bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Postinfectious bronchiolitis obliterans: An uncommon complication of severe viral pneumonia in an infant: A case report
Authors: Pai Kirti , Jayaram Jyothi , Vyasam Siva , Laha Wrik , Chawla Ujjwal , Thakur Chirag , Mathew Joseph L. , Paul Raneta K. , Bhatia Anmol , Angurana Suresh Kumar
Published: May 2024

Postinfectious bronchiolitis obliterans (PIBO) is a rare, chronic form of obstructive lung disease characterized by obliteration of small airways leading to clinical and radiological manifestations of smaller airway obstruction. Adenovirus is the most common viral pathogen associated with PIBO in the pediatric population. We report a 7-month-old male who developed PIBO following severe viral pneumonia to highlight the significance of early diagnosis, challenges faced during the clinical course, treatment of acute exacerbations, and long-term care.
A Survey Study between Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome and Pregnant Women, Health Promotion Program
Authors: Kadhim Makki H.
Published: May 2024

Background:

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a disease affecting the human immune system; it is caused by a virus that reduces the effectiveness of the immune system of the body to the extent that it is no longer able to fight a simple infection. The health promotion program is an important option in preventing the disease by raising the level of knowledge and information of the individual.

Objectives:

To determine the level of the pregnant women's knowledge about AIDS as well as to identify the effectiveness of the health promotion program on the knowledge and information of the pregnant women toward the disease and the relationship with some relevant variables.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Babylon/Al-Hashimiya district from September 20, 2020 to December 30, 2020. Data were collected from five health centers at Al-Hashimiya Health Sector (health centers in Al-Madhatiya, Khakan, Al-Qassim, Al-Ghazalli, and Al-Awadil), by using a special questionnaire designed for this purpose. Simple random sampling was used for the study; 300 pregnant women served as the participants attending health centers.

Results:

Result shows the majority of the pregnant women (123, 41%) were registered at age 25–29 years. With regard to education, 111 (37%) of the participants in the study sample were at secondary level of education, and about 202 (67.3%) of the participants were housewives. Regarding residency, 169 (56.3%) of the women participants were reported to be in urban areas. In addition, an analysis of the results by the “chi-square” test had reported a high significant association (P ≤ 0.01) between pregnant women's knowledge and basic sources of the information and the knowledge during the pretest and posttest period, with some factors related to the effectiveness of the health promotion program being achieved by success in the field of health promotion (15.7%) during two periods.

Conclusions:

In the present study, knowledge of pregnant women about HIV/AIDS was intermediate at (pretest) period. Whereas, during the (posttest) period, their knowledge was increased to high levels.
Oral Health–Related Quality of Life among Dental Implant Patients in Relation to Temporomandibular Joint Function
Authors: Ali Rihab Abdul , Radeef Saif Mohammed , Mohammed Nawres Bahaa , Diab Ban Sahib
Published: May 2024

Background:

The placement of dental implants may enhance the oral health–related quality of life, which may influence temporomandibular joint function.

Aim:

The purpose of this study was to compare dental implant patients with partially and fully dentate patients in terms of oral health–related quality of life related to temporomandibular joint function.

Materials and Methods:

Ninety dental implant patients aged 50–60 years were included in the study, with 90 patients from other two groups who were matched in age and gender. For evaluation of oral health–related quality of life, Arabic version of Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index was utilized. In order to define the occurrence and severity of temporomandibular joint disorders among patients, Helkimo Clinical Dysfunction Index was used. To analyze the data, SPSS 22 (Chicago, IL, USA) was employed.

Results:

Data revealed that the mean values of oral health–related quality of life and its three domains were higher among the fully dentate group than the other groups with a statistically significant difference. A similar picture was observed regarding the temporomandibular joint function. The mean values of oral health–related quality of life were decreasing significantly with increasing severity of temporomandibular disorders among the partially edentulous group. The same figure found concerning the three domains; however, the significant decreasing was found for physical domain only.

Conclusion:

After receiving oral implant therapy, the quality of life in relation to dental health had increased. The temporomandibular problems have an adverse effect on the dental health.
Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B and C Viruses among Diabetes Mellitus Patients in Duhok Province
Authors: Abdulkareem Yasen Rashad , Shaikho Sabri Khalaf
Published: May 2024

Background and Objective:

Patients with diabetes mellitus are at high risk of developing hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections owing to frequent hospitalization and blood investigations. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HBV and HCV infections among diabetes mellitus (DM) patients in Duhok.

Materials and Methods:

In this cross-sectional study, a total of 200 patients with DM type 1 and 2 were included. Patients’ serum samples were obtained to study HBsAg, and anti-HCV assays were done by the enzyme immunoassay method. Patients diagnosed to be positive for HBsAg and anti-HCV were referred to the infectious diseases unit for further evaluation.

Results:

The mean age of patients was 53.33 ± 11.25 years (mean±SD). More than two-thirds of them (70.0%) were females. The crude prevalence rates of HBV and HCV in patients with T2DM were 1.5% and 1.0%, respectively. The diabetes-specific seroprevalence of infection with HBV and HCV was 1.5% and 1.0%, respectively. The study did not show that baseline and clinical characteristics are related to developing viral hepatitis infection in diabetic patients.

Conclusion:

The study showed a very low seroprevalence of HBsAg and anti-HCV infection in type 2 diabetic patients with no relationship with clinical information.
Accuracy of C-Reactive Protein and Procalcitonin in Differentiating between Complicated and Non-complicated Acute Appendicitis Patients in Babylon Province
Authors: Al Sehlany Raad Gazy , Al-Gazally Moaed E. , Alshalah Mohend A. N.
Published: May 2024

Background:

Clinical care may be influenced by the ability to predict whether a patient has complicated appendicitis at the time of presentation. However, it is unclear whether prehospital or in-hospital factors are associated with complicated appendicitis. We also want to know if C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) can be used as supporting factors for Alvarado Score associated with complex appendicitis.

Objectives:

The aim of this study is to know the possibility of adding CRP and PCT to support the diagnostic protocol for differentiating between complicated acute appendicitis and noncomplicated acute appendicitis by knowing the sensitivity and specificity of each of them, as well as knowing which is more acceptable to add to the diagnostic protocol.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional study was carried out in the Emergency Unit at AL-Hilla Teaching Hospital in Babylon province, Hilla city, between October 2021 and January 2022. There were a total of 90 patients; CRP and PCT were measured for patients by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method, in addition to knowing their Alvarado score. SPSS software was used to conduct the statistical analysis.

Results:

At the time of surgery, 34 (40%) of the 90 patients had complicated appendicitis, whereas 54 (60%) without complication. The age and gender of the groups did not show any significant difference. The Alvarado score, CRP, and PCT levels all showed a significant difference (P < 0.05). The correlation between Alvarado score and biochemical parameters (CRP and PCT) show a significant positive correlation.

Conclusions:

CRP and PCT support Alvarado score to differentiate between complicated acute appendicitis and noncomplicated acute appendicitis, and this is evident from the significantly higher concentrations of both in patients with complicated acute appendicitis than in patients with noncomplicated acute appendicitis.
Assessment of the Serum Level of IL-1B, IL-2, and IL-10 in Children Infected with Enterobius vermicularis in Babylon Province
Authors: AL-Bairmani Aseel Sekar Naji , Al-Masoudi Hayam Khalis
Published: May 2024

Background:

Children are most frequently infected with Enterobius vermicularis, a human-pathogenic intestinal parasite that belongs to the nematodes and causes enterobiasis.

Objectives:

Evaluation of interleukin (IL)-1B and IL-2 levels in pinworm-infected youngsters is the goal.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 87 children—including 30 control subjects—participated in this study. Their ages ranged from 2 to 13 years old, and both sexes (50 females and 37 males) were represented. IL-1B, IL-2, and IL-10 levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test.

Results:

When using the cellophane tape method, the results showed that 53 (60.92%) clinically infected patients had laboratory examinations, whereas all 87 (100.0%) clinically infected patients had positive diagnostic results. Additionally, the level of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1B and IL-2) was slightly higher in the intestinal E. vermicularis, a human-pathogenic organism shown to be somewhat more prevalent in patients than in the control group in this investigation. Thirty children participated in the study. Additionally, the level of IL-10 did not increase much (P = 0.005).

Conclusion:

There was increasing serum of IL-1B, IL-2, and IL-10 in patients with enterobiasis.
The Impact of Chitosan and Ozonated Water on the Remineralization of White Spot Lesion In Vitro
Authors: Al-Ward Fatima Saeed J. , Radhi Nada Jafer M. H.
Published: May 2024

Background:

Dental caries is a complex, dynamical process that is controlled and initiated by a variety of variables.

Objective:

This study aimed to examine the ex-vivo remineralization impact of chitosan pretreated with ozonated water on artificially-induced incipient lesion.

Materials and Methods:

Artificial white spot caries was produced chemically by immersing 44 human teeth individually in demineralizing solution for 72 hours. Then the teeth were subjected to a 10-day pH cycle. Samples were assigned to four groups: (1) Control; (2) Chitosan (3) Ozonated water and (4) Chitosan application after treatment with 0.1 mg/ml ozonated water. Surface microhardness measurements were performed prior and after lesion formation then after treatment. Vickers microhardness tester and scanning electron microscope for representative teeth from the study sample were performed to assess enamel structure quantitatively and qualitatively.

Results:

The study’s findings showed that the sample from group 4 (chitosan after ozonated water treatment) had the highest level of enamel remineralization, and when compared to the control, there was a statistically significant difference(P<0.05).

Conclusion:

It could be stated that the combination of treatment of chitosan and ozone promoted the remineralization of artificially induced white spot lesion.
Evaluation of the Salivary Levels of Interleukin-17 and Galectin-3 in Patients with Periodontitis and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Abdulmajeed Samaa Mouyed , Mahmood Maha Sh
Published: May 2024

Background:

Periodontitis and type 2 diabetes mellitus are both considered as a chronic disease that affect many people and have an interrelationship in their pathogenesis.

Objective:

The aim is to evaluate the salivary levels of interleukin-17 (IL-17) and galectin-3 in patients with periodontitis and type-2 diabetes mellitus.

Materials and Methods:

The samples were gathered from 13 healthy (control group) and 75 patients split into 3 groups, 25 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and healthy periodontium (T2DM group), 25 patients with generalized periodontitis (P group), and 25 patients with generalized periodontitis and type 2 diabetes mellitus (P-T2DM group). Clinical periodontal parameters were documented. The concentration of IL-17 and galectin-3 in salivary samples was estimated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Result:

The concentration of IL-17 in the T2DM group (388.612 ± 120.111 pg/mL), the P group (443.887 ± 69.188 pg/mL), and the P-T2DM group (532.769 ± 137.673 pg/mL) showed higher values than the control group (292.079 ± 62.356 pg/mL) with a significant difference at (P < 0.05). Also, the P-T2DM group showed higher values than the P group and the T2DM group with a significant difference (P < 0.05). The concentration of galectin-3 in the T2DM group (2.409 ± 0.147 ng/mL), the P group (2.699 ± 0.386 ng/mL), and the P-T2DM group (2.568 ± 0.285 ng/mL) showed higher values than the control group (1.888 ± 0.356 ng/mL) with a significant difference (P < 0.05). The P group showed a higher value than the T2DM group with a significant difference (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Salivary IL-17 and galectin-3 levels might be used as a biomarker for periodontitis.
Clotrimazole drops or miconazole cream which is better for fungal ear infection
Authors: Bargas Omar Malik , Khalaf Qays Jaafar , Rasheed Mudhar Hameed
Published: May 2024

Background:

Otomycosis is a common condition that the otolaryngologist faces in the clinic; proper treatment and follow-up are necessary for the complete resolution of the disease.

Objectives:

To compare the efficacy of topical Miconazole cream against clotrimazole drops in the treatment of otomycosis.

Materials and Methods:

In this prospective study, 200 patients are included, and they are divided into two groups randomly. In total, 100 patients are treated with clotrimazole drops, and the other 100 are treated with miconazole cream. They are assessed after 4 days and after 14 days of treatment to evaluate the improvement of the three main symptoms aural fullness, otalgia, and itching.

Results:

After assessment of the symptomatic improvement on Day 4 and Day 14, we can see that the improvement is better with cream usage, especially in the 1st few days, while no difference can be seen after finishing the whole course of treatment.

Conclusion:

For early clinical improvement and good patient preference, we advise the usage of creams over drops due to their easy application and acceptable regimen.
The correlation between TLR9 (rs148805533 Del/Ins) gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Jawad Ohood Salman , Shareef Hasanain Khaleel
Published: May 2024

Background:

One of the main infectious causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide is Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The Toll-like receptor (TLR) genes’ polymorphisms and mutations have been linked to an increased risk of infection in general.

Objectives:

This study aimed to investigate the association among TLR9 (rs148805533 Del/Ins), gene polymorphism, and pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB).

Materials and Methods:

Blood and sputum samples were collected from 70 patients with PTB and 30 healthy as a control group. Patients were diagnosed clinically by the specialized physician, in addition to use the acid-fast smear and culture on Lowenstein–Jensen. In addition, the molecular diagnostics technique was used by Gene Xpert device. The genotyping was carried out by using allele specific-polymerase chain reaction technique, and the TLR9 concentration was estimated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique.

Results:

The results of TLR9 polymorphism showed that the Ins/Ins allele, Del/Ins allele, and Del/Del allele genotypes frequencies at the site of (rs148805533) polymorphisms were significantly higher in PTB patients than the control groups (P = 0.05). The Ins/Ins allele genotype was the most frequent in PTB patients. In addition, the insertion allele was the most frequent in PTB patients and control groups.

Conclusion:

Our results indicated that in a sample of the local Iraqi population, the TLR9 (rs148805533) gene polymorphism may be a significant genetic determinant for PTB susceptibility.
Study the effects of empagliflozin on model of chronic depression and interleukin-6 in the brain of male rats
Authors: Mijwel Hatem Kareem , Selman Selman Mohammed , Al-Charrakh Alaa H
Published: May 2024

Background:

Empagliflozin (EMP) is an oral anti-diabetic drug with pleiotropic effects such as anti-inflammatory properties.

Objectives:

To evaluate the antidepressant effect of EMP and describe the link between stress and interleukin-6 (IL-6) level in the brains of male rats.

Materials and Methods:

In this experiment, 50 rats were separated into five groups G1–G5. The sucrose preference test (SPT) was used to examine the antidepressant effects of fluoxetine and EMP. Rat interleukin enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit was used to measure the IL-6 level in rat brain tissue. SPT was performed on each rat on days 0, 10, and 25. Chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) was performed on each rat for 24 days.

Results:

By the end of day 10, all rats subjected to the CUS program had a substantial (P < 0.05) reduction in sucrose intake index compared to day 0. EMP significantly increases sucrose intake compared to the stressed group. In comparison to the CUS group, fluoxetine significantly increases sucrose intake (P < 0.05). In terms of IL-6, the mean IL-6 level in G2 was considerably greater than in G1. When compared to group 2, the mean IL-6 level was considerably lower in G3 and G5.

Conclusions:

EMP has antidepressant-like effects and can counteract the impact of stress-increased IL-6 levels in the brains of depressed rats.
Axillary Lymph Node Involvement in Primary Invasive Breast Carcinoma in a Center in Baghdad Province
Authors: Wais Ruqayah Sameer , Ali Hussam Hasson
Published: May 2024

Introduction:

Breast carcinoma is the most common malignancy in women and it has become a major health problem affecting women worldwide. In Iraq, breast carcinoma is still a major cause of health morbidity and mortality in women. Axillary lymph node metastasis is considered the most important factor affecting prognosis and management in patients with breast cancer.

Objective:

This study aimed to evaluate lymph node metastasis in cases of primary invasive breast carcinoma and to find if there was any association among lymph node involvement with type, grade, and tumor stage.

Materials and Methods:

This was cross-sectional study of 100 female patients with primary invasive breast carcinoma aged 25–88 years, which collected from the archive of the educational laboratory in Baghdad Medical City, Baghdad, Iraq from April 2018 to December 2020. Male patients were excluded from this study.

Results:

A total of 100 patients were included in this study; all were women with primary invasive breast cancer with different histopathological types (80% of cases were invasive ductal ca. NOS). The age range of the patients was between 25 and 88 years. A significant correlation was observed between lymph node stage and tumor pathological stage (tumor size).

Conclusions:

Most cases of primary invasive breast carcinoma had axillary lymph nodes metastasis, with a strong correlation between lymph node stage and tumor size. However, no association was found with tumor grade or tumor type that could be related to the small sample size of this study.
Risk Factors for Low Birth Weight among Term Newborns in Babil Maternity and Children Teaching Hospital
Authors: Noor Mudher Hasan , Ibrahim Abeer Hasan
Published: May 2024

Background:

Great importance has been attributed to birthweight all over the world because it is considered one of the best predictors of perinatal survival and a good indicator of life quality.

Aims and Objectives:

The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors for low birth weight among term babies in Babil maternity and children teaching hospital.

Materials and Methods:

This was a cross-sectional study conducted in Babil maternity and children teaching hospital. The study was carried out in the neonatal care unit from March 1, 2020 to August 31, 2020. Seven hundred and fifty-four term singleton live births were included in the study. All the neonates were checked for birth weight, and their gestational age was determined from maternal last menstrual period and early (first trimester) ultrasound examination and New Ballard score. Neonates with normal birth weight were considered as gestationally full term (≥37 weeks) with birth weight 2500–4000 g.

Results:

Babies with normal birth weight represent 87.9% of the study sample (663 babies). The number of term neonates with low birth weight was 69/754, with 9.2% and large for gestational age represent 2.9% of the study sample (22 babies). Low birth weight of 2100–2400 g represents 6.3% of the study sample (47 babies). Low birth weight of 1500–2000 g represents 2.9% of the study sample (22) babies. Age of mother, residency, family income, maternal education, antenatal care, bad obstetrical history, illnesses during pregnancy, and parental consanguinity were considered to be risk factors for low birth weight at P values of 0.05, <0.001, <0.001, <0.001, <0.001, <0.001, 0.001, 0.002, and <0.001, respectively. However, gender of the baby, parity, and paternal age were not considered to be risk factors.

Conclusion:

The problem of low birth weight among term babies is still common in our country. There was a higher incidence of low birth weight among term neonates in the rural areas and in mothers with low education level and those who live in families with low income. The most common associated risk factors associated with low birth weight were young age mothers, positive parental consanguinity, bad obstetrical history, and illnesses during pregnancy (e.g., hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and urinary tract infection).
Serum Ghrelin Level in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Postmenopausal Women in Relation to Body Mass Index
Authors: Matrood Amal Abdulhussein , AL-Yassin Hedef Dhafir , Alani Kifah Hamdan
Published: May 2024

Background:

People living with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) are more vulnerable to various forms of both short- and long-term complications, which often lead to their premature death.

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of serum level of ghrelin in diabetic postmenopausal, nondiabetic obese menopausal, and control healthy women.

Materials and Methods:

This case–control study included 90 participants (30 diabetic postmenopausal women, 30 nondiabetic obese menopausal women with body mass index (BMI) equal or >30, and 30 control healthy participants). Full history for referred individuals was taken and height and body weight were measured. BMI <18.5 was considered underweight, between 18.5 and 24.9 was a normal, between 25 and 29.9 was overweight, and more than 30 was obese.

Results:

Age ranged between 45 and 80 years old. Serum ghrelin had highly significant difference in obese comparison to both diabetes and control groups, and there is a significant difference between obese and diabetes with higher concentration in obese than diabetic group. Mean fasting blood glucose (FBG) showed a highly significant difference between obese, diabetes, and control groups with higher concentration in both obese and diabetes participants, and specifically, there is a significant difference between diabetes and obese groups with higher concentration in diabetic than obese group. BMI showed a significant difference and higher level in obese in comparison to other two groups. The serum ghrelin had a moderate significant correlation with FBG in obese but insignificant correlation with both diabetes and control groups. FBG shows no significant correlation with BMI in all three groups.

Conclusion:

There is an inverse relationship between fasting glucose and ghrelin level in type 2 diabetic patients and positive correlation in obesity. The study also shows that hyperglycemia due to disturbance in glucose metabolism may result in suppression of ghrelin level in type 2 DM.
Prognostic Impact of CD200 Expression in Pediatric B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Alwan Mustafa Jassim , Al-Mudallel Subh Salim
Published: May 2024

Background:

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a heterogeneous disease in which immature lymphoid cells proliferate mostly in bone marrow, peripheral blood, and other organs. Flow-cytometric immunophenotyping in childhood ALL assists in the diagnosis and subclassification of B- and T-lineages, as well as predicting outcomes of the disease. CD200 expression has many diagnostic and potentially prognostic implications in the flow-cytometric evaluation of lymphoid malignancies.

Aim of Study:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of CD200, correlate its expression with hematological and clinical parameters, and assess patient's response to induction of chemotherapy in the newly diagnosed de novo pediatric B-cell ALL.

Materials and Methods:

This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 30 pediatric patients (<15 years) with newly diagnosed de novo B-cell ALL. Morphology, cytochemistry, and flow cytometry (FCM) of the peripheral blood and/or bone marrow were performed for all patients and the patients were re-evaluated morphologically at day 28 from the start of chemotherapy for assessment of complete remission achievement.

Results:

Majority of the patients (80%) had a positive expression of CD200. All patients were in high-risk group and had positive CD200 expression and majority of the them were responded to induction therapy.

Conclusion:

CD200 is frequently expressed and closely related to the high-risk groups; however, it cannot be considered as an independent poor prognostic marker as not all cases with positive CD200 had low response to induction therapy.
Prevalence of Gram-positive and negative bacteria associated with external ocular infection in Wasit province, Iraq
Authors: Hussein Mukal Assaad , Raheema Rana H , Melek Hassan Khalil , Al-Hindy Hayder Abdul-Amir M
Published: May 2024

Background:

In developing countries, ocular infections are a significant public health concern, particularly bacterial infections, which are common. This research aimed to estimate how often Gram-positive and negative bacteria are present in individuals who have external ocular infections in Wasit province.

Materials and Methods:

One hundred twenty-one eye swabs were gathered from patients with various eye infections in the consulting clinics of AL-Zahra Hospital between October 1, 2021, and March 1, 2022. Various bacterial colonies with different morphological and biochemical characteristics were detected through growth testing.

Results:

Of all the external ocular samples collected, 56 (46.2%) had a positive culture for bacterial pathogens. Most of the isolated bacteria were Gram-positive, accounting for 73.2% (41 cases) of the total. Coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CoNS) were the most commonly identified Gram-positive bacteria, followed by Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus hominis, Staphylococcus haemolyticus, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus lentus, Staphylococcus hominis spp. Novobiosepticus, Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, Staphylococcus lugdunesis, Staphylococcus gallinarum, Staphylococcus vitulinus, Staphylococcus cohnii, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Kocuria rosea, Micrococcus luteus, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, and, among which, Gram-negative bacteria accounted for 26.8% such as Klebsiella pneumonia, Proteus mirabilis, Enterobacter aerogenes, Pantoea spp., Yersinia enterocolitica, Citrobacter sedlakii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas oryzihabitans, and Sphingomonas paucimobilis. DNA extraction and their purity and concentration were confirmed using Nanodrop. A monoplex pattern of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was employed to detect Gram-positive specific 16S rRNA.

Conclusion:

A majority of the bacterial strains identified in patients with ocular infections, particularly Gram-positive bacteria, also concluded that the largest percentage of eye infections was for patients who lived in rural areas, this explains the reason for the isolation of some bacterial species that inhabit animals such as S. lentus, S. gallinarum, S. pseudintermedius, S. vitulinus, S. cohnii, and L. mesenteroides. In addition, most of the bacterial species found in patients with eye infections were resistant to multiple drugs, indicating the development of multidrug-resistant bacteria in the study population, also concluded that the most prevalent forms of external ocular infections were blepharitis, followed by conjunctiva.
Evaluation of Thrombin Activatable Fibrinolysis Inhibitor (TAFI) in Patients with β-Thalassemia
Authors: Abdulsattar Mohammed Qasim , Al-Mudallel Subh Salim
Published: May 2024

Background:

Thalassemia is an inherited disorder of hemoglobin (Hb) synthesis that results in reduced or absent production of globin chain. Hypercoagulable state in thalassemia is a well-recognized event. Thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) is an enzyme considered to play an important role in the regulation of fibrinolysis by the coagulation system. With this background, the present study was conducted to know the role of TAFI as a contributing factor in hemostatic alteration state in adults with β-thalassemia.

Aim:

The aim of this article is to evaluate the level of TAFI and hematological parameters in splenectomized and non-splenectomized β-thalassemia patients and to compare their levels with normal subjects.

Materials and Methods:

This case–control study was conducted in 56 adult thalassemic patients. The plasma TAFI level was evaluated by the ELISA technique.

Results:

There was a significant reduction in TAFI levels in all thalassemic patients when compared with thalassemia minor patients and controls (P < 0.0001). The TAFI level was significantly lower in the splenectomized group when compared with the non-splenectomized group (P < 0.0001), and the TAFI level was significantly lower in the thalassemia major group when compared with the thalassemia intermediate group (P < 0.0001). There was a significantly higher prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time level in thalassemic major and intermediate patients when compared with thalassemia minor patients and controls (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

The TAFI enzyme level could be an important predictor for hemostatic alteration. Its level can be considered as a helpful marker for monitoring and follow-up of thalassemic patients for early and proper intervention to minimize complications.
Screening for Latent Tuberculosis Infection at a Rheumatology and Medical Rehabilitation Center in Duhok City, Iraq
Authors: Yousif Shawkat Sabri , Rasool Mohammad Tahir
Published: May 2024

Background:

Patients with rheumatoid diseases are at increased risk of infection due to a combination of inherent energy or immunomodulating drugs used for its treatment. The study aimed to screen for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) among patients with rheumatologic diseases.

Materials and Methods:

In the present prospective cross-sectional study, a total of 149 patients diagnosed with different types of rheumatoid diseases were included. The rheumatic diseases were diagnosed based on the American College of Rheumatology criteria for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or the European Spondyloarthropathy Study Group preliminary criteria for the classification of spondyloarthropathy. The patients were screened by interferon-gamma release assay and tuberculin skin tests using purified protein derivative.

Results:

The mean age of the patients was 39.91. The most common types of diseases were ankylosing spondylitis (37.6%) and RA (34.9%). The prevalence rate of LTBI was 12.1% among rheumatic patients. The patients with positive LTBI had significantly longer therapy duration (4.51 vs. 2.81 years, P< 0.001) and were older (48.61 vs. 38.72 years, P= 0.005), respectively. There was no statistically significant association between the disease types and LTBI positivity (P = 0.512). However, LTBI positive was more prevalent in patients who received rituximab (16.7%; P= 0.035) and those patients with past medical history (20.9% vs. 8.5%, respectively; P= 0.035) and those did not receive the bacillus Calmette–Guérin vaccination (36.4% vs. 10.1%; P= 0.029).

Conclusions:

This study suggests that patients with rheumatoid diseases and treated with anti-tumor necrosis factor therapies are at an increased risk of tuberculosis infection.
Feeding Problems in a Sample of Children Under 5 Years at a Primary Health-Care Center in Erbil, Iraq
Authors: Ahmed Faiza Jalil , Sulaiman Karwan Hawez
Published: May 2024

Background:

The feeding issues of children under 5 years of life have effects on overall growth and development.

Objectives:

This study aimed to find out the prevalence of feeding problems and their associated factors among a sample of children under 5 years visiting a primary health-care center in Erbil city.

Materials and Methods:

In this cross-sectional study, the mothers who visited the primary health centers for the medical checkup of their children under 5 years were consecutively screened for the eligibility criteria between February 1, 2020, and June 30, 2020.

Results:

The children were located in the following age groups: 6–9 months (11.3%), 9–12 months (4.9%), 12–24 months (32.0%), and >24 months (51.7%). The children had an abnormal height for age (8.9%), weight for age (6.9%), and weight for height (14.3%). The prevalence of formula feeding was 49.0% in children. The prevalence of feeding problems was 75.9%, including mono-feeding (20.2%) and multi-feeding issues (55.7%). The prevalence of complementary food was 2.0% only. The prevalence of active feeding was 54.2%. The study showed that younger age group had a significantly higher prevalence of feeding problem (P < 0.001). The study showed that children with abnormal weight for age were more likely to have feeding problems compared to those with a normal weight for age (100% vs. 74.1%, P= 0.019), respectively.

Conclusions:

The present study showed that a considerable percentage of children have feeding issues. The feeding issues were higher in younger age groups.
Morphometric measurements of patella in population of South Bengal with literature review
Authors: Biswas Soumali , Pal Anwesa , Biswas Ananya , Datta Indra , Kundu Rajib
Published: May 2024

Background:

Morphometric analysis of patella is important for implant surgeries, medicolegal point of view. Success of total knee replacement depends on proper dimensions of the implant. Measurement varies with race and ethnicity. Several studies have been done all over India regarding measurements of patella, but there is a scarcity of data on South Bengal population.

Objective:

Measurement of different parameters of patella: Thickness, height, width of articular and non- articular surfaces and correlation between them in dry bones among South Bengal population.

Materials and Methods:

One hundred right and 100 left dry patellae of unknown age and sex were collected from bone libraries of different medical colleges of Kolkata as well as from Prafulla Chandra Sen Government Medical College and Hospital, Arambagh. Measurements were taken by Vernier calipers, and data analysis was done using SPSS version 16. We also classified patella according to Koyuncu’s classification.

Results:

We got mean and standard deviation values of height, width, thickness, width of medial and lateral articular facets, height of articular and nonarticular surface, height of articular/total height, and ratio of width of medial and lateral articular facets for right and left patellae. The measurement of medial articular facet of right and left sides of patella was 20.58 ± 2.051 and 19.98 ± 2.177, respectively. The P value of this was 0.046 which was statistically significant. We also correlated height and width with other parameters. We followed Koyuncu’s classification in present study and found minimum number of type C patella 4(2%), 19 (09.5%) samples of type A, and maximum number of type B 117(88.5%).

Conclusion:

These morphometric data of patella will be helpful from medicolegal point of view as well as reconstructive surgery of knee joint.
Prevalence of psychological distress and perceived stress among nursing staff in a tertiary care center, Bengaluru
Authors: Shruthi M. N. , Veena V , Seeri Jayashree S.
Published: May 2024

Background:

Nurses among the health care providers play a vital role in the success of the health care system. Their continuous hours of working and the existing lacunae in regard to their mental health in the current study setting, this study was conducted to elicit if the nurses are posed to any such mental health risks and perceive any stress?

Objectives:

Materials and Methods:

This is a cross-sectional study conducted among all the nursing staffs at our tertiary care centre for 2 months. A predesigned and pretested semi-structured self-administered questionnaire including general health questionnaire (GHQ)-12 and perceived stress scale (PSS)-10 were used to collect the data and to asses psychological distress and perceived stress considering the cut-off scores of a minimum of 12 and 19, respectively. Data were entered into Microsoft Excel 2010 and analyzed using the SPSS software version 20.0, Armonk, NY, USA: IBM Corp.

Results:

The mean age of the participants was 24.4 ± 3.7 years. Mean GHQ-12 score was 11. As per the scores, the cutoff of at least 12 was found in 35% of the respondents indicating the prevalence of psychological distress among 35.0% and as per the screening tool PSS-10 used, majority of the study subjects (93.0%) perceived moderate level of stress with a median score of 19.

Conclusion:

Nearly one-third of the nursing personnel were under psychological distress and almost the entire nursing faculty perceived moderate level of stress.
Prevalence and profile of functional constipation among children aged 1–12 years at a tertiary care center
Authors: Musali Sumanth Reddy , Damireddy Archana Reddy
Published: May 2024

Background:

Constipation not only bothers children but also their parents. Even then, it remains neglected and leads to delayed medical care. It leads to physical as well as psychological morbidity. It affects the quality of life of children. Lack of timely medical care compounds the problem. The child may lose his/her self-esteem. About 1%–3% of children may develop impaction of the feces and may lead to soiling with fecal matter.

Objective:

The objective was to study the prevalence and clinicopsychological profile of functional constipation (FC) among children aged 1–12 years.

Materials and Methods:

This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study carried out among 156 children aged 1–12 years attending the tertiary care center for 1 year. During the study, 911 children aged 1–12 years attended the hospital. We applied Rome IV criteria for the diagnosis of FC. Using these criteria, 156 children were found to have FC, and all of them were included in the present study.

Results:

The prevalence of FC among the children was 17.1%. It was more in the toddler group (43.6%) with a slight female preponderance (51.3%). It was more in urban resident children (69.2%) and children belonging to the low socioeconomic group (33.3%). Painful defecation was the most common presenting complaint (81.4%). Most of the children passed Bristol Type II stool <three times a week. Majority of children were taking low-fiber diet, had poor physical activity, and aversion to school.

Conclusion:

The prevalence FC among children was high at 17.1%. Low-fiber diet, poor physical activity, and aversion to school were common in children with FC.
Decoding the artificial sweeteners and diabetes connection
Authors: Danasekaran Raja
Published: May 2024

Artificial sweeteners are widely used as a substitute for sugar due to their low-calorie content. They are deemed safe for consumption by regulatory bodies and can be useful in controlling blood sugar levels and promoting weight loss when consumed in moderation. However, there is still some debate about their efficacy for diabetes control, and consuming large amounts of artificial sweeteners may have negative effects on blood sugar control and weight management. This article provides an overview of the role of artificial sweeteners in diabetes management, highlighting the benefits and potential risks of their use.
Distance learning environment
Authors: Giri Kiran R. , Palandurkar Kamlesh M. , Giri Reena , Agrawal Uditkumar , Agrawal Shikha
Published: May 2024

Background:

Amid the COVID-19 period and lockdowns, medical education has witnessed major changes. Shifting from face-to-face offline education to online education in such an important branch of education dealing with human lives and serving mankind is really very challenging. In this distance learning process, student satisfaction is important and prediction of their satisfaction and other important parameters will help in improving the online system of medical education.

Objective:

To evaluate students' perception about distance learning education based on different domains given in the Distance learning Education Environment survey scale.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted among first-year and final-year MBBS students of the Institute of Medical Sciences, BHU. The total number of students who participated in the study was 123. The Distance Education Learning Environments Survey (DELES) scale which was validated for higher education by Scott L was used. The domain represents instructor support (D1), student interaction and collaboration (D2), personal relevance (D3), authentic learning (D4), active learning (D5), student autonomy (D6), and student satisfaction in distance learning process (D7).

Results:

The mean and standard deviation for each domain of the DELES were calculated. For instructor support, the mean was 25.9 for first-year students and 21.3 for final-year students. For the domain of authentic learning, the mean score was low, i.e. 15.7, for the first year and 13.3 for the final year. In the learning domain for the question about students satisfaction, the mean score was 19.8 for first-year students and 17.9 for final-year students.

Conclusion:

The finding of this study indicated that the majority of students were satisfied with instructor's support and personal relevance of the online learning classes, but were unsatisfied with opportunities of student interaction and group discussion, which is essential in medical education.
The effects and outcomes of different maternal positions on the second stage of labor
Authors: Jyoti R , Sharma Mudita , Pareek Shatrughan
Published: May 2024

Introduction:

Maternal and child health is an important public health issue, especially in developing countries like India. Maternal and child health services help to determine maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality in a country. The second stage of labor is the most stressful part of childbirth process and the proper maternal position during this period is paramount for women's safe vaginal birth. Midwives play a pivotal role in managing maternal positions during the second stage of labor. However, there is limited evidence to support an ideal maternal position during the second stage of labor.

Methodology:

All studies that explored the effects of positioning during the second stage of labor were retrieved. Only four major databases, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, PubMed, and Shodhganga, were searched. The keywords used for search included the second stage of labor, maternal position, upright position, left lateral position, squatting position, and maternal outcomes. The search criteria included studies published from 2008 to 2021. Out of 154 research articles, only 14 studies were included for the review process.

Results:

The positions such as maternal upright, lateral position, squatting position, and sitting position are beneficial for the maternal and neonatal outcome. The mean length of the second stage of labor was shorter in squatting primiparas and multiparas than in semirecumbent women, whereas lithotomy and supine positions during labor are associated with poor maternal and fetal outcomes.

Conclusion:

The selected positions during the second stage of labor have shown positive outcomes for the pregnant and her child. The findings should be introduced in midwifery education programs and in clinical practice as a method to improve the care of women during the second stage of labor.
Nonsyndromic cases of multiple odontogenic keratocyst
Authors: Bhopathi Aishwarya , Srinivas Chunduri Nagendra , Mohd Yousuf Qureshi , Parushetti Anita
Published: May 2024

Odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs) are developmental odontogenic cyst of epithelial origin. Multiple OKCs are often associated with a syndrome, especially nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome. The present article presents a series of two nonsyndromic cases of multiple OKCs. The presence of multiple OKCs and their recurrence can be attributed to factors such as the friable cystic lining, and daughter cysts. However, a comprehensive evaluation of any patients reporting multiple cysts/OKCs always has to be undertaken and the syndromic association should be ruled out.
Assessment of knowledge and preventive practices towards COVID-19 among tribals living in tea gardens of Eastern India
Authors: Samanta Sampriti , Biswas Daliya , Sarkar Payel , Bandyopadhyay Alapan
Published: May 2024

Introduction:

The government of India has launched large-scale health education and vaccination campaigns to combat pandemic COVID-19. However, their effects on changing behavior and practices of the very vulnerable tribal communities remain largely unexplored.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted to obtain COVID-19 knowledge and practice data from 390 households of 10 representative tea gardens of Darjeeling district, chose by cluster random sampling. Heads of each household were interviewed using a questionnaire containing 19 knowledge-related questions and 9 practice-related questions, marked on a 3-point Likert scale. A multivariable linear regression model was fitted to ascertain any association between sociodemographic parameters and participants' knowledge with COVID appropriate behavioral practice.

Results:

Most households were led by men and had a per capita monthly income of >INR 3000. The mean age of the respondents was 52.15 ± 10.14 years, with most being employed and having secondary-level education and above. The mean knowledge score was 30.16 ± 2.97, and practice score was 5.68 ± 1.54. The most common source of knowledge was from government and health-care campaigns. While most of the participants followed COVID-appropriate behaviors such as wearing masks and getting vaccine, hand hygiene (33.82%) and social distancing practices (32.05%) were found to be poor. Employment (P = 0.005) and knowledge about COVID-19 (P = 0.016) were significantly associated with a higher practice score.

Conclusions:

Among the tribal people assessed, good knowledge about COVID-19 was observed, owing to government efforts. However, while some COVID-appropriate behavior was widely adopted, hand hygiene, and social distancing were not.