bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study on occupational ventilatory defects among workers employed in cement factories of Darjeeling district, West Bengal, India
Authors: Sarkar Payel , Biswas Daliya , Gazi Eashin , Ishore Kaushik 
Published: June 2022

Introduction:
Cement factory workers are at a high risk of exposure to crystalline silica-laden cement dusts and at a higher risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), like chronic bronchitis, emphysema and restrictive lung disease like silicosis. This study was done to measure the extent of occupational ventilatory defect among workers employed inside cement factories.

Material and Methods:
A cross sectional study was conducted among cement factory workers using questionnaire on respiratory symptoms 1986 and spirometry was done after seeking permission from the concerned authority and Institutional Ethics Committee. Logistic regression analysis was done to test for statistical significance.

Results:
Ventilatory defect was present among one fourth of the factory workers. Obstructive type of lung disease was much higher (94.6%) than restrictive lung disease (5.4%). Almost half of the study subjects had presented with different types of respiratory symptoms. Breathlessness on exertion was commonest symptom, followed by cough day and night. Ventilatory defects were noted to be much higher (86.5%) among the workers working in the cement factories for more than 10 years and increasing trend was observed with increment in their age and years of working at the factory. Ventilatory defect were significantly high among smokers (29.5%), subjects who started smoking in early age (35.9%) and there is increasing trend of defects with a greater number of cigarettes intake.

Conclusion:
Periodically awareness generation and mandatory use of personal protective equipment should be practiced among workers in cement factories.
Human Leukocyte Antigen-A, B, and DRB1 Diversity in Renal Transplant Patients and Donors
Authors: Mishra Vikash Chandra , Chandra Dinesh , Deshpande Trupti , Singh Parvind , Anthwal Archana , Raina Vimarsh 
Published: June 2022

Background:
The understanding of transplant acceptance or rejection derives directly from knowing human leukocyte antigen (HLA) involved in the immune response. The HLA of the major histocompatibility complex contains a numerous family of genes located on the short arm of the chromosome number 6 and divided majorly into two classes, Class I (HLA-A, B, and C) and Class II (HLA-DR, DQ, and DP). The detection and detailed information of these histocompatibility genes are essential for the better outcome of organ transplants.

Aims and Objectives:
The aim of the present study is to analyze the frequencies of HLA-A, B, and DRB1 in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients and their prospective donors as well as to see the prevalence of heterogenicity.

Materials and Methods:
A total of 264 patients diagnosed with CKD and 333 potential donors were studied retrospectively in the present study. All these cases were analyzed for HLA-A, B, and DRB1 loci typing by PCR-SSOP method based on the Luminex platform.

Results:
We identified 15 different alleles of HLA-A, 29 of HLA-B, and 13 of HLA-DRB1 amongst studied samples. Out of these identified HLA alleles, HLA-A*02, HLA-B*35, and HLA-DRB1*15 were more frequent as compared to others. The results showed significant heterogenicity in the identified HLA-A, B, and DRB1alleles.

Conclusion:
The result highlights the diversity of HLA-A, B, and DRB1 alleles and is valuable as a reference for organ transplantations. Further, these findings can also guide in better donor selection and hence improved transplant outcome. In addition, this information could be a starting point for the development of an indigenous transplant assay kit.
Liver Transplant during COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Rambhatla Anuhya , Kumar G. V. Prem , Swaroop Shakti , Kumar N. Sunil , Ramachandra Sumana , Reddy Raghuram , Kumaraswamy P. , Chaitanya Krishna , Menon Balachandran 
Published: June 2022

Introduction:
Novel coronavirus affects different individuals in different ways, with most people recovering with mild to moderate illness not requiring hospitalization. Liver transplant for end-stage liver disease is a lifesaving procedure, and though living donor liver transplant (LDLT) is a well-planned elective surgery, it was considered a semi-emergency owing to the decompensation of the recipient posing a challenge to the transplant team owing to the situation of the pandemic. The availability of liver grafts from cadaveric donors in India was 0.65 per million population until 2019 as per the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization statistics which was sparse and further accentuated, leaving LDLT as the only option during the pandemic.

Aim:
This study aims to describe our experience and testing protocol for COVID-19 disease for the patients undergoing liver transplant during the pandemic at our hospital, which is a tertiary care referral hospital.

Materials and Methods:
This was a retrospective study done at AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, India. Fifty adult patients who underwent LDLT and deceased donor liver transplant from May 2020 to December 2020 were included in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:
All recipients and donors with reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) positive for SARS CoV2; and COVID-19 disease reporting and data system (CO-RADS) score of 4 or 5 on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) chest.

Results:
The mean age of the recipients was 46 years, and the donors was 36 years; the most common indication being acute-on-chronic liver failure with failed medical therapies and the second common being hepatocellular carcinoma. All the 50 recipients were RT-PCR negative for SARS CoV2; 8 out of whom had a CO-RADS score of 3; and 4 out of the 8 were post-COVID-19 infection who had IgG positive and IgM negative; and the other 4 were both IgG and IgM negative, similarly 4 out of 8 donors were IgG positive. Intraoperative and postoperative period was uneventful. None of the donors or recipients were infected with COVID-19 disease during the hospital stay and up to 1 month postoperative. One patient died within 1 month due to sudden cardiac arrest.

Conclusion:
In our experience, with meticulous testing and proper care, there is a favorable outcome for liver transplant even during the pandemic.
Analysis of Hemorrhagic Cystitis and BK Viremia in Children after Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Yozgat Ayça Koca , Bozkaya Ikbal Ok , Aksu Tekin , Isik Pamir , Kanbur Mehtap , Tiryaki Tugrul , Yarali Nese , Özbek Namik Yasar 
Published: June 2022

Purpose:
Hemorrhagic cystitis (HC) which occurs in 9%–31% of recipients after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Various treatment approaches have been applied for such as conservative treatments (hydration, analgesic agents, antibiotics), intravesical treatments (bladder irrigation, hyaluronic acid, and prostaglandin E), intravenous or intravesical antiviral agents, hyperbaric oxygen, and surgical treatments.

Materials and Methods:
This retrospective study included two hundred thirty-three children who underwent HSCT in Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplantation unit between April 2010 and June 2017.

Results:
Ten patients (4.2%) developed HC. The mean age of patients was 12.8 years and the mean duration of the onset of HC was 20 days. Urine and blood BK polyomavirus were positive in nine and four patients, respectively. Six patients received intravesical hyaluronic acid, three patients received intravesical prostaglandin E, three patients received intravenous ganciclovir, two patients received intravenous and/or intravesical cidofovir and hyperbaric oxygen treatment. The mean time of recovery from hematuria was 43 days. This study showed that the BK polyomavirus has an important role in the development of HC in HSCT patients, as in harmony with the literature. HC has been successfully treated in eight patients with supportive measures and/or intravesical hyaluronic acid.

Conclusions:
BK polyomavirus plays an important role in the development of HC pediatric patients. Intravesical hyaluronic acid, besides supportive measures, was effective for the treatment of HC and hyperbaric oxygen may be reserved for refractory cases.
Public Perception and Willingness to Undergo Cosmetic Procedures During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Alreshidi Ibrahim , Albrekeit Assil , Alharithy Ruaa 
Published: June 2022

Abstract

Background:
As a result of the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at the beginning of 2020, many governments, including Saudi Arabia, have suspended operations in many agencies. Most of the dermatologists have restricted their practice, including cosmetic procedures, to ensure social distancing. On May 7, 2020, Saudi authorities have reduced the restriction of COVID-19 virus preventative measures, allowing clinics to start accepting patients with following the ministry of health protocols.

Purpose:
To evaluate the public's perception and willingness to undergo cosmetic procedures during the COVID-19 outbreaks in Saudi Arabia.

Methods:
A descriptive, cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was carried out among the individuals who lack typical symptoms of COVID-19 infection in Saudi Arabia. A self-designed web-based questionnaire was developed; content face validity and a pilot study were done. The questionnaire was distributed electronically from May 8 to May 31, 2020.

Results:
A total of 656 individuals who lack typical symptoms of COVID-19 infection were included in this analysis. Only 10.5% of participants expressed their will to do cosmetic procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 90% of the participants believed that the COVID-19 pandemic was either somewhat serious (52.9%) or very serious (38.7%). The willingness to do cosmetic procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic remained unaltered when the price was discounted (P < 0.001), and when infection control measures were ensured (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:
The COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on the practice of cosmetic dermatology. Fear of transferring the infection to a beloved home member is the main reason to avoid these procedures. Generating well-structured safety guidelines to decrease the risk of this unusual virus transmission in dermatology practice and creating financial incentives may help increase the public willingness to do these cosmetic procedures during this pandemic.
Trichoscopic Findings in Various Alopecias at Tertiary Referral Center
Authors: Mamatha P. , Neha V. , Jartarkar Shishira R. , Sampath Shalini , Madireddy Rakesh R. 
Published: June 2022

Abstract

Background:
Hair disorders are a common complaint that baffles dermatologists due to multiple causes. Trichoscopy is a noninvasive technique used to diagnose and monitor the progression of various hair disorders.

Purpose:
To observe the trichoscopic patterns of various hair disorders to assist with differentiation.

Methods:
This was a cross-sectional observational study done in 256 patients with alopecia. After a detailed history, clinical examination, and relevant investigations, trichoscopy was performed using a Dermlite (3Gen LLC, Sanjuan Capistrano, CA, USA) dermoscope.

Results:
Out of 256 patients, 154 were male and 102 were female. Most of the cases were in the age group of 21–40 years (66.4%). Nonscarring alopecias (93.35%) were common compared to scarring alopecias (5.8%). The most common alopecia noted in our study was Androgenetic alopecia 125 patients (48.82%), followed by telogen effluvium 48 patients (19.1%), the common trichoscopic follicular features noted were short vellus hair 161 (62.8%), yellow dots (61%), hair diameter variation 125 (48.82%), and black dots (21.87%). The commo interfollicular features are seen were arborizing vessels 109 (42.6%) and pigmentation in 12 patients (4.68%). Significant findings observed in each group were hair diameter diversity in androgenetic alopecia, exclamatory mark in Alopecia Areata, comma hair in tinea capitis. Cicatricial alopecias are characterized by loss of follicular ostia along with inflammatory signs such as perifollicular scales and casts.

Conclusion:
Trichoscopy is a very valuable and useful tool to diagnose various hair disorders by understanding the various trichoscopic patterns specific for each disease.
Recurrent Papulonecrotic Tuberculid in an Adolescent Male
Authors: Shankaralingappa Arundhathi , Anthony Michael L. , Santosh Tummidi , Josephain Kanakapudi , Nagendran Prabhakaran , Gopinath Hima 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Tuberculids are considered to be a hypersensitivity reaction to endogenous tuberculosis (TB). Papulonecrotic tuberculid (PNT) is a rare tuberculid occurring in <5% of active TB. An 18-year-old male presented with recurrent necrotic papules for 6 years on limbs, trunk, and neck which healed with scars. Biopsy from lesion revealed caseating granulomas with lymphohistiocytic vasculitis. Ziehl–Neelsen stain was negative for acid-fast bacilli, but Mantoux was strongly positive. The polymerase chain reaction was not done due to monetary constraints. The final diagnosis of PNT was confirmed and he was started on anti-tubercular treatment (ATT) for which he responded. PNT should be treated as a sentinel lesion and a meticulous search for systemic involvement of TB should be carried out. Awareness about PNT is essential for its diagnosis and to institute ATT at appropriate time.
Cross-sectional osteoporotic risk prediction with the FRAX without BMD in male and female patients attending OPD in a community health center of Bihar
Authors: Bhujade Rashmi , Srivastava Anupama , Chinchodkar Kishor N. , Pathak Pawan , Ibrahim Tarique 
Published: June 2022

ABSTRACT

Background:
Bone health is an important requirement for healthy aging. Osteoporosis is an important cause of both mortality and morbidity among older adults. If we can predict the risk of future osteoporosis by cost-effective methods, we can prevent it up to certain level and plan intervention accordingly. That’s why the present study aims to estimate the likelihood of osteoporosis in patients attending the outpatient department (OPD) in a selected community health center (CHC).

Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted in a CNC in Siwan, Bihar, India. An equal number of male and female patients were recruited by quota sampling. A semi-structured proforma was prepared for data collection using the Fracture Risk Assessment (FRAX) tool without performing a bone mineral density (BMD) test in order to assess major osteoporotic fractures and risk for hip fractures with other requisite information

Results:
The collected data were organized using Microsoft Excel and analyzed using the statistical software SPSS Statistics 20. As data were gleaned and put under different categories, a statistical analysis based on the Chi-square test was carried out, and an ROC (receiver operating characteristic) curve was also drawn for statistical inference of the data gathered. The main findings of our analyses include the following: Approximately 15% males and 30% females in the study sample had a higher risk of osteoporosis and about 9% males and 36% females had a higher risk of hip fracture. Overall, the findings showed a statistically significant association (p < 0.05) between the gender of the participants and the FRAX risk scores for osteoporosis and hip fracture.

Conclusion:
Previously osteoporosis was thought of as a disease that affected only women; nevertheless, emerging findings show that osteoporosis is not unusual in men. The FRAX tool can be used as a screening tool before going for a BMD test.
Indian tubercular belly: A prospective study of 140 patients of abdominal tuberculosis and their outcomes
Authors: Keena Monika , Chawla Gopal , Sonika Ujjwal , Abrol Nupur , Hiremath Shrikant , Meena Virender Kumar 
Published: June 2022

ABSTRACT

Background:
Abdominal tuberculosis is an important yet ignored entity in the spectrum of tuberculosis which has been dominated by pulmonary tuberculosis. Diagnosis and treatment are often delayed due to nonspecific symptoms. In this study, we aimed to highlight the clinical features, diagnostic methods and outcomes of abdominal tuberculosis.

Methods:
A prospective study was conducted in tertiary referral centre where all patients referred to drug distribution centres (DOTS centre) for abdominal tuberculosis were identified. Their demographic clinical and radiological profile was evaluated. These patients were followed-up for their treatment course for complications and outcomes.

Results:
A total of 140 patients who were labelled abdominal tuberculosis over a period of 2 years were reviewed at tuberculosis drug distribution centre (DOTS). Mean age of study population was 35.42 ± 12.53 years and majority of the population were males, 58.6% (82). The most common presenting symptom was abdominal pain which was seen in 82.8% (n = 116) of the patients, followed by feverin 65.6% (n = 92); 22.8% (n = 32) were seropositive for HIV and 44.2% (n = 62) had luminal tuberculosis of which ileocecal was the most common site. Peritoneum was second most common site which was involved in 26.4% (n = 37) of the patients followed by mixed tuberculosis involving more than one type. Confirmed diagnosis was achieved in 74 patients (52.8%), while the remaining 66 patients (47.14%) were diagnosed clinically. During follow-up, 12 patients were lost to follow-up; 113 (80.7%) had complete response, while 3 (2.14%) patients died during treatment.

Conclusion:
Abdominal tuberculosis usually presents with nonspecific complaints which require high index of suspicion. Most patients require only medical therapy which has good results.
Electrocardiographic and echocardiographic findings in children with dengue infection
Authors: Nerella Santoshi , Sarkar Uttam K. , Namdeo Hema 
Published: June 2022

ABSTRACT

Background:
The mechanism of myocardial damage in dengue could be the release of inflammatory mediators or the direct action of the dengue virus on myocytes leading to myocarditis. The release of inflammatory mediators is more in a severe form of the disease that correlates to the higher incidence of cardiac manifestations in patients with severe dengue.

Aim:
To determine the electrocardiographic and two-dimensional (2D)-echocardiographic findings in children with dengue infection and to find a correlation with disease severity.

Materials and Methods:
A total of 150 children between 1 month and 12 years of age seropositive for dengue Non-specific antigen 1 (NS1) Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or dengue Immunoglobulin M (IgM) ELISA were studied in the Department of Pediatric Medicine of a tertiary care government hospital. The patients were undertaken for 12 lead electrocardiograms (ECGs) and echocardiograms.

Results:
Out of the 150 dengue seropositive cases, 61 cases were of mild dengue, 67 cases were of dengue with warning signs (DWSS), and 22 cases were severe dengue cases. Abnormal ECG was found in 78 cases (52%) in a total of 150 cases in terms of rate, prolonged PR interval (interval between atrial depolarization and ventricular activation), ST (ventricular repolarisation)-segment depression, and low-voltage complexes. Abnormal 2D- echocardiography (ECHO) was found in 70 (46.6%) out of 150 in terms of the ejection fraction (EF) <55%, Early diastole/atrial contraction (E/A) ratio <1, and the presence of pericardial effusion.

Conclusion:
Nearly 50% of the patients have abnormal ECG and ECHO findings, more so in the severe dengue group. There is a statistically significant association of the EF between mild dengue, DWWS with severe dengue (P =0.001).
Maternal early pregnancy body mass index, gestational weight gain and pregnancy outcomes among urban slum dwellers in Pune, India–A retrospective analysis
Authors: Deshpande Swapna S. , Kajale Neha A. , Unni Jyothi , Khanijo Vandana , Khadilkar Anuradha V. 
Published: June 2022

ABSTRACT

Context:
Studies on prepregnancy body mass index (BMI), gestational weight gain (GWG), and pregnancy outcomes among urban Indian slums are sparse.

Aims:
To study BMI during early pregnancy, GWG, and maternal and neonatal outcomes among slum-dwelling women in Pune, India.

Design:
A retrospective study among pregnant women attending antenatal care (ANC) facility.

Methods and Material:
Anthropometric and clinical data throughout pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes postdelivery were collected during hospitalization for delivery using ANC cards. Asian BMI cut-offs were used to define underweight (UW), normal weight (NW), overweight (OW), and obesity (OB). GWG was classified into insufficient, adequate, and excessive categories (2009 Institute of Medicine). Statistical analysis was performed using R (v 4.0).

Results:
Slum-dwelling pregnant women (n = 509, mean age 24 (3.6) years) were studied. Seventy-five percent of the women visited ANC clinics at least thrice during pregnancy. Only 17.5% (n = 89) of the women registered before 12 weeks of gestation, and higher education and being primiparous were the correlates. A total of 28% of the women were UW, whereas 25% of the women were OW/OB as per early pregnancy BMI. The highest percentage of preterm deliveries and cesarean/instrumental deliveries were observed in OW/OB categories. A total of 27% gained appropriate gestational weight. This cohort had 508 live births (mean BW- 2.8 kgs) and one stillbirth. One baby had macrosomia (BW >4 Kg), whereas 19% were low birth weight (LBW) (BW <2.5 Kg).

Conclusions:
Double burden of malnutrition (UW and OW) was observed among young slum-dwelling women. The proportion of slum-dwelling women attending ANC clinics during early pregnancy is still low. Increased uptake of government programs is required to enhance maternal and child health.
An Epidemiological Investigation to evaluate the link between hypovitaminosis D and COVID-19
Authors: Singh Shruti , Nimavat Nirav , Singh Chandramani , Ranjan Alok , Mahto Mala , Singh Sunil Kumar , Kumar Amarjeet , Pradhan Swetalina 
Published: June 2022

ABSTRACT

Background:
The COVID-19 pandemic has become a global threat, with an inexplicable course of action and suboptimal response to the multitudes of therapies being tried. Vitamin D’s pleiotropic effects (immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral) have lately received considerable attention in the scientific community, and it has been shown to be helpful in the defense against viral respiratory infections.

Aim:
To find out the association between vitamin D and COVID-19.

Methods:
Overall, 360 (156 COVID-19 +ve and 204 COVID-19 −ve) subjects were investigated in this hospital-based case-control study. The study participants were taken from the COVID-19 wards and Flu clinic of a dedicated COVID hospital between August 1 and September 15, 2020. The demographics and clinical data including alcohol and smoking history along with serum vitamin D levels were recorded. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association between age, gender, alcohol intake, smoking history, vitamin D status, and COVID-19.

Results:
There was no significant difference in the mean vitamin D levels between cases and controls. Bivariate analysis of predictors and COVID-19 revealed that predictors such as advanced age, BMI, alcohol intake, smoking habit, diabetes, hypertension, and vitamin D deficiency were significantly associated with COVID-19.

Conclusions:
This study showed that serum vitamin D status might be able to reduce the impact of COVID-19, although more studies are required to establish clear causality.