bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of serum uric acid and non-motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Odeniyi Olanike A. , Ojo Oluwadamilola O. , Odeniyi Ifedayo Adeola , Okubadejo Njideka Ulunma
Published: August 2022

Background and Objective:

The role of serum uric acid (SUA) as a biomarker in Parkinson's disease (PD) remains exploratory and has not been described in our population. The objective of this study was to explore the profile of SUA and its relationship to nonmotor symptoms (NMS) burden in PD.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study recruited 70 persons with PD and 140 matched healthy controls in Lagos, Nigeria. PD was diagnosed using the United Kingdom PD Society Brain Bank criteria. NMS were assessed with the NMS Questionnaire (NMS-Quest). SUA was measured using standard methods.

Results:

The mean ages of PD and controls were 63 ± 9.4 years and 62.9 ± 8.8 years, respectively (P = 0.65), with no difference when compared by sex. The median PD duration (interquartile range [IQR]) was 4 (4.25) years. Median Hoehn and Yahr stage (IQR) was 2.5 (1.0). The mean total unified Parkinson's disease rating scale score was 70.7 ± 23.7. The mean NMS-Quest score was 8.5 ± 3.8. Mean SUA level was significantly lower in PD compared to controls (2.42 ± 0.75 mg/dL vs. 3.73 ± 1.09 mg/dL [P = 0.000]). There was a nonsignificant inverse linear trend of association (r = −0.184; P = 0.126) between the total NMS-Quest score and SUA level in PD. Logistic regression analysis revealed hyposmia and memory impairment were significantly related to lower SUA levels (P = 0.02 and P = 0.04, respectively).

Conclusion:

Our study corroborates the potential of SUA as a serum biomarker in PD and a possible role in defining non-motor symptom burden. Further exploration to clarify the association and interrogate the impact of interventions is warranted.
Feeding practices and nutrition in children of working and stay-At-Home mothers
Authors: Kumar Sananda , Chandrasegaran Barathy , Kittu Devi , Jayavani RL , Ananthakrishnan Shanthi
Published: August 2022

Introduction:

Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for the first 6 months of life and timely introduction of complementary feeds (CFs) with continuation of breastfeeding up to 2 years or beyond are optimum infant and toddler nutrition practices. Mother's employment status influences the feeding practice which in turn can have a negative impact on the growth and development of the infant. The objectives of the study were to determine and compare breastfeeding and CF practices in working and stay-at-home mothers attending our health facility and its effect on the growth of their children.

Methods:

This observational comparative study was done on 200 mothers, 100 working mothers and 100 stay-at-home mothers of children aged 1–24 months after obtaining written consent. Data were recorded in a pretested semi-structured questionnaire using interview method. Details were elicited regarding feeding practices and illnesses in the child. Each infant's growth and development were assessed using the World Health Organization growth chart and Trivandrum development chart. Statistical tests used were descriptive statistics for frequencies, means and standard deviation, Chi-square for proportions, and Student's t-test for means. A P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

EBF for 6 months was given by 37% (37/100) of stay-at-home and 45% (45/100) of working mothers (P = 0.251). Breastfeeding beyond 6 months was given by 94.7% (n = 71/75) of stay-at-home and 93.8% of working mothers (n = 90/96, P = 0.800), and beyond 12 months by 61.1% n = 33/54) and 54.8%, respectively, (n = 40/73, P = 0.477). CF was initiated by 180 days by 44% of stay-at-home (44/100) and 55% of working mothers (55/100, P = 0.120). Underweight, wasting, and stunting were seen in 12%, 10%, and 13% (12/100, 10/100, 13/100), respectively, of stay-at-home and 14%, 15%, and 13% (14/100, 15/100, 13/100), respectively, of working mothers and there was no statistical difference between the two groups. A higher frequency of diarrheal episodes was observed in babies of working mothers (6/100, 6% vs. 18/100, 18%, P = 0.009).

Conclusion:

There was no statistical difference between stay-at-home and working mothers in time of initiation of first feed, giving colostrum, EBF rate, continued breastfeeding beyond 12 months, and age of initiation of CF. Thus, the nutrition and health status of children in both groups were comparable except acute diarrheal illness which was more in babies of working mothers.
Vitreoretinal manifestations of human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in patients attending an antiretroviral therapy clinic in Nigeria
Authors: Babalola Yewande O. , Oluleye Tunji S. , Ashaye Adeyinka O.
Published: August 2022

Background:

The human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) is a multi-systemic disease with known manifestations involving all ocular structures from the orbit and ocular adnexa, anterior segment to the retina and vitreous. Some of these manifestations including cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis and HIV retinopathy are HIV/AIDS-defining illnesses. The aim of this study is to determine the vitreoretinal manifestations in patients with HIV/AIDS attending an antiretroviral therapy clinic in Nigeria.

Methods:

This was a prospective, cross-sectional study of consenting, confirmed HIV/AIDS patients attending an antiretroviral therapy clinic in Nigeria. All willing, consecutive patients who gave an informed consent were recruited. Sociodemographic data and clinical information were collected with the use of a structured interviewer–administered questionnaire. Best-corrected visual acuity was recorded. Anterior segment and ocular adnexa examination was performed with a pen torch. Detailed anterior and posterior segment examination was performed with slit lamp biomicroscopy with Volks +78 diopter lens and binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy. The data were analyzed with SPSS (statistical package for social sciences) version 16. Ethical approval was obtained from the institutional ethics committee.

Results:

Three hundred and eighteen patients were studied of which 85 (26.7%) had disorders affecting the retina and vitreous. The female-to-male ratio was 2:1. More than a third of patients (38.7%) were in the 40–49 years of age group and the mean age was 47.2 years. The most common vitreoretinal lesion was presumed ocular toxoplasmosis present in 9.7% of all respondents. This was closely followed by HIV retinopathy in 3.5%, ocular tuberculosis in 1.8%, and CMV retinitis in 1.6% respondents. Two hundred and seventy-seven (87.1%) respondents were on highly active antiretroviral therapy and 41 (12.9%) were not on treatment.

Conclusion:

A high prevalence of ocular conditions especially those affecting the retina and vitreous exists in patients with HIV/AIDS attending the antiretroviral therapy clinic in a tertiary hospital in Nigeria. Regular eye examinations are recommended for these patients to prevent potentially visual debilitating disorders.
The effect of a coping program on mothers’ grief following perinatal deaths
Authors: Nournorouzi Leila , Nourizadeh Roghaiyeh , Hakimi Sevil , Esmaeilpour Khalil , Najmi Leila
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND:

Mother–child attachment is formed from early stages of pregnancy and peaks in the second trimester and continues until after childbirth. The fetal or neonatal death as a tragic event could lead to the grief experience among parents, especially mothers. The present study aimed to determine the effect of a coping program on mothers’ grief following perinatal deaths.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This trial study was performed on 56 women with the experience of perinatal death during the last 1–3 months with a score of Perinatal Grief Scale (PGS) ≥91, who were referred to the health centers of Tabriz, Iran, from September 2020 to June 2021. Participants were randomly assigned into the intervention and control groups through stratified blocking on the basis of the stillbirth and neonatal death using Random Allocation Software with a block size of 4 and 6 with a ratio of 1:1. The intervention group received a coping program individually during three sessions, once a week for 45–60 min. Data collection tools included the demographic and obstetric characteristic questionnaire and PGS. The data were analyzed using SPSS24. The groups were compared through t-test, and ANCOVA after adjusting the effect of baseline score.

RESULTS:

Prior to coping program, the mean standard deviation of the grief total score was 108.32 (14.31) in the intervention group and 107.92 (6.65) in the control group (P = 0.89). After coping program, the mean of the grief total score was 82.28 (16.72) in the intervention group and 101.05 (12.78) in the control group. After adjusting the effect of baseline score and stratified factors, the mean of the grief total score in the intervention group was significantly lower than that in the control group [Adjusted mean difference (AMD): −18.77, 95% confidence interval: −26.79 to − 10.75, P ≤ 0.001].

CONCLUSION:

Conducting a coping program during 1–3 months after experiencing perinatal deaths is effective in reducing the mothers’ grief reactions. It is recommended to evaluate the effectiveness of the same intervention after perinatal deaths for both parents with a longer follow-up period in further studies.
Online versus face-to-face metacognitive educational counseling program on anxiety and meta-worry in women with a history of miscarriage
Authors: Shahamabadi Mina Ghiasi , Farajkhoda Tahmineh , Mahmoodabadi Hassan Zareei
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND:

In the COVID-19 outbreak, women with a history of miscarriage need more mental health. Anxiety and meta-worry as consequences of miscarriage, besides concerns due to pregnancy during coronavirus, show the necessity of appropriate online and face-to-face educational counseling. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of online metacognitive educational counseling versus face-to-face method on anxiety and meta-worry in these women.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

In this randomized clinical trial, 80 women with a history of miscarriage, anxiety, and meta-worry referred to Imam Jafar Sadegh hospital (labor, women ward and women clinic), Meybod, Iran, were selected conveniently and randomly assigned into two groups (n = 20/each). The participants received 8-session metacognitive educational counseling package online or face-to-face. Data were collected by Beck Anxiety Inventory, Wellz meta-worry questionnaire at baseline, week eight, and follow up as primary outcomes and analyzed via SPSS software (Anova and Repeated measure statistic tests).

RESULTS:

Anxiety in the 12th week (online group 13.75 ± 3.59 vs. face to face 18.25 ± 5.91, P = 0.04) was statistical significantly less than baseline (respectively 22.15 ± 5.67 vs. 22.35 ± 4.93, P = 0.56); with fewer anxiety scores in the online group. Meta-worry in the 12th week (online group 11.90 ± 2.59 vs. face to face 15.70 ± 4.06, P = 0.03) was statistically significant compared to baseline (respectively 17.15 ± 2.70 vs. 18.50 ± 3.47, P = 0.36); with fewer meta-worry scores in the online group. Belief about worry in 12th week (online group 66.50 ± 14.60 vs. face to face 78.45 ± 9.27, P = 0.01) was statistical significantly less than baseline (respectively 85.50 ± 8.87 vs. 86.05 ± 8.85, P = 0.96); with less score of belief about worry in the online group.

CONCLUSION:

Online and face-to-face metacognitive educational counseling methods decreased anxiety, meta-worry, and belief about worry in women with miscarriage. But online educational counseling was more effective. Distance online counseling in COVID-19 can help the mental health of women with miscarriage.
Perceived behavioral control regarding regular physical activity and healthy diet
Authors: Jha Sweety Suman , Dobe Madhumita , Taklikar Chandrashekhar , Lahiri Arista
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND:

Healthy children are the foundation for a healthy and developing nation. Perceived behavioral control (PBC), comprising control belief and perceived power, is a person's perception of the ease or difficulty of performing the behavior of interest. For facilitating regular physical activity and regular healthy dietary practices among the adolescents, PBC is an important construct to develop and implement appropriate interventions. The aim is to assess PBC to perform regular physical activity and regular healthy dietary practices and measure their statistical relationship among the school-going adolescents in an urban area in West Bengal.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 251 adolescents aged 12–16 years after taking consent and assent for participation in the study. Data were collected with self-administered questionnaire on sociodemographic variables and the two domains of PBC, i.e., control beliefs and perceived power, related to regular physical activity and regular healthy dietary practices. Each PBC total score was calculated by multiplying control belief score and perceived power score for each respondent. Partial correlation coefficient was calculated between regular healthy dietary practices and regular physical activity.

RESULTS:

Among the total 251 responses analyzed, 34.7% and 27.5% students belonged to age group 14 and 15, respectively. It was observed that the mean (± standard deviation) score of PBC regarding regular healthy dietary practices was 100.7 (±27.7) and for regular physical activity was 106.0 (±21.4). The correlation between PBC of regular healthy dietary practices and regular physical activity was 0.421 and was statistically significant.

CONCLUSION:

In case PBC score over any behavior is higher, behavioral intention and ultimately chances of performing that particular behavior increases. Designing appropriate school-based health promotion strategies can lead to healthier children fostering regular healthy dietary practices and regular physical activity in their homes and communities.
Effectiveness of educational intervention on reducing oxidative stress caused by occupational stress in nurses
Authors: Panahi Davoud , Pirposhteh Elham Akhlaghi , Moradi Bayan , Poursadeqiyan Mohsen , Sahlabadi Ali Salehi , Kavousi Amir
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND:

Nursing is one of the most stressful occupations. Educational intervention regarding stress management can play an important role in reducing occupational stress among nurses The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of educational intervention on reducing oxidative stress caused by occupational stress in nurses: A health promotion approach in a hospital in western Iran.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The present interventional study was performed in 2019 among 92 nurses working at the Kosar Hospital located in the city of Sanandaj in the country of Iran. Occupational stress was evaluated using the Osipow Occupational Stress Questionnaire. Oxidative stress was measured by taking blood samples and measuring the enzymatic activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde, and catalase (CAT) using SOD, malondialdehyde (MDA), and CAT kits. Educational intervention was carried out in the second stage. Three months after the intervention, data were taken again.

RESULTS:

The results of the present study indicated that there was a significant difference in occupational stress between before and after the educational intervention (P < 0.05). A significant reduction in MDA (P = 0.038) and SOD (P = 0.048) was observed after educational intervention, but this was not the case for CAT (P = 0.592). There was no significant correlation between occupational stress with oxidative stress parameters before and after the educational intervention (P < 0.05). No significant difference in occupational stress was observed between men and women. Among the oxidative stress parameters under evaluation, MDA was higher among men compared to women and this was statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS:

Educational intervention regarding occupational stress is effective in reducing oxidative stress among nurses. The group meetings teach stress management to the participants and enable them to better manage their stress by utilizing their own capabilities. Thus, attention to this issue is vital in maintaining the mental and physical health of nurses and, in turn, improves the quality of care rendered.
Analysis of surface contamination of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in a health-care setting in the context of the coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic
Authors: Kohli Amrish , Singh Kamna , Dolma Yangchen
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND:

Hospital-onset coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) infection has been reported and is probably linked to ineffective implementation of infection prevention and control measures. Contaminated surfaces and air are considered a key part of the transmission dynamics of severe acute respiratory syndrome, Middle East respiratory syndrome, influenza, and other organisms in hospitals. This study aimed to assess the extent and persistence of surface contamination with COVID-19.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

It was a hospital-based cross-sectional study conducted for a period for 2 weeks from December 03, 2020, to December 16, 2020, in Kathua district of J and K, India. The environmental samples were taken from the patient care area that included COVID isolation ward and intensive care unit (ICU) as per the guidelines of WHO Protocol “Surface sampling of COVID-19: A practical “how to” protocol for health care and public health professionals after seeking copyright permission from the WHO. Universal standard precautions were strictly followed. Descriptive analysis was done using the MS-Excel and expressed in numbers and percentages.

RESULTS:

A total of 140 surface samples were taken, 70 each from the COVID ICU and isolation ward. The results of ten samples from the ICU turned out to be positive and 20 samples were positive from the isolation ward. Eleven (78.6%) out of the 14 samples taken from the corners of the ICU and isolation ward were found to be positive.

CONCLUSION:

Our study revealed surface contamination in the hospital setting both in COVID ICU and isolation ward particularly from the corners of the COVID ICU and isolation ward followed by the samples taken from the linen. Strict adherence to COVID appropriate behavior, increased frequency of disinfection in high-risk areas, and sensitization of the staff are mandatory to minimize the infection risk.
The effect of convalescent plasma on the treatment of COVID-19 patients in Ardabil, Iran
Authors: Iranijam Effat , Ghobadi Hassan , Matin Somaieh , Habibzadeh Shahram , Zandian Hamed , Mohammadshahi Jafar , Fooladi Shahnaz , Dargahi Abdollah , Safarzadeh Elham , Negaresh Mohammad , Hosseini Javad , Samadi Ali Hossein , Hoseininia Saeed , salehzadeh Hossein , Dezhkam Sharareh
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND:

Infection with COVID-19 has resulted in considerable mortality all around the world. This study aimed to investigate the effect of convalescent plasma on the treatment of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in Imam Khomeini Hospital at Ardabil, Iran.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

In this quasi-experimental clinical trial, patients over 18 years of age with polymerase chain reaction-positive COVID-19 were admitted based on the clinical criteria of respiratory distress with hypoxia (O2 saturation <90) and tachypnea (R Relative Risk (RR) >24) with moderate-to-severe lung involvement and in the 1st week of respiratory disease who were not intubated were nonrandomly assigned to two groups: convalescent plasma therapy (CPT) group (197 cases) and control group (200 cases). We used the Chi-square, t-test, Fisher's exact test, and Pearson's correlation coefficient for statistical analysis.

RESULTS:

Analyses revealed that length of stay in hospital was significantly lower in the CPT group as compared to the control group (P = 0.001). Twenty-four cases (22.0%) in the CPT group and 85 cases (78.0%) in the control group needed intubation. Furthermore, mortality was 17 cases (18.3%) in the CPT group and 76 cases (81.7%) in the control group, the difference of which was also found to be statistically significant (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS:

It seems that CPT can be used as an alternative treatment at the early stages of COVID-19 to prevent the progress of the disease, reduce the need for intubation and consequently the length of stay in hospital, and finally, decrease mortality.
Effect of webinars in teaching–learning process in medical and allied health science students during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Sivaramalingam Janani , Rajendiran Kalai Selvi , Mohan Monisha , Premlal K. S. , Yadhav Santosh Kumar , Satyamurthy G. D. V. , Rangasamy Surendar , Diravyaseelan M. , Jamir Lendiwabang , Pandey Durgesh Kumar Umaraj , Mohan Surapaneni Krishna , Cassinadane Ananda Vayaravel
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND:

COVID-19 pandemic lockdown has brought all sectors to be dwindled with no exception of the academic system. Even professional courses like medical and allied health academic courses were also not spared. The academic requirements were not met as required to do so. Webinar has become a good source of virtual platform acting as a bridge for attaining the gaps in accomplishing the curriculum to the students during these curfew times. Our study aimed to know the value of webinars on teaching–learning processes among the medical and allied health science students in India.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The study design is a cross-sectional study with 2084 students who attended at least one webinar. An online survey questionnaire was sent, and the data were collected on participant's perspective on the effectiveness of webinar, post webinar assessment by their satisfactory level of gain of information through webinars and their plan to apply in future.

RESULTS:

Participant's perspective on effectiveness of webinar showed 66.7% of agreement with the webinar use. In post webinar assessment, the use of webinar was in agreement with 69.9% of the participants. Furthermore, we observed a significant association with the gain of information in post webinar assessment (P < 0.05) and a significant association with their plan to apply in future (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION:

Our results showed that the students were satisfied with the webinar teaching and acknowledged it to be an effective tool in the teaching–learning process to gain new knowledge and wish to attend webinars in future as a part of their curriculum. Thus, webinars have a constructive effect in the teaching and learning process in professional courses during pandemic lockdown.
Intentional self-harm in individuals referred to consultation liaison psychiatry services in a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Ismail Haamid , Qadri Sabreena , Hussain Arshad
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND:

Intentional self-harm (ISH) is one of the most important entities of consultation-liaison psychiatry. This study aimed to assess the clinical profile of individuals with intentional self-harm referred to consultation-liaison (CL) psychiatric services in a tertiary care hospital.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The present study was a cross-sectional hospital-based study, in which purposive sampling was done for sample selection. A total of 60 subjects of ISH referred for evaluation in a tertiary care psychiatry hospital on specified days were recruited to the study after obtaining informed consent. Demographic and clinical details such as the nature of the self-harm attempt, method of attempt, number of attempts, the reason for the attempt, and regret/remorse about the attempt were documented using the semi-structured proforma.

RESULTS:

A total of 60 subjects were included in the study. About 80% of them were below the age of 30 years. The majority (80%) were females, 65% were from a rural background, 56.7% were married. The most common method of ISH was self-poisoning. Interpersonal conflicts with family members (50%), followed by interpersonal conflicts with the spouse/partner (21.7%) were the commonest reason/precipitating factors that lead to intentional self-harm. Also, 45% of our study population did not have any diagnosable psychiatric illness at the time of assessment, and the most common psychiatric diagnosis was personality disorders (20%).

CONCLUSION:

Intentional self-harm is common in young married females from rural backgrounds. Self-poisoning is the most common method of deliberate self-harm. More than half of the individuals were diagnosed with the psychiatric illness at presentation.
The relationship between the big five personality traits and job satisfaction with virtual teaching among teachers of students with learning difficulties
Authors: Almutairi Jawzaa Hamoud , Ahmed Abeer T
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND:

Job satisfaction has been described to be an important for individuals as well as for the society in general. However, several factors were introduced to be crucial for job satisfaction; one of the more influenced factors in satisfaction experiences is individual personality. The present study aim is to identify the relationship between the five major traits of personality and job satisfaction with virtual education among teachers of students with learning difficulties.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The research is a descriptive quantitative design. The research population consists of 94 male and female teachers who are involved in primary and intermediate public schools in Saudi Arabia. Data were then exposed to the analysis, namely, descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and Mann–Whitney U test to obtain the answers to the research questions at the level of <0.05.

RESULTS:

Based on the results, the most common personality trait among the study sample is conscientiousness, while neuroticism was the least common among the five traits. It was also found that there are differences between males and females in all dimensions of job satisfaction with virtual education (satisfaction with the nature of work – the relationship with colleagues and bosses – the relationship with parents) and the overall score in favor of females, except for the dimension of the relationship with colleagues and superiors, where males and females are equal.

CONCLUSION:

The average score of the personality types and job satisfaction is moderate. Job satisfaction has a significant relationship with personality types. In addition, partial significant differences were found among the study variables. Given the importance of identifying teachers’ personality in the workplace, reducing psychological and work factors effects in the educational environment among teachers can be helpful to enhance their job satisfaction. The study therefor, enumerated implications and recommendations based on the findings.
Osteoporosis risk group
Authors: Selvakumar Rajkumar , Chandran Ajay , Patil Abhijit , Harini TC , Dandekeri Shilpa , Verma Diksha , Babu J Suresh , Swarnalatha C , Nayyar Abhishek S.
Published: August 2022

Osteoporosis is a specific condition which is characterized by low bone mineral density (BMD) and deterioration of bone structure resulting in an increased susceptibility to fractures. It contributes to a great deal of morbidity and mortality, and is a large burden to the healthcare system, especially in the case of the elderly population. In the last four decades, a plethora of studies have reported characteristic oral radiographic findings in the early stages of osteoporosis, suggesting the possible use of oral radiographic signs for the early detection of the condition. Digital orthopantomographs (OPGs) are usually taken for the screening of dental patients during routine dental evaluations. These radiographs and the characteristic changes seen on them may have a significant role in the screening for initial osteoporotic changes. A number of precise radiomorphometric indices of the mandible have also been developed to allow quantification of the mandibular bone mass for identification of the initial signs of osteoporosis. The present review focuses on the possible role of panoramic radiographs in the initial screening for osteoporosis in dental clinics in high-risk groups.
A sequential exploratory study to develop and validate neutropenic nursing care bundle for neutropenic patients admitted in a tertiary care hospital, Uttarakhand
Authors: Dahiya Nitesh , Rani Ruchika , Nath Uttam K.
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND:

Patients diagnosed with cancer and who undergo cancer treatment are at potential risk of bone marrow suppression leading to prolonged hospitalization, delay in treatment, and chemotherapy dose reductions, which ultimately results in significant morbidity and mortality. This sequential exploratory study using a mixed-method approach was aimed to develop and validate a neutropenic nursing care (NNC) bundle for neutropenic patients admitted in a tertiary care hospital, Uttarakhand.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

This sequential exploratory study design with an instrument developmental model was used to develop the NNC bundle. It consisted of two phases: Qualitative phase and quantitative phase. In the qualitative phase, focused group discussion with eight oncology nurses was performed to derive themes related to neutropenic nursing care using conventional content analysis. An extensive literature review was also performed on these themes to explore the current pieces of evidence for item pool generation. In the quantitative phase, a preliminary draft bundle was developed, and two Delphi rounds (I and II) were carried out among the five experts for the content validation of the NNC bundle and a final bundle was developed.

RESULTS:

Major domains identified for the bundle were hand hygiene, care of central and peripheral lines, routine oral care, antiseptic bath, peri-anal care, diet, and environmental hygiene. The content validity index (CVI) of the bundle was found to be >80% for all the items with I-CVI >0.8 and S-CVI = 0.99 after conducting two rounds of Delphi.

CONCLUSION:

The present study has provided a set of valid written neutropenic nursing interventions to prevent complications in neutropenic patients. The NNC bundle should be subjected to other levels of evaluation that measure the bundle's practicability and suitability for the intended field.
Developing the breast cancer risk prediction system using hybrid machine learning algorithms
Authors: Afrash Mohammad R. , Bayani Azadeh , Shanbehzadeh Mostafa , Bahadori Mohammadkarim , Kazemi-Arpanahi Hadi
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND:

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cause of cancer-related deaths in women globally. Currently, many machine learning (ML)-based predictive models have been established to assist clinicians in decision making for the prediction of BC. However, preventing risk factor formation even with having healthy lifestyle behaviors or preventing disease at early stages can significantly lead to optimal population-wide BC health. Thus, we aimed to develop a prediction model by using a genetic algorithm (GA) incorporating several ML algorithms for the prediction and early warning of BC.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

The data of 3168 healthy individuals and 1742 patient case records in the BC Registry Database in Ayatollah Taleghani hospital, Abadan, Iran were analyzed. First, a modified hybrid GA was used to perform feature selection and optimization of selected features. Then, with the use of selected features, several ML algorithms were trained to predict BC. Afterward, the performance of each model was measured in terms of accuracy, precision, sensitivity, specificity, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve metrics. Finally, a clinical decision support system based on the best model was developed.

RESULTS:

After performing feature selection, age, consumption of dairy products, BC family history, breast biopsy, chest X-ray, hormone therapy, alcohol consumption, being overweight, having children, and education statuses were selected as the most important features for prediction of BC. The experimental results showed that the decision tree yielded a superior performance than other ML models, with values of 99.3%, 99.5%, 98.26% for accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity, respectively.

CONCLUSION:

The developed predictive system can accurately identify persons who are at elevated risk for BC and can be used as an essential clinical screening tool for the early prevention of BC and serve as an important tool for developing preventive health strategies.
A model for implementing oral health-promoting school
Authors: Tahani Bahareh , Asgari Imaneh
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND:

Schools are ideal setting for children's oral health-promoting programs. It is an integrated model for oral health-promoting schools (OHPS) with the capacities of dental school's curriculum and dental students as workforces. In this protocol, the principle of planning and implementation of the oral health program is described.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Based on the PRECEDE-Policy, Regulatory, and Organizational Constructs in Educational and Environmental Development (PROCEED) planning model, a framework for determining the potential predisposing, reinforcing, and enabling factors that could be intervening was diagnosed. To adapt the phases of the planning model for integration of the “OHPS” principles and the dental students’ curriculum, the following steps are supposed to be considered: Phases 1–5 which are to assess the baseline data will include the assessment of children oral health status and parents and teachers’ knowledge, attitude, and performance. Phase 6 or implementation phase will be allocated to oral health education interventions for students, parents, and teachers, professional screening, prevention, and referral. Phase 7 or the process assessment phase will be to record the number of screened students, the amount of fissure sealant and fluoride provision, and percentage of trained parents and teachers. Phase 8 or the impact assessment phase will assess the students’ improvement in knowledge and practice, decayed, missing, and filled teeth scores, teachers and mothers’ oral health attitudes and behaviors, and brushing and flossing behaviors. At the last, cost analysis of the program and long-term monitoring of the interventions is suggested.

CONCLUSION:

In case that the effectiveness of this model is proven, it can be implemented by other dental schools for the primary schools in their regions. Considering the number and distribution of dental schools in the country, this model is executable as targeted population oral health promotion approach in 6–12-year-old schoolchildren.
Effectiveness of educational intervention-based compassion therapy on emotional regulation and self-control after discharge of patients With COVID-19
Authors: Torbati Abbas Godrati , Zandi Anahita , Abbaspour Seddigheh
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND:

One of the important causes of anxiety in COVID-19 disease is the inability to regulate emotion and lack of self-control during threatening conditions. The psychotherapy technique has been effective in reducing these symptoms. Therefore, this study attempted to evaluate the effectiveness of compassion-based therapy on emotion regulation and self-control in patients with COVID-19 after discharge.

MATERIALS AND METHOD:

It was a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest study with a control group. The statistical population consisted of 30 men (15 in each group) who were in the quarantine period of COVID-19 disease. Available sampling was used and the participants were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. In the experimental group, compassion-based treatment was performed in 10 sessions of 90 min. Tanji's self-control questionnaire and Garnofsky's Emotion Regulation questionnaires were used. Data analysis were performed using SPSS 21 software and multivariate analysis of covariance.

RESULTS:

There was a significant difference between the mean scores of emotion regulation and self-control variables in the experimental and control groups (P < 0.001). The effect of this treatment on increasing the emotion regulation score was 49% and on increasing the self-control score was 37%.

CONCLUSION:

Compassion-based therapy can increase cognitive regulation and improve self-control in patients with COVID-19 disease. It is suggested that this intervention can be used in psychological treatment programs.
Using instant messaging applications to promote clinical teaching of medical students
Authors: Saeedbakhsh Mohammadreza , Omid Athar , Khodadoostan Mahsa , Shavakhi Ahmad , Adibi Peyman
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND:

The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of Telegram as an Instant messaging application in clinical teaching of medical students, especially clinical ward rounds.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

In this quasi-experimental study, Telegram as an Instant messaging application was employed. To do this, a Telegram group entitled as “Lavender” was created and then selected patients were divided between students and externs daily. After that, students and externs were asked to take medical histories, perform complete physical examinations, and then share their data in the Lavender group. Ultimately, to evaluate the effects of this intervention, two quantitative and qualitative approaches were used.

RESULTS:

From the students’ point of view the highest average was associated with “Readiness for teaching round” (3.71 ± 1.34) and the lowest average was related to “Time-saving for studying about illnesses” (2.08 ± 1.44). In addition, medical trainees mentioned that reporting patients’ daily medical histories and progress notes could create a reflective process. The suggestion made by many medical trainees was to select and discuss simpler cases who have more teaching points for them, while other trainees recommended focusing on common illnesses in the Lavender group.

CONCLUSION:

The use of messaging software applications such as Telegram in medical education has created a new paradigm, which could facilitate interpersonal interactions among trainees.
Study of medical students’ learning approaches and their association with academic performance and problem-solving styles
Authors: Ramezani Ghobad , Norouzi Azam , Arabshahi Seyed Kamran Soltani , Sohrabi Zohreh , Zazoli Atefeh Zabihi , Saravani Shahrzad , Pourbairamian Ghadir
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND:

Learners have various processing and understanding of the environment and issues and choose different strategies for problem-solving considering learning and studying approaches. The purpose of this study was to examine medical students’ learning approaches and their association with academic performance and problem-solving styles.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This study was conducted using the descriptive-correlational method. The statistical population comprised medical students of Iran University of Medical Sciences during the academic year of 2019–2020. Of them, 168 subjects were chosen based on simple random sampling and Morgan Table. Study tools include the Standard Approaches and Study Skills Inventory for Students (ASSIST) Questionnaire, which includes 18 items and a Likert five-choice spectrum, and includes a deep, superficial, and strategic approach. Its reliability was determined by Cronbach's alpha of 0.81. Problem-Solving Style Questionnaire developed by Cassidy and Long was used. This instrument included 24 items and 6 components, and its reliability equaled 0.83, which was their grade point average. Data were analyzed using normality tests, paired t-test, Pearson correlation coefficient, and regression through SPSS 16 software.

RESULTS:

Results implied the positive and significant relationship between deep-strategic approaches, problem-solving styles, and academic performance of medical students (P < 0.001); furthermore, there was no significant difference between learning approaches based on gender (P > 0.001), while there was a significant difference between two groups in terms of problem-solving styles (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION:

Because deep and strategic approaches predict academic performance and problem-solving styles, the diagnostic assessment must be done at the beginning of the educational process to determine the type of learners’ approaches. Such an evaluation can be used to implement instructional strategies and educational designs to improve the academic performance of students.
Predicting Efficacy of 5-Fluorouracil Therapy via a Mathematical Model with Fuzzy Uncertain Parameters
Authors: Shafiekhani Sajad , Jafari Amir Homayoun , Jafarzadeh Leila , Sadeghi Vahid , Gheibi Nematollah
Published: August 2022

Background:

Due to imprecise/missing data used for parameterization of ordinary differential equations (ODEs), model parameters are uncertain. Uncertainty of parameters has hindered the application of ODEs that require accurate parameters.

Methods:

We extended an available ODE model of tumor-immune system interactions via fuzzy logic to illustrate the fuzzification procedure of an ODE model. The fuzzy ODE (FODE) model assigns a fuzzy number to the parameters, to capture parametric uncertainty. We used the FODE model to predict tumor and immune cell dynamics and to assess the efficacy of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) chemotherapy.

Result:

FODE model investigates how parametric uncertainty affects the uncertainty band of cell dynamics in the presence and absence of 5-FU treatment. In silico experiments revealed that the frequent 5-FU injection created a beneficial tumor microenvironment that exerted detrimental effects on tumor cells by enhancing the infiltration of CD8+ T cells, and natural killer cells, and decreasing that of myeloid-derived suppressor cells. The global sensitivity analysis was proved model robustness against random perturbation to parameters.

Conclusion:

ODE models with fuzzy uncertain kinetic parameters cope with insufficient/imprecise experimental data in the field of mathematical oncology and can predict cell dynamics uncertainty band.
Efficacy of Balanced Torsional Phacoemulsification Tip for Cataract Surgery
Authors: Sabur Huri , Eroglu Sayime Aydin , Azarsiz Salih Sertac
Published: August 2022

Purpose:

To compare the efficacy of the Intrepid® Balanced torsional phacoemulsification tip to that of the 30° Ozil® and 45° Kelman® tips using Centurion Vision System.

Methods:

This study included 150 eyes that underwent torsional phacoemulsification surgery using 30° Ozil® tip (Group 1, 48 eyes), Intrepid® Balanced tip (Group 2, 52 eyes), or 45° Kelman® tip (Group 3, 50 eyes). Ultrasound time (UST), cumulative dissipated energy (CDE), average phaco power, average torsional amplitude, balanced salt solution volume, aspiration and operation time, and preoperative, postoperative corrected distance visual acuity, central corneal thickness were recorded.

Results:

The mean UST, CDE, average phaco power, average torsional amplitude were 49.9 ± 15.7 s, 10.8 ± 4.5%-s, 23.9 ± 4.6%, and 51.4 ± 5.7% in the Ozil® group and 47.5 ± 10.6 s, 5.3 ± 2.2%-s, 12.5 ± 5.3%, and 28.9 ± 7.2% in the Intrepid® Balanced group, and 48.1 ± 12.7 s, 6.9 ± 3.3%-s, 18.9 ± 5.9%, and 39.2 ± 7.9% in the Kelman® group, respectively. The CDE, average phaco power, and average torsional amplitude of the Intrepid® Balanced group were significantly lower than other groups (P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the three groups in terms of UST and operation time (P > 0.05).

Conclusion:

Intrepid® Balanced tip, by means of its distinctive “double bent” design and balanced energy distribution, offers more effective phacoemulsification compared to conventional 30° Ozil® and 45° Kelman® tips.
Utilizing Data Mining Algorithms and Geospatial Analysis to Study Cataract Surgeries in Florida
Authors: Khan Mahmood , Kanakamedala Amritha , Al-Mohtaseb Zaina
Published: August 2022

Purpose:

To determine statewide cataract surgery rates with cataract extraction with intraocular lens implantation (CEIOL) in Florida from 2005 to 2014 among Caucasians, African–Americans, Hispanics, and Asian/Pacific Islanders.

Methods:

This is a retrospective database study analyzing ambulatory surgical data in Florida from 2005 to 2014. Using the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) and State Ambulatory Surgery and Services Databases (SASD), the authors utilized data mining algorithms to analyze and graphically represent disparities in the delivery of cataract surgery, changes in surgery volume, and demographic characteristics in patients 65 years and older in all Florida counties from 2005 to 2014.

Results:

Cataract surgeries performed in patients ≥65 years of age represented 1,892,132 (14.90%) of the 12,695,932 total ambulatory surgical procedures from 2005 to 2014 in the HCUP-SASD Florida database. More surgeries were performed in females versus males, P < 0.001. Caucasians, African–Americans, and Hispanics represented 82.23%, 4.95%, and 10.69% of the utilization rate of all CEIOLs, respectively. From 2005 to 2014, the average surgery volume increased by an average rate of change of 1.29%. Cataract surgery penetration in the general population observed a steady decrease from 18.82% in 2005 to 16.66% in 2014.

Conclusions:

Cataract surgery in Florida exhibited an unequal distribution with respect to gender and race, and select counties exhibited marked changes in surgical volume over the past 11 years. This study establishes a method for data mining and geospatial analysis to study surgical and epidemiological trends and identify disparities in delivery of healthcare.
Global Prevalence and Causes of Visual Impairment and Blindness in Children
Authors: Yekta Abbasali , Hooshmand Elham , Saatchi Mohammad , Ostadimoghaddam Hadi , Asharlous Amir , Taheri Azadeh , Khabazkhoob Mehdi
Published: August 2022

Purpose:

To determine the global prevalence and common causes of visual impairment (VI) and blindness in children.

Methods:

In this meta-analysis, a structured search strategy was applied to search electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, as well as the list of rEFERENCES in the selected articles to identify all population-based cross-sectional studies that concerned the prevalence of VI and blindness in populations under 20 years of age up to January 2018, regardless of the publication date and language, gender, region of residence, or race. VI was reported based on presenting visual acuity (PVA), uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of equal to 20/60 or worse in the better eye. Blindness was reported as visual acuity worse than 20/400 in the better eye.

Results:

In the present study, 5711 articles were identified, and the final analyses were done on 80 articles including 769,720 people from twenty-eight different countries. The prevalence of VI based on UCVA was 7.26% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.34%–10.19%), PVA was 3.82% (95% CI: 2.06%–5.57%), BCVA was 1.67% (95% CI 0.97%–2.37%), and blindness was 0.17% (95% CI: 0.13%–0.21%). Refractive errors were the most common cause of VI in the subjects of selected articles (77.20% [95% CI: 73.40%–81.00%]). The prevalence of amblyopia was 7.60% (95% CI: 05.60%–09.10%) and congenital cataract was 0.60% (95% CI: 0.3%–0.9%).

Conclusion:

Despite differences in the definition of VI and blindness, based on PVA, 3.82%, and based on BCVA, 1.67% of the examined samples suffer from VI.