bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The potential habitat and environmental fitness change of Aedes albopictus in Western Eurasia for 2081–2100
Authors: Trájer Attila J 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT

Background & objectives:
The range of Aedes albopictus, the most important vector mosquito in Western Eurasia is growing due to climate change. However, it is not known how it will influence the habitats occupied by the species and its environmental fitness within its future range.

Methods:
To study this question, the habitat characteristic of the mosquito was investigated for 2081–2100.

Results:
The models suggest a notable future spread of the mosquito in the direction of Northern Europe and the parallel northward and westward shift of the southern and eastern potential occurrences of the mosquito. The models suggest a notable increase in generation numbers in the warmest quarter, which can reach 4–5 generations in the peri-Mediterranean region. However, both the joint survival rate of larvae and pupae and the number of survival days of adults in the warmest quarter exhibit decreasing values, as does the potential disappearance of the mosquito in the southern regions of Europe and Asia Minor, along with the growing atmospheric CO2 concentration-based scenarios.

Interpretation & conclusion:
While in 1970–2000 Aedes albopictus mainly occupied the hot and warm summer temperate regions of Europe, the species will inhabit dominantly the cool summer temperate (oceanic) and the humid continental climate territories of North and North-Eastern Europe in 2081–2100.
Structure-based virtual screening study for identification of potent insecticides against the Anopheles gambiae to combat the malaria
Authors: Helmi Nawal 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT

Background & objectives:
Vector-borne infectious diseases contribute significantly to global mortality, with over 700,000 annual deaths, and malaria alone accounts for more than 400,000 of these fatalities. Anopheles gambiae, a prominent mosquito species, serves as a primary vector for transmitting malaria to humans. To address this issue, researchers have identified the D1-like dopamine receptor (DAR), specifically DOP2, as a promising target for developing new insecticides.

Methods:
The three-dimensional structure of DOP2 from A. gambiae was unavailable in the PDB database, an in-silico approach was used to model and validate the DOP2 protein's structure. The Discovery Studio 2021 program was then used to identify potential binding sites on the DOP2 protein. A virtual screening of 235 anti-parasitic compounds was performed against DOP2 using PyRx 0.8.

Results:
The screening demonstrated strong binding and interactions with active site residues of the DOP2 protein for five compounds: Diclazuril, Kaempferol, Deracoxib, Clindamycin, and Diaveridine. These compounds exhibited higher binding affinity values compared to the control (Asenapine). In addition, the predicted physiochemical properties for these compounds were within acceptable ranges, and there were no violations in druglikeness properties.

Interpretation & conclusion:
These compounds show promise as potential new insecticides targeting the A. gambiae mosquito by inhibiting the DOP2 protein. However, additional experimental validation is required to optimize their efficacy as DOP2 protein inhibitors.
Impact on CD4+ CD25High-CD127low regulatory T (Treg) cells of neoadjuvant therapy for rectal cancer patients
Authors: Maoxi Liu , Haiyi Liu 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
The efficacy of neoadjuvant therapy for rectal cancer has not been assessed.

Objective:
To evaluate proportional changes in peripheral blood immune cells in rectal cancer patients after neoadjuvant therapy and assess the relationship between tumor regression and regulatory T (Treg) cells.

Materials and Methods:
Rectal cancer patients who had received neoadjuvant therapy prior to surgery at Shanxi Cancer Hospital between January and September 2018 were enrolled in the study. Treg, CD4+ T, CD8+ T, NK, B cells, and CD4+/CD8+ ratio in peripheral blood before and after neoadjuvant therapy were measured by flow cytometry. Patients were divided into down-staging and control groups, depending on their responses to neoadjuvant therapy.

Results:
A total of 108 patients were enrolled. The proportion of Treg cells was significantly lower after neoadjuvant therapy (P < 0.05) but no changes were seen in CD4+ T, CD8+ T, NK, B cells, or CD4+/CD8+ ratio (all P > 0.05). There were 76 patients in the down-staging and 32 in the control groups. There were no significant differences in clinical parameters between down-staging and control groups (all P > 0.05). There were no significant differences in immune cell proportions between the two groups prior to neoadjuvant therapy (all P > 0.05). Treg, CD4+ T, and B cells were all significantly lower in the down-staging group after neoadjuvant therapy than before (P < 0.05). CD4+/CD8+ ratios were lower (P < 0.05) while proportions of Treg and natural killer (NK) cells did not change after neoadjuvant therapy in the control group. Following neoadjuvant therapy, Treg and B cells were lower while CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ ratios were higher in the down-staging group compared to the control group (P < 0.01).

Conclusion:
Treg cells may constitute a reference for judging the effect of neoadjuvant therapy in rectal cancer patients.
A correlation study between mean platelet volume and platelet aggregation study in acute coronary syndrome patients
Authors: Navya PT , Natarajan M 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction:
Platelets play an important role in cardiovascular disease mainly in the development of acute thrombotic events. Elevated platelet indices have been proposed as a risk factor for acute coronary syndrome (ACS). It remains uncertain whether increased platelet indices are the result or the cause of ACS.

Aim and Objective:
This study aimed to correlate mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet aggregation response to know the functional status of platelets based on their size.

Materials and Methods:
A total of 50 patients with ST-segment elevation ACS (STE-ACS) or non-ST-segment elevation ACS (NSTE-ACS) were included and their MPV was measured and platelet aggregometry was performed. Patients were divided into two groups, patients with MPV ≤9.1 fl as group 1 and those with MPV >9.1 fl as group 2. The mean maximum platelet aggregation response (MMPAR) with ADP, Collagen, and Epinephrine, of both the groups, were compared. MMPAR to ADP, Collagen, and Epinephrine in group 1 was 74.47%, 66.13%, and 72.9%, respectively, and in group 2, 72.94%, 59.97%, and 72.43%, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the MMPAR to ADP, Collagen, and Epinephrine among the two groups.

Conclusion:
Increased MPV does not indicate the platelets are hyperreactive. An increase in MPV may be because of the increased release of immature platelets from bone marrow as there is increased consumption of platelets at the site of thrombus formation in ACS.
The spectrum of pathologic lesions in spleen in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome: Autopsy report of 257 patients
Authors: Lanjewar Dhaneshwar N. , Kavatkar Anita N. 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection continues to persist in India over the past three decades. The involvement of the spleen in these patients has a wide array of differentials with opportunistic infections and malignancies. The spectrum of splenic lesions in patients with HIV/AIDS has not been described in the Indian literature.

Materials and Methods:
A retrospective study was designed to understand the spectrum of splenic pathology in patients with HIV/AIDS. The specimens of the spleen obtained at autopsy in 257 patients over a period of 29 years were systematically analyzed.

Results:
Among 257 patients, 197 (77%) were males and 60 (23%) were females with a heterosexual route of transmission in 246 (96%) patients. There were 236 (92%) patients from the pre-highly active anti-retroviral therapy era, while 21 (8%) patients had received highly active anti-retroviral therapy for a short duration. The most frequent splenic pathology identified was tuberculosis, noted in 135 (52%) patients, manifesting as military lesions (119 patients, 46%), tuberculous abscesses (13 patients, 5%), and tuberculosis associated with splenic infarcts (03, 1%) patients. The other pathologies noted were cryptococcosis in 17 (7%) patients, malarial infection in 13 (5%) patients, and cytomegalovirus infection in 01 (0.5%) patient. The other findings identified were chronic passive venous congestion, perivascular fibrosis, hemosiderosis, and amyloidosis. In addition, absence or depletion of lymphocyte was noted in 98 (38%) patients and in 4 (1.5%) patients diffuse large B-cell lymphoma was found.

Conclusions:
Patients with HIV/AIDS presenting with splenic lesions have a wide array of differentials, such as tuberculosis, opportunistic infection, and the lymphoma. This study provides a better insight into the splenic lesions in patients with AIDS in India.
Cognitive functioning in older adults with type-2 diabetes, study from Southern India
Authors: Sadanand Shilpa , Bharath Srikala , Kumar Janakiprasad Keshav , Bantwal Ganapathi , Philip Mariamma 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
Evidence suggests that type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with cognitive impairment. There is a dearth of research on T2DM and cognition in older adults from India. We aimed to study the cognitive functioning of older persons with T2DM compared to healthy controls (HC) and understand the influence of illness characteristics and other associated comorbidity on cognitive functioning.

Methods:
One hundred eight older persons with T2DM and 107 HC matched for age, gender, and education were invited to participate in the study. Both groups were assessed using NIMHANS Neuropsychological Battery for the Elderly.

Results:
The mean age of the study group (T2DM and HC) was 66 (±5) years; 60% were male with an average of 12 years of formal education. More than 95% of the subjects were from an urban background and belonged to either middle or upper socioeconomic status. Compared to HC, persons with T2DM performed poorly on all memory tasks (both verbal and visual memory), constructional ability, verbal fluency, working memory, and attention tasks. Lower educational levels and the presence of T2DM were the strongest predictors of poorer cognitive performance in the study group.

Conclusions:
T2DM seems to affect cognitive domains differently. In this study, memory was the most affected cognitive domain, followed by executive functions and attention. Recent memory deficits could be a forerunner of early dementia. There is a need for longitudinal studies focusing on T2DM and cognition in the elderly from India, providing more insights into the early detection and prevention of dementia in this risk group.
Buccal mucosal graft ureteroplasty: The new normal in ureteric reconstructive surgery – Our initial experience with the laparoscopic and robotic approaches
Authors: Sahay Shailesh Chandra , Kesarwani Pawan , Sharma Girish , Tiwari Arvind 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Upper ureteric stricture is always a challenging case to treat for any urologist. Due to chronic inflammation and multiple interventions, it becomes a complex entity to treat. Buccal Mucosal Graft (BMG) Ureteroplasty is a reconstructive surgery used to treat upper ureteric stricture but the results and experience with this modality is less explored so far. We present here our study of 16 cases of BMG ureteroplasty and its outcomes done by the laparoscopic and robotic approaches.

Patients and Methods:
We analysed 16 cases of BMG ureteroplasty, which were performed both laparoscopically and robotically. All these cases were long ureteric strictures, not amenable to excision or endoscopic intervention. We performed using an onlay BMG without complete mobilisation of the ureter. The omentum or nearby fat was used as a bed for onlay BMG.

Results:
All 16 patients underwent onlay ureteroplasty. The reconstructed ureter was wrapped with omentum in nine of the cases, while in seven patients, nearby fat was used. The median stricture length was 5.28 cm, and the median operative time was 143.5 min. The mean operative time was 143.5 min. 15 of 16 (93.75%) cases were successfully clinically and radiologically on follow-up.

Conclusion:
Long-segment upper ureteric strictures are a difficult entity to operate on. BMG ureteroplasty is a safe and effective way of managing such strictures. Robot-assisted ureteroplasty provides the benefits of improved ergonomics, easy manoeuvrability and precision surgery to the patients. Our experience with both laparoscopic and robotic ureteroplasty would encourage urologists all over to use BMG ureteroplasty as an effective long-term procedure for ureteral reconstruction.
Uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery Ivor-Lewis oesophagectomy with circular stapling anastomosis
Authors: Nachira Dania , Biondi Alberto , D’Ugo Domenico , Margaritora Stefano 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Amongst all minimally invasive oesophagectomies, uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) Ivor-Lewis remains the most challenging procedure due to the skills required for performing the intrathoracic anastomosis. We present an easy and safe circular stapling latero-terminal anastomosis for performing uniportal VATS Ivor-Lewis. The patient had an uneventful post-operative recovery and was disease-free 9 months after surgery.
Anticipated Stigma among Patients with Multiple Sclerosis in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Albarraq Rahaf Hamood , Alhujaili Naseem Abdulmohi , Alshehri Ziyad Ibrahim , Alqarni Abdullah Mohammed , Bawareth Rime Mohammed 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background:
Social stigma is a major problem among patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), which can affect their quality of life. There is limited research from Saudi Arabia on the anticipated stigma among patients with MS.

Objectives:
To determine the levels of anticipated stigma and its predictors in patients with MS in Saudi Arabia.

Methods:
This cross-sectional study included adult patients with MS across Saudi Arabia. Sociodemographic and medical information, including age, gender, marital status, educational level, duration of disease, number of MS episodes in the past 12 months, previous diagnosis of mental illness, and performing activities of daily living without assistance, were collected. Anticipated stigma was measured using an Arabic version of the Chronic Illness Anticipated Stigma Scale.

Results:
A total of 222 patients with MS were included. Moderate to severe anticipated stigma was found among 70.4% of the patients. The highest anticipated stigma mean score was from work colleagues (2.96/5). Predictors of stigma were age (P = 0.049), gender (P = 0.016), marital status (P = 0.015), education level (P = 0.003), number of MS episodes in the previous year (P < 0.001), and previous diagnosis of a mental disorder (P = 0.001).

Conclusions:
The findings of this study indicate the need for developing programs that reduce the anticipated stigma among patients with MS in Saudi Arabia.
Spatial Epidemiology of Signet-ring Cell Colorectal Cancer in India
Authors: Kazi Mufaddal , Patel Harshit , Choudhary Nazia , Jain Agrim , Dudhat Shruti , Naik Sakshi , Desouza Ashwin , Saklani Avanish 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background:
Signet-ring cell colorectal carcinoma (SRCC) is an extremely aggressive yet uncommon histologic subtype of colorectal cancer (CRC) with an unknown etiology. There is a stark difference in the prevalence of signet cancers between Western countries and the Indian subcontinent; however, India itself is a vast and diverse country with variable cancer incidence.

Objective:
To study the spatial epidemiology of SRCC in India for identifying regions with high prevalence.

Methods:
This retrospective study included all patients diagnosed with colorectal adenocarcinoma at Tata Memorial Hospital, the largest colorectal cancer referral unit in India, between January 2020 and December 2022. Geocoding based on the location of the residence was done to map the incidences. Comparisons were performed between the proportion of signet cell and non-signet colorectal cancers.

Results:
A total of 4100 patients with colon or rectal adenocarcinomas were included, of which signet cell histology was found in 624 (15%) patients. SRCC accounted for the highest proportions of CRCs in the Central (19%) and Northern (19%) regions, and the lowest in the North-Eastern (10%) and Western (12%) regions of India (P < 0.001), with non-overlapping confidence intervals. Compared with patients with non-signet CRCs, those with SRCC more commonly had colon cancers (22% vs. 17%; P = 0.003) and belonged to a lower socioeconomic background (67% vs. 59%; P < 0.001).

Conclusions:
This study found that SRCCs accounted for a significant proportion of CRC cases in India, but there was no substantial disparity in distribution across regions.
Simplified segmental scleral buckling without localization and cryopexy: A retrospective comparison with conventional segmental scleral buckling
Authors: Lin Pei-Hsuan , Lee Yi-An , Wang Lu-Chun 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

PURPOSE:
The aim of this study was to propose a simplified segmental scleral buckling (SSSB) technique that does not require break localization for less-experienced vitreoretinal surgeons.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
This retrospective study compared the clinical results of 46 conventional and 23 SSSB (conventional segmental SB [CSSB] and SSSB, respectively) procedures in a tertiary referral retinal center in Taiwan between 2008 and 2019. In the CSSB group, breaks were localized during surgery. In the SSSB group, a wider sponge band and a longer scleral buckle were used to maximize the chances of sealing the retinal breaks based on the preoperative fundus examination findings and to minimize the positioning error caused by cyclotorsion, without performing indirect ophthalmoscopy. The primary outcome was assessed after 6 months. Patient characteristics, surgical parameters, and outcomes were compared between groups. The main outcomes were the duration of surgery, changes in visual acuity, primary success rate, rhegmatogenous retinal detachment recurrence rate, and the frequency of further laser photocoagulation.

RESULTS:
SSSB had a shorter duration than CSSB and was associated with more frequent use of longer and wider explants and need for further laser retinopexy. Both groups showed high primary success rates (95.65%).

CONCLUSION:
The primary success rates for the SSSB and CSSB groups were comparable and equally high. SSSB required laser retinopexy more frequently and was a shorter procedure.
Implementation of a Multicomponent Program to Improve Effective Use and Maintenance of Medical Equipment in Sri Lankan Hospitals
Authors: Chaminda J. L. P. , Dharmagunawardene Dilantha , Rohde Alexia , Kularatna Sanjeewa , Hinchcliff Reece 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background:
Medical equipment (ME) maintenance retains an asset’s original anticipated useful life and preserves its reliability and cost-effectiveness. This study developed and implemented a multicomponent program to improve ME use and maintenance in nine Sri Lankan hospitals from May 2020 to May 2021.

Methods:
This pre–post implementation study involved an initial baseline assessment of existing ME maintenance systems, the development and implementation of a multicomponent improvement program, and a 3-month postevaluation. Five targets ME were selected for the study: oxygen regulator, electrocardiogram (ECG) machine, suction apparatus, blood pressure apparatus, and mini autoclave. A pretested questionnaire was administered to randomly selected nursing officers (n = 101) and health-care assistants (n = 120) to obtain baseline ME maintenance data. Six focus group discussions and 24 key informant interviews were conducted with key stakeholders to codesign the multicomponent interventions, which included: developing a standard operating procedure targeting preventive maintenance activities; establishing focal points to provide technical and logistic support; staff training; and the introduction of institutional ME maintenance documents. Program effectiveness was assessed at 3 months postimplementation using the seven predefined outcome variables.

Results:
Baseline assessment identified no ME maintenance programs implemented in any of the hospitals. The highest availability was observed for oxygen regulator (62% to 82.3%) and ECG machine (66.1% to 84.7%). The highest functionality improvement was observed for ECG machine (40.4% to 79.7%). The positive perception of maintenance process of ME achieved the highest (33% to 80%) improvement. Following program implementation, improvements were noted in: the availability (P = 0.00) and functionality (P = 0.00 to P = 0.02) of all selected ME; equipment maintenance processes (P = 0.000); as well as staff knowledge, skills, perceptions, and satisfaction.

Conclusions:
The program improved the use and maintenance of ME and was widely supported by the key stakeholders. The approach is relevant to other resource-poor hospital settings, as inadequate ME maintenance causes health system inefficiencies.
Prevalence and Correlates of Vitamin D Deficiency among Adult Population in Urban and Rural Areas of the National Capital Region of Delhi, India
Authors: Praveen Pradeep A. , Singh Archna , Lakshmy Ramakrishnan , Amarchand Ritvik , Berry Parul , Krishnan Anand , Prabhakaran Dorairaj , Tandon Nikhil , Roy Ambuj 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
High prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency has been reported among selective population, but its population prevalence from representative adult population is lacking in India. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and identify the correlates of Vitamin D deficiency among urban and rural areas of the National Capital Region (NCR) of Delhi, India. Serum Vitamin D levels of 1403 adults (aged 30 years above), 702 from urban and 701 from rural NCR of Delhi, who participated in a representative cross-sectional survey were measured using the quantitative chemiluminescent immunoassay method. The prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency was classified as severe deficient, and insufficient at three serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D–<10, 10–<20, and 20–<30 ng/mL, respectively. The median (interquartile range) 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in urban and rural areas were 7.7 (5.2, 10.8) ng/mL and 16.2 (10.9, 22.3) ng/mL, respectively. The prevalence of Vitamin D severe deficiency, deficiency, and insufficiency in urban areas were 71%, 27%, and 2%, respectively. The corresponding prevalence in rural areas was 20%, 47%, and 25%. Urban location (odds ratio [OR] [95% confidence interval [CI]: 11.7 [8.6, 15.9]), female gender (OR [95% CI]: 1.5 [1.1, 2.2]), and abdominal obesity (OR [95% CI]:1.5 [1.1, 2.0]) were independently associated with severe deficiency. This study revealed a high prevalence of severe vitamin deficiency among the adult living in NCR, more so among urban areas, women, and obese.