bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aflatoxin biosynthetic pathway extrolites in airborneAspergilli seriesVersicolores
Authors: Géry A. , Basset B. , Gounel N. , Gosselin M. , Richard E. , Séguin V. , Bonhomme J. , Garon D.
Published: April 2023

TheAspergilli of the seriesVersicolores include several airborne species to which we are exposed daily. Most of them synthesise sterigmatocystin, a mycotoxin precursor of aflatoxins recognised as potentially carcinogenic for humans (group 2B) by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Our objective was to study the potential role of these moulds in the synthesis of extrolites of the aflatoxin biosynthetic pathway. A total of 124 isolates belonging to the eight species of the seriesVersicolores collected in French bioaerosols were studied:Aspergillus amoenus (n=1),Aspergillus creber (n=45),Aspergillus fructus (n=2),Aspergillus jensenii (n=39),Aspergillus protuberus (n=6),Aspergillus puulaauensis (n=5),Aspergillus sydowii (n=14) andAspergillus tabacinus (n=2). All these isolates and a reference strain of each species were extracted using ethyl acetate acidified with 1% (v/v) acetic acid. In each extract, we screened for the following extrolites of the aflatoxin biosynthetic pathway by UPLC-HRMS: norsolorinic acid, versicolorin A, 6-demethylsterigmatocystin, sterigmatocystin, 8-O-methylsterigmatocystin, 5-methoxysterigmatocystin and aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2. All extrolites, except aflatoxins, were found variably among species. Sterigmatocystin was found in extracts of all eightVersicolores species, including A.sydowii andA. tabacinus whose ability to synthesise sterigmatocystin was questioned or unknown, respectively.
Driving Force Behind Consumer Brand Engagement
Authors: Mittal Garima , Bansal Rohit
Published: April 2023

All virtual worlds have been combined to create the metaverse, a collective, persistent, and interactive parallel reality that people may easily navigate. Using their digital avatars, people can enter the metaverse and explore the virtual world in augmented reality, virtual reality, and mixed reality. The metaverse can be thought of as a parallel universe where people can interact, work, and play. However, the metaverse is not only a virtual representation of the global internet; rather, it completely replaces the existing Internet and enables users to inhabit it. Consumers' brand choice patterns are changing, as customers are now more inclined to use the metaverse to experience a product virtually. This chapter conceptualizes the interactivity, novelty, and vividness as the antecedents of a brand's gamification marketing activities in the metaverse that influence consumers' affective brand engagement. This study is based on secondary sources which were from journals, websites, books, reports etc.
Ultrasonographic evaluation of the rete testis thickness: a promising approach to differentiate obstructive from nonobstructive azoospermia
Authors: Li Xin , Tian Ru-Hui , Li Peng , Li Chun-Xiao , Yao Ming-Hua , Yao Chen-Cheng , Wang Xiao-Bo , Jiang Li-Ren , Li Zheng , Wu Rong
Published: April 2023

This study aimed to evaluate the ability of rete testis thickness (RTT) and testicular shear wave elastography (SWE) to differentiate obstructive azoospermia (OA) from nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA). We assessed 290 testes of 145 infertile males with azoospermia and 94 testes of 47 healthy volunteers at Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai, China) between August 2019 and October 2021. The testicular volume (TV), SWE, and RTT were compared among patients with OA and NOA and healthy controls. The diagnostic performances of the three variables were evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic curve. The TV, SWE, and RTT in OA differed significantly from those in NOA (all P ≤ 0.001) but were similar to those in healthy controls. Males with OA and NOA were similar at TVs of 9–11 cm3 (P = 0.838), with sensitivity, specificity, Youden index, and area under the curve of 50.0%, 84.2%, 0.34, and 0.662 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.502–0.799), respectively, for SWE cut-off of 3.1 kPa; and 94.1%, 79.2%, 0.74, and 0.904 (95% CI: 0.811–0.996), respectively, for RTT cut-off of 1.6 mm. The results showed that RTT performed significantly better than SWE in differentiating OA from NOA in the TV overlap range. In conclusion, ultrasonographic RTT evaluation proved a promising diagnostic approach to differentiate OA from NOA, particularly in the TV overlap range.
Seroprevalence of Bacterial Isolates and their Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern from Exudate Sample in Birla Institute of Medical Research Hospital, Gwalior, India
Authors: Rajput Kamini , Johri Sonia , Goyal Anju
Published: April 2023

Background and Aim:

Infection characterized by the production of pus is classified as pyogenic or pus-producing infections. These infections are challenging to treat because bacteria are becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics. It is critical to understand the microorganisms that cause infections and their antibiotic susceptibility patterns for optimal management of the patient. The purpose of this study was to examine the frequency and distribution of bacteria isolated from pus/wound, as well as their susceptibility patterns.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective hospital-based study was conducted on 175 patients who provided pus and/or wound discharge samples in different wards (outpatient department or inpatient department). The samples were inoculated on MacConkey agar and blood agar plates and incubated at 37°C for 24 h. The Gram stain and biochemical tests were used to identify all isolates after incubation. Antibiotic sensitivity was performed using Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion test.

Results:

This study covered 175 patients, with a bacterial isolation rate of 102 (58.28%). Males outnumbered females in the samples (M: F-1.8:1), with a median age of 45 years. Majority were in the age group of 40–60 years which was 41 (40.20%). Monomicrobial infections were seen in 92 (90.19%) samples whereas polymicrobial infections in 10 (9.80%) samples and total 112 bacterial strains were isolated.

Conclusion:

Escherichia coli was the most prevalent isolate in our investigation, followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. For Gram-positive cocci, doxycycline, linezolid, and chloramphenicol are the most effective antibiotics, whereas for Gram-negative bacilli, amikacin, gentamicin, and chloramphenicol are the most effective antibiotics. The susceptibility statistics presented in this article may be useful in formulating empiric treatment regimens for pyogenic infections.
The Clinician–Microbiologist Handshake: Need of the Hour
Authors: Rajni Ekadashi , Garg Vishnu Kumar
Published: April 2023

Clinical microbiology is fast expanding its horizons, not confined to the realms of laboratory alone, but stretching into the wards, intensive care units, and operation theaters. Preventive strategies such as proper hand washing, an unfailing compliance to device-related bundle care protocols, and antimicrobial stewardship guidelines are the need of the hour. Every bug in the laboratory needs to be seen in clinical context and for this to occur an active interaction between the clinician and microbiologist is of paramount importance. There is a definite need for more multidisciplinary approach and clinical case discussions.
Impact of COVID-19 vaccination on menstruation pattern among female nursing and paramedical students in a peripheral medical college in Eastern India
Authors: Goswami Ayan , Majhi Arup Kumar , Chaudhuri Arunima , Kundu Pratip
Published: April 2023

Background:

Many females worldwide have reported abnormalities in their menstrual patterns post-COVID-19 vaccination. The present study was conducted to determine the impact of the COVID-19 vaccination on menstrual patterns among female nursing and paramedical students at a peripheral medical college in eastern India.

Materials and Methods:

The cross-sectional, online self-administered survey was conducted using Microsoft Forms after taking institutional ethical clearance and informed consent from the participants. Two hundred BSc nursing and paramedical students who had received two doses of COVID vaccination (Covaxin or Covishield) and were not suffering from any endocrinopathies, bleeding disorders, structural gynecological abnormalities, or taking any medication known to affect the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis were included in the study. The questionnaire included menstrual length cycle length and amount of bleeding and there were no direct identifiers.

Results:

The participants reported a significant increase in the amount of bleeding on the heaviest day (mean ± standard deviation [SD] of the number of pads used was 3.52 ± 1.15 during prevaccination months vs. 4.64 ± 1.36 during postvaccination months; P < 0.001) following vaccination. A similar result of increased bleeding on the heaviest day of the period was obtained in both the Covaxin group (mean ± SD: 3.08 ± 1.16 vs. 4.88 ± 1.53; P: 0.001) and the Covishield group (mean ± SD: 3.59 ± 1.13 vs. 4.6 ± 1.34; P < 0.001). No difference in change in the menstrual pattern was observed between the two groups who had received two different types of vaccine (P: 0.527).

Conclusion:

The study showed a possible connection between the COVID-19 vaccination and the change in menstrual patterns.
Progression in refractive error in children during COVID-19 pandemic due to virtual classes
Authors: Dash Shovna , Mohanty Gayatree , Mohanty Soumya Kanta , Mohakud Nirmal Kumar
Published: April 2023

Background:

The pandemic resulted in increased screen hours in children due to virtual education. The rate of progression of myopia was noticed to be remarkable in the past 2 years. This study is an endeavor to study the effect of increased screen hours during COVID home confinement on the degree of progression of myopia in school children and to evaluate the difference in change of refractive errors with a variation in the screen size of the digital device used.

Methods:

This was prospective observational study with a retrospective comparison arm, wherein 70 school children (140 eyes) aged 4–18 years were subjected to a cycloplegic refraction test. The difference in spherical equivalent refraction from the year 2018 to 19 was compared with that of the difference observed in the pandemic year 2019–2020. A statistical analysis was also made regarding the correlation of variation in refraction between the different genders, age groups, and screen sizes.

Results:

Of the 70 children, 29 (41.42%) were girls and 41 (58.58%) were boys. The gadgets being used vary from mobiles to laptops, and the range of screens and sizes varies from 100 cm2 to 500 cm2. Similarly, the duration of device use varied from 4 to 8 h. For 2018, the mean value of the spherical equivalent was −1.69 ± 1.42, for 2019 it was −1.92 ± 1.50 and for 2020 the mean value was −2.61 ± 1.47 for the right eye. The mean value of the spherical equivalent for the left eye in 2018 was −1.68 ± 1.51, in 2019 the value was −1.87 ± 1.58, and in 2020, the mean value was −2.73 ± 1.78.

Conclusions:

Increased exposure to digital devices during the COVID-19 period has a role to play in the progression of myopia in school-aged children.
A case of transient constrictive pericarditis following COVID-19 infection
Authors: Fakhreddine Omar , Francis Jamil , Younes Joe , Gharzeddine Walid
Published: April 2023

With the emergence of the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 as a global pandemic, the cardiovascular system was considered one of the major systems affected by this virus. Here, we report the case of a 62-year-old male, who was diagnosed with COVID-related pericarditis, presenting with worsening chest pain and shortness of breath, with echocardiographic findings suggestive of early-stage constrictive pericarditis.
Utilizing the community as a learning resource in the training of undergraduate medical students
Authors: Shrivastava Saurabh RamBihariLal , Shrivastava Prateek Saurabh
Published: April 2023

The kind and range of attributes that an undergraduate medical student should acquire by the time of completion of their training are extensive. The exposure of undergraduate medical students to the local community during the training period carries immense significance in the learning curve of the students. The exposure to community as a learning resource satisfies multiple principles of adult learning, as medical students can be actively engaged in the learning process, wherein they have to play a specific role and the learning happens across all the learning domains and does not remain restricted to the cognitive domain alone. In conclusion, the use of community as a learning resource for facilitating the training of medical students has been linked with multiple benefits. However, it is quite essential that potential challenges should be identified and accordingly preparation is done by the concerned departments to ensure the attainment of learning objectives and avoid rejection from the community.
Predictors of recurrence in oral cavity cancer with clear surgical margins
Authors: Agrawal Mansi , Konduru Vidya , Tirkey Amit Jiwan , Jeyashant Riju , George Philip , Philip Dona Maria , Setty Chandramohan , Devarkonda Kiran Kumar
Published: April 2023

Introduction:

Oral cancers recur in a significant proportion of patients, in spite of aggressive treatment strategies. The presence of a clear surgical margin is an important predictor of recurrent disease, among others. Since oral cancers often recur in the absence of compromised margins, there is a need to study the factors affecting recurrence and overall survival outcomes where clear surgical margins have been achieved during upfront surgery. This study attempts to identify the significant predictors of locoregional recurrence in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) with pathologically clear surgical margins.

Methodology:

This retrospective study was done to study the clinicopathological parameters associated with recurrence of oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in patients with clear surgical margins operated in our unit between January 2010 and December 2015. A total of 526 cases of oral cavity SCC were analyzed and records of 160 cases with clear surgical margins were reviewed for clinical details, histopathological data, and follow-up status. Age, gender, subsite, T–N clinical and pathological staging, tumor depth of invasion, grade of differentiation, lymphovascular invasion, perineural spread, adjuvant therapy, and recurrence details were analyzed.

Results:

Lymphovascular Invasion was found to be a significant predictor for local recurrence in OSCC in both univariate and multivariate analysis. Median recurrence-free survival was 53.6 months.

Conclusion:

Despite the best efforts of the surgeon in obtaining adequate tumor-free margins and the most comprehensive adjuvant treatment, recurrence patterns in oral cancers continue to defy accurate prediction. Lymphovascular invasion could be an important predictor of recurrence for oral cavity cancers in patients with clear surgical margins that require aggressive management.
Clinical, uropathogenic, and radiological profile of culture-positive urinary tract infections in children below 18 months of age
Authors: George Sachin , Deepthi R. V. , Mathew Georgie , Prakash Jude Antony , Maria Dona , Agarwal Indira
Published: April 2023

Background:

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in children and have the risk of renal scarring. To better identify this at risk group, the following study was carried out to analyze the clinical profile of children below 18 months of age with culture-positive UTI and the outcome of radiological investigations. The primary objective was to assess the clinical profile of culture-positive UTI children and diagnostic yield and correlation between radiological tests. The secondary objectives were to assess the prevalent uropathogens and their antibiogram.

Materials and Methods:

For this retrospective study, clinical details regarding radiological investigations, prevalent uropathogens and antibiograms, common antibiotics used in treatment, and uroprophylaxis were obtained through electronic medical records in children <18 months of age admitted with culture-positive UTI.

Results:

In 225 children seen over a period of 36 months, a slight male predominance (56%) was observed. Ultrasonography (USG) was done in nearly all children, micturating cystourethrography (MCU) was performed in only 40% of patients, dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA), performed after 6 months of the index UTI, in one-fifths of the patients. All three investigations were performed in one out of six children. USG and MCU used in combination detected the highest number of significant abnormalities (39%) compared to USG and DMSA (32%). Escherichia coli was the predominant uropathogen identified. Significant meropenem resistance (52%) was observed in the community-acquired UTI.

Conclusion:

The evaluation and follow-up of infants and young children with UTI show inadequate radiological evaluation, which could increase the risk of undetected and untreated renal sequelae.
Accuracy of ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging in predicting placenta accreta
Authors: Jaisankar Premkumar , Kumar M. Vasantha , Gowtham R. Rajesh , Vinoth T
Published: April 2023

Background:

Placenta accreta can cause significant morbidity and mortality in pregnant women. Timely diagnosis is essential for management. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of ultrasound (USG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques in predicting placenta accreta.

Methodology:

A retrospective study was conducted at our institute from April 2014 to September 2017. Pregnant women with suspected placenta accrete were recruited for the study. Medical records of pregnant women who have undergone both USG and prenatal MRI were included. The accuracy of USG and MRI was compared.

Results:

Among the 56 cases evaluated in the study, the diagnosis was accurately obtained with ultrasonography in 75% of cases and with MRI in 68.51% of cases. Sensitivity for placenta accreta was 97.29% for USG and 78.37% for MRI. Specificities were 31.57% for USG and 47.05% for MRI. The positive predictive value was 73.46% for USG and 76.31% for MRI.

Conclusion:

Although a definite demarcation could not be obtained from the sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value of the placenta accrete with ultrasonography and MRI, the diagnostic accuracy may be taken as a definite pointer. Hence, ultrasonography remains the mainstay of diagnosis for placenta accrete; and MRI can be considered complementary in cases with few USG signs.
Analgaesic efficacy of single-injection serratus anterior plane block for breast surgery: A systematic review, meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Singh Narinder Pal , Makkar Jeetinder , Bhat Adithya Devadas , Singh Preet M
Published: April 2023

There is conflicting evidence regarding the analgaesic efficacy of single-shot serratus anterior plane block (SAP) for breast surgery. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the analgaesic efficacy of SAP compared with non-block care (NBC) and other regional blocks, i.e. paravertebral block (PVB) and modified pectoral nerve block (PECS block) for breast surgery. PubMed, Embase, Scopus, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched. We included randomized controlled trials reporting the use of the SAP block in adult breast surgery. The primary outcome was postoperative oral morphine equivalent (OME) consumption for up to 24 hours. Random-effects models were used to pool results and mean difference (MD), and odds ratio (OR) was calculated for continuous and dichotomous outcomes, respectively. GRADE guidelines were used to evaluate the strength of evidence, and trial sequential analysis (TSA) was performed to provide certainty to the conclusion. Twenty-four trials enrolling 1789 patients were included. Moderate strength evidence suggested that SAP provided a significant reduction in 24-hour OME compared with NBC [MD − 24.9 mg (95% CI − 41.54, −8.25; P < 0.001, I2 = 99.68%)]. TSA ruled out the possibility of false-positive results. Subgroup analysis for the SAP demonstrated that the superficial plane approach was more effective in reducing opioid consumption than the deep approach. The odds of developing PONV were significantly lower in SAP compared to NBC. Compared with PVB and PECS, SAP block was not statistically different for 24-hour OME and time to first rescue analgaesia. Single-shot SAP reduced opioid consumption, prolonged analgaesia duration, lowered pain scores, and decreased the incidence of PONV compared to NBC. There was no statistically significant difference in the studied endpoints between SAP, PVB, and PECS blocks.
Gendered Pattern and Predictors of Tobacco use in India: Evidence from the Second Round of Global adult Tobacco Survey
Authors: Nayak Gayatri , Kavitha A.K. , Satpathy Nancy , Mohapatra Ipsa , Epari Venkatarao , Kishore Jugal , Jena Pratap K. , Mohanty Parimala , Panda Santosh , Behera Chinmay , Singh Ajit
Published: April 2023

Background:

India has completed the second round of the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) to monitor adult tobacco use and progress in tobacco control efforts. This study assesses the gendered pattern of tobacco use and its predictors in the second rounds of GATS.

Material and Methods:

Publicly available GATS-2 (2016–2017) data was analyzed which contains self-reported tobacco use information of ≥15 years Indians (n = 74,037). The independent predictors of “smoking only,” “smokeless only,” and “dual use” among current male and female tobacco users were assessed using the multinomial regression model.

Results:

The burden of “smoking only,” “smokeless only,” and “dual-use” of tobacco were 8.9% (8.74–9.15), 16.69% (16.42–16.96), and 3.89% (3.75–4.03), respectively, in the second round with wide regional variation as well as male dominance in use. Region, age, education, caste, and religion were significantly and consistently associated with different types of tobacco use in both genders. Other contextual predictors of tobacco use were residence, marital status, occupation, awareness, and wealth index (WI).

Conclusions:

Tobacco use predictors and their gendered patterns are contextual. Monitoring the predictors for tobacco use, which may change over time, should be given priority in the national tobacco control program.
Predictors of Mortality among COVID-19 Patients - A Case Control Study at Tertiary Care Center, Nanded (Maharashtra)
Authors: Gattani Prakash L. , Nakel Mahavir P. , Inamdar Ismail F. , Maidapwad Sainath L. , Damkondwar Omprasad B. , Warkad Komal S. , Butte Rajabhau S. , Bansode Abhijeet L.
Published: April 2023

Background:

The novel Coronavirus is belonging to the family of SARS & MERS-CoV, the impact of the earlier is more dreadful as demonstrated by the steady increase in morbid cases. The average incubation period of COVID-19 is 1–14 days with a mean of 6 days. Aim - To evaluate predictors of mortality among COVID-19 patients. Objectives – 1. To assess risk predictors associated with mortality among COVID-19 patients 2. To a suggest prediction model for preventing mortality in future outbreaks.

Materials and Methods:

Study design – A case-control study. Study place -Tertiary care center, Nanded, Maharashtra. The present study included 400 cases that died off due to Covid-19 and 400 controls survived COVID-19 disease in a 1:1 proportion.

Results:

On admission, a significant difference was observed among cases and controls with reference to the percentage of SpO2 (p < 0.05). The proportion of associated co-morbidities among cases was very high i.e., 75.75% as compared to controls with a proportion of 29.25% co-morbidities. The median days of hospital stay were significantly lower in cases compared to controls (3 days vs 12 days, P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Length of hospital stay (in days) was showing a significant difference among cases and control (3 days Vs 12 days); hospital stay was less (median 3 days) for cases, as they reported late and thus died earlier; hence concluded that early hospital admission will decrease chances of death due to COVID-19.
Status of Substance use among Undergraduate Medical Students in a Selected Government Medical College in Puducherry – An Explanatory Mixed Method Study
Authors: Lokesh N , Sivaranjini K , Rajaa Sathish , Bharadwaj Balaji , Sahu Swaroop Kumar
Published: April 2023

Background:

Studies have shown increase in health-risking behavior and a decline in health-promoting behavior among medical students during their stay in medical school. This study aims to determine the prevalence and reason for substance abuse among the undergraduate medical students in a selected medical college in Puducherry.

Material and Methods:

This was a facility-based explanatory mixed method study conducted from May 2019 to July 2019. Assessment of their substance abuse was done using ASSIST questionnaire. Substance use was summarized as proportions with 95% CI.

Results:

A total of 379 participants were included in the study. The mean age of the study participants was 20 years (± 1.34). The most prevalent substance use was alcohol (10.8%). About 1.9% and 1.6% of students surveyed consume tobacco and cannabis, respectively.

Conclusion:

Facilitating factors for substance use as perceived by the participants were stress, peer pressure, easy availability of substances, socialization, curiosity, and awareness knowledge about safe limits of alcohol and tobacco.
Socioeconomic Differences of Intimate Partner Violence among Married Women in Indonesia: Does Poverty Matter?
Authors: Laksono Agung Dwi , Wulandari Ratna Dwi , Matahari Ratu , Suharmiati
Published: April 2023

Background:

Society placed women living in the men’s world as inferior. Poverty as a stressor for men has the opportunity to make women victims of violence from their partners. The study aimed to analyze the effects of poverty on the risk of intimate partner violence among married women in Indonesia.

Materials and Methods:

The samples used were married women aged 15-49 years old. The weighted sample size was 34,086 women. Besides intimate partner violence as the dependent variable, other variables analyzed as independent variables were wealth status, residence, age, education, employment, living with in-laws, and recent sexual activity. The study employs binary logistic regression to determine intimate partner violence risk in the final stage.

Results:

The results show the poorest married women were 1.382 times more likely than the richest married women to experience intimate partner violence. Married women with wealthy status in the lower category were 1.320 times more likely than the richest married women to experience intimate partner violence. Married women with a wealthy group in the middle class were 1.262 times more likely than the richest married women to experience intimate partner violence. Married women with wealthy status in the more decadent category were 1.132 times more likely than the richest married women to experience intimate partner violence.

Conclusion:

The study concluded that poverty was a risk factor for intimate partner violence among married women in Indonesia. The lower the socioeconomic status, the greater the risk of intimate partner violence.
People’s Response to Disaster: A Population Based Study of the Victims of 2018 Flood in Kerala, South India
Authors: Thomas Pramod , Varghese Sangeetha M. , Benjamin Anoop I.
Published: April 2023

Background:

Natural disasters cause much hardship and suffering, loss of property, and increased morbidity and mortality amongst those affected. Timely and effective response for relief and rescue services go a long way in mitigating these consequences.

Material and Methods:

This population-based cross-sectional, descriptive study conducted in the immediate aftermath of the catastrophic flood that occurred in Kerala, South India, in 2018, documents the experiences of the victims, the community’s preparedness, and response to the disaster.

Results:

Flood waters reached levels of over four feet within the premises of 55% of the houses and nearly 97% had water flooding inside their homes. More than 93% of the households were evacuated to safer locations and relief camps. The elderly and those with chronic illnesses were the worst sufferers, unable to access medical aid. Many families (62%) received help from neighbors.

Conclusion:

However, the loss of lives was minimal, and could be attributed to the immediate response of the local community in rescue and relief work. This experience underscores the vital importance of the local community as first responders, and their preparedness for disasters.
Clinico Epidemiological Study of Human Leptospirosis in Hilly Area of South India-A Population Based Case Control Study
Authors: Udayar Sharvanan E. , Chengalarayappa Narasimha B. , Madeshan Ashwini , Shivanna Manjunatha , Marella Krishnaveni
Published: April 2023

Background:

Leptospirosis is the most common zoonotic disease in the world affecting both animals and humans. Environmental, occupational, and sociocultural practices which vary from region to region favors the disease transmission in addition to lacunas in prompt diagnosis and treatment of cases. There are limited data on the seroprevalence of this neglected tropical disease in India. To assess the risk factors associated with Lepospirosis disease.

Materials and Methods:

A population-based case control study was conducted in Kodagu district of southern India from January 2022 to March 2022. Of the 74 confirmed cases during the year 2021, 70 cases and 140 age group and gender-matched controls participated in the study. Data were collected by using semi-structured questionnaire containing details of sociodemographic, occupational, and environmental factors. The collected data were coded and exported to STATA (16.1) and analyzed by univariate and multivaiariate logistic regression to identify significant risk factors.

Results:

Environmental factors such as flooding or collection of water near the house (adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR] = 4.9, confidence interval [CI]: 1.4-17.0), proximity to an open sewer (aOR = 4.9, CI: 1.2-19.1) and occupational factors such as presence of skin cuts or abrasion during work (aOR = 4, CI: 1.4-11.6), direct contact with mud or water during work (aOR = 9.7, CI: 3.3-27.7), animal farming (aOR = 3.4, CI: 1.0-11.6), presence of rodents in the house (aOR = 4, CI: 1.2-12.6), and presence of rodent habitats like grain storage area (aOR = 3.5, CI: 1.1-11.0) were significantly associated with leptospirosis.

Conclusion:

Leptospirosis poses a potential public health problem in the district. Interventions like prompt diagnosis and treatment, sensitization programs, and rodent control measures will significantly control this neglected tropical disease.
Trends and Pattern of Diseases Under Integrated Disease Surveillance Project in Jodhpur, Rajasthan: A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Shekhawat Jayshree , Kumar Deepak , Bhardwaj Pankaj , Meena Durga S. , Garg Mahendra Kumar
Published: April 2023

Background:

Progress of the Integrated Disease Surveillance (IDSP) is of utmost importance to ensure optimal performance in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India. The purpose of the study was to document the physical performance of the surveillance system on its core and support functions.

Material and Methods:

Mixed method study was conducted between September 2020 to October 2020. Quantitative data was collected from the district IDSP unit of the Chief Medical and Health Office (CMHO) for various blocks of Rajasthan using syndromic, presumptive, and laboratory-confirmed reporting formats. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Institutional Ethical Committee of AIIMS, Jodhpur.

Results:

Rajasthan reported outbreaks between 0.55 to 1.2% of the national average between 2015-2019. Acute respiratory infections, fever of unknown origin, and acute diarrhea were the leading diseases under the presumptive reporting format. Major syndromic cases reported were cough with/without fever (more than three weeks) and fever less than seven days with the rash. Laboratory-confirmed Dengue, Malaria, and hepatitis were reported more in urban Jodhpur.

Conclusion:

Despite some pitfalls, IDSP has made satisfactory improvements in its core and support functions in the Jodhpur district of Rajasthan. The number of preventable morbidity and mortality cases associated with notifiable infectious diseases in our country can be effectively countered by strengthening the IDSP reporting system.
Determinants of Depression Among Higher Secondary Students of Private Schools of Science Stream in an Urban Area of Western India
Authors: Patel Umed , Chauhan Dixit , Patel Mehul , Rahul Kirtikumar , Yadav Virender
Published: April 2023

Background:

Depression, due to its devastating consequences, emerged as the third leading cause of mortality among adolescent school-going children. This necessitates research on determinants of depression among students for effective management. The present study evaluated the various determinants associated with depression among the science students of a private school in Rajkot city, India.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional study was carried out among the 1219 students of a private school of science stream in Rajkot city, adopting multistage sampling methods. Students were screened using Patient Health questionnaire-9 (modified for teens) for depression. A pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire was used to assess the determinants associated with depression. Binary logistic regression analysis was done to find out predictors of depression.

Results:

About 31.99% of students were found suffering from depression. Physical illness, academic performance, substance abuse, feeling study tough, difficulties in transport, food, monetary and accommodation at a hostel or home, pressure from parents for study, physical activities, sleep disturbance, and bad relations with teachers and classmates were significantly associated with depression. While parental education, physical illness, addiction to any substance, and academic performance emerged only as a predictor of depression.

Conclusion:

The present study showed a significant proportion of students suffering from depressive symptoms and revealed predictors of depression among the students. These required integrated efforts to minimize the risk of depression among the students.
Assessment of Post-Vaccination Immunologic Responses in Inactivated Virus COVID-19 Respondents
Authors: Setianingrum Elisabeth L. S. , Lidia Kartini , Ratu Kristian , Teron Samson E.
Published: April 2023

Introduction:

The Indonesian Government’s plan to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, aside from implementing health protocols, also involves vaccinating everyone with the inactivated SARS CoV2 vaccine until herd immunity is reached. The aim of this study was to assess the post-vaccination immune response to inactivated SARS CoV2 vaccine, namely Sinovac/Sinopharm, by measuring the antibodies (IgM and IgG) in subjects after their second dose of vaccination.

Materials and Methods:

The design of the study was a cohort study using simple random sampling with 51 respondents aged 18–56 years who had received two doses of inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. All respondents were screened for SARS-CoV-2 infection prior to inclusion. Serum IgM and IgG antibodies were detected using a specific and sensitive automated chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA). CLIA uses the Cut Off Point (COI) value of >1 AU/ml for IgM and the Reactive Value of >10 AU/ml for IgG.

Results:

This study showed that the IgM levels using a reactive Cut Off Point (COI) >1 were 18% in the first month, 14% in the third month, and 10% in the sixth month. There was a constant decline in the third comparison. Meanwhile, compared to the first month, 59% of respondents had IgG levels with reactive values over 10 AU/ml, which after decreasing by 35% in the third month, the number increased by 47% in the sixth month.

Conclusion:

It has been evident that IgG and IgM antibody response could be induced by inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine which can be influenced by age and detection time after the second dose of vaccination. Boosters, however, must be given after six months of the second dose, since antibody levels were seen to decrease after this period.
Renal Complications Following COVID-19 Vaccination: A Narrative Literature Review
Authors: Vudathaneni Vijaya Krishna Prasad , Nadella Swetha Bharathi , Hema Duddukuri , Boyapati Ramanarayana
Published: April 2023

Background:

Renal complications have previously been reported with various vaccinations, including those for influenza and hepatitis. On a similar note, a spectrum of nephrological complications, both de novo, and flare-ups, were reported after immunization with various coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines, causing concerns among patients as well as physicians.

Materials and Methods:

A systematic search of the literature published on renal complications seen post-COVID-19 vaccination was performed up to April 2022 using electronic databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar.

Result:

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy, minimal change disease, glomerulonephritis, acute kidney injury, nephrotic syndrome, and anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis were some of the renal complications reported upon administration of COVID-19 vaccines. The causality and underlying pathogenic mechanisms linking these complications and COVID-19 vaccination remain unclear. Nonetheless, a temporal relationship has been established with dysregulated T-cell response, transient systemic pro-inflammatory cytokine response, molecular mimicry, delayed hypersensitivity reaction to the vaccine, and other mechanisms such as hyperresponsive IgA, dysregulation of neutrophil extracellular traps were hypothesized as the possible mechanisms linking renal complications and COVID-19 vaccination.

Conclusion:

This review emphasizes the need for rigorous surveillance and reporting of the adverse events following COVID-19 vaccination and explores the underlying mechanisms instigating these renal complications in individuals vaccinated against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).
Correlation between the Tobacco Free Educational Institution (TOFEI) Policy Compliance and Current Tobacco use among 13-15 Years Old School Students in Urban India: An Ecological Study
Authors: Ruhil Rohini
Published: April 2023

Background:

The government of India has developed Guidelines for “Tobacco Free Educational Institutions” (TOFEI), which must be followed by schools across the country.

Materials and Methods:

This study utilized an ecological design to identify an association between “compliance to TOFEI guidelines” and the “current tobacco use” among 13-15 years school students in urban India. Aggregate data related to “current tobacco users” and “percentage of schools that followed tobacco-free guidelines” were taken from the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) India- 4 (2019). We performed a simple linear regression model, and Pearson Correlation was used to see the said association.

Results:

The results showed that as compliance with TOFEI Guidelines increases in Urban India, Current Tobacco Use decreases among school students in the 13-15 years age group.

Conclusion:

Thus, it is essential to address enablers and barriers to adherence to the TOFEI guidelines, as it will help reduce the prevalence of tobacco use among adolescents in urban India.
Assessment of COVID-19 Impact on Commercial Sex Workers in India: A Formative Research by Media Scanning
Authors: Mahajan Nupur , Kohli Simran , Aggarwal Sumit
Published: April 2023

Background:

The COVID-19 pandemic restricted movement, closed businesses, and economic activities which disproportionately affected people globally. This pandemic has resurfaced the existing cracks in the societal set-up and has pushed the vulnerable and marginalized communities like migrant workers, people with disabilities, geriatric population, and commercial sex workers (CSWs) to an edge for their existence.

Materials and Methods:

Due to the paucity of peer-reviewed research publications on CSWs, formative research was conducted to identify the determinants and attributes of the challenges faced by CSWs during COVID-19 situation in India. Media scanning approach was used to collate literature from newspaper and magazine reporting, and peer-reviewed articles were referred from research-based search engines.

Results:

In total, 31 articles were included for content analysis and four domains of issues i.e., economic, social, psychological and health related challenged faced by them were identified which are supported with the verbatims of the community members as reported in the data sources considered for this study. It was identified that the CSWs adopted several protective measures and coping strategies to deal with the pandemic situation.

Conclusion:

This research highlighted that there is a need for further exploration of issues among CSWs by conducting studies among the communities. Furthermore, this paper provides a scope for future implementation research by identifying the key priorities and determinants of the challenges among the personal livelihood of CSWs in the country.
Association between Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Postpartum Depression among Women in Eastern India: A Cohort Study
Authors: Singh Arvind Kumar , Palepu Sarika , Saharia Gautom Kumar , Patra Suravi , Singh Sweta , Taywade Manish , Bhatia Vikas
Published: April 2023

Background:

The study was planned to evaluate the association between Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) and Postpartum Depression (PPD) in a rural population of Odisha, Eastern India.

Material and Methods:

Pregnant women in the first trimester were recruited and followed up till six weeks of postpartum. Gestational Diabetes Mellitus was assessed with 75 grams glucose challenge test and PPD was assessed at six weeks after delivery with Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Statistical difference between variables was assessed using Chi-square test, Fischer’s exact test, and unpaired T-test. Covariates were adjusted using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression to estimate the association between GDM and PPD.

Results:

Out of 436 pregnant women recruited, 347 (89.6%) remained in the study. Prevalence of GDM was 13.9% (95% CI: 10.7–17.3) and PPD was 9.8% (95% CI: 6.6–12.9). Incidence of PPD in the GDM group was 14.58% (95% CI: 4.2–24.9) and in women without GDM was 9.06% (95% CI: 5.76–12.3). However, the association was not significant on multivariate logistic regression (Risk Ratio (RR) = 1.56, 95% C.I: 0.61–6.16; P-value = 0.35).

Conclusion:

This study demonstrated that women with GDM were at higher risk of developing PPD suggesting that an “at risk” approach should be implemented for screening.
Need to Bring Family to the Heart of Healthcare as it is Home, not a Hospital, Where Healthcare Begins and Ends
Authors: Kumar Sanjiv , Bhardwaj Pankaj , Kumar Neeta
Published: April 2023

Today the patients and their families are ‘powerless’ recipients of healthcare services. The healthcare services are siloed and fragmented and getting worse with an increasing array of specialists and subspecialists who “patch up” patients and send them back home. It is important for healthcare providers to become involved in the process of health promotion, prevention, and recovery. For successful implementation of this family-level care needs to be recognized and integrated into all policies, guidelines of the government, and healthcare providers reoriented through in-service and basic training.
Incidence of COVID-19-Associated Mucormycosis in COVID-19 Patients after Discharge from the COVID-19 Hospital
Authors: Kulshrestha Aayush , Aggarwal Richa , Kodan Parul , Singh Yudhyavir , Kumar Rakesh , Soni Kapil D. , Mathur Purva
Published: April 2023

Background:

There are studies available on the prevalence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated mucormycosis (CAM) in hospitalized patients but not on the incidence of CAM in post-discharge patients. The aim of our study was to find the incidence of CAM in the patients discharged from a COVID hospital.

Material and Methods:

Adult patients with COVID discharged between March 1, 2021 and June 30, 2021 were contacted and enquired about sign and symptoms of CAM. Data of all included patients were collected from electronic records.

Results:

A total of 850 patients responded, among which 59.4% were males, 66.4% patients had co-morbidities, and 24.2% had diabetes mellitus. Around 73% of patients had moderate to severe disease and were given steroids; however, only two patients developed CAM post discharge.

Conclusion:

The incidence of CAM post discharge was low in our study, which could be attributed to protocolized therapy and intensive monitoring.
A Prospective Study of Vitamin D Deficiency in Patients with Hemorrhagic Stroke
Authors: Chen Yi-An , Tseng Kuan-Yin , Chung Ming-Hsuan , Wang Peng-Wei , Hueng Dueng-Yuan , Chou Kuan-Nien
Published: April 2023

Background:

There is accumulating evidence that Vitamin D deficiency contributes to the occurrence of stroke, including ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. However, the relationship between Vitamin D levels and the risk of hemorrhage stroke was less conclusive.

Aim:

This prospective study is aimed for relationship between Vitamin D status and specific nonlobar hemorrhagic stroke in a Taiwanese cohort.

Methods:

A prospective study of 44 adult patients (32 males and 12 females; 27 aged <65 years and 17 ≥65 years) with acute nonlobar spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) was undertaken for 24 months (December 2017–November 2019) in a general reference teaching hospital. The serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH) D) level was examined within 1 day of the stroke. The associations between Vitamin D status, age, low-density lipoprotein levels, and hemorrhagic stroke were analyzed using the Chi-squared test for comparisons. Statistical significance was set atP< 0.05.

Results:

The mean serum concentration of (25(OH) D) was 20.30 ng/ml. There were 14 patients with Vitamin D insufficiency (<30 ng/ml), and 23 with Vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/ml). There was no age dependence to the Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in patients with acute nonlobar sICH. We also found no significant correlation between Vitamin D deficiency and low-density lipoprotein concentration.

Conclusion:

A particularly high prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency was found in Taiwanese patients with specific hemorrhagic stroke, acute nonlobar sICH, and this was independent of age or serum low-density lipoprotein levels.
Solitary Fibrous Tumor in the Preperitoneal Space Mimicking an Intra-Abdominal Tumor
Authors: Hu Chun-Ti , Ho Meng-Hsing , Hsieh Chung-Bao
Published: April 2023

Solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs) are uncommon fibroblastic mesenchymal neoplasms that rarely metastasize. They were primarily considered intrathoracic tumors; however, recent studies have reported SFTs in extrathoracic locations. This report describes a rare case of an SFT in the preperitoneal space that mimicked an intra-abdominal tumor radiographically. A 67-year-old woman was diagnosed with an extrahepatic tumor through ultrasonography. Computed tomography revealed a nodule near the liver's left lobe at the upper abdominal midline. Laparoscopic tumor resection was performed to minimize undersampling and tumor seeding. Laparoscopy revealed a well-circumscribed tumor located in the preperitoneal space. The tumor was resected en bloc with a macroscopically negative margin. Histopathological examinations confirmed an SFT using immunohistochemistry. Adjuvant treatment was not administered. No residual lesions were reported at the 6-month and 1-year follow-ups. Although SFT rarely metastasizes, early diagnosis and treatment of SFTs should be emphasized to ensure optimal patient outcomes.