{"title":"Role of defective mirror neurons in causing autism spectrum disorder and the effectiveness of current treatment strategies for autism","authors":"Eman Javed, Fareeha Masood, Naz Elahi","doi":"10.18203/issn.2454-2156.intjscirep20241319","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18203/issn.2454-2156.intjscirep20241319","url":null,"abstract":"The presence of mirror neurons (MN) in the premotor cortex, and parietal regions of the brain, has always been an area of interest to neurophysiologists, because unlike most neurons, they are activated, not only while an individual is performing an action, but also when one witnesses another experiencing a sentiment, and hence, is compelled to do the same. This phenomenon, helps develop empathy, as well as an individual's social behavior. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is defined as a socially isolating disease, and has been hypothesised to be caused by defective MNs. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 1 out of every 100 children suffer from ASD. Although many studies have proven that the impaired MN system is the underlying cause of the cognitive function defects seen in these individuals, the exact role it plays in causing the disease is still unclear.","PeriodicalId":14297,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Scientific Reports","volume":"14 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141106254","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Combination therapy for hypertension management: insights from the Indian experts","authors":"Peeyush Jain, S. C. Jha","doi":"10.18203/issn.2454-2156.intjscirep20241317","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18203/issn.2454-2156.intjscirep20241317","url":null,"abstract":"Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) pose a significant global health challenge, with India bearing a disproportionate burden of CVD-related morbidity and mortality. Hypertension (HTN) is a major risk factor for CVDs, affecting nearly 30% of the Indian population. Achieving target blood pressure (BP) levels is crucial for reducing cardiovascular risk, necessitating aggressive antihypertensive therapy. Combination therapy has emerged as a cornerstone in HTN management, especially in high-risk patients. This review delves into the literature and perspectives of Indian cardiologists on combination therapy for HTN management. Despite the efficacy of contemporary antihypertensive medications, a substantial proportion of patients fail to reach target BP levels with monotherapy. Combination therapy offers synergistic effects, addressing multiple pathways involved in HTN pathogenesis. Recent guidelines recommend initiating treatment with two-drug combinations, transitioning to three-drug combinations in resistant cases. Combination therapy not only enhances BP control but also reduces the risk of cardiovascular events and mortality compared to monotherapy. Optimal management of HTN requires personalized approaches, considering individual patient profiles and comorbidities such as coronary artery disease (CAD), diabetes mellitus (DM), dyslipidemia, and heart failure (HF). In such cases, combination therapy plays a pivotal role in mitigating cardiovascular risks. ARB/CCB combination therapy, particularly telmisartan/amlodipine, demonstrates significant efficacy and tolerability across various patient populations, including those with metabolic risk factors and renal impairment. Expert recommendations highlight the importance of individualized therapy, patient education, early diagnosis, and initiation with dual therapy in India. Strategies to improve medication adherence and compliance, such as single-pill double or triple combinations, are emphasized. Moreover, awareness of newer treatment options and contactless diagnostic instruments is crucial for optimizing HTN management. In conclusion, combination therapy stands as a cornerstone in HTN management, offering enhanced efficacy, tolerability, and cardiovascular protection. Tailored approaches guided by expert recommendations are essential to address the growing burden of HTN and reduce the socioeconomic impact of CVDs in India.","PeriodicalId":14297,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Scientific Reports","volume":"45 23","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141103772","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Unlocking hope: talquetamab in multiple myeloma treatment: a bispecific breakthrough targeting CD3 and GPRC5D","authors":"Suhaina Amir, Fatima Laique, Muhammad Mazhar Azam","doi":"10.18203/issn.2454-2156.intjscirep20241321","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18203/issn.2454-2156.intjscirep20241321","url":null,"abstract":"Multiple myeloma (MM) presents a significant global health burden, with disparities in incidence and outcomes reflecting challenges in recognition and treatment. Talquetamab, a bispecific CD3 T-cell engager targeting G-protein coupled receptor family C group 5 member D (GPRC5D), has emerged as a promising immunotherapy for relapsed/refractory MM (RRMM). In August 2023, talquetamab received accelerated approval from the US FDA for RRMM treatment, followed by conditional marketing authorization from the EMA. Clinical trials demonstrated talquetamab's efficacy, with overall response rates (ORR) of 69% and 76% in heavily pretreated RRMM patients. The phase I monumenTAL-1 trial showcased talquetamab's effectiveness, particularly in high-risk MM and extramedullary disease, with ORRs around 71-74%. Subsequent phase 2 results reaffirmed its efficacy, even in patients with prior T-cell redirection therapies. Combination therapy with daratumumab further enhanced talquetamab's efficacy, addressing concerns of T cell exhaustion. Pharmacokinetic studies revealed sustained responses and manageable adverse events with subcutaneous administration, facilitating convenient dosing regimens. However, talquetamab carries risks of cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and neurologic toxicity, necessitating close monitoring and prompt management. Common adverse events included fever, CRS, musculoskeletal pain, and infections, although severe events were infrequent. Vigilant management strategies, including prophylactic measures and supportive care, mitigate these risks. In conclusion, talquetamab represents a significant advancement in RRMM treatment, offering a promising avenue for T-cell redirection therapy. Ongoing research aims to optimize treatment sequencing and combination strategies, fostering improved outcomes for MM patients. Continued investigation will refine the strategic integration of talquetamab and other immunotherapies, paving the way for enhanced treatment efficacy and patient care in RRMM.","PeriodicalId":14297,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Scientific Reports","volume":"53 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141106548","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Quality of multiple choice question items: item analysis","authors":"Ayenew Takele Alemu, Hiwot Tesfa, Addisu Mulugeta, E. Fenta, Mahider Awoke Belay","doi":"10.18203/issn.2454-2156.intjscirep20241316","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18203/issn.2454-2156.intjscirep20241316","url":null,"abstract":"Background: There are different types of exam formats for educational assessment. Multiple choice questions (MCQs) are frequently utilized assessment tools in health education. Considering the reliability and validity in developing MCQ items is vital. Educators often face the difficulty of developing credible distractors in MCQ items. Poorly constructed MCQ items make an exam easier or too difficult to be answered correctly by students as intended learning objectives. Checking the quality of MCQ items is overlooked and too little is known about it. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the quality of MCQ items using the item response theory model. \u0000Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among MCQ items of public health courses administered to 2nd year nursing students at Injibara university. A total of 50 MCQ items and 200 alternatives were evaluated for statistical item analysis. The quality of MCQ items was assessed by difficulty index (DIF), discrimination index (DI), and distractor efficiency (DE) using students’ exam responses. Microsoft excel sheet and SPSS version 26 were used for data management and analysis. \u0000Results: Post-exam item analysis showed that 11 (22%) and 22 (44%) MCQs had too difficult and poor ranges for difficulty and discriminating powers respectively. The overall DE was 71.3%. About forty (20%) distractors were non-functional. Only 8 (16%) MCQs fulfilled the recommended criteria for all-DIF, DI, and DE parameters. \u0000Conclusions: The desirable criteria for quality parameters of MCQ items were satisfied only in a few items. The result implies the need for quality improvement. Continuous trainings are required to improve the instructors’ skills to construct quality educational assessment tools.","PeriodicalId":14297,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Scientific Reports","volume":"54 20","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141107170","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Umar Faruk Saidu, I. Bulama, Andrew Onu, A. Abbas, Yusuf Sai̇du, L. S. Bilbis
{"title":"Experimental animal models in traumatic brain injury research: a comprehensive review of methods and outlook","authors":"Umar Faruk Saidu, I. Bulama, Andrew Onu, A. Abbas, Yusuf Sai̇du, L. S. Bilbis","doi":"10.18203/issn.2454-2156.intjscirep20241318","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18203/issn.2454-2156.intjscirep20241318","url":null,"abstract":"Traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains a significant public health concern worldwide, necessitating effective research models to elucidate its pathophysiology and develop therapeutic interventions. Animal models play a crucial role in TBI research, offering valuable insights into injury mechanisms and potential treatments. However, selecting the appropriate model can be challenging due to diverse array of available options and their respective advantages and limitations. In this comprehensive review, we examine four commonly used animal models of TBI: the weight drop, fluid percussion, cortical impact, and blast injury models. Each model is characterized by distinct injury mechanisms, allowing researchers simulate various aspects of TBI pathology. We discuss the unique advantages and disadvantages of each model, providing insights into their applications and considerations for model selection based on research objectives and outcome measures. Furthermore, we highlight emerging directions in TBI modelling, emphasizing the importance of refining and innovating models to replicate the complexity of human TBI. By critically evaluating and understanding the subtlety of different TBI models, researchers can make informed decisions to enhance the translational potential of preclinical TBI research and ultimately improve clinical outcomes for TBI patients.","PeriodicalId":14297,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Scientific Reports","volume":"21 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141105095","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
M. S. Amran, M. Nadim Ibrahim, Fatema Tuzzahura Amanna
{"title":"Antibiotic resistance situation in Pabna, Bangladesh: a review","authors":"M. S. Amran, M. Nadim Ibrahim, Fatema Tuzzahura Amanna","doi":"10.18203/issn.2454-2156.intjscirep20240982","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18203/issn.2454-2156.intjscirep20240982","url":null,"abstract":"Antibiotic abuses and overuses are factors in the global issue of antibiotic resistance (ABR) which is becoming more acute in densely populated urban areas. To offer a concise summary of the present status of ABR in Pabna city, identify any deficiencies and generate recommendations based on findings, a comprehensive analysis was performed. We conducted a search for articles related to ABR published between 2003 to 2022 using search engines such as Google Scholar, PubMed, online and offline journals in Bangladesh. In the past, it was possible to determine the median and interquartile ranges of an organism’s ABR. Forty-two research articles were included in this review. For determining antibiotic susceptibility, approximately 95.96% of the investigations used the disk diffusion method, and about 91.98% followed the clinic and laboratory standards institute’s recommendations. However, information about susceptibility testing procedures and the source of infections-whether they were hospital-based or community-based-was conspicuously absent from about 11.19%, 12.62%, and 92.24% of the study studies, respectively. Many of the diseases studied exhibited high levels of resistance, and traditional first-line antibiotics were largely ineffective. Most of the patients displayed only mild resistance to carbapenem. A developing trend in ABR across the majority of antibiotic classes was also revealed by our findings, in addition to severe monitoring and informational gaps.","PeriodicalId":14297,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Scientific Reports","volume":"35 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140663254","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Nutritional knowledge of in-school adolescents in Sokoto, North-Western Nigeria","authors":"A. Mohammad, F. Jiya","doi":"10.18203/issn.2454-2156.intjscirep20240980","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18203/issn.2454-2156.intjscirep20240980","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Good nutrition knowledge is a modifiable determinant of dietary behaviours and contributes to strengthen the skills and abilities needed to resist the environmental influences leading to poor dietary habits among adolescents. Objectives were to assess the nutrition knowledge of in-school adolescents in Sokoto, Nigeria and associated factors. \u0000Methods: A cross-sectional survey of adolescents selected through multistage random sampling. Data was obtained using pre-tested semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaire. Data was analyzed using IBM® SPSS version 25. \u0000Results: A total of 389 subjects were recruited with a mean age of 15.46±1.67 SD and most of them 231 (59.4%) were females. Most 300 (77.1%) of the participants were Hausa, 350 (90%) were Muslims, 278 (71.5%) were from the senior class, and majority 360 (92.5%) resided in urban areas. A large proportion 312 (80.2%) of the participants had good knowledge about classes of food. Only 40 (10.3%) had good knowledge of energy rich food. Two hundred and ninety-eight (76.6%) and 89 (22.9%) had knowledge on high protein diet and good fat diet respectively. Only 107 (27.5%) had good knowledge on minerals and vitamins that are good for bone development. Majority 317 (81.5%) and 341 (87.7%) of the respondents knew eating balanced diet is important and could prevent diseases, respectively. Age category (p=0.007) was the only factor that predicted nutrition knowledge. The main source of nutrition information of the adolescents was teachers 336 (86.4%). \u0000Conclusions: Respondents had good knowledge of classes of food. There is however, the need to emphasize on teaching adolescents in the study area about specific nutrient providing meals such as energy rich food, good fat, minerals and vitamins.","PeriodicalId":14297,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Scientific Reports","volume":"36 11","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140662963","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Sheehan’s syndrome of a 50 years old female with bipolar disorder: a case report","authors":"Ankit Anand, Rajveer Singh, Abhishek Kumar Gupta, Ajay Kumar, Hritika, Priyanka Kumari, Shiwani Shukla, Yuvika Kataria","doi":"10.18203/issn.2454-2156.intjscirep20240981","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18203/issn.2454-2156.intjscirep20240981","url":null,"abstract":"Empty Sella syndrome (ESS) pertains to a phenomenon in which the Turkish sale seems through radiography to be larger and perhaps partially or entirely filled with brain fluids. It can be major illness/ develop as a result of pituitary medical procedures, radiation therapy cerebral infarction/bleeding process. A 50 years old female patient was admitted in emergency medicine ward with chief complaint of pain in abdomen, weakness and vomiting. MRI scan of pituitary cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) signal intensity is seen in Sella with no visible anterior pituitary gland tissue noted-likely suggestive of secondary empty Sella (SES). Long-term steroid use is principal therapy for adrenocorticotropic hormone deficiency (IAD). In this instance, ESS, which can be primary/secondary, also noticed.","PeriodicalId":14297,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Scientific Reports","volume":"7 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140660304","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Aminu Mohammed Yasin, Mickiale Hailu Tekle, Daniel Tadesse Asegid, Asma Bireda Beshir, Tewodros Getnet Amera, Yibekal Manaye Tefera
{"title":"Predictors of husbands in supporting wives to use obstetrics care services by health professionals, Dire Dawa administration, Ethiopia: a community based cross sectional study","authors":"Aminu Mohammed Yasin, Mickiale Hailu Tekle, Daniel Tadesse Asegid, Asma Bireda Beshir, Tewodros Getnet Amera, Yibekal Manaye Tefera","doi":"10.18203/issn.2454-2156.intjscirep20240979","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18203/issn.2454-2156.intjscirep20240979","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Husbands’ support in obstetric care services is a process of social and behavioral change that husbands must undergo to prevent obstetric complications. But so far, studies across Ethiopia have been inconsistent and lacking in the study area. Therefore, this study was aimed at assessing husbands’ predictors, which could help in interventions. \u0000Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the Dire Dawa administration, Ethiopia, from July 1-30, 2022. Participants were selected using a systematic sampling technique. Data were collected through interviews using a structured questionnaire, entered into EPI data (Version 3.1), and analyzed using SPSS (Version 22). A p=0.05 or less at multivariate with 95% confidence intervals was considered statistically significant. \u0000Results: Of a total of 610, 51.8% of husbands support wives in using obstetrics care services. The predictors were urban residence (AOR=2.55, 95% CI: 1.75-3.73), education level of diploma and above (AOR=2.00, 95%CI: 1.10-3.74), perceived importance (AOR=1.98, 95% CI: 1.30-3.00), antenatal care visit accompanying experience (AOR=1.79, 95% CI: 1.04-3.07), and institutional delivery accompanying experience (AOR=6.20, 95% CI: 3.4-1.33). \u0000Conclusions: One in two husbands supports wives to use obstetrics care services provided by health professionals. Findings are helpful in advancing knowledge of husbands’ factors and highlight the need for health facilities and stakeholders to strengthen and create continuous community awareness.","PeriodicalId":14297,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Scientific Reports","volume":"51 25","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140664292","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Growth and cadmium and nickel uptake of maize (Zea mays L.) in a cadmium and nickel co‑contaminated soil and phytoremediation efficiency using ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid","authors":"Funkeye K. Tubotu, E. Akporhonor, P. O. Agbaire","doi":"10.18203/issn.2454-2156.intjscirep20240977","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18203/issn.2454-2156.intjscirep20240977","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Anthropogenic activities release cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), and other heavy metals into soil. Zea mays can clean up contaminated soils, but little is known about how Cd and Ni co-contamination stress affects ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA)-based phytoextraction and phytoremediation, hence this study was conducted.\u0000Methods: The experiment involved nine treatment levels (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 mg kg-1 Cd and 0, 15, 30, 45, and 60 mg kg-1 Ni), grouped into three categories: CT as the control group, P as Cd + Ni only, and CAP as Cd + Ni + EDTA (n=3). The treatments used (CH3COO)2Cd•2H2O and NiSO4 as the source of Cd and Ni, respectively, and EDTA was applied at two rates (0 and 0.5 g/kg). After the experimental period, measurements were taken for shoot length, biomass, and metal concentrations in both the roots and shoots using established procedures. \u0000Results: The concentrations of metals in plants' roots and shoots increased as the concentrations in soil increased, but shoot length, biomass, bioconcentration factor (BCF), and translocation factor (TF) values decreased with increasing soil metal content. The application of EDTA increased metal uptake but led to greater root and shoot biomass loss. Generally, TF values for Cd and Ni were less than 1 but most of the BCF values were greater than 1.\u0000Conclusions: The study found that phytostabilization is the main mechanism for phytoremediation of Cd-Ni-co-contaminated soils with Zea mays, with EDTA addition enhancing metal accumulation and reducing biomass yield.","PeriodicalId":14297,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Scientific Reports","volume":"21 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140660989","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}