bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combined use of XP-Endo Finisher and different chelating agents on the smear layer
Authors: Saju Meenu Elizabeth , Raghu Ramya , Shetty Ashish , Santhosh Lekha , Rajasekhara Subhashini , Yadav Priya C. 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT

Aims:
The aim of this study was to assess the effect of XP-Endo Finisher (XPF) in conjunction with three different chelating agents, namely, 0.2% chitosan nanoparticles (CNP), 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), and 7% maleic acid (MA) on residual debris and smear layer on the root canal walls of the mandibular premolars.

Materials and Methods:
Eighty extracted human mandibular premolars were used in the study. Canals were prepared using an XP-Endo Shaper, and the final finishing was done with an XPF file. Teeth were randomly divided into four experimental groups based on chelating agents, Group I (XPF + 0.2% CNP), Group II (XPF + 17% EDTA), Group III (XPF + MA), and Group IV XPF + 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) (control group). Teeth were longitudinally split and prepared for scanning electron microscopy analysis. For comparing the smear layer and debris score between groups, the Kruskal–Wallis ANOVA was used, followed by the post hoc Bonferroni test. The level of significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results:
Group I (XPF + 0.2% CNP) gave the best results (P = 0.001) in all the thirds of root canal, followed by Group II (XPF + 17% EDTA) with P = 0.001. Group III (XPF + MA) showed results similar to that of the control group (XPF + NaOCl) with P = 0.001. There was a significant difference in the scores between Group I (XPF + CNP) and the other three groups.

Conclusion:
In all three-thirds of a root canal, the use of XPF + 0.2% CNP performed best at removing the smear layer. This was followed by XPF + 17% EDTA and XPF + 7% MA. For all groups, smear layer removal was less efficient in the apical third.
Independent Impact of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor on Cardiovascular Prognosis in Coronary Heart Disease Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Pan Yewei , Zhang Zishan , Tan Xuerui , Zhu Jinxiu 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Objectives:
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) as a biomarker of depressive symptoms manifests a novel role in the cardiovascular system. This study aims to indicate the association of BDNF levels between depressive symptoms and the cardiovascular prognosis in coronary heart disease (CHD) patients.

Methods:
Participants were recruited from hospitalized CHD patients between November 18, 2020 and November 26, 2021, in the First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College. Serum BDNF levels were measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Depressive symptom was evaluated using Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). The cardiovascular events were the endpoint outcomes across the 12-month follow-up. Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to investigate the relationship of serum BDNF levels between depressive symptom and prognosis.

Results:
A total of 102 CHD patients (60.6 ± 10.4 year, 76% male) were enrolled. Based on the median serum BDNF levels, the participants were grouped into those “low BDNF (≤0.65 ng/mL)” versus “high BDNF (≥0.65 ng/mL).” CHD patients with low BDNF levels had a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms (PHQ–9 ≥10) compared with high BDNF levels. Within a median 540 days of follow-up, low serum BDNF increased the risk of cardiovascular events (adjusted hazard ratio = 3.26; 95% confidence interval = 1.18–9.02, P = 0.02) after adjustment for confounding factors.

Conclusions:
CHD patients with low serum BDNF levels were significantly associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events, independently of depressive symptoms.
Naturally occurring clinically significant anti-M alloantibodies with wide thermal range: A series of three cases
Authors: Raturi Manish , Khatiwada Basanta , Dhiman Yashaswi , Gaur Dushyant Singh , Adhikari Bhawana 
Published: March 2024

Abstract:
Anti-M antibodies are usually of the immunoglobulin (Ig)-M type and have a cold thermal range, which is generally considered clinically insignificant. However, in some cases, there may also be an IgG component present exclusively. In addition to the discrepancy in blood grouping (attributable to the IgM component), the presence of an IgG component reacting at 37°C can interfere with pretransfusion testing, making it difficult to find fully compatible blood within a short time. In this report, we discuss three children: two boys aged five and 1½ years, respectively, and a female toddler aged 1 year who were all successfully treated using M-antigen negative packed red blood cells along with the standard treatment plan of the hospital. This was made possible by an established institutional blood donor registry comprising O-typed blood donors (n = 374), who were phenotyped for 21 erythrocyte antigens using commercially available monoclonal antisera (Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, Pvt Ltd., Mumbai, India).
Age-related dynamics in acute myeloid leukemia: Implications for prognosis, risk stratification, and treatment response
Authors: Aljabban Ali , Alalsaidissa Jaffar 
Published: March 2024

Abstract:

BACKGROUND:
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a complex, heterogeneous disease driven by acquired somatic mutations. The presence of specific mutations advances stratification, treatment, and prognosis. Linear accumulation of mutations over time is a crucial factor in cancer development, particularly among elderly patients. Our recent study on gene rearrangement in AML revealed a significant association between age and adverse risk cases.

AIM:
The aim of this study was to examine the distribution of age, molecular characteristics, risk stratification, and treatment response based on age among patients with de novo AML in Iraq.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:
A prospective cohort study enrolled 115 Iraqi adult patients diagnosed with de novo AML using morphology and flow cytometry from December 2020 to May 2022. The Leukemia Q-Fusion Screening Kit, employing multiplex reverse transcription–real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction with 30 gene rearrangements, was employed for the identification of gene rearrangement. The patients received care and follow-up at the Hematology Unit of Baghdad Teaching Hospital in Medical City. Ethical approval from the College of Medicine’s Ethical Committee at the University of Baghdad was secured before commencing the research, ensuring adherence to ethical standards throughout the study.

RESULTS:
The age distribution exhibited a bimodal pattern, with a mean of 45.1 ± 17.5 years, ranging from 18 to 84 years, and a median of 46 years. A total of 39.1% of patients were diagnosed with AML before the age of 35 years, while 43% were diagnosed after the age of 51 years. AML patients with RARA mutations, RUNX1::RUNX1T1 alterations, and NPM1 mutations were predominantly observed in younger individuals, as well as those diagnosed with AML defined by differentiation. Conversely, KMT2A rearrangements were more prevalent among older age groups, with a statistically significant difference in the distribution of AML classifications according to the World Health Organization (WHO) by age categories (P = 0.001). The risk stratification based on age and response assessment showed a notable higher risk profile observed among elderly patients that was associated with adverse risk and poorer response and mortality (P < 0.05). The prediction of treatment response accuracy rate was improved by adding age to the WHO classification and ELN 2022 risk stratification (73.5%–87.9%).

CONCLUSION:
Age significantly influences AML prognosis and treatment response. Incorporating age into risk stratification improves accuracy. Tailored approaches considering age are vital for optimizing AML management and outcomes.
Sexual dysfunction, marital relationship, and subjective quality of life among women with schizophrenia: Analytical case-control study
Authors: Kumari Puja , Kumar Rajesh , Rohilla Jitendra 
Published: March 2024

Background:
Women with schizophrenia have a high risk of adverse sexual health outcomes. The chronic course of schizophrenia draws attention to assessing the quality of life and marital relationships of patients with schizophrenia. However, there is a crunch of data in the Indian setting. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of sexual dysfunctions (SDs) and determine the marital relationship and quality of life among women with schizophrenia.

Material and Methods:
The study followed an analytical case-control design. The study was conducted at the inpatient psychiatric department of one of the apex tertiary healthcare centers located at the foothills of the Northern Himalayas. The study purposively included 136 participants (68 cases and 68 controls). The control group included healthy women aged 18–45 currently staying with sexual partners. Data were collected using pretested and standardized self-report questionnaires.

Results:
The median age of the case group was 36 (interquartile range (IQR), 29–42) years, while that of the control group was 29 (IQR 26–34) years. The prevalence of SD was significantly higher (P = 0.001) in cases (95.3%) than in controls (73.4%). Compared to healthy controls, women with schizophrenia have a significantly higher rate of SD in sexual desire (P = 0.001), getting arousal (P < 0.001), lubrication (P < 0.001), achieving orgasm (P < 0.001), and sexual satisfaction (P < 0.001) (except pain). In addition, the marital relationship was better managed (P < 0.001) in healthy controls compared with cases. The healthy control group significantly expressed a better quality of life in physical (P < 0.001), psychological (P < 0.001), and maintaining social (P < 0.001) relationships (except environment domains). In multivariable logistic regression analysis, employment status significantly predicted SDs (odds ratio (OR), 25.78; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.09, 318.10; P < 0.05) in participants.

Conclusion:
The prevalence of SD is significantly high among female participants. Hence, treating physicians should pay attention to sexual function during the screening and treatment of patients with schizophrenia.
Systemic inflammatory markers and their association with Alzheimer’s disease: A cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Khatri Abhishek , Prakash Om , Agarwal Rachna , Kushwaha Suman 
Published: March 2024

Aim:
To investigate the possible role of systemic inflammatory markers (interleukin; IL-6, C-reactive protein; CRP, and albumin levels) in the development of Alzheimer’s dementia (AD) and also find their association with the severity of disease.

Material and Methods:
It was a cross-sectional study. Patients with Alzheimer’s dementia (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD) from outpatient settings in tertiary care hospitals and non-demented controls (NDC) were recruited from the community. Individuals aged 50 years and older (n = 110) were included. Serum levels of IL-6, CRP, and albumin levels in patients with AD, VaD, and NDC were measured. The clinical Dementia Rating Scale was used for staging the severity of dementia. Serum levels of IL-6, CRP, and serum albumin were compared in study subjects and also analyzed with the severity of dementia in dementia subgroups.

Results:
Our main finding was that serum levels of IL-6 were significantly elevated in patients with AD and VaD (7.79 and 6.60) as compared to NDC (2.98) (P < 0.001). No significant difference in CRP or albumin levels was observed between the three groups. Serum IL-6 and CRP showed a positive correlation with the severity of AD, though the correlation was significant only for IL-6 (r = 0.777). The serum albumin levels showed a statistically significant negative correlation with the severity of AD (r > 0.3 but <0.5).

Conclusion:
The study demonstrates a notable association between systemic inflammatory markers, particularly IL-6, and the severity of AD, indicating their potential role in its pathogenesis. These findings suggest that targeting these markers could offer new insights into therapeutic strategies for AD.
Effect of Health Education on Blood Pressure Control and Life Modification in Hypertensive Patients: Sample from Primary Health Care Centers, Al-Rusafa Sector/Baghdad
Authors: Al Shatari Sahar A. E. , Al-Juboori Yahya B. H. , Salih Khelowd , Abed Alaa Safaa , Gabur Ahmed Sabbar , Witwit Sally A. , Al Tabtabaee Shams Wisam Talib 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background:
Health education is very important to control hypertension (HT) in patients with it.

Objectives:
To explore the effect of health education on blood pressure control by modifying the lifestyle of patients who visited the Rusafa sector centers primary health care-Baghdad 2018.

Patients and Methods:
A cross-sectional study with an analytical element conducted during the period February 1–May 31, 2018 by taking a sample of patients who visited these centers during this period. Those who were diagnosed with HT 6 months and more; pregnant women were excluded; 108 patients were interviewed using a questionnaire based on the American Family Physicians Association manual, demographic-social information, diagnosis-date, visiting-regularity, compliance, doctors and nurses communication skills, lifestyle, measure fasting/random blood glucose and body mass index.

Results:
The doctor’s visiting was regularly in 93 (86%), two thirds were diagnosed within 5 years, only 25 (23.41%) were smokers during diagnosis, 16 (64%) received health education about smoking cessation, and 4 (25%) discontinued. Health education about sports activity received by 71 (65.74%) of the patients, saturated/unsaturated fats 98 (90.74%), salt intake 102 (94.44%), most of them follow these instructions, all of which have a strong statistical relationship. 43 (39.81%) had a weak drug commitment, 34 (31.48%) had high adherence to medication, 30 (27.78%) had average commitment, a strong relationship with their monthly income and doctor’s communication skills.

Conclusion:
Health education has a significant relationship with all studied variables to control HT except smoking.
Assessment of meibomian gland dysfunction and dry eye disease by using novel noninvasive ocular surface analyzer in people with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Sultan Sharjeel , Butt Anum , Shakeel Ayisha , Khanzada Mahtab A. , Fawwad Asher , Basit Abdul 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Objective:
To assess meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and dry eye disease in people with type 2 diabetes using a novel noninvasive ocular surface analyzer.

Materials and Methods:
This prospective study was conducted in the Ophthalmology Department, Baqai Institute of Diabetology and Endocrinology, Baqai Medical University, Karachi, from June to December 2020. MGD is defined as increased lipids and proteins in the meibomian glands, leading to increased severity of dry eye disease symptoms. People with type 2 diabetes underwent an ocular surface examination; lipid layer thickness, noninvasive breakup time, tear meniscus height, grading of meibomian gland loss, and expression of meibum by a noninvasive analyzer. MGD was graded based on minimal to mild, moderate, and marked symptoms and divided into four subtypes.

Result:
A total of 46 diabetic subjects, 24 (52.2%) were males and 22 (47.8%) were females, with a median age of 55 (50–67.5) and 48 (41.5–55.25) years. Most of the subjects had mild gland opening for both the right and the left eye (50% and 54.3%). MGD score 1 was found in 12 (26.7%) and 11 (24.4%) subjects for the right and the left eye, respectively. Score 2 was observed mostly in the right eye 32 (71.1%) while score 3 was more frequent in the left eye 27 (60%). Notably, the conjunctival and ciliary levels were predominantly normal.

Conclusion:
Most of the participants had moderate to severe loss of the meibomian gland in both eyes.
Judicious use of modern technology with antihyperglycemic agents: The changing landscape of type 2 diabetes management
Authors: Srivastava Brijendra Kumar , Anjana Ranjit Mohan , Amutha Anandakumar , Ramuu Muthu , Sriraam Manoharan , Mohan Viswanathan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background:
Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) pump has shown good outcomes in patients with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Here, we present an individual with type 2 diabetes and obesity who was on a high dosage of insulin and oral hypoglycemic agents (OHA) were able to get diabetes under good control with weight reduction after using a hybrid artificial closed-loop insulin pump system along with glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) and sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitor.

Case Presentation:
A 60-year-old lady with type 2 diabetes presented with uncontrolled blood sugars despite high doses of insulin and a combination of OHAs. She was also depressed and frustrated due to uncontrolled blood sugars despite repeated changes made in her treatment plan using an insulin pump along with GLP-1RA (dulaglutide) and SGLT-2 inhibitor (empagliflozin).

Results:
After changing the treatment plan, her HbA1c levels decreased from 10.1% to 7.3% after 3 months. The microalbuminuria reverted to normoalbuminuria (59.9–12.2 µg/mg of creatinine). Improvement has been observed in the fasting C-peptide levels from 0.50 to 0.86 pmol/L and stimulated C–C-peptide levels from 1.2 to 2.05 pmol/L. As she lost nearly 7 kg of weight, she felt satisfied with a better quality of life. Even her depression settled down.

Conclusion:
Use of CSII pump along with dulaglutide and empagliflozin helped in controlling blood sugars, bringing down weight with an overall improvement in mental health and renal function; in this, difficult to treat the patient.
Procalcitonin and D-dimer as a prognostic marker and outcome predictor in COVID-19 patients and effect of comorbidities on these biomarkers
Authors: Singh Tej P , Gupta Upendra N , Doneriya Jitendra , Chaudhary Pravesh , Singh Manish K , Chaturvedi Ishan , Pawar Anubhav S 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background and Objectives:
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emerged as an unexpected crisis at the beginning of year 2020 and amidst the crisis arises a need to identify biomarkers that can predict mortality among these patients. The effect of comorbidities on the levels of these biomarkers and the outcomes was also studied.

Materials and Methods:
It was a cross-sectional type of observational study involving a total of 111 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Among these patients 17.1% were diabetic, 19.8% were hypertensive, and 19.8% were both diabetic and hypertensive. Serial values of PCT on days 0, 3, and 7 and that of D-dimer on days 0 and 5 were measured among these patients and the results were analyzed.

Results:
The results showed that baseline serum PCT and D-dimer were significantly higher among the patients who were deceased and showed an increasing trend on serial evaluation suggesting that they are strong predictors of outcome. The mean values of PCT and D-dimer were also higher in patients with comorbidities when compared to those with no comorbidities. Out of a total of 111 patients, 33 patients (29.7%) were deceased and 78 patients (70.3%) were discharged.

Interpretation and Conclusion:
Serum PCT and D-dimer both were independent and strong predictors of outcomes in COVID-19 patients. Comorbidities like diabetes had a significant effect on the levels of above-mentioned biomarkers.
Determinants of medication adherence and impact of mobile telephony, pillbox interventions on compliance and glycemic control among patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Verma Shashwat , Mohanty Ipseeta Ray , Rai Sandeep 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background:
Medication adherence has been linked to improved glycemic control, fewer complications from diabetes, fewer hospitalizations, reduced health care expenses, and a decreased mortality rate. The medication adherence pattern, reason, and factors associated with poor medication adherence among patients living with type 2 diabetes mellitus were determined, and the impact of two interventions to improve medication adherence was assessed.

Materials and Methods:
The medication adherence patterns of 240 people living with diabetes were determined using the Morisky Green Levine Medication Adherence Scale-4 and categorized into low, medium, and high adherence patterns. Patients with poor medication adherence (low and medium pattern) scores were randomized into short message service (SMS) and pillbox interventions, and the impact of Interventions on compliance and glycemic control was determined.

Results:
Results demonstrate that 3% of patients living with type 2 diabetes have low, 43% medium, and 54% have high medication adherence patterns. The most common reason cited for non-adherence was (88%) followed by lack of finance (5%) and multiple medications (4%). A positive association of injectable dosage forms, number of drugs, and treatment modalities with adherence was found. SMS and pillbox intervention improved medication adherence among individuals with diabetes who had poor adherence, which translated into good glycemic control.

Conclusions:
The improvement in drug compliance and glycemic control was found to be equivocal among the SMS and pillbox intervention groups. The inclusion of interventions into the institutional education program and counseling by health care workers will motivate patients to adopt these interventions to improve drug compliance and glycemic control.
Consumption pattern of millets among south Indian adults
Authors: Lakshmy Priya Krishnamurthy , Shobana Shanmugam , Sudha Vasudevan , Gayathri Rajagopal , Beatrice D Annette , Anjana Ranjit Mohan , Krishnaswamy Kamala , Mohan Viswanathan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Millets are the staple food for millions in Asian and several African countries. They are rich in dietary fiber, micronutrients, and beneficial phytochemicals. This study attempted to understand the consumption pattern of millets among south Indian adults in Chennai using a validated semi quantitative questionnaire which was administered telephonically. Purposive random sampling method was adopted for obtaining data from 100 millet consumers. The study results were analyzed using chi-square test, one-way analysis of variance, and correlation analysis. Equal percent of participants (41%) consumed millets 1-3 times a week and 1-3 times / month. Respondents considered millets nutritious and healthy as the main reason for consumption. Monthly income and family size significantly influenced frequency of consumption of millets. With reference to income groups, respondents belonging to income group >Rs. 50,000/month showed the highest percentage of frequency of consumption of millets, when compared to other income groups. Most consumers felt millets were affordable. Kali (stiff porridge/balls, kanji (porridge), pongal, upma, and biscuits were the most sought-after choices. Majority of the consumers combined other grains especially pulses in millet preparations such as pongal and kichidi. Finger millet preparations were the most commonly consumed millet-based preparation among all income groups or it could be concluded that consumers have a positive attitude toward millets for consumption and voiced the need for development of ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat value-added millet products such as millet dosa batter, noodles, flakes, breads, and millet-based beverages , for promoting consumers’ health and fitness.