bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio and monocyte–lymphocyte ratio as predictors of cardiovascular risk and mortality in end-stage renal disease
Authors: Rezk Salma F. , Khedr Lina E. , El-Shinnawy Howayda A.E. , Abd El-Aziz Haitham E. , Mohamed Amr M. , Hassan Mohamed Saeed 
Published: January 2023

Background
The neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and monocyte–lymphocyte ratio (MLR) in the peripheral blood are used as indicators of systemic inflammation and predictors of cardiovascular (CV) diseases.

Aims
To study the relation between both NLR and MLR and the prediction of cardiovascular events (CVE) in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on regular hemodialysis.

Patients and methods
In all, 70 ESRD patients on regular hemodialysis were followed up for 12 months. NLR, MLR, and their individual components were determined at baseline and in the follow-up months. The changes in NLR and MLR after 12 months were compared. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein and echocardiography studies were done at baseline and after 12 months. Major CVE were recorded.

Results
Total leukocyte, absolute neutrophil, and monocyte counts were significantly increased over time. The presence of valvular calcification was associated with an increase in both NLR and MLR (P=0.004 and 0.001, respectively) after 12 months. The mean monocyte counts were significantly higher in patients with CV complications. The baseline monocyte count was the best to predict CV complications with a cutoff point more than 0.54 × 103/µl (sensitivity 100%, specificity 73.85%) in the receiver-operating characteristic curve.

Conclusion
In ESRD patients, leukocyte counts are in a dynamic change. There was no significant change in NLR or MLR over time and their changes could not predict the occurrence of CVE. The monocyte count is an excellent predictor of CV diseases. The presence of valvular calcification is associated with increases in both NLR and MLR over time.
Phosphatidylserine and the thrombin–antithrombin complex as markers for hypercoagulability in Egyptian beta-thalassemia patients
Authors: Sadek Marwa M. , Ahmed Amal S. , El Fiky Samar M. , Tantawy Shady I. , Hassan Amany M. 
Published: January 2023

Background
Hypercoagulability is a known complication of thalassemia, in particular, thalassemia intermedia. Several factors contribute to this hypercoagulability, including chronic platelet activation and the presence of other comorbid conditions. In addition, the oxidation of globin subunits in thalassemic red blood cells (RBCs) triggers the formation of reactive oxygen species. These factors lead to the exposure of negatively charged phospholipids like phosphatidylserine (PS), which ultimately causes increased thrombin generation, particularly in splenectomized patients.

Aim
This study aimed to assess the risk for hypercoagulability in thalassemic patients using PS expression on RBCs and the thrombin–antithrombin (TAT) complex in plasma.

Patients and methods
This study included 50 thalassemic patients (19 patients with splenectomy and 31 patients without splenectomy) and 30 apparently healthy individuals as a control group. Patients were subjected to assessment of history for deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary hypertension by echocardiography. Annexin V was used to detect PS expression on RBCs by flow cytometry, while the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the TAT complex in plasma.

Results
Erythrocyte PS expression was significantly higher (P<0.001) in thalassemic patients than in the control group. The TAT complex level revealed no significant difference between thalassemia patients and the control group (P=0.468). Patients with pulmonary hypertension showed a statistically significant higher PS expression and TAT complex level. However, there was no significant increase in PS expression or TAT level in patients with a history of deep venous thrombosis only.

Conclusion
Increased PS expression and TAT complex level may be a risk factor for pulmonary hypertension in thalassemia patients with splenectomy.
Cancer awareness & its association with demographic variables & mobile phone usage among the rural population of a district in north India
Authors: Yadav Kavita , Hariprasad Roopa , Gupta Ruchika , Upadhayay Shravan , Sharma Vishwas , Kumari Malasha , Mehrotra Ravi , Kumar Sanjeev , Gupta Sanjay , Singh Shalini 
Published: January 2023

Background & objectives:
Lack of awareness is one of the major reasons for the high morbidity and mortality associated with cancers. The present study was aimed to evaluate the awareness of prevalent cancers among the rural population in a district of north India and its association specifically with mobile phone usage.

Methods:
Using a stratified random sampling technique, households in three villages of Gautam Buddh Nagar district of India were selected. A house-to-house survey on cancer awareness was conducted among adults in selected households and data were analyzed to check for the association of such an awareness with sociodemographic factors and internet usage.

Results:
The study included 59 males and 145 females, with majority (115) being in the age group of 18-30 yr. Although most (96.5%) of the participants were aware of cancer, the common risk factors and warning signs of cancer were known to only a few. Specific risk factors for cervical and breast cancers were, however, not known to a majority (79.9% and 72.2%). A significant association between the awareness of general risk factors and warning signs as well as specific aspects including risk factors for breast, cervical and oral cancer, HPV vaccine and the education level of the participants (P<0.05 for all). Knowledge of risk factors, warning signs and cancer prevention modalities was higher among mobile phone users who accessed internet for health information. There was no significant association between age group and cancer risk factor awareness, though females were more aware of the risk factors for breast cancer (P=0.002).

Interpretation & conclusions:
The findings of this study highlight the existing low level of awareness of cervical and breast cancers among the rural population. The association of cancer awareness with education level and mobile phone-based internet usage suggests the potential utility of internet-based platforms such as m-health programmes for cancer prevention activities.
Estimates of major non-communicable disease risk factors for India, 2010 & 2015: A summary of evidence
Authors: Krishnan Anand , Khurana Swamili , Sharma Shweta , Menon Geetha R. 
Published: January 2023

Background & objectives:
The National Monitoring Framework for the prevention and control of NCDs in India has set targets for reduction of risk factors relative to the measure recorded in 2010. Estimates for 2010 and 2015 were established using meta-analyses in the absence of a national risk factor survey till 2017.

Methods:
We searched national survey reports and also articles published in English from India between 2008 and 2017 in PubMed, Google Scholar and Cochrane review databases for specific risk factors among 18-69 yr Indians. Quality of studies was evaluated using Joanna-Briggs tool, but all studies were included in analyses. Estimates for each of the eight strata by age, gender and place of residence, respectively, were generated. MetaXL was used to calculate the pooled estimate for 2010 and 2015 using a random effects model. Strata-specific estimates were combined to arrive at national estimate using population weight of each stratum. The credibility of the estimates was determined using four parameters - average Briggs score; representativeness of the contributing studies and precision and stability of the estimates.

Results:
The estimates [95% confidence interval (CI)] for 2010 for different risk factors were as follows: current alcohol use, 15.7 per cent (13.2-18.2); current tobacco use, 27 per cent (21.4-32.6); household solid fuel use, 61.5 per cent (50.2-72.5); physical inactivity, 44.2 per cent (37.8-50.6); obesity, seven per cent (3.8-10.2) and raised blood pressure, 20.2 per cent (18.4-22.1). In 2015, compared to 2010, tobacco use showed a relative decline of 18 per cent, household solid fuel use of nine per cent and physical inactivity of 15 per cent. The estimates were stable for alcohol use, raised blood pressure and obesity between 2010 and 2015. All estimates varied between moderate and high degrees of credibility.

Interpretation & conclusions:
The estimates are consistent with other available estimates and with current national-level initiatives focused on tobacco control and improving access to clean fuel. These estimates can be used to monitor progress on non-communicable disease risk factor targets for India.
Hospitalization & health expenditure in Odisha: Evidence from National Sample Survey (1995-2014)
Authors: Singh Jayakant , Paul Kalosona , Pradhan Jalandhar 
Published: January 2023

Background & objectives:
Financing healthcare services through out-of-pocket payments is common in India. Household impoverishments due to health expenditure can be daunting, especially among the economically vulnerable households. This study investigated hospitalization and patient’s health expenditure in Odisha State in India.

Methods:
The national sample survey data were used to assess hospitalization and patient’s health expenditure over two time periods (1995 and 2014). Disease classification was made following International Classification of Diseases 10th revision (ICD-10). The hospitalization rate and health expenditure were estimated for infectious, cardiovascular, non-communicable, disability and other diseases. Andersen model was used to examine the determinants of healthcare expenditure.

Results:
Findings of the study revealed that hospitalization in Odisha increased nearly three folds and health expenditure by more than two times between 1995 to 2014. While the hospitalization for other diseases remained consistently higher, health expenditure for disability was the highest and it increased three times within the last two decades. The socio-economic and demographic divides in the hospitalization rate and health expenditure were evident.

Interpretation & conclusions:
Our analysis indicated that predisposing factors such as age and marital status played an important role in hospitalization whereas, enabling factors likely determined the health expenditure. There is a need to recognize the unique vulnerabilities of older population, widowed and health financial mechanism for disability-related illness.
Novel Cord Blood and Urinary Phytoestrogens Levels in Male Neonates with Normal External Genitalia
Authors: Salim Che Ahmad Muttaqin Che , Zaman Azrina Shahrizat Khutubul , Azhari Hana , Makpol Suzana , Ishak Shareena , Latiff Zarina Abdul , Abdul Aziz Dayang Anita 
Published: January 2023

Objective:
This was a new prospective study to determine the association between phytoestrogen levels in the cord blood and urine with normal and abnormal external genitalia in male newborns.

Materials and Methods:
One hundred and fifty-one term male newborns were enrolled. Cord blood and urine and medical photos of their external genitalia were obtained. Prematurity and multiple congenital anomalies or syndromic characteristics were excluded. Serum and urine levels of phytoestrogens (daidzein and genistein) were calculated using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. The normality of the appearance of the external genitalia of the males was determined by a consensus review by experts.

Results:
A total of 146 cord blood and 96 newborn urine samples were obtained; only two newborns had abnormal external genitalia. In the 144 babies with normal external genitalia, mean levels were determined to be as follows; serum daidzein 10.82 ng/ml, serum genistein 42.17 ng/ml, urine daidzein 69.91 ng/ml, and urine genistein 126.09 ng/ml. In the two babies with abnormal external genitalia, mean levels of each of the measured phytoestrogen were lower; however, there was no statistical significance between the two groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusions:
We successfully determined and developed a novel database on the levels of measurable phytoestrogens in serum and urine from male newborns with normal external genitalia. In the normal group, a higher concentration of serum and urinary phytoestrogens was correlated with the extension of the scrotal pigmentation above and proximal to the base of the penis. These data are useful to better understand the role of phytoestrogens in the development of male genitalia and for future research on newborns with abnormal external genitalia.
Serum Vitamin B12 in Chronic Telogen Effluvium Patients
Authors: Mamatha P. , Aparna K. 
Published: January 2023

Background:
Diffuse hair loss is a common complaint in dermatology clinics. Chronic telogen effluvium is a common form of diffuse hair loss. Chronic telogen effluvium is characterized usually by the abrupt onset of diffuse shedding of telogen hairs for more than 6 months. Micronutrients such as Vitamin B 12 are major elements in the normal hair follicle cycle. Vitamin B12 levels in chronic telogen effluvium are not well characterized.

Purpose:
The aim of this study is to compare Vitamin B12 levels in chronic telogen effluvium patients to controls.

Methods:
A case–control study was conducted in the department of dermatology of a tertiary care hospital; a total of 70 patients were included, 35 in each group.

Results:
Twenty-five(71%) chronic telogen effluvium patients were females; 60% had Vitamin B12 deficiency (<250 pg/ml). In controls, fewer (26%) subjects had Vitamin B12 deficiency (P = 0.004).

Conclusion:
As per our study, Vitamin B12 deficiency was more common in patients with telogen effluvium than in controls.
Clinicomycological Profile of Cutaneous Dermatophytosis: A Cross-sectional Study from Western India
Authors: Singh Yuvraj , Bahuguna Amit , Mahajan Saurabh , Sood Aradhana , Yadav Arun K. 
Published: January 2023

Introduction:
The prevalence of cutaneous mycoses has been on the rise worldwide with an increased incidence of recurrent and recalcitrant infections. This study was conducted to assess the clinical patterns and etiological agents of dermatophytosis, at a tertiary care hospital in western India.

Material and Method:
One hundred clinically diagnosed cases of dermatophytosis attending the OPD of a tertiary care hospital were included in this cross-sectional study. Thorough history taking and detailed clinical examination were done for each patient. For studying the mycological profile, direct microscopy for fungal elements in KOH and fungal culture on Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) was done for each patient. The growth on SDA plates was further mounted on lactophenol cotton blue mounts for species identification.

Results:
Our study found a male preponderance, and the majority of infections (36%) were in the 21–30 years age group. The most common clinical pattern was the mixed type of infections followed by T. corporis. Direct microscopy for fungal elements was positive in 71% but the culture positivity was only 35%. The most common species isolated in our study was T. mentagrophytes (62.8%).

Conclusion:
The present study highlights the bearing of factors like socioeconomic status and occupation on the clinical profile of dermatophytosis and reveals a changing trend in the etiological agent of dermatophyte species in this part of western India.
A New Suppression-based Possibilistic Fuzzy c-means Clustering Algorithm
Authors: Arora Jyoti , Tushir Meena , Dadhwal Shivank Kumar 
Published: January 2023

Possibilistic fuzzy c-means (PFCM) is one of the most widely used clustering algorithm that solves the noise sensitivity problem of Fuzzy c-means (FCM) and coincident clusters problem of possibilistic c-means (PCM). Though PFCM is a highly reliable clustering algorithm but the efficiency of the algorithm can be further improved by introducing the concept of suppression. Suppression-based algorithms employ the winner and non-winner based suppression technique on the datasets, helping in performing better classification of real-world datasets into clusters. In this paper, we propose a suppression-based possibilistic fuzzy c-means clustering algorithm (SPFCM) for the process of clustering. The paper explores the performance of the proposed methodology based on number of misclassifications for various real datasets and synthetic datasets and it is found to perform better than other clustering techniques in the sequel, i.e., normal as well as suppression-based algorithms. The SPFCM is found to perform more efficiently and converges faster as compared to other clustering techniques.
Effect of Ocimum sanctum (Basil) leaf in high-fat-diet induced hyperlipidemic rat
Authors: Shamim Mufzala , Nazish Iqbal Khan  , Zohra Khan  
Published: January 2023

Dyslipidemia mediated atherosclerosis is the key pathogenesis of several cardiovascular diseases. Present study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of Ocimum sanctum leaf consumption against high-fat-diet induced hyperlipidemia in rat model.
A total of 18 Wistar albino rats (200-215 g) were randomly divided as control, HFD (hyperlipidemic) and OS-treated groups. HFD-group received high fat diet (HFD) for 15 days, OS-treated group administered with Ocimum sanctum leaf powder (200 mg / kg of bodyweight / day) together with HFD diet for 15 days. Blood samples were analyzed for changes in plasma total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein and very-low-density lipoprotein. Plasma atherogenic index was also calculated.
HFD administration significantly increase plasma lipid levels and atherogenic index in HFD-group. Ocimum sanctum supplementation significantly reduce decrease plasma total cholesterol, triglyceride, lipoproteins and atherogenic index in OS-treated rats.
15 days Ocimum sanctum leaf (powder) supplementation at dose of 200 mg / kg of bodyweight / day effectively attenuates dyslipidemia in hyperlipidemic rats.
Prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors in urban and rural areas of Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan
Authors: Farzana Gul Balouch  , Laghari Dr Zulfiqar Ali , Nimra Masood Baig  , Ayaz Ali Samo  
Published: January 2023

Background: CVDs are a major public health concern in Pakistan. The major CVD risk factors are age, gender, obesity, hypertension, hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia. However, prevalence and risk factors associated with population of urban and rural Hyderabad are unexplored. This study was set up to study CVD among population of Hyderabad. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 304 participants living in the urban and rural areas of Hyderabad, Pakistan. Out of 304, 161 were men and 143 were women with age range from 30 to 70 years. Data was collected through interview based questionnaire. Weight and height were measured for calculation of BMI. Systolic Blood pressure (SBP) and Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP) was measured using sphygmomanometer. Biochemical analysis was carried out for the assessment of Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS), Triglycerides (TG), Total Cholesterol (TC) and Low density Lipoproteins (LDL) using standard kit methods. Ethical consent obtained before collection of data. SPSS version 22 was used for statistical analysis. Results: Hyperlipidemia was highly prevalent CVD risk factor particularly increased LDL 61.2%, followed by hypertension 46.8%, Obesity 14.8% and hyperglycemia 8.8%. Except hyperlipidemia, which was higher in women 63.6%, men had higher prevalence of obesity 17.4%, hypertension 48.4% and hyperglycemia 9.3%. Participants from urban area had higher prevalence of hypertension 47.3%, hyperglycemia 9.7% and hyperlipidemia 62.4%. However, Obesity was slightly higher 16.6% in rural population. Conclusion: This study indicates Men had higher prevalence of CVD risk factors, and according to geographic location, urbanized population based higher prevalence of CVD risk factors.
Fungal Diversity and Yeast Patterns of Yeast Sensitifity to Several Antifungals in Jakarta
Authors: Tjampakasari Conny Riana , Rosana Yeva , HW Mardiastuti 
Published: January 2023

Fungal infections are common in the tropics. The cause of mycoses depends on the cause and the accompanying risk factors. It is important to do culture and identification to determine the etiology and continue with antifungal sensitivity examination to determine the appropriate management. The method of treating a yeast infection depends on the type of infection, its severity and the part of the body that is infected. As various fungi cause infections, the antifungal drugs used are also very diverse. The study was conducted during 2020 consisting of 350 samples of various specimens with positive cultures of 116 (33.14%). The results of identification using Vitek 2® automated system and slide culture obtained 19 species on fungus, consistinf of 99.14% yeast and 0.87% mold. The most yeast found were C. albicans 26.27% and Aspergillus sp; Rhizopus 0.86 % respectively from mold. The pattern of sensitivity of yeast to several antifungals showed that Fluconazole was effective at 96.43%, followed Voriconazole and Amphothericin B 93.24% respectively. The next are Flucytocin, Micafungin and Caspofungin 91.66%, 86.18% and 85.74% respectively. Culture, identification and sensitivity examination need to be improved to obtain images and information that reflects.Keywords : yeast, mold, sensitivity patterns, antifungal
PREFORMULATION STUDY OF CEFTRIAXONE AND CIPROFLOXACIN FOR LIPID BASED DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS
Authors: Alburyhi Mahmoud M. , Saif Abdalwali A. , Saif Randa M. 
Published: January 2023

Several tests should be performed to rule out any potential physical or chemical interactions between the active pharmaceutical ingredient and the various excipients that might be utilized in the manufacturing of the drug formula. Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy is a simple technique for the detection of changes within excipient-drug mixtures. In addition to speeding up the aging process of drugs and their possible interactions with excipients, isothermal stress testing was achieved. In this study, Ceftriaxone sodium (CTX), and Ciprofloxacin hydrochloride (CIPRO) as active ingredients were subjected to several tests to exclude any interaction with the excipients that could be used in the formulation of lipid base biodegradable antibiotic for prevention of post-operative infection. The compatibility was tested by using Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and isothermal stability testing (IST). As a result, the IR spectral interpretation showed that the spectra obtained from the binary mixtures match the original spectra of API. Generally, there was no obvious and influential change of any characteristic peaks which confirms the absence of chemical interaction between the CTX or CIPRO and excipients. In the IST, the API – excipient mixture shows no significant change in physical properties. There was no change in color, gas formation, and liquefaction of the mixture stored under stress conditions. There was no significant change in the amount of API after storage in stressed conditions at statistical significance (p = 0.05). In conclusion, there are no notable interactions between API and the various excipients that could be employed to create biodegradable lipid-based delivery systems that are effective at preventing post-operative infection.