bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative Study of Postoperative Macular Thickness Following Uncomplicated Cataract Surgery – Diabetic versus Nondiabetic Patients in a Tertiary Care Center at Chengalpattu District
Authors: Kumar M. Mohan Ram , Rinita Deborah , Arthi P. S. , Roopa Priya 
Published: October 2023

Background: Cataracts are the most common cause of blindness in the world. This study aims to determine whether cataract surgery has an effect on the progression of macular thickness in nondiabetic and diabetic patients, specifically in the absence of pre-existing diabetic retinopathy (DR) changes. Methods: It is a prospective cohort study carried out between January 2022 and September 2022 at Shri Sathya Sai Medical College, which is a Tertiary Health-care Center situated at Chengalpattu district in Tamil Nadu, after obtaining ethical clearance from the Institutional Review Board. A total of 72 patients posted for cataract surgery were divided into two groups each group of 36 patients, Group 1 well-controlled diabetics without DR planned for cataract surgery and Group 2 nondiabetics. The patients underwent cataract surgery by small incision cataract surgery/phacoemulsification method based on the staging of cataract and also the surgeon’s choice and cataract surgery was done by the same surgeon and the patients were implanted with rigid/foldable intraocular lens. Results: Out of 72 patients analyzed in both the groups, 37 were male patients and 35 were female patients in the age group commonly 50–65 years. The mean age group in the diabetes group was 57.19 ± 9.18 and the normal group was 61.67 ± 7.73. The mean foveal thickness of the DR group was higher than that of the control group, but the difference was not statistically significant. At the end of the 3rd month, the mean foveal thickness returned to near-normal range. Conclusion: The thickness of the fovea is increased after cataract surgery in the 1st week postoperatively in both diabetic and nondiabetic groups and returns to near-normal preoperative value in both the groups at the end of 3 months postoperative period.
Ankle-brachial Index as Predictor of Coronary Artery Disease in Diabetic Patients
Authors: Niranjan Ajeet Singh , Gangwar Pooja , Mishra Dheerendra Kumar , Singh Umesh Pratap 
Published: October 2023

Introduction: In India, the incidence of coronary artery disease (CAD) has doubled, and the association between diabetes mellitus, peripheral arterial disease, and CAD remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the relationship between ankle-brachial index (ABI) and CAD in diabetic patients, using the ABI as a diagnostic tool for peripheral arterial disease. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study at a tertiary care center analyzed 100 diabetes cases for CAD using angina history, past treatment, electrocardiography, and two-dimensional echocardiography. Blood pressure was measured in all limbs, and ABI was calculated by dividing ankle pressure by brachial pressure, selecting the lower ratio. Results: Out of 100 patients, 28 had ABI <0.9 and 72 had ABI ≥0.9. The majority of both groups were male. The highest percentage in both groups was aged 51–60. The ABI +VE group had higher proportions of hypertension, smokers, and dyslipidemia. The majority in the ABI −VE group were nonsmokers and without dyslipidemia. Both groups had a majority with body mass index ≥25 kg/m2. Mean diabetes duration was higher in the ABI +VE group, while mean glycated hemoglobin levels were higher in the ABI −VE group. Conclusion: In our study, the prevalence of ABI +VE patients was 28% and prevalence of CAD in this group was 42.85%, which is statistically significant. Hypertension, smoking, dyslipidemia, diabetes duration, and glycemic control were significantly associated with low ABI index (ABI <0.9).
Depression in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and its Relation with Complications of Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-sectional Study in Central India
Authors: Pandit Surabhi , Mishra Nimisha , Mishra Dheerendra Kumar , Singh Umesh Pratap , Rure Daisy , Pathak Umesh , Rawat Manju , Singhal Akanksha , Maravi Prashant 
Published: October 2023

Background: The prevalence of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and depression has witnessed a steep rise. The relationship between these two conditions has been mostly studied in Western countries. The existing literature indicates that depression is more common in T2DM. However, data regarding its association with clinical profile of diabetes is conflicting. Despite the extensive occurrence of T2DM and depression in India, research on their association is limited. Aims and Objectives: To study the prevalence of depression and its association with complications of T2DM among inpatients of T2DM in a tertiary care center in Central India. Materials and Methods: Inpatients department of Medicine was taken as study site and 120 inpatients of T2DM aged 18 to 65 years were recruited after applying strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. They were assessed for depression using structured interview and ICD-10 criteria. The severity was assessed by HAMD-17 (Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression). The complications of diabetes were assessed. Results: The prevalence of depression in T2DM patients was 24.2% (29 cases) among which mild depression was present in 62.1% cases. There was a significant positive association (p<0.05) between depression and socio-demographic variables of age, female gender, rural habitat and lower socio-economic status. There was a significant positive association between depression and duration of diabetes, BMI, serum triglyceride, serum creatinine and a significant negative association with serum HDL. Depression had a significant positive association with nephropathy and Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). Conclusion: The prevalence of depression is higher in T2DM as compared to normal population and is significantly associated with nephropathy and coronary artery disease. The findings highlight the need for timely screening of depression and integrated management approach.
One Hundred Most-cited Papers on Bacterial Meningitis: A Bibliometric Study
Authors: Hakkaraki Vinayak Parashuram 
Published: October 2023

Background: In previous decades, large-scale research has been carried out on bacterial meningitis. In every field, citation analysis is the most significant contribution. The study’s objective was to identify and analyze the 100 articles on bacterial meningitis that received the most citations between 2000 and 2023, highlighting the most significant developments in the field. Objective: The objective of this study was to find out what makes a highly influential article by identifying and analyzing the characteristics of the 100 articles in the field of bacterial meningitis that receive the most citations. The goal of this study was to find and examine the 100 articles on bacterial meningitis that received the most citations. Methodology: We identified the top 100 most-cited papers in the field of bacterial meningitis from 55 journals using the Dimensions AI database. The results of each author’s analysis of 100 articles were then compared. We gathered fundamental data such as the journal’s title, country of publication, and study type. Descriptive counts or percentages were used to compare the various categories. Results: Between the year 2000 and the year 2023, articles were published. The total number of citations ranged from 115 to 1176, with 42 papers receiving more than 200 citations. In 2008, 14 articles were published, followed by 10 in 2000 and 2007. One thousand one hundred and seventy-six times were given to the most-cited paper, whereas 115 times were given to the least-cited article. “Clinical Features and Prognostic Factors in Adults with Bacterial Meningitis,” by Diederik van de Beek, et al. (2004) was the article that received the most citations. 1176 people have cited this article. van de Beek Diederik of the Academic Medical Center in The Netherlands is the author who has written the most articles, was mentioned in 14 of the top 100 articles. Papers were primarily published in Pediatrics ( n = 9) publication with 1861 citations. The Netherlands came in second with 18 publications, followed by the United States ( n = 46). Conclusion: Our study uses bibliometrics and visualization analysis of the most important articles in this field to show the current state of research in the area of bacterial meningitis, provide a history of research trends, and offer a perspective for future bacterial predicts the growth of meningitis.
Validity of Reflux Symptom Index in the Diagnosis of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease
Authors: Kiren T , Arun T , Jacob Anu 
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is a disease, in which the diagnosis and treatment are controversial. The main objectives of this study were to assess the validity of the reflux symptom index (RSI) in patients exhibiting symptoms of LPR disease (LPRD) or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Materials and Methods: This study was a hospital-based, cross-sectional study. The study included all patients above the age of 12 years who presented to the ENT outpatient department with symptoms of LPRD or GERD. Patients who refused to give consent for the study, those who had undergone medical treatment past 6 weeks or surgical treatment for similar complaints, patients with malignancy of the hypopharynx and esophagus, patients with neurological causes of dysphonia and dysphagia, patients with a history of throat trauma or prior intubation, patients with allergies or chronic upper respiratory tract infections, and pregnant patients were excluded from the study. The variables examined in this study included age, sex, RSI, and reflux finding score. Results: The majority of patients (49.3%) with LPRD were in the age group of 31–50 years. Among the patients diagnosed with LPRD were females, only 15 patients (21.7%) diagnosed with LPRD had diabetes mellitus, only 7 patients (10.1%) had bronchial asthma, 4 patients (5.8%) diagnosed with LPRD had a history of thyroid disease, 8.7% had a history of smoking/tobacco usage addiction, and 18.8% of the patients experienced recurrent throat infection. The sensitivity was found to be 97.1%, specificity 66.7%, positive predictive value 84.8%, and negative predictive value 92.3%. The diagnostic accuracy of RSI was calculated to be 86.7%. It was found that only 46 of the 69 LPRD-positive patients (66.7%) showed symptoms suggestive of GERD. Conclusion: LPRD is predominantly a lifestyle-related disease. The fast-food lifestyle and the irregular and unhealthy spicy high acid dietary habits have led to a rapid increase in the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux, and hence, the LPR in the general population, especially India.
Does Hepatitis B Virus DNA Forecast Chronic Hepatitis in Hepatitis B Surface Antigen-positive Patients?
Authors: Pandi Kaviya Chella , Kumarasamy Poongodi Santhana 
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection is accountable for nearly 240 million cases worldwide. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) has a propensity to show a divergent phase, and isolated measure of high HBV DNA level may not reflect the stage of the disease. In this background, this study was done to detect hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) and HBV DNA levels among hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive CHB cases and to determine the stage of disease with viral markers and biochemical parameters such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels. Materials and Methods: Blood samples were collected from 50 participants with CHB (HBsAg positive for more than 6 months) tested for HBe Ag by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, HBV DNA, ALT, and AST levels. Results: Among the 50 cases, 31 (62%) were HBeAg negative. Among these 31 HBeAg-negative groups, 16 (52%) had HBV DNA levels >2000 IU/mL. In these 16 patients, six had ALT >40IU/mL. Conclusion: HBsAg, HBeAg, ALT levels, and HBV DNA are important markers to determine the clinical stage of the disease. Since it is a chronic disease, patients need long-term follow-up. Further, emergence of viral mutants among vaccinated and those on lamivudine aggravates the existing problem.
Obstacles in Dengue Diagnosis and Severity Prediction
Authors: Chidambaram Latha Bharathi , Kumarasamy Poongodi Santhana 
Published: October 2023

Background: Dengue emerges as a perennial public health menace. Identification of patients at risk of developing dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF)/dengue shock syndrome is still a huge challenge. Objective: In this background, this study was done to predict the severity of dengue by measuring the interleukin (IL) 6 and IL8 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Materials and Methods: A total of 88 samples were collected from patients with clinical signs suggestive of dengue were tested for NS1 and immunoglobulin (Ig) M (NIV Pune), and proinflammatory markers IL-6 and IL-8 (Diaclone SAS Pvt Ltd., France) by ELISA. Results: All the 88 patients were positive for dengue IgM. Dengue NS1 was positive in 36 patients. IL-6 and IL-8 were raised in 56 cases and 46 cases, respectively. Out of 32 severe dengue cases, 24 had raised IL-6 and IL-8. Conclusion: The dynamic nature of dengue requires close monitoring and frequent clinical and laboratory evaluations. Early prediction requires prompt testing of all the markers (IgM, IgG, and NS1) irrespective of the day of illness. Although cytokine estimation aids in assessing the severity, other cost-effective alternatives (hematocrit and platelet count) are copacetic.
A Study of Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis in Cirrhosis of Liver with Ascites at a Tertiary Care Hospital in North India: Prevalence, Clinical, and Microbiological Profile
Authors: Mohan Gurinder , Kumar Pardeep , Singh Parminder 
Published: October 2023

Background and Objectives: In patients with chronic liver disease and ascites, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a common complication. This can progress gradually and subtly or go undiagnosed until signs start to show. Early diagnosis is essential for effective treatment and the prevention of subsequent episodes because the mortality rate following a single episode varies from 20% to 40%. The goal was to study the incidence, clinical profile, and microbiological characteristics of SBP and its variants in people with liver cirrhosis and ascites. Materials and Methods: This observational study was done on 104 cirrhotic patients with ascites admitted at a tertiary care hospital. Basic demographics, symptoms, and clinical signs of patients were recorded. Diagnostic paracentesis was done aseptically and immediately sent for ascitic fluid cytology, biochemistry, and culture. Bacterial examination and antibiotic sensitivity tests were carried out by standard microbiological techniques. Results: Out of a total of 104 cirrhotic patients, 28 (26.9%) were diagnosed with SBP. Alcohol was the most common etiological factor, followed by hepatitis C infection. Among the SBP patients, the most common presentation was culture-negative neutrocytic ascites (71.4%), followed by classical SBP (17.8%), then mono bacterial non neutrocytic bacterascites MNB (10.7%). Among the symptoms, the most common was abdominal distension, followed by icterus, pedal edema, and abdominal pain. Majority of the patients belonged to Child–Pugh’s Grade C. Of 28 cases of SBP, 8 were culture positive. Gram-negative isolates were predominant (75%) and Escherichia coli were the most common isolate. Interpretation and Conclusion: The prevalence of SBP in cirrhotic patients was 26.9%, and Gram-negative isolates were predominant. Ascitic fluid culture and susceptibility testing can lead to accurate diagnosis of SBP and can guide for treatment as resistance to antibiotics is common.
Two tales of platoon intelligence for autonomous mobility control: Enabling deep learning recipes
Authors: Park Soohyun , Lee Haemin , Park Chanyoung , Jung Soyi , Choi Minseok , Kim Joongheon 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThis paper surveys recent multiagent reinforcement learning and neural Myerson auction deep learning efforts to improve mobility control and resource management in autonomous ground and aerial vehicles. The multiagent reinforcement learning communication network (CommNet) was introduced to enable multiple agents to perform actions in a distributed manner to achieve shared goals by training all agents' states and actions in a single neural network. Additionally, the Myerson auction method guarantees trustworthiness among multiple agents to optimize rewards in highly dynamic systems. Our findings suggest that the integration of MARL CommNet and Myerson techniques is very much needed for improved efficiency and trustworthiness.
Genotypic characterization of extended spectrum beta-lactamase in gram negative bacterial contaminants of some door handles in Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, Ogun state
Authors: Bola Famojuro Oluwatoyin , Omolola Adesanya Ifeoluwa , Olu Ajewole Jerome , Ibukun Famojuro Tayo 
Published: October 2023

Background: Nosocomial infections due to cross-transmission by microorganisms from inanimate surfaces have become a recognized public health problem.
Objectives: This research was carried out to detect bacterial contaminants of door handles and their production of extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) in Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital.
Methods: Seventy door handles from twenty-seven sections of Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital were swabbed and inoculated on different culture media. The isolates were identified using standard microbiological procedures. Susceptibility of the isolates to eleven antibiotics was determined by Kirby- Bauer disc diffusion test. Phenotypic detection of ESBL was determined by modified double disc synergy test (MDDST) followed by PCR amplification of ESBL- encoding genes.
Results: Forty-four (62.9%) out of 70 door swabs were positive for bacterial growth. S. aureus was the most common isolate (22.9%). Multidrug resistance was observed in 15(79.0%) and 20(69%) of Gram positive and Gram-negative isolates, respectively. Coagulase negative staphylococci, E. coli, Acinetobacter and Shigella species were totally resistant to ceftazidime (100%). PCR amplification of ESBL-genes revealed the presence of blaTEM blaCTX -M and blaSHV in 4(14.3%), 2(7.2%) and 1(3.6%) isolate, respectively.
Conclusion: This study revealed that door handles of different sections in hospital environment were contaminated by multidrug resistant Gram-negative bacteria encoding ESBL genes.
Keywords: Bacterial contamination; drug resistance; extended spectrum beta-lactamase.
Irrational use of antibiotics without a clinical diagnosis: a short case report
Authors: Agarwal Rajat , Mubeen Mohd , Singh Harpreet 
Published: October 2023

Antibiotics are often started irrationally and continued injudiciously worldwide without a clinical diagnosis. Antibiotic prescription practises are governed by multiple factors like lack of diagnostic facilities, secondary infections, poor sanitary conditions, easy availability, pharmaceutical companies' marketing strategies and patients seeking the fastest cure from healthcare providers. We report a case of a 40-year-old male who was treated intermittently with multiple antibiotics for 3 months without being clinically diagnosed. The patient continued having episodes of fever with brief periods of remission. The occurrence of recurrent episodes of transient ischemic attacks alarmed him, and he was brought to a tertiary hospital, where a diagnosis of culture-negative Infective Endocarditis (IE) was made. He underwent successful high-risk double valve replacement and was discharged from the hospital in satisfactory condition.
Key messages: Antibiotics should be started judiciously with a proper clinical indication and should be reviewed from time to time regarding selection, duration, and response. In the case of non-responders, a thorough clinical examination followed by relevant investigations should be done for a proper clinical diagnosis.
Keywords: Antibiotics; infective endocarditis; fever; infection.
Mir-21 and Mir-125b as theranostic biomarkers for epithelial ovarian cancer in Tunisian women
Authors: Habel A , Nassar F , Itani M , Bouaziz H , Hadj-Ahmed M , Msheik Z , Stayoussef M , Nasr R , Yacoubi-Loueslati B 
Published: October 2023

Background: Ovarian cancer (OC) is the third most common cancer in women and the leading cause of death associated with gynecologic tumors. Because this disease is asymptomatic in the early stages, most patients are not diagnosed until the late stages. This highlights the need for the development of diagnostic biomarkers. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNAs, are currently being explored as potential biomarkers for the early detection of various malignancies in humans. However, their expression and diagnostic value in OC have not been well studied.
Materials and Methods: the plasma levels of miR-21, miR-200a, miR-200b, miR-200c, miR-205 and miR-125b were determined in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients and healthy controls by Reverse Transcription Quantitative Realtime Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR). The expression levels of the deregulated microRNAs were analysed according to clinical characteristics.
Results: It was found that miR-21 and miR-125b were upregulated in EOC compared with healthy controls. Moreover, decreased miR-125b was associated with resistance to platinum-based chemotherapy.
Conclusions: Our data suggest that miR-21 and miR-125b in plasma may serve as potential circulating biomarkers for the early detection of EOC. MiR-125b may also be useful for predicting chemosensitivity in EOC patients.
Keywords: Epithelial ovarian cancer; miRNAs; biomarkers; resistance to treatment; Tunisia.
Anticancer effects of herbal medicine Emelia-M, Mshikazi and Delosma H against human leukaemia cells
Authors: Nkechinyere Adeniyi Joy , Nlooto Manimbulu , Ngcobo Mlungisi , Moodley Roshila , Gomo Exnevia 
Published: October 2023

Background: Leukaemia is one of the three major types of blood cancers that lead to the overproduction of abnormal white blood cells. Emelia M (EMB), Mshikazi and Delosma H are herbal medicines that are being used by traditional healers in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa to treat leukaemia and other diseases.
Objectives: To gain insight into the safety (non-toxic effect), anti-cancer activity, mechanisms of action and phytochemical profiles of traditional herbal medicines (Emelia M (EMB), Mshikazi and Delosma H) in South Africa.
Methods: The viability of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), monocytic (THP-1) and T-lymphocyte (Jurkat) cell lines exposed to varying concentrations of aqueous extracts of the three herbal medicines were assessed using adenosine triphosphate (ATP) assay.
Results: All three extracts showed a dose-dependent effect on the viability of PBMCs. Cell viability decreased with increasing concentrations of extracts when compared with the untreated cells at 24 and 48 hours. The inhibitory activities (IC50) of the extract were found in the order of Mshikazi > EMB, > Delosma H. All the extracts induced apoptosis with minimal necrosis. Many bioactive compounds that have been previously reported to have anticancer effects were identified in the extracts.
Conclusion: Mshikazi extract significantly inhibited the growth of THP-1 and Jurkat cells and induced cell death through apoptosis than the other two extracts.
Keywords: Leukaemia; traditional herbal medicines; apoptosis; phytochemical compounds.