bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of leptin resistance in patients with coronary artery disease and heart defects
Authors: Gorbatovskaya E. Е. , Dyleva Yu. A. , Belik E. V. , Uchasova E. G. , Tarasov R. S. , Gruzdeva O. V. 
Published: September 2023

Aim. To compare the incidence of leptin resistance (LR) in patients with acute and chronic coronary artery disease (CAD) and patients with acquired heart defects (AHD).Material and methods. The study included 234 patients: 114 patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) and 120 patients with chronic CAD. The comparison group consisted of 48 patients with degenerative non-rheumatic AHD — aortic stenosis (AS). The control group consisted of 40 healthy volunteers. On the 1st day of hospitalization, the concentration of leptin and leptin receptor was measured, and the free leptin index (FLI) was assessed. LR was recorded at leptin >6,45 ng/ ml and FLI >25. Statistical data processing was carried out using the software package Statistica 10.0 and SPSS 17.0 for Windows.Results. Initially, LR in MI, chronic CAD and non-coronary disease was revealed in 64%, 56,2% and 25%, respectively. Significant differences in the incidence of LR were observed between patients with MI and chronic CAD relative to patients with AHD (p=0,02 and p=0,03, respectively), while no differences were found between patients with coronary pathology (p=0,82). Equation of patients for body mass index (BMI) did not affect the incidence of LR. High incidence of LR remained for patients with acute and chronic CAD, and amounted to 63% and 57,3%, respectively, while for patients with AS — 25%.Conclusion. Patients with acute and chronic CAD are characterized by a high LR incidence, in contrast to patients with AHD. The number of LR cases in patients with coronary pathology did not depend on BMI values, which indicates possible alternative leptin sources contributing the development of hyperleptinemia. In addition, studying the mechanisms underlying the leptin receptor decrease in CAD is necessary for adequate leptin effects and the prevention of LR.
Factors and sex differences associated with intermediate probability of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in asymptomatic patients working in the Arctic
Authors: Shurkevich N. P. , Vetoshkin A. S. , Simonyan A. A. , Gapon L. I. , Kareva M. A. 
Published: September 2023

Aim. To determine additional factors and sex differences associated with the intermediate probability of heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) in asymptomatic patients working in the Arctic on a rotating basis.Material and methods. In the polar village of Yamburg (68° 21' 40 "N), 99 men and 81 women with grade 1 and 2 hypertension (HTN) and normal blood pressure, comparable by age (p=0,450), length of service in the north (p=0,956), office systolic blood pressure (BP) (p=0,251), diastolic BP (p=0,579) were simultaneously examined. We performed echocardiography and assessed the risk of HFpEF by H2FPEF score (Heavy; Hypertensive; Atrial Fibrillation; Pulmonary Hypertension; Elder; Filling Pressure). A treadmill test, Baevsky index, 24-hour BP monitoring, and biochemical blood tests were performed.Results. Depending on H2FPEF score, participants were divided into groups: from 0 to 1 (group 1 — normal), from 2 to 5 (group 2 — intermediate probability of HFpEF). In men with intermediate probability of HFpEF, the Baevsky index (p=0,0048) and the incidence of resting body reserve dysaptation (p=0,0394) were higher, as well as a rapid BP increase during dosed exercise (p=0,0058) and a decrease in chronotropic reserve (p<0,0001) were noted. The presence of HTN in men increased the intermediate probability of HFpEF by 3,6 times, dyspnea at dosed exercise by 10 times, dysaptation to exercise by 5 times, the presence of left ventricular concentric remodeling by 8-10 times. In females with intermediate probability of HFpEF, dysaptation to exercise at rest (p=0,0120) and lower level of oxygen consumption during dosed exercise was more often determined (p=0,0485). The intermediate probability of HFpEF in women increased with autonomic nervous system dysfunction, an increase in the mean 24-hour systolic BP variability, the presence of dyspnea during dosed exercise (10 times), concentric left ventricular remodeling, and an increase in nonspecific inflammation markers (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, IL-1β, IL-6).Conclusion. Early identification of additional risk factors for intermediate probability of HFpEF in asymptomatic hypertensive patients has the potential to reduce the risk of subsequent clinical heart failure, allowing focus on prevention and intervention strategies in this group of patients.
Antibiotic resistance pattern of aerobic bacterial isolates from patients with skin and soft tissue infections in Karaikal
Authors: Swarna SR , Vetreivellan H , Prabakar G , Manobalan K , Bharathi T 
Published: September 2023

Skin and Soft Tissue Infections (SSTIs) are considered as non-fatal burden with significant morbidity and disability. The important challenge of severe SSTIs is choosing a drug for empirical treatment. From this region, only limited local antibiogram data is available. To determine the frequency of different aerobic bacteria isolated from patients with SSTIs attending dermatology and surgery departments of GH, Karaikal and to study the antibiotic resistance pattern of the isolates. This is a prospective, cross-sectional study with 100 samples. Standard protocol was followed for collection, processing, identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing. All isolates of and were screened for methicillin resistance and subsequently subjected to Oxacillin E-strip and Vancomycin E-strip to know the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value. Isolates of Gram negative bacilli resistant to one or more carbapenems were tested for carbapenemase production using Modified Carbapenem Inactivation Method (MCIM) and multi drug resistant (MDR) organisms were identified. Most effective antibiotic for methicillin sensitive (MSSA) are Clindamycin (82.75%), Gentamicin (80.95%) and Cotrimoxazole (75%). The methicillin resistant (MRSA) incidence is 6.89% (2/29). Around 66.67% (4/6) of was Cefoxitin resistant. The carbapenem resistance was found to be 13.88% (5/36). Around 43.13% (22/51) Gram negative bacilli were MDR. The presence of MRSA and carbapenemase producing Gram negative bacilli are worrisome. Further, routine surveillance is needed to monitor the trends in antibiotic resistant pattern. However, this data paves way for judicious use of antibiotics for treatment and to prevent development of resistance in future.
Antimicrobial resistance among common clinical isolates from Wayanad district
Authors: B J Deepthy , A Athira , H Champa , S Maya , Hynse Aimy 
Published: September 2023

: The emerging multi-drug resistant variants in different clinical isolates is leading to increased morbidity and mortality, due failure in treatment. The paucity of an accurate data of antimicrobial resistance from different geographical areas is a major setback to its control and management. The aim of this study was to analyse the occurrence of drug resistant organisms from different clinical samples in the district of Wayanad, and also to determine the most prevalent and emerging bacterial pathogens among them. : A seven-month retrospective study of different bacterial isolates from various clinical samples was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in Wayanad district. Clinical samples taken for the study included urine, pus, sputum and blood. : Data from 2125 clinical samples were studied, in which 661 were urine samples, 910 were pus samples, 225 were blood samples and 339 were sputum samples. The predominant bacteria identified from urine sample was among which the prevalence of extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) producing was 40.61%, and the metalobetalactamase (MBL) producers 3.45%. was the predominant bacteria in the pus samples, in which Methicillin resistant (MRSA) was found to be 3.92%. was the most predominant bacteria in the blood samples, in which ESBL producing was noted as 3.57%. Klebsiella species were the predominant bacteria in the sputum samples, in which ESBL producing was 16.79% and MBL producers were 3.82%.: The study helped to identify the most predominant antibiotic resistant strains from each of the clinical samples in a resource limited setting like Wayanad. Similar studies would help in successfully formulating treatment strategies against bacterial infections, thereby reducing morbidity and mortality in patients.
A retrospective investigation of Candida spp. and its antifungal susceptibility profile in cancer patients at a South Indian tertiary care hospital
Authors: Vijayakumar Varalakshmi , Emelda Jennifer , Radhakrishnan Venkataraman , Subramani Saraswathi 
Published: September 2023

Among the most frequently recognized pathogenic fungi, . from Clinical samples plays a vital role. In recent decades, poor antifungal therapy usage critically in immunocompromised patients has led to antifungal drug resistance among . Hence, expeditious and dependable species identification is crucial for the effective implantation of treatment strategies and the management of diseases. The purpose of the study was to look at the presence of in various Clinical samples taken from cancer patients who are being treated at a tertiary care hospital in South India. The primary objective of this investigation is to ascertain the susceptibility patterns shown by antifungal drugs. This retrospective investigation was undertaken between January 2022 to April 2023. The isolates were subjected to antifungal susceptibility (AFST) by both Conventional (disc diffusion assay) and Automated methods (VITEK-2 compact - AST YSO1). The susceptibility pattern was recorded against antifungal agents like Fluconazole (FLU), Voriconazole (VOR), Amphotericin B (AMB), and Caspofungin. . was identified by conventional method (Chrome ID) as per standard laboratory protocols and by an automated method using MALDI – TOF. Among 215 samples received from cancer patients suggestive of Candidiasis, albicans (64.6%) was the predominant isolate, and the lowest one was (2.25%). Male patients had a higher prevalence of (55.8%). Similarly, the prevalence was higher in patients over 60, with male patients having an incidence of 38.3% and female patients having 23%. By disk diffusion assay and showed 100% sensitivity to all antifungals used in this study. We conclude that the disc diffusion assay is a more cost-effective, user-friendly, and effective screening test than the VITEK 2, and it has the potential to be used as a workable method for Antifungal susceptibility test. The use of Chrome ID for identification of . is cost-effective and reliable. However, MALDI TOF has the advantage of rapidity, providing correct findings promptly. The timely delivery of diagnostic reports facilitates early diagnosis of patients. Therefore, it is recommended in this research to use MALDI TOF for the identification of . and the disc diffusion technique for antifungal susceptibility testing (AFST).
Epidemiological trends of COVID-19 pandemic during first and second waves: A comparative study in east Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Murty D Satyanarayana , Babu BV Suresh , Rani A Durga , Rajyalakshmi G 
Published: September 2023

From Wuhan, China, the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection that caused the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) spread quickly to other countries. India experienced its first wave of COVID-19 infection between March 2020 to February 2021 with the peak in August 2020.The second wave started in March 2021 and continued for few months till November 2021. This study has been conducted to describe the epidemiological trends based on laboratory data at East Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh, India. The study was performed between March 2020 to November 2021at a tertiary care centre in East Godavari Dist., AP. Samples (Throat/ Nasal/ Nasopharyngeal swabs) were received from the Government hospitals in East Godavari district for Covid-19 Real time PCR. A total number of 5,00,869 and 8,75,808 samples were tested using rRT-PCR, and 39,626 (7.9%) and 98,656 (11.2%) were positive during first and second waves respectively. In the first wave the highest positivity rate was observed in the month of August (26.8%) whereas in Second Wave it was observed in the month of May (36.6%). In the both the waves highest positivity was observed in the age group 70-79 years (first wave 11.1% and second wave 16.3%). In both the waves the positivity rate of males was higher than females. Among symptomatic cases, the positivity rate was in the first wave 8.6% whereas in second 19.1% was observed. The overall, higher positivity rate was observed in the second wave when compared to first wave. Also we observed a noticeable difference between the 1 and 2waves in terms of positivity percentage among symptomatic cases.
Antimicrobial activity of Lactobacillus acidophilus bacteriocin against clinical isolates
Authors: Al-Haddad Ahmed Mohammed , Al-Haik Wedad Mohammed , Matran Yasser Mansour , Bawazir Ibrahim Mohammed 
Published: September 2023

Lactic acid bacteria serve as important human probiotics, as they can produce bacteriocins from different dairy sources, and the antimicrobial activity of their bacteriocins have been documented in the scientific field. This study aimed to assess the antimicrobial activities of bacteriocin obtained from different dairy sources. An experimental analytical design was used to isolate species on de Man, Rogosa and Sharpe Media, and identify them phenotypically and evaluated their bacteriocin's antimicrobial activity against four clinical isolates. SPSS Version 22 was used for Statistical purposes. A total of 14 isolates were verified from various sample sources. These included 6 isolates from camel's milk, 2 from goat's milk, 3 from local yogurt, and 3 from Omani yogurt. The supernatants of most isolates exhibited varying levels of antimicrobial activity during the investigation. Furthermore, the action of the bacteriocin was concentration dependent. The highest level of inhibition was 14 mm for Staphylococcus aureus, 12 mm for, 12 mm for and 10 mm for when using 100μl of raw bacteriocin. Moreover, the correlation between bacteriocin activity, temperatures, and incubation times was found to be irreversible. The study reveals inherent antibacterial traits in species from local milk and milk products in Al-Shihr Town. Specifically, variant, synthesizing bacteriocin, effectively suppressed the clinical isolates, showcasing their pathogen-fighting ability. These findings offer potential for developing efficient antimicrobial methods, utilizing bacteriocin as an antibiotic in food and medicine.
A rare case of intracardiac hydatid cyst in the interventricular septum of the heart
Authors: Reddy R Sathish Kumar , Devi A Renuka , Swamy Laxmana 
Published: September 2023

Hydatid disease, also known as cystic , occurs due to tapeworm. It is an endemic disease in certain livestock-raising countries. Cardiac involvement is seen rarely, in around 0.5% to 2% of patients with hydatid disease. Interventricular septum is involved in around 4% of cardiac cases. According to Yaman et al., cardiac is a rare condition with a prevalence ranging between 0.5 to 2 percent. Here we report a case of a hydatid cyst in the heart. A 57-year-old male patient came to Gowri Gopal hospital, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh on 29 July 2023 with complaints of shortness of breath for 6 months. He also complained about pain in the chest region for 6 months.ECG findings include sinus tachycardia, probable left atrial enlargement, left ventricular hypertrophy, nonspecific T abnormalities and ST elevation. Chest X-ray PA View revealed left mild fibrosis. Echocardiography showed a hydatid cyst sized 3x2.8 cm., grade I diastolic dysfunction and trivial mitral regurgitation. The patient underwent surgical excision and mitral valve repair. He recovered and was discharged successfully. We conclude that surgical resection, washout of the cavity with saline solution, and albendazole treatment can produce excellent outcomes in interventricular cardiac hydatid cyst cases.
The effectiveness of question student method in social studies learning on activity and learning outcomes
Authors: Handayani Nurizky , Aw Suranto , Zamroni Zamroni , Setiawan Johan , Fadli Muhammad Rijal 
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this study is to analyze the effectiveness of the question students have a method in social studies learning to increase student activity and learning outcomes. This research uses quantitative methods. The population included seventh-grade students at junior high school in Yogyakarta, with a sample of 122. The sampling techniques cluster random sampling, while data collection used observations, interviews, and instruments. Data analysis used an independent sample t-test and an N-gain score test to determine student activity and learning outcomes. The results showed that the question student has a method in social studies learning was able to increase student activity and learning outcomes compared to conventional classes, based on the independent sample t-test test, and the N-gain score test was included in the medium category. The questions students have a method, have a very significant impact, thus making social studies learning more quality.
Keywords: Activity; learning methods; learning outcomes; questions students have; social science.
Practices, validity, and challenges of online formative assessment in Algerian higher education
Authors: Assia Zeraoulia , Samira Arar 
Published: September 2023

Online assessment, whether formative or summative, appears to be a problematic issue for many English as a foreign language (EFL) university teachers. Formative assessment is crucial for improving the quality of teaching and learning. Therefore, it is highly significant to recognize the possible trends of online formative assessment offered in the Algerian university context. In this regard, this paper aims at exploring the online formative assessment practices of EFL university teachers including the type of formative assessment experienced, assessment and feedback techniques, and the validity of the assessment strategies employed virtually. It further seeks to identify the challenges faced in the process. To achieve this, a qualitative approach based on exploratory and descriptive research design was adopted. An online questionnaire was administered to 16 EFL teachers from 12 Algerian universities. The findings revealed that participants employ a variety of online formative assessment strategies for various purposes. The overall practices are, to a certain degree, valid.
Keywords: English as a foreign language (EFL); formative assessment; online assessment; university teacher.
Medical Students’ Perceptions of Clinical and Research Training: An International Needs Assessment of 26 Countries
Authors: Navarro Sergio , Stewart Kelsey , Tessier Katelyn , Berhane Aemon , Alvarado Susana Prestinary , Tafirei Tavonga , Abdi Hodan , Keil Evan , Tuttle Todd , Rickard Jennifer 
Published: September 2023

Objective: Despite calls to incorporate research training into medical school curriculum, minimal research has been conducted to elucidate trends in research knowledge, opportunities, and involvement globally. This study aims to: (1) assess medical students’ perceptions of the level of training they received on research based on their medical school training, and (2) evaluate the obstacles related to conducting research as part of medical students’ training.
Methods: A 94-question, bilingual survey designed by a small focus group of individuals from medical schools across the globe and administered to medical students from different parts of the world, distributed via social media networks (Twitter, Now X, Facebook) and email distributions via international partnerships from November 1 to December 31, 2020. The survey collected demographic information including age, gender, medical institution and country, degree, year in training, clinical rotations completed, plans for specialization, and additional graduate degrees completed. Statistical analysis included a summary of survey participant characteristics, and a comparison between regions, with a variety of comparison and logistic regression models used.
Results: A total of 318 medical students from 26 countries successfully completed the survey. Respondents were majority female (60.1%), from Latin America (LA) (53.1%), North America (NA) (28.6%), and Other world regions (Other) (18.2%). Students felt research was an important component of medical training (87.7%), although many reported lacking research support from their institution (47.5%).There were several reported barriers to research, including lack of research opportunities (69.4%), lack of mentors (56.6%), lack of formal training (54.6%), and barriers due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic (49.3%). Less frequent were barriers related to financial resources (41.6%), physical resources (computer or internet access) (18%), and English language ability (6.9%). Students from Latin America and Other were more likely to report a desire to pursue research later in their medical careers compared with students from North America.
Conclusions and Implications for Translation: Despite significant interest in research, medical students globally report a lack of formal research training, opportunities, and several barriers to conducting research, including the COVID-19 pandemic. The study highlights the need for student research traininginternationally and the role of further regional-specific and institutional-specific evaluation of research training needs.

Copyright © 2023 Navarro et al. Published by Global Health and Education Projects, Inc. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0.