-19.
Lung ultrasound (LUS): a simple, inexpensive, and quick diagnostic method: a literature review
Authors: Lazovic Biljana , Dmitrovic Radmila , Simonovic Isidora , Jovičić Nevena , Vasin Dragan , ELBagalaty Mohamed , Esquinas Antonio M 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Historically, radiologists believed that ultrasound was ineffective for detecting lung and pleural diseases. Today, it is regarded as a diagnosis (imaging) that may be ‘equated’ with advanced methods such as radiography and computed tomography (CT) since it has comparable, if not greater, diagnostic accuracy for specific pathological substrates when compared with cross-sectional radiographic approaches such as CT. We have covered the basic anatomical points and lines, as well as their meanings in the interpretation of ultrasound findings, throughout this article. We have specifically highlighted conditions with high lung ultrasound (LUS) specificity and sensitivity, such as pleural effusion, pneumothorax, and pneumonia. It is also noteworthy that it’s recommended for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients in the diagnosis of interstitial pneumonitis. Following lines such as A, B, C, Z, and E would provide us with information on the patient’s current condition. We identified 15 papers that contained the following keywords: ‘A lines’, ‘B lines’, ‘C lines’, ‘Z lines’, ‘E lines’, ‘pleural effusion’, ‘pneumothorax’, ‘pneumonia’, and ‘coronavirus disease 2019’.

Conclusion
The use of lung ultrasound will become more widespread. It is vital to train general practitioners and emergency doctors in its use since it provides a quick and reliable reference point for further diagnosis.
Utility of original and simplified pulmonary embolism severity indices in risk stratification of patients with pulmonary embolism: a study from Saudi Arabia
Authors: Abuelhassan Usama E , Alsalem Ali A , Alshafa Fawwaz A , Alshahrani Fahad S , AlShahrani Maram A , Alamri Amal K , Alaqil Meaad A , Alasim Ahmed A , Kadasah Ali S , Alsultan Eman M , Almani Salihah Y , Almani Nalah Y , Badawi Azizah G , Al-Shahrani Nourah A , Salawi Ali A , Alshehri Shubayli H , Alshehri Elham FA , Abdelwahab Sherif A 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
We aimed to report our experience using both the pulmonary embolism severity index (PESI) and its simplified form (s-PESI) score in evaluating patients with PE admitted at a large Saudi Arabian Hospital.

Patients and methods
This was a retrospective analysis where the adult (≥14 years old) patients admitted to the hospital of the Armed Forces Hospital Southern Region with the diagnosis of acute PE through 1 year were enrolled. The accuracy of both PESI and s-PESI was evaluated for mortality.

Results
Two hundred and twelve patients were enrolled. We encountered a significant relation only with the 90, 180 days, 1 year, and overall in-hospital mortality for low versus high-risk classification by the s-PESI score. There was neither a significant correlation between any-period mortality and classes of PESI score nor between low versus high-risk s-PESI score and 30-day mortality. The sensitivity of PESI and s-PESI in predicting mortality were 66.7 and 97.0%, respectively. The area under the curve of PESI and s-PESI were 0.611 (P=0.043), and 0.629 (P=0.005), respectively.

Conclusion
Besides being an easier tool for stratifying the risk of patients with PE, our data show that the s-PESI score is utilizable in Saudi Arabian patients with PE admitted at a large tertiary hospital. s-PESI and PESI have good potential to predict the prognosis of PE in terms of in-hospital mortality, with higher sensitivity, negative predictive value, and area under the curve for s-PESI versus PESI. There was a significant correlation between the s-PESI and the 90, 180 days, 1 year, and the overall in-hospital mortality. Further prospective multicenter studies are needed.
Kinetic model for polyhydroxybutyrate production by Bacillus aryabhattai MH997667.1 in a batch culture using different agitation speeds
Authors: Abd-Elsalam Ibrahim S. , Shafei Mona S. , Allam Reda F. , Mostafa Enas M. , Khattab Abd El-Nasser A. , Ragab Yasser M. , Amin Magdy A. , El-Metwally Neveen M. 
Published: April 2024

Background
Slow degradation of synthetic plastics represents a high environmental hazard; therefore, there is an essential requirement to substitute them with eco-friendly products. Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) is a biodegradable biopolymer and also has several industrial, agricultural, and medical applications. Scaling up the production of PHB is still a problem due to the numerous parameters tangled in the fermentation processes.

Objective
The present work seeks to scale up polyhydroxybutyrate production by Bacillus aryabhattai MH997667.1 from shaken flasks to a 5L-bench top bioreactor with previously optimized media by applying a batch fermentation strategy.

Materials and methods
Different agitation speeds (200, 250 and 300 rpm) were tested in a 5L-bench-top bioreactor with a working volume of 3L. A kinetic model (logistic and Luedeking–Piret) that describes the microbial biomass and polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) production is used to expect the performance of batch fermentation of Bacillus aryabhattai MH997667.1.

Results and conclusion
The optimum PHB yield (2.32 g/l) was expressed at 250 rpm agitation after 28 hours of fermentation. The experimental data were also fitted with the logistic and Luedeking–Piret equations for growth and PHB formation, respectively. The mathematical model proposed for batch fermentation revealed that the simulated data showed a good fit with the experimental results obtained during the first 24 h of PHB production at 250 rpm, where the productivity was 0.095 g L−1h−1. Our data suggest that agitation speed had a significant effect on PHB production and the 250 rpm agitation speed is the optimum speed for PHB production using Bacillus aryabhattai MH997667.1 in batch fermentation.
Isolation and identification of probiotic lactobacilli from ruminant animals
Authors: Abdou Amr M. , Syame Sohier M. , Bakry Magdy A. , Effat Mohammad M. , Fouad Ehab A. 
Published: April 2024

Background
Lactobacillus strains are a group of bacteria that provide health benefits to their hosts when consumed in proper amounts. They are which exhibit an important for intestinal microflora that constitutes a beneficial mechanism responsible for antimicrobial activity. Ruminant animals such as cattle, buffalo, goat, and sheep have formed a symbiotic relationship with ruminal microorganisms that synthesize fiber digesting enzymes. The microbial flora obtained from ruminal ingesta is an output of the composition, nature, and quality of the animals’ feed. It is found that the dominating flora are usually starch and complex polysaccharide degrading microbiota.

Objective
The aim of the present study was to isolate and identify probiotic lactobacilli present in some ruminant animals to investigate interspecies differences in probiotic Lactobacillus contents.

Materials and methods
Sixty samples were collected in triple manner under aseptic conditions from buffalo, cattle, sheep and goats including rectal, buccal, and nasal swabs. Following DNA extraction from the isolated bacteria, 16S rRNA multiplex polymerase chain reaction analysis was performed to recognize the obtained isolates.

Results and conclusion
A total of 38 isolates were identified as lactobacillus species including 7, 14, 8, and 9 isolates from buffalo, cattle, sheep, and goat, respectively. The buffalo samples displayed the lowest variability in lactobacilli with the identification of Lactobacillus delbrueckii only. Cattle, goat, and sheep samples showed the presence of Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus acidophillus, L. delbrueckii, Lactobacillus gasseri, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus. It is found that L. gasseri was the most frequently isolated species in cattle followed by L. rhamnosus, while L. delbrueckii was the most frequently isolated species in goat followed by L. casei. L. gasseri was the most frequently isolated strain in sheep followed by L. acidophillus and L. rhamnosus. These strains should be investigated in more detail, individually or in combination, for their potential health benefits. Understanding how these species interact with other microbiota community members in each host as well as how they interact with host cells, particularly immune cells, can provide valuable insight into their function both in health and disease.
Correlation of Anti-Mullerian Hormone with Antral Follicle Count among South Indian Infertile Women in a Tertiary Care Center
Authors: Mounika Kodali Lakshmi , Jayashree S. , Rangaswamy Mythily Mysore 
Published: April 2024

Context:
Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) is one of the important causes of infertility and its incidence is increasing even in younger age groups with no risk factors. Ovarian reserve needs to be evaluated in an infertile couple as the fecundity or response to ovarian stimulation is less in women with DOR. Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and antral follicle count (AFC) are markers of ovarian reserve with the highest sensitivity.

Aims:
The aim of this study was to assess the ovarian reserve among infertile women through AMH and AFC, to find if there is a correlation between AMH and AFC, and to see if there is a correlation between AMH and AFC with age.

Settings and Design:
This study was conducted at the Department of OBG, JSS Hospital, JSS AHER, Mysore. This was a cross-sectional study.

Materials and Methods:
The study included 141 infertile women aged 19–45 years. Serum AMH was measured using chemiluminescent immunoassay irrespective of the day of the menstrual cycle and AFC was measured on 2nd or 3rd day of the menstrual cycle by transvaginal ultrasound.

Statistical Analysis Used:
Student’s-t-test, Chi-square test, and Pearson’s correlation were used for analysis.

Results:
Mean AMH and AFC of the subjects were 4.52 ± 4.16 ng/ml and 17.08 ± 12.54, respectively. A significant positive correlation was noted between AMH and AFC (r = 0.663, P < 0.01) and there was a significant negative correlation between age as compared with AFC (r = −0.349, P < 0.01) and AMH (r = −0.244, P < 0.01).

Conclusion:
AFC and AMH showed a significant negative correlation with age. AFC had a strong positive correlation with serum AMH.
Development of International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health Core Sets for Lower Extremity Osteoarthritis within Indian Context: A Study Protocol
Authors: Khuman P. Ratan , Muruganantham Balaganapathy 
Published: April 2024

Background:
Properly understanding the functioning and health status of lower extremity osteoarthritis (LEOA) is needed to optimize interventions to enhance function and minimize disability. The available International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) Core Sets (CS) for osteoarthritis are not specific to the lower extremity. They are strongly influenced by Western sociocultural values that may be inappropriate in the Indian context. Therefore, the objective of this study is to present the proposed process for the development of the ICF CS for LEOA, specifically for the Indian population.

Materials and Methods:
The first stage is to identify ICF categories significant for LEOA using four preparatory studies: (a) a systematic literature review to compile the researcher’s perspective by identifying functional outcome measures, (b) a qualitative study using focus group interviews to identify patients’ perspective, (c) an expert survey to identify experts’ perspective, and (d) a cross-sectional, multicenter study. The first version of the comprehensive and brief ICF-CS for LEOA will be developed through a consensus process using a Delphi exercise, integrating the evidence from the preparatory studies. In the final stage, field testing on Indian patients will validate the first version of the CS for LEOA.

Conclusion:
The proposed protocol to develop ICF-CS for LEOA may provide the basis for a generally agreed-upon standard that allows a comparison of functioning in clinical practice, research studies, quality management, and reimbursement that are relevant for patients with LEOA and health-care providers in Indian contexts.
Ileal Chylolymphatic Mesenteric Cyst in a 4-year-old Child
Authors: Goel Aashna , Thakur Brijesh , Garg Vageesha 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Mesenteric cysts are rare, usually asymptomatic intra-abdominal benign cystic lesions, located in gastrointestinal tract mesentery. Their incidence is estimated about 1/20,000 in the pediatric age group with a male-to-female ratio of 1:2. Here, we report a case of ileal chylolymphatic mesenteric cyst in a 4-year-old male child. A 4-year-old male child presented to the outpatient department with a history of on-and-off abdominal pain and vomiting for the last 2 years. Ultrasound revealed a well-defined anechoic area measuring approximately 68 mm × 52 mm in the lower abdomen and pelvis. Exploratory laparotomy was performed and excised cyst with an attached part of the ileum was sent for histopathology. Correlating histology with immunohistochemical findings, the final diagnosis of ileal chylolymphatic type mesenteric cyst was considered. Mesenteric cysts should be kept as a differential diagnosis of intra-abdominal and pelvic cystic lesions. Although rare, awareness of this entity is necessary for early and prompt diagnosis as well as management, particularly in patients of the pediatric age group.
Performance analysis of point-of-care testing haemoglobin concentration methods with automated haematology analyser amongst blood donors
Authors: Sasidharan Athira , Bhaskaran Ramesh , Baiju Nithya M. , Rafi Aboobacker Mohamed , Innah Susheela J. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background:
In terms of rapidness, testing methodology and sensitivity, point-of-care (POC) testing devices provide quality in haemoglobin (Hb) check for safe donation of blood.

Methods:
This was a prospective observational study in a tertiary care centre. Capillary finger-prick samples obtained from 100 blood donors were analysed prior to donation using reagent-free cuvettes (DiaSpect Tm), digital haemoglobinometer (True Hb) and Hb photometer (HemoCue 301). Venous samples were drawn for analysis on haematology analyser. Donors were accepted based on copper sulphate method acceptance criteria. The performance of the devices was evaluated considering automated haematology analyser (Sysmex XN 1000) as the gold standard.

Results:
The mean Hb value using Sysmex XN 1000, HemoCue 301, DiaSpect Tm and True Hb were 14.8 ± 1.1 g/dL, 15.4 ± 1.8 g/dL, 15.3 ± 1.8 g/dL and 18.6 ± 2.8 g/dL, respectively. The sensitivity of True Hb, DiaSpect Tm, HemoCue 301 and copper sulphate method were 96.8%, 96.8%, 3.7% and 98.9%, respectively. DiaSpect Tm had a specificity of 60% whereas specificity of True Hb and copper sulphate method were 20% each. True Hb, HemoCue 301, DiaSpect Tm and copper sulphate had a positive predictive value of 95.8%, 94.7%, 97.9% and 95.9% and accuracy of 93%, 89%, 95% and 95%, respectively. The mean turnaround time was 1 sec for DiaSpect Tm whereas 35.3 sec and 2.6 sec for True Hb and HemoCue 301, respectively. The copper sulphate test provided the highest rate of donor’s acceptance, despite unacceptable Hb levels.

Conclusions:
DiaSpect Tm has the advantage of rapid turnaround time, high specificity and accuracy when compared to gold standard method.
Depression and hyponatraemia unmasking hypopituitarism
Authors: Sonali Nethagani Sankya , Abhilash Naini , Sree Aakula Suguna , Modugu Nageswara Rao , Shetty Mallikarjuna 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Hyponatraemia is a common clinical problem encountered in clinical practice and has multifactorial aetiology. The presentation of hyponatremia due to hypopituitarism secondary to pituitary apoplexy is rarely seen and sometimes missed. We report the case of a 34-year-old male with a history of reduced social interaction, decreased sexual drive, fatigue, vomiting, hiccoughs and presented to the hospital with altered sensorium. Laboratory testing revealed hyponatraemia (107 mEq/L); there was reduced serum cortisol (8 AM), decrease in serum adrenocorticotropic hormone (8 AM) and pituitary hormone assay suggestive of hypopituitarism. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain with dynamic pituitary contrast suggestive of pitutary apoplexy. The patient was managed with 3% sodium chloride infusion, hydrocortisone and thyroid supplementation.
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis presenting with rare extra-articular manifestations: A report of two cases
Authors: Nabeel  , Mohan Alladi , Vaddera Sameeraja , Kommireddy Sirisha , Velam Vanajakshamma 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), a common rheumatic disease of childhood, is a consolidated term used for all chronic childhood arthritis affecting joints and extra-articular structures. Involvement of skin and internal organs such as liver, spleen, intestine, peritoneum, pleura, pericardium and myocardium will cause systemic symptoms leading to disability and mortality. Despite advanced treatment options, significant morbidity still occurs due to an unpredictable clinical course and risk of joint restriction. We describe polyarticular rheumatoid factor-negative JIA with extra-articular manifestations involving pericardium causing chronic constrictive pericarditis in a 16-year-old girl and her sibling a 13-year-old boy. The female patient developed cardiac cirrhosis, portal hypertension and oesophageal varices. Screening evaluation of this patient’s asymptomatic sibling with similar articular manifestations revealed the rare occurrence of chronic constrictive pericarditis without symptoms. Both were treated with pericardiectomy and were relieved of symptoms. Two patients of JIA from the same family presenting with constrictive pericarditis is a rare association.
Impact of the rapidly expanding mobile phone industry on health
Authors: Shrivastava Saurabh RamBihariLal , Shrivastava Prateek Saurabh 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Mobile phones have become an integral element of the telecommunication, and a rapid upsurge has been observed in the global market. Mobile phones and the associated radiofrequency have already become an important cause of concern for the masses and the stakeholders as the released radiofrequencies have been categorised as carcinogenic. Owing to the large number of consumers, and the carcinogenic nature of the electromagnetic field produced by them, it is quite necessary to explore, analyse and monitor any health consequences. At the same time, it will be wrong to consider only harmful aspects of the mobile phones, as they have revolutionised healthcare and provided a quite effective option for the policymakers. To conclude, there is no doubt that mobile phone usage has increased and it will be further increasing in the coming years. Even though the use of mobile phones has been linked with multiple merits in the field of healthcare, we must carefully weigh the involved risks and thus take a wise and rational call to limit the extent of derangements.
Awareness and Attitude of Oral Biopsy among Dental Practitioners in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Almeslet Asmaa Saleh 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
The role of dental practitioners is crucial in diagnosing oral conditions or lesions.

Objectives:
To evaluate the awareness and attitude of oral biopsy among the sample dental practitioners in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia.

Methods:
A survey among 369 dental practitioners assessed their knowledge of oral biopsy using a structured questionnaire, with descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests applied.

Results:
31.7% of dental practitioners called specialists for an oral biopsy, with 41.7% citing a lack of experience or skill. Most (40.9%) did not perform biopsies, using incisional methods.

Conclusion:
Dental practitioners showed knowledge of oral lesions requiring biopsies, but lacked the necessary skills and expertise, leading to referrals to higher centers or specialists.
Effect of Advanced Platelet-Rich Fibrin and Concentrated Growth Factor on Tissues Around Implants in the Maxillary Anterior Region
Authors: Shrivastava Ratika , Ladda Rashmi , Patadiya Mohd. Mohsin M. , Gautam Jannat , Gupta Shekhar , Jadhav Manish Shivaji , Makkad Ramanpal S. 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim:
Tissue repair surrounding implants is essential for the cosmetic maxillary anterior zone to respond favorably to implant therapy. Grafting platelets from an individual’s blood was developed to overcome the esthetic requirements and speed up healing. Advanced platelet-rich fibrin (APRF) and concentrated growth factor (CGF) are used for good healing. Our aim was to evaluate the impact of APRF and CGF on healing of tissues around dental implants in the anterior region of the maxilla.

Materials and Methods:
A total of 60 patients who underwent dental implant placement procedures were included in this study. They were divided into two categories: category 1 consisted of patients who underwent dental implant placement procedures without APRF and CGF (n = 30) and category 2 consisted of patients who underwent dental implant placement procedures with APRF and CGF (n = 30). Assessment of alveolar bone height and bone density was conducted using CBCT at baseline and second, fourth, and sixth month postoperatively.

Results:
The alveolar height and alveolar bone density in APRF group and CGF group patients was greater compared to control group patients at all follow-ups.

Conclusion:
APRF and CGF have a positive effect on the tissues around dental implants, promoting faster and better tissue healing around dental implants.