bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic Performance of Multiplex PCR for Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex in Presumptive Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients and Its Utility in Smear Negative Specimens
Authors: Lodha Lonika , Mudliar Shivkumar Rashmi , Singh Jitendra , Maurya Anand , Khurana Alkesh Kumar , Khadanga Sagar , Singh Sarman 
Published: October 2022

AbstractObjective The primary objective of this study was to assess the diagnostic performance of multiplex polymerase chain reaction (mPCR) for the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) in presumptive pulmonary TB patients, in the setting of a tertiary level teaching hospital in central India, in comparison to liquid culture using BACTEC mycobacteria growth indicator tubes (MGIT) 960 TB system as the gold standard. The secondary objective was to assess the performance of mPCR for Ziehl Neelsen smear negative samples and ascertain the utility of this assay in smear negative samples.Materials and Methods Sputum or bronchoalveolar lavage samples were collected from patients who were adults, aged 18 years or older, presenting with presumptive pulmonary TB, and subjected to three microbiological investigations, that is, Ziehl Neelsen staining, mycobacterial culture using mycobacterial growth indicator tubes in the BD BACTEC MGIT 960 instrument, and the mPCR.Statistical Analysis For statistical analysis, 2 × 2 contingency tables were prepared and analyzed separately for all samples and for smear-negative samples using GraphPad and MedCalc tools. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value (NPV) of mPCR were calculated by taking MGIT culture as the reference standard.Results For all samples (n = 114), sensitivity of mPCR for the detection of (MTBC) was 93.48% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 82.10–98.63%), specificity was 95.59% (95% CI: 87.64–99.08%), positive predictive value (PPV) was 93.48% (95% CI: 82.54–97.75%), and NPV was 95.59% (95% CI: 87.87–98.48%). For smear negative samples (n = 80), sensitivity was 80.00% (95% CI: 51.91–95.67%), specificity was 98.46% (95% CI: 91.72–99.96%), PPV was 92.31% (95% CI: 62.80–98.84%), and NPV was 95.52% (95% CI: 88.57–98.33%).Conclusion In this study, we were able to demonstrate the good performance characteristics of the mPCR for the detection of MTBC from clinical samples of patients with presumptive pulmonary tuberculosis, with MGIT liquid culture as the reference standard. It may be concluded that mPCR can be considered equivalent to MGIT culture in terms of clinical decision making and yield of positivity, owing to the good sensitivity and specificity for the detection of MTBC.
A Comparative Review of ICMR, WHO, and EMA Guidelines for Good Clinical Laboratory Practices
Authors: Joshi Rajat Kumar , Sarangi Sudhir Chandra , Mohapatra Sarita , Mallick Saumyaranjan , Datta Sudip Kumar 
Published: October 2022

AbstractWith the advancement of clinical research and the increased burden on laboratory services, there is an unmet need for guidelines regarding proper laboratory functioning and reliable data generation. Several organizations from all over the world have published guidelines for these clinical and research laboratories. Good Clinical Laboratory Practices (GCLP) are stepwise procedures aimed at strengthening the quality of test results produced by all clinical laboratories engaged in human sample analysis. In this article, we attempt a comparison of the GCLP guidelines recently issued by the Indian Council of Medical Research with the guidelines released by the World Health Organization and the European Medicines Agency. Also, we have included and discussed several suggestions that, if included, will lead to the strengthening of the laboratory practices used for both research and patient care for overall improvement in the Indian healthcare system.
Exploring the Novelty in Lipid Profiling of Patients: A Non-fasting Approach from Eastern India
Authors: Saharia Gautom Kumar , Nayak Saurav , Mahajan Preetam B. , Mangaraj Manaswini 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Objective To date, no reference interval is available for lipid profile, including total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TGs), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, etc., in a non-fasting state. Hence, the study was taken up with the objective of exploring the possibility of establishing a reference interval for non-fasting lipid profile consisting of serum TC, TG, LDL, HDL, and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol.
Materials and Methods A total of 1,350 apparently healthy subjects, including 636 healthy men and 714 healthy women of 18 years and beyond of age, were enrolled in the study. Reference individuals were recruited using cluster sampling method from various villages and semi-urban regions irrespective of their sex, religion, socioeconomic status, or any other demographic profile, and samples were analyzed in Beckman Coulter AU480 analyzer.
Results The mean age of 1,350 participants was 38.23 ± 15.94 years. We found that all the test parameters require a different reference interval than the established fasting reference range, except for HDL cholesterol in females. The data were subdivided into subjects below 40 years, between 40 and 60 years, and older than 60 years of age. All five parameters in the lipid profile were individually analyzed and were compared age group-wise and gender-wise with the total study population. Significant differences in the various dataset were found.
Conclusion A shift toward non-fasting lipid interval measurement is, thus, a piece of evidence-driven mechanism. Even from a patient's perspective, it sets in ease and convenience in lipid-profile testing, subsequently leading to a more compliant cardiovascular management and monitoring.
Infection Trends, Susceptibility Pattern, and Treatment Options for Stenotrophomonas maltophilia Infections in Trauma Patients: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Srivastava Smriti , Singh Parul , Sharad Neha , Kiro Vandana Vijayeta , Malhotra Rajesh , Mathur Purva 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Introduction Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is an emerging environmental, gram-negative, multidrug-resistant organism, associated with risk factors such as prolonged hospitalization, invasive procedures, admission to the intensive care unit, mechanical ventilation, use of indwelling catheters, administration of immunosuppressants or corticosteroids, human immunodeficiency virus infection, underlying malignancy, and organ transplantation. The organism, despite being of low invasiveness in immune-competent individuals, is difficult to treat because of intrinsic resistance to several antimicrobial agents.
Materials and Methods This study focuses on commonly encountered resistance from among the isolates over a duration of 7 years from 2012 to 2018, analyzed retrospectively. Identification and susceptibility testing were performed using Vitek 2 (BioMérieux, Marcy-l'Etoile, France).
Results Bloodstream infections were found to be most common (52.02%), followed by respiratory infections (35.83%). The median age of the patients was 36 years, and male to female ratio was 143:27. The median duration of hospital stay was 18 days, and mortality was seen in 18.82% of patients. Susceptibility to cotrimoxazole and levofloxacin was seen in 97.1% of isolates (168 out of 173) and 90.1% of isolates (156 out of 173), respectively.
Conclusion Despite being effective in a majority of S. maltophilia isolates, both cotrimoxazole and levofloxacin have their shortcomings. Cotrimoxazole is bacteriostatic and can cause bone marrow suppression and resistance to levofloxacin sometimes develops during therapy. Thus, the therapy should be decided considering the characteristics of both of these drugs.
Histoplasmosis of Adrenal Gland: A 5 Years' Review from a Multispecialty Diagnostic Centre
Authors: Bhattacharyya Kumkum , Pal Suranjan , Dutta Ashis , Bhattachryya Pinak Pani , Laskar Saurabh 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Objective Histoplasmosis is an infectious disease caused by the dimorphic fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. Histoplasmosis is considered to be endemic to India, especially the Gangetic belt. Disseminated histoplasmosis may affect almost all systems. Disseminated histoplasmosis with asymptomatic adrenal involvement has been described in immunocompromised patients, whereas isolated adrenal involvement as the presenting manifestation in immunocompetent is uncommon. We aimed to determine the clinicopathological and radiological findings of adrenal histoplasmosis in immunocompetent patients attending a multispecialty diagnostic center referred from different clinics and hospitals.
Materials and Methods All tissue samples were initially examined microscopically by performing potassium hydroxide (KOH) wet mounts, followed by culture on two tubes of Sabouraud dextrose agar and phase conversion. Histopathological correlation was done using tissue stains, hematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid–Schiff, and Gomori methenamine silver.
Results We evaluated 84 clinically suspected cases radiologically for adrenal mass. The pathological and microbiological work-up was done from these suspected cases. A total of 19 cases were evident from the tissue stain and fungal culture methods. The affected population were mostly above 45 years and male. Seven patients had bilateral adrenal involvement. All these patients received amphotericin B and/or itraconazole treatment, which led to symptomatic improvement in most cases.
Conclusion Diagnosis of invasive fungal infection requires a high index of suspicion, especially in immunocompetent patients presenting with nonspecific symptoms, clinical signs, and laboratory and radiological features that often resemble adrenal neoplasms. Clinical specimens, together with fungal culture, must be sent for cytopathology/histopathology for a definite diagnosis and appropriate management.
Effect of Iron Deficiency Anemia on Glycated Albumin Levels: A Comparative Study in Nondiabetic Subjects with Iron Deficiency Anemia
Authors: Jyothsna Pralayakaveri , Suchitra Musturu M. , Kusuma Kumari Medooru , Chandrasekhar C. , Rukmangadha Nandyala , Alok Sachan , Siddhartha Kumar Bhattaram 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Objective Glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), used for monitoring glycemia control, is altered in iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Glycated albumin (GA) is considered an alternate biomarker to HbA1c. However, effect of IDA on GA needs to be studied.
Materials and Methods Thirty nondiabetic cases with IDA and 30 healthy controls were included. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG), creatinine, urea, albumin, total protein, ferritin, iron, unsaturated iron binding capacity, hemoglobin (Hb), HbA1c, complete hemogram, and GA were estimated. Transferrin saturation and total iron binding capacity (TIBC) were calculated. Statistical analysis was done using unpaired two-tailed t-test/Mann–Whitney U-test and Pearson's correlation/Spearman-rank correlation, as appropriate.
Results Total protein, albumin, Hb, iron, ferritin, and transferrin saturation were significantly lower while FPG, GA, TIBC, and HbA1c were significantly higher in cases compared to controls. HbA1C and GA have a significant negative correlation with iron, transferrin saturation, and ferritin. Significant negative correlations of GA with albumin (r = –0.754; p < 0.001) and Hb (r = –0.435; p = 0.001) and that of HbA1c with albumin (r = –0.271; p = 0.03) and Hb (r = –0.629; p  < 0.001) while significant positive correlation of Hb with albumin (r = 0.395; p = 0.002) and HbA1c with FPG (r = 0.415; p = 0.001) were observed.
Conclusion Low albumin levels increase plasma protein glycation, including albumin. Hence, elevated GA levels indicate false elevation of GA in scenario of lowered albumin observed in IDA, similar to HbA1c. Thus, using GA in diabetes mellitus with IDA should be avoided or used with caution to prevent potentially inappropriate treatment intensification and risk of hypoglycemia.
Grazing intensity in grassland ecosystems: implications for carbon storage and functional properties
Authors: Aryal Deb Raj 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Grazing lands cover more than one-third of the terrestrial land surface and are still expanding. The intensity of grazing is also growing with time due to the increase in the number of animals per unit of land or the duration of herbivory. Changes in grazing intensity exert strong pressure on ecosystem functioning, including carbon (C) sequestration. Grazing response to ecosystem C retention can be explained by the changes in biogeochemical processes that regulate C fluxes. Here, we summarized the ecosystem functional properties that affect C storage in grasslands as a result of changing grazing intensities. We synthesized 151 published studies globally and discussed the changes in different ecosystem functional property responses to grazing. High-intensity grazing mostly decreased C storage while light- to moderate-intensity grazing optimized the trade-offs between C sequestration and animal production. The synthesis showed that 86% of the studies reported either an increase or no change in SOC stocks under light grazing while under heavy grazing, 74% of the studies reported a significant decrease in SOC stocks. We also discussed the changes in ecosystem functional properties whereby grazing affects C sequestration. Some of them include: the changes in net primary productivity, soil organisms, enzymatic activity, soil respiration, and the complex interactions of these processes with climate change. Grassland management practices should be ecosystem-specific to ensure optimum production and enhance C sequestration. It is also important to understand the time factor (hysteresis), especially on how long it takes to sequester a certain amount of C from grassland management practices.
What are viruses?
Authors: Crawford Dorothy H. 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
This chapter describes viruses as particles that consist of a protein coat, the capsid, which surrounds and protects a piece of genetic material. Capsids come in various shapes and sizes, each characteristic of the family to which a virus belongs. It mentions capsomeres, which are protein subunits that build up capsids. The chapter mentions some viruses that have an outer layer surrounding the capsid called an envelope, which they acquire when budding through the cell surface membrane. Inside the virus capsid is the genetic material, or genome, which is either RNA or DNA depending on the type of virus.
Emerging virus infections: vertebrate-transmitted viruses
Authors: Crawford Dorothy H. 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
This chapter defines emerging infections as those in which the incidence in humans has increased in the past two decades. It covers viral infections that emerge without warning from an unknown source for the first time and engender fear sometimes verging on panic as they kill people indiscriminately. These newly discovered viruses that cause well-established diseases are also sometimes referred to as emerging infections. The chapter talks about how a virus that jumps to a new host species for the first time has a series of hurdles to overcome before it can become established in the population. It mentions zoonotic viruses that spread directly from their animal host to humans.
Virus acquisition and eradication
Authors: Crawford Dorothy H. 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
This chapter explores how an acute emerging virus is successfully established in a population, generally settling into a mode of cyclical epidemics during which many susceptible people are infected. When herd immunity is reached, the virus moves on, only returning when a new susceptible population has emerged. It talks about young children who suffered from a series of well-recognized infectious diseases, collectively known as the ‘childhood infections’. The chapter describes different ways that viruses spread between hosts and cause acute epidemics that generally utilize fast and efficient methods, such as airborne or faecal–oral routes. Viruses are capable of causing human epidemics, but only a few cause distinctive childhood diseases.
Tumour viruses
Authors: Crawford Dorothy H. 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
This chapter begins with the history of tumour virology that began in earnest in 1911 when US scientist Peyton Rous transmitted a solid tumour from a tumour-bearing chicken to other healthy chickens. This indicated that a filterable agent was involved in tumour development. It considers the discovery in the 1980s of viral oncogenes that have counterparts in the normal cellular genome called proto-oncogenes. The chapter describes healthy cells as subject to many complex chemical checks and balances that ensure that they grow and divide, age, and die. The development of a cancer cell involves mutations that alter the function of the genes that regulate vital cellular controls.
Deity
Authors: Leeming David A. 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
This chapter considers the concept of deity itself, concentrating on the types of high deity, for example, the deity as head of a polytheistic pantheon (“Holy Families”) such as the Egyptian and Greek or Norse; types of deity such as the war god, the storm god, the creator god, the great goddess (e.g., Inanna, Spider Woman); the monotheistic concepts such as the Abrahamic god; and the all-encompassing spirit such as the Native American Great Spirit or the Indian Brahman. The chapter also considers animistic deities such as the kami of Japan and the various nature spirits of Africa. This chapter helps to explain why we have gods. Why do we need them? Why do they need us?
The philosophical puzzle of evil
Authors: Russell Luke 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThis chapter introduces the concept of evil and distinguishes it from the concept of bad. Some people claim that evil belongs in the realm of fiction, or that evil is an exclusively religious concept. These assumptions seem to support the idea that evil is nothing more than a myth. However, the language of evil is frequently used in the context of real world atrocities, serial killings, war crimes, and terrorist attacks. Our challenge is to see whether we can produce a secular account of evil that vindicates these uses of the word ‘evil’ in condemnation of extreme wrongdoing.
The psychological hallmark of evil action
Authors: Russell Luke 
Published: October 2022

AbstractPerhaps the special quality that distinguishes evil action from ordinary wrongdoing is that evildoing flows from a certain kind of motive. Does every evildoer have the same kind of psychological profile? We might try to build a definition of evil action by looking for a distinctive psychological feature that lies behind the horrific actions of serial killers or terrorists. Some philosophers claim that all evil actions are motivated by malice or ill will towards the victims. Others focus on the sadistic pleasure that evildoers take in the suffering of their victims. Others claim that the evildoer stands out in virtue of the fact that he knows what he is doing is wrong, and hence is defying the moral rules. Each one of these psychological features exacerbates the severity of wrongdoing, but do any of them define evil?
Britain and cinema
Authors: Barr Charles 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
This chapter provides an overview of British cinema and its emergence. Ever since cinema developed from a novel technology into an industry, its screens have been dominated by American films. It is thus the continuing struggle for self-definition and self-assertion against the dominance of Hollywood that gives British films their distinctive identity. The chapter then identifies three stages in the widening of access to past British films: repertory cinema, armchair cinema, and desktop cinema. Repertory cinema saw the foundation of film libraries and archives. As television expanded, TV channels began to offer an alternative ‘British cinema’. Today, British films are easily available via the computer screen.
Varieties of Britishness
Authors: Barr Charles 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
This chapter examines the concept of Britishness and what identifies British films. It begins by differentiating between the terms ‘British’ and ‘English’, as well as considering the difference between Southern and Northern British films. The chapter also looks at Hollywood ‘British’ films, which made it harder for indigenous versions of British life and history to hold their own in the market. They also tended to drain British talent away to Hollywood. Ultimately, their lack of ‘authenticity’ was an anxiety for critics and commentators. The chapter then defines the terms ‘closed British’ and ‘open British’, before exploring the first ten films of the director–writer partnership between Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger.
1933 and after
Authors: Barr Charles 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
This chapter discusses 1933 as a pivotal year for British cinema. This period saw Britain slipping back to cinematic subservience to America, as low-budget quota quickies proliferated and Hollywood stepped up its own production line of ‘British’ films. The chapter then looks at the cinema of Alfred Hitchcock, considering his partnership with producer Michael Balcon, who launched his directing career so astutely. Another significant event of 1933 is the expansion of John Grierson’s documentary unit, increasing its scope and influence. The chapter examines films such as Alexander Korda’s The Private Life of Henry VIII, Noel Coward’s Cavalcade, and Balcon’s The Good Companions.
Chariots and after
Authors: Barr Charles 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
This chapter addresses Chariots of Fire (1981), a film that marks a division between old and new British cinema. It identifies three strands of British production at that time of transition. The first strand is the high-profile, high-quality Oscar-friendly British ‘heritage’ style of film that follows directly in the wake of Chariots of Fire itself. The chapter looks at the Harry Potter and James Bond films, as well as history and literature films such as Shakespeare in Love (1998). It then turns to British art cinema and independent cinema, before considering the works of Stephen Frears, Mike Leigh, and Ken Loach.
Looking back, looking forward
Authors: Barr Charles 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
This chapter reflects on the future of British cinema. British film production continues strongly, as the country emerges in 2022 from two years of intermittent lockdown in response to the coronavirus pandemic. However, its connection with cinema as such becomes more tenuous. The shift towards home delivery, notably through streaming, was already happening and has accelerated. The chapter then looks at six titles which offer a plausible contemporary framework for considering issues of continuity and change. These are Downton Abbey (2019) and Sorry We Missed You (2019); The Dig (2021) and Munich: the Edge of War (2022); and The Duke (2020) and Last Night in Soho (2021).