bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes Based Triboelectric Nanogenerators
Authors: Ani Mohd Hanafi , Zulkeflee Muhammad Zakhuan , Kaderi Akbar , Sutjipto Agus Geter Edy , Salim Nurjannah
Published: March 2022

Nanogenerators are a tiny device that can harvest small-scale ambient energies. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been integrated into the device to boost the performance and increasing the efficiency of harvested electrical energy. Multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) have lower electrical properties compared to single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNT). However, single wall carbon nanotube is difficult to grow in mass scale and subject to higher production cost. This paper aims to use MWCNT as an active material in triboelectric nanogenerator. The samples were prepared by spin coating of MWCNT on ITO glass at various concentrations. XRD result shows that MWCNT mainly present at crystal planes of (0 0 2), (1 0 0) and (0 0 4). The device has produced maximum current density of 165 μAm-2, and power density of 1,289 μWm-2. Apparently, the concentration of MWCNT in the solution to fabricate the device plays critical roles on the current output of the device. The application of multiwall carbon nanotube based triboelectric nanogenerator is promising for low cost self-powered nanogenerators.
The Effect of Density and Resin Content on Oil Palm Trunk Particleboard
Authors: Ahmad Nurrohana , Yunus Nor Yuziah Mohd , Mohammad Noorshashillawati Azura , Hassan Nurul Husna Mohd , Mahmud Siti Zalifah
Published: March 2022

The physical (density and moisture content) and chemical properties of the oil palm trunk (OPT) were examined. The effect of different densities (500, 600, and 700 kgm-3) and different percentages of urea-formaldehyde (UF) resin content (8, 10, and 12%) on the single layer at the different portions of OPT particleboard were evaluated for mechanical and dimensional stability. The results showed that the bottom portion and near bark had a positive result on density and moisture content. Lignin, holocellulose, and alpha-cellulose of the OPT showed the highest content at the bottom portion. The density was found to effect all the board properties significantly at p < 0.05 on the modulus of elasticity (MOE), modulus of rupture (MOR), internal bond (IB), thickness swelling (TS), and water absorption (WA) of the particleboards. For the resin content, all the board properties were effected except for the water absorption. The particleboards produced, from 700 kgm-3 densities and 10% resin content, met the minimum requirement for the particleboard (Type 18) stipulated in the Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS A 5908). The particleboard manufacturing from OPT particles as the replacement for wood is very promising.
Comparison of Using Electrospun Polystyrene, Polysulfone, and Polyvinylidene Fluoride Mixed with N, N-Dimethylformamide on Oil Sorption from Water
Authors: Akter Sigma , Khamaruddin Putri Nadzrul Faizura Megat , Abu Bakar Noor Fitrah
Published: March 2022

Research on polymers has grown exponentially in the purpose of oil spill removal from the water surface. It is very important to take immediate action to remove the oil from the water surface to reduce worldwide oil pollution. Materials with high porosity and mostly, superhydrophobic and oleophilic natures are the best candidates for this purpose. In this research, the electrospinning method was used to synthesize the polystyrene (PS), polysulfone (PSF), and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) for the application of oil-spill removal. Different concentrations were used to produce electrospun fiber using N, N-Dimethylformamide (DMF). Contact angle (CA) measurement was applied to justify the hydrophobicity of all the polymers. Based on the CA results, only one sample, 24%concentrations of polystyrene (PS-5) showed the highest water contact angle (WCA) and the value was above 150°. This means PS-5 is superhydrophobic. ASTM F726-12 standard and low viscous motor oil were used for the oil sorption test. Moreover, the oil sorption results were compared within all the polymers to identify the best polymer, and solvent concentration that can absorb oil the most. The highest oil absorption efficiency is 20.99g/g using 24% concentrations of PS (PS-5) electrospun fiber.
Experimental and Simulation of Supercritical Carbon Dioxide PLA Biocomposite Foamed
Authors: Nordin Nurfarahin Mohd. , Anuar Hazleen , Mohd Noor Wan Nuradila Qistina , Buys Yose Fachmi
Published: March 2022

The use of PLA as a green substitute for conventional plastics has increased considerably as a result of increased awareness of the environmental effect of the use of petroleum-based plastics. However, some of the PLA properties including brittleness and sensitivity to high temperature and humidity, greatly restrict its application. The addition of reinforcement of low-cost natural fibres and foaming are considered to overcome the above disadvantages since it can improve some of PLA’s processing. This paper reported the effects of supercritical carbon dioxide (SCCO2) on the tensile strength of PLA biocomposite films produced via solution casting method. The biocomposite films underwent supercritical carbon dioxide (SCCO2) treatment at temperature of 40°C and pressure at 200 bar. The tensile strength showed that the PLA biocomposite foamed has improved by 16.18%. This is due to a good adhesion interfacial between fiber and polymer matrix. A simulation on tensile strength of the biocomposite foamed was also conducted using COMSOL Multiphysics software. The tensile strength resulted from this simulation is similar to the experimental value. Therefore, the experimental value is valid and satisfy. This also showed that SCCO2 treatment significantly improved the properties of PLA biocomposite films which could be an alternative in packaging industries.
Ag/RGO Photocatalyst for Methyl Orange Treatment
Authors: Mun Wai Hong , Abdul Halim Noramirulikram , Khatun Fatema , Abd Aziz Azrina
Published: March 2022

In present study, a simple chemical method for the synthesis of silver-reduced graphene oxide (AG/RGO) nanocomposite was reported. The objective is to evaluate the performance of AG/RGO in photocatalytic degradation activity of methyl orange (MO) under artificial visible light source. The synthesized catalyst was then characterized using field emissions scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive X-Ray spectroscope (FESEM-EDX), photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL) and UV-visible spectroscope (UV-VIS) to determine the morphology, physical and chemical composition of the photocatalyst. The characterization results show the synthesized catalyst possess nanometre dimension silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were deposited on reduced graphene oxide sheets. The photocatalytic activity of 0.3 g AG/RGO obtained through the degradation of 5 mg/l MO is 93.74% with a degradation rate of 3.1 × 10-2 min-1.
Angioma serpiginosum: Two cases in children and review of literature
Authors: Sammarco Elena , Ametrano Orsola , Errico Maria Elena , Ruocco Giuseppe , Bifano Delfina , Barbato Filomena , Diplomatico Mario
Published: March 2022

Angioma serpiginosum (AS) is a rare benign vascular lesion that typically arises in early childhood, with a prevalence in female, and then grow up over a period of months/years. It is characterized by small asymptomatic purple-red dots that cluster together and they do not disappear on diascopy. It is mainly localized on the arms but some cases on face and neck have been reported. The etiology of AS is unknown, dermoscopy may aid in the diagnosis but usually the biopsy is necessary. We report 2 cases: one male and one female with angioma serpiginosum, aged 13 and 8 years old.
Correlation between Blood Urea Nitrogen Level and Cochlear Outer Hair Cell Function in Non-Dialysis Chronic Kidney Disease Patients
Authors: Purnami Nyilo , Roosmilasari Alfarika , Artono Artono , Mardiana Nunuk
Published: March 2022

Background

Hearing loss due to impaired cochlear function, which results from increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level, is one of the important clinical problems in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients with uremia. This study aims to determine correlation between blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels and cochlear outer hair cell (OHC) dysfunction in non-dialysis stage 3-5 CKD patients so that the BUN levels may also be used to determine the presence of cochlear OHC dysfunction.

Design and methods

An observational analytic study with a cross sectional design and consecutive sampling. This study was conducted from November 2019 to February 2020 at the Department of Internal Medicine, Soetomo Hospital, Surabaya, Indonesia, and Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Department, Soetomo Hospital, Surabaya, Indonesia. Non-dialysis CKD patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were subjected to a Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions (DPOAE) test to assess cochlear OHC function at the Otorhinolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery, Soetomo Hospital, Surabaya.

Results

Female patients were in larger number than male patients in a ratio of 1 : 2. Most of the patients were between 51-60 years of age. DPOAE distribution was refer in 25 patients (83.3%) and pass in 5 patients (16.7%). The highest pass was at 2000 Hz in 24 patients (80.0%), while the refer results were mostly at 12,000 Hz in 29 patients (96.7%). The highest average signal to noise ratio (SNR) was at 2000 Hz and 4000 Hz (12.77 dB and 11.13 dB), while the lowest at 11,000 Hz and 12,000 Hz (1.60 dB and 1.03 dB). Pearson's correlation test on DPOAE results did not show a significant correlation (p>0.05) between BUN levels and impaired cochlear OHC function.

Conclusions

There was no correlation between increased blood urea nitrogen levels and cochlear outer hair cell function disorders in non-dialysis patients with CKD stage 3-5.
Rethinking of contemporary Islamic law methodology: Critical study of Muhammad Shahrūr’s thinking on Islamic law sources
Authors: Purkon Arip
Published: March 2022

This study examined the contemporary ijtihād paradigm, especially in understanding the Islamic law sources, according to Muḥammad Shaḥrūr. This study focused on answering two things, namely Shaḥrūr’s thinking in understanding the sources of contemporary Islamic law and compared it with the opinions of ‘ulamā (Muslim scholars in Islamic law). An explorative method was used to explore the Shaḥrūr’s thinking in understanding the contemporary Islamic law sources, and a comparative method was used to analyse it using ‘ulamā’s methodology. This research study used an Islamic law methodology (uṣūl al-fiqh) approach. This study concluded that the Shaḥrūr’s thinking in understanding the sources of contemporary Islamic law is not comprehensive and less of combination among sources and propositions used by ‘ulamā. Etymology understanding is most dominant in his methodology. In addition, there are some misunderstandings on Islamic law concepts raised by ‘ulamā.Contribution: This research enriched the study of contemporary Islamic law in responding to challenges of different times. Shaḥrūr offered a new paradigm that in al-Quran, the laws have certain limits and they should not be violated. The sunnah was divided into two parts, the changing and the unchanging. Qiyas is an analogy with the problems that happen now with those that happened in the past. And ijma is an agreement from people who have authority in certain matters.
Perceptions of postgraduate family medicine supervision at decentralised training sites, South Africa
Authors: Erumeda Neetha J. , Jenkins Louis S. , George Ann Z.
Published: March 2022

Background: Specialist training in family medicine (FM) is growing rapidly in sub-Saharan Africa. The strong emphasis on workplace-based learning for speciality training makes it vital to gain in-depth insights into registrar supervision. Previous studies have explored aspects of supervision at decentralised sites in high-income countries, however, little is known about the benefits and constraints of decentralised postgraduate supervision in low- to middle-income countries, especially in Africa.Aim: This study aimed to explore family physicians’ and registrars’ perceptions of the strengths and challenges of clinical and educational supervision across decentralised training sites.Setting: The study was conducted across two provinces at five decentralised training sites affiliated with the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.Methods: This qualitative study involved semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of 11 FPs and 11 registrars. The data were thematically analysed.Results: Two of the four themes identified, ‘supervision is context-specific and supervisor-dependent’, and ‘the nature of engagement matters’, involved strengths and challenges. The other two, ‘supervision is not ideal’ and ‘the training environment is challenging’, focussed on challenges.Conclusion: Supervisors and registrars described the postgraduate FM supervision as context-specific and supervisor-dependent. Supervisors displayed good clinical-teacher characteristics and supervisory relationships. However, several challenges, including registrars’ workload, resource shortages and a lack of standardisation across training sites, need to be addressed. Regular faculty development is essential for supervisors to be aware of relevant aspects of, and current trends in, postgraduate training.
SARS-CoV-2 infection in public hospital medical doctors in an Eastern Cape metro
Authors: Spies Ruan , Potter Matthew , Govender Sudarshan , Kirk Luke , Rauch Simon , Black John
Published: March 2022

Background: Evidence-based Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures are critical in protecting medical doctors from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Concerns surrounding access to personal protective equipment (PPE), compliance with IPC measures and the quality of available PPE have been raised as possible causes for high rates of SARS-CoV-2 infection in medical doctors in high transmission settings. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection and the risk factors for occupational infection in doctors in the hospitals in Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB).Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study wherein we electronically surveyed medical doctors in public-sector NMB hospitals from 01 March 2020 to 31 December 2020. We collected demographic, health, occupational and SARS-CoV-2 infection and exposure data. Categorical data were described as proportions and a multiple variable logistic regression model was used to identify risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection.Results: The survey was distributed amongst 498 doctors, 141 (28%) of whom replied. Forty-three (31%) participants reported that they had tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 during the study period. Eighty-nine participants (64%) reported inadequate access to PPE whilst only 68 (49%) participants adhered to PPE recommendations when interacting with patients with confirmed or suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection. We were unable to identify any significant predictors of SARS-CoV-2 infection.Conclusion: This study demonstrates a high prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in public hospital doctors in NMB. Most participants reported inadequate access to PPE and poor compliance with IPC protocols. These findings suggest an urgent need for the improved implementation of IPC measures to protect doctors from SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Silent upsurge of gestational diabetes: Are we aware? A rural tertiary care experience of Central Gujarat
Authors: Shah Charmi S. , Vaishnav Smruti B. , Mankad Saptak P. , Sharma Tanishq S. , Sapre Shilpa A. , Raithatha Nitin S. , Patel Mamta R. , Mannari Jyoti G.
Published: March 2022

Background:

The prevalence of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus has been on the rise. With the dramatic increase in the prevalence of overweight, obesity, and inactivity amongst the population, it’s becoming a common problem affecting antenatal women and their offspring.

Subjects and Methods:

A prospective cross-sectional study was carried out involving antenatal women between 24-28 weeks of gestation at a tertiary care centre in a rural part of Gujarat. Patients were screened using the Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Group India (DIPSI) guidelines. Analysis was carried out using Chi-square and ANOVA test.

Results:

Patients having PG2BS ≥140 mg/dl were diagnosed as having Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM), while those having PG2BS values between 120–139 mg/dl were diagnosed as having Gestational Glucose Intolerance (GGI). Out of the 300 patients screened, we found an overall prevalence of 52 (17.33%) having GDM and 65 (21.67%) having GGI. Most patients belonged to the age bracket of 21-30 years across all groups. The prevalence of GDM in rural antenatal women was 23 (44.2%) and in semi-urban antenatal women was 25 (48.1%) while GGI in the rural antenatal women was 45 (69.2%) followed by semi-urban antenatal women 19 (29.2). We found that Occupation, Residence, Lifestyle, Socio-Economic Class, Family history of Diabetes Mellitus, Body Mass Index (BMI) were all statistically significant whereas Antenatal Complications and Perinatal outcomes weren’t.

Conclusion:

With such a high prevalence of GGI, almost equivalent to GDM, it is important to identify patients having GGI and monitor them to prevent progression to GDM by starting an appropriate treatment modality.
Implication of COVID-19 in patients of HIV with hepatitis C
Authors: John Nitin A. , John Jyoti E.
Published: March 2022

HIV with coexisting Hepatitis C infection has been a global health problem. HIV with Hepatitis C prevalence is significantly higher in people living with HIV. These patients being immunocompromised are at higher risk of contracting COVID-19 infection. Super added COVID-19 infection may prove to be fatal in these patients. We decided to review literature for assessing the clinical manifestations and management of these patients contracting COVID-19 infection and explore the public health measures in practice in the current scenario. Practices of safety norms against COVID-19 shall prevent associated health morbidity and mortality. Moreover, management of these patients needs to be judiciously done by Physicians as COVID-19 infection may worsen their condition. The Public Health Specialist are playing a crucial role in management of COVID-19 pandemic especially by strategy planning for surveillance, health education and preparedness for any future wave of COVID-19 infection.
Prevalence and associated factors of domestic violence among married women in an urban slum in South India
Authors: Das Biranchi N. , Mohandas Anu , Killi Bhavani
Published: March 2022

Introduction:

Domestic violence (DV) is a public health problem with an estimated global prevalence of 35%. The prevalence rate of spousal domestic violence in Telangana is 36.4% which is higher than the national average of 25.3%. Despite being a punishable offense, DV is still on the rise in India. Hence, there is need to assess its extent and determining factors for planning of remedial measures. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of domestic violence and its associated factors among married women of an urban slum in Telangana.

Methodology:

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 18- to 45-year-old married women in urban slums of Telangana. The sample size was 200. Multistage random sampling was done. Data collection was done using questionnaire with information regarding socio-demographic details, types of domestic violence, help-seeking behaviours, awareness, and outcome. The victims were directed towards medical and legal help, and further counselling. Descriptive analysis was done to find proportion of domestic violence. The associated factors were found using Chi-square test and logistic regression.

Results:

Domestic violence was reported by 70.5% of the study participants. Physical abuse (67%) was the main offense followed by emotional abuse (38.5%). Though 89% of women were aware of domestic violence being punishable by law, only 9.5% of women sought help. Woman’s older age (COR = 2.015, 95% CI: 1.088-3.733, P = 0.026), illiteracy (COR = 2.181,95% CI: 1.097-4.3381, P = 0.026), longer married life (COR = 1.961, 95% CI: 1.008-3.815, P = 0.047), husband’s early exposure to abuse (COR = 4.439, 95% CI: 1-19.705, P = 0.034) and alcohol intake (COR: 1.995, 95% CI: 1.038-3.838, P = 0.037) were found to be significant factors in the bivariate analysis. Husband’s exposure to abuse in childhood (AOR = 5.326, 95% CI: 1.163-24.400, P = 0.031) and alcohol intake (AOR = 2.206, 95% CI: 1.109-4.389, P = 0.024) were found to be independent predictors.

Conclusion:

Domestic violence is highly prevalent in urban slums of south India. A woman’s age, education, duration of marriage, husband’s early exposure to abuse, and alcohol intake are determining factors. Awareness programs need to be conducted regarding helplines, medical and legal aspects. All domestic violence cases should be registered, and social, psychological and legal support be provided to the victim.
Prevalence of serum cobalamin and folate deficiency among children aged 6–59 months: A hospital-based cross-sectional study from Northern India
Authors: Gupta Surbhi , Haldar Partha , Singh Archana , Malhotra Sumit , Kant Shashi
Published: March 2022

Context:

Cobalamin and folate are essential for the synthesis of nucleic acids and in the maintenance of myelin. They are required during the period of the rapid growth of infancy and childhood. Their deficiency may result in nutritional anemia and neurological manifestations. There is paucity of literature regarding the prevalence of cobalamin and folate deficiency among North Indian children aged 6–59 months.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of serum cobalamin and folate deficiency among children aged 6–59 months, attending a secondary care hospital.

Settings and Design:

Children were recruited from pediatrics OPD of the sub-district hospital (SDH), Ballabgarh, Haryana, through systematic random sampling. Hemoglobin was measured by an automated analyzer. Serum cobalamin and serum folate were estimated using enhanced chemiluminescence based immunoassay.

Results:

A total of 420 children were recruited, of which 392 provided a blood specimen. Prevalence of cobalamin, folate deficiency, and anemia were 22.3% (95% CI: 18.3–26.7), 10.9% (95% CI: 8.2–14.6), and 81.9% (95% CI 77.7–85.4), respectively. The proportion of children with cobalamin deficiency who had anemia was 97.7% compared to 95.7% among those with no cobalamin deficiency (P = 0.396). Similarly, the proportion of children with folate deficiency who had anemia was 95.2% compared to 96.2% among those with no folate deficiency (P = 0.765).

Conclusion:

We found that almost one in five children aged 6–59 were deficient in cobalamin, and one in ten were deficient in folate.
Triage of antenatal care through telehealth during COVID-19 pandemic in a tertiary care centre of North India
Authors: Gupta Amrit , Yadav Sangeeta , Seduchidambaram Malathy , Singh Neeta , Pradhan Prasanta K. , Pradhan Mandakini
Published: March 2022

Background:

Telemedicine facilitates patient care in various fields including antenatal care. Its application and usefulness need objectification and can be a guide to using this service in the care of pregnant women.

Material and Methods:

This was a prospective observational study conducted from May 2020 to December 2020. Following the telemedicine practice guideline of the country, 3,360 teleconsultations were sought by 862 antenatal patients. The duration of each call, an indication of referral and pregnancy risk stratification were noted. Further management was classified into three categories depending upon the need for an immediate hospital visit, no hospital visit or scheduled visit after at least 48 h after the first contact.

Results:

The antenatal cases were referred for either maternal, foetal or both indications in 24.7, 54.8 and 20.5% of the cases, respectively. Women were classified as low risk (61.6%), high risk (35.7%) and severe risk (2.7%). In 1.4% of the patients, history and review of the records could not be done through telemedicine. The average time spent was 16.6 min for the first contact and 3.1 min for subsequent contacts. Further management was done with immediate visits in 385 (45.3%), scheduled hospital visits in 292 (34.3%) women and no tertiary care hospital visit in 173 (20.4%).

Discussion:

Women (20.4%) not called to the maternal-foetal medicine department of the institute were managed along with the treating obstetrician and no difference in pregnancy outcome was noted.

Conclusion:

Antenatal care can be provided following triage over teleconsultation and 1.4% of the women may not be able to use telehealth.
Economic analysis of ASHA-soft programme (online payment and monitoring system) in Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Authors: Joshi Nitin K. , Bhardwaj Pankaj , Suthar Praveen , Singh Kuldeep , Joshi Vibha , Manda Balwant
Published: March 2022

Context:

The Government of India under a performance-based payment scheme is providing remuneration as per the activities completed by the Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) health workers. Each state in India has a differentperformance-based payment system for ASHAs. The state of Rajasthan developed the ASHA-Soft system in 2014 for providing incentives to ASHAs.

Aims:

This study is planned to analyze the performance of ASHA-Soft considering the economic aspects as there is a paucity of studies in this context. Settings and Design: This study was conducted in Jodhpur, Rajasthan.

Methods and Material:

Economic analysis of ASHA-Soft program was performed based on Incentive paid to ASHA workers; Number of beneficiaries; Overall contribution of ASHAs in the health services; and unit cost per health service under ASHA-Soft program. Data of five financial years, that is, from the inception of ASHA-Soft was analyzed.

Results:

Consolidated incentive for maternal health, child health, and Immunization services provided to ASHAs through ASHA-Soft in the year 2015--16 was $96794.22, $35348.32, and $49016.83 which increased to $200285.00, $116320.52, and $101686.48 in the year 2019—20, respectively. Family planning and national program services were provided to 6,259 and 4,061 beneficiaries, respectively, in the year 2015--16 which markedly increased to 16,360 and 9,552 in the year 2019--20. Unit-cost of service provided by ASHAs in the National Programme ($1.13) was the lowest and for Family Planning Services ($5.71) were the highest.

Conclusions:

ASHA-Soft program seems a potential program to attract ASHA workers for delivering health care services. The findings of this study could assist policymakers in guiding further decision-making.
Weaning of septic patients from the ventilator in the intensive care unit by attention approach to common antibiotic regimens
Authors: Sadegh Mohammad J. , Rafiei Mohammadreza , Hazrati Ebrahim , Namazi Mehrshad , Afsahi Mohammad
Published: March 2022

Background:

Sepsis is a chronic blood infection that is more common in patients with ventilatory and disability. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of common antibiotic regimens on weaning sepsis patients from mechanical ventilator.

Methods:

In this prospective cross-sectional study, we classified 70 sepsis patients under mechanical ventilation which sedates with midazolam and do not take muscle relaxants into two groups: meropenem and levofloxacin versus meropenem, levofloxacin, and clindamycin. The duration of intubation and the number of patients who needed re-intubation (and their duration of extubation) were recorded. Data were analyzed using SPSS software.

Results:

In the present study, 68.6% were male and 31.4% were female. The mean age was calculated to be 37.98. The mean duration of mechanical ventilation and stay in the ICU in the group of two drugs (meropenem + levofloxacin) showed a significant decrease compared to the group of three drugs (P < 0.05). But no significant difference was observed in terms of ventilator connection time (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

The differences in terms of mean duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU stay between the groups indicate that the two-drug regimen (meropenem + levofloxacin) is more efficient in bringing [sepsis] patients back to recovery.
The effect of mental health training on the knowledge of common mental disorders among medical officers in primary health centres in rural Karnataka
Authors: Salazar Luke Joshua , Ekstrand Maria L. , Selvam Sumithra , Heylen Elsa , Pradeep Johnson R , Srinivasan Krishnamachari
Published: March 2022

Background:

Deficits in knowledge regarding identification and treatment of common mental disorders (CMD) and stigmatizing attitudes towards CMDs exist among primary care physicians in India.

Objectives:

We aimed to assess the gain in knowledge of CMDs among primary health centre (PHC) doctors, after they underwent training in the identification and treatment of CMDs, and to assess the relationship between the gain in knowledge and demographic variables. We also assessed attitudes towards depression among PHC doctors who underwent training.

Methods:

We assessed knowledge of CMDs among 38 PHC doctors before and after training using a multiple-choice questionnaire (MCQ). The training session included didactic teaching and case-based discussions.

Results:

The post-test mean score was significantly higher compared to the pre-test mean score (P < 0.0001), indicative of a significant mean gain in knowledge of CMDs among PHC doctors following training. Significant improvements were noted on the questions assessing identification of CMDs, knowledge of depressive symptoms and identification of panic attacks, post-training (all P < 0.05). Participants with lower pre-test scores had greater improvements in knowledge post-training. Around half of the PHC doctors endorsed negative attitudes towards depression.

Conclusions:

We demonstrated the efficacy of a training programme for PHC doctors in improving their knowledge of CMDs. Stigmatizing attitudes towards depression were present among around half the PHC doctors even after the training. This has implications for the strategy of integrating mental healthcare into primary care, with the overall goal of reducing the treatment gap for CMDs.
Psychological observations of the parents on their children during COVID-19 pandemic social isolation in Jazan, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Gohal Gassem , Zaino Mohammad , Gosadi Ibrahim M.
Published: March 2022

Background:

Social isolation was imposed as the best preventive measure worldwide for the COVID-19 pandemic. We investigated the psychological effects of this measure among Saudi families in the Jazan province to assess its impact on children during this period.

Methods:

This study was a cross-section investigation conducted in the Jazan province that is located in the southwest part of the country. Data collection was conducted during May 2020 during the country-wise curfew in Saudi Arabia and targeted parents living in Jazan with a minimum of one child above the age of 5 years using a self-administered web-based questionnaire.

Results:

In total, 408 valid questionnaires were collected. About 50.5% (n = 206) of the parents reported their children as having abnormal psychological observation at the time of their social isolation, which is significantly associated with living status, the number of children (especially when the family has fewer than two children <5 years old), and if any relatives or friends got COVID-19 or quarantined. The psychological effects ranged from anxiety, sleeping disturbance, fear of death, feeling frustrated or bored and violence.

Conclusion:

Our findings, although limited to observations of parents concerning their children, suggest that social isolation could be a possible risk factor for the development of more serious psychological ramifications in the future such as depression and anxiety.
Predictors of quality of life among geriatric population in a tribal dominant state of India: A community based analytical study
Authors: Soren Santosh Kumar , Kumari Anju Prabha , Kujur Anit , Sunderam Shalini , Singh Shashi Bhushan , Raj Mayank
Published: March 2022

Background:

Improving the quality of life of the geriatric population along with maintaining their health and promoting social participation still poses a major public health challenge in the twenty-first century. Hence, we planned to measure the quality of life (QOL) in each domain namely physical, psychological, social, and environmental using the world health organization quality of life brief version (WHO QOL-BREF) questionnaire and to assess the predictors of QOL among the elderly population.

Methodology:

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Ormanjhi, Ranchi, Jharkhand for a period of 6 months. The study was carried out among 206 geriatric populations fulfilling the eligibility criteria. The data collected were entered in MS Excel and analyzed using SPSS version 20. The QOL scores were expressed in terms of mean and standard deviation, and the difference between mean scores was tested by using student t-test/analysis of variance (ANOVA). The predictor associated with QOL was done by multiple linear regression analysis. P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

A total of 206 geriatric people fulfilling the study criteria were enrolled during the study. The majority of the people were of the age between 60 and69 years (71.8%). Most of them 202 (98.1%) resided in rural areas, 108 (52.4%) of them were illiterate by education, and nearly half 102 (49.5%) depended on pension for livelihood. Nontribal ethnicity, backward category, illiteracy, low socio-economic status, nuclear family, elderly person having no own source of income, currently living alone, person having more co-morbidity, and less activities of daily living (ADL) score were significantly associated with low QOL score.

Conclusion:

Overall QOL was good to excellent in Ranchi, Jharkhand. We concluded that QOL is affected by many different factors.
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic quarantine on physical, nutritional, psychosocial life and work aspects in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Rasheed Zafar , AlKhowailed Mohammad S. , Shariq Ali , Salem Tarek , Alkhamiss Abdullah S. , Aldoubiab Rayan K. , Alghammas Ali F. , Alshammari Ahmed M. , Alsalhi Abdulmonem A. , Alharbi Abdulaziz Z. , Alshammari Saif M. , Alnassar Mohammed A. , Alduraibi Sharifa K , Alharbi Sami , Al Abdulmonem Waleed
Published: March 2022

Background:

The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is a global public health disaster imposing a nationwide lockdown. This study was undertaken to determine the impact of COVID-19 quarantine on physical, nutritional, psychosocial life, and work aspects on the population of Saudi Arabia.

Methods:

Data collection was based on the fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) and was analyzed by the Likert-type scale. A total of 2828 individuals participated during their COVID-19 quarantine. The data were collected during June 10–17, 2020 using the psychosocial FCV-19S.

Results:

COVID-19 quarantine was negatively correlated with the physical, nutritional, psychosocial life and work aspects of the Saudi Arabia’s population (P < 0.05). As a result of the correlation analysis, gender, sociodemographic status and having a family member dying of COVID-19, marital status (single), monthly income (<3000) and occupation (student), and lost a job or businesses were significantly associated with fear of COVID-19 (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the participants reported a reduction in their physical activity by 59%, whereas 26.5% of participants showed an increase of body weight. Moreover, 23% of participants lost their jobs during the pandemic.

Conclusions:

The lockdown period was associated with an increase in the COVID-19 fear score. The degree FCV-19S was varied in different categories in several aspects. Low levels of physical activity and weight gained were observed during the lockdown period.
Screening for respiratory morbidities and obstructive lung function among municipal waste handlers in Puducherry: A community-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Venkataraman Surendran , Suguna A , Surekha A , Sree Priyankha R. S
Published: March 2022

Background:

Waste management is a societal problem because of its environmental impact and public health implications. Solid waste handlers have a high incidence of occupational health issues, with respiratory morbidities being the most common. Aim: To assess the prevalence of respiratory morbidities, obstructive lung pattern and its associated factors among municipal solid waste management workers in Puducherry.

Materials and Methods:

This community-based cross-sectional study was carried out in May and June 2018 among 264 solid waste management workers selected by simple random sampling. They underwent a semi-structured interview schedule capturing their sociodemographic characteristics, work profile, presence of respiratory symptoms, and morbidities followed by lung function tests using a portable spirometer. The data was entered using Epidata entry client and analyzed using SPSS (v16).

Results:

The mean age of the workers was 47.1 (±8.87) years. The majority were females (85.6%), working as waste collectors (86%) on day duty (73.5%). More than two in five workers had either respiratory morbidity (42.8%) or obstructive lung pattern (44%). Higher age, occupation as waste collector, night shift duty, not using face mask on duty, and not receiving training on waste handling were the factors significantly associated with the respiratory morbidities and obstructive lung function.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of respiratory morbidities and obstructive lung disease were high among municipal solid waste handlers. Measures are needed to improve the work environment of waste handlers by ensuring the availability of protective gears and adequate training on work handling based on ergonomic principles.
Affordable aesthetic management for a patient from low income strata to improve social well-being: A case report
Authors: Anusha K. S. , Chinnan Ravindranath , Ahmed Shakir , Natarajan Shanmuganathan
Published: March 2022

Background:

Aesthetic correction involves a holistic approach which considers the oral cavity as a whole by the norms of the treatment. Aesthetics enhance the facial profile and also the smile line of the patient which improves the quality of life of a patient enabling them to a better socioeconomic status. Smile correction of a patient paves the path for a systematic approach to the treatment and also imparts an improved level of confidence which leads to new opportunities both in the personal and professional field. AeEsthetic correction provides challenging aspects concerning patient satisfaction and functional demands. This is the most affordable treatment for patients’ who are not financially sound in developing countries like India. The other treatment modalities such as Veneers or All-ceramic crowns are aesthetically pleasing but are quite expensive for people in the lower income strata. Due to this, direct composite treatment is very economical and it also improves the patient’s overall confidence and it helps them to socialise well and carry out their daily routine activities without any hindrance and difficulty.

Case Report:

This case report deals with the esthetic correction of midline diastema and spacing in the maxillary and mandibular anterior region. Conclusion: Aesthetic correction involves meticulous treatment planning to revive the essence of lost beauty as well as improve the functional aspect for the patient.

Conclusion:

Aesthetic correction involves meticulous treatment planning to revive the essence of lost beauty as well as improve the functional aspect for the patient.
A review of the revisions and complications management procedure in sinus surgery
Authors: Khademi Sara , Kazemi Aida , Divanbeigi Reza , Afzalzadeh Mohamadreza
Published: March 2022

One of the most standard and least invasive surgical procedures that could be applied mostly for the treatment of inflammation of the paranasal sinuses is endonasal endoscopic sinus surgery. The main objective of this study is to assess the available strategies for avoiding, diagnosis and also dealing with various kinds of potential complications of sinus disorders as well as the symptoms which specify the need for revision endoscopic sinus surgery mainly for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis. Based on the objectives of this study, the studies were categorized within four main groups; sinus disorders, diagnosis, management, and treatment. In this regard, wide research has been done in various scientific databases of PubMed, EMBASE, Europe PMC, HubMed, MEDLINE, Scientific Information Database (SID) and Google Scholar. From a total of 315 founded records, the final number of 91 records were reviewed. The rate of complication associated with endoscopic sinus surgery is not much and the improvement of surgical technology and experience could decrease its side effects. Performing immediate extensive surgery among patients who have inflammatory sinonasal disease could modify long-term consequences. Applying endoscopic sinus surgery could yield the most appropriate positive outcomes. For achieving the most suitable surgical consequences, the surgeon should be adequately qualified in diagnosis and facing with any possible complications during the operation in addition to cases with complex and revision problems.
Evaluation of 0.25% Bupivacaine vs. 0.375% Ropivacaine for Postoperative Analgesia using Ultrasound Guided Transversus Abdominis Plane Block for Caesarean Section
Authors: Puchakala Damodar , Joshi Vidya Sagar , Bhardwaj Avanish
Published: March 2022

Background:

Pain after Caesarean section is described as moderate to severe by most patients. Ultrasound guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is now increasingly being used for postoperative analgesia in lower abdominal surgeries. Hence this study was undertaken to compare 0.25% Bupivacaine with 0.375% Ropivacaine for postoperative analgesia using TAP block in caesarean section.

Methods:

Seventy patients were randomized into Group B (n = 35) and Group R (n = 35). TAP block was administered after completion of surgery under ultrasound guidance using 15 mL of 0.25% Bupivacaine in Group B and 15 mL of 0.375% Ropivacaine in Group R on each side of the abdomen. Time to requirement of first analgesic dosage was observed in both the groups. Total analgesic requirement in the first 24 h, visual analogue scale (VAS) scores at 2, 4, 6, 8, 12 and 24 h, patient satisfaction and complications were also noted.

Results:

Mean time for the first dose of rescue analgesia after completion of surgery was 298.2 ± 93.6 min in Group B and 447.6 ± 85.2 min in Group R (P = 0.0001). Total requirement of Diclofenac Sodium injection was 162.86 ± 46.88 mg in Group B whereas it was only 130.71 ± 44.49 mg in Group R (P = 0.003). VAS at 4,6 and 8 h after surgery were significantly lower in the Ropivacaine group.

Conclusion:

0.375% Ropivacaine provided longer duration of analgesia and resulted in lesser analgesic requirement than 0.25% Bupivacaine when used in TAP block after caesarean section.
Lung Involvement in COVID-19 Positive Pregnant Women and Their Outcomes – A Clinical and Imaging Based Retrospective Case Study
Authors: Venkataraman Mangal S. , Basker N. , Prakash Lakshmi
Published: March 2022

Background and Aims:

COVID-19 has been a globally concerning pandemic affecting more than 20 million people worldwide. Due to physiological and anatomical changes, pregnant women are more susceptible to viral respiratory infections. Although the clinical and radiological features of COVID positive pregnant and non-pregnant women are comparable, literature pertaining to the clinical presentation and the outcomes in COVID positive pregnant women are being researched upon.

Aims and Objectives:

The main objective is to assess the lung involvement in COVID-19 positive pregnant women based on their clinical presentation and CT imaging features. The secondary aim is to study their clinical outcomes based on the above findings.

Methods:

This was a retrospective study carried out on COVID-19 positive pregnant women admitted to our hospital over 6 months (from May 2020 to October 2020). The collected data were analyzed with IBM.SPSS statistics software 23.0 Version.

Results:

There were a total of 480 COVID positive antenatal women detected Out of 480 patients 75.8% (364) were asymptomatic, one hundred and two patients (21.3%) presented with mild symptoms such as fever, dry cough, runny nose, loss of taste/smell without any breathing difficulty. Fourteen patients (2.9%) were identified in the moderate to severe symptomatic category with lung involvement with a 95% Confidence Intervals between 1.41 and 4.42. Three patients sustained mortality, the overall Mortality rate being 0.6%.

Conclusion:

The majority of the COVID positive antenatal women are asymptomatic or present with mild symptoms as detected from this study. Only a small proportion (2.9%) were identified with respiratory compromise. Although their infectivity rate is quite high, 99.4% of the population were cured and discharged.
Comparison of Intravenous Infusion Versus Bolus Dose of Oxytocin in Elective Caesarean Delivery
Authors: Badheka Jigisha P. , Oza Vrinda P. , Manat Nitin S. , Patel Mayur B.
Published: March 2022

Background:

Oxytocin (OT) is routinely administered during caesarean delivery to prevent and treat postpartum haemorrhage (PPH). The common adverse effects of intravenous OT are tachycardia, hypotension, chest pain, Electrocardiogram (ECG) changes, nausea and vomiting. We aimed to compare the uterine contractility, haemodynamic changes, need for other uterotonics and adverse effects by comparing the intravenous bolus dose versus infusion dose of OT while retaining its benefits.

Methods:

Sixty patients undergoing elective caesarean delivery under spinal anaesthesia were randomised to receive OT 3 IU as a bolus (repeat 3 IU at an interval of 3 min) in group B (Bolus) or as an infusion 1 IU per minute in group I (infusion). The uterine tone was assessed by a blinded obstetrician as either adequate or inadequate. The intraoperative heart rate, blood pressure, blood loss and any other adverse events were recorded.

Results:

The adequacy of uterine tone was more sustained and the requirement of other uterotonics was less in group I. The heart rate increased to 20–25 beats/min at 3–5 min in group B and 8–10 beats/min at 2–4 mins and reached the baseline at 8–9 min in group B as well as in group I. Also, a significant fall in the mean blood pressure was observed at 3–5 min in group B. The ECG changes (ST-T changes) were more common in group B compared to group I. There was no significant difference in the estimated blood loss between the two groups.

Conclusion:

The infusion dose of OT provides more haemodynamic stability, better uterine tone and fewer adverse effects compared to the bolus dose.