bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
English as a Medium of Instruction in Vietnamese Universities
Authors: Van Nguyen Huy , Phương Trần T. T. , Ngo Phuong Le Hoang
Published: March 2024

Drawing on Kaplan and Baldauf's framework for language policy and planning, this study was designed to shed light on the English as a medium of instruction (EMI) policy in higher education programs in Vietnam. Three groups of participants, including administrators, teachers, and students, were invited to join the study. The data obtained from questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were analyzed and categorized following Kaplan and Baldauf's framework using major aspects related to access, personnel, curriculum, methods, learning materials, resources, community involvement, and student assessment. The study results highlight a stratum of opinions and comments from those involved in the implementation of EMI policy, as well as the challenges they had to deal with. The study speaks to the literature on EMI policy in developing educational contexts and the nexus between global mandates and local constraints.
Minimal English Pedagogical Scripts as Complementary Classroom Instruction in English Speech Acts to Vietnamese EFL Learners
Authors: Vo Lien-Huong
Published: March 2024

Literature in language teaching mainly discusses learners' transfer of speech act expressions from their mother tongue to English without suggesting many ways to raise learners' awareness of producing English speech acts appropriately. The most common solution is the “prescribed” strategies presented in interlanguage studies. On the premise that language classroom inputs can be enhanced with complementary metalanguage instruction, this chapter proposes Minimal English pedagogical scripts developed based on the Natural Semantic Metalanguage (NSM) theory for Vietnamese learners of English. The chapter covers the NSM basic concepts, including the newly introduced Minimal English, explains NSM component phrases in scripts, and illustrates cultural and cognitive differences between English native speakers and Vietnamese learners in performing two speech acts, namely request and compliment response. Pedagogical scripts for making requests and compliment responses in English are recommended, accordingly. The chapter also suggests pedagogical script templates for other English speech acts.
Speculation of Stock Marketing Using Advanced Recursive Techniques
Authors: Kumar Neeraj , Chauhan Ritu
Published: March 2024

In the current scenario, the economic status of countries is dependent on stock markets. However, predicting the future prices of any stock is a multifaceted task, as the nature of data is complex and unstructured in nature, which is difficult understand. The focus of the study relies on applying deep neural techniques with regression-based application to discover knowledge from financial databases. The authors have applied LSTM, an advanced version of RNN, and regression-based methods such as ARIMA for predicting future prices of stocks. The study was supported by implementing the techniques on real-world data that was captured from SBI for 6 years. The data has significant opening and closing prices of stock markets. To implement the current study approach, the authors have utilized Python language, where result predicts various performance parameters such as MAE, MSE, RMSE, and bias for both LSTM as well as ARIMA. The performance matrix of LSTM and ARIMA were compared for MAE (mean absolute error) for LSTM, which is 4.32, whereas for ARIMA is 3.83. Also, MSE (mean squared error) value for LSTM is 29.52, for ARIMA was 24.53, and RMSE (root mean squared error) for LSTM and ARIMA are 5.43 and 4.95. The overall accuracy of both of the algorithm were widely applied for real-world prediction among the stock market analysis.
Sustainability Reporting in IT Sector vs. Other Sectors
Authors: Buallay Amina
Published: March 2024

This study investigates the relationship between the level of sustainability reporting and information technology (IT) sectors' performance (operational, financial, and market) and compares the results with other sectors. The findings elicited from the empirical results demonstrate that there is a significant negative relationship between ESG and IT sector market performance (TQ). The study contributes to the literature of sustainability accounting by providing records of the cross-sector's experiences. It could serve as a guide to firms that wish to adopt sustainability reporting. Moreover, as the study adopted worldwide and used macroeconomic variables, it contributes to the literature of the economic implications of sustainability reporting. ‎
Beverages of Coffee and Phytochemicals Present in Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora – A Review
Authors: Dulmini A. D. Theeshya
Published: March 2024

Coffee plant which belongs to Rubiaceae family, generally grows along the equator in tropical and subtropical areas. The generic name, coffee, covers about 100 species of plants, but the two main species used for making beverages are called Coffea arabica (Arabica, accounting for 60-70% of the world’s production) and Coffea canephora (Robusta). Coffee plant contains phytochemicals such as sugars, proteins, organic acids, flavonoids and polyphenols, etc. Coffee is a reputed folk medicinal plant containing phytochemicals, which exhibit mainly antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-diabetes properties. Caffeine is one of the most controversial phytochemicals present in coffee. Caffeine amount per 100 mL of coffee brew from medium roasted coffee can vary from 50 mg to 380 mg. A typical cup (240 mL) of coffee can contain 70-140 mg of caffeine and if one drinks more than 4 cups of coffee per day, he or she is considered to be addicted to caffeine, which may cause caffeinism. Nowadays decaffeinated coffee beverages are popular among people as it consists of extremely low caffeine content; about 1 mg per 100 mL. Decaffeination can be achieved by using organic solvents, carbon dioxide, water, or using different absorbents. Lots of coffee beverages are categorized by the brewing method and most of them are prepared by mixing the brew in water, milk or ice-cream. The scope of this overview is to discuss the importance of the types of phytochemicals present and the types of coffee beverages.
Perception of burnout syndrome among nurses providing nursing care in the emergency room at a hospital in Riau Province
Authors: Lastari Raja Fitrina , Sari Gusvita , Sari Siska Mayang , Erianti Susi , Rajunitrigo Rajunitrigo
Published: March 2024

The demands to nurses in the Emergency Room (ER) can lead to stress, potentially causing Burnout Syndrome. This may diminish the effectiveness of the nursing care provided to patients. This study aimed to explore the experience of Burnout Syndrome among nurses in the ER using a descriptive qualitative research design. Ten nurses from the ER participated in the study. All participants provided consistent answers, leading researchers to conclude data saturation through purposive sampling. In-depth interviews with a semi-structured format were conducted for data collection, and the Collaizi technique was employed for analysis. Findings revealed that nurses exhibited signs of Burnout Syndrome, such as physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion, while providing patient care, attributing this to the substantial workload.
Analysis of the effect of brown rice, tuna, cucumber, and pineapple treatment on proteinuria and albuminuria in Wistar Rats strain with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Tasnim Tasnim , Saranani Selpirahmawati
Published: March 2024

This study aims to determine how nutrition therapy with brown rice, tuna fish, pineapple, and cucumber affects proteinuria and albuminuria in male Wistar rats with chronic kidney disease (CKD). In this study, 16 male Wistar rats with CKD were divided into four groups. The result states that the third treatment, consisting of 341 g/kg BW (Body Weight)/day brown rice, 15 g/kg BW/day tuna fish, 2 g/kg BW/day pineapple, and 2 g/kg BW/day cucumber could reduce both proteinuria (p < 0.01) and albuminuria (p < 0.01) in rats. However, the first (250 g brown rice, 13 g/kg BW/day tuna fish, 1 g/kg BW/day pineapple, 1 g/kg BW/day cucumber) and second treatment (296 g/kg BW/day brown rice, 14 g/kg BW/day tuna fish, 1.5 g/kg BW/day pineapple, 1.5 g/kg BW/day cucumber) could not reduce the levels of proteinuria and albuminuria in rats. In conclusion, giving a balanced diet containing 341 g/kg BW/day of brown rice, 15 g/kg BW/day of tuna fish, 2 g/kg BW/day of pineapple, and 2 g/kg BW/day of cucumber for CKD can maintain body fluid and increase the re-absorption of proteins and albumin. Therefore, the third nutrition formula can be recommended to people with kidney disease after clinical tests on humans.
COVID-19 vaccine and hepatitis: A mini review
Authors: Joob Beuy , Wiwanitkit Viroj
Published: March 2024

An efficient vaccine is urgently required due to the high death rate and quick spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Several reports on the side effects of the vaccine have focused on the negative effects of the COVID-19 inoculation. Clinical hepatology is quite concerned about the liver issue that manifests after receiving the COVID-19 vaccination. The COVID-19 vaccination may result in a variety of clinical problems, including hepatitis. Regarding the underlying pathogenesis, the autoimmune pathological process is usually mentioned. Immunopathological processes are likely to be implicated in the COVID-19 vaccine-related hepatitis, despite the fact that the exact cause is yet unknown.
Infection with uropathogenic Escherichia coli-mimicked lupus
Authors: Ramadoss Ishwarya , Narayanaswamy Sudha , Rajamurugan Arul
Published: March 2024

Antinuclear antibody detection by indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) is considered a hallmark for the diagnosis of systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) pattern is being increasingly detected in infectious diseases. Infections can mimic features of autoimmune disease and may trigger autoimmunity in genetically predisposed individuals. These may lead to a diagnostic dilemma in certain situations. A middle-aged woman, with comorbidities of diabetes mellitus and systemic hypertension, presented with a history of polyarthralgia, fever, altered sensorium, and status epilepticus. Examination showed hepatosplenomegaly and axillary lymphadenopathy. Investigations revealed elevated acute phase reactants, bicytopenia, transaminitis, and wedge infarct in spleen with coexistence of urosepsis with Escherichia
coli and tropical infection. Immunological tests detected PCNA by IIF and immunoblot. The patient was treated with sensitive parenteral antibiotics and on improvement discharged. Possible explanation could be due to synthesis of biofilm by invading bacteria would have resulted in formation of an amyloid scaffold such as curli. This could have transported and presented antigens for autoantibody production. Diabetes mellitus, a state of chronic inflammation, would have accentuated NETosis. Differentiating systemic lupus erythematosus from infectious diseases is challenging. They share similar pathogenesis and clinical features. The need for the initiation of immunosuppressive therapy in lupus necessitates for absolute need for new biomarkers and tests for its differentiation from infectious diseases.
Asthma prediction and monitoring
Authors: Kavitha K S , Monisha M , Nischitha M , Nisha M , Raksitha A
Published: March 2024

This literature survey paper provides a comprehensive examination of recent advancements in asthma attack prediction, with a distinct focus on the combination of machine learning (ML) and mobile health technologies. Asthma, as a complex and variable condition, necessitates personalized approaches for effective management, and this survey explores the emerging landscape of predictive tools that leverage diverse data sources. The paper reviews studies that utilize various predictors, including symptoms, physiological measures, and environmental factors, to strengthen the accuracy of predicting asthma attacks. While considerable growth has been made, the survey also highlights existing challenges such as the requirement for external validation, data privacy concerns, and the significance of larger and more representative datasets. Furthermore, the paper discusses the potential implications of these predictive models in real-world clinical practice and the ongoing efforts required to seamlessly integrate the existing asthma management strategies. As the field continues to evolve, this literature survey focuses on providing a greater understanding of the present state, challenges, and future directions in the dynamic intersection of asthma management, ML, and mobile health technologies.
Psychological and other Correlates of Academic Performance in Medical Students at a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Semwal Priyanka , Kumari Ranjeeta , Rawat Vikram Singh , Aravindan Nisarg , Dhankar Anushikha
Published: March 2024

Background:

High percentage of medical students showed multiple psychological factors that may interfere with their academic performance and identifying the problems in early stage and providing them advice is very important for their mental health.

Methodology:

The study targeted undergraduate medical students studying at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India. Selected students completed the self-administered questionnaire comprising the psychological correlates such as perceived stress scale, Pittsburgh sleep quality index, ten-item personality inventory, and other correlates such as sociodemographic and scholastic characteristics. The association of these psychological and other correlates with academic performance was analyzed using the Chi-square test at P >0.05.

Results:

Students with poor sleep quality 60.2% and 57.1% of students had high-stress levels perform well in academics. 70.2% of girls and 64.5% of general category students performed well in academics. Student’s family head having a professional degree was associated with good performance in academics 64.3%. Moreover, students belonging to the upper class (69.2%) performed better. No significant association was observed between psychological correlates with academic performance but observed between sociodemographic and scholastic variables with academic performance.

Conclusion:

Among undergraduate medical students, there was no significant association of psychological correlates such as stress level, sleep quality, and anxiety trait with academic performance.
Problematic Internet Use Among School-Going Adolescents in India
Authors: Joseph Jaison , Varghese Abin , Vijay VR , Dhandapani Manju , Grover Sandeep , Sharma Suresh K , Singh Meenu , Mann Sucheta , Varkey Biji P.
Published: March 2024

Background:

Problematic internet use (PIU) among school going adolescents constitutes a major area of concern. However, no comprehensive reports are available to determine the magnitude of the problem. This study aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of PIU among school going adolescents in India.

Methods:

We conducted a systematic review and meta analysis of 15 studies conducted in various parts of India.

Results:

The prevalence of moderate and severe PIU among Indian school going adolescents was 21.5% (95% CI: 17.0%–26.8%) and 2.6% (95% CI: 1.6%–4.2%) based on the Young Internet Addiction Test (Y IAT) cutoff points of 50 and 80, respectively. In subgroup analysis, it was found that the year of publication, gender, sampling method, and severity of addiction had a significant effect on the prevalence estimates.

Conclusions:

Currently, the use of the internet is rampant in India and our findings reflect nationally representative data on the magnitude of PIU among school going adolescents. About one fifth of school going adolescents are at risk of PIU in this setting. There is a need for further research in the reconsideration of cut off points of the Y IAT among Indian adolescents.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Hypertension among Police Personnel of District Gwalior- A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Chauhan Vikrant S. , Bansal Manoj , Sharma Vikash , Gupta Rajesh
Published: March 2024

Context:

Hypertension is an emerging public health problem due to its high prevalence and association with cardiovascular and overall morbidity and mortality. Police personnel constitute a special occupational group with exposure to violence and stress at work, which affects their health directly and indirectly.

Methodology:

A cross-sectional study was conducted to find out the prevalence of hypertension and its relation with respect to police duty profile along with other risk factors among the police personnel of the Gwalior district stationed at various police stations.

Results:

In total, 402 police personnel were included in the study. Forty (14.7%) participants reported that they had h/o hypertension, while 26 (9.5%) reported that they were diagnosed as hypertensive in recent 1–2 months. As per the findings of our study, 273 (67.91%) participants come out to be hypertensive; among them, 207 (75.8%) were diagnosed in the current study. With increase in hierarchy, more police personnel suffered with hypertension.

Conclusions:

Long duty hours, higher rank, prolonged service duration, and inappropriate eating habits are the significant factors for the high prevalence of hypertension in police personnel.
Systematic Review of Excess Mortality in India during the Covid-19 Pandemic with Differentiation between Model-Based and Data-Based Mortality Estimates
Authors: Natarajan Subramanian , Subramanian Poonam
Published: March 2024

Background:

COVID-19 has proven to be the worst pandemic in the history of mankind. While the pandemic still continues to perplex scientists globally, attempts are being made to quantify the mortality caused by the pandemic. Official COVID-19 figures in India grossly understate the true scale of the pandemic in the country. Fatality rates help us understand the severity of a disease, identify at risk populations, and evaluate quality of healthcare. Official COVID-19 mortality figures in India grossly understate the true scale of the pandemic in the country. A COVID-19 death is defined for surveillance purposes as a death resulting from a clinically compatible illness in a probable or confirmed COVID-19 case, unless there is a clear alternative cause of death that cannot be related to COVID-19 disease (e.g., trauma) and excess mortality is defined as the difference in the total number of deaths in a crisis compared to those expected under normal conditions.

Materials and Methods:

We did a systematic review of multiple papers on PubMed, Medline, Embase, MedRxiV pre print on excess mortality. Differentiation between model based estimated excess mortality and data based excess mortality was studied.

Results:

All the studies showed that the excess mortality was to the tune of almost three times the official figures. The model based excess mortality assumptions showed higher deaths as compared to the data based one. However, there were a lot of discrepancies in the data provided by various states along with variations observed between the two waves as well. Health survey data suggested higher mortality rate as compared to data compiled from the civil registration system. Additionally, in the second wave, a small but a significant number of deaths occurred due to non availability of oxygen and beds in the hospitals.

Conclusions:

Official COVID-19 deaths have entirely failed to capture the scale of pandemic excess mortality in India. If most excess deaths were, indeed, from COVID-19 then under ascertainment of COVID-19 deaths has been high, with around 8-10 excess deaths for every recorded COVID-19 death.
Assessment of Workplace Hygiene among Contractual Workers in the Steel and Power Industry of Odisha, India
Authors: Dehury Parthsarathi , Kumar K. Anil , Dehury Ranjit Kumar
Published: March 2024

Background:

Workplace hygiene is vital in controlling infectious diseases in industries. The factors like unhealthy environment, unhygienic workplace, and contact between healthy and disease-affected employees cause industrial hazards in workplaces.

Objectives:

This study assessed various components of workplace hygiene among industrial workers.

Materials and Methods:

A quantitative survey has been conducted in a steel, and power industry limited in Odisha. The study surveyed 425 male contractual workers for primary data on workplace hygiene. Probability proportion to sample technique adopted for justification of the sample. The univariate and bivariate analysis models have been done according to the study’s objective.

Results:

Nearly 92% of respondents reported proper use of washing facilities, and 97% used toilet and urinal appropriately. One-fourth of respondents use personal disinfected clothing, and 92.2% have access to safe drinking water. The factors such as education, technical education, and occupation are significantly associated with respondents’ use of washing facilities, dining hall, personal protective clothing, safe drinking water, proper cleaning, and sanitation at the workplace.

Conclusion:

Workplace hygiene strengthens the safety measures at the workplace and reduces the incidences of occupational hazards.
A Case-Control Study on Mucormycosis in Tertiary Care Hospital, Bhopal
Authors: Toppo Manju , Gour Devendra , Lodha Rama Singodiya , Kamble Mugdha , Keerthana S.
Published: March 2024

Background:

The term mucormycosis refers to any fungal infection caused by fungi belonging to the Mucorales order. The disease often manifests in the skin and also affects the lungs and the brain. A large number of Mucormycosis cases were detected in Delhi, Maharashtra and Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh.

Objectives:

(1) To describe the epidemiology, management, and outcome of individuals with mucormycosis. (2) To evaluate the risk factors associated with cases and control.

Methodology:

A case–control study, conducted in Hamidia Hospital, Bhopal, for 5 weeks. One hundred and sixty-eight patients diagnosed clinically with radiological or pathological findings was considered a case of Mucormycosis. Control was taken from March 2020 to May 28, 2021, the list of COVID-19-positive patients obtained from IDSP, MP.

Results:

Majority of the study participants were among the age group of 51–60 years and comprising 69.6% of males. Diabetes mellitus is the major comorbidity found in both cases (87.58%) and in controls (20.0%).

Conclusion:

There is a need to stress to control hyperglycemia, and monitor blood glucose levels after discharge following COVID-19 treatment.
Evaluation of Indian Diabetes Risk Score and Random Blood Sugar Testing for Opportunistic Screening of Type 2 Diabetes Patients at a District Hospital of Gujarat
Authors: Fichadiya Nilesh Chandrakant , Kadri Ammiruddin M. , Dave Bhargav B.
Published: March 2024

Background:

India is home to 69.2 million diabetics. For opportunistic screening of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), random capillary blood sugar (RBS) testing is used. Another method is Indian Diabetes Risk Score (IDRS), which is a simple and cost effective method for opportunistic screening of type 2 DM patients. The aim is to evaluate the screening test parameters of RBS testing and IDRS for opportunistic screening of undiagnosed type 2 DM patients.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional study was done during February 2017 to August 2017 at a district hospital of Western Gujarat. A sample size of 317 patients was calculated using Buderer’s formula. Systematic random sampling was used and every third patient was selected from the general Outpatient Department(OPD) attendees of 30 years or more. MS Excel and Epi Info v7.2 was used for statistical analysis. Screening parameters and accuracy of IDRS and RBS were calculated taking result of the oral glucose tolerance test as clinical reference.

Results:

The mean age of study participants was 50.9 (SD 12.17) years with 44.2% males and 55.8% females. Sensitivity and specificity of RBS was 72.4% and 69.1%. Sensitivity and specificity of IDRS was 93.1% and 29.0%. On simultaneous (parallel) screening by IDRS and RBS, sensitivity was 98.3% and specificity was 23.2%. In sequential screening, where IDRS was used followed by RBS, sensitivity was 67.2% and specificity was 74.9%.

Conclusions:

This study has found that sequential screening using a simple diabetes risk score like IDRS followed by RBS is having higher accuracy and reduced cost of opportunistic screening of type 2 diabetes. Adopting sequential screening using IDRS as first step of screening followed by RBS in those found as high risk by IDRS is recommended.
Development and Validation of Scale Assessing the Preparedness of Objective Structured Clinical Examination in Undergraduate Competency based Medical Education
Authors: Krishnamoorthy Yuvaraj , Kannusamy Sivaranjini , Ganesh Karthika , Thulasingam Mahalakshmy , Lakshminarayanan Subitha , Kar Sitanshu S.
Published: March 2024

Background:

Formative assessments methods such as objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) are reliable and valid assessment tools employed under the competency-based medical education (CBME) curriculum. However, there was no uniform scale to assess the attributes of OSCE for any of the medical subjects. Hence, this study was done to develop and validate a scale to assess the attributes of OSCE and make sure that the intended objectives of the OSCE are achieved.

Methods:

The scale was developed using literature review and expert opinion. It consisted of 10 questions and response to these items was based on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from “strongly agree” to “strongly disagree.” The final version was administered among 30 students undertaking survey community diagnosis (CD) posting during their third semester. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis was performed to validate the scale.

Results:

Two-factor structures were obtained with eigenvalues of 4.32 and 1.90. Factor 1 consisted of seven items (positively faced questions) accounting for 42.84% of the variance, whereas Factor 2 had the remaining three items (negatively faced questions) explaining 19.36% of the variance. Thus, together, the two factors explained 62.20% of the variance. Goodness-of-fit indices revealed good Comparative fit index (CFI) s of 0.90, Tucker Lewis index (TLI) of 0.87, and acceptable Standardized Root Mean Square Residua (SRMR) of 0.13. The reliability coefficient (Cronbach’s alpha) for the scale was 0.81.

Conclusion:

This study develops and validates a scale that can be used universally for assessing the attributes of OSCE across all disciplines and in medical education institutes in India.
Implementation of Article 5.3 of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control
Authors: Kumar Praveen , Kamath Veena , Kamath Asha , Bhojani Upendra , Chugh Aastha , Bassi Shalini , Kulkarni Muralidhar M.
Published: March 2024

Background:

Article 5.3 of the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control necessitates the governments to take measures to protect health policy from the commercial and other vested interests of the tobacco industry (TI). Considering the vast geographical area and diversity between states within India, it is necessary to evaluate the level of implementation of Article 5.3 at the sub-national level. Hence, this study was conducted to assess the implementation of Article 5.3 in the Karnataka state of southern India.

Materials and Method:

Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance Tobacco Industry Interference index was adopted and used for the study. A desk review was conducted for 2018. Publicly available evidence of tobacco industry interference was scored based on its frequency, severity, and the government’s response to it. Lower the score, effective the level of governance against the TI interference, which predicts well for the state.

Results:

The study demonstrates a score of 46 out of 95 in the implementation of Article 5.3 in Karnataka, which is lower when compared to the national score of 69 out of 100 for 2018. Corporate social responsibility, conflict of interest, and unnecessary interactions with TI are the major areas that need focus to comply with the provisions of Article 5.3.

Conclusion:

Overall, Karnataka needs to strengthen the implementation of Article 5.3 and develop a strategy in line with the global best practices. This assessment can help in identifying areas requiring enhanced vigilance to avoid industry interference.
Situational Analysis of Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram at One of the Districts of Gujarat
Authors: Shah Tejas , Prajapati Bipin , Shah Venu
Published: March 2024

Background:

Rastriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK) is a holistic approach implemented for betterment of adolescent health. Barriers in the implementation can be identified by conducting the situational analysis of any program. The present study is a part of the multi-centric study conducted at Sabarkantha district for situational analysis of RKSK. To assess the implementation of various components under RKSK at various levels of health facilities, 2) to identify the barriers faced by services providers in RKSK implementation, and 3) to identify the perception of beneficiaries regarding RKSK.

Materials and Methods:

A Cross-sectional study using a mixed method approach was conducted to review the implementation of the RKSK program at Sabarkantha district. In-depth interview of health personnel involved in implementation of RKSK was conducted using pre-structured and pre-tested interview guide. Ongoing sessions of Adolescent Friendly Health Clinics (AFHCs) were examined, and exit interview of adolescents was conducted. Adolescents residing within limits of the defined facility were also interviewed. Frequency and percentages were used for descriptive analysis, and a thematic qualitative analysis approach was used for qualitative aspects.

Results:

RKSK was implemented successfully at Primary Health Centers. Infrastructure for AFHC was inadequate particularly at higher care facilities. Weekly Iron Folic Acid Supplementation (WIFS) was successfully implemented in the district. Overall sessions conducted at AFHC were found to be satisfactory. Adolescents interviewed in the community were satisfied with the services delivered to them under RKSK.

Conclusion:

For better implementation of RKSK, there is a need to focus on certain issues such as inadequate infrastructure of AFHCs, the lack of trained counselors, unavailability of sanitary pads, and inadequate participation of adolescents from the community in availing RKSK services.
Cost-Effectiveness of mHealth Intervention (TeCHO+) for Improving Maternal and Child Health Indicators in Gujarat, India
Authors: Saha Somen , Pandya Apurvakumar , Raval Devang , Saxena Deepak
Published: March 2024

Background:

Gujarat has implemented an mHealth program, technology for community health operations-plus (TeCHO+) in 2019. TeCHO+ is a mobile and web-based application that essentially enables data entry by the frontline workers providing service at the time and place of service delivery to improve the coverage and data quality. It also facilitates early identification of morbid condition and timely treatment. This study assessed the cost-effectiveness of TeCHO+ program in Gujarat.

Materials and Methods:

The study compared key program outcome indicators before and after the launch of TeCHO+ program. As the program was launched across the State, eMamta, the previous version of mother and child tracking system was used for comparison. A decision tree was parameterized to estimate change in disability-adjusted life year (DALY) and cost as a result of implementing TeCHO+ from a health system perspective.

Results:

TeCHO+ incurred a cost of Rs. 2,624 per beneficiary against Rs. 1,075 per beneficiary under the previous eMamta program. TeCHO+ has resulted in significant DALY averted through early identification of high-risk cases both among pregnant women and children. Overall, cost-effectiveness analysis indicated that TeCHO+ incurred an incremental cost of Rs. 1802.84 per DALY averted, which is 1.19% of the GDP per capita of India (year 2020).

Conclusion:

This study concludes that TeCHO+ is cost-effective for mother and child care and can be considered for replicating.
Psychosocial Factors in Brain Infections Research in the Last Decade
Authors: Nair Vasundharaa S. , Thomas Priya Treesa , Netravathi M
Published: March 2024

Background:

Brain infections are serious neurological events that require immediate care, with around 171 districts of 19 states in India reporting cases every year. Along with the biomedical factors, psychosocial factors of health (BPS) are influential in the outcomes of brain infections as well.

Materials and Methods:

A scoping review was conducted to understand the psychosocial factors explored in brain infections in the last decade. Articles focusing on social, psychological, public health factors, sequelae, and rehabilitation of inflammatory conditions, both pathogenic and autoimmune were covered. The search was conducted using keywords related to brain infections in electronic databases: PubMed, EBSCO, ProQuest, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Prisma-ScR guidelines were used to screen articles and the identified factors were categorized under eight psychosocial factors using Arksey and O’Malley’s framework of analysis.

Results:

From a total of 6012 documents retrieved, 11 articles met the criteria. Global burden associated with brain infections, disability and death, the vulnerable population at risk of developing brain infections, gaps in existing literature, pathways to care, mental health, cognitive difficulty associated with infections and their sequelae were the major psychosocial factors identified.

Conclusions:

The review focussed to understand the multitude of psychosocial factors causing delay and damage in brain infections in LMIC context. Along with biomedical factors, there exist several psychosocial factors that could potentially influence the outcome of treatment in brain infections. However, only few have been explored, suggesting the need for more studies to inform the care and sustainable interventions at the macro level to improve the outcomes and reduce the burden in brain infections.
The Efficiency of Anganwadi Centers Located in Rural Field Practice Area of a Medical College in North India
Authors: Sengar Mili , Kunwar Rajesh , Mishra Chandra Pati
Published: March 2024

Background:

The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme was launched in 1975 for the improvement in maternal and child health and nutrition. The services under ICDS are implemented through Anganwadi centers (AWCs) and are delivered by Anganwadi workers (AWWs) at grassroots level. To evaluate the efficiency of all AWCs located in the field practice area of the medical college in North India, using data envelopment analysis (DEA) technique.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted in the catchment area of rural health training center. Each of the 15 AWCs was considered a decision-making unit (DMU), and physical structure and logistics were included as input variables; and percentage of beneficiaries receiving supplementary nutrition and health checkups were included as output variables. DEA technique was used to calculate the efficiency score for each DMU with the help of DEAOS free online software.

Results:

DMU 14th was found to be most efficient (100%) and DMU second was the least efficient (45%). DMU 13 and 14 demonstrated a level of performance that is superior to all other DMUs. DMU 13th and 14th were, therefore, considered 100% efficient. DEA analysis showed that total output increases and/or input reductions were required for making the inefficient DMUs efficient.

Conclusion:

Most of the AWCs were inefficient and an improvement in the infrastructure and logistics is likely to improve the efficiency of AWCs.
Micronutrient Deficiency in Pregnancy
Authors: Gopal Muthu , Sunitha K. , Arockiasamy J. , Sibqathulla Maryam Jamila , Yuvaraj J. , Kalyanaraman Shantaraman
Published: March 2024

Background:

Micronutrients play an important role in influencing pregnancy outcomes. Anemia is common among pregnant women against which iron and folic acid supplementation programs are already in action. The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of anemic and selected micronutrient status among pregnant women.

Materials and Methods:

It is a community-based cross-sectional study. The study was carried out among pregnant women registered in Primary Health Center, Kallur, Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu, India, using a semi-structured data capture tool. The blood samples were collected following standard procedure.

Results:

The micronutrient status among 139 pregnant women were selenium <1%, copper <1%, zinc 11.5%, iodine 14.4%, Vitamin B12 41.7%, and ferritin 42.4%. Vitamin B12, zinc, and selenium levels showed a significant difference with reference values among the three trimesters. Iron and folic acid supplementation was followed by 58.7% of pregnant women. Multiple micronutrient deficiency with anemia was found among 54.6%.

Conclusion:

Anemia and micronutrient deficiency are high among pregnant women in this region. Since iron and folic acid supplementation strategies are already being implemented by the government, it is high time that we extend our health policy beyond that and plan for micronutrient supplementation as well.
A Comparative Health Assessment of Occupationally Lead Exposed Individuals with Blood Lead Levels Range across Upper Acceptable Limit
Authors: Upadhyay Kuldip , Viramgami Ankit , Balachandar Rakesh , Pagdhune Avinash , Sen Somnath , Sarkar Kamalesh
Published: March 2024

Context:

Lead (Pb) smelting workers are exposed to high lead levels and its adverse health effects. Despite no biological role, regulatory bodies regard blood lead levels (BLL) ≤40 µg/dL as upper acceptable limit in occupationally lead exposed population.

Objective:

To explore the differences in general health status of individuals with BLL ≤40 µg/dL and >40 µg/dL.

Methods:

All workers (n = 803) of age >18 years employed in a Pb smelting plant were interviewed with a semi-structured questionnaire to obtain sociodemographics, occupational details, followed by detailed clinical examination. 5 ml of venous blood was collected and BLLs were determined as per standard NIOSH method using GF-AAS technic. A complete general health status was performed including hemoglobin and blood pressure (BP).

Results:

About 47.7% of the participants exhibited high BLL (>40 µg/dL), while the rest 52.3% were identified to have ≤40 µg/dL. Both groups were grossly similar in the majority of demographic and occupational parameters. Interestingly, both groups had substantially higher fraction of workers with elevated BP.

Conclusions:

Lead exposed workers with BLL ≤40 µg/dL are at equal risk of health hazards as those with BLL >40 µg/dL. There is a need to revisit the current guidelines on the BLL for workers to protect from the hazards of chronic lead exposure.
Tobacco Cessation Program among Cab Drivers in Mumbai, India
Authors: Mishra Gauravi Ashish , Pimple Sharmila A. , Kulkarni Vasundhara Y. , Gupta Subhadra D. , Mujmudar Parishi V.
Published: March 2024

Background:

Tobacco epidemic is one of the biggest public health threats, killing nearly seven million people annually. With implementation of smoke-free public places legislation, cabs in India are smoke free. However, large majority of cab drivers are addicted to tobacco.

Aims:

The objectives were to measure cab drivers’ knowledge, attitude, and practices about tobacco pre and post intervention, educate them regarding hazards of tobacco and need for smoke-free cabs, perform oral cancer screening, and provide assistance to quit tobacco.

Subjects and Methods:

This interventional study among cab drivers was conducted in Mumbai during 2015–2018. Different cab unions in Mumbai were contacted and 400 cab drivers were enrolled and interviewed. They were offered health education, oral cancer screening, and tobacco cessation assistance at regular intervals for 1 year.

Results:

About 63.8% of cab drivers used tobacco, mainly in smokeless forms. Almost 94.1% intended to quit, 66.3% had made previous quit attempts, and 69.8% expressed the need of assistance for quitting. One hundred and twelve cab drivers were diagnosed with oral precancers and one with oral carcinoma. About 49.4% of cab drivers quit tobacco and 46.7% reduced tobacco consumption at the end of 1 year. According to multivariate logistic regression analysis, Muslim cab drivers were less likely to quit tobacco as compared to Hindus.

Conclusion:

Adherence to smoke-free laws plays a significant role in reducing exposure of cab drivers to secondhand smoke. This program demonstrates the successful implementation of tobacco cessation program that could be replicated among other workforces.
Comparative evaluation of smear layer removal by using different irrigant activation techniques: An in vitro scanning electron microscopic study
Authors: Kaur Maninder , Singla Munish , Kaur Harleen , Mittal Litik , Gupta Saloni , Joseph Mintu Maria
Published: March 2024

Aim:

This in vitro study aims to assess and compare the effectiveness of different irrigation activation techniques in removing the smear layer from the root canal dentin using Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 60 extracted single-rooted premolar with straight canal and mature apex were used for this study. After the selection of teeth, all the samples were decoronated followed by biomechanical preparation. The sample after preparation was irrigated with sodium hypochlorite and randomly divided into three groups with 20 sample in each group (n = 20), (Group 1) control, (Group 2) ultrasonic, and (Group 3) laser. The irrigant activation was done in all the groups and then sample was prepared for the scanning electron microscope analysis.

Statistical Analysis:

The statistical analysis was performed using the Mann–Whitney-U-test.

Results:

The findings suggested that the diode laser irrigant activation technique was superior to the ultrasonic and conventional techniques to eradicate smear layers.

Conclusion:

With the limitation of this study, diode laser activation showed better cleaning of root dentinal walls compared to ultrasonic activator and traditional method.
Comparative evaluation of incidence of dentinal defects after root canal preparation using three different endodontic retreatment systems – An in vitro study
Authors: Aarthi S. , Sivakumar J. S. , Sivakumar A. Andamuthu , Soundappan J. Saravanapriyan , Chittrarasu M. , Jayanthi G.
Published: March 2024

Context:

Safe and efficient removal of all root filling materials from the root canal system without compromising radicular dentin structure is essential for optimal nonsurgical retreatment.

Aims:

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the incidence of dentinal defects caused during root canal filling removal using conventional, rotary, and reciprocating retreatment file systems.

Settings and Design:

A detailed protocol explaining purpose and procedures of the study was submitted to the Institutional Ethics Committee and ethical clearance obtained.

Subjects and Methods:

Sixty human maxillary permanent central incisors were collected and decoronated to 12-mm standardized length. The canals prepared up to a master apical file size F3 with Protaper hand files, obturated using AH plus sealer, examined under the stereomicroscope (×40 magnification): Group I: Control (n = 15), Group II: Conventional (n = 15), Group III: Protaper Universal Retreatment Files (n = 15), and Group IV: Reciproc Blue (n = 15). After instrumentation, teeth were sectioned at 3, 6, and 9 mm from the apex to evaluate the presence of dentinal defects under the stereomicroscope.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Statistics were performed using the SPSS, version, 25 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Initially, normality test was done using the Shapiro–Wilk test and data were not normally distributed followed by Kruskal–Wallis test. P < 0.05 is considered statistically significant.

Results:

Maximum percentage increase in dentinal defects was observed in Protaper Universal Retreatment Files followed by Conventional method and Reciproc Blue.

Conclusions:

Significantly Reciproc Blue reduced the incidence of dentinal defects after root canal preparation.
Evaluation of different mechanical cleaning protocols associated with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite in the removal of residues from the post space
Authors: Vitória Matheus Sousa , de Almeida Eran Nair Mesquita , Barros Antonia Patricia Oliveira , de Oliveira Eliane Cristina Gulin , Costa Joatan Lucas de Sousa Gomes , Dantas Andrea Abi Rached , Kuga Milton Carlos
Published: March 2024

Aims:

This study evaluated the effectiveness of different mechanical protocols using rotary brush (RB), ultrasonic tip, and oscillatory system (OS) associated with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) in the removal of residues and dentin permeability in the cervical and apical segments of the post space.

Settings and Design:

Experimental in vitro study.

Methods:

Forty roots from human first molars were prepared and divided into four groups according to the cleaning protocols: Control (CO), NaOCl 2.5% conventional irrigation with a syringe; RB associated with NaOCl 2.5%; ultrasonic tip (US) associated with NaOCl 2.5%; OS associated with NaOCl 2.5%.

Statistical Analysis Used:

The persistence of residues was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy and data submitted to Kruskal–Wallis and Dunn tests, and dentin permeability evaluated by confocal microscopy and date submitted to ANOVA one-way and Tukey’s tests (P = 0.05).

Results:

There were no differences in residue cleaning among the CO, RB, US, and OS groups, regardless of the analyzed root segment (P > 0.05). When comparing groups, dentin permeability in the CO group was significantly lower in the cervical segment (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

The OS group promoted the highest permeability value in the apical segment. RB, US, and OS are similar in removing residues from the post space. However, OS results in higher dentin permeability in the apical segment.
Effect of herbal antioxidants on the shear bond strength of composite resin to bleached enamel at different time intervals
Authors: Kamat Sharad , Malgundkar Nakul Hemantkumar , Gupta Divya , Kamat Mamata
Published: March 2024

Background:

Anterior tooth discolorations can be treated conservatively and noninvasively through bleaching to achieve the desired esthetic outcomes. However, bleaching along with composite resin is advisable for certain clinical cases for optimum results. However, shear bond strength (SBS) of composite resin to the bleached tooth gets significantly lowered. Before placing the composite restoration, the bleached enamel needs to be treated with antioxidant agents to increase its SBS. The study aims to evaluate and compare the effect of herbal antioxidants on SBS of composite resin to bleached enamel at different time intervals.

Materials and Methods:

Sixty extracted single-rooted maxillary incisors postdecoronation, keeping their labial surfaces up were mounted in cold-cure acrylic resin. The samples were randomly divided into: Group I – unbleached; Group II – 10% pine bark extract for 10 min postbleaching; Group III – 10% pine bark extract for 20 min postbleaching; Group IV – application of 10% rosemary extract for 10 min postbleaching, Group V – application of 10% rosemary extract for 20 min postbleaching; Group VI – no application of antioxidant. 35% hydrogen peroxide was used for bleaching all the samples except those which served as negative control. Later composite cylinder 4 mm in diameter and length were built on prepared enamel. The maximum load at failure was recorded using the universal testing machine.

Statistical Analysis:

Data were analyzed using the analysis of variance and Tukey’s t-test with significance level of P < 0.05.

Results:

Highest load was exhibited by Group I. Group V showed satisfactory shear strength followed by Groups IV, III, II, and VI.

Conclusion:

Both 10% rosemary and 10% pine bark extracts showed better results when applied for 20 min as compared to 10 min application. Increased duration of antioxidant application increases the SBS.