bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Seroreactivity and response rates among whole blood donors: Enhancing safety and counseling practices for future improvement
Authors: Garg Sachin , Kamra Hemlata Thakurdas , Kumar Rakesh , Jain Romesh , Gupta Anubhav 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:
Transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs) pose significant risks in blood transfusion, especially among multitransfused patients. Despite mandatory screening for TTIs in India, the risk persists due to donations during the window period. Blood centers are ethically obligated to notify and counsel TTI-reactive donors, improving blood safety and donor health. This study aims to determine the response rate of notified TTI-reactive donors and identify high-risk factors among reactive blood donors, facilitating timely interventions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
This retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary care referral center in North India from July 2017 to February 2020. Screening for human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis C antibody, and syphilis was performed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Treponema pallidum hemagglutination assay tests, respectively. Initial seroreactive donors were contacted telephonically and advised to report for repeat testing and counseling. The response rate was calculated as the number of responders divided by the number of notified donors. Statistical analysis was performed using Epi Info version 7.0, with significance at P < 0.05.

RESULTS:
Out of 25,881 blood donors, 574 (2.22%) were initially seroreactive. The seroreactivity rate was higher among replacement donors (3.27%) than voluntary donors (2.06%). Telephonic contact was established with 471 (82%) notified donors, with a response rate of 42.88%. Repeat reactive donors were predominantly from the 18 to 30 years of age group, and 86.6% revealed one or more high-risk histories. The most common risk factors were tattooing, promiscuous behavior, and injectable treatment without sterility.

DISCUSSION:
The seroreactivity rate observed aligns with regional studies, indicating a consistent TTI risk. Higher seroreactivity among replacement donors underscores the need to promote voluntary donation. Challenges in donor notification due to incomplete contact information highlight the necessity for rigorous predonation counseling and accurate data collection.

CONCLUSION:
Contacting and tracing reactive donors remains a significant challenge in India due to fragmented and decentralized blood transfusion services. Recommendations include enhancing pre-donation counseling, accurate demographic data collection, and centralized data systems to improve donor notification and response rates. Implementing national guidelines can standardize practices, ensuring comprehensive counseling and referral, ultimately improving blood safety and donor health.
Selection of blood bag systems by objective evaluation: A scientific approach
Authors: Deb Joyisa , Jain Ashish , Banerjee Pradip , Kumari Dixa , Prasanth Vaidehi , Khiamniungan Chanchi B. , Kaur Daljit , Negi Gita 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:
With the advent of different technologies, multiple manufacturers are producing blood bag systems with different salient features. It is important for transfusion services to select a blood bag system with the best features and quality. This requires an objective evaluation with emphasis on the donor and user experience. Based on a validated questionnaire, this study aimed to design a system for the objective evaluation of two or more blood bag systems from different manufacturers.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS:
A case–control observational study was conducted over a period of 1 month at a tertiary care center involving regular repeat voluntary whole blood donors, phlebotomists, and technical staff. A questionnaire was designed based on focused study group discussions and was validated. The new blood bag system comprised the case arm (n = 30), while the routinely used blood bag system comprised the control arm (n = 30). Responses were recorded for both arms and analyzed.

RESULTS:
Needle prick was reported as painful by 83% of study donor population (P < 0.005). Eighty-nine percent of the phlebotomists reported that needle penetration force was more for the novel blood bag system (P < 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS:
The novel blood bag system had certain limitations about the phlebotomy and needle characteristics which may affect the donor and phlebotomist’s experience. The blood components did not deviate in quality parameters as per the guidelines of national standard bodies. A similar evaluation of any newly procured reagent and supply item should be done before introduction to the blood transfusion services.
Evaluation of immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin G titers of ABO blood group system in blood donors at a blood center of a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Bhagwat Swarupa Nikhil , Sharma Jayashree Harihara 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
ABO antibodies have implications in platelet transfusions, solid organ, and bone marrow transplants. The study aimed at measuring the immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) ABO antibody titers in A, B, and O blood group blood donors and correlating the titers with age, gender, and blood group of donors.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN:
A prospective observational study was performed over 3 years at a tertiary care blood center.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
Equal number of A, B, and O group blood donor samples chosen by random sampling were evaluated for titers by doubling dilution using tube method. IgM titers were determined at room temperature. IgG titers were tested at 37°C with anti-IgG antiglobulin reagent after inactivating IgM antibodies by dithiothreitol. The titers were correlated with age, gender, and blood group.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS:
Mann–Whitney U-test, Kruskal–Wallis test, and Bonferroni correction were employed for various correlations using IBM SPSS v26 (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) software. A two-tailed P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS:
A total of 870 samples (290 of each of A, B, and O blood groups) were tested for IgG and IgM antibody titers. IgG anti-A and anti-B titers were significantly higher in blood group O as compared to blood groups B and A. Anti-B IgM titers in group A were significantly higher than anti-A IgM titer in B. The antibody titer showed decreasing trend with age. There was no correlation with gender.

CONCLUSIONS:
The study will help hospitals and blood centers in formulating policies regarding ABO antibody titer estimation in platelet donors and renal transplant recipients in the context of out-of ABO group platelet transfusions and ABO-incompatible renal transplants, respectively.
Morphological analysis of lacrimal punctum using anterior segment optical coherence tomography in different age groups
Authors: Naz Hasan , Tara Shruthi , Reddy Jagadeesh K , Prabu V Rajesh , Thulasidas Mithun 
Published: January 2025

Purpose:
To evaluate the lacrimal punctal changes in different age groups using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT).

Methods:
A cross-sectional observational study was conducted between January 2023 and January 2024 including healthy subjects between 20 and 80 years. The selected eyes from healthy patients were divided into four age groups (21–35 years, 36–50 years, 51–65 years, 66–80 years), and lower lacrimal puncta were analyzed using AS-OCT. Outcome measures included external punctal diameter (EPD, distance between the highest points of the punctal papilla), internal punctal diameter (IPD), vertical canalicular depth (VCD), fluid seen within the punctum, and presence of ampulla.

Results:
128 eyes of 64 patients were included with 32 eyes in each group. The mean EPD ranges from 441.5 ± 74.9 μm to 638 ± 138.8 μm among different age groups. The mean IPD varies between 251 ± 22.2 μm and 335 ± 21.6 μm. The mean VCD ranges from 424.2 ± 127.2 μm to 925 ± 144.1 μm among different age groups. The fluid within the punctum in the age group 21–65 years was 85–91%, which decreased notably to 40% in the 66–80 years age group. Ampulla was present in 11 (8.5%) out of 128 eyes. All the punctal parameters were the highest in the premenopausal age group (≤50 years) compared to the postmenopausal age group (P < 0.001). The values of all punctal parameters were higher in males compared to females.

Conclusion:
AS-OCT is a useful tool to evaluate lacrimal punctal structure in vivo. Age-related correlations were found in the punctal quantitative parameters.
Isfahan Artificial Intelligence Event 2023: Drug Demand Forecasting
Authors: Jahani Meysam , Zojaji Zahra , Montazerolghaem AhmadReza , Palhang Maziar , Ramezani Reza , Golkarnoor Ahmadreza , Safaei Alireza Akhavan , Bahak Hossein , Saboori Pegah , Halaj Behnam Soufi , Naghsh-Nilchi Ahmad R. , Mohamadpoor Fatemeh , Jafarizadeh Saeid 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background:
The pharmaceutical industry has seen increased drug production by different manufacturers. Failure to recognize future needs has caused improper production and distribution of drugs throughout the supply chain of this industry. Forecasting demand is one of the basic requirements to overcome these challenges. Forecasting the demand helps the drug to be well estimated and produced at a certain time.

Methods:
Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are suitable methods for forecasting demand. The more accurate this forecast is the better it will be to decide on the management of drug production and distribution. Isfahan AI competitions-2023 have organized a challenge to provide models for accurately predicting drug demand. In this article, we introduce this challenge and describe the proposed approaches that led to the most successful results.

Results:
A dataset of drug sales was collected in 12 pharmacies of Hamadan University of Medical Sciences. This dataset contains 8 features, including sales amount and date of purchase. Competitors compete based on this dataset to accurately forecast the volume of demand. The purpose of this challenge is to provide a model with a minimum error rate while addressing some qualitative scientific metrics.

Conclusions:
In this competition, methods based on AI were investigated. The results showed that machine learning methods are particularly useful in drug demand forecasting. Furthermore, changing the dimensions of the data features by adding the geographic features helps increase the accuracy of models.
Prevalence and clinical implications of anti-drug antibody formation and serum drug levels among patients with IBD receiving anti-TNF therapy: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Alghamdi Ahmed , Alahmari Mohammed , Aljohani Khulood , Alanazi Aisha , Al Ibrahim Bashaar , Alshowair Mishal , Tawfik Marwa , Alghamdi Waleed , Alanazi Salman , Alzayed Faisal , Alghamdi Abdullah S , Bawazir Abdullah , Alhamidi Hussam 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background:
The emergence of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (anti-TNF) has considerably changed the management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in patients who do not respond to traditional therapies. This study assesses the prevalence of anti-TNF drug levels (DLs) and antibodies (ATAbs) in patients with IBD in Saudi Arabia and explores their associations with IBD type and prior anti-TNF failure.

Methods:
This cross-sectional study included patients aged 14–75 years diagnosed with Crohn’s disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC), treated with anti-TNF medications at King Fahad Medical City over January 2016 to December 2022. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Mann–Whitney U test, Kruskal–Wallis test, Pearson’s Chi-squared test, and multinomial logistic regression.

Results:
Among 392 patients with IBD (median age, 31 years), 75.8% were diagnosed with CD and 24.2% with UC. Anti-TNF levels were subtherapeutic in 27.0% patients, therapeutic in 21.5%, and supratherapeutic in 51.5%. ATAbs were negative in 73.1% patients, weakly positive in 9.8%, and positive in 17.1%. Subtherapeutic anti-TNF levels were significantly associated with positive ATAbs (P < 0.001). Prior anti-TNF therapy failure was observed in 37.2% cases, with 15.3% showing immunogenicity. No significant demographic differences were noted across ATAbs groups.

Conclusion:
We highlight the prevalence of subtherapeutic and supratherapeutic anti-TNF levels among patients with IBD in Saudi Arabia and their association with ATAbs. The findings underscore the importance of monitoring anti-TNF DLs and ATAbs to optimize treatment outcomes in IBD management. Future research should focus on the longitudinal impact of these factors and explore genetic predictors of treatment response.
Advancements in topical antifungal treatment: Cream and hydrogel nanosponge integration loaded with Palmarosa essential oil
Authors: Setiawan Iwan , Wandani Diska , Ernawati  , Asmani Fadli , Kusuma Eka , Kurniawan  
Published: January 2025

Purpose: To optimize the preparation of hydrogel and creams integrated using nanosponge loaded with palmarosa essential oil.
Method: Palmarosa nanosponge essential oil was formulated by oil-in-water (o/w) emulsion solvent diffusion method using various ratios of drug to polymer; ethylcellulose (EC). Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and dichloromethane were used to create the aqueous and dispersed phases, respectively. Furthermore, nanosponge (NS) was studied for particle size and zeta potential, followed by integration into cream and hydrogel preparations. The preparations were evaluated for physicochemical characteristics and antifungal activity in vivo in animals induced by Candida albicans.
Results: Results showed that the physical testing for optimum preparation of hydrogel had a pH of 6.9 ± 0.10, adhesion of 1.43 ± 0.40 seconds, spreadability of 5.43 ± 0.55 cm and viscosity of 276 ± 25.16 dPa.s. Meanwhile, for cream preparation, pH, adhesion, spreadability and viscosity values were 6.6 ± 0.2, 2.25 ± 0.37 seconds, 7 ± 0.70 cm, and 1500 ± 5 dPa.s, respectively. The in vivo test for antifungal activity in test animals induced with Candida albicans showed that treatment had a significantly different effect on the healing process of candidiasis infection.
Conclusion: This study offers new knowledge regarding the development of hydrogel preparations and nanosponge integration cream containing palmarosa essential oil. The preparations had the advantages of efficacious ingredients, with good drug release and spreadability profile through the skin.
Evaluating melatonin's neuroprotective effect on the cerebellar cortex of adult male albino rats following monosodium glutamate exposure: a comprehensive biochemical, histopathological and immunohistochemical study
Authors: Sayed Hoda , Mehdar Khlood , Alqahtani Saad , Haredy Haredy , Elshafie Sabah , Shediwah Amal 
Published: January 2025

Purpose: To investigate neurotoxic effects of monosodium glutamate (MSG) on rat cerebellar cortices and evaluate potential neuroprotective action of melatonin.Methods: Adult male albino rats (40) were randomly categorized into four groups of ten rats each comprising Group I (control), Group II (melatonin-treated, 6 mg/kg/day via intraperitoneal injection), Group III (MSG-treated, 4 mg/kg/day IP) and Group IV (co-treated with MSG and melatonin). After 14 days of injections, rats were sacrificed and blood samples were collected to determine serum glucose, total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) levels. Cerebellar tissues were processed for histological examination, and homogenized specimens were used to estimate malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) levels. Results: Administration of MSG significantly (p < 0.05) increased serum glucose, TC, TG, MDA, TNF-α and IL-1β levels while significantly decreasing GSH level (p < 0.05). Histological analysis revealed that MSG exerted degenerative effects, including the presence of pyknotic Purkinje cells, with strong positive reactions for caspase-3 and glial fibrillary acidic protein as well as weak reactions for β-cell lymphoma-2 and synaptophysin. However, melatonin administration improved these parameters.Conclusion: Monosodium glutamate induces neuronal injury in rat cerebellar cortex, but melatonin demonstrates a protective effect against these degenerative changes. There is a need for additional studies to understand the mechanisms of MSG and melatonin effects.
Telemedicine promise for tomorrow: The role of video synchronous medical consultation in a primary health center (PHC) in a sub-Saharan Africa setting
Authors: Osehobo Philip , Moye Pamela , Pounds Teresa , Akoria Obehi 
Published: January 2025

Purpose: To demonstrate the use of telemedicine electronic communications to exchange medical information from one site to another to improve a patient’s clinical and medical care during a remote clinical service. The goals and purpose of this research were centered around improving healthcare delivery in Edo State, Nigeria, by leveraging telemedicine technologies.
Methods: This 12-month retrospective case study involved a live, two-way telemedicine primary care service in three rural primary health centers (PHCs) in Edo State. Patients were identified through outreach efforts and met criteria including chronic conditions like hypertension or diabetes, lack of access to physicians, and financial barriers to care. Weekly telemedicine visits with USA-based physicians were documented in the electronic health records (EHR), capturing diagnoses, vital metrics, medication adherence, and patient satisfaction.
Results: Seventy-five patients (66 % female, mean age 66) participated. Among hypertensive patients, systolic blood pressure (SBP) reductions ranged from 22 mmHg (p < 0.0001) at Oredo and Ukpenu PHCs to 5 mmHg at Ugbor PHC, with diastolic blood pressure (DBP) improvements at most sites. Diabetic patients at Ukpenu PHC showed significant fasting glucose reductions (p < 0.002), but changes were minimal at other PHCs.
Conclusion: Telemedicine demonstrated its potential to enhance chronic disease management and healthcare access in resource- limited settings, yielding positive clinical outcomes and high patient satisfaction.
Health-related quality of life in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and the clinical associations of EQ-5D utility scores
Authors: Pok Lydia , Shabaruddin Fatiha , Ng Choung , Lee Hwai , Raja Jasmin 
Published: January 2025

Purpose: To assess health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) and the clinical associations in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).
Methods: A cross-sectional study on multi-ethnic RA patients was performed. Disease activity was assessed using DAS28-ESR. HR-QoL was measured by EQ5D, functional disability by HAQ-DI and fatigue by FACIT-F.
Results: A total of 214 predominantly female (86.9 %) patients were recruited. Median age was 62 years; Inter-quartile range (IQR): 53 – 68 years. Median and mean EQ-5D scores were 0.793 (IQR: 0.647 – 0.879) and 0.752 (SD: 0.165) respectively. Median EQ-5D scores for patients in remission, low, moderate, and high disease activity were 0.879 (IQR: 0.742 – 0.933), 0.795 (IQR: 0.645 – 0.880), 0.742 (IQR: 0.564 – 0.818) and 0.653 (IQR: 0.323 – 0.775) respectively. Median EQ-5D scores for patients with mild to moderate, moderate to severe, and severe to very severe disability were 0.795 (IQR: 0.714 – 0.933), 0.728 (IQR: 0.564 – 0.818) and 0.554 (IQR: 0.287 – 0.765) respectively. DAS28-ESR, HAQDI, ethnicity and FACIT-F correlated with HR-QoL. EQ-5D scores were lowest in patients requiring biologic disease- modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) compared to none or conventional DMARDs, although this was not significant.
Conclusion: HR-QoL declined as RA disease activity and disability increased. Treat-to-target strategies and preventing joint destruction may improve health-related outcomes of RA patients. It is recommended that future studies be conducted in multiple health centers across Malaysia to capture variations in HR-QoL of RA patients nationally.
Lumefantrine-neusilin® based amorphous multicomponent solid dispersion: In vivo and in vitro characterization
Authors: Ugwu Calister , Onyishi Ikechukwu , Onunkwo Godswill , Obitte Bridget , Diovu Edith , Momoh Mumuni 
Published: January 2025

Purpose: To develop Neusilin-based amorphous multi-component solid dispersions (NAM-SDs) to improve poor aqueous solubility, low bioavailability and absorption of lumefantrine and enhance the antiplasmodial activity.Methods: Solvent evaporation technique was adopted to produce second-generation SDs (N1 - N3); third-generation SDs (N4 - N6 and N10 - N12); and multi-component SDs, NAM-SDs, (N7 - N9 and N13 - N18). In vitro drug release, in vivo anti-plasmodial activity, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and wide-angle x-ray diffraction (WAXD) were carried out on the SDs.Results: The highest drug release (80 %) was observed in multi-component SDs (NAM-SDs, formulation N17 containing Kollidon® VA 64). A significant antiplasmodial activity (p < 0.05) was observed in mice that received NAM-SDs. The DSC and WAXD studies showed that the formulations solubilized and exhibited an amorphous state.Conclusion: Multi-component amorphous-based lumefantrine SDs (NAM-SDs) may serve as a potential alternative carrier system for oral lumefantrine delivery.
Inhibitory effect of PD173074 drug on DMBA-induced mammary carcinoma in female Swiss albino mice
Authors: Alghamdi Abeer , Alobaid Hussah , Rady Ahmed , Aldahmash Badr , AL-Qahtani Wejdan , Alqarni Aisha , Almalki Samiah , Elnagar Doaa 
Published: January 2025

Purpose: To determine the effect of PD173074 on mammary carcinoma.
Methods: Virgin female mice were randomly divided into 4 groups of 10 mice per group. Group 1(control) received clean water, group 2 received an oral dose of 50 mg/kg PD173074 twice a week, group 3 received a single dose of 50 mg/kg 7,12-Dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) in the breast for carcinoma induction, group 4 received DMBA and after that treated with PD173074 one week later for 4 weeks. Hormonal analysis, oxidative stress, levels of cytokines IL6 and TNF-α, and histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis were carried out.
Results: Treatment with PD173074 significantly lowered estrogen, progesterone, oxidative stress indices, cytokines IL6, and TNF-α levels (p < 0.05) raised due to carcinoma induction. Pyrido (2,3-d) pyrimidine derivative PD173074 lowered the Nottingham histopathological score and reduced the incidence of invasive ductal carcinoma. Furthermore, immunohistochemical analysis showed that posttreatment with PD173074 significantly decreased K167 expression (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: PD173074 significantly reduces estrogen, progesterone, oxidative stress indices, cytokines, TNF-α, Nottingham histopathological score, and KI-67 expression. Additional studies would be required to validate the actual mechanisms of this drug action.