bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Soutenir les couples âgés par le renforcement de leur identité conjugale : ce qu’en dit la littérature
Authors: Couture Nancy , Boucher Kathy , Genest-Roy Marie-Anne 
Published: April 2024

Les couples âgés font face à de nombreux défis liés aux changements provoqués par le vieillissement. Ces changements affectent notamment l’identité individuelle mais la littérature explore peu l’impact de ces changements sur l’identité du couple âgé. Or, les personnes âgées, et en particulier les couples qu’elles composent, sont moins propices à avoir recours à des services psychologiques professionnels. L’article explore le concept de l’identité conjugale des aînés dans la littérature ; il en ressort qu’un soutien de l’identité conjugale des couples vieillissants pourrait être une piste intéressante à explorer dans les interventions qui leur sont adressées.
Measuring pandemic change: Analyzing syllabi for student-centeredness over time
Authors: Mumpower Lori A. , Rohrbacher Chad , Caulkins Joshua , Korentsides Jenna 
Published: April 2024

Researchers seek to measure the extent to which faculty increased their student-centered practices in response to COVID-19 by analyzing course syllabi across three semesters. Faculty were randomly selected from two campuses of a STEM-focused institution (n = 110), each of whom had taught the same course during Fall 2019, Fall 2020, and Fall 2022. Scorers used an abbreviated version of the Student-Centered Syllabus Rubric (Palmer et al., 2014) to identify shifts in student-centeredness over time. Results revealed that 85% of measured syllabi changed over time, with over one-third of measured syllabi reverting to pre-pandemic status. The researchers discuss their methods, results, limitations, and future research opportunities.
Cavernous Haemangioma of the Submandibular Triangle Eluding the Gland – A Case Report
Authors: Shetty Sujeeth Kumar , Kale Revati 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Rationale:
Haemangiomas are benign vascular malformations. They are common neoplasms of infancy but seldom manifest at birth. Although common in the head & neck region, they are rare in the submandibular region. Despite being benign, surgical treatment is necessary if it causes significant functional or aesthetic compromise.

Patient Concerns:
The patient’s primary complaint was swelling in the submandibular region.

Diagnosis:
Initial examination and imaging studies were suggestive of sialolithiasis due to the presence of multiple calcifications. Ultrasonographic and magnetic resonance imaging were suggestive of haemangioma with multiple phleboliths.

Treatment:
Excisional biopsy was done without compromising the submandibular gland. A histopathological examination was done post-operatively to confirm the diagnosis.

Outcomes:
Post-operative recovery was uneventful and 6-month follow-up showed no recurrence.

Take-away Lesson:
This case highlights the importance of considering haemangioma in the differential diagnosis of submandibular region masses and emphasises the preservation of the submandibular gland when the extent of the lesion permits.
Geographic information system-aided evaluation of epidemiological trends of dengue serotypes in West Bengal, India
Authors: Baskey Upasana , Verma Priya , Mondal Palash , Dutta Supradip , Biswas Aritra , Bakshi Sagnik , Das Raina , Bhaduri Sudipta , Maji Dipankar , Dutta Shanta , Sadhukhan Provash Chandra 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background & objectives:
West Bengal is a dengue-endemic State in India, with all four dengue serotypes in co-circulation. The present study was conceived to determine the changing trends of circulating dengue virus (DENV) serotypes in five consecutive years (2015-2019) using a geographic information system (GIS) during the dengue season in West Bengal, India.

Methods:
Molecular serotyping of dengue NS1 sero-reactive serum samples from individuals with ≤5 days of fever was performed using conventional nested reverse transcriptase-PCR. GIS techniques such as Getis-Ord Gi* hotspot analysis and heatmap were used to elucidate dengue transmission based on the received NS1-positive cases and vector data analysis was used to point out risk-prone areas.

Results:
A total of 3915 dengue NS1 sero-positive samples were processed from most parts of West Bengal and among these, 3249 showed RNA positivity. The major circulating serotypes were DENV 3 (63.54%) in 2015, DENV 1 (52.79%) in 2016 and DENV 2 (73.47, 76.04 and 47.15%) in 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively. Based on the NS1 positivity, dengue infections were higher in males than females and young adults of 21-30 yr were mostly infected. Getis-Ord Gi* hotspot cluster analysis and heatmap indicate that Kolkata has become a hotspot for dengue outbreaks and serotype plotting on maps confirms a changing trend of predominant serotypes during 2015-2019 in West Bengal.

Interpretation & conclusions:
Co-circulation of all the four dengue serotypes was observed in this study, but only one serotype became prevalent during an outbreak. Representation of NS1-positive cases and serotype distribution in GIS mapping clearly showed serotypic shift in co-circulation. The findings of this study suggest the need for stringent surveillance in dengue-endemic areas to limit the impact of dengue and implement better vector-control strategies.
Urinary lipoarabinomannan in individuals with sputum-negative pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Ajantha P. , Puri Man Mohan , Tayal Devika , Khalid U. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background & objectives:
Tuberculosis (TB) is a major global cause of ill health. Sputum microscopy for confirmation of presumptive pulmonary TB (PTB) has a reportedly low sensitivity of 22-43 per cent for single smear and up to 60 per cent under optimal conditions. National TB Elimination Programme in India recommends the use of cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification test (CBNAAT) and culture for microbiological confirmation in presumptive PTB individuals with sputum smear negative test. The use of lateral flow urine lipoarabinomannan (LF-LAM) is usually recommended for the diagnosis of TB in HIV-positive individuals with low CD4 counts or those who are seriously ill. The objective of this study was to detect urinary LAM using cage nanotechnology that does not require a physiologic or immunologic consequence of HIV infection for LAM quantification in human urine in 50 HIV-seronegative sputum smear-negative PTB individuals.

Methods:
To study the diagnostic value of urinary LAM in sputum smear negative PTB individuals, a cage based nanotechnology ELISA technique was used for urinary LAM in three different groups of participants. Fifty smears negative PTB clinically diagnosed, 15 smear positive PTB and 15 post TB sequel individuals. Sputum was tested by smear, CBNAAT, and culture along with urine LAM before treatment. The results were interpreted by ROC curve in comparison to the standard tests like CBNAAT and culture.

Results:
The mean urinary LAM value was 0.84 ng/ml in 37 culture-positive [Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb)] and 0.49 ng/ml in 13 culture-negative (M.tb) smear-negative individuals with PTB, respectively. In 47 smear-negative PTB cases with microbiologically confirmed TB by CBNAAT, the mean urinary LAM was 0.76 ng/ml. The mean urinary LAM in post-TB sequel individuals was 0.47 ng/ml. As per the receiver operating characteristic curve, cut-off value of urinary LAM in individuals with smear-negative PTB microbiologically confirmed by: (i) CBNAAT was 0.695 ng/ml and (ii) culture was 0.615 ng/ml.

Interpretation & conclusions:
The findings of this study suggest that individuals with smear-negative PTB and a urinary LAM value of >0.615 ng/ml were most likely to have microbiological confirmed TB while those with a LAM value <0.615 ng/ml >0.478 ng/ml are less likely and those with a value <0.478 ng/ml are unlikely to have microbiological confirmed TB.
Does Lake Louise questionnaire interpret high-altitude headache as acute mountain sickness? Experience in the western Himalayas
Authors: Unnikrishnan Abhilash , Shekhar Atul , Kumar Dharmendra , Jaipurkar Raksha , Sikri Gaurav , Singh Krishan , Manral Rahul 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background & objectives:
High-altitude headache (HAH) and headache in acute mountain sickness (AMS) are common among lowlanders ascending to the high altitude and are often confused with one another. A pilot study was undertaken to analyze HAH and AMS cases in Indian lowlanders ascending to Leh city (3500 m) in western Himalayas.

Methods:
A total number of 1228 Indian lowlanders, who ascended (fresh and re-inductees) by air and acclimatized, participated in this pilot study. The intensity of headache was assessed by the Visual Analogue Score. The parameters of HAH as per the International Classification of Headache Disorders-3 and 2018 Revised Lake Louise Questionnaire (LLQ) were used to differentiate HAH and AMS.

Results:
Out of 1228 cases, 78 (6.4%) cases had headache, of which 24 (1.95%) cases were HAH only, 40 (3.25%) cases AMS only and 14 (1.14%) cases were defined as both HAH and AMS. There was a significant difference in heart rate [F (2,51) = (4.756), P=0.01] between these groups. It also showed a difference in the correlation between the parameters within the groups. The Odd’s Ratio of AMS in fresh and re-inductees was found to be 4.5 and for HAH it was 4.33.

Interpretation & conclusions:
The findings of this study suggest that LLQ has a tendency of overestimating AMS by including HAH cases. Furthermore differential parameters exhibit differences when AMS and HAH are considered separately. Re-inductees showed a lower incidence of HAH and AMS.
Emerging role of exosomes as a liquid biopsy tool for diagnosis, prognosis & monitoring treatment response of communicable & non-communicable diseases
Authors: Yadav Rajbala , Singh Ajay Vir , Kushwaha Shweta , Chauhan Devendra Singh 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
From an initial thought of being used as a cellular garbage bin to a promising target for liquid biopsies, the role of exosomes has drastically evolved in just a few years of their discovery in 1983. Exosomes are naturally secreted nano-sized vesicles, abundant in all types of body fluids and can be isolated intact even from the stored biological samples. Being stable carriers of genetic material (cellular DNA, mRNA and miRNA) and having specific cargo (signature content of originating cells), exosomes play a crucial role in pathogenesis and have been identified as a novel source of biomarkers in a variety of disease conditions. Recently exosomes have emerged as a promising ‘liquid biopsy tool’and have shown great potential in the field of non-invasive disease diagnostics, prognostics and treatment response monitoring in both communicable as well as non-communicable diseases. However, there are certain limitations to overcome which restrict the use of exosome-based liquid biopsy as a gold standard testing procedure in routine clinical practices. The present review summarizes the current knowledge on the role of exosomes as the liquid biopsy tool in diagnosis, prognosis and treatment response monitoring in communicable and non-communicable diseases and highlights the major limitations, technical advancements and future prospects of the utilization of exosome-based liquid biopsy in clinical interventions.
Genetic diversity of Mycobacterium leprae: Need to move towards genome-wide approaches
Authors: Dwivedi Purna , Sharma Mukul , Ansari Afzal , Singh Pushpendra 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Leprosy, an ancient disease, continues to be a public health concern as it remains endemic in several countries. After reaching the elimination target (1/10,000) as a public health problem in 2005 in India, around 1.2 lakh cases have been detected every year over the last decade indicating active transmission of leprosy bacillus (Mycobacterium leprae). Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), genomic insertions/deletions and variable-number tandem repeats (VNTRs) have been identified as genetic markers for tracking M. leprae transmission. As the leprosy bacilli cannot be cultured in vitro, molecular testing of M. leprae genotypes is done by polymerase chain reaction-based sequencing which provides a practical alternative for the identification of strains as well as drug resistance-associated mutations. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of M. leprae directly from clinical samples has also proven to be an effective tool for identifying genetic variations which can further help refine the molecular epidemiological schemes based on SNPs and VNTRs. However, the WGS data of M. leprae strains from India are scarce, being responsible for a gross under-representation of the genetic diversity of M. leprae strains present in India and need to be addressed suitably. Molecular studies of leprosy can provide better insight into phylogeographic markers to monitor the transmission dynamics and emergence of antimicrobial resistance. An improved understanding of M. leprae transmission is essential to guide efficient leprosy control strategies. Therefore, this review compiles and discusses the current status of molecular epidemiology, genotyping and the potential of genome-wide analysis of M. leprae strains in the Indian context.
Pharmacoeconomics of medicines used for geriatric individuals in a tertiary care hospital in Delhi
Authors: Singh Vikram Jit , Roy Vandana , Singhal Shubha , Daga M.K. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background & objectives:
Expenditure on healthcare is a major concern in the geriatric age group. The current study was carried out to assess the expenditure patterns on medicines utilized in geriatric inpatients.

Methods:
An observational study was conducted on 1000 geriatric inpatients, aged ≥60 yr, admitted to the medicine unit. Data were collected regarding demographic characteristics, prescribed medicines, expenditure incurred on medicines, appropriateness of medicines prescribed and adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Appropriateness of the prescribed medicines was determined using the American Geriatrics Society 2015 Updated Beers Criteria.

Results:
Geriatric inpatients comprised 41.3 per cent of the total individuals admitted in the ward during the study period. A total of 8366 medicines were prescribed in 127 formulations. The total expenditure on prescribed medicines was INR 1,087,175 with a per capita expenditure of INR 1087.17. Parenteral medicines accounted for 91 per cent of the expenditure on medicines. Maximum expenditure (70%) was incurred on 11.9 per cent of the medicines prescribed. The per capita expenditure was significantly higher in individuals with comorbidities (P=0.03) and those who had a longer duration of hospital stay (P<0.0001). About 28.1 per cent prescriptions were inappropriate. ADRs (140) were observed in 139 (13.9%) inpatients. Individuals with inappropriate medicines prescriptions and ADRs had a longer duration of hospital stay and more number of medicines prescribed.

Interpretation & conclusions:
Comorbidities, prolonged hospitalization, polypharmacy, inappropriate medicines and parenteral medicines being prescribed contribute to increased expenditure on medicines in geriatric inpatients. In view of the rising number of geriatric inpatients, there is a need to frame a drug policy for them along with surveillance of expenditure on prescribed medicines. This needs to be treated as a priority.
Clinical outcomes of rhabdomyolysis & validation of McMahon Score for risk prediction
Authors: Mathew Manju , Pillai Subhash Chandran Bhaskaran 
Published: April 2024

Background & objectives:
Rhabdomyolysis in tropics has a unique aetiology and clinical profile. The objective of this study was to determine the aetiology and clinical outcomes of rhabdomyolysis and validate the McMahon risk prediction score in affected individuals from south India.

Methods:
A retrospective study of affected individuals with rhabdomyolysis admitted to a tertiary care hospital in south India, between January 2015 and June 2020, was undertaken. In-patients who were ≥15 yr in age and had creatinine phosphokinase ≥5000 U/l were included in the study. Cardiac, stroke, chronic muscular diseases and chronic kidney disease on maintenance haemodialysis were excluded. The incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) in this group was calculated. Other clinical outcomes determined were 28-day mortality, proportion of individuals who required renal replacement therapy (RRT), intensive care unit (ICU) admission, vasopressors, mechanical ventilation (MV), number of days on mechanical ventilator and length of stay in ICU and hospital. Validation of McMahon risk prediction score for the requirement of RRT and mortality was performed.

Results:
Major aetiologies identified in the 75 study participants included were infections, trauma and seizures. Twenty eight-day mortality was 24 per cent (n=18). AKI incidence was 68 per cent, out of which 43.1 per cent had RRT. AKI in all survivors became dialysis independent. Vasopressors, MV and ICU requirement were 30.7, 32 and 77.3 per cent, respectively. Receiver operator characteristic curve for RRT and mortality risk prediction based on the McMahon Score showed a sensitivity of 71.4 per cent and specificity of 77.8 per cent for a cut-off ≥7.8.

Interpretation & conclusions:
Rhabdomyolysis in tropics is associated with significant organ dysfunction and mortality. Although the incidence of AKI and RRT is high, the overall renal outcome is good among survivors. The wide confidence intervals for the area under curve for McMahon Score limit its predictability for RRT and mortality.
Determinants of depression in Indian tribal adults: Evidence from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India Wave-I survey
Authors: Deepani Vijit , Nayak Itishree , Rani Manju , Taneja N. K. , Sahu Damodar , Rao M. Vishnu Vardhana , Sharma Ravendra Kumar 
Published: April 2024

Background & objectives:
The tribal populations are vulnerable to mental health issues owing to various reasons. However, limited research has been conducted to assess depression and related determinants among tribal adults aged ≥45 yr (45 years and older). The present study aimed to assess the prevalence and sociodemographic and health determinants of depressive symptoms among the scheduled tribe (ST) population aged ≥45 yr in India.

Methods:
The present study analyzed the Wave I data of the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India conducted between April 2017 to December 2018. The outcome variables in the present study were self-reported depressive symptoms. Two internationally recognised tools, the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale (CES-D) and Composite International Diagnostic Interview-Short Form (CIDI-SF), were used to obtain the data, however, only the CES-D data are utilized in this study. The present study focused on 12,215 ST individuals aged ≥45 yr from whom information about depressive symptoms was collected and analyzed.

Results:
Nearly 25 per cent ST population aged 45 yr or older experienced depressive symptoms. The likelihood of experiencing depressive symptoms among the ST population aged ≥45 yr was negatively associated with 10 or more years of education and living with children and others and positively associated with experiencing multiple morbidity conditions.

Interpretation & conclusions:
Given the substantial burden of depression among the adult ST population, the present study lays emphasis on raising the awareness about depressive symptoms and strengthen the availability of mental health services among the ST community through intensive campaigns and engagement of ST individuals along with other key stakeholders. Higher education, living with spouse and children and a physically active lifestyle can play a crucial role in limiting depressive symptoms among the tribal adults (≥45 yr). It is paramount to regularly screen depressive symptoms and conduct more microlevel studies to evaluate socioeconomic and health determinants of depressive symptoms among ST communities living in different geographic regions.
Antibody Seroprevalence to Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiae in Miraflores, Colombia: A Cross-Sectional Study in Humans and Dogs
Authors: Gual-Gonzalez Lídia , Cantillo-Barraza Omar , Torres Myriam E. , Quintero-Vélez Juan C. , Medina Manuel , Self Stella C. W. , Nolan Melissa S. 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT.
Tick-borne disease burdens are increasing globally, impacting mostly rural and vulnerable communities. Among the most important emerging tick-borne pathogens are the Rickettsia species within the spotted fever group (SFGR) because of their genetic diversity and high lethality rate. Colombia is highly affected by SFGR despite not being reportable diseases; thus, research and clinical management are neglected. Although some departments have demonstrated high seroprevalence rates, in others, such as Boyacá Department, seroprevalence is unknown. Rickettsioses have not been described in Boyacá since 1943, and conversations with local physicians raised suspicions of recent undiagnosed disease compatible with rickettsiosis in some rural areas of the department, warranting epidemiological investigation. Using biobanked human and canine samples from a previous 2021 vector-borne disease study in Miraflores municipality, Boyacá, we had an opportunity to unearth SFGR’s exposure in the region. Samples were evaluated using IgG indirect fluorescent assays against SFGR and complemented by survey questionnaires evaluating associated factors. Findings yielded first-time SFGR serological evidence in Boyacá with a 26.5% seroprevalence among dogs and a 20.4% among humans. Human and dog seroprevalences were positively associated, suggesting the presence of domestic transmission. Owning a greater number of domestic animals (prevalence ratio adjusted for all measured factors [aPR], 1.52) and living near crop fields (aPR, 7.77) were associated with an increased likelihood of household seropositivity. Our findings are consistent with the literature in Colombia, uncovering a suspected region where the disease is endemic. Future studies are warranted to continue defining high-risk areas to determine public health intervention plans.
The Influence of Internal Corporate Social Responsibility Factors on the Innovation Climate of Employees in the Healthcare Industry
Authors: Younas Asifa 
Published: April 2024

This study examined the relationship between employee innovation and employee-initiated corporate social responsibility (CSR) elements in medical diagnostic enterprises in Pakistan during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. The research identified nine variables of employee-driven CSR, including communication, empowerment, and work satisfaction. The theoretical framework of the study was based on the theory of CSR and the expectancy theory of motivation. It evaluated their effects on the atmosphere for employee innovation using statistical analysis by using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences and after collecting data by using a survey questionnaire. The study population was employees working in the healthcare industry in Pakistan. The findings showed that employee-driven CSR and innovation were significantly correlated, with work satisfaction having the most impact. Overall, this quantitative study provides important insights for both theoretical understanding and practical application in fostering innovation through CSR initiatives. It emphasizes the critical role of job satisfaction as a key motivating factor for innovation within the framework of employee-driven CSR in the medical diagnostic sector.

Received: 12 December 2023 | Revised: 4 March 2024 | Accepted: 1 April 2024

Conflicts of Interest
The author declares that he has no conflicts of interest to this work.

Data Availability Statement
The data that support this work are available upon reasonable request to the corresponding author.