bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of Micronutrients in the Management of Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Panchawagh Suhrud J. , Kumar Pratyush , Srikumar Shabarini , Sarkar Manali , Ashok Tejaswini , Gupta Sejal , Shaikh Hareem , Soumya K. Sri , Poorvikha S. , Abhishek Kumar , Agrawal Poonam , Kaushal G. P. , Shah Urmil , Shukla Rushikesh , Martínez Daniel , Prajapati Khushi , Agarwal Aman , Singh Kunika , Sharma Shubhangi 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by increased developmental, educational, and social demands. Recent evidence suggests that up to 40%–50% of symptom variability may be determined by environmental factors including nutritional deficiency of folate, omega-3 fatty acids, and Vitamin D. Studies exist which advocate the use of micronutrient therapy to improve brain function. However, there is no consensus on their use in ASD and opinions remain divisive. This study aims to identify the role of micronutrients in ASD. We searched PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library from the period of January 2010 to January 2022. We excluded animal studies, cross-sectional studies, and less 10 participants in a study. An initial literature search yielded a total of 666 studies, out of which 26 studies were included in the systematic review with a pooled sample of 12086 patients. Twelve studies showed an improvement in the symptoms of ASD patients when they were treated with micronutrients and seven studies found an association between micronutrient levels and ASD symptoms. The results of the meta-analysis in seven studies show that micronutrient therapy has a beneficial effect in reducing the severity of ASD, albeit being statistically insignificant (log odds ratio = −1.03, 95% confidence interval: −2.11–0.05). Our study suggests that in spite of low quality of evidence and randomized data, universal micronutrient supplementation may be started in children diagnosed with ASD due to the potential of reducing the severity of ASD along with a low risk of side effects.
Impact of Aromatase Enzyme and its Altered Regulation on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A Key Factor in Pathogenesis of PCOS
Authors: Narayana S. , Ananad Chandrika , Kumari N. Suchetha , Sonkusere Sipra , Babu S. V. Suresh 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is found to be a common endocrinopathy in a woman’s reproductive life. It is importantly characterized by hyperandrogenism. The enzyme aromatase prevents the accumulation of androgen by converting it into estrogens during the process of steroidogenesis. Down-regulation of this enzyme causes elevated levels of testosterone which leads to PCOS. This review is aims to explore the various factors and pathogenic pathways that influence the regulation of aromatase and steroidogenesis. The articles were selected from PUBMED, Google Scholar, Cross ref, and Research Gate. The results of the selected articles were analyzed and presented systematically. Polymorphism in the CYP19A1 gene specifically rs2414096 was found to be strongly associated with PCOS while other polymorphisms showed variable results. Micro RNAs such as miRNA1294 and lncRNAs exhibited an inhibitory role on CYP19A1 along with down-regulation of aromatase. In addition to this, the altered ratio between Inositol epimers and pathogenic activation of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway caused the down-regulation of aromatase and accumulation of testosterone. It was also observed that there was a direct effect of environmental toxins on endocrine balance which affected steroidogenesis that led to PCOS. In conclusion, Aromatase played a key role in steroidogenesis and it is the hotspot of research to investigate the pathophysiology of PCOS. Genetic polymorphism, microRNAs, pathogenic metabolism, and pollutants were significantly influenced the enzyme.
Early Diagnosis and Development of Referral System for Silicosis among Sandstone Miners in Western India
Authors: Dhikav Vikas , Kumar Pankaj , Garg Rajender 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Introduction:
Silicosis is the most common and oldest occupational lung disease. The disease has been an ancient one and has been recognized in India for the past around 100 years. However, despite its ubiquitous presence among various mine and quarry workers, there is no uniformly available referral system in India in general for workers having occupational dust exposure and respiratory symptoms. The current study involved the clinical assessment of those working in mines and quarries in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Western India and explore the possibility of development of a referral system for symptomatic mine workers.

Materials and Methods:
Workers working in mines and quarries in Jodhpur district were clinically screened for symptoms related to silicosis after choosing the quarries randomly. Demographic information and detailed occupational history were recorded using a predesigned questionnaire. Duration of exposure and morbidity/mortality details related to silicosis in the family were noted in detail. Respiratory symptom score was evaluated using a numeric score. The study was a cross-sectional one, and a 12-point respiratory symptom score based on predesigned questionnaire was constructed using the literature survey of silicosis symptoms.

Results:
A total of 435 mine/quarries workers (M: F = 432:3) working in sandstone belt of Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Western India were assessed clinically, and details of their symptoms were noted. Demographic information was as followed mean age = 36.44 ± 11.23 years and mean duration of dust exposure = 13.4 ± 9.6 years. A total of 96/435 workers were symptomatic (22%), and salient hypoxia was present in 113/435 (26%). Both groups of these workers were referred to nearby community health centers for further evaluation. Awareness levels among the workers were poor, as only 119/435 (27%) workers had some ideas about the silicosis prevention while working in mines and quarries. Regular wearing of masks while being on the field was observed in only 8% (35/435). Mine Worker Screening Camp approach was used for symptomatic workers and evaluation by a three-member clinical board was done in community health center in the vicinity of mining areas. Those suspected of having silicosis were referred to pneumoconiosis board for further evaluation.

Conclusions:
High frequency of symptomatic mine workers (22%) exposed chronically to occupational dust was found in sandstone mines and quarries of Jodhpur region. Awareness levels about silicosis prevention were poor. A referral system for those needing further evaluation has been demonstrated.
Physical Activity Level of Ambulatory Stroke Patients and its Correlation with their Functional Abilities
Authors: Soni Mansi , Muruganantham Balaganapathy 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Introduction:
Stroke management guidelines include physical activity recommendations as physical activity has proven benefits for stroke prevention and management. Studies from the various parts of the world have reported stroke survivors do not reach the recommended level of physical activity. Personal and environmental factors might be contributing to the same. A person’s ability is a prerequisite for being active. Thus, there is a need to evaluate the physical activity levels of stroke survivors and find how functional abilities correlate with physical activity.

Aim:
This study aims to measure objectively measured physical activity of stroke survivors and evaluate its correlation with functional abilities.

Methodology:
The study included 108 ambulatory stroke patients. Functional abilities were measured for independence in daily living, gait speed, and endurance by the Barthel Index, 10-m walk test, and 6-min walk test, respectively. Physical activity of all the participants was measured by accelerometer ActiGraph wGT3X-BT.

Results:
The study participants were found to spend higher time in sedentary or light activities. They spent 45.3% ± 5.432% of their day sedentary and 42.72% ± 5.494% of the time in light activities. The study participants took 7795.6 ± 2669.9 steps and spent 200.27 ± 68.60 kcal in a day. Physical activity parameters step counts and energy expenditure in metabolic equivalent rate and kcal/day show a statistically significant correlation with functional ability parameters except for energy expenditure in kcal for the day and independence in activities of daily living.

Conclusion:
As reported with other studies, our study participants also report low physical activity as compared to the recommendation. Functional ability parameters gait speed and gait endurance show moderate correlation and independence in activities of daily living shows low or no correlation with physical activity parameters. There is a strong need to increase physical activity among stroke participants.
Treatment Response of Patients with Acute Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure on Noninvasive Ventilation
Authors: Sontakke Anil Krishnarao , Kolte Sagar Pralhad , Satkar Pravin Parmeshwar , Ali Saood Nisar , Girdhar Nidhi Rajendra 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Introduction:
When arterial oxygen pressure is < 60 mmHg and arterial carbon dioxide pressure is normal or low, hypoxemic respiratory failure (type I) occurs. Acute respiratory failure patients who get noninvasive ventilation (NIV) had a much lower risk of morbidity and fatality.

Materials and Methods:
On 55 subjects of acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (AHRF) with NIV support, an observational study was performed at tertiary care hospital. All the cases were assessed clinically along with evaluation of arterial blood gas, ROX index, and chest X-ray. Patient was re-accessed clinically at the end of 24 h.

Results:
Failure of NIV, i.e. requirement of invasive ventilation, was observed among 12.7% of cases with AHRF. On multivariate regression analysis, we observed that low pH (odds ratio [OR] – 2.76; 1.15–3.38; P = 0.04) and ROX index (OR – 9.99; 1.14–73.4; P = 0.02) were observed to be vital sign of NIV failure in cases with AHRF.

Conclusion:
This study noted that NIV responded good in over 85% of AHRF cases, hence NIV is a reliable method for such patients despite their underlying cause.
Mast Cell Metabolism: A Viable Therapeutic Target against Intraoral Neurofibroma
Authors: Yadav Shefali , Shetty Devi Charan , Gulati Nikita , Jain Anshi 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Neurofibroma being benign in its behavior remains silent in existence and hence can be mistaken for various reactive lesions of the oral cavity such as fibroma, peripheral giant cell granuloma, or peripheral ossifying fibroma. Although it is a well-established fact that mast cells play the utmost significance in the tumorigenesis of such tumors, little is known about their importance in treatment modalities. Hence, we intend to present a case of intraoral neurofibroma emphasizing the significance of mast cells in therapeutic intervention of neurofibromas (NFs) as such tumors can be accompanied by syndromes and hence necessitates the thorough clinical as well as microscopical analysis as well as an adequate therapeutic approach. Our case revealed the presence of mast cells in the stroma which was further confirmed with toluidine blue staining. Infiltration of mast cells is frequently seen in NF; however, its presence is uncommon in other neoplasms. This distinctive feature can be taken as a target of interest in neurofibroma research. Current clinical treatment options for NF are limited to surgical removal and follow-up of the case. Hence, this warrants the need of better understanding of the role of mast cell-based targeted therapy for such cases. The strategies formulated against the tumors associated with neurofibroma cannot be only applied after the encounter with sporadic counterparts, specifically in terms of benign tumors linked to such disorders. The noteworthy significance of tumor microenvironment in tumorigenesis necessitates adequate clinical examination, followed by delineation of the differential diagnosis and therapeutic approach toward such cases.
Odontome – A Single-institutional Cross-sectional Study of 31 Years from Mumbai and Case Report with Modified Gallego’s Stain
Authors: Tamgadge Sandhya , Pereira Treville , Mehta Rishikesh , Wagle Asma , Tamgadge Avinash , Bhor Ketaki 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background:
Odontomas are the most prevalent type of benign odontogenic tumor. They are made up of several dental hard and soft tissues arranged in diverse patterns. They have slowed growth and normally do not have any symptoms to go along with it. They are not regarded as real neoplasms and are more commonly referred to as hamartomas. There have been very few retrospective studies published in the literature.

Objective:
The aim of this study was to examine the clinical findings and histological aspects of 17 odontoma cases as a single-institutional investigation.

Materials and Methods:
It is a study that was conducted in the past. Data from 17 odontoma cases were collected, then separated, and statistically analyzed based on the number of instances reported, the kind of odontoma, the site of occurrence, age, sex, clinical and histological features, and so on. A brief case report is also provided.

Results:
Of the 17 cases of odontoma reported, 14 were complex odontoma and only 3 were compound odontoma. The age group of 20–29 years had the highest incidence. It was discovered more commonly in the lower jaw than in the maxilla.

Conclusion:
The study indicated a higher prevalence of complex odontomas than compound odontomas in males aged 20–29 years (third decade of life). Early detection and treatment are critical for avoiding disparities.
The efficacy and complication of intravitreal dexamethasone implant in diabetic macular edema – Novel use as a primary treatment modality
Authors: Chaudhary Shailender Kumar , Firoz Nabeel , Gupta Saloni , Anand Omprakash , Agrawal Sahil 
Published: December 2023

Purpose:
This study investigates an intravitreal dexamethasone implant and its efficacy and complications in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME).

Materials and Methods:
This was a prospective, interventional study involving 30 eyes of 20 patients with DME. Patients' eyes with DME which were pseudophakic with a visual acuity of 6/12 or less and a central macular thickness (CMT) of 300 microns or more on optical coherence tomography were included. Primary efficacy variables were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), CMT, and intraocular pressure (IOP), noted at baseline. The patients were followed up and parameters noted at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months following the implant into the vitreous cavity.

Results:
Eyes receiving the implant had a significant improvement (P < 0.001) in BCVA and gained a mean of 6.10 letters on the Snellen chart over the 3-month period. Furthermore, there was a significant reduction in CMT in the eyes receiving the implant. The mean increase in IOP over the 3-month follow-up, although statistically significant, was well within the normal physiological range.

Conclusion:
The study concluded that intravitreal dexamethasone implant is an effective treatment for DME, and it has a statistically significant and clinically meaningful effect on BCVA and CMT.
Incidence and severity of dry eye following phacoemulsification cataract surgery and its relation to intraoperative risk factors
Authors: Balakrishnan Daliya , Latha N. V. , Asha A. V. , Praveena K. K. , Aiswarya K. R. 
Published: December 2023

Introduction:
With recent advances in cataract and refractive surgeries, dry eye in the postoperative period has been implicated as the most important obstacle to patient's satisfaction despite an excellent visual recovery.

Aims and Objectives:
To study the incidence and severity of dry eye following phacoemulsification surgery and to analyze its relation to intraoperative risk factors.

Methods:
A prospective observational study in a convenient sample of patients without preoperative dry eye, posted for phacoemulsification cataract surgery at a tertiary teaching hospital from June 2019 to May 2020. Following phacoemulsification. Schirmer test 1, tear breakup time, tear meniscus height, lissamine green staining of cornea and conjunctiva and dry eye symptoms by Ocular Surface Disease Index were examined preoperatively and postoperatively.

Results:
Incidence of dry eye following phacoemulsification cataract surgery among 50 patients was found to be 38% at 7th postoperative day, it decreased to 8% at 1 month postoperatively and no dry was detected at postoperative 2 months. There was a significant deterioration of all dry eye test values following phacoemulsification surgery along with an increase in subjective symptoms. These values started improving after 1 month postoperatively. Postoperative dry eye incidence was significantly associated with intraoperative risk factors, effective phacoemulsification time, and Microscopic light exposure time.

Conclusion:
There is a transient deterioration of “dry eye” status postphacoemulsification. The patient must be informed about the possible development of dry eye disease and surgeon should allow minimum light exposure, ultrasound energy, and saline irrigation during surgery.
Development of a secondary reference material for application in carbon-14 specific activity determination by thermal oxidation and liquid scintillation counting method
Authors: Krishnan K. Arya , Bharath S. , Sharma Rajveer , Kumar Pankaj , Chopra Sundeep , Reshmi T. R. , Sudheesh M. , Karunakara N. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Carbon-14 (14C) is a pure beta-emitting radionuclide with a half-life of 5730 ± 30 y. Considering the long half-life and its biological importance, significant attention is given to monitoring 14C in the vicinity of nuclear facilities. The 14C measurement technique employed by the majority of environmental monitoring laboratories for impact assessments in the vicinity of nuclear facilities is based on the thermal oxidization of the samples and the determination of activity by liquid scintillation counting. One of the difficulties faced by these laboratories is the nonavailability of a suitable matrix-matching reference material which is truly representative of the type of sample being analyzed. In this study, an effort has been made to develop a reference material that is representative and has a similar thermal oxidation/combustion property as that of a typical terrestrial plant biota observed in the vicinity of the nuclear power plants of India for quality assurance programs. A prebomb era wood (~150 years old) was identified as a potential secondary reference material. The stable carbon ratio (d13C) of the sample was determined by isotopic ratio mass spectrometer (IRMS), and the mean value was −26.33 ± 0.47 ‰. The 14C specific activity of the sample was determined by accelerator mass spectrometry and a mean value of 221.6 ± 0.6 Bq kg−1 C was assigned as the reference value to the prebomb wood. In addition, measurements were performed by thermal oxidation in a tube furnace and by analysis of the 14C activity in a liquid scintillation counter.
Extreme value statistical analysis of meteorological parameters observed at Rawatbhata Rajasthan site
Authors: Gill Rajpal , Meena M. C. , Meena M. K. , Tiwari Shailesh Nath , Saradhi I. V. , Kumar A. Vinod 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Knowledge of extreme meteorological parameters plays an important role, for the selection of any civil structure at nuclear site or to design important nuclear structures to withstand design basis values of meteorological extremes that are likely to occur during the lifetime of these structures. The method used for the evaluation of extreme parameters is least square fit method. In this study, statistical analyses of extreme values of meteorological parameters at Rawatbhata Rajasthan site (RR site) are presented for the period 1980 to 2022 and for rainfall, it is for the period 1964 to 2022. Meteorological parameters such as extreme wind speed and wind gust (5 min) at 10 m and 30 m heights, extreme surface air temperature, extreme atmospheric pressure and extreme rainfall (yearly, monthly, and daily) are evaluated and discussed. From the extreme value analysis, it is observed that the variables for monthly maximum rainfall, annual maximum rainfall, maximum air temperature, maximum atmospheric pressure, maximum hourly wind speed at 10 m and 30 m heights and wind gust (5 min.) at 10 m height obey Fisher-Tippette Type I distribution, whereas daily maximum rainfall, annual minimum rainfall, minimum air temperature, minimum relative humidity, minimum atmospheric pressure and wind gust (5 min.) at 30 m height obey Fisher-Tippette Type II distribution. Distribution function parameters, i.e., location, scale, and shape parameter for each variable, have been determined and design basis values corresponding to return periods of 50 years and 100 years are derived and presented. The derived extreme values are particularly useful for arriving at suitable design values to ensure the safety of civil structures at RR site area with respect to stresses due to weather conditions. The values are also compared with corresponding values at other nuclear reactor sites of Tarapur, Narora, and Kalpakkam.
Impact of supporting substrate on the measured neutron yields from natLi (p, n) system: A case study with natC and natTa stopping targets
Authors: Paul Sabyasachi , Sahoo G. S. , Tripathy S. P. , Kulkarni M. S. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The high energy neutron generation facilities worldwide uses the Li(p,n) system for production of the quasi mono-energetic neutrons from epithermal to few hundreds of MeV. Among the facilities either self-standing thick Li target or Li foil supported on a target assembly is used. In case of a supported Li target, either low or high mass supporting substrates like Al, C, Au, Ta etc. can be used. However, the neutron emission from the supporting substrate can interfere with the Li(p,n) reaction neutrons. In the present study neutron yields from a thin natural Li target supported on the thick natural Ta (high Z) and C (low Z) targets were measured at incident proton energies between 8-20 MeV. The proton irradiation of targets were performed at the Pelletron accelerator Facility, Mumbai and the emitted neutrons were measures at both forward (0°) and lateral (90°) directions with respect to the incident beam. The neutron yield was estimated using the CR-39 detectors and dual scintillator based active neutron spectrometer. A neutron dose equivalent (NDE) meter was also used to measure the neutron ambient dose equivalent at the measurement point. Experimentally measured neutron yields and ambient neutron dose equivalent estimates indicated higher Li(p,n) neutron yield with carbon as the supporting substrate. This is due to fewer self-emissions from natC compared to natTa target. Carbon supporting substrate also ensures improved spectral features of the Li(p,n) emission neutrons and lesser neutron fluence around the source location. This ensures efficient implementation of radiation protection practices with carbon target due to lower neutron fluence around the source compared to tantalum target. Carbon is a favorable supporting substrate compared to high Z- metal targets like Ta for emission neutron studies on Li target at proton energies between 8-20 MeV.