bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of 2-(fluorine-18) Fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography in Initial Staging and Bone Marrow Involvement Prediction in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Lymphoma in Correlation with Bone Marrow Study
Authors: Krishna Sarin , Ravina Mudalsha , Nanda Siddhartha , Lukose Tinu Thadiyananickal , Moideen Amal , Bansal Himanshu , Dasgupta Subhajit , Kote Rutuja 
Published: March 2024

Background:
Lymphoma is a common malignant proliferative disease in which bone marrow infiltration will upstage the disease and thus affect prognosis of the disease. As of now bone marrow biopsy is considered as a reference standard to find out bone marrow involvement in lymphoma. Performing an invasive and painful intervention in all newly diagnosed lymphoma patients is controversial. PET-CT is a non-invasive technique that gives functional information about the cells using the glucose metabolism. It can detect early bone marrow and extra medullary organ involvement which can lead to restaging of the disease. These advantages make PET-CT a valuable adjunct in diagnosis of lymphoma. Aims and Objectives: Our study aims to evaluate the usefulness of 18 F-FDG PET-CT, a non-invasive, semi quantitative whole body imaging technique for detection of early bone marrow and extra medullary organ involvement in lymphoma patients which in turn can obviate the need for bone marrow study (BMS). The primary objective of study is to categorise FDG uptake in bone marrow as diffuse /unifocal /multifocal / no uptake and to correlate pattern of FDG uptake to bone marrow study. Our study also assesses the role of FDG PET/CT in staging of lymphoma.

Materials and Methods:
Thirty patients with newly diagnosed lymphoma in the age group 18 to 75 years of both sexes within 3 months of diagnosis and who have not been started on any treatment was included in the study. Marrow uptake on FDG PET/CT has been categorized as diffuse, unifocal, multifocal and no uptake. Agreement between bone marrow study and FDG PET/CT has been assessed by reliability analysis using Cohen’s kappa. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV of PET/CT in detecting marrow involvement have been calculated.

Results:
The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy of 18 F-FDG PET-CT in detecting marrow involvement of lymphoma cases are 86.6%, 77.7%, 68.4%, 91.3% and 80.9% respectively. 18 F-FDG PET-CT detected bone marrow involvement in 86.6% (13 out of 15 total positive cases) cases of lymphoma which included both HL and NHL. Reliability analysis using Cohen’s kappa is used to test the agreement between bone marrow study and 18F-FDG PET/CT. k value of 0.6 was obtained which showed a moderate agreement between bone marrow study and 18F-FDG PET/CT in marrow assessment.

Conclusion:
18F‐FDG PET/CT is a highly sensitive imaging modality which can pick up extra‐nodal organ and BMI in patients with lymphoma and can upstage the disease and alter treatment strategies. PET‐CT cannot completely replace the bone marrow study. However, being an invasive painful procedure, BMB can be avoided in cases with unifocal or multifocal marrow involvement on PET‐CT.
Assessment of Small-bowel and Colonic Transit on Routine Gastric Emptying Scintigraphy: Establishment of Reference Values
Authors: Kumar Sonu , Chanu Asem Rangita , Jaleel Jasim , Gupta Priyanka , Khangembam Bangkim Chandra , Patel Chetan , Kumar Rakesh 
Published: March 2024

Purpose of the Study:
The primary objective was to establish the reference values for small-bowel and colonic transit within the context of the routine standard solid meal gastric emptying scintigraphy (GES). The secondary objective was to compare the small-bowel and colonic transit between the anterior view and geometric mean methods.

Materials and Methods:
Twenty-nine healthy controls underwent routine GES, with additional imaging at 24 h if feasible. Small-bowel transit was assessed using the index of small-bowel transit (ISBT), calculated as the ratio of terminal ileal reservoir counts to total abdominal counts at 4 h. Colonic transit was evaluated using the colonic geometric center (CGC) by dividing the large bowel into four segments, with an additional fifth segment accounting for the eliminated counts. Reference values were established based on the fifth percentile or mean ± 1.96 standard deviations. Rapid small-bowel transit was visually determined. Paired Samples t-test or Wilcoxon signed-rank test, as applicable, was used to compare the small-bowel and colonic transit between the anterior view and geometric mean methods. For comparing small-bowel and colonic transit between females and males, the Independent samples t-test or Mann–Whitney U-test was applied, as appropriate. The correlation between age and small-bowel and colonic transit was assessed using Spearman’s rank correlation analysis.

Results:
The reference value for small-bowel transit using the geometric mean method was established as ISBT >37% at 4 h, whereas rapid small-bowel transit was defined as the first visualization of activity in the cecum-ascending colon within 2 h. For colonic transit, the reference range was established as CGC 2.8–4.4 at 24 h. Comparing the anterior view and geometric mean methods, there were no significant differences in ISBT and CGC values (P ≥ 0.125). Gender did not affect small-bowel and colonic transit in both methods (P ≥ 0.378), and age showed no significant correlations (P ≥ 0.053).

Conclusion:
This study determined the reference values for small-bowel and colonic transit in the Indian population using routine GES, avoiding the need for additional complex procedures. The results may be generalized to the Indian population, emphasizing the importance of assessing small-bowel and colonic transit in patients with normal gastric emptying parameters to enhance gastrointestinal transit evaluation.
Recent Advances in Research on Acupuncture Treatment for Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Yu Shichao , Te Kian Keong , Yap Yau Pin 
Published: March 2024

Background and Objective:
Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. In recent years, the incidence of KOA has been gradually increasing due to population aging and lifestyle changes. As a result, there has been a growing body of research and clinical applications related to acupuncture treatment for KOA. The aim of this study is to analyze and summarize the clinical research progress of acupuncture treatment for KOA in the past 5 years. It seeks to understand the current developments and trends in this field and lay the foundation for future research.

Methods:
Conducted a systematic review and analysis of clinical research literature on acupuncture treatment for KOA published in the last 5 years, both domestically and internationally.

Results:
Acupuncture treatment for KOA has shown diverse and effective methods. However, the quality of research literature varies, leading to differences in reported treatment outcomes and a lack of high-quality research findings.

Conclusions:
It was recommended that future research should develop comprehensive and well-designed study protocols, conduct research with scientific rigor, and improve the overall quality of scientific investigations. In addition, it is advisable to include a few horizontal comparative studies to provide more evidence for the clinical application of acupuncture in treating KOA.
Insulin Resistance through High-sugar Diets and its Effects on the Endometrium in Swiss Albino Mice: An Experimental Study to Elicit the Beneficial Effects of Coconut Sugar
Authors: Ekambaram Gnanagurudasan , Kumar Senthil Kumar Sampath 
Published: March 2024

Introduction:
Insulin resistance (IR) has an insidious onset and is mainly due to the consumption of high-energy diets. Refined sugars contain high fructose which predisposes to IR and affects the endometrium since endometrium exhibits high-affinity insulin receptors, and the natural unrefined sugars such as coconut sugar are proved to be beneficial, but scientific studies are scarce to validate the findings.

Subjects and Methods:
A cross-sectional study was carried out, in which 36 female Swiss albino mice were divided into control and high-fructose and high-coconut sugar diet groups. The respective diets were prepared daily and fed for a period of 12 weeks, and the animals were sacrificed by the administration of ether. Biochemical parameters were assessed, and the uterus was removed and processed for histopathological analysis.

Results:
Glucose, insulin, and homeostasis model assessment-IR were assessed, in which there was an increase in the levels in the high-fructose group than the control and coconut sugar groups. The values were statistically significant in the Kruskal–Wallis analysis (P < 0.001) and post hoc test showed a significant difference between the control and fructose diet groups. Hormonal assay showed elevated testosterone levels in the fructose group (Kruskal–Wallis test, P < 0.001), which showed significance in post hoc test when compared with the control group (P < 0.030). Histopathological examination revealed complex hyperplasia with nuclear atypia in the fructose group, whereas the findings were normal in the coconut sugar and control groups.

Discussion:
The present study proved coconut sugar to be beneficial, and there is a strong correlation of high-energy diets on the endometrium due to IR.

Conclusion:
The present study concludes that the intake of natural sugars does not cause damage to the endometrium which is sensitive to insulin resistance.
Investigating the Integration of Anatomical Variabilities into Medical Education as a Potential Strategy for Mitigating Surgical Errors
Authors: Asghar Adil , Patra Apurba , Naaz Shagufta , Kumar Rajesh , Babu C. S. Ramesh , Singh Brijendra 
Published: March 2024

Introduction:
Surgical errors burden health-care systems globally, with anatomical variations being a significant contributor. This review examined the role of these variations and offers valuable insights for medical practitioners, educators, and policymakers to develop strategies to address and mitigate challenges posed by these variations.

Materials and Methods:
They keywords were generated from the title and online databases were searched with the help of a search string of keywords and Boolean operators.

Results:
A total of 13 articles were included in the present review. Thematic data analysis identified seven key themes highlighting the significance of anatomical variations in medical education. These include incorporating variations, determining optimal introduction and contact levels, identifying significant variations, teaching methods, visualization techniques, and challenges in integrating them. This systematic review has shown that earlier literature underscores the importance of anatomical variations in the context of medical education. However, there is evidence that students and trainees lack the necessary skills to effectively understand the concepts of anatomical variability and their application in the clinical setting. The final theme discusses potential solutions to enhance students’ understanding of human anatomy.

Conclusion:
Medical education aims to produce qualified physicians who provide competent and safe patient care. However, students and trainees often lack the skills to understand anatomical variations, leading to misdiagnoses and health-care malpractice. Active medical education professionals should ensure familiarization with anatomical variations to clear misconceptions about the human body, provide valuable knowledge about patient uniqueness, and spark interest in physicians.
Self-perceived Functional Disabilities due to Chronic Musculoskeletal Knee Pain among Elderly People Residing at Ahmedabad City, India: A Mixed Method Approach with a Community Perspective
Authors: Patel Kalgi Ashok , Dave Viral R. , Parmar Mira , Rathod Vasu 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIntroduction:One of the disabilities perceived by elderly people which has the most profound effect on day-to-day living is knee osteoarthritis. The present study focused on elderly people with objectives of assessing the prevalence of functional disabilities due to chronic musculoskeletal knee pain with concerned determinants. Assessment of quality of life (QoL) and exploring various perceptions regarding debility were ancillary objectives.Methodology:A cross-sectional study with a mixed method approach was conducted among elderly people at urban field practice area of one of the tertiary health-care institutes of Ahmedabad city, Gujarat. The calculated sample size of 220 was collected by systematic random sampling. A pretested, validated, semistructured questionnaire including Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) Osteoarthritis index with information pertaining to pain, stiffness, and functional disability was used to collect quantitative part. For qualitative assessment, in-depth interviews were taken using interview guide.Results:The prevalence of chronic knee pain was 70%, of which 63% had functional disability. Various determinants such as gender, age, socioeconomic class, occupation, and body mass index were found to have a statistically significant association with severity of knee pain/functional disability. Qualitative research revealed that majority of participants were dissatisfied with their current QoL, primarily due to dependent attitude for quotidian chores, while some of them perceived socially isolated due to compromised physical capacity. Acceptance for ailment with belief of “condition is common unpreventable fate in old-age” and surgical intervention with adverse/futile outcome in a few peer age-group cohorts enrooted attitude of not visiting any health-care facility among study participants.Conclusion:More than three-fifth of the study participants had severe/extreme WOMAC score which was most probable reason for perceived dissatisfied life quality. More than three-fifth of the study participants had severe/extreme WOMAC score representing reason for perceived dissatisfied life quality. Adopted common ethnicity of demeanor in routine chores found statistically significant association with functional disability, while certain beliefs were decisive for initiating or sustained treatment.
Investigating the effect of Aloe vera on the prevention and treatment of radiotherapy-induced oral mucositis in patients with head-and-neck cancer
Authors: Najafizade Nadia , Dehkordi Roya Mobini , Hemati Simin 
Published: March 2024

Background:
Oral mucositis is one of the main complications of radiotherapy (RT) while treating head-and-neck cancers and can affect the patients’ treatment process and life. Therefore, this study evaluated the effect of Aloe vera on the prevention and treatment of radiotherapy-induced oral mucositis (RIOM) in patients with head-and-neck cancer.

Materials and Methods:
This was a double-blind clinical trial performed in 2019 on 75 patients with head-and-neck cancer. Patients were randomly assigned to two groups receiving gargles of 5 cc Aloe vera and the same dose of placebo mouthwash three times a day, respectively. Then, the incidence and severity of RIOM were evaluated and compared between the two groups over 6 weeks of RT.

Results:
There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the severity of RIOM from the 1st to 3rd weeks of RT (P > 0.05). However, the severity of RIOM in the 4th, 5th, and 6th weeks of RT was significantly lower in the Aloe vera group compared with the placebo group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:
According to the results of the present study, the long-term use of Aloe vera mouthwash can reduce the severity of RIOM.
Serum zinc levels in hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients: A retrospective observational study
Authors: Mahmoudi Masoud , Moeinzadeh Firouzeh , Atapour Abdolamir , Seirafian Shiva , Azhir Zhina 
Published: March 2024

Background:
Zinc is vital for cellular functions, but kidney failure increases zinc deficiency risk. We compared zinc levels in hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients in Isfahan, Iran.

Materials and Methods:
A retrospective study included 150 patients (75 PD and 75 HD). Serum zinc levels were assessed through photometry. Statistical analysis employed Chi-square, independent t-test, and correlation.

Results:
Serum zinc was below normal in both groups (P < 0.01). HD patients had lower zinc levels (70.85 ± 7.68 mg/dL) compared to PD (75.04 ± 13.55 mg/dL, P = 0.021), remaining significant after adjusting for confounders (P = 0.011).

Conclusion:
Zinc levels in PD and HD patients are lower than in the general population, with HD patients having lower levels than PD patients.
Predictors of gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with acute coronary syndrome and the optimal duration of dual antiplatelet therapy
Authors: Wang Yanyu , Wu Yingle , Wang Jingqiao , Zhang Hengliang , Du Laijing , Wang Ke , Duan Hongqiang 
Published: March 2024

Background:
This study aims to estimate the risk factors of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and to evaluate the optimal duration of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT).

Materials and Methods:
We enrolled 1266 patients with ACS in a telephone follow-up program to determine whether any of the patients were hospitalized for GI bleeding. We collected baseline data, laboratory tests, electrocardiograms, and echocardiography covering all ACS patients. Multivariable regression was performed to adjust for confounders and predictors of GI bleeding. At the same time, the optimal duration of DAPT for ACS patients was evaluated.

Results:
A total of 1061 ACS patients were included in the study. After 13–68 months, 48 patients (4.5%) were hospitalized for GI bleeding. The risk of GI bleeding was significantly increased in patients treated with DAPT for more than 18 months (hazard ratio 12.792, 5.607–29.185, P < 0.01). Receiver Operating Characteristic curve showed that the duration of DAPT using a cutoff of 14.5 months resulted in a sensitivity of 66.7% and a specificity of 77%.

Conclusion:
In patients with ACS, DAPT time are the main risk factors of GI bleeding. The optimal duration of DAPT is 14.5 months.
Multidrug resistance and virulence genes in Campylobacter isolates from poultry waste in Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Falodun Olutayo Israel , Ameh Adams Agbo 
Published: March 2024

Objective:
This study aims to determine antibiotic susceptibility profile and detect virulence genes in Campylobacter spp. isolated from poultry waste in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Methods:
Poultry droppings were collected from ten poultry farms, and Total Bacteria Count (TBC) and Total Anaerobic Count (TAC) of the samples were determined. Campylobacter species were isolated using modified Charcoal Cefoperazone Deoxycholate Agar (mCCDA). The isolates were identified using conventional biochemical techniques, and antibiotics susceptibility testing was performed using Kirby Bauer disk diffusion assay on Mueller Hinton agar. Detection of virulence genes in selected multidrug resistant (MDR) isolates was carried out using polymerase chain reaction.

Results:

Campylobacter species (240) were isolated from Moniya (44.6%) and Igbo-Oloyin (55.4%) farms. Campylobacter (C.) lari was the most prevalent isolate (32.5%) while C. fetus was the least common. Resistance to streptomycin was observed in 76.7% of the isolates, while 3.3% exhibited resistance to ertapenem. Specifically, C. jejuni isolates from Igbo-Oloyin farms showed resistance rates of 86% to cephalothin and 71% to cefuroxime. In comparison, C. jejuni isolates from Moniya farms showed even higher resistance rates of 95% to cephalothin and 81% to cefuroxime. The antibiotypes of the selected isolates showed that four Campylobacter spp. were resistant to a combination of eight antibiotics. Furthermore, the detection of virulence genes from the selected MDR isolates showed that cadF and hipO genes were detected in 70.0% and 50.0% of cases, respectively.

Conclusions:
MDR strains with virulent genes were found in Campylobacter species isolated from poultry wastes, posing a significant health challenge. Therefore, prudent use of antibiotics in animal husbandry should be ensured in addition to preventing indiscriminate discharge of untreated poultry waste into the environment.
Minimizing Urban Flooding by Optimal Design of Drainage System Using Sequential Least Squares Quadratic Programming and Spatial Datasets
Authors: Ekeh James O. , Jha Manoj K. 
Published: March 2024

Urban flooding is caused due to poor drainage design and excessive rain. It severely affects the road infrastructure. Existing hydrologic software tools to examine the extent of urban flooding primarily require walking through a series of manual steps and address each study area individually, preventing a collective review of poor storm-drains in an efficient manner. Previous methods for optimal drainage design were inefficient and lacked the ability of solving the underlying optimization problem due to the inherent nonlinearity of the decision variables. In this paper, we develop a nonlinear optimization formulation to minimize urban flooding using underground pipe size as a decision variable. We propose a solution algorithm using sequential least squares quadratic programming and spatial datasets. The proposed method eliminates the need to examine each study area manually using existing hydrologic tools. An example using the storm-drain system for the Baltimore County is performed. The results show that the model is effective in identifying storm-drain deficiencies and correcting them by choosing appropriate storm-drain inlet types to minimize flooding. Future works may include using large datasets and a more sophisticated modeling approach for estimating rainfall intensity based on extreme weather patterns. The method can be applied to other jurisdictions if relevant hydrological and underdrain piping network data were available.

Received: 23 January 2024 | Revised: 26 February 2024 | Accepted: 7 March 2024

Conflicts of Interest
Manoj K. Jha is an Associate Editor for Journal of Computational and Cognitive Engineering, and was not involved in the editorial review or the decision to publish this article. The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest to this work.

Data Availability Statement
The data that support the findings of this study are openly available in ESRI's ArcGIS portal at http://www.arcgis.com using the following code: Storm_drain = gis.content.get(‘07d6eb057e554c51832c4f0852ecf9c0’). The data are good as of June 12, 2023 and may have changed over time.

Author Contribution Statement
James O. Ekeh: Conceptualization, Methodology, Software, Validation, Formal analysis, Investigation, Resources, Writing – review & editing, Visualization. Manoj K. Jha: Conceptualization, Methodology, Software, Validation, Formal analysis, Investigation, Resources, Data curation, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing, Visualization.