bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Deciphering the Relationship between Salivary Cortisol Levels and Hypertension Using Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay – An Observational Study
Authors: Sathiyamoorthy Mounika , Divya Bose , Ramadoss Ramya , Dineshkumar Thayalan , Narayan Madhu , Vasanthi V. , Rameshkumar Annasamy , Rajkumar Krishnan 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background:
Cortisol plays a major role in stress crises and is higher among patients with hypertension. Assessment of cortisol levels can serve as a predictor for the prevention of complications of hypertension.

Aim:
The study aimed to investigate the relationship between salivary cortisol levels and hypertension.

Materials and Methods:
Twenty hypertensive individuals (Group I) and 20 control subjects (Group II) participated in the study. Their blood pressure was measured, followed by the collection of morning and evening saliva samples. Salivary cortisol levels were estimated using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Unpaired Student’s t-test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient were done to statistically analyze the data using SPSS statistical analysis software.

Results:
Group I had mean morning cortisol levels that were higher (0.376–0.458 g/dL) than those in Group II (0.005–0.0001 g/dL). In Group I participants, there was a positive correlation between evening cortisol levels and pulse pressure (P = 0.05).

Conclusion:
In this study, we found high cortisol levels in patients with hypertension. Increased salivary cortisol levels could be an indicator of underlying cardiovascular complications.
Microbiology and Antimicrobial Resistance Profile of Infectious Peritonitis: A Cohort Study with 10-year Follow-up
Authors: Aldriwesh Marwh Gassim , Alaqeel Raghad A. , Alangari Reem O. , Alzaben Shog A. , Albass Hessa S. , Alajroush Lama N. , Hakami Abdulrahim R. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Objectives:
Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a feasible option for patients with renal failure, but infectious peritonitis has long been a common complication in PD. The purpose of the current study was to provide epidemiological data about the rate, microbiology profile, and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of infectious peritonitis in adult PD patients in Saudi Arabia.

Materials and Methods:
A descriptive study was performed. Demographics and diagnostic data of adult PD patients between 2009 and 2019 were collected. The infectious peritonitis episodes were explained per patient and the microbiology profile along with antimicrobial susceptibility testing results were analyzed.

Results:
One hundred renal failure adult patients underwent PD during 2009–2019, with 55.0% were female. Ninety-three infectious peritonitis episodes were identified in 52 patients and the overall peritonitis rate was 0.56 episodes per patient-year. Gram-positive bacteria were more responsible (61.3%) for infectious peritonitis than Gram-negative bacteria (37.6%) and expressed more antimicrobial resistance patterns. Coagulase-negative Staphylococci were the most frequently isolated Gram-positive bacteria from the PD fluid culture (27.9%). Acinetobacter baumannii, followed by Pseudomonas luteola, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae were the most common Gram-negative bacteria identified at 6.5%, 5.4%, 5.4%, and 5.4%, respectively, with susceptibility patterns detected against most of the antimicrobials tested.

Conclusions:
The overall rate of infectious peritonitis was 0.56 episodes per patient-year, which is higher than the reported target published by the International Society for PD. More intense training programs and establishment of a national infectious peritonitis registry are recommended to minimize infection risk and improve patients’ quality of life.
The Role of Predictive Models in Shaping Health-care Policies during COVID-19 Pandemics: Lessons Learned and Future Directions
Authors: Khan Anas A. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
COVID-19 has substantially impacted health systems and the global economy. Moreover, it is more likely to have a detrimental influence on unstable nations than on more stable ones. All these consequences encouraged investigators to develop mathematical models to predict new cases, fatalities, and recoveries. These models allow a better understanding of the reasons and mechanisms of infection spread and preventive methods. In addition, these models help us understand the infection’s origin, mode of transmission, and the impact of national responses on these variables. On the other hand, the efficacy and accuracy of these models during the COVID-19 pandemic are questionable. This review highlights several types of predictive models for forecasting the transmission of infectious diseases. Despite the crucial role of mathematical models in understanding outbreaks, most models fail because of the misunderstanding of their assumptions or the misuse of the best model for the targeted scenario.
Outcome Analysis in Ipsilateral Proximal Femur and Shaft Fractures Treated by Intramedullary Nail and Plate Combinations: A Comparative Study
Authors: Sathappan Sivaraj , Samraj Arularasan , Palaniappan Gajapriya , Velu Madhan Kumar 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Ipsilateral neck and shaft fractures of femur are not common. They result from high-energy trauma mechanisms, including motor vehicle traffic accidents and falls from heights. Surgical stabilization of such fractures remains a challenge. This study was planned to compare reconstruction-type intramedullary nailing and various plate combinations on the fracture healing and functional outcome in patients with these fractures.

Aim:
The aim was to study and compare the clinical, radiological, and functional outcomes of ipsilateral proximal femur and femoral shaft fractures treated by two methods nailing/plating.

Subjects and Methods:
We included 20 patients admitted from March 2020 to September 2020 to assess the clinical, radiological, and functional outcomes of ipsilateral proximal femur fractures associated with femoral shaft fractures, treated either by intramedullary nailing or by various plate combinations at the Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Thiruvarur Medical College and Hospital, Thiruvarur, Tamil Nadu.

Statistical Analysis Used:
Continuous variables were summarized as mean and standard deviation, and the significance between their mean variables was analyzed using t-test.

Results:
We found that ipsilateral proximal femur and femoral shaft fractures are common in the 3rd, 4th, and 5th decades of life. There was a statistical significance in mean duration of surgery in nailing group 140.00 ± 24 compared with plating group 158.00 ± 18.7. In terms of average union time for proximal femur and femoral shaft fractures, age of the patient, delay in duration of surgery, and outcome results of both groups were similar and showed no statistical significance.

Conclusion:
Both treatment methods achieve satisfactory functional outcomes in patients with ipsilateral proximal femur and shaft fractures.
Trifid Radial Nerve Complicating a Routine Posterior Approach to Humeral Shaft
Authors: Naik Ashish Shankar , Shah Dhruv , Singh Sanjeev , Jain Deepak 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The posterior approach to the humerus is one of the most common approaches used for osteosynthesis and exploration of the radial nerve. The radial nerve anomalies even though rare are a possibility that the operating surgeon should be aware of during radial nerve exploration. A 42-year-old female presented with closed shaft of humerus fracture. The plan was to expose fracture site using a routine posterior approach and fix it with a dynamic compression plate but to our surprise found a trifurcation of radial nerve in the spiral groove. We describe a rare anomaly of trifurcation of radial nerve in the spiral groove. The nerves were protected, and the fracture was reduced and fixed with a dynamic compression plate.
Malignant Lesion of Clavicle
Authors: Channappa T. S. , Shivkumar H. B. , Singh Shuvam Priyadarshi 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
This case is reported to increase the awareness among clinicians about the malignant lesions of the clavicle. Plasmacytoma is a rare tumor occurring in the clavicle. Here, we report a 55-year-old female who presented with swelling in her left clavicle for 2 months associated with no pain. On examination, diffuse swelling was noted over the medial end of clavicle, nontender, hard in consistency, and ill-defined margin. Radiograph of the left clavicle showed an expansile lytic lesion. Ultrasonography neck revealed an expansile lesion in the medial end of the left clavicle with matted lymph nodes. Fine-needle aspiration cytology from clavicular lump showed plasma cell in hemorrhagic background. Excision biopsy of the lesion showed sheaths of plasma cells with eccentric placed nuclei confirming the diagnosis of plasmacytoma of clavicle. Plasmacytoma of the clavicle is a rare entity; there is a need for physicians to recognize the epidemiology and radiological findings and offer the suitable treatment options.
Role of Surgical Drains in Orthopedics
Authors: Goel Aditya , Singh Shivendra , Shukla Navin K. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
The use of drains in orthopedic practice has been affected by the concept of evidence-based medicine, which is accepted as the standard of care for all surgical or medical practices. This concept questions all care processes that cannot be backed by evidence to be beneficial to the patient. There have been a large number of multi-center meta-analytical studies that have found drains to be of little or no benefit in trauma and orthopedic surgeries. As a result of these studies, there are few situations where drains are routinely used, such as calcaneal fractures in developed countries. Even major procedures such as total knee and arthroplasties are being performed without drains. We aim to investigate whether similar evidence can be found in our practice.

Materials and Methods:
This sounds like the description of a prospective randomized controlled trial studying the use of drains in certain types of surgical procedures. The study population consisted of 86 patients matched for sex and type of injury, and they were assigned to either a group that used drains or a group that did not use drains during their operations. The study aimed to observe and compare the rates of complications, such as hematoma, drain migration, infection, and inadvertent drain stitching, between the two groups.

Results:
Eighty-six major orthopedic operations were studied. There was no evidence of the occurrence of complication arising from nonuse of drains in the undrained group. Those patients whose wounds were drained had no need for drain change, thus making the wound care less eventful.

Conclusion:
Wound drains can help reduce tissue swelling in the postoperative period, but there is no significant difference in infection rates, hematoma, or seroma formation between drained and undrained wounds.
Comparative Study of Functional and Radiological Outcome of Pertrochanteric Fracture Fixation by Proximal Femoral Nail Antirotation 2 and Old Proximal Femoral Nail
Authors: Kaushal Ashish , Anand Atul , Sethy Priyaranjan , Priyadarshi Swapnil 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Context:
Pertrochanteric fractures include the fractures in the region which extend from the extracapsular basilar neck region to the region along the lesser trochanter of femur. Pertrochanteric femur fracture accounts for the most common hip fracture. Most of pertrochanteric fractures, in younger as well as in the elderly patients, are unstable and slightly or partially displaced and require operative intervention. There are different types of fixation for pertrochanteric femur fracture such as proximal femoral nail (PFN), proximal femoral nail antirotation-2 (PFNA-2), Dynamic hip screw (DHS), Dynamic condylar screw (DCS), and angled blade plate. The PFNA-2 has been introduced to reduce implant-related complications, operative time, and intraoperative blood loss, especially in elderly osteoporotic individuals. This study was done with the belief that unstable pertrochanteric fractures can be better reconstructed with PFNA-2 designed specifically for the Asian population than with PFN and thereby enhance the functional outcome.

Materials and Methods:
A total of 40 patients were selected randomly. The fracture pattern included for the study was pertrochanteric fracture of the femur. The selection was based on performed inclusion and exclusion criteria. The functional outcomes and clinical results of the patients were evaluated and graded using the Harris hip score.

Statistical Analysis Used:
Statistical package for the social sciences software version 22.0 (IBM software package) was used for statistical analysis.

Results:
In our study, there were 20 (50%) patients who were treated with PFN and 20 (50%) were treated PFN-A2. The mean age in the PFN group was 43.90 ± 16.88 years and in the PFNA-2 group was 47.80 ± 17.25 years. In the PFNA-2 group, the average time of surgery was 67.00 min, and with PFN, the average time of surgery was 90.25 min. Mean intraoperative blood loss, in the PFNA-2 group was 68.25 ± 5.20 mL and in the PFN Group, it was 86.50 ± 10.37 mL. The group with PFN-A2 had a better hip score when compared with the PFN group. The complication rates were significantly lower in the PFN-A2 group.

Conclusions:
The newer alternative PFNA-2 was found to be much better than PFN in terms of lesser surgical time, small incision resulting in lesser blood loss, lesser number of image intensifier shoots, lesser duration of surgery, and advantage of compression mechanism at fracture site and lesser chances of biomechanical failure compared to PFN.
Functional Evaluation of Long Bone Nonunion Managed by Limb Reconstruction System
Authors: Dake Sathish Kumar , Suvvari Mahesh Chandra , Kakumanu Ravi Kiran , Paka Varun Kumar 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background:
The management of infected nonunion of long bones is a demanding task for the treating surgeon. Various treatment options have been tried in the past with less than satisfactory outcome. The purpose of the study was to establish the efficacy of limb reconstruction system (LRS) in the treatment of nonunion of the tibia and the possibility of correcting any bone length discrepancy.

Materials and Methods:
A prospective cohort study was performed on 30 patients with infected nonunion of lower limb long bones, treated with LRS for 2 years between November 2018 and December 2020, in our institution. The outcome was evaluated on the basis of bone union and functional outcome using the Association for the Study and Application of the Method of Ilizarov (ASAMI) score.

Results:
According to the ASAMI score, results were excellent in 75% good in 10%, fair in 5%, and poor in 10% of patients. The average union time was 44 weeks and average fixation time was 46 weeks.

Conclusion:
LRS is a lightweight, patient-friendly device that does not interrupt patient’s day-today activities. It is useful for managing limb length discrepancies, allows early mobilization and better wound management, thus it is an effective and versatile treatment modality in infected nonunion of the tibia.
Suzuki Frame Results in the Treatment of Comminuted Phalanx Fractures
Authors: Kumar Rishabh , Kumar Ashutosh , Shanker Anand , Kumar Rakesh 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background:
Comminuted fractures of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint are one of the most difficult fractures to treat in hand surgery. Hooks and rubber traction frames are an easy way to do this for fractures. This study aims to describe the outcomes of patients with PIP joint fractures with rubber traction frames.

Materials and Methods:
The results of sixteen patients with PIP joint fractures between 2020 and 2022 were analyzed retrospectively. Patient’s age and sex, time between trauma and surgery, postoperative follow-up period, affected joint site, postoperative complications, PIP and distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint range of motion, and cause of injury were recorded.

Results:
Ten (62.5%) patients were male and six (37.5%) patients were female in this study. The average age of patients was 28.50 ± 3.42 years. The average range of motion of the PIP joint at 12 months postoperatively was 4.88° to 86.25°. During that period, the patient’s average range of motion of the DIP joint ranged from 4.38° to 86.25°. Malunion/nonunion and osteomyelitis were not seen in any patient.

Conclusion:
A pin and rubber traction frame is a safe and effective method for difficult phalanx joint fractures.
Orthopedic Problems due to Overuse of Smartphones
Authors: Agarwal Saurabh , Bharti Rahul 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Recent advances in technology have changed our lives dramatically, in many ways for the better. Increasingly, people are using their electronic mobile devices to stay connected to the digital world. However, overuse of handheld devices can lead to unintended problems involving the hand, wrist, and arm. The article summarizes and reviews the literature with the musculoskeletal problems and adverse effects that can occur by excessive and inadvertent use of a smart phone.
Ribonucleic acid extraction: A mini-review of standard methods
Authors: Afolabi Oluwadamilare I. 
Published: January 2024

Different techniques have been proposed for RNA extraction, many of which have found extensive use in biological research. The introduction of these methods has greatly improved molecular diagnostics, drug discovery, and numerous other research and clinical endeavors. In this review, the working principles of the most commonly used RNA extraction methods for research and clinical applications are discussed. Current automation efforts and the quest for more efficient and cost-effective methods are highlighted.

French title: Extraction de l'acide ribonucléique: une mini-revue des méthodes standards
Différentes techniques ont été proposées pour l’extraction de l’ARN, dont beaucoup ont été largement utilisées dans la recherche biologique. L'introduction de ces méthodes a considérablement amélioré le diagnostic moléculaire, la découverte de médicaments et de nombreux autres efforts de recherche et cliniques. Dans cette revue, les principes de fonctionnement des méthodes d’extraction d’ARN les plus couramment utilisées pour la recherche et les applications cliniques sont discutés. Les efforts d'automatisation actuels et la recherche de méthodes plus efficaces et plus rentables sont mis en évidence.
Antimicrobial activity of selected nutraceutical plants used in Northern Uganda
Authors: Ikinyom N. , Lamwaka A.V. , Malagala A.T. , Ndyomugyenyi E.K. 
Published: January 2024

Background: Nutraceutical plants (NP) play a vital role as supportive treatment with antiretroviral drugs (ARVs). However, there is limited scientific evidence on the efficacy of NP to justify their extensive use. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of three nutraceutical plants which are commonly used as antimicrobials.
Methodology: Leaves of Cajanus cajan L. Millsp. and Eucalyptus globulus Labill., and stem bark of Mangifera indica L. were collected from Northern Uganda. The three samples of each NP were extracted with acetone and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of the extracts against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae were determined using the serial broth microdilution technique [1]. The mean MIC values of the extracts against each bacterial species were recorded.
Results: The three NP extracts were active against all the four bacteria species with MIC ranging from 0.08 to 2.5 mg/ml. The extract of Cajanus cajan was very active against Klebsiella pneumoniae with the lowest recorded MIC value of 0.08 mg/ml. The extract of Mangifera indica bark was very active against Pseudomonas aeruginosa with the lowest MIC of 0.08 mg/ml.
Conclusion: The results of the present study support the traditional use of the nutraceutical plants as antimicrobials.
Antagonistic activity of secondary metabolites from rhizofunctional bacteria extracts against <i>Fusarium</i>species
Authors: Antwi E.O. 
Published: January 2024

Background: Fusarium species remain important fugal pathogens that produce several mycotoxins with adverse effects on both plant and animals. This work aimed to identify biocontrol agent from rhizofunctional bacteria and assess its antagonistic activity against Fusarium sp. using dual culture technique.
Methodology: Briefly a circular disc of the Fusarium sp. was inoculated at the center of Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) plate and incubated for three days. The bacterial isolates were then inoculated about 2cm from the Fusarium hyphal tips and incubated for three days, and zone of inhibition was examined. Isolates that showed antagonistic activities against the fungi were subculture in nutrient broth for three days and the metabolites were extracted using ethyl acetate. The metabolic extracts were tested against the fungi using the agar disc diffusion method.
Results: Of the 20 rhizofunctional bacterial isolates screened for antagonistic activities against Fusarium sp., 5 showed active antagonism against the fungi with observed clear zone of inhibition in the dual culture, and microscopic examination of the fungal hyphae showed excessive and diffused hyphal branching with hyphal swelling. Ethyl acetate extracts from nutrient broth cultures did not show any zone of inhibition in dual culture against the Fusarium sp. All the 5 bacterial isolates were Gram positive strains but only 2 isolates (2a and 3K) were lipase positive, which may indicate that the mechanisms of antagonism could be due to the production of enzymes that have the ability to hydrolyze the cell wall and membrane lipids of the fungi.
Conclusion: The rhizoplane and rhizosphere of plants could be great sources of biocontrol agents and that bacterial isolates 2a and 3K have the potential to be used as antifungal agents against Fusarium sp. Molecular identification of 2a and 3K bacterial isolates to the species level is recommended.
Adsorptive Removal of Selected Toxic Metals from Pharmaceutical Wastewater using Fe<sup>3</sup>O<sup>4</sup>/ZnO Nanocomposite
Authors: Mathew John Tsado , Monday Musah , Azeh Yakubu , Mohammed Musa 
Published: January 2024

Pharmaceutical wastewater is a major source of environmental contamination, often containing toxic metals that pose significant threats to ecosystems and public health. This study explores the potential of magnetite/zinc oxide (Fe3O4/ZnO) nanocomposites prepared using a sol-gel method for the removal of lead, cadmium, and copper ions from pharmaceutical wastewater. The nanocomposite was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), High-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM)/energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The XRD analysis of the nanocomposite identified 2θ (theta), of 31.7º, 34.4º, 36.2º, 47.5º, 56.6º, 62.8º, 66.3º, and 67.9º which correspond to the crystal planes of (100), (002), (101), (102), (110), (103), (200), and (112), respectively. The diffraction peaks associated with Fe3O4 at 2θ of 18.02º, 29.4º, and 43.3º, related to the crystal planes of (111), (220), and (400), respectively of the Fe3O4 phase. The HRSEM image of the nanocomposite exhibited spherical-shaped structures of Fe3O4/ZnO, and some irregular shapes. The effects of the contact time, dosage and temperature on the removal percentage of toxic metal ions were studied. Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm constants and correlation coefficients were determined and the equilibrium process was better described by the Langmuir isotherm. The adsorption process followed a second order kinetics and the thermodynamic parameters showed that the involved process was spontaneous. These findings contribute to the advancement of environmentally friendly technologies for the pharmaceutical industry and the broader field of wastewater remediation.