bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The party-electoral landscape dissimilarity factors in the regions of Russia
Authors:   Perm Federal Research Center of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Institute for Humanitarian Studies of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Panov Petr V.
Published: October 2023

Introduction: in the 2000s, political centralization and political space unification trends prevailed in Russia. Under these conditions, dissimilarity of the party-electoral landscape in the Russian regions is manifested in different voting for the main parties in federal and regional elections. Objectives: to identify how stable the dissimilarity of the partyelectoral landscape is reproduced in the constituent entities of the Russian Federation, as well as to determine what factors affect the degree of the party-electoral landscape dissimilarity. Methods: quantitative analysis of votes for the main political parties in federal and regional elections in 2007–2021; calculation of dissimilarity index; correlation analysis of dissimilarity index values between different electoral cycles; regression analysis of factors (socio-cultural, historical, geographical and socio-economic specifics of the region) influencing the dissimilarity index values, i.e., the specifics of the party-electoral landscape of the regions. Results: in general, the regions reveal an average degree of correlation in the index of dissimilarity values between electoral cycles. Regression models account for about half of the variations in the values of dissimilarity index. Conclusions: in most regions, the degree of dissimilarity of the party-electoral landscape is reproduced relatively stable throughout the entire period under review. The analysis of the factors influencing the variability of the degree of the partyelectoral landscape dissimilarity in the constituent entities of the Russian Federation allows to conclude that the socio-cultural specificity of the region has a key impact. In addition, historical and geographical specifics are of significant importance.
Single and double injection paravertebral block comparison in reduction mammaplasty cases: a randomized controlled study
Authors: Ozonur Vecih Anil , Salviz Emine Aysu , Sivrikoz Nukhet , Kozanoglu Erol , Karaali Soner , Gokduman Huru Ceren , Polat Hacer , Emekli Ufuk , Tugrul Mehmet Kamil , Orhan-Sungur Mukadder
Published: October 2023

Background: This study compares the analgesic effects and dermatomal blockade distributions of single and double injection bilateral thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) techniques in patients undergoing reduction mammaplasty.Methods: After obtaining ethics committee approval, 60 patients scheduled for bilateral reduction mammaplasty were included in the study. Preoperatively, the patients received one of single (Group S: T3–T4) or double (Group D: T2–T3 & T4–T5) injection bilateral TPVBs using bupivacaine 0.375% 20 ml per side. All patients were operated under general anesthesia. The T3–T6 dermatomal blockade distributions on the midclavicular line were followed by pin-prick test for 30 min preoperatively and 48 h postoperatively. All patients received paracetamol 1 g when numeric rating scale (NRS) pain score was ≥ 4, and also tramadol 1 mg/kg when NRS was ≥ 4 again after 1 h. The primary endpoint was NRS pain scores at postoperative 12th h. The secondary endpoints were dermatomal blockade distributions and NRS scores through the postoperative first 48 h, time until first pain and the analgesic consumption on days 1 and 2.Results: Fifty-two patients completed the study. The NRS pain scores at 12th h were similar (right side: P = 0.100, left side: P = 0.096). The remaining NRS scores and other parameters were also comparable within the groups (P ≥ 0.05). Only single injection TPVB application time was shorter (P < 0.001).Conclusions: The single injection TPVB technique provided sufficient dermatomal distribution and analgesic efficacy with the advantages of being faster and less invasive.
Two extraordinary alycaeid species from Northeastern India (Gastropoda: Caenogastropoda: Cyclophoroidea)
Authors: Aravind Neelavar Ananthram , Páll-Gergely Barna
Published: October 2023

Cycloryx pemaledai Gittenberger & Sherub, 2022, which was described from northwestern Bhutan, is reported for the first time in Sikkim, India. That species differs from all its congeners by the short R3 (the region between the constriction and the peristome). The differences between the Bhutanese and Indian shells are minimal, therefore the Indian shells are identified as Cycloryx cf. pemaledai. Furthermore, Alycaeus himalayae n. sp. is described from Arunachal Pradesh. This is so far the only Alycaeus species inhabiting the Himalayas, and thus, its discovery is a real surprise.
Xylazine Use in Pregnancy: The Effects of the Fentanyl Adulterant Xylazine on Pregnant Patients and the Developing Fetus
Authors: Noonan Grace , Sethi Roopa
Published: October 2023

Objective. A brief literature review was completed to outline the effects of xylazine on the pregnant patient while raising awareness of the increasing prevalence of opioid use disorder in pregnancy and the increase in adulterants in illicit substances.
Data Sources. PubMed and Google Scholar were searched using the key words “xylazine, adulterant,” “xylazine, humans,” “xylazine, pregnancy” and “xylazine, placenta” to identify the studies evaluating xylazine’s effects on humans and the pregnant patient.
Study Selection. Studies were included if they provided information on symptoms of xylazine, the prevalence of xylazine in pregnant humans and the hemodynamic effects of xylazine on both human and animal pregnant populations. Animal studies were included given the limited data on xylazine in pregnant humans. Four studies were utilized for background data and five studies were included in the final review of the effects of Xylazine on pregnancy.
Results. Studies involving humans show that xylazine toxicity can cause respiratory depression, bradycardia and central nervous system depression. There is evidence of xylazine in human umbilical cord tissue, showing that the fetus is exposed to xylazine. Animal studies show decreased uterine blood flow, increased uterine vascular resistance and decreased fetal growth in response to xylazine.
Conclusions. Providers must turn to animal studies for knowledge on xylazine’s effects throughout pregnancy due to the limited studies including human patients. Animal studies suggest an increased risk of adverse effects in response to xylazine. Future studies should focus on the pregnancy outcomes in patients exposed to xylazine to create better recommendations for treatment.
Активное и отложенное старение в оценках пожилых (по данным пилотного исследования в Санкт-­Петербурге)
Authors: Видясова Людмила
Published: October 2023

В условиях тотальной неопределенности и быстрых социальных трансформаций особую роль играют изменения в политике социальных государств, обеспечивающих качество жизни населения, в том числе и пожилого. Опираясь на дискурс активного/отложенного старения и методы его оценки, мы пытаемся выявить возможные связи между трудовой и коммуникативной активностью пожилых, их качеством жизни и отложенным старением, используя для этого данные опроса пожилых, проживающих в крупном мегаполисе. Теоретической рамкой исследования послужили данные исследований активного старения, уровня счастья и субъективного благополучия пожилых, полученные в результате использования таких международных рейтингов, как Active Ageing Index, Соr Global Age Watch, SHARE LIFE, Global Ageing Adult Health (SAGE), индекс развития человеческого потенциала, индекс активного долголетия и др. Используемые в них параметры применены для сбора и анализа данных собственного пилотного исследования – опроса пожилых в медицинских учреждениях Санкт-­Петербурга. Нами выявлены факторы, оказывающие влияние на активную позицию пожилых и формирующие восприятие отложенного старения. По нашим данным, занятость и социальное участие, то есть партиципация, являются основными параметрами активного долголетия, что коррелирует с международными документами. Продолжение трудовой деятельности, поддержание социальных связей и общения как в очном, так и в дистанционном формате, в целом позитивно сказывается на самоощущении пожилых. Согласно исследованию, состояние здоровья, напротив, мало влияет на мотивацию пожилых прекратить трудовую деятельность и не ограничивает в физической активности, а наличие хронических диагнозов не влияет на ощущение возраста. Мы предполагаем, что именно эти результаты необходимо тщательно проверить. На основе полученных данных, авторы предлагают рекомендации по корректировке социальной политики для повышения качества жизни пожилых и увеличения числа тех, кто свое старение откладывает.
СОВЕРШЕНСТВОВАНИЕ НАЛОГОВОГО АДМИНИСТРИРОВАНИЯ В УСЛОВИЯХ ЦИФРОВОЙ ЭКОНОМИКИ: ПРАВОВЫЕ АСПЕКТЫ
Authors: МАТЫЦИН Фёдор Олегович
Published: October 2023

The dynamic development of information technology, which currently is taking place all over the world, is changing the existing conditions in the economy and public administration. Borders between countries have not been perceived as a barrier to information and financial flows for a long time, and the mobility of capital and the development of financial technologies have led to the fact that the minimization of taxpayers' obligations is increasingly taking place in the digital field. New virtual and hybrid business models are being created, the spread of digital goods and services is accompanied by the development of fraud in the field of electronic commerce, and the emergence of startups based on modern technological solutions leads to the invention of shadow digital assets. As a result, the behavior of not only consumers but also professional participants in the turnover, as well as government agencies, is changing.
ПРАВОВЫЕ ПРОБЛЕМЫ ОТЧУЖДЕНИЯ ПРАВ НА КЛИЕНТСКУЮ БАЗУ ДАННЫХ
Authors: СИНЕЛЬНИКОВА Виктория Геннадьевна
Published: October 2023

Развитие информационных технологий привело к возникновению ряда важных правовых вопросов, в том числе связанных с возможностью передачи данных клиентов. Используя общенаучные методы (анализ, синтез и др.), а также частнонаучные методы, а именно исторический, сравнительно-правовой и формально-юридический, автор стремится комплексно исследовать вопросы, связанные с отчуждением прав на клиентскую базу. Для достижения указанной цели автор статьи поставила задачи: изучить понятие «клиентская база»; рассмотреть особенности охраны сведений о клиентах в зарубежных правопорядках; выявить условия, при которых информация о клиентах может быть признана базой данных; установить, как соотносятся права на клиентскую базу и исключительное право на секрет производства (ноу-хау); проанализировать иные способы передачи информации о клиентах. В результате исследования автор пришла к следующим выводам. Прежде всего можно констатировать, что клиентская база является ценным активом и востребована участниками гражданского оборота. Анализ зарубежного права демонстрирует широкое понимание отдельных понятий, связанных с интеллектуальной собственностью, что предоставляет больше возможностей для распоряжения правами на клиентскую базу. Исходя из отечественного правового регулирования, возможно рассмотрение и отчуждение клиентской базы как базы данных. Кроме того, информация о клиентах и методах их привлечения с учетом ее коммерческой ценности в отдельных случаях может рассматриваться как ноу-хау. Также передача информации о клиентах осуществляется посредством заключения таких договоров, как договор возмездного оказания услуг и агентский договор.
РОЛЬ ИСКУССТВЕННОГО ИНТЕЛЛЕКТА В СФЕРЕ ИНТЕЛЛЕКТУАЛЬНОЙ СОБСТВЕННОСТИ: СОЦИАЛЬНО-ПРАВОВЫЕ ПРОБЛЕМЫ ТВОРЧЕСТВА
Authors: ФЕДОТОВ Михаил Александрович , НАУМОВ Виктор Борисович , БУДНИК Руслан Александрович , ТЫТЮК Екатерина Владимировна
Published: October 2023

Создание творческих продуктов с применением генеративных нейронных сетей и иных технологий искусственного интеллекта входит в повседневную практику граждан. Данное явление закономерно породило вопросы об отношении пользователей к произведениям, созданным непосредственно искусственным интеллектом или с использованием технологий искусственного интеллекта. Массовая адаптация творческих инструментов, усиленных технологиями искусственного интеллекта, актуализовала в юридическом сообществе дискуссию о природе и механике творчества, о принадлежности и распределении авторских прав и вознаграждения за использование произведений, созданных с применением таких средств.  Цель настоящей статьи заключается в обнародовании и анализе результатов опроса экспертов по вопросу об их отношении к творческим продуктам, которые полностью или частично созданы искусственным интеллектом. Методика исследования построена на изучении реакции респондентов на вопросы, об актуальности которых сигнализирует научная литература и новостная повестка. Предложенные варианты ответов представляют собой наиболее релевантные опции, обнаруженные в серии предварительных интервью, проведенных организаторами с потенциальными участниками голосования. Авторы настоящей статьи предлагают вниманию научного сообщества анализ итогов проведенного целевого исследования, позволившего обнаружить и обобщить социокультурные тенденции в отношении граждан к творчеству искусственного интеллекта, мысленно простроить и спрогнозировать их развитие.
Research Trends and Meta-Analysis of Variables Related to Depression in Korean Medical Students
Authors: Yang Hyun-Gyung , Kim Kangmoon , Lee Kyeong Ryong , Baek Sun-Geun
Published: October 2023

This study aimed to analyze trends in research on depression among medical students in Korea and to conduct a meta-analysis to determine the average correlation coefficients between depression and related variables. In total, 38 quantitative studies (four theses and 34 journal articles) published between January 1995 and February 2023 were analyzed according to publication year, subjects, analysis methods, and measurement tools. Among them, 15 studies that provided numerical information on the relationships between depression and variables such as self-esteem, social support, grade point average (GPA), stress, and academic stress were selected for meta-analysis. The main findings of this study were as follows. First, quantitative research on depression among medical students began in earnest in 2009, and cross-sectional studies targeting first-year and second-year medical students were the most prevalent. Furthermore, the most commonly used analysis method was difference testing, and the Beck Depression Inventory was the most frequently used measurement tool. Second, the mean correlation coefficients between depression and stress, self-esteem, social support, academic stress, and GPA were 0.534, 0.532, 0.465, 0.390, and 0.102, respectively. The results for self-esteem, stress, and academic stress showed substantial heterogeneity, while those for social support and GPA showed little heterogeneity. These findings suggest that educational interventions, such as social support improvement programs, are necessary to prevent depression among medical students.
Reinforcement of bases with dispersed reinforcement from plastic waste
Authors: Popov Dmitry V. , Popov Valery P.
Published: October 2023

The article presents the results of laboratory tests with a stamp of sandy soils of different densities, reinforced with a different percentage of the total volume with fiber made by cutting strips from plastic bottles. The aim of the work is to obtain the values of the modulus of deformation of the soil, the reinforcement of which is carried out with plastic fiber. Also in this article, a comparison was made of non-reinforced soil with reinforced. The presented results of laboratory studies show the effectiveness of the use of fiber made from plastic waste, which in the future will significantly save on the device of artificial sand bases, as well as improve environmental performance.
Study of the operation of the gas cleaning installation ferrous metallurgy enter-prises
Authors: Fonova Svetlana I. , Epitashvili Alina V. , Burak Ekaterina E.
Published: October 2023

To assess the quality of the environment on the territory of the ferrous metallurgy enterprise, the operation of oil-containing waste processing tanks was monitored for six years, followed by purification from aromatic hydrocarbons and mineral oil aerosols. Air (gas) sampling was carried out to study the amount of pollutants. In the studied samples, increased concentrations of benzene, xylene, toluene, ethylbenzene, mineral oil were found. Measurements of gas performance at the inlet and outlet of the gas cleaning plant were also performed. The temperature of the purified gas was measured; the consumption of water (solution) for irrigation was measured. The study period is from 2015 to 2020. As a result of the analysis of the data obtained, a continuous release of pollutants into the atmosphere was found. To reduce the concentration of air pollutants, measures have been proposed to increase the efficiency of the gas cleaning plant.
PAST IN THE CONTEMPORARY CITY: CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS IN CONSERVING KYIV'S CULTURAL HERITAGE
Authors:   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine, PROVOTAR Nataliia , YERKIEIEVA Alina ,   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine
Published: October 2023

The article presents the results of the evaluation of cultural heritage objects and the identification of the main drivers, problems and prospects for the conservation and use of valuable buildings in the city of Kyiv. Various categories of historical buildings, the significance of which is fixed in some way in different statuses, the age of the buildings, and the abandoned historical buildings were identified based on the case of the historical area of Podil with characterised by the layering of buildings of different historical eras and the concentration of 70% of Kyiv's cultural heritage objects. The study of monuments and historically significant buildings of Podil revealed a number of existing problems in the processes of conservation and use of cultural heritage. In order to find out the main drivers, problems and prospects for the conservation and use of historically significant of the city of Kyiv, the method of expert evaluations was used. Based on the expert evaluations by representatives of public organizations, historians, lawyers, urban planners and architects, the reasons for the high rate of loss of Kyiv's cultural monuments were determined, and the weaknesses of the heritage conservation system at the municipal and national levels were identified. It was determined that imperfect legislation, weak protection institutions, urban economy, commodification of space, loss of the right to the city, passivity of the community, a new stage of formation of Ukrainian national identity affect the conservation and restoration of cultural heritage. It was revealed that one of the important problems of the city's interaction with heritage is the lack of a defined vision of its use in urban development programs. It was found that the current state of the issue indicates the need for updating approaches to understanding the city history, developing a strategy for the use and protection of heritage on the basis of regulation, the use of economic mechanisms of influence, and participation.
The influence of food values on snacks and beverage choices: an experimental study in Mexico
Authors: Arroyo Pilar
Published: October 2023

This study examines whether Mexican consumers consider the value associated with the attributes of manufactured snacks when deciding what to eat between meals. A choice experiment involving the selection of healthy versus unhealthy snacks and beverages was performed using Qualtrics. A set of four options, each one corresponding to a combination of mid-day snack and beverage, was presented to 256 Mexican consumers, who, after making a choice, specified the importance they assigned to food choice values. Linear discriminant analysis and classification trees were used to identify what food choice values and psychographic and demographic traits explain the choices. The analytical results indicate weight control, healthiness and sustainability, and the emotional value of healthy snacks mainly drives the choices of health-conscious consumers.
AN ANALYSIS OF INDIVIDUAL INVESTORS’ BEHAVIOR: A CASE OF THE DHAKA STOCK EXCHANGE
Authors: HASNAT Md Abu , DAĞLI Hüseyin , KURTARAN Ahmet
Published: October 2023

The objective of this research is to ascertain the factors associated with financial indicators, independent sources of information, financial necessities, advocate recommendations, and personal reputation/firm reputation compliance that can influence the behavior of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) individual investors. The research was carried out by questionnaire method. The survey was conducted with 300 investors trading on DSE. The survey includes only gender as a demographic factor of the participants, 5 main variables, and 27 sub-factors related to them. The obtained data were analyzed with SPSS 26 program. In the research, descriptive analysis was used to achieve the research objective. The findings of the research present that financial indicators, independent sources of information, and personal reputation/firm reputation compliance have a significant impact while financial necessities have a moderate impact, and advocate recommendations have very little impact on DSE individual investors’ behavior. The research provides guidance to individual investors, firms, policymakers, and investment advisors.
Evaluation of efficacy of an eco friendly enviropap and REAP stain in cervical cytology at resource limited area
Authors: Megalamane Supreetha , Leena Nanda Radhakrishna
Published: October 2023

Background: Cervical cancer is integral to any cancer control program in India because of the disease burden. Quick diagnosis plays a crucial role in limited resource areas. Hence, cost-effective and eco-friendly staining procedures with less time consumption help screening for cervical cancer cytodiagnosis. Thus, we wanted to assess the superiority of staining of smears by REAP (Rapid Economical Acetic acid Papanicolaou) technique and the newer EnviroPap (Environmental Papanicolaou) technique compared to conventional Pap technique on cervical smears.
Methods: From each patient, three smears were prepared, one with routine conventional method, one with REAP stain, and another with EnviroPap stain and quality parameters were noted. The chi-square test assessed differences in categorical variables between stains; a p value of <0.05 was considered significant. Statistical analysis used was the Chi-square test, and p value of <0.05 using a two-tailed test was taken as being significant for all statistical tests.
Results: REAP and Enviropap stained smears showed excellent nuclear and cytoplasmic details compared to conventional Pap staining protocol.
Conclusions: REAP and EnviroPap staining protocols for those two techniques were simpler, easier, and cost-effective, which took minimal turnaround time for assessing pap smears at a large scale.
Assessment of executive functions in type II diabetes patients with focus on duration of diabetes: preliminary findings of an analytical cross-sectional study
Authors: Chaudhari Sameer , Somvanshi Padmakar
Published: October 2023

Background: Executive functions have been defined as one’s ability to plan, initiate, sequence, monitor, and inhibit complex behaviour. Executive functions are purportedly affected significantly in diabetes population; duration of diabetes having particularly negative impact. Present study was undertaken to determine whether executive functions are affected more in diabetic patients as compared to non-diabetics and to further assess the role duration of diabetes.
Methods: In this analytical, cross-sectional study being conducted over 18 months period at a tertiary-care private teaching hospital in Central India, 148 participants (74 in diabetic & 74 in non-diabetic group) between the age of 30-60 years are enrolled. Preliminary data of 50 patients is presented here. The executive functions were assessed by using Delis-Kaplan Executive function system and participants was subjected to Trail making test, Design fluency test, Tower test and DKEF sorting test and the scores were compared between the two groups.
Results: Statistically significant differences were observed for Trail making test (median value diabetic-7 vs. non-diabetic-10), Design fluency test (median value diabetic-10 vs. non-diabetic-10, the range varied significantly), Tower test (median value diabetic-5 vs. non-diabetic-9), DKEF sorting test (median value diabetic-7 vs. non-diabetic-8) and Sort recognition test (median value- diabetic-6 vs. non-diabetic-8). The duration of diabetes exhibited strong, statistically significant negative correlation with the four studied parameters and had weak, insignificant positive correlation with sort recognition DS.
Conclusions: Executive functions are significantly affected in adult diabetes patients as compared to non-diabetic population and duration of diabetes has major contributory role in this affection.
Similar prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms in any ICU survivor patient relative
Authors: Shah Ashutosh , Shah Amita , Rathod Darshana , Patel Mayur , Hansora Sanket
Published: October 2023

Background: Iwashyna et al defined a chronic critically ill (CCI) patient as any patient requiring care in ICU for more than or equal to 10 days. Physicians often assume that the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms in relatives of CCI patients would be higher than in those patients who are not CCI. We hypothesized that there would be no difference in the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms of relatives of a CCI and those whose patients are not CCI. We aimed to establish that the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms are similar in relatives of any ICU survivor patient.
Methods: The study was a non-interventional, observational, cross-sectional study. Relatives were evaluated as early as possible after day ten following ICU admission for CCI patients and non-CCI patients on or a day before discharge from ICU. During this evaluation, anonymous demographic data of relatives were captured, and PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scales were administered and completed by the relative.
Results: A total of 418 relatives consented and were included in the study [104 in CCI patient group and 314 in non-CCI group]. Overall, the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms in the entire study cohort was 23.2% (95% CI, 19.4-27.5) and 16.5% (95% CI, 13.2-20.4), respectively. There was no statistical difference between the two groups in the proportion of PHQ-9 total score >9 (p value: 0.577) as well as the GAD-7 total score (p value: 0.816).
Conclusions: There was no difference in the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms in relatives of a CCI versus those whose patients are not CCI.
Mirizzi syndrome-differential diagnosis with cholangiocarcinoma: case report
Authors: Adame Jorge D. E. , Anguiano Tania I. D. , Cortes David S. , Trejo Sandra L.
Published: October 2023

Mirizzi syndrome is a rare complication of gallstone disease and poses a diagnostic challenge for general surgeons due to its clinical presentation, which resembles other pathological entities such as cholangiocarcinoma. We present a clinical case of a 68-year-old female patient with symptoms of jaundice and right upper quadrant pain. During the patient's diagnostic workup, altered liver function tests were documented, highlighting obstructive pattern hyperbilirubinemia, elevated tumor marker CA 19.9, and suspicion of biliary tract tumor based on imaging studies. However, surgical and pathological confirmation revealed Mirizzi syndrome. This case emphasizes the importance of considering differential diagnoses in patients presenting with obstructive jaundice to provide timely and appropriate treatment.
Small bowel obstruction secondary to intussusception due to double Meckel's diverticulum in an adult: a case report
Authors: Goti Laís L. Menéndez , Godínez Juan P. García , Olmos Nora L. Flores
Published: October 2023

Meckel's diverticulum (MD) is a normal variant in 2% of the population, it contains all the layers of the small intestine and is considered a true diverticulum. One of the most frequent complications in adults is obstruction secondary to intussusception of MD towards the ileum. We present the case of a 52-year-old man with severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, which did not respond to conservative management. Imaging studies compatible with small bowel obstruction, identifying the transition zone at the ileum level. An exploratory laparotomy was performed ruling an intussusception due to a diverticulum, an intestinal resection was performed. The histopathological study revealed a double MD. In adults with symptomatic MD, this represents a challenge in early diagnosis and immediate surgical treatment. Intestinal intussusception in adults secondary to MD is rare and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of those with abdominal pain and small bowel obstruction.
Pancreatitis with pancytopenia: are we missing a common diagnosis?
Authors: V. Sandhya , M. Alok , R. Madhusudhan M.
Published: October 2023

Acute pancreatitis with pancytopenia is a rare unreported complication of dengue non-hemorrhagic fever. A 16-year-old girl came to the emergency with complaints of loose stools and vomiting with pain abdomen and mild fever the previous day. She was diagnosed to have acute pancreatitis, which evolved into pancytopenia. She was then diagnosed with dengue fever. She was successfully managed conservatively nil orally, with intravenous fluids therapy as per the dengue protocol, timely investigations and watchful management. Acute pancreatitis with pancytopenic blood picture must point the clinician to underlying causes like dengue in endemic areas.
Acute abdomen after hysterosalpingography-flare up of subclinical abdominal Kochs or endometriosis, a diagnostic dilemma
Authors: Shanbhag Vijayalakshmi , Thakur Pushpawati , Kashibhatla Jyotsna , Agrawal Sarita , Rajbhar Sarita , Barman Tithi
Published: October 2023

Here we present the case report of a patient of infertility with endometriosis and undiagnosed underlying abdominal Kochs that exacerbated after hysterosalpingography (HSG), presenting as acute abdomen and causing a diagnostic dilemma. (HSG) is a diagnostic test used to evaluate the fallopian tubes and uterus. HSG is contraindicated in FGTB as it can result in flare-up of subclinical infection. However, it is often performed as part of infertility workup in unsuspected cases. In our patient the unsuspected preexisting abdominal Kochs got flared up after extravasation of the contrast material during HSG resulting in formation of pus and diffuse peritonitis. Explorative laparotomy was taken after 1 week of conservative management and pus drained along with ovarian cystectomy. The patient was started on antitubercular treatment postoperatively and recovered well.
‘G’ followed by ‘H’-gout follows homoeopathy
Authors: Tripathy Tridibesh , Das Shankar , Singh D. P. , Prusty Umakant , Pattnaik Jeevan Krushna , Bihary Pradhan Pramod , Dubey Anil , Kumar Anjani , Tripathy Sanskriti , Tripathy Anjali , Dwivedi Rakesh , Gautam Mohini
Published: October 2023

Currently in modern medicine, it is seen that taking a uric acid reducing drug during an attack of gout actually prolongs the pain and discomfort. So, the learning is that one need not worry about high uric acid levels during an acute flair of gout. What actually someone needs is an anti-inflammatory that reduces the inflammation caused by the crystals of uric acid that build up in the joints when someone has gout. This anti-inflammatory drug is ‘colchicine’. Homoeopathy has been using the drug ‘colchicum autumnale’ for last 233 years since its discovery in 1790 by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843). It also uses its active principle ‘colchicine’ for the last 233 years. It is quite striking to see that the modern medicine is realizing the importance of ‘colchicine’ currently. The same ‘colchicine’ was advised to be used as an anti-inflammatory to reduce the markers like C-reactive protein, LDH, D-dimer and homocysteine. During the COVID-19 peak, again the homoeopathic Colchicine came to the rescue. The current article examines the use of homoeopathy in gout and uric acid problems and again at a larger issue with the protein metabolism and the kidney heath. Integration of homoeopathy at large scale will help the nation to protect its members from protein metabolism disorders, kidney health and gout as well.
Fecal sludge management practices and associated factors among residents living in Baidoa, Somalia
Authors: Hussein Mohamud Mohamed , Odongo Alfred Owino , Kerochi Atei , Snuggs Jason
Published: October 2023

Background: Excreta is a normal part of life, but if it is not appropriately controlled, it can lead to waterborne diseases, most low- and middle-income countries lack adequate fecal sludge treatment and management (FSM) service coverage. The study's main goal was to assess fecal sludge management practices and associated factors among communities in Baidoa, Somalia.
Methods: The study adopted a cross-sectional study design. The collected data was analyzed using statistical software for social sciences (SPSS) version 21. Descriptive statistics and chi-square were used. Qualitative data was thematically analyzed.
Results: The study identified that 66% of the Baidoa fecal sludge produced is not well managed. Regarding community perceptions, 75.80% of the assessed communities don’t understand poor sanitation while 30.1% don’t know the relationship between poor sanitation and health risk. Results showed a statistically significant association between education level and access to latrines, [χ2 (4, n=385=50.672, p<0.001)] study participants' community resident status and access to FSM services (  (23, n=385=148.82, p<0.001)); HH monthly income is significant in access to FSM services [χ2 (64, n=385=113.180, p<0.001)].
Conclusions: There are gaps in FSM management and residents are at risk of health hazards/disease outbreaks. The key recommendation is the development of strategic sanitation service delivery planning in view of FSM service chain and formulation of regulations to govern FSM service provision by different actors to safeguard the health safety of living, learning, and working environments.
The effect of mentoring on knowledge and implementation of my plate in adults
Authors: Karina Sa'diah Multi , Pritasari  , Damayanti Didit , Rabbani Fairuz Dhia
Published: October 2023

Background: The prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including hypertension and cancer, in Indonesia had increased, as shown by the result of Riskesdas 2018. To prevent the increase in the prevalence of NCDs, it is recommended to implement a healthy lifestyle in accordance with Indonesia balanced nutrition guidelines, including my plate. This study aimed to see the effect of nutrition education and mentoring on knowledge and implementation of my plate among adults.
Methods: This study used non-equivalent quasi experimental design. Respondents were 60 adults who were divided into control and treatment groups with 4 weeks of treatments.
Results: The age of respondents were between 22 to 44 years old with most of them were female (66.7%) in the treatment group and male (56.7%) in the control group. After four weeks of treatments, there were significant increases in nutritional knowledge (p=0.001) in both groups, but the results of the independent t-test showed no differences between groups. The study also showed that the number of respondents with daily meals similar to my plate increased from 33.3 to 50% in both groups. However, the average body weight of respondents also increased after treatments, but they were insignificant (p>0.05).
Conclusions: Nutrition education and mentoring can increase the nutritional knowledge of adults significantly. However, changing nutrient intake and body weight would take a longer time.
Effects of utilization of basic health care provision fund on service delivery in primary health centres in Osun State
Authors: Ehimare Adagbasa , Olagunju Funso A. , Akinwumi Akinsola I. , Adeagbo Omolola Y. , Akinleye Rosemary O. , Aderinwale Dorcas A. , Atolagbe James
Published: October 2023

Background: One of the daunting challenges militating against the provision of quality healthcare services at the various primary health centres hindering the successive provision of sustainable and equitable PHC services. This study aimed to assess the effects of the utilization of the basic health care provision funds on service delivery in primary health centres in Osun State.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was adopted for this study among 384 respondents selected using multistage sampling methods from different LGAs in Osun State between June 2023 and February 2023. The research instrument was a semi-structured questionnaire analysed with SPSS version 25.0. Univariate and bivariate analysis were done as appropriate and a p value of <0.05 was taken as statistically significant.
Results: The study found that the majority (93.2%) of BHCPF-supported PHCs received monthly releases. Most patients (98.2%) were satisfied with service delivery, which influenced patient utilization of PHC facilities, albeit without statistical significance.
Conclusions: Most (90%) of the facilities provided most services in the component of PHCs, but less than one-third offered mental and dental health services. Implementing these services in BHCPF-supported PHCs is recommended.
Is adherence to antiretroviral therapy by recipients of HIV care and treatment receiving care in Akwa Ibom state, Nigeria determined by their behaviors? A cross-sectional study
Authors: Usanga Ime , Oladigbolu Remi Abiola , Xavier Emem , Akpenna Donald , Daniel Usen , Akinjeji Adewale , Esu Irene , Anyanwu Prince Obinna , Peter Abah Ehiowoicho , Immanuel Chinyerem , Adedokun Adetunji , Nnanna Valentine Nnamdi , Majekodunmi Claire , Iniama Ekpenyong David , Abbah Friday , Udom Mmenyene-Abasi , Olude Janet , Nwafejeokwu Henry Afamefune , Orojo David
Published: October 2023

Background: There has been limited use of stage of change model in scaling up self-care for optimal adherence to ART. The study aimed to assess the pattern of behavior and its associated factors among recipients of care (RoC) receiving treatment in Akwa Ibom state, Nigeria.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 423 RoC between August and October 2022. The pattern of behavior of RoC was determined using descriptive statistics, and factors associated with behavior were assessed using chi-square analysis and subsequently binary logistic regression at an alpha level of <0.05 at a 95% confidence interval using SPSS version 25.
Results: Out of 423 recipients on care interviewed, 85% were in maintenance phase, and 13% in action phase. The correlates of behaviors of RoC were HIV diagnosis and on ART for over a year (p<0.001), residing in rural settings (p<0.001), and those in clinically stable DSD models (p<0.001). Over 87% of those in maintenance phase were adherent to ART, however, this was not statistically significant (p=0.21).
Conclusions: Almost all the RoC were in good behavior and majority of them were adherent to ART. The factors associated with behavior of recipients of care were those diagnosed and on ART for over a year, residing in rural settings, and those in clinically stable differentiated service delivery (DSD) models. Interventions that utilize stage of change model to scale up the self-care of RoC particularly among those in the urban settings is highly imperative.
Self-assessment and clinical diagnosis of periodontal status among patients visiting dental institution in Bangalore city: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Devi Rajkumari Surbala , Kumar Manish , Nongmeikapam Rejita , B. Rahul , S. G. Sushma , Devi Priya
Published: October 2023

Background: Periodontal diseases are a group of lesions affecting tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. Periodontal diseases are considered as a group of highly prevalent infectious, inflammatory conditions of the supporting structures of the teeth which affects more than 50% of the world’s adult population. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the extent of agreement between clinical and self-assessed periodontal health status among patients visiting the outpatient department of Rajarajeswari Dental College and Hospital, Bangalore, India.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was done among 250 patients who attended the outpatient department of Rajarajeswari Dental College and Hospital, Bangalore. The study population was subjected to a self-administered questionnaire which was followed by periodontal examination. The clinical examination included an assessment of the periodontal condition using CPI and mobility.
Results: There was a marked discrepancy between the two values of self-assessed and clinically diagnosed periodontal health status which shows that the self-assessed periodontal tool was a poor indicator of the periodontal health status.
Conclusions: The present study showed that there is a discrepancy between the subjectively and objectively assessed periodontal health status. Increasing people’s awareness and knowledge of their own dental disorders and changing their attitudes and behavior towards oral health care will help in improving oral as well as general health.
Assessment of patients satisfaction with mobile medical clinics in the two districts of north Bengal, India
Authors: Mahapatra Biswajit , Moinudeen Syed Abdul Khader , Bhattacharya Paramita , Mukherjee Nirmalya , John Denny , Jayanna Krishnamurthy
Published: October 2023

Background: Patient satisfaction is an important indicator to measure the quality of healthcare services and plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality of health service delivery. The aim of the study was to assess the patient’s satisfaction level with the quality of health care delivered at the mobile medical clinics (MMC) in two districts of north Bengal, India.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was done using a purposive sampling method, and total of 294 samples were recruited. A questionnaire (PSQ-18) was used to assess the patient satisfaction level. Chi-square tests were used for categorical variables. F-test and t-test were used for mean differences between the variables. Linear regression analysis was done to examine the linear effect of social factors on patient satisfaction.
Results: The present study shows that overall satisfaction was 74.04%, with a mean value of 3.702. In the Jalpaiguri district, 27.5% of patients are highly satisfied, whereas 17.0% are in Alipurduar. Alipurduar district has a higher low satisfaction rating (39.7%) than Jalpaiguri district (19.7%), and a district-wise significant association was found (p<0.001). Overall satisfaction level effects by occupation (p<0.001), population and socio economic status (p<0.05).
Conclusions: Policymakers may consider that MMCs could be an effective strategy to improve primary health care in remote, underserved areas where there are no public health care facilities.
Prevalence and correlates of anxiety and stress in school going adolescents in Delhi national capital region: a cross sectional study
Authors: Khanna Tejasvini , Banerjee Bratati , Majhi Madan Mohan
Published: October 2023

Background: Anxiety and stress are notable health problems plaguing adolescents. Moreover, issues such as poor sleep quality and body image issues, common in adolescence, have also been linked to anxiety and stress previously.
Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted across 392 school going adolescents in Delhi NCR, India. Sociodemographic and lifestyle data was collected using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. DASS-21 was used to screen the participants for anxiety and stress, Pittsburgh sleep quality index for sleep quality, and Stunkard figure rating silhouette for body image issues. Data was entered into MS Excel spreadsheets and Statistical Package for Social Sciences version-25 was used for analysis.
Results: 47.5% participants suffered from anxiety and 22.2% from stress. Anxiety was significantly associated with father’s education and occupation, stressful occurrences in the family, poor sleep quality and inadequate exercise. Stress was significantly higher in females and those with poor sleep quality.
Conclusions: Anxiety and stress in adolescents show significant associations with familial and lifestyle factors. Identifying these risk factors can enable timely diagnosis and intervention.
An exploratory study of 3rd wave features of COVID-19 patients admitted in a level 3 medical institution of Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Vohra Devinder Kumar , Dave Sanjev , Sharma Shalini , Mittal Santosh , Trivedi Arvind , Manchanda J. K. , Singh Nawab
Published: October 2023

Background: COVID-19 3rd wave has shown not only less deaths but also limited symptomatic patients in India with few numbers of casualties as compared to first and second wave. The exact scientific reason behind this needs detailed study. There is an urgent need for a study aimed towards detection of low mortality and morbidity in 3rd wave of COVID-19 patients from a level 3 medical college hospital in western Uttar Pradesh district in India so as to find and develop new management strategies for COVID-19 patients in future next COVID-19 waves.
Methods: This study was aimed to find morbidity and mortality factors of COVID-19 3rd wave among COVID-19 patients in a level 3 medical college hospital in western UP district Saharanpur in India from 1st January 2022 to 30th June 2022.
Results: The demographic profile of patients admitted in our level 3 medical college hospital in western UP district in India; had no significant (p>0.05) association with morbidity and mortality in COVID-19 3rd wave, but vaccination doses as it increased from 1st to 2nd had significant association (p=0.05) with less mortality and morbidity in COVID-19 3rd wave those who received the vaccines.
Conclusions: Possibly COVID vaccination doses had a positive boosting effect on immune system of COVID-19 patients, which may have caused Virus to be less damaging to Immune system leading to decreased morbidity and mortality and in COVID-19 patients in wave 3.
A descriptive comparative study on COVID-19 impact among people living with human immunodeficiency virus at tertiary care hospital: Bengaluru urban
Authors: Masthi N. R. Ramesh , S. Pruthvi
Published: October 2023

Introduction: The SARS-CoV-2 virus is the infectious disease known as coronavirus disease (COVID-19). A lockdown was implemented across the nation in response to escalating infections and community transmission. Patients Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (PLHIV) must get therapy for the rest of their lives. Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) must be available and strictly adhered to in order to lower HIV-related morbidity and mortality and stop HIV transmission. ART continuity in PLHIV has been compromised globally by the COVID-19 epidemic. This research was done to find out how the pandemic affected PLHIV patient’s adherence to their ART regimens.
Methods: For nine months, PLHIV visiting the ART centre in a tertiary care hospital in Bengaluru urban participated in this a prospective comparative study. Through systematic random sampling, 470 patients were chosen for the study. Data were gathered by one-on-one interviews using a standardised semi-structured questionnaire. The statistics used were mean, median, and z test for proportion.
Results: The bulk of the study participants were male and between the ages of 41 and 50. The most frequent means of HIV transmission risk was heterosexual interaction. Before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a large difference in the number of PLHIV/day visits. Opportunistic infections and first-line failures were more common and statistically significant during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to the pandemic, there was an average 94.84% adherence to ART, which dropped to 80.55% during the pandemic. The variation was substantial.
Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted PLHIV medication adherence, and opportunistic infections have increased during this time.