bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma
Authors: Pasricha Sunil , Durga Garima , Sharma Anila , Pruthi Manish , Kamboj Meenakshi , Gupta Gurudutt , Jajodia Ankush , Mahawar Vivek , Babu Koyyala Venkata Pradeep , Mehta Anurag
Published: August 2024

Angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma (AFH) is a rare soft tissue tumor of uncertain differentiation with low metastatic potential, most commonly occurring in children, adolescents, and young adults, involving extremities. Due to its rare nature and diverse presentation, both clinically and morphologically, it is often misdiagnosed. It becomes important to correctly diagnose this lesion, given its distinct therapeutic implications. Here, we present the clinical, radiologic, and pathologic findings of two rare cases of AFH. Since AFH is a rare soft tissue tumor with low malignant potential, both pathologists and clinicians should be aware of this entity, when encountered with a soft tissue mass in extremities of a child or adolescent, so as to accord appropriate treatment in such cases.
Significance of CD47 expression in endometrial carcinoma
Authors: Sahin Nurhan , Coban Ganime , Unver Nurcan , Arici Dilek S. , Kilic Gokhan , Toluk Ozlem
Published: August 2024

Objectives:

CD47 is a membrane protein that belongs to the immunoglobulin superfamily and regulates macrophage phagocytosis negatively. As CD47 expression at the cancer cell membrane would inhibit the phagocytic activity of immune cells, it is connected to an unfavorable prognosis in leukemia and malignancies of various solid organs. Materials and

Methods:

In this study, retrospectively evaluated 72 patients who had been diagnosed with endometrial carcinoma at Pathology Department and had undergone total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (TAH + BSO) and/or lymphadenectomy. CD47 expression was evaluated in tumorous and nontumor areas in all patients considering cytoplasmic and membranous brown staining in cells. The proportion of expression was evaluated as well as the intensity and an “h score” was obtained. This score was compared with known prognostic parameters.

Results:

CD47 expressions showed a statistically significant correlation with tumor grade (P < 0.05); however, no significant relationship was observed with myometrial invasion depth and lymph vascular invasion status (P = 0.923 and P = 0.754, respectively).

Conclusions:

As with other tumors, anti-CD47 antibody may be an alternative treatment option in patients with high-grade endometrial carcinoma.
Crystallizing galactocele: A rare case report and review of literature
Authors: Verma Nisha , Gaur Nimish , Awasthi Shivali , Bajaj Varun , Sharma Surabhi , Mahajan Saurabh
Published: August 2024

Crystallizing galactocele is an uncommon condition that produces a viscous, chalky substance on fine needle aspiration cytology. (FNAC). Both the diagnosis and the management of this illness include the use of FNAC. Here, we discuss the case of a 25-year-old nursing woman who experienced left breast edema lump for two years. The upper outer quadrant of the leftt breast was involved by the hard, small, non-tender, and movable enlargement. The lesion’s FNAC produced a thick, milky, and chalky substance. Numerous semi-transparent crystals of various sizes and shapes with angulated edges could be seen in cytological smears against a background of granular and amorphous proteinaceous material. A diagnosis of crystallizing galactocele was made on the basis of the patient’s clinical history of lactation and characteristic cytological findings. Due to the rarity of this condition—to the best of our knowledge, less than ten cases of crystallizing galactocele have been documented in medical literature.
Low expression of DUSP4 expression predicts unfavorable prognosis in gallbladder adenocarcinoma
Authors: Jee Seungyun , Sim Jongmin , Bang Seongsik , Park Hosub , Myung Jaekyung , Paik Seung Sam , Choi Dongho , Kim Yeseul , Kim Hyunsung
Published: August 2024

Background: Dual specificity phosphatase 4 (DUSP4), which regulates the mitogen activated protein kinases, has emerged as a tumor suppressor gene in several human malignancies.

Aims and Objectives:

In this study, we investigated the clinicopathologic significance and the prognostic role of DUSP4 in gallbladder adenocarcinoma. Materials and methods: DUSP4 expression was evaluated immunohistochemically in tissue microarray from 110 gallbladder adenocarcinoma samples and scored by H score system. The cut off (H score <170) was determined by ROC curve analysis. Results: Low expression of DUSP4 expression was observed in 57 (51.8%) out of 110 gallbladder adenocarcinoma samples. Low expression of DUSP4 expression was significantly associated with high histologic grade (P = 0.017), high pT stage (P = 0.002) and high AJCC stage (P = 0.007). Kaplan Meier survival curves revealed that patients with low expression of DUSP4 expression had significantly worse cancer specific survival (P = 0.024, log rank test). However, there was no significant association between DUSP4 expression and recurrence free survival.

Conclusions:

In conclusion, gallbladder adenocarcinoma with low expression of DUSP4 expression was associated with adverse clinicopathologic characteristics and poor patient outcome.patient outcome.
Histomorphological evaluation of placenta in SARS-CoV-2 patients
Authors: Umar Sana , Petwal Snigdha , Joshi Chitra , Raja Minali , Upreti Shashi
Published: August 2024

Background:

SARS-CoV-2 has emerged as a major pandemic of the century and little is known about the impact of maternal infection on placental histopathology. Histopathologic examination of placental tissue can contribute to significant information regarding the pathophysiology of the disease and how it affects the fetal outcome.

Materials and Methods:

This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the Department of Pathology, Government Doon Medical College and Hospital, Dehradun, on the placenta of 50 coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-positive pregnant females confirmed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) from August 2020 to October 2020. Fifty term historical placentas were taken as control. Placenta sections were fixed in formalin, processed into paraffin blocks, stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H and E) stain, and visualized for any abnormality.

Results:

The most prominent histological finding in the placenta of pregnant women affected by COVID-19 was chorangiosis, which is a feature of fetal vascular malperfusion seen in 28 (56%) cases. Other features included maternal vascular malperfusions (MVM) such as villous crowding and agglutination in 12 (24%) cases. Tenney–Parker change was seen in 13 (26%) patients. Intervillous fibrinoid deposition and intervillous hemorrhage were seen in 37 (74%) patients and 7 (14%) patients showed significant calcification. Other findings observed were less common.

Conclusion:

Infection with SARS-CoV-2 may be associated with a significant impact on fetal and maternal circulation causing features of fetal and maternal malperfusion such as chorangiosis, villous crowding, and agglutination. Indicating that the infection could cause a potential rise in the risk of adverse perinatal outcomes such as intrauterine fetal growth retardation, preterm birth, or stillbirth.
Cold autoimmune hemolytic anemia with myelodysplastic syndrome
Authors: Mutreja Deepti , Paliwal Gourang , Mangal Vishal , Biswas Amit K.
Published: August 2024

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs) are clonal hematopoietic stem cell neoplasms characterized by bone marrow failure leading to ineffective hematopoiesis, dyspoiesis, and cytopenias with a risk of progression to acute leukemia. Immunological syndromes have been reported to occur along with MDS in literature. However, cold autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) has rarely been reported in association with MDS. Herein, we report a case of an elderly male who presented with fever and cytopenias. He was being treated as a case of megaloblastic anemia in the past with no response to therapy. At present admission, the peripheral blood smear examination revealed red cell agglutination, thrombocytopenia with 4% blasts. Cold agglutinin disease was confirmed by a thermal agglutination test and bone marrow evaluation showed adequate megakaryocytes with 10% blasts; consistent with the diagnosis of MDS with excess blasts (MDS-EB2). Cytogenetic studies revealed multiple abnormalities. This report is being discussed in view of its rarity of presentation of cold AIHA with MDS.
Dimensional Distribution of Anxiety and Depression in College Students in a Rural Setting: Relationship with Stress, Well-being, and Quality of Life
Authors: Kar Nilamadhab , Das Mithila , Kar Brajaballav , Rath Namita , Kar Shreyan
Published: August 2024

Background:

Information about the anxiety and depression of students in rural areas of India is scant. We evaluated stress, coping strategies, quality of life (QOL), and well-being of students along with the dimensional and categorical distribution of anxiety and depression in a cross-sectional study in a rural college.

Materials and Methods:

It was an online questionnaire-based survey using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 for depression, general anxiety disorder-7 for anxiety, and the WHO-5 Well-Being scale for well-being. Stress in the previous month, nature of stress, coping strategies, and QOL on a scale of 1 (worst) to 10 (best) were also assessed.

Results:

The dimensional distribution of anxiety and depression suggested the pervasiveness of these problems among students. Categorically, a considerable proportion of students had clinical levels of anxiety (32.2%), depression (40.3%); and 24.8% of students had both of them. Stress in the past month was reported by 34.2% of students, which was linked significantly with the severity of anxiety and depression. Common stressor were financial problems, family-, career-, and job-related issues. Stress, anxiety, and depression were negatively correlated with well-being and QOL. Many coping strategies were reported; more than half of the students found helping others, creative hobbies, hoping for the best, music, talking to others, yoga and exercises, prayer, and religious activities helpful.

Conclusions:

The results highlight the pervasive presence of anxiety and depression in college students, which are linked to stress, and have an impact on their well-being and QOL. These require specific attention for management.
Risk Factors for Stable and Intimate Interpersonal Relationships: A Qualitative-quantitative Methodology
Authors: Faridmarandi Behrooz , Komasi Saeid
Published: August 2024

Introduction:

The concept of intimacy in interpersonal relationships is transforming in the non-Western developing countries.

Objectives:

We designed two independent studies, the first of which aimed at a phenomenological investigation of dynamic processes and risk factors involved in both stable and intimate interpersonal relationships using a qualitative methodology to extract representative themes and concepts. In the second study, we aimed to validate one of the emergent themes (i.e., detachment manifestations) using a quantitative methodology.

Materials and Methods:

Thematic and content analysis methods were used to identify the experiences and perspectives of seven nonclinical and four clinical adults through semi-structured interviews (study I). After designing a measurement inventory of detachment manifestations (MINDs) based on one of the two largest extracted themes, we tested both the reliability and construct, criterion, and convergent validities of the inventory using exploratory structural equation modeling, Pearson correlation coefficients, and t-test in study II including the nonclinical (n = 205) and clinical (n = 156) samples.

Results:

All qualitative concepts are covered by two core themes including detachment mechanisms and manifestations. The detachment manifestation is a valid construct with a ten-factor structure measured by the MINDs, which is significantly correlated with other valid instruments.

Conclusion:

The present findings support the criterion validity of MINDs to distinguish clinical from nonclinical samples. Although the present report empirically supports the concept of detachment manifestations assessed by the MINDs with an acceptable reliability and validity, future reports will attempt to both identify other concepts involved in interpersonal relationships and revalidate the detachment mechanisms and manifestations across cultures.
Elevated preoperative plasma D-dimer level is an independent prognostic factor for pediatric patients with Wilms tumor
Authors: Qu Yu , Wang Hongwei , Wu Xiangyu , Wang Xiaoqing , Liu Wei , Wu Rongde
Published: August 2024

Introduction:

Elevated plasma D-dimer levels are an unfavorable prognostic indicator for various tumors. However, its predictive value for prognosis in pediatric patients with Wilms tumor (WT) remains unknown. We aimed to investigate the clinical and prognostic value of preoperative plasma D-dimer levels and other clinicopathological characteristics in patients with favorable histology WT (FHWT).

Materials and Methods:

The clinical data of 74 children with FHWT from January 2010 to January 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The clinicopathologic characteristics, preoperative laboratory parameter results, including D-dimer level, and follow-up data were collected. Based on the postoperative recovery status, the patients were divided into tumor-free survival and disease progression groups. The risk factors affecting disease progression in pediatric patients with WT and the impact of plasma D-dimer levels on overall survival (OS) were evaluated.

Results:

Over a median follow-up of 33 months (range: 2–145 months), 56 patients survived without progression. Relapses and metastases occurred in 18 patients, of which four survived and 14 died. Higher preoperative plasma D-dimer levels (>0.865) (Odds ratio [OR] = 7.240, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.276–33.272, P = 0.011) and tumor rupture (OR = 19.984, 95% CI = 1.182–338.013, P = 0.038) were independent prognostic factors for disease progression. Additionally, patients with elevated D-dimer levels demonstrated a worse 5-year OS than those with low D-dimer levels (Hazard ratio (HR) =4.278, 95% CI = 1.074–17.035, P = 0.039).

Conclusions:

Elevated D-dimer levels are a prognostic factor for a poorer outcome in pediatric patients with WT and are expected to become a clinical biomarker for predicting the prognosis of WT.
CT imaging-based nomogram for predicting early-stage glottic cancer recurrence following transoral laser microsurgery
Authors: Zhang Huanlei , Li Yuanyuan , Zhu Xuelin , Zhao Xiuli , Cong Lin
Published: August 2024

Objective:

To explore the differences between clinical features and computed tomography (CT) findings of early-stage glottic cancer (EGC) with or without recurrence after transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) and to establish a preoperative nomogram to predict postoperative recurrence.

Methods:

The clinical and CT features of 168 consecutive patients with EGC with or without recurrence were analyzed retrospectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the independent predictors of recurrence. A nomogram was constructed to preoperatively predict recurrence. To assess the nomogram’s performance, the C-index and calibration plot were used.

Results:

EGCs with and without recurrence differed significantly in T-stage, depth, and normalized CT values in the arterial phase (NCTAP) and venous phase (NCTVP) (all P < 0.05). T-stage, depth, and NCTVP were independent predictors of recurrence in EGCs (all P < 0.05). The C-index (0.765, 95% confidence interval: 0.703–0.827) and calibration plot showed that the nomogram has good prediction accuracy. Nomograms based on T-stage and CT variables provided numerically predicted recurrence rates and were better than those based on only T-stage (C-index of 0.765 vs. 0.608).

Conclusions:

Using clinical and CT variables, we developed a novel nomogram to predict the recurrence of EGC before TLM, which may be a potential noninvasive tool for guiding personalized treatment.
Computed tomography-guided radioactive iodine-125 seed implantation for liver malignancies in challenging locations
Authors: Li Lin , Tian Shuhui , Han Xujian , Tian Jing , Zhang Cunjing
Published: August 2024

Aims:

This study aimed to retrospectively assess the safety and efficacy of radioactive iodine-125 (I-125) seed implantation for liver malignancies in challenging locations.

Materials and Methods:

Between December 2015 and December 2021, 49 patients with 60 liver malignancies in challenging locations who underwent computed tomography (CT)-guided I-125 seed implantation were retrospectively analyzed. The primary endpoints included technical success rate and overall survival (OS), whereas the secondary endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS), disease control rate (DCR), objective response rate (ORR), and liver recurrence. Potential factors associated with liver recurrence were also evaluated.

Results:

The technical success rate was 100%. The median follow-up duration was 12 months (range, 2–68 months). The mean OS and PFS were 17.58 months (95% CI: 13.64–21.52 months) and 13.14 months (95% CI: 10.36–15.92 months), respectively. The 2-month, 6-month, and 1-year DCR and ORR were 97.96% and 93.88%, 93.75% and 77.08%, and 93.48% and 60.87%, respectively. The 6- and 12-month tumor recurrence rates were 20.41% and 28.26%, respectively. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to estimate the time of liver recurrence, with our results showing that patients with primary intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma had an increased likelihood of having earlier liver recurrence. No major complications developed during follow-up.

Conclusion:

CT-guided radioactive I-125 implantation could be a safe and effective alternative with promising survival benefits and high local control rates for liver malignancies in challenging locations.
Surgical and Medical Management of Choriocarcinoma
Authors: Bhatt Ashishkumar
Published: August 2024

Gestational choriocarcinoma is rare but highly malignant tumor of trophoblastic tissue. Although choriocarcinoma has a greater tendency to metastasize to various sites, it also has a very high cure rate. Our study emphasizes the case of choriocarcinoma developed after molar pregnancy which was treated successfully with the combination of surgery and chemotherapy.
Metastatic Melanocarcinoma – Cytomorphological Patterns
Authors: Garg Reetika , Bhake Arvind , Agrawal Anil
Published: August 2024

Introduction:

The cytodiagnosis of melanocarcinoma achieved on Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology is cytomorphologically dicey at metastatic site. This is due to various morphologies achieved by melanocarcinoma as observed in histopathological examination. Therefore, it becomes imperative for cytopathologist to know about cytomorphological patterns observed at the diagnosis of melanocarcinoma. More so when melanocarcinoma is amelanotic and the clinical evidence of primary melanocarcinoma in the skin and other places is absent. Aim and Objectives: The present poster describes the experience with the cytomorphological patterns and diagnosis of melanocarcinoma, where the clinical evidence of presence of growth of melanocarcinoma in skin at any body site was absent.

Materials and Methods:

Fine needle aspiration done in 15 cases from metastatic sites, slides prepared were processed conventionaly.

Result and Conclusion:

It was observed that the certain cytomorphological features and typified cytomorphological arrangements in the presence of melanin containing cells or even amelanotic cells is enough characterizing melanocarcinoma which is described in the poster.
Assessment of the Medical Education-Related Faculty Development Programs
Authors: Shrivastava Saurabh RamBihariLal , Shrivastava Prateek Saurabh
Published: August 2024

The field of medical education and patient care is quite complex and demanding for both teachers as well as the students. It is no surprise that a teacher has to be supported and trained to efficiently discharge their roles. It is of utmost importance that the faculty members should be exposed to the medical education-related faculty development programs (FDPs). However, the issue that needs to be looked in depth is the quality of these FDPs and the extent to which these programs have brought about a difference in the daily habits of the medical teachers. The ideal approach of evaluation of the FDP will be to employ the Kirkpatrick model of evaluation and then derive a conclusion based on the results obtained. In conclusion, it is not only essential to organize, but even evaluate the medical education-related faculty development programs. The process of evaluation of FDPs is indispensable as it will aid in not only improving the effectiveness of the programs, but will also play an important part in improving the skills of medical teachers.
Psychosocial Impact of the Nationwide Lockdown on Undergraduate Engineering Students in Maharashtra
Authors: Tendolkar Vaishali Dinesh , Suraj Shaini , Panchbhai Aarati
Published: August 2024

Background:

In the last few decades, mushrooming of technology institutes and engineering colleges has led to saturation of graduate engineers. For most technology and engineering graduates, the future seems gloomy and uncertain. With the recent worldwide recession, employability chances of many technology and engineering graduates have gone down. Survival of the most skilled is the thumb rule in recent years. The condition is further augmented by the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences of the lockdown. The graduates pursuing technology education and engineering are badly affected by this phase.

Aim:

The current study aims at assessing the impact of lockdown due to COVID-19 on the psychosocial behavior of the technology and engineering students.

Study Design:

This is an online survey.

Study Population:

Technology and Engineering students in the age group of 17–25 years, both males and females.

Sample Size:

The sample size was 779.

Materials and Methods:

A psychological impact scale for students was developed by the investigators (r = 0.85). It is a 5-point scale with 0 as minimum score and 120 as the maximum possible score.

Results:

The mean age of the students was 20.49 ± 1.45 years. Nearly 95.4% of the students were living with their parents during this period of lockdown. Approximately 34.79% of the students experienced borderline negative impact, 18.74 reported mild negative impact, and 4.24% reported moderate negative impact of lockdown in just 30 days of the lockdown period. Most surprisingly, despite being with parents, 23.1% of the students had been out on roads during the lockdown.

Conclusion:

The lockdown has shown its adverse impact on the technology and engineering students. There is an urgent need to take steps to improve the employability of technology and engineering students. Else such a skilled workforce will be victim of psychological problems and a very important asset of the country shall be a waste.
Color Doppler Evaluation in High-Risk Pregnancies and Perinatal Outcome
Authors: Singh Harshika , Agrawal Manjusha , Bhake Arvind , Singh Ratnesh
Published: August 2024

Introduction:

Doppler velocimetry is a rapid, noninvasive test that provides valuable information about the hemodynamic situation of the fetus and is an efficient diagnostic test of fetal jeopardy which helps in timely intervention and management of high-risk pregnancy for the better perinatal outcome.

Aim:

The aim of this study is to assess the role of color Doppler imaging in the prediction of high-risk pregnancies and their perinatal outcome.

Objectives:

The objecti evaluate the role of color Doppler in normal and high-risk pregnancies in relation to perinatal outcome.

Materials and Methods:

The study was carried out from August 1, 2016 to December 31, 2017 in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in coordination with Central laboratory, and Department of Radiology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College Sawangi (M), Wardha, Maharashtra, India. A total of 120 pregnant women (study group and control group) attending a clinic in the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, AVBRH was examined for high-risk pregnancy.

Results:

There was a significant difference between the color Doppler indices of the three vessels (umbilical, uterine, and middle cerebral artery [MCA]) in the study and the control group. In women with abnormal Doppler indices, there was a high incidence of cesarean section, low-birth weight babies, low Apgar score, higher admission rate to neonatal intensive care unit.

Conclusion:

The color Doppler findings with abnormal indices of the uterine artery, umbilical artery, and MCA show a consistent relationship with poor perinatal outcome.
Ultrasound-Guided Femoral Nerve Block for Pain Management in Endovenous Laser Ablation for Varicose Vein
Authors: Singh Namrata , Banode Pankaj , Singh Amit Kumar
Published: August 2024

Background:

Chronic venous insufficiency and its associated complications are a common condition affecting 15%–20% of the general population. Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) is an effective day care treatment procedure. Tumescent anesthesia is given during EVLA to for pain relief and to prevent thermal damage to surrounding soft tissue by the laser energy. Regional nerve blocks can be given to reduce the pain of tumescent anesthesia and EVLA procedure. This study was aimed to evaluate pain score in varicose vein patients undergoing laser ablation with or without femoral nerve block.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 60 patients having only great saphenous vein disease were enrolled and divided into two Groups A and B using random number table. Group A was given tumescent anesthesia before laser EVLA procedure. Group B patients were given ultrasound guided femoral nerve block before tumescent anesthesia and laser ablation. Pain score was recorded intraoperatively, immediate and delated postoperative period (0, 1, and 3 h) on the Visual Analog Score. Data were analyzed using the standard statistical analysis tools.

Results:

Intraoperative and postoperative pain was significantly lower in Group B patients as compared to Group A (P < 0.0001). Volume of tumescent anesthesia used in Group B was significantly lower as compared to Group A.

Conclusion:

Femoral nerve block under ultrasound guidance is a safe, easy, and effective technique to reduce intra-operative and postoperative pain in patients undergoing EVLA without significant complications.
Effectiveness of the Buzzy Bee device on pain perception during invasive pricks among school age children: An interventional study
Authors: Al Battashi Ghadeer , AL-Shibli Zainab Said , Alghafri Abeer Issa , Alyazeedi Omar Mohammed , Alkalbani Ali Saif , Francis Frincy , Gopakumar G
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND:

Children often develop phobia toward needle pricks and invasive procedures. It is difficult for medical personnel to manage children’s pain when they are in the hospital. When it comes to assessing and treating children’s discomfort, nurses interact with them the most. The main objective of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Buzzy Bee device on pain perception among children undergoing invasive needle pricks as part of their treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The study used a quantitative approach with a quasi-experimental design employing simple random sampling. A post-test-only design was used. After obtaining ethical clearance, data collection was done in the pediatric outpatient department and pediatric wards of Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman, between February 2020 and August 2021. Faces Pain Rating Scale for children was used to rate the pain during the procedure, which is a standardized tool. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23. Descriptive and inferential statistical tests were done to analyze the data.

RESULTS:

Totally, 120 children along with their parents were interested in the study. After taking appropriate parental consent and children’s assent, the participants were recruited by simple random sampling. They were equally divided into 60 in the experimental group and 60 in the control group. The mean age was 8.14 (+/-2.3) in both groups. Among the 120 samples, 63 (52.5%) of them were males and 57 (47.5%) were females. The majority of them had diagnoses like thalassemia, leukemia, and sickle cell and were getting cannulated for blood transfusion therapy. t-test shows that 51.7% (31 samples) reported no pain in the experimental group and 33.3% (20 samples) reported only mild pain, whereas in the control group, only 5.0% (3 samples) reported no pain and 21.7% (13 samples) reported mild pain. About 26.7% of the samples reported very much pain as against the 7% who reported very much pain in the interventional group. There was a statistically significant difference in the pain scores between the control group and the experimental group (likelihood ratio test, P = 0.0001). The Buzzy Bee method significantly reduced the pain.

CONCLUSION:

The introduction of a toy-like, child-friendly device, which works on the mechanism of vibrations and cold application, lessened the pain intensity during the procedure and acted as a good distractive therapy for children.
Health-promoting services provided in pharmacies
Authors: Shirdel Arash , Pourreza Abolghasem , Daemi Amin , Ahmadi Batoul
Published: August 2024

Pharmacies are a major component of health systems and a major part of health service provision. This study aimed at identifying and introducing the potentials of pharmacies in health promotion. This was a systematic review that searched PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, SID, Magiran, and IranMedex from February 1990 to September 2018 for related materials. The main search keywords were (pharmacy services), (community pharmacy services), (retail pharmacy services), (pharmacy practice intervention). Inclusion was limited to those papers that discussed the health-promoting services provided in the pharmacies. The quality of included papers was assessed by the Critical Appraisal Skills Program checklists. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses chart was followed in all stages of the study. Of the 4156 papers retrieved, 18 met the inclusion criteria and included in the analysis. Study findings were categorized into three main categories: Health and prevention services, services related to treatments, and the awareness about the pharmacies’ functions. The health and prevention category consisted of education, vaccination, screening and prevention of diseases, family planning, blood pressure monitoring, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, and weight management. The treatment-related services consisted of adherence to medication, medication consultation, minor pains, and emergency medical services. Pharmacies can provide a wide variety of services besides the medications. Purposeful development of the services provided in the pharmacies and involving them in an extended array of services may accelerate the health promotion activities of the health system and result in improved quality of life and decreased costs. To do so, the legal, educational-skill, and pricing challenges should be resolved.
Community engagement in health promotion campaigns: A qualitative photo content analysis from vitalizing communities against NCD risk factors (V-CaN) field trial in rural central India
Authors: Samanthapudi Aditya V. , Wanjari Devyani , Sharma Radhika , Rajashekhar M , Kalantri Ashwini , Raut Abhishek V. , Gupta Subodh S.
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND:

India faces a critical challenge with 5.8 million annual deaths from non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Maharashtra, where NCDs constitute 66% of the disease burden. The youth, lacking awareness, are vulnerable. Vitalizing communities against NCD risk factors (V-CaN) melawa, inspired by the “Pandharpur Wari” pilgrimage, aims to bridge implementation gaps and empower communities. “Arogya chi wari” integrates health practices with cultural events, offering a unique approach. Photo documentation from V-CaN melawa becomes a powerful tool for assessing community engagement qualitatively. The aim of the study was to qualitatively analyze photos from V-CaN melawas, exploring community engagement in health promotion against NCD risk factors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

V-CaN melawas were organized in the field practice area of the department of community medicine. These melawas were part of the cluster randomized field trial named V-CaN, which is being implemented in a rural area of the Wardha district of Maharashtra. The V-CaN days, also known as melawas, were organized with the aim of facilitating behavioral change among participants. A qualitative study using photo content analysis was conducted, reviewing 2000 pictures from 59 V-CaN melawas. Thematic content analysis was employed, with researchers selecting 61 photos based on uniqueness.

RESULTS:

Six major themes emerged: health promotion, health system involvement, intersectoral coordination, inclusiveness, community resource mobilization, and innovation. Examples include nutrition exhibitions, health screenings, and innovative games.

CONCLUSIONS:

The analysis showcases diverse community participation in V-CaN melawas, emphasizing inclusivity, collaboration, and innovation. While qualitative, the study lays the foundation for future quantitative assessments of the intervention’s impact on health outcomes and community attitudes.
Attitude of the health team to the infant home care plan during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Sotoudeh Reza , Namnabati Mahbobeh , Heidarzadeh Mohammad , Toghyani Raheleh , Bahrami Niloofar
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND:

Maintaining and improving infant health and continuing care at home are very important for the health system. According to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and its effects on the health system capacity and medical staff’s physical-mental health, this study investigated the health staff’s attitude on the implementation of an infant home care plan.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 130 nurses, midwives, and doctors working in the newborn care department in Isfahan health-therapeutic centers, with at least 6 months of work experience. The samples were selected by random multistage method and completed the researcher-made 5-point Likert questionnaire with 25 items and two areas of education support and security safety. The total score of this questionnaire varied from 25 to 125, and obtaining a score equal to or greater than 91 meant that people had a favorable opinion about home care for babies. The reliability of the questionnaire was reported by Cronbach’s α of 0.79, and content validity ratio (CVR) and content validity index (CVI) scores of 0.88–0.99 and 0.79–0.1, respectively. Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 18.0 (SPSS) (Chicago, USA) and analysis of descriptive statistics, Chi-square, and Pearson correlation tests at a 0.05 significance level.

RESULTS:

The mean score of medical staff's attitude was obtained at 77.59 ± 11.71 and the security-safety and education-support domains scores were 41.3 ± 6.34 and 36.29 ± 6.11, respectively. In addition, a significant inverted relationship was observed between the mean score of medical staffs’’attitude with age and the number of shifts.

CONCLUSION:

According to the results, the medical staff's attitude about the infant home care program is neutral, and designing a professional educational period, considering economic preparations and responsibility assurance is essential for creating confidence and acceptance of the infant home care program by the medical staff.
Appraisal the structure of diabetes self-management education and support in diabetes education units of Isfahan, Iran
Authors: Alijani Marzieh , Siavash Mansour , Abazari Parvaneh
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND:

Diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) is an approach to improve preventive practices and behaviors with a focus on decision-making, problem-solving, and self-care. The present study was designed to appraisal structural standards of Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) in Isfahan province.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The sample size included 170 files of patients with diabetes in 31 diabetes education units. The data collection tools were a checklist with 62 items and a questionnaire. Data was collected via observation and interview. In each diabetes education unit, theresearcherfirst observed the physical space and equipment of the classroom and completed the relevant items in the checklist. Then participated in one individual and one group education session and completed the checklist withthe relevant items. At the end of the session, the researcher completed the questionnaire by interviewing the educator. The collected data were described using SPSS version 21 software.

RESULTS:

Regarding the characteristics of educators. All of them had started working as an educator without completing the diabetes education courseandabout a third of them had less than one year of work experience (29%) in diabetes units. Regarding physical space, about 90% of the education units had proper lighting, cooling and heating devices, and less than half (48.4%) had proper ventilation. In 3.2% of diabetes units, educators had access to the Internet. In none of the diabetes education units(%0), there was an up-to-date and evidence-based documented curriculum.

CONCLUSION:

The results of the present study showed serious challenges in the field of the structure of DSMES in the diabetes education units of Isfahan province. Considering the necessity and critical importance of diabetes education, policymakers in the field of diabetes management can benefit fromthese results for planning to help improve this situation.
Identification of key factors affecting the future of knowledge translation in Iranian health policy-making
Authors: Mojiri Shahin , Soleymani Mohammad Reza , Sajadi Haniye Sadat , Ashrafi-Rizi Hasan , Sahebzadeh Mandana , Demneh Mohsen Taheri
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND:

Production, publication, and effective of academic research in health policy-making are tools to strengthen interactions between policy-makers, the scientific community, and the public. The purpose of this study was to identify the key factors of knowledge translation in the policy-making of the health system in Iran using the structural analysis method.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This future study was conducted using the foresight structural analysis method for a 10-year horizon in Iran from 2022 to 2031. Initially, 183 factors were identified by literature review and interviews with experts. In the next step, factors were reduced to 34 factors based on the research team’s opinions by merging similar items and removing fewer related items. Then, 34 factors were sent to the experts through an online questionnaire. Nineteen factors were identified with importance and uncertainty above the average. Then, the average degree of cross-impact of the selected factors in the matrix was scored by 11 experts in a focus group meeting, ranged from 3 (strong) to 1 (weak). The cross-impact of these factors was analyzed using MICMAC software.

RESULTS:

Five factors, including “policy-making method,” “role and function of universities,” “specialized services of knowledge brokering,” “international conflicts,” and “policy-makers’ trust in university researches,” were identified as key factors due to their high influence and effectiveness.

CONCLUSION:

The results of this study will help the research managers of the universities to be more informed and, therefore, more successful in their planning for more efficient utilization of the knowledge and evidence from academic research by knowing the factors influencing the translation of knowledge.
Online instructor satisfaction measure: Psychometric properties of the Persian version in nursing–midwifery faculty members
Authors: Firouzbakht Mojgan , Sharif-Nia Hamid , Jamali Bita , Kazeminavaei Fatemeh
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND:

Faculty satisfaction with online teaching is essential for having effective online courses, and student success. Hence, a standard and suitable measure for the evaluation of satisfaction from online learning is required. This study was conducted to psychometrically evaluate the Persian version of the Online Instructor Satisfaction Measure (OISM) in nursing–midwifery faculty members.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A cross-sectional methodology study was conducted among Iranian nursing–midwifery faculty members (n = 400) from April to May 2020. After forward–backward translation, the face and content validity were assessed. The construct validity of the questionnaire was evaluated through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and its convergent and discriminant validities were evaluated. The reliability of the questionnaire was also evaluated through Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega.

RESULTS:

Five factors (instructor-student interaction, student-student interaction, affordance, institutional support, and course design/development/teaching interaction) were identified in the exploratory factor analysis (χ
2 (241) = 379.43, P < .001, χ
2/df = 1.574, GFI = 0.888, CFI = 0.939, IFI =.940, TLI =.930, RMSEA (90% C.I.) =.049 [.039.,058]). The questionnaire had acceptable content and convergent validity. The questionnaire had acceptable reliability.

CONCLUSIONS:

The findings of the study supported the adequate reliability, factorial, and convergent validities of OISM in a sample of Iranian nursing–midwifery faculty members.
Prescription pattern of drugs in post-COVID-19 mucormycosis patients in Government General Hospital, Kakinada – A retrospective study
Authors: Saranraj K. , Kiran P. Usha
Published: August 2024

INTRODUCTION:

Mucormycosis, or zygomycosis, is an aggressive fungal infection caused by Mucorales, posing a significant threat, particularly to immunocompromised individuals. Its incidence has surged in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, necessitating a deeper understanding of its management strategies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This retrospective cross-sectional study analyzed prescription patterns for post-COVID-19 mucormycosis in a tertiary care hospital. Medical records of 108 patients diagnosed with post-COVID-19 mucormycosis were reviewed to extract relevant data.

RESULTS:

The study revealed notable patterns in prescription management, including a male predominance (78.3%) and a mean age of 52.41 years. Diabetes mellitus was prevalent (95%), emphasizing its association with mucormycosis. Antifungal therapy, primarily posaconazole (95%), and adjunctive treatments varied. Surgical intervention, particularly debridement (70%), was crucial. Analgesic therapy, notably diclofenac (52%), and other medications were commonly prescribed, reflecting the complex health-care needs of mucormycosis patients.

CONCLUSION:

The study provides valuable insights into prescription patterns in post-COVID-19 mucormycosis, emphasizing the need for tailored approaches to optimize outcomes in this vulnerable patient population. Understanding prescription patterns for post-COVID-19 mucormycosis is vital for guiding clinical decision-making and optimizing treatment strategies in this vulnerable patient population. Further research is warranted to address limitations and enhance patient care and outcomes.
A rare case of lichen planus pemphigoides induced by metformin
Authors: Soman Surya , Mathews Swetha Reba , George Nikhil , Jesurun R. S. Jacob
Published: August 2024

Metformin is an oral antidiabetic drug of the class biguanides. It can rarely cause dermatological adverse drug reactions (ADRs), of which, lichen planus pemphigoides is an extremely rare ADR. This case report emphasizes the chance of potential immune reaction with metformin and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of the ADR.
Autoantibodies Targeting Prostate-specific Antigen: Implications in Prostate Cancer – A Narrative Review
Authors: Kumar Naina
Published: August 2024

Prostate cancer ranks second among cancers affecting men, surpassed only by lung cancer, with predominant occurrence in men over 55 years old. Primary screening method, serum total prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, lacks specificity as elevated PSA levels can occur in benign prostate conditions and other cancers such as breast, lung, and salivary gland. Furthermore, the sensitivity of PSA in prediction of prostate cancer ranges from 9% to 33%. Consequently, there is an urgent demand for precise screening tests and innovative therapeutic approaches for prostate cancer. This review explores the emerging role of PSA autoantibodies in prostate cancer diagnosis and management, alongside the development of novel vaccines utilizing these antibodies against prostate cancer cells. Literature search spanned from October 1987 to September 2023 across databases including PubMed, SCOPUS, and EMBASE, encompassing numerous English peer-reviewed journals. Additional data were gathered from agencies, including WHO and ICMR, for updated global and Indian figures on prostate cancer. Key search terms included “Prostate cancer incidence and screening,” “Prostate-Specific antigen,” “PSA autoantibodies,” “New diagnostic techniques for prostate cancer,” and “Vaccines for prostate cancer.” Hence, PSA autoantibodies exhibit promising potential for diagnostic and therapeutic applications in prostate cancer. Unlike conventional PSA test alone, PSA autoantibodies in combination with PSA offer enhanced specificity and sensitivity of 79% and 84% in detecting prostate cancer. Their integration into screening protocols could significantly improve early detection rates and enable timely intervention. Furthermore, the development of vaccines utilizing PSA autoantibodies marks a notable advancement in prostate cancer treatment, holding promise for more targeted and effective therapeutic strategies.
Preoperative Care and Prehabilitation for Colorectal Surgery: Establishing a Program in Turkiye
Authors: Ozata Ibrahim H. , Killi Nesrin E. , Karatasli Seyhmus , Karahan Salih N. , Narin Arif E. , Rencuzogullari Ahmet , Bugra Dursun , Balik Emre
Published: August 2024

The ERAS guidelines include recommendations for preoperative care, including patient education and counseling, nutritional and physical activity assessment, psychological rehabilitation, lifestyle recommendations, and metabolic assessment of comorbidities. Based on comprehensive assessments, establishing an individualized preoperative care and prehabilitation program is crucial to acquire better postoperative outcomes. Since the release of the latest ERAS guidelines for colorectal surgery in 2018, research on preoperative care and prehabilitation has been accelerating. To standardize this process, it is essential to establish a multidisciplinary team and a prehabilitation unit that includes healthcare professionals from various medical subspecialties and reinforces communication through an institutional and collaborative approach. The positive impact of such preoperative interventions on the postoperative period has been demonstrated in many countries, leading to the establishment of prehabilitation units. However, such prehabilitation units are lacking in Turkiye, highlighting a significant gap that needs to be addressed.