bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
T- and B-cell Immune Response to COVID Vaccination in Liver Transplant Recipients Based on Interferon-gamma Release Assay and Serum Antibody Levels
Authors: DinuAbirami Premkumar , Panneerselvam Sugan , Mouleeswaran K. Sampath , Balajee Govindarao , Premkumar K. , Reddy Srinivas Mettu , Varghese Joy 
Published: September 2023

Background and Aim:
This study aimed to assess T- and B-cell-mediated immune response following administration of two doses of COVID-19 vaccine in liver transplant (LT) recipients.

Subjects and Methods:
Twenty-eight liver transplant recipients and seven healthy volunteers without prior history of COVID-19 infection were enrolled. All individuals received two doses of COVID-19 vaccine (either Covishield or Covaxin), with the LT recipients receiving them at least 3 months after LT. The results of humoral (COVID-specific IgG) and cell-mediated immune response (interferon [INF]-gamma assay) following vaccination in the LT recipient group were compared with the control group.

Results:
Both LT recipients and control individuals developed COVID-specific antibodies following vaccination. The LT recipient group showed marginally higher INF-gamma levels with an average of 61.3 pg/ml compared to the control group 42.7 pg/ml (P = 0.051). There was no difference in the immunological response between patients who received the vaccination before or after 6 months posttransplant. There was no difference in response between the two vaccines.

Conclusion:
LT recipients mounted an immunological response comparable to the control group with both inactivated and viral vector vaccines for COVID-19, when vaccinated with an interval period of 3 months from transplant.
Pain and Palliative Management in Advanced Gastrointestinal Malignancies – How Are We Doing?
Authors: Joshi Vivek , Balkrishnan Mahadevan , Jain Mayank , Venkataraman Jayanthi 
Published: September 2023

Aims:
The aim of the study is to study the different methods and their efficacy in pain management in advanced gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies.

Methods:
The study included patients with advanced and inoperable GI malignancies. Demographic data, laboratory parameters and radiological investigations, baseline visual analog scale (VAS) score, and subjective global assessment (SGA) were recorded on the first contact along with details of medical, endoscopic, and palliative interventions as performed. Analgesic pain step ladder approach was followed for pain management. Follow-up to assess response was done using VAS score and SGA at the end of 3 months or death within this period.

Results:
Seventy-one patients were included. Most of them were elderly males. Out of 7 malignancies noted, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was the most common tumor (41; 57.8%). Thirty-five patients (49.3%) had vascular invasion, while 29 (40.8%) had metastatic cancer. The most common vascular invasion was the portal vein (29; 40.8%). The liver was the most common metastatic site (12; 16.9%). The baseline mean VAS score was 5.13 ± 2.38 and the highest was in carcinoma gallbladder patients (8.0 ± 2.0). Most patients were having baseline SGA rating B (69%). Tramadol was the most commonly used analgesic (35.22%) followed by a combination of tramadol and fentanyl (26.76%). The most common palliation was transarterial chemoembolization in HCC (80.5%) and biliary self-expandable metallic stent in carcinoma pancreas (77.8%). There was a statistically significant reduction in VAS score in HCC (P < 0.001), carcinoma pancreas (P = 0.009), and colorectal cancer (P = 0.022). One-sixth patients moved from SGA rating B to rating A, 9.9% moved from SGA rating B to rating C, and 9.9% moved from SGA rating C to rating B.

Conclusion:
There was an improvement in quality of life at 3-month follow-up. There was significant pain improvement in the studied patients. However, almost one-third patients did not get adequate pain relief.
A Self-Rating Scale to Measure States of Tridosha in Children
Authors: Patil Suchitra S. , Nagarathna R. , Nagendra H. R. 
Published: September 2023

Background:
In Western psychology, inventories are available for state (temporary change) and trait (which is the basis of personality-character) aspects of personality. Ayurveda inventories for measuring tridosha (which is the basis of both trait and state of personality) in children have been developed and standardized, which pertains to trait aspect of personality. There is no scale to assess the state aspects of tridosha in children.

Methods:
The design of the study was descriptive type. Sampling design was purposive sampling. The 6-item Tridosha State Scale for Children (TSSC) was developed on the basis of translation of the Sanskrit verses describing the states of vāta, pitta, and kapha prakriti, which represent the temporary change in tridosha and by taking the opinions of experts (ten Āyurveda experts and three psychologists who helped in judging the items and assessed. The study was carried out in Bapuji School, Davangere. The scale was administered on 108 children in the age group of 8–12 years (mean age: 9.75 ± 1.30). Moreover, for 30 children, the scores are compared with Caraka Child Personality Inventory (CCPI) – a self-rating scale to measure the trait aspects of prakriti).

Results:
TSSC was associated with excellent internal consistency. The Cronbach's alpha forVataja, Pittaja, and Kaphajascales was 0.826, 0.885, and 0.911, respectively. Scores on Vātaja, Pittaja, and Kaphaja scales were inversely correlated, suggesting that they are mutually exclusive. Correlation of scores on subscales with CCPI was 0.97, 0.92, and 0.94, respectively, for Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.

Conclusions:
The state of tridosha in children can be measured reliably by this instrument. This can be utilized by clinicians and researchers to check the immediate effect of the interventions.
Safety Study on Novel Ayurvedic Nutritive Powder – An Experimental Study
Authors: Kulkarni Vinuta , Hiremath Rudramma R. , Buduru Sreenivasa Prasad , Kupati Veena Babu 
Published: September 2023

Introduction:
It has been estimated that in India, 65%, i.e., nearly 80 million children under 5 years of age suffer from varying degrees of malnutrition. Most of the children fall into the pit of Malnutrition during the weaning phase. Mothers are expected to make this “weaning Bridge.” This includes utilization of “Supplementary Feeding Programs.” Many weaning foods are available which claims the specific dietary implementation. The development of a nutritive Powder in weaning children is need of hour. This study includes safety of novel Ayurvedic nutritive powder in Wistar rat pups.

Aim:
This study aims to evaluate its safety in experimental animals.

Materials and Methods:
Ingredients selected were Mudga, Godhuma, Rakta Shali, Ragi, Trikatu, Yastimadhu, and Khanda Sharkara. Safety study of Nutritive Powder was done in 20 days old Wistar Rat pups for 90 days. Parameters selected are HISTOPATHOLOGICAL study and biochemical investigations.

Results:
No mortality and abnormal behavioral changes were found in rat pups during experimental study. No remarkable pathological changes were observed. Biochemical Parameters revealed significant decrease in blood sugar, serum urea, and alkaline phosphatase in test group when compared to control.

Conclusion:
Nutritive powder when administered in the dose of 40 g/Kg body weight of animal for 90 days. No mortality was seen in any animals of test group. No remarkable pathological changes were seen in histopathological study of liver and kidney. Significant decrease of blood glucose, serum urea serum alkaline phosphatase was seen in test group animals compared to control group animals.
Integration of Rasayana Therapy with Chemotherapy Improved Therapeutic Outcomes in a Geriatric Advanced Nonresponsive Pancreatic Cancer Patient - A Case Report
Authors: Bendale Yogesh Narayan , Birari-Gawande Poonam , Patil Anandrao , Kadam Avinash 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT
Pancreatic cancer carries one of the most dismal prognoses. In patients, who are inoperable, the main objectives of palliation are relief from obstructive jaundice, prevention or respite from gastrointestinal obstruction, and management of pain. In the present case, the patient has not shown a satisfactory response to chemotherapy, and therefore, opted Ayurveda as integrative medicine. The treatment was initiated with herbo-mineral Rasayana formulations along with chemotherapy. These therapies have significantly reduced the symptoms in the patient and also improved the quality of life (QoL). Besides improving the QoL, this case demonstrates a very important finding that combination treatment with Rasayana therapy has the potential to cause regression of tumor metabolic activity in those patients who do not respond satisfactorily to cytotoxic regimens. Besides this, Rasayana therapy also helped in improving the health-related QoL, alleviating disease symptoms, as well as toxic manifestation of chemotherapy.
Role of Ayurveda Interventions in the Management of Primary Hypothyroidism - A Case Report
Authors: Belaguli Govardhan , Brinda G. M. 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT
Hypothyroidism is a condition that lacks the release of thyroid hormone causing the opposition of the bodily tissues to the thyroid hormone in the view of metabolic demand. In Ayurveda, there is no exact linking term for hypothyroidism. The physiology and pathogenesis of oxidation and metabolism in each and every tissue of the body are served as chief functions by Agni (~a system concerned with digestion and metabolism) and Pittadosha (~a bodily humor). With the support of principles of Anukta Vyadhi (~unstated diseases) of Ayurveda, hypothyroidism can be diagnosed as Agni dushitajanya Rasapradoshaja vyadhi associated either with Vata, Pitta or Kapha dosha. The Ayurvedic management of hypothyroidism is to address the pathology at its root by regulating the affected immune system. A 25-year-old female student, who was a known case of hypothyroidism with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) since nearly 2 years, was successfully treated using the above principle. Her thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) before the intervention was 6.12 μIU/ml. She was subjected to Langhana chikitsa (~depleting therapy) to correct her alleviated Pitta and Kapha Dosha. This chikitsa involved induction of Deepana-Pachana (~enhancers of digestion and metabolism), Snehapana (~therapeutic intake of medicated unctuous substance), and Vamana chikitsa (~therapeutic emesis). She attained 8 Vegas (~bouts) and was discharged with suitable Samshamana oushadhis (~palliative or discharge medications) and Samsarjana karma (~Post therapy dietetic regimen for revival). After completing 1 month of follow-up she is currently asymptomatic and her TSH level is 3.73 µIU/ml. The adoption of various classical principles of Ayurveda in diagnosing the case, the minimal intervention used and the significant results obtained motivated us to document the case. Although the present testimony is of a small sample, a plan on a large sampled pilot study on the current treatment model is intended.
An Analytical Study to Evaluate the Safety of Reusing of the Vomited Leech in Leech Therapy
Authors: Mane Vijaykumar S. , Shindhe Pradeep S. , Vedantam Giridhar , Pednekar Harsha D. , Killedar Ramesh 
Published: September 2023

Background:
Leech therapy is a point of attraction in the medical as well as in the scientific world due to its various outstanding properties, while studying the Ayurveda and scientific literature one can find difference, i.e., discarding after single use as per modern literature, but in Ayurveda, it can be reused after 7 days of leech therapy. Studies of such kind were not carried or published in any scientific journals, so ethical approval and developing scientific methods for validating the study were necessary, so a pilot study began with ethical clearance.

Objective:
The objective of the study was to evaluate the bacterial and fungal count of leech saliva and blood emesis before and after leech therapy using disc diffusion method.

Materials and Methods:
Leeches were collected from the normal habitat from Mangalore region possessing the same weight and morphological characteristics as that of the Nirvisha Jalouka as mentioned in classics (Shanku-mukhi). The selected leeches were stored in well water having nonchlorinated with minimum bacterial load. The well water was selected from three geographical regions of Belagavi city, and among them, one sample was selected having minimal bacterial load. Ten patients with infectious skin diseases who were indicated for Jalaukavacharana (Vidradhi, Dushta-vrana) were selected. The experimental leech saliva was tested for total bacterial count (TBC) and total fungal count (TFC) before and on 8th day of application, along with venous blood of the patient and blood vomitus of leech after application was tested for TBC and TFC. Statistical analysis was done based on TFC and TBC before and after application.

Results:
TBC and TFC of leech saliva at 8th day and before application were similar which indicates the leech gut has destroyed the bacteria or inhibited the growth of bacteria.

Conclusion:
TBC and TFC help to produce evidence that after application of leech and proper vomiting will not allow the growth of bacteria. Hence, safely, it can be reused after 7 days.
A study on the Ayurveda Intervention (Virechana - therapeutic purgation and Rasayana - rejuvenation) on molecular gene expression profiling in familial breast cancer patients
Authors: Shetty Akshay , Buduru Sreenivasa P , Kulkarni Suyamindra S , Gai Pramod B , Sambrekar Pratibha 
Published: September 2023

Background:
The study was conducted to assess the ayurvedic intervention Virechana- therapeutic purgation and Rasayana- rejuvenation on predisposed familial breast cancer expression profiling of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.

Materials and Methods:
The total RNA was extracted from blood of five subjects of familial breast cancer predisposition patients using PAX Gene Blood RNA Kit who had undergone the ayurvedic intervention Virechana- therapeutic purgation and Rasayana- rejuvenation therapy. BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene expression was assessed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The qPCR-based BRCA1 gene expression results were analyzed for fold variation based on Ct values using the following formula: 2 (−ΔΔCt), where ΔCt is the Ct (GOI) − avg.(Ct (HKG)), GOI is the gene of interest, and HKG is the housekeeping gene.

Results:
In one subject (S1), the upregulation (61.82) showed further increase (843.36) by therapeutic purgation and then decreased below the baseline level (11.3) in the rejuvenation phase. In three subjects (S2, S3, and S5), the upregulated genes (1488.87, 15825.9, and 19.16) showed down trend continuously till rejuvenation phase (1.92, 4.17, and 3.97) but not to downregulation. Another subject (S4) showed reversal of genetic expression, i.e., downregulated gene (−1) showed upregulation (237,900.70) continuously throughout the therapy, which is in conformity of the proposed hypothesis, i.e., biopurification (therapeutic purgation) followed by rejuvenation leads to upregulation of gene.

Conclusion:
With the available limited and diversified data, it may be concluded that therapeutic purgation followed by rejuvenation (Narasimha Rasayana) therapy exerted effect on gene expression, but further study needs to be conducted with more number of samples.
Management of Autism Spectrum Disorder through Ayurveda - A Case Report
Authors: Masooda  , Pathak Vijay Kumar , Mahapatra Arun Kumar , Shrikrishna Rajagopala 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of neurodevelopmental disorders marked by impairment in varying degrees of social communication and interaction, repetitive behaviors, and restricted interests. Based on clinical characteristics, ASD can be correlated with Unmada mentioned in Ayurveda classics. In clinical practice, there is a paucity of standard treatment protocols and effective care for the prevention of ASD. The present case report discusses a 5-year-old male patient who presented with poor eye contact, no communication, no social skills, poor speech, repetitive play activity, hyperactivity, constipation, and sleep disturbances reported at Kaumarabhritya outpatient department. Diagnosis of ASD was established using the Indian Scale for Assessment of Autism (ISAA) test manual. Abhyanga with Ksheerbala Taila and Nasya with Saraswata Ghrita along with other internal medications i.e., Saraswata Ghrita, Ashwagandharista, Guduchi Churna, Madhuyashthi Churna, and Vacha Churna were given. Remarkable improvement was noted in overall ISAA scores as well as clinical improvement noted in poor eye contact, hyperactivity, and peer relationship. “Child Sleep Habit Questionnaire (CSHQ)” was used to assess the child’s sleep pattern and improvement was noted. The stress level of the parent also decreased which was assessed using the “Autism Parenting Stress Index.” No adverse effects were reported during the treatment period and follow-up.
Romantic Relationships during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Choudhury Shyamolima Ghosh , Chaudhary Shweta , Phogat Poonam 
Published: September 2023

Introduction:
The coronavirus pandemic and the resultant lockdown had been harsh on many people especially those in romantic relationships. There was increase in psychological issues such as anxiety, stress, depression, alcoholism, and problematic eating behaviors which resulted in conflicts and breakdown in relationships.

Aim and Objectives:
The present cross-sectional exploratory study investigated how individuals in romantic dating relationships have coped during the times of COVID-19. The objectives were to examine the stressors faced by romantic dating couples during the pandemic, the differences among them with respect to dyadic coping, conflict, and resolution strategies employed.

Materials and Methods:
A total of 232 individuals (males = 104, females = 128) were assessed on a semi-structured Stressor Checklist, the Dyadic Coping Inventory, and Romantic Partner Conflict Scale. Descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation, ANOVA, and Tukey's honestly significant difference were calculated.

Results:
45% of participants reported growing closer to their partners during the pandemic; others reported strained relationships or break-ups. Distance, difficulty in in-person meetings, reduced communication emerged as the most reported stressors among participants. Dyadic coping was found to be significantly better in the closer group than in the strained group or the break-up group (t = −1.89,P< 0.05). Stress communication by partner was found to be significantly better in closer couples (t = −2.38,P< 0.01). With respect to conflict resolution, significant differences were found among the three groups on compromise (r = 0.459,P< 0.01) avoidance (r = 0.224,P< 0.01), interactional reactivity (r= −0.446,P< 0.01), domination (r = −0.223,P< 0.01), and submission (r = −0.491,P< 0.01). No difference was found among the groups on separation (r = −0.07; NS).

Conclusion:
Individuals who found themselves in strained relationships or breakups during COVID-19 attributed negative outcome in relationship to factors internal to the relationship. Individuals with positive relationship outcomes engaged in positive dyadic coping; conflict resolution strategies employed by them were positive. The limitations, mental health implications and suggestions for further research have been discussed.
Depression, Anxiety, Insomnia, and Distress among Health-Care Workers Posted in COVID-19 Care
Authors: Sharma Kamlesh Kumari , Srinivasan Muthuvenkatachalam , Sarkar Siddarth , Kaur Ravneet , Sharma Yamya , Venkatesan Latha , Gupta Sandhya , Venugopal Ambili 
Published: September 2023

Background and Aims:
Health-care professionals have been at the forefront of facing the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the stresses of dealing with patients affected by COVID-19 and concern about their own well-being are likely to lead to psychological distress among them. This study looked at depression, anxiety, insomnia, and significant distress among doctors and nurses working in COVID-19 services at a tertiary care facility.

Methods:
Depression, anxiety, insomnia, and significant distress were assessed through Primary Health Questionnaire-9, generalized anxiety disorder-7 scale, insomnia severity index (ISI), and impact of events scale-revised, respectively, using an online pro forma.

Results:
A total of 504 participants (53.2% females, 70.8% nurses) provided complete responses. Depression, anxiety, insomnia, and distress symptoms above the threshold were present in 36.7%, 29.6%, 31.9%, and 11.7% of participants, respectively. Single marital status, lack of access to appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), distance to work more than 10 km, and being diagnosed with a mental illness were independent predictors of depression. Lack of access to appropriate PPE and being diagnosed with a mental illness were independent predictors of anxiety. Lack of access to adequate PPE emerged as the only independent predictor of insomnia and significant distress symptoms, respectively.

Conclusion:
Considerable proportion of health-care professionals posted in COVID-19 care had symptoms of psychological distress. Addressing the concerns of health-care professionals is important and probably needs effective collaboration of mental health-care professionals and administrators.
Immediate Effect of Gratitude Journal on Mental Well-Being of College Students in Kerala
Authors: James Jasmin , George Augustine , Alphonse Sunil , Saheedha A 
Published: September 2023

Background:
COVID-19 has led to economic slowdown, loss of life, loss of livelihood, health complications, poor quality of life, deteriorated mental health, and poor education. One of the critical issues is decreased mental health among adolescents. Mental health was indeed a problem even before COVID-19, and the pandemic has substantially raised or catalyzed it to another level. Teachers reported that many college students who came to college after a long period of lockdown seem to be very confused, anxious, emotionally exhausted, and stressed. Parents are of the opinion that their children show irritation, anger, and frustrations at home. This study is an offshoot of this concern.

Aim:
This study aims to know the immediate effect of gratitude journals on mental well-being.

Settings and Design:
The study was conducted at the University Institute of Technology (UIT), Karuvatta, Alappuzha, Kerala. The experimental design was used for the study.

Materials and Methods:
One hundred and eight college students (F = 50 and M = 58) aged between 18 and 25 years from UIT, Alappuzha, Kerala, were selected randomly for this study. Students were divided equally into two groups, experimental group (n = 54) and control group (n = 54); both groups were tested to analyze mental well-being using Warwick Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale. Experimental group was made to fill the gratitude journal immediately after the pretest and the control group was allowed to do their daily routine. Posttest was conducted to find if there was any significant difference in the experimental group.

Statistical Analysis Used:
Paired sample “t”-test and ANCOVA were used for the statistical analysis.

Results:
It shows a significant difference at a 0.05 level. When the outcome was compared between experimental and control group, the experimental group showed an increase in their mental well-being score (P < 0.01), whereas the control group did not show any difference in mental well-being, (P = 0.540).

Conclusions:
This implies that a gratitude journal could be a good intervention even in short run to improve the mental well-being among college students and hence students can be better prepared for learning.