bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
COVID 19: An Epidemiological and Host Genetics Appraisal
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Arup Ratan 
Published: January 2025

Coronaviruses (CoVs) is a single single-strand RNA genome approximately 26 - 32 kb in size. Out of the seven coronaviruses, three HCoVs (Human CoVs) have been discovered that causes severe pneumonia such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and recently recognized SARS-CoV-2, which possesses varying degrees of lethality worldwide and happened to be bioterrorism in terms of the recent outbreak through human-to-human transmission from China to all over the world. Epidemiological and Clinical study on SARS-COV-2 have recently been reported world-wide but lack of data on prognosis factors including effective medicine or vaccine are yet to be clinically approved to prevent this infectious disease. Human pathogenic coronaviruses SARS-CoV-2 bind to their target cells through ACE2, which is expressed by epithelial cells of the lung, intestine, kidney, and blood vessels. The difference in distribution, maturation, and functioning of viral receptors could be considered as a possible reason for the genetic heterogeneity of ACE2, and age and sex related difference in the incidence of the disease such as, the positive correlation with ACE2 expression and age including the severity of the infection of SARS-CoV-2. Since the ACE2 location in X chromosome, therefore, the males presumable might have more morbidity and mortality by SARS-CoV-2 than females due to sex-based immunological differences like greater observable circulating level of ACE2 in males or else it may be due to the patterns of life style variables such as prevalence of smoking among the males. Additionally, the Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 1 (ACE1) is characterized by a genetic insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism in intron 16, which is associated with alterations in circulating and tissue concentrations of ACE, where the study reported as D allele is associated with a reduced expression of ACE2. Nevertheless, studies from different states of Indian population on ACE I/D gene polymorphism shows higher frequency of I allele which might explain the lower prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in Indian population and consequently be subject matter of research of SARS-CoV-2 on epidemiological and public health issues.
Non Government Organizations (NGO)-The gap fillers during COVID-19 lockdown in Assam, India
Authors: Joyeeta Talukdar  , Abhibroto Karmakar  , Ruby Dhar  , Arun Kumar  , Subhradip Karmakar  
Published: January 2025

COVID-19 pandemic caused due to SARS-CoV2 has disrupted the spectrum of health care. The wide arrays of supportive and palliative care needed for patients with ailments were grossly neglected, due to the diversion of resources and healthcare professionals in COVID management. This deficiency was further exaggerated by extended lockdown and closure of outdoor patient care services resulting in unprecedented crisis in disease management. Further, COVID-19 has been associated with increased risk of morbidity and mortality arising from associated risk factors in geriatric subjects and those with other high risk co-morbidities like hypertension, COPD, diabetes and cancer. North East Indian states and the adjoining regions seem to have suffered substantially during the COVID-19 crisis due to their pre-existing vulnerabilities and under developed health care infrastructure and logistics. This deficiency, however, seems to have been fulfilled substantially by the participation of NGO (Non-Government Organizations) and other volunteer services who has actively participated to provide basic healthcare and other life support to cancer patients in this crisis.
Prevalence and associated risk factors for diabetic retinopathy at first ophthalmological contact
Authors: Bhavkaran Singh  , Prempal Kaur  , Jaspreet Singh  , Parveen Grang  
Published: January 2025

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is now considered as a growing global public health concern due to cost associated with diabetic micro and macrovascular complications. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the leading causes of vision loss. Accurate estimation of prevalence of DR among diabetic patients and associated risk factors are of crucial importance to plan and execute preventive strategies in the community.
Aims and Objectives: The present cross sectional hospital based observational study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of DR in diabetic patients at their first ophthalmological contact and toevaluate associated risk factors.
Materials and Methods: In this cross sectional hospital based observational study, all diabetic patients visiting ophthalmology clinic for the first time after being diagnosed as diabetic were enrolled. After recording demographic data and biochemical findings, each patient was investigated for DR and correlated with associated risk factors.
Results: Of 1699 patients, majority (68.9%) of them had come to ophthalmology clinic with complaint of decreased vision. Only 16.12 % (274) patients had been referred for retinal exam by treating physician. DR was prevalent in 242(16.98%) non-referred and 31(11.31%) referred patients. Mean age and mean duration of diabetes was significantly higher in non-referred patients. Vision threatening DR was also significantly higher in nonreferred patients. Prevalence of DR was significantly correlated with age at presentation, duration of diabetes, rural background, uncontrolled diabetes, systolic blood pressure and high BMI.
Conclusion: Low referral by treating physician and lack of awareness among patient accounts for late presentation of diabetic patients to ophthalmologist. Beyond just developing strategies to promote screening programs for early detection and management of DR, education of the patients,comprehensive planning and coordination between ophthalmologist and physician can go a long way to decrease the economic and social burden of preventable blindness due to diabetic retinopathy.
Effects of administration of melatonin on agitation and duration of stay in patients of traumatic brain injury admitted to neurosurgical intensive care unit –A retrospective study
Authors: Zulfiqar Ali  , Iqra Nazir  , Shahid Ahmad Mir  , Zoya Sehar  , Aymen Masood  , Eman Aftab  , Muqtashid Rashid  
Published: January 2025

Background: Agitation is frequently encountered in patients recovering from traumatic brain injury in intensive care unit .The etiopathology for agitation is multifactorial. Melatonin has been widely used to study the effects of delirium in intensive care unit, however its effect on agitation are not well studied.
Objectives: To assess the effect of melatonin administration on the prevalence of agitation and length of stay in patients with severe traumatic brain injury, managed conservatively or undergoing decompressive craniectomy.
Study design: A retrospective observational study.
Participants: 70 patients undergoing various decompressive craniotomy or managed conservatively, and admitted to NSICU were included in the study. 36 patients were recruited from the control group and 34 patients received melatonin during their stay in the intensive care unit.
Methods: In this study, records of 70 patients who had suffered isolated traumatic brain injury with no associated injuries were analysed. The patients had a Glasgow coma score of 3-14 on admission to intensive care unit. The patients were managed as per the standard protocols, as per the existing guidelines, based on traumatic brain injury guidelines.
Results: A non-significant decreasing trend of agitation and reduced duration of ICU stay was noted in patients who received melatonin compared with the control group. The prevalence of agitation observed on modified Ramsay scale (Mean±SD) in patients who received melatonin on Day 3, Day 4 , Day 5, Day 6 , Day 7 , Day 8, Day 9 were -1.67 ± 3.01;-1.61 ± 2.82;-1.2 ± 2.55;-1.23 ± 2.51; -1.23 ± 2.11;-1.05 ± 2.09 and 0.76 ±2.03 respectively. These scores were slightly lower than observed in the control group on Day 3, Day 4 , Day 5, Day 6 , Day 7 , Day 8, Day 9 as -1.58 ± 3.16;-1.33 ± 2.72;-1.08 ± 2.46;-1.13 ± 2.25; -0.94 ± 1.87;-0.52 ± 1.7 and 0.52 ±1.36 respectively. The mean± SD duration of stay in intensive care unit of patients receiving melatonin (13.14 ±3.37) and not receiving melatonin (14.52±3.73) was comparable (p value = 0.1.)
Conclusions: Though there was a decreased prevalence of agitation and a decrease in mean duration of the ICU stay in patients who received oral melatonin, these beneficial effects did not show any statistical significance once compared with the control group.
Head shape determination and cranial evaluation using anatomical landmarks in children with sickle cell disease (SCD)
Authors: MA Musa  , AD Zagga  , K Musa  , M Danfulani  , H Ahmed  
Published: January 2025

Background: Sickle cell disease is one of the commonest diseases widespread in sub-Saharan Africa and Nigeria in particular. This study investigated the possible effects of sickle cell disease (SCD) on the cranial index and pattern of head shapes of children with sickle cell disease in comparison with that of children without SCD.
Methods: The head length, head width of 103 children (54 males and 49 females) with sickle cell disease and 218 normal growing non-sickle cell disease children (121 males and 97 females) aged 0-18 years old were measured and their cranial indices calculated.
Results: The mean CI for normal growing non sickle cell disease children was 79.82±3.35 and that of the sickle cell disease children was 80.12±3.39 which was not statistically signifi cant (p=0.4526). However, the difference between the mean CI of males in both groups was not signifi cant (p=0.9535) likewise in females (p=0.3127). The mean head circumference in sickle cell disease children was 48.89±3.15 as against that of the normal growing non-sickle cell disease children 44.97±6.07 and this difference was also not statistically signifi cant (p=>0.05).
Conclusion: The head shapes as per the present study could be classifi ed as mesocephalic in normal growing non-sickle cell disease children and brachycephalic in sickle cell disease children. Thus, it has been deduced that sickle cell disease could probably have an effect on head length, head width, cranial index and head circumference of affected children.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v6i1.9160
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.6(1) 2015 98-102
Haemoptysis: An unusual initial presentation of achalasia cardia
Authors: Sumit Roy Tapadar  , Jaydip Deb  , Aparup Dhua  , Soumya Bhattacharya  , Tapan Das Bairagya  , Uttam Biswas  
Published: January 2025

A 31 year old male presented with haemoptysis, fever and cough. Chest Radiography showed patchy consolidation with breakdown in lower lobe of left lung. Further evaluation revealed the presence of achalasia cardia that resulted haemoptysis due to aspiration pneumonia. This report highlights the uncommon initial presentation of achalasia cardia in the form of haemoptysis in a previously asymptomatic individual. Although haemoptysis occurs commonly due to pulmonary disorders, it may also be an initial symptom of some rare nonpulmonary disorder. Thorough workup with strict vigilance is extremely important to elicit that type of rare aetiology.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v6i1.10800
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.6(1) 2015 103-105
Post traumatic anterior angulation of the distal tibia following malunion: A case report of management in a resource constrained setting
Authors: EM Dim  , JC Itie  , UC Inyang  , A Nwashindi  , ME Ugbeye  , UM Dim  
Published: January 2025

Fractures of the shaft of the tibia and fibula are common. Complications are minimal following careful application of principles during treatment by the Orthopaedic Surgeon. However, in our environment, not all patients present to the Orthopaedic Surgeon as they opt for some form of unconventional treatment, usually with the traditional bone setters. Such treatments sometimes lead to clinically unacceptable outcomes. This is a case report of a 42-year old female Nigerian with a 4-year history of post traumatic anterior angulation of the distal right tibia with severely contracted Achilles tendon following traditional bone setter’s treatment for open fractures of the distal tibia and fibula. There was 7 cm of right lower limb shortening and 45 degrees anterior angulation of a tibial malunion. She had a two- stage operation to correct the deformities. Patient achieved a plantigrade foot and fracture union without limb length discrepancy.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v6i1.10198
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.6(1) 2015 108-111
Split-hand/split-foot malformation (SHFM)
Authors: Monojit Mondal  , Kriti Sundar Rana  , Nayan Banerji  , Sayan Bose  , Tanmoy Biswas  , Biswajit Biswas  , Pijush Kanti Mandal  
Published: January 2025

Split-hand/split-foot malformation (SHFM), also known as ectrodactyly or lobster claw hand is a congenital limb malformation, characterized by a deep median cleft of the hand and/or foot due to the absence of the central rays of the autopod. It may occur singly or in association with syndromes, former being mostly autosomal dominant but autosomal recessive variety is rare. We are reporting a case of ectrodactyly with autosomal recessive mode of inheritance
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v6i1.10018
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.6(1) 2015 122-123
Congenital malformation of lamina orbitalis ossis ethmoidalis
Authors: Kosuri Kalyan Chakravarthi  , Nelluri Venumadhav  , KS Siddaraju  
Published: January 2025

Background: The thinnest portion of the medial wall of the orbit is Lamina orbitalis ossis ethmoidalis which separates the ethmoidal sinuses from the orbit. Congenital bony malformation of orbit and anatomical variation of ethmoidal sinuses are important in terms of the risk of complication development during endoscopic sinus surgery and to understanding the pathophysiology and spread of sinus disease.
Materials and Methods: Accordingly the present study was designed to fi nd out the congenital malformation of medial wall of the orbit in relation to lamina orbitalis ossis ethmoidalis. The study was carried out using 100 dried adult human skulls and twenty six human cadavers irrespective of sex were obtained from the Department of Anatomy - Mayo Institute of Medical Sciences-Barabanki, Department of Anatomy - Melaka Manipal Medical College - Manipal and Department of Anatomy - KMCT Medical College, Manassery - Calicut.
Results: In three skulls (2.380%) we noted unilateral unusual hole at the junction of medial wall and roof of orbit with dimensions of 2.3 cm long and 1 cm height in two skulls and another unusual vertical hole at the anterior part of medial wall and roof of orbit with dimensions of 2 cm height and 1 cm width. We also noted few ethmoidal cells extended in to the orbital plate and fovea ethmoidalis of the frontal bone.
Conclusion: Congenital defective formation of bony orbit and variable anatomy of paranasal sinuses noted in this study is may be due to the defective formation of Lamina orbitalis ossis ethmoidalis from the lateral part of the nasal capsule near the fronto ethmoidal suture such comprehensive knowledge is necessary to understand the various disorders of this region and to avoid complications during surgical procedures involving this area.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v6i2.10534
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.6(2) 2015 91-94
Determinants of child malnutrition in Bangladesh - A Multivariate Approach
Authors: Ahbab Mohammad Fazle Rabbi  , Shamal Chandra Karmaker  
Published: January 2025

Objective: Malnutrition is referred as the greatest single threat to the world’s public health, especially for the developing countries. Nutritional status is determined anthropometrically and it is outcome of complex interactions between biological, socio-economical variables. This study is conducted to identify the significant determinants of child malnutrition in Bangladesh.
Method: Using BDHS-2007 data, Total 5312 cases are included in the present study. Multivariate techniques have been applied in this study to obtain significant determinants of child malnutrition.
Results: Factor analysis revealed six factors as covariate of malnutrition; where two factors are socio-economical, others are biological and bio-social. Hence linear discriminant analysis is used to clarify the efficiency of obtained factors in malnutrition scenario; which imply that the obtained factors are accurate for approximately 60 percent observations.
Conclusion: The obtained results suggest that, consciousness should be raised to improve socio-economic and maternal health conditions to improve the scenario of child malnutrition.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v6i2.10404
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.6(2) 2015 85-89
Usage of diuretics among diabetic-hypertensive patients
Authors: Rajeshwari Shastry  , M.R. Prabha Adhikari  , Sheetal D. Ullal  , Shashidhar Kotian  
Published: January 2025

Background: Hypertension is more common in diabetics than in non-diabetic patients. An aggressive approach to the diagnosis and treatment of hypertension in patients with diabetes is required in order to substantially reduce the incidence of both macro-vascular and micro-vascular complications. The role of diuretics in the treatment of hypertension as first line or second line drugs is a provoking debate, hence we studied the usage of diuretics and their effects on BP and glycemic control among diabetic-hypertensive patients.
Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out for a period of six months in a tertiary care teaching hospital. Patients’ details such as age, gender, height, weight, comorbid diseases, blood pressure, eGFR along with duration of diabetes and hypertension and drugs prescribed for hypertension were noted. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Results: A total of 336 diabetic-hypertensiveswith a mean age of 64.55±9.51 years were included. Fortyfive patients were on diuretics,two (4.4%) of whom were on diuretic monotherapy, 16 (35.6%) on two drug combinations (Diuretic + ACEI or ARB), 21 (46.7%) on three drug combinations (diuretics + ARB & BBs or diuretic + ACEI & BB or diuretic + ARB &CCB) and six (13.3%) were on four drug combinations (diuretics + ARB, CCB & BB). Among the patients on diuretic combination therapy BP was well controlled in 23 (51%) patients and the glycemic control was comparable to those not on diuretics.
Conclusion: In the present study the usage of diuretics was consistent with the guidelines. About 13% of diabetic-hypertensive patients were on diuretic treatment. The control of BP in patients on diuretics was not satisfactory, but there was no worsening of glycemic control compared to other antihypertensive therapy. This shows that low dose thiazides in combination with other antihypertensives can be safe in diabetic-hypertensive patients however their efficacy needs further scrutiny.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v6i2.10582
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.6(2) 2015 15-18
A neglected case of Sacrococcygeal teratoma in a neonate
Authors: Monojit Mondal  , Biswajit Biswas  , Atanu Roy  , Abhijit Ari  , Kaustav Nayek  , Asok Kumar Datta  , Kriti Sundar Rana  , Nayan Banerji  
Published: January 2025

Sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT), although rare, is the most common congenital neoplasm in neonates. A mass in the sacrococcygeal region at the time of birth is the usual presentation. Routine antenatal abdominal ultrasound of mother can detect almost all the cases. The prognosis is favorable when diagnosis is done antenatally and proper management is instituted soon after the baby is born. Presented herein a 2 days old neonate with a neglected SCT who died unfortunately due to massive bleeding from the tumor. A brief review of the literature has been presented to make everyone aware of the condition so that future recurrence of such sad events may be avoided.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v6i2.10448
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.6(2) 2015 108-110
Isolated Pulmonary Metastasis from Prostate Adenocarcinoma: Diagnosis by Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology
Authors: Anju Khairwa  , Gupta Nalini  , Singhal Manphool  , Kumar Santosh  , Rajwanshi Arvind  
Published: January 2025

Prostate cancer usually metastasizes to regional lymph nodes and bone followed by distant organs. Here, we present a case of elderly man who had isolated respiratory symptoms and finally turned out to be metastasis from prostate cancer. Rarity of isolated pulmonary metastases of prostate cancer without bone and lymph node involment prompted us to report this case which was diagnosed by CT guided FNAC.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v6i2.11103
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.6(2) 2015 111-114
Four semesters of medical humanities at the Xavier University School of Medicine, Aruba
Authors: P. R. Shankar  
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Medical humanities is using subjects traditionally known as the humanities for specific purposes in medical education.
Methods: In this report the author shares his experience of facilitating a module for four semesters at the Xavier University School of Medicine, Aruba.
Results: The sessions were conducted in small groups and used case scenarios, role-plays, paintings and debates among other modalities to explore various aspects of medical humanities.
Conclusion: The author has been successful in conducting medical humanities sessions in an offshore Caribbean medical school.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v6i2.10455
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.6(2) 2015 124-128
Free PSA: A better molecular marker than total PSA for breast cancer
Authors: Rachita Nanda  
Published: January 2025

Serum total PSA (prostate specific antigen) has been considered since some time for diagnosis or prognosis of breast cancer. PSA is present both as free and complexed form. Many researchers have shown total PSA increases in all forms of breast disease, whether cancerous or benign lesions. Few scientists have demonstrated that the free form of PSA is the predominant form in breast cancer.1,2 Also the observation that there is a marginal reduction in total PSA after surgery in comparison to a remarkable decrease in free PSA is a strong indicator that a large portion of total PSA is produced by normal tissue and that free PSA is produced by breast tumors.3,4,5 Moreover free PSA as the predominant form was found to be highly specific for breast cancer when compared to benign and normal tissues.3 In India, Dash et al.,(2011) in their study in Indian population observed similar results using total and free PSA in patients of breast tumors 5 augmenting its role as a prognostic marker.
With a heterogeneous study population in India where breast cancer is commonly encountered, population based studies are essential to study the molecular forms of PSA with respect to the disease process like relapse or metastasis and therefore with future treatment.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v6i2.11110
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.6(2) 2015 129
Adenoid squamous cell carcinoma of right gingivobuccal sulcus – A rare case report
Authors: Pankaj Pande  , Prakash Murigeppa Patil  , Mihir J. Bhalodia  , Jyotirling Savle  , Himanshu Mulay  
Published: January 2025

Oral cancer is the sixth most common malignancy in the world and third most common in southeast Asia. When it does occur, it is most commonly seen on the tongue or lip. Cancers of the gingivobuccal sulcus are uncommon and reported infrequently. Here we report a case of 35 years female diagnosed with adenoid squamous cell carcinoma of right gingivobuccal sulcus. Most of these cancers are locally advanced stage due to delay in presentation and ignorance of population.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v6i3.10793
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.6(3) 2015 94-96