bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intrafamilial transmission risk factors and preventive measures followed by household contacts of hepatitis C patients
Authors: Ahmed Amala Abdulla Saad , Rizk Saneya Mohamed , Abdeldaiem Nabila Abdel-Kader 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundHepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the most challenging public health problem in Egypt where the prevalence is the highest in the world. Intrafamilial transmission of hepatitis C occurring between patients infected with HCV and their household members sharing the same house and living conditions. Preventive measures of hepatitis C are considered the first line of defense against HCV infection.Aimassess the intrafamilial transmission risk factors and preventive measures followed by household contacts of hepatitis C patients.DesignA descriptive cross sectional research design was utilized.SettingThe study was conducted at outpatient clinics of Liver Institute at Kafer-Elsheikh Governorate.SampleA simple random sample of 365 household contacts of hepatitis C patients was recruited for the current study.ToolData was collected through one tool: A structured Interviewing Questionnaire for household contacts of hepatitis C patients which included three parts; part I-(a) Demographic data, (b) Medical history of household contacts, Part II (a) Household contacts knowledge about HCV (b) Hepatitis C risk factors, Part III: Preventive measures followed by household contact of hepatitis C patient: This part is self-reported practices.ResultsThe study revealed that;56.7% of household contacts were males, 72.1% of them were living in rural areas, 75.60% were married, with a mean age ±SD 36.73±9.18 years old.44.1% obtained secondary education, 30.7% were employees, among this group hypertension and diabetes were the main chronic illness. 49.90% had moderate level of general knowledge about HCV infection, 71.50% had low level of knowledge about hepatitis C risk factors and 90.00% had a low level of preventive measures (self-reported practices) regarding HCV. There was no correlation between household contacts knowledge about HCV risk factors and their preventive measures(r=0.031 andP=0.549).ConclusionAlmost half of household contacts mentioned that they knew intrafamilial risk factors while about half of this group have a misconception about intrafamilial risk factors, while majority of them stated that they knew sharing scissors and clippers as the main intrafamilial risk factors and less than one-fourth of them knew direct contact with infected blood and sharing of special equitoothbrushesth brushes. Household contacts applied some preventive measures such as; Cover the wound with a piece of cloth or gauze, disinfect the site with alcohol or antiseptic solution and frequent and proper hand washing.RecommendationsRoutine health assessment of household contacts knowledge regarding intrafamilial risk factors and preventive measures therefore health education sessions should be conducted to raise their awareness regarding HCV infection and further research should be conducted on larger samples of contacts.
Biopsychosocial needs and problems among preschool children with speech impairment
Authors: Mourad Narges Abdelwahab , Elkaramalawy Effat , Hegazy Mona 
Published: January 2024

Background
Speech impairment means a communication disorder, such as stuttering, impaired articulation, language impairment, or a voice impairment, that adversely affects a child’s educational performance.

Aim
The current study aimed to assess the biopsychosocial needs and problems of preschool children with speech impairment.

Design
A descriptive research design was utilized in the current study.

Setting
The current study was done in outpatient phonetic clinic at El-Menofeya University Hospital.

Sample
A purposive sample of 200 preschool children with determined inclusion criteria.

Tools
for data collection Demographic and medical history questionnaire for children with speech impairment, biopsychosocial needs scale for preschool children with speech impairment and biopsychosocial problems scale for preschool children with speech impairment.

Results
The current study showed that 69% of the selected children with speech impairment were aged from 4 to 5 years with a mean of 4.2±1.0. Regarding Sex, 54% of selected children were males. While 47% and 46% of their fathers and mothers had diploma levels respectively. Regarding physical needs, 58% of them usually ate healthy and preferable foods. Regarding psychological needs, 71% of the selected children were sometimes satisfied with love and compassion and had family support to overcome fear. Related to social needs, 66% of the selected children were encouraged to participate in group activities. Concerning biopsychosocial problems, 63% of them sometimes had a lack of appetite. Similarly, 48% and 70% had aggressive reactions and fears from others, except for family members, and did not interact with peers easily.

Conclusion
The study concluded that 86%, 82% and 86% of selected children were satisfied with their physical, psychological, and social needs, respectively, while 92.5% of the selected children needed medical and nursing intervention related to biopsychosocial problems and 7.5% of them needed to modify the unacceptable behaviors related to biopsychosocial problems.

Recommendation
The study recommended the need for further researches on a large scale to assess biopsychosocial needs and early detection of biopsychosocial problems among preschool-aged children with speech impairment in different community settings. Furthermore, applying biopsychosocial assessment for needs among preschool age children with speech impairment in all phonetics outpatients’ clinics and speech centers.
Polymorphism of Toll-like Receptor 4 is Correlated with an Increased Risk of Mortality of Hemodialysis Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study in Taiwanese
Authors: Lee Meng-Chang , Chen Nai-Hua , Liu Nien-Tzu , Su Wen , Liao Chun-Cheng , Su Sui-Lung 
Published: January 2024

Background:
Hemodialysis (HD) is a public health issue, and HD-induced infection is a major risk factor for mortality. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) plays a key role in the pathogenesis of infection. However, polymorphisms of TLR4 contribute to infection are still unknown.

Aim:
This study aimed to examine the correlation between polymorphisms of TLR4 and mortality among HD patients.

Methods:
This retrospective cohort study included 585 participants from Tri-Service General Hospital in Taipei from 2011 to 2015. All participants were genotyped for TLR4 rs10116253T/C and rs7873784G/C by the iPLEX Gold single-nucleotide polymorphisms assay. Analysis of the conditional Cox proportional hazard model was used to test the association between TLR4 polymorphisms and mortality.

Results:
Our results show that adjustment with age and gender, TLR4 rs10116253T/C demonstrates an association with mortality (hazard ratio [HR] =1.38, 95% confidence interval [CI] =1.00–1.89) in a dominant model, especially in infection-related mortality (HR = 2.14, 95% CI = 1.04–4.43) of HD patients.

Conclusion:
The results demonstrate that TLR4 rs10116253T/C may play a role in the etiology of infection among HD patients.
Characterization Integrons and Gene Cassettes in Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole-resistant Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
Authors: Lai Jiun-Ji , Chuang Yi-Ping , Wu Rui-Xin , Yu Ching-Mei , Shang Hung-Sheng , Wang Ching-Hsun 
Published: January 2024

Background:
Integrons in Stenotrophomonas maltophilia are the major mechanism for trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) resistance. Molecular epidemiology of S. maltophilia with integrons has not been studied till now, and gene cassettes of the integron in S. maltophilia may change with time.

Aim:
Molecular typing and interrelatedness between TMP/SMX-resistant S. maltophilia (TSRSM) isolates in a hospital in 2017 were analyzed and gene context of cassettes in integrons was studied.

Methods:
Molecular typing was determined through a multilocus sequence typing (MLST) scheme, while pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) was used for relatedness analysis of TSRSM with integrons. Mapping of gene cassettes in the integron was also performed through sequencing.

Results:
From 214 S. maltophilia isolates collected in 2017, 34 of them (15.9%) were TSRSM. A total of 20 (58.8%) from 34 TSRSM isolates harboring the class 1 integron were analyzed. The MLST analysis revealed 11 different sequence types, 5 out of which were novel STs (ST 830, ST 833, ST 836, ST 837, and ST 839), suggesting a wide genetic diversity. There were two clones with intrahospital dissemination between different hospital settings, according to PFGE. Mapping of gene cassettes of the integron revealed four novel combinations of multiresistance genes (aacA4-aadA5, aacA7-catB, cmlA10-aadA2, and aacA4-aphA15-catB3), indicating the continued evolutionary change of the gene cassettes.

Conclusion:
Evidence of clonal transmission within the hospital and continuous change of multiresistant gene combinations in the cassettes of the integron showed that S. maltophilia with resistance integrons may play a role in the spread of antimicrobial resistance.
Novel Genetics and Humoral Prognostic Markers of Left Ventricle Hypertrophy in Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Voroniuk Kseniia , Sydorchuk Larysa , Repchuk Yuliya , Sydorchuk Andrii , Sydorchuk Ruslan , Iftoda Oksana 
Published: January 2024

Background:
Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is not only complications or the damaged appearance of the target organ of patients with essential arterial hypertension (EAH), but at the same time, it is also a prognostic factor.

Aim:
The aim is to evaluate the echocardiographic (Echo-CG) changes in patients with EAH depending on genes AGT (rs4762), GNB3 (rs5443), and some humoral markers.

Methods:
A total of 100 EAH patients were recruited for this study. AGT (rs4762) and GNB3 (rs5443) genotyping were performed by Real-Time PCR. All recruited individuals were tested for serum levels of ionized calcium, parathyroid hormone, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D. LVH was assessed using Echo-CG.

Results:
T-allele of the AGT (rs4762) and GNB3 (rs5443) genes are associated with myocardial structure changes in hypertensive patients: thicker relative wall thickness (RWT), interventricular septum in diastole and higher left ventricular (LV) mass index (LVMI) in women for GNB3 (rs5443) gene. Hypovitaminosis D in EAH patients is accompanied by LV remodeling: larger left atrium size, LV mass (LVM), and LVMI in women, with lower ejection fraction. Hypocalcemia links to the smaller wall thickness of hypertrophied LV myocardium in EAH individuals than in the case of its normal concentration, as well as a lower LVMI and better LV contractile function, which confirms the hypothesis of active involvement of calcium in the process of myocardial remodeling and hypertrophy.

Conclusion:
The polymorphic variants of the AGT (521 C>T) and GNB3 (825 C>T) genes are associated with myocardial structure changes in EAH patients. Hypovitaminosis D in hypertensive individuals is accompanied by LVM and LVMI increase but reliably only in women.
Association of Premenstrual Symptoms with Premenstrual Syndrome
Authors: Badkur Deepika , Wanjpe Arun R 
Published: January 2024

Background:
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) occurs 7–14 days before the onset of menstruation and subsides with the commencement of menstrual flow, it affects women during their reproductive age, and is associated with physical, psychological, and behavioral changes of varying severity and can interfere with the lives of the affected, as well as their interpersonal relationships. Study to follow the menstrual cycle of females and study the association between self-reported symptoms and Premenstrual Syndrome and find sensitivity and specificity of premenstrual symptoms.

Materials and Methods:
An observational follow-up study was conducted from December 2014 to June 2015 in 250 college-going females (18–25 years) using a self-reporting Modified Daily Record of Severity of Problems questionnaire. Data were analyzed using IBM, SPSS statistics software version 16.0.

Results:
PMS was associated with some psychological and physical premenstrual symptoms. Multiple logistic regression showed that symptoms made no significant contribution to PMS. The highest sensitivity and lowest sensitivity were 29.8% (general body discomfort) and 2.4% (diarrhea/constipation), respectively. Whereas the highest and lowest specificity was 96.8% (diarrhea/constipation) and 82.4% (swollen extremity), respectively.

Conclusion:
PMS was found to be associated with some psychological and physical premenstrual symptoms. None of the symptoms in the present study were highly sensitive and specific at the same time. However, a few symptoms that have high specificity but low sensitivity could be better used in ruling the diagnosis of PMS in the study participants rather than detecting likely PMS. So, more systematic research is required to assess the sensitivity and specificity of these symptoms in order to improve the screening instrument.
Role of Nasal Endoscopy in Early Clinical Diagnosis of Mucormycosis during COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Bajoliya Sunil , Agrawal Sanjay , Verma Abhilasha , Agrawal Ramesh , Verma Pramila 
Published: January 2024

Background:
Sinonasal mucormycosis is an uncommon entity and extremely challenging to treat by ENT surgeons. It occurs mainly in immunocompromised patients. Nasal endoscopy in the early stage could help in the diagnosis and treatment of sinonasal mucormycosis.

Objective:
The aim is to evaluate the role of nasal endoscopy in the early clinical diagnosis of mucormycosis in COVID-19 pandemic.

Materials and Methods:
This prospective study was conducted in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Tertiary Care Hospital, Central India, for 1 month. Nasal endoscopy was done on all the patients, and biopsy was sent to histopathological examination.

Results:
A total of 40 patients in the age group of 18–78 years, with the suspected signs and symptoms of mucormycosis, enrolled in the present study. Out of 40 patients, 18 cases had a history of COVID-19 and 22 cases had a history of hospitalization for breathlessness in the past 1–4 months. Mucormycosis was diagnosed by direct microscopic examination of aspirate/crusts from the nasal/sinus mucosae seen in 10 (25%), diagnosed by histopathology in 24 (60%), and both microscopy and histopathology in 16 (40%) cases.

Conclusion:
We have concluded that the early endoscopic diagnosis and prompt treatment of mucormycosis definitely reduce the morbidity and mortality of the patients.
Clinical Outcome in Post-ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients Receiving β-Blocker and Angiotensin-converting Enzyme Inhibitor/Angiotensin Receptor Blocker versus Receiving Either Therapy Alone: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Kanuga Kshitij H. , Mistry Ankit R. , Patel Aman T. , Malhotra Supriya D. , Patel Tejas M. 
Published: January 2024

Background:
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has now become the leading cause of mortality in India. A quarter of all mortality is attributable to CVD. The study is aimed to compare the use of secondary preventive therapies after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients.

Aims:
To evaluate the usage of drugs, to compare the use of Beta blockers (BB) or angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)/angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) alone versus combination of beta blockers and ACE/ARBS inhibitors following PCI, and to determine the outcome after angioplasty in STEMI patients on follow-up.

Methodology:
This was a prospective observational study of 9-month duration from September 2021 to April 2022 involving diagnosed STEMI patients who underwent percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. The study began after the approval of the study protocol by the institutional review board. The demographic details and comorbid illness were noted. Drug use pattern and clinical outcomes were recorded at the time of discharge and followed up. Statistical analysis was done using Microsoft Excel Office 2019 and rechecked with SPSS (version 25.0). P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:
A total of 94 patients of either gender were enrolled in the study (mean age: 53.46 ± 11.03 years). The most common comorbidities were hypertension with diabetes mellitus in 30 patients (41.34%). A total of 85 patients underwent PCI after coronary angiography. Patients were categorized into three groups (Group 1 = BB, Group 2 = ACE inhibitor [ACE-I]/ARB, and Group 3 = BB + ACE-I/ARB). Among 81 patients, BB (70; 15.08%) were the most commonly prescribed medication, followed by ARB (66; 14.22%) and ACE-I (4; 0.86%), respectively. Ejection fraction (EF) was increased from 40.16 ± 12.112 (at baseline) to 50.94 ± 11.085 (at 4th month) in Group 3. EF was statistically improved in patients who were in Group 3 (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:
Our conclusions support the current American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines recommending beta-blocker therapy along with ACE-I/ARB for secondary prevention. Therefore, in this study, we suggest that the combination of BB with ACE-I/ARB may improve clinical outcomes. It also shows that patients receiving only one group were at a loss. The search for alternative drugs in such patients should be an area of extensive scientific investigation.
The development of QERM scoring system for comprehensive assessment of the Quality of Empirical Research in Medicine - Part 1
Authors:   Research Quality Improvement Group, Indrayan A , Vishwakarma G , Malhotra RK , Gupta P , Sachdev HPS , Karande S , Asthana S , Labani S 
Published: January 2024

Purpose:
Whereas a large number of features are mentioned to connote the quality of medical research, no tool is available to comprehensively measure it objectively across different types of studies. Also, all the available tools are for reporting, and none includes quality of the inputs and the process of research. The present paper is aimed to initiate a discussion on the need to develop such a comprehensive scoring system (in the first place), to show that it is feasible, and to describe the process of developing a credible system.

Method:
An expert group comprising researchers, reviewers, and editors of medical journals extensively reviewed the literature on the quality of medical research and held detailed discussions to parse quality at all stages of medical research into specific domains and items that can be assigned scores on the pattern of quality-of-life score.

Results:
Besides identifying the domains of the quality of medical research, a comprehensive tool for scoring emerged that can be possibly used to objectively measure the quality of empirical research comprising surveys, trials, and observational studies. Thus, this can be used as a tool to assess Quality of Empirical Research in Medicine (QERM). The expert group confirmed its face and content validity. The tool can be used by the researchers for self-assessment and improvement before submission of a paper for publication, and the reviewers and editors can use this for assessing the submissions. Published papers can also be rated such as those included in a meta-analysis.

Conclusion:
It is feasible to devise a comprehensive scoring system comprising domains and items for assessing the quality of medical research end-to-end from choosing a problem to publication. The proposed scoring system needs to be reviewed by the researchers and needs to be validated.
Time to implement tailored interventions in Chhattisgarh, east-central India to reach malaria elimination
Authors: Ranjha Ritesh , Sontee  , Yadav Chander Prakash , Mohan Mradul , Singh Kuldeep , Kumar Jitendra , Bharti Praveen Kumar , Anvikar Anup R. 
Published: January 2024

Background & objectives:
Despite significant progress in malaria control throughout India, Chhattisgarh state continues to be a significant contributor to both malaria morbidity and mortality. This study aims to identify key factors associated with malaria endemicity, with a goal of focusing on these factors for malaria elimination by 2030.

Methods:
We employed an analysis and narrative review methodology to summarize the existing evidence on malaria epidemiology in Chhattisgarh. Data encompassing environmental conditions, dominant malaria vectors and their distribution, and the impact of previous interventions on malaria control, were extracted from published literature using PubMed and Google Scholar. This information was subsequently correlated with malaria incidence data using appropriate statistical and geographical methods.

Results:
Much of the malaria burden in Chhattisgarh state is concentrated in a few specific districts. The primary malaria vectors in these regions are Anopheles culicifacies and An. fluviatilis. High transmission areas are found in tribal belts which are challenging to access and are characterized by densely forested areas that provide a conducive habitat for malaria vectors.

Interpretation & conclusion:
Conducive environmental conditions characterized by high forest cover, community behavior, and insurgency, contribute to high malaria endemicity in the area. Challenges include insecticide resistance in malaria vectors and asymptomatic malaria. Allocating additional resources to high-endemic districts is crucial. Innovative and focused malaria control programs of the country, such as DAMAN and Malaria Mukt Abhiyan, hold immense importance.
Structural exploration of the PfBLM Helicase-ATP Binding Domain and implications in the quest for antimalarial therapies
Authors: Gattan Hattan S , Al-ahmadi Bassam M , Shater Abdullah F , Saeedi Nizar H , Alruhaili Mohammed H 
Published: January 2024

Background & objectives:
The battle against malaria has witnessed remarkable progress in recent years, characterized by increased funding, development of life-saving tools, and a significant reduction in disease prevalence. Yet, the formidable challenge of drug resistance persists, threatening to undo these gains.

Methods:
To tackle this issue, it is imperative to identify new effective drug candidates against the malaria parasite that exhibit minimal toxicity. This study focuses on discovering such candidates by targeting PfRecQ1, also known as PfBLM, a vital protein within the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. PfRecQ1 plays a crucial role in the parasite’s life cycle and DNA repair processes, making it an attractive drug development target. The study employs advanced computational techniques, including molecular modeling, structure-based virtual screening (SBVS), ADMET profiling, molecular docking, and dynamic simulations.

Results:
The study sources ligand molecules from the extensive MCULE database and utilizes strict filters to ensure that the compounds meet essential criteria. Through these techniques, the research identifies MCULE-3763806507-0-9 as a promising antimalarial drug candidate, surpassing the binding affinity of potential antimalarial drugs. However, it is essential to underscore that drug-like properties are primarily based on in silico experiments, and wet lab experiments are necessary to validate these candidates’ therapeutic potential.

Interpretation & conclusion:
This study represents a critical step in addressing the challenge of drug resistance in the fight against malaria.