bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of anxiety and self-medication in medical students
Authors: Oliveira Raissa Carvalho de , Nascimento Yasmin Gabrielly Pereira do , Pereira Isaú Flávio Coutinho , Coimbra Matheus Malta , Sousa Camila Holanda de , Pereira Oliveira Cândido Víctor , Reis Renandro de Carvalho
Published: December 2024

Anxiety is a natural and fundamental reaction of self-preservation. But in excessive amounts, to the point of significantly affecting the individual’s life, it is pathological and may lead to the practice of self-medication, which, in turn, may represent damage to health. Due to some reasons, such as intense stress, and long study hours, many medical students are more likely to develop psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety. The present study aimed to analyze the prevalence of anxiety and self-medication in medical students at a higher education institution. The study was carried out in a higher education institution in Teresina, state of Piauí, in April and May 2022. The target audience was a group of medical students from the first to the twelfth period. They were given electronic forms via instant messaging application, containing the Beck Anxiety Inventory, sociodemographic (with reports of self-medication), and academic questionnaires. The responses were processed by the statistical software ‘Statistical Package for the Social Sciences’ (SPSS) 20.0 to run a chi-square correlation. The results showed that 86% students were aged 16 – 26 and were in the basic cycle. The female participants showed a greater correlation with cases of anxiety, which may be related to hormonal factors that usually start at puberty. As for self-medication, 64% students answered that they do not practice it, which differs from several studies. Therefore, women had a greater correlation with anxiety, probably due to physiological and environmental stimuli. Self-medication did not influence a correlation with cases of anxiety.
The influence of anatomical location on the accuracy of tonsillolith diagnosis on panoramic radiographs
Authors: Herreira-Ferreira Matheus , Souza-Pinto Gustavo Nascimento de , Yamashita Fernanda Chiguti , Silvestre Fernanda , Silva Breno Gabriel da , Tolentino Elen de Souza , Chicarelli Mariliani , Iwaki Lilian Cristina Vessoni
Published: December 2024

This study aimed to analyze the influence of anatomical location regarding the accuracy of the diagnosis of tonsilloliths on panoramic radiographs.Of 2022 digital panoramic radiographs analyzed, 181 presented tonsilloliths. The images were reevaluated and classified according to six anatomical regions. The findings were related to gender and age. Variables were tested using the Chi-square test. The Receiver Operational Characteristic Curve (ROC) evaluated the performance in identifying the region that presented tonsilloliths. The Kappa test was used for intra and inter-examiner agreement (p < 0.05). Of the 181 patients (8.95%) with tonsilloliths, 104 (57.46%) were male (p < 0.05). The most prevalent age group was ≥49 years (p < 0.05). Unilateral/bilateral ratio was 2.5:1. The Kappa values for intra and inter-examiner showed substantial to almost perfect scores. The most common location of the tonsilloliths was the mandible ramus, superimposed on the soft palate (p < 0.05), presenting the largest area under the curve (AUC) and the greatest accuracy (AUC= 0.70; 0.66) as well. Likewise, this location and the location postero-inferior to the mandible angle showed greater sensitivity and specificity. In the panoramic radiographs image, tonsilloliths are most often superimposed on the mandible ramus, with greater accuracy and sensitivity for its detection.
Assessment of cardiovascular risk factors of type two diabetes mellitus patients: cross-sectional study in Brazilian public primary health care
Authors: Viol Lívia Albuquerque , Rodrigues Beatriz , Santos Maria Eduarda da Silva , Guarido Cristiane Fátima , Silva Luanna Gabriella Resende da , Baldoni André  Oliveira , Obreli-Neto Paulo Roque
Published: December 2024

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has a high prevalence, with prospects for a significant increase. In 2021, T2DM caused one death every five seconds, most related to cardiovascular disease. Controlling cardiovascular risk factors (low-density lipoprotein [LDL-cholesterol] and blood pressure [BP]) significantly reduces these deaths. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of T2DM patients who have adequate BP and LDL-cholesterol control. Additionally we assessed the prevalence of patients who achieved the fasting blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin targets. We carried out a cross-sectional study in primary health care (PHC) units of the public health system (Sistema Único de Saúde - SUS) in the municipalities of Bernardino de Campos and Salto Grande, São Paulo State. Inclusion criteria were: diagnosis of T2DM, aged ≥ 18 years, attended by the PHC of these municipalities, who underwent a complete lipidogram examination within 12 months before the start of the study. Data were collected during home visits (age, sex, illnesses, drugs used, date and result of the last LDL-cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, and glycated hemoglobin laboratory tests, and the patients' BP was measured). A total of 481 patients met the inclusion criteria and accepted to participate in the study, while 572 patients were excluded because they had not undergone a complete lipidogram within 12 months prior to the start of the study. Only 24.7 % of the patients had BP and LDL-cholesterol within the recommended target. It was verified that 148 patients (30.7 %) had fasting blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin within the target. A low rate of patients achieved the BP and LDL-cholesterol cholesterol targets, with an average interval between performing the last LDL-cholesterol test above the frequency recommended by the guidelines of the Brazilian Society of Diabetes.
Experimental Investigations for Assessment of Carbon Emissions and Tool Temperature in Dry Turning Operation Using Al1070 Alloy
Authors: Siddiqui Tauseef Uddin , Khan Zahid A. , Siddiquee Arshad Noor , Kumar Vineet
Published: December 2024

Dry turning operations are required to be performed during production to achieve sustainable development goals as per environmental protection guidelines. In such machining operations, there is no need of supply of mineral based cutting fluids (MBCF) which creates problems of environment contamination and health risks to operators such as lung cancer, eye irritation and skin diseases etc. Al1070 alloys are currently used in construction industry, transport, communication cables and refrigerator cabinets as light weight structural material. The main objectives of the present study are to explore the dry turning operation (without use of MBCF) using Al1070 alloy. The X-ray fluorescence elemental analysis was performed to check composition of MBCF. Several harmful elements such as phosphorus, chlorine, and zinc dialkyl dithiophosphate were present which create high health risk to operators in turning operation with MBCF. The work piece, the cutting tool, the electricity consumption, and the recycling of the chips during the turning process contributed to the total carbon emissions. Significant positive impacts on environment have been achieved in dry turning operation as compared to tuning with MBCF. 19.85% reduction in carbon emissions and 37.12% reduction in tool temperature were achieved in dry turning operation with minimal tool wear and surface defects.
Exploring the Effects of Open-Air Cooling on the Formation of Microstructure in Cast A356 Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Pati Munna , Dahiya Asish , Chakraborty Suman
Published: December 2024

The lightweight composition, non-magnetic nature, and machinability of aluminum alloy A356 make it an important material in many industries due to its significant mechanical properties such as strength, ductility, fatigue resistance, and castability. Aluminium alloy forms an oxide layer when exposed to air. The microstructure of this alloy plays a critical role in determining its mechanical behavior. This study utilized aluminum alloy A356, composed of 92.05% aluminum, 7% silicon, 0.35% magnesium, 0.20% copper, 0.10% manganese, and 0.10% zinc. This alloy exhibits extremely high corrosion resistance, similar to stainless steel, with a melting point of 650°C. The study examines multi- component (mainly Al with Si) A356 containing small amounts of Mg, Cu, Mn, and Zn for their complex microstructural behavior. It includes observations using techniques such as optical microscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). This research was carried out to investigate different areas of the same metal’s microstructure and to discover the influence of cooling rates during the solidification process. The findings revealed that there are dissimilarities between the central parts and outer areas, as well as similarities between the two side portions. Also, this study highlights processing conditions’ impact on the material response while looking at heat transfer rate effects during solid-state transformation. The findings of this study highlight the presence of distinct microstructures (dendritic and equiaxed structures) across different sections of the cast Aluminum alloy A356. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the microstructure-property relationship of Aluminum alloy A356, assisting in improvising design and manufacturing processes for enhanced performance.
Enhancing Surface Finish in FDM 3D Printing: The Impact of a Spherical Ironing Tool
Authors: Montalti Andrea , Galiè Giulio , Liverani Alfredo
Published: December 2024

This study aims to evaluate the functionality and effectiveness of a new tool for ironing 3D printed components using FDM technology. The ironing process draws inspiration from the ball burnishing process, employing a spherical tool that, by exerting pressure, modifies the component's surface. The process involves heat transfer between the tool and the component to soften and deform the surface more easily. A theoretical analysis of the resulting surface roughness following this process was conducted to identify the parameters at play and their influence. It was found that the two main parameters are the fillet radius and the distance between passes. Additionally, practical tests were carried out to confirm the hypotheses, revealing the influence of three other parameters: tool Z-axis positioning, temperature, and movement speed. The surface after treatment exhibits an average roughness of Ra = 0.378 μm, significantly better than values obtained with ironing performed with the nozzle and with quality comparable to grinding. This lays the groundwork for possible future optimization of parameters based on the component's characteristics and the material used.
Investigation of Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Al Alloys Lap Joints by Friction Stir Welding
Authors: Trivedi Ajay , Pandya Shaileshkumar N.
Published: December 2024

An experimental investigation on effect of friction stir lap welding (FSLW) process parameters on mechanical and microstructure of AA6082-O welds is presented. Three process parameters namely tool rotational speed (1000,1400 & 2000 rpm), tool shoulder diameter (18, 20 & 22 mm) and tool traverse speed (28, 56 & 80 mm/min) are considered. Experiments are planned as per L9 Taguchi array. Data are analyzed in terms of S/N ratio and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Tensile shear strength is observed in the range of 11.79 MPa to 29.23 MPa. It is observed that tool diameter and tool rotational speed are most significant factors affecting tensile shear strength. Optimum levels of process parameters (28 mm/min tool traverse speed, 18 mm tool diameter and 1400 rpm tool rotational speed) is decided based on analysis of experimental data. Using optimum process parameters for friction stir lap welding of Al alloys improved quality of welded joints can be made. Use of optimized parameters will improve the performance of the products in terms of durability and load carrying capacity.
Climate-Related Emergencies in Pregnancy
Authors: Atkin Kathryn , Simmonds Katherine
Published: December 2024

Climate change affects human health broadly and is leading to poor population health outcomes in a number of areas. Among pregnant people specifically, it can contribute to greater risk of health complications. Certain populations are more likely to be exposed to the adverse environmental impacts of climate change, which further amplifies existing health inequities in the United States, including in maternal health. Nurses who work in emergent, acute, and critical care settings must be prepared to care for individuals who are pregnant and experiencing medical emergencies as a result of exposure to extreme heat, air pollution, natural disasters, and infectious diseases that are direct consequences of climate change. To this end, nurses must be ready to recognize, treat, and manage pregnancy complications arising from climate-related conditions, as well as provide patient education on future mitigation strategies and advocacy to reduce its harms.
Observations about Neomys milleri (Mammalia: Soricidae) predation on Austropotamobius pallipes (Crustacea: Astacidae)
Authors: Ballanti Fabio , Nappi Armando
Published: December 2024

In this work, we report the results of some movies regarding the predation of N. milleri on A. pallipes. It was a useful opportunity to observe some behavioral strategies. Skillful maneuvers by N. milleri, combined with toxic saliva, allow it to attack a large prey in relation to its size.
Proposed definition of fraction of absorbed photosynthetically active radiation by the Committee of Earth Observation Satellites
Authors: Fernandes R. A. , Brown L. , Tang H.
Published: December 2024

Le Comité des Satellites d'Observation de la Terre (CEOS) est une Organisation Participante du Groupe des Observations de la Terre (GEO), organe intergouvernemental. Le Groupe de Travail sur l'Étalonnage et la Validation du CEOS est responsable de la définition des variables géophysiques produites par les systèmes satellites du CEOS. Ce document définit la fraction de radiation photosynthétiquement active absorbée (FAPAR), y compris les abréviations recommandées, la symbolique et les unités. Les quantités associées, couramment dérivées tant par des systèmes in-situ que par télédétection, y compris les satellites du CEOS, sont également définies.
Does it matter if some learners read slowly? Exploring relationships between reading comprehension and oral reading fluency
Authors: Mutema Fungai , Pretorius Elizabeth J.
Published: December 2024

Background: Although Zimbabwe has performed quite well on Grade 6 SACMEQ literacy assessments compared to other African countries, reading levels are generally low and there is little research on reading literacy in Zimbabwean primary schools.Aim: Grade 3 and 4 learners’ reading comprehension (RC), accuracy and speed in oral reading fluency (ORF) were assessed to examine more closely the relationship between these aspects of reading development.Setting: Data were obtained from Grade 3 and 4 learners from four different primary schools within Gweru urban district in Zimbabwe.Methods: A RC test was administered to 374 learners across the two grades, and ORF data were obtained from a subsample of 72 learners. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.Results: The learners’ RC performance was generally poor (41%–45%) across the grades and the four schools, showing much variation within and across grades. Oral reading fluency results were equally varied in terms of accuracy and speed. There was no significant difference in mean learner performance in RC and ORF between Grades 3 and 4, indicating little growth in reading from one grade to the next. However, the results showed robust correlations between ORF accuracy, ORF speed and RC.Conclusion: Given the robust relationship between ORF accuracy, ORF speed and RC, there is need for reading literacy instruction to attend to all these aspects of reading development and to assess them early and systematically so as to provide appropriate interventions for early remediation and to ensure growth in reading from one grade to the next.Contribution: This article contributes to the small but growing body of research on oral reading fluency and its relationship to reading comprehension in African primary schools.
Comparing the Effectiveness of Clear Aligners with Other Orthodontic Methods-A Systematic Review
Authors: Bhagwan Nikita , Handa Amit , Mane Dipali , Ghule Prateek , Srivastava Himanshu , Sarda Aditi
Published: December 2024

Orthodontic treatment has seen advancements with the introduction of clear aligner therapy, offering an alternative to traditional methods such as braces. However, the comparative effectiveness of clear aligners versus other orthodontic methods remains a topic of interest. This systematic review aims to assess and compare the effectiveness of clear aligners with conventional orthodontic treatments. A comprehensive search of electronic databases was conducted to identify relevant studies comparing the efficacy of clear aligners with other orthodontic methods. We systematically and comprehensively reviewed all studies of clear aligners from PubMed and Google Scholar. Studies were selected based on predetermined inclusion criteria, and data extraction was performed independently by two reviewers. Quality assessment of the included studies was conducted using appropriate tools. The search yielded a total of (10) studies meeting the inclusion criteria. These studies encompassed various orthodontic interventions, including clear aligners, traditional braces and other orthodontic appliances. Key outcome measures such as treatment duration, occlusal outcomes, patient satisfaction and adverse effects were analysed and compared between the different treatment modalities. Based on the synthesised evidence, clear aligners demonstrate comparable effectiveness to traditional orthodontic methods in terms of treatment outcomes, patient satisfaction and adverse effects. However, variations in treatment duration and specific clinical outcomes may exist between different orthodontic modalities. Further research with standardised protocols and long-term follow-up is warranted to provide more conclusive evidence on the comparative effectiveness of clear aligners versus traditional orthodontic treatments.
Review on Cataract
Authors: Khamkar Sankalesh Ganesh , Barkade Ganesh D.
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

Cataracts are a type of lens degeneration that is among the primary causes of preventable blindness worldwide and is characterized by clouding and blurry vision. The prevalence of cataracts is expected to increase as life expectancies rise around the world, especially in low-income countries with inadequate accessibility to therapy. Although detachment of retina which is side effect of cataract surgery is generally safe and this condition can treated with less expensive treatments. Many complex enzymes and nonenzymes are found in the lens, and they remove reactive oxygen compounds to safeguard lens proteins. This major antioxidant defense system’s depletion and/or failure contribute to the lenticular molecules and their repair processes damage, which in turn leads to cataracts. Treatments have been used to prevent cataracts caused by artificial means in vivo, in vitro, and ex vivo. Many anti-cataract substances are under investigation which are extracts from plants possessing anti-inflammatory, antioxidant properties.
Kimura disease: A rare cause of cervical lymphadenopathy and a diagnostic challenge
Authors: Goyal Virendra Kumar , Vishnoi Jagdish , Dak Ruhi , Bohra Shokat Ali , Sharma Gunjan
Published: December 2024

Kimura disease (KD) is a rare chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by multiple painless solitary head and neck lymphadenopathy often accompanied by peripheral eosinophilia and elevated serum IgE levels. Initially, the lesion was described in 1937 as a neoplasm (Kimm and Szeto) and first coined by Kimura, a Japanese scientist. Now it is well documented that it is a benign condition with unknown etiology. An allergic reaction and an alteration of the immune system remains one of the pathophysiological bases. Persistent antigenic stimulation following arthropod bites and parasitic or candida infection are also suspected. KD is a quite rare condition, affected Caucasians are very rare. It is found almost exclusively in Asian males in their 2nd to 4th decade of life (70–80%). There are only few cases of KD reported from Indian subcontinent. We present a case series of three patients of Kimura disease, presenting with painless cervical and parotid lymphadenopathy. All three patients underwent lymph node fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) showing no evidence of malignancy. This case series highlights the very rare yet important cause of cervical lymphadenopathy in young patients. Cervical lymphadenopathy can be misleading if not evaluated by histopathology and serum IgE levels.
Bullous pemphigoid and morphea: Coexistence or an incidental association
Authors: Rani Seema , Singh Sweta , Ahuja Arvind
Published: December 2024

Morphea is considered an autoimmune disease because of reported autoantibody and autoimmune disease associations and is characterized by varying degrees of sclerosis, fibrosis, and atrophy in the skin and subcutaneous tissues and may involve muscle, bone, and brain. Plaque morphea is the most common subtype occurring in adults followed by generalized and linear. The various inciting factors for morphea are trauma, radiation, drugs, and vaccination. The occurrence of bullous lesions in localized or systemic scleroderma is rare. Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is the most common autoimmune blistering skin disorder, in which autoantibodies target two hemidesmosomal components BP180 (Collagen XVII) and/or BP230. Although the etiology of BP remains uncertain, various diseases or treatments may be associated with the onset of BP, including neurological disorders, ultraviolet therapies, and drugs. In this report, we describe an old diabetic patient with a history of plaque morphea who developed BP while in remission from treatment.
Primary liposarcoma of the uterus with MDM2 negative
Authors: Wei Shufei , Zhang Lushun , Han Yongliang , Wang Liangliang
Published: December 2024

Liposarcoma is one of the most common soft-tissue sarcomas that originates from adipose tissue. Primary uterine liposarcoma is extremely rare. With the MDM2, negative is even rarer. We report a 37-year-old woman presented with lower abdominal discomfort and increase in vaginal secretions for more than 2 months. The ultrasonography revealed a hypoechoic mass sized 81 × 73 × 67 mm in the right adnexal area. Histopathologically, the neoplasm was mainly composed of mature adipose tissue, a small number of scattered lipoblasts, and the spindle cell which with mild atypia. Immunohistochemistry showed that the tumor cells were positive for CDK4 but negative for MDM2, and FISH analysis showed no MDM2 amplification. The patient only underwent tumor excision and is currently doing well.
An unusual presentation of epidermoid cyst as multiple skin nodules masquerading as neurofibroma
Authors: Sethi Swati V. , Marachapu Jahnavi , Singh Deepak
Published: December 2024

Epidermoid cysts, also known as keratin cysts, are benign cystic malformations containing keratin and lipid-rich debris. These lesions generally present as painless, nontender, soft tissue masses. They can involve any part of the body but most commonly involve face, chest, back, and genital areas. They can have both congenital and acquired presentation. They are in general seen as a solitary skin nodule but can rarely present as multiple skin nodules. We present a case of a 52-year-old male patient who presented with multiple skin nodules involving face, chest, and back. After making a provisional diagnosis of an epidermoid cyst, surgical excision was performed. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of an epidermoid cyst. The patient’s follow-up was uneventful, with no episodes of recurrence or infection. This report emphasizes the rarity of multiple widespread epidermoid cysts and the importance of considering differential diagnoses and appropriate intervention methods.
Rare coexistence of spinal muscular atrophy with membranous nephropathy – A clinical conundrum with management dilemma
Authors: Mathew Gerry G. , Varadharajan Jayaprakash , Sailapathy Sreedhar , Kalpana R.
Published: December 2024

A 48-year-old male presented with proximal muscle weakness of the shoulder with difficulty in lifting objects above the shoulder in July 2012. Electromyogram was suggestive of chronic motor axonal loss with a myogenic pattern, and a deltoid muscle biopsy revealed groups of atrophic muscle fibers and hypertrophic fibers with pan fascicular atrophy suggestive of adult-onset spinal muscular atrophy. He was managed conservatively and developed bilateral pedal edema in August 2022. He had nephrotic range proteinuria, and renal biopsy revealed capillary wall thickening of glomeruli with serum PLA2R antibody positivity suggestive of primary membranous nephropathy. He was managed with telmisartan for 6 months, and there was a reduction in proteinuria. In January 2023, he was given Injection Rituximab due to worsening proteinuria. He failed to have a clinical resolution. This case report describes the management dilemma in membranous nephropathy with SMA due to the risk of toxic myopathies associated with tacrolimus and steroids.
Plasmablastic lymphoma of the sphenoid bone in an immunocompetent patient: A diagnostic challenge
Authors: Singh Anurag , Agrawal Vinita , Singh Alka
Published: December 2024

Plasmablastic lymphoma is a rare type of highly aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma that usually occurs in immunocompromised patients and involves chiefly extra-nodal sites such as the oral cavity, jaw, gastrointestinal tract, soft tissue, bone, and skin. People above the age of 50 years are more commonly affected, with male predominance having a survival rate of 8 to 15 months. Here, we describe the case of a 48-year-old man who had an isolated plasmablastic lymphoma of the right sphenoid bone without any immunodeficiency. Plasmablastic lymphoma in immunocompetent patients at rare sites is a diagnostic challenge for both clinicians and pathologists because of vague clinical and histomorphology findings. This rare case report reemphasizes the utility of complete assimilation of clinical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical findings in such rare cases.
Milestones in Medical Research from the Past to Cutting-edge
Authors: Dev Somnath , Agrawal Anup
Published: December 2024

Coal and steel powered industrial revolution. The Industrial Revolution created tools and an enabling body of knowledge, which in turn facilitated research in tackling diseases by way of understanding the underlying causes. Empirical research, which also led to the birth of statistical rigor supported by research in human physiology and its building blocks created novel treatment methods. Wars accelerated their search incurring diseases and injuries-most notable being World War II. The explosion and democratization of computational power with communications has emboldened humanity to target deep into hitherto unthinkable challenges like longevity, manufacturing of organs, and designer medicines. Tools of artificial intelligence have started to crash time to discover molecules for the next major drug and have enabled higher accuracy of diagnosis. This study seeks to explore how these cutting-edge challenges have been met after the Industrial Revolution. The convergence of different streams of knowledge continues as industrial techniques like three-dimensional printing are being explored for customized prosthetics and also to produce organs on demand. Advanced mathematics and big data analytics are permitting the creation of complete genetic mapping at a fraction of the cost in a fraction of time than what was possible barely two decades ago. This has revolutionized the creation of vaccines and identifying strains of fast-mutating viruses—the current top global public health challenge. This study seeks to capture the excitement of discovery and explore the bleeding edge of medical research, which will occupy researchers for the next few decades while bringing forth the premise that medical research is not just confined to a few streams of knowledge and has not plateaued yet.
Failed Nonunited Subtrochanteric Femur Fracture Managed with Uncemented Total Hip Replacement
Authors: Kumar Ashutosh , Singh Ishank , Agarwal Anant , Somasekarappa Thimarappa
Published: December 2024

Subtrochanteric fracture is a fracture between the lesser trochanter and 5 cm distal to the lesser trochanter. It accounts approximately for 10%–30% of all hip fractures and affects persons more than 60 years of age. Bimodal distributions have greater incidences in 20–40 years of age and persons more than 60 years of age. Deforming forces on the proximal fragment are abduction by the gluteus medius and minimus, flexion by iliopsoas, and external rotation by short external rotators, whereas deforming forces on the distal fragment are adduction and varus by adductors. Failure of subtrochanteric fracture treatment is frequently associated with unstable fracture patterns, poor bone quality, or suboptimal position of fixation devices. Such complications following treatment failure may result in nonunion, leading to pain or malunion, severe bone defects, infection, articular cartilage damage, and even post-traumatic arthritis hip, which poses a significant challenge in subsequent surgeries. Therefore, in this particular case, we were left with only two options (1) re-osteosynthesis using limb reconstruction surgeries (LRS) and (2) prosthetic replacement. We opted for uncemented long stem total hip replacement to get diaphyseal hold as it has many advantages over LRS such as high success rate, better quality of life, improved early mobility, and life-long lasting results. LRS was not opted as a choice of surgery as it has some disadvantages like pin-tract infection, more maintenance and compliance needed, the frame being bulky and cumbersome, and the risk of fracture at the pinhole site. Moreover, in this particular case, bone grafts from all accessible sites were used in previous surgeries. Uncemented long stem total hip replacement can serve as an efficient salvage procedure in such cases. Postoperatively on follow-up at 2 months, the patient was able to fully bear weight without support. Range of motion at right hip joint: the patient was able to do flexion 100°, abduction 50°, and adduction 30°. We were able to correct limb length discrepancy by 5 cm (preoperative discrepancy was 7 cm). Our achievement shows that uncemented long stem total hip replacement is a beneficial and effective procedure for salvaging the failed treatment of subtrochanteric fractures. Such procedures have shown satisfactory functional outcomes, stable fixation, and survival rates for these complex situations.
Beyond Braces and Crutches: Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation as a Game-Changer in ACL Rehabilitation
Authors: Kapoor Rajat , Sharma Brijesh , Dinkar Karuna Shankar , Sharma Yashvardhan
Published: December 2024

Introduction:

Quadriceps weakness is a common challenge following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, impacting functional recovery and potentially leading to long-term complications. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) has shown promise in addressing quadriceps weakness, but its optimal application and long-term effects remain unclear.

Materials and Methods:

This prospective randomized study compared the effectiveness of including NMES in a standard rehabilitation protocol (SRP) in patients following ACL reconstruction. Forty participants were randomly assigned to either the NMES + SRP group or the SRP group. Outcome measures included quadriceps strength, functional performance (International Knee Documentation Committee [IKDC] and Lysholm scores), and thigh circumference, assessed at baseline and at 6, 12, and 24 weeks post-surgery.

Results:

The NMES + SRP group demonstrated significantly more improvements in quadriceps strength, IKDC and Lysholm scores, and thigh circumference at 6 and 12 weeks post-surgery than the SRP group. However, these differences were not observed at 24 weeks.

Conclusion:

NMES is an effective adjunct to standard rehabilitation in enhancing quadriceps strength, function, and muscle mass in the early stages of ACL recovery. Its benefits may diminish over time, suggesting the need for further research on optimal NMES protocols and long-term effects.
Perception and attitude of the general population toward Alzheimer’s disease in eastern region, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alradi Hassan , Alturaiki Hassan Mohammed , Alali Mohammed Ameen , Almuslim Nora
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

Objectives:

To measure the awareness of AD among the general population of Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia from October to November 2023. The data was collected using an online questionnaire.

Results:

A total of 614 eligible participants completed the study questionnaire. Among those surveyed, 99.3% had heard about Alzheimer’s disease (AD), while 96.1% associated it with memory loss. Additionally, 91.5% recognized that individuals with AD face risks when driving, 91.5% believed they could not independently handle their financial matters, 85.7% thought they could not make health-related decisions on their own, and 85.5% believed they could still participate in sports.

Conclusion:

The research results challenge our initial hypothesis by revealing significant AD awareness in Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia, largely attributed to internet-based health information. Despite this, there is a need to improve public attitudes toward Alzheimer’s patients, highlighting the importance of enhanced education and better communication between healthcare professionals and the public.
Influence of perceived impostorism on self-esteem and anxiety among University Nursing Students: Recommendations to implement mentorship program
Authors: Bhardwaj Devendra , Kumar Rajesh , Bahurupi Yogesh
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:

The imposter phenomenon (IP) involves feelings of intellectual fraudulence and phoniness in challenging new roles. IP feelings are associated with low self-esteem and anxiety in nursing students, especially during transition or early stages of nursing training. This research aims to find out the prevalence of IP and its relation with self-esteem and anxiety among nursing undergraduates.

Material and Methods:

A cross-sectional survey randomly selected nursing students from the six established nursing institutions in Uttarakhand state. Three hundred eight (n = 308) participants completed the survey questionnaires, which included a structured socio-demographic sheet, the Clance Imposter Phenomenon Scale (CIPS), the Generalized Anxiety Scale-7 (GAS-7), and the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale (RSES). Appropriate descriptive and inferential statistics were used to generate the results.

Results:

The mean age of the students was 20.93 (SD = 1.09) years. The mean CIPS score was 58.57 (SD = 10.69). Frequent to intense feelings of impostorism were reported by 43.4%, and 51.3% reported at least moderate IP feelings. Further, second-year students than third year, on average, significantly reported higher scores on imposter phenomenon (P < 0.001), anxiety (P = 0.006), and lower scores on self-esteem (P = 0.018). As predicted, CIPS scores correlated positively with GAS-7 (r = -.340, P < 0.01) and negatively with RSES (r = -.307, P < 0.01). A multiple regression model predicting the imposter phenomenon with self-esteem demonstrated a negative main effect of self-esteem (P < 0.001) and significant two-way interaction.

Conclusions:

A higher proportion of the students reported feelings of imposter phenomenon. Low self-esteem was reported as a strong predictor of IP. Institutional strategies such as mentorship, supervised education, and early screening of psychological issues could be preventive and promotive strategies. Future research is recommended to identify the cause of poor IP in students.
Histopathological spectrum of ovarian tumors in Jharkhand, India: A retrospective study
Authors: Paswan Manoj K. , Tudu Helen M. M. , Gupta Smita Kumari , Banerjee Saurav , Tirkey Deepali
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:

Ovarian tumors are the most prevalent neoplasms worldwide, affecting women of all ages. According to Globocan’s 2022 projections, by 2050, the number of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer worldwide will increase by over 55% to 503,448. The number of women dying from ovarian cancer is projected to increase to 350,956 each year, an increase of almost 70% from 2022.

Aims and Objectives:

The aim of this study was to analyze the various histopathological spectra of ovarian tumors according to the latest 2020 WHO classification and to assess the age distribution, frequency of incidence, and laterality of different subtypes of ovarian tumors.

Materials and Methods:

This retrospective study included 190 cases of histopathologically proven ovarian tumors reported by the pathology department from March 2020 to March 2024 at the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India.

Results:

A total of 190 cases were studied, 154 (81.1%) were benign, 8 (4.2%) were borderline, and 28 (14.7%) cases were malignant. Surface epithelial tumors (SETs) were the most common (n = 139, 73.2%), followed by germ cell tumors (GCTs) (n = 38, 20%). Serous cystadenomas (n = 63, 33%) were the most common benign tumors, whereas the most common malignant tumors were serous carcinomas ( n=11, 5.7% ). Most ovarian tumors (n = 45, 23.68%) occurred in the 31–40-year-old age group.

Conclusion:

The present study showed various histopathological patterns of ovarian tumors. This study indicated a slight increase in the prevalence of malignant ovarian tumors in the middle-aged group and and a relative increase in the percentage of SETs over GCTs in recent years in our tertiary care center in Jharkhand, India. With limited resources in our institute, histopathological examination remains the mainstay for the early diagnosis of these tumors and their timlely and appropriate management.

Categories: Pathology.
Does remote COVID infection in pregnancy affect the placenta and pregnancy outcomes? – Results from a prospective cohort study (PLACENTA IN COVID/ PIC study)
Authors: Varunashree N D , Daniel Sherin , Rathore Swati , Moorthy Mahesh , Yadav Bijesh , Beck Manisha M.
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

Objectives:

To study the rates of abnormal placentae and associated adverse perinatal outcomes in pregnant women who had COVID 19 infection during pregnancy, remote from delivery. To study the histopathological findings associated with these abnormal placentae.

Methods:

A prospective cohort study was carried out, recruiting pregnant women with singleton gestation, who had COVID 19 infection during their pregnancy, remote from delivery between August 2021 to July 2022. Ethics approval was obtained by the Institutional Review Board. Abnormal placentae were identified as those with weight <10th centile and associated histopathological findings were noted . Rates of SGA (small for gestational age) babies and stillbirths were recorded. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) v 25.

Results:

Most of the 67 women in our cohort, had mild forms of COVID 19. Half had had infection in their second trimester. Among those infected in the third trimester, 93% were symptomatic. Gestational Diabetes was the most common associated medical condition. . Abnormal placentae were seen in 40%(n=27) of women. Half of these (15) were associated with SGA babies . Distribution of medical co morbidities was comparable among those with abnormal and healthy placentae. Most, 84%, SGA babies were born to mothers who had COVID <28 weeks GA.

Conclusion:

There is a small but significant risk of SGA babies being born to women who had COVID at<28 weeks, irrespective of medical comorbidities. Close monitoring of these pregnancies is, hence warranted.
Prevalence and control of hypertension in COVID-19 positive cases
Authors: Elamin Mohamed O. , Khalid Sufian , Ali Amjed A. , Elamin Sara O. , Khan Wahaj A. , Badri Hatim M. , Natto Hatim A. , Almehmadi Abdulrahman A. , Alhazmi Abdullah , Alkathiri Ahmed , Alharbi Mohamed
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the newly discovered SARS-CoV-2 virus. Patients diagnosed with COVID-19 experience several complications including hypertension or elevated blood pressure which is a serious medical condition that significantly increases the risks of heart, brain, and kidney diseases.

Objectives:

To assess the prevalence and control of hypertension in COVID-19 patients.

Methods:

Cross-sectional descriptive hospital-based study conducted in an isolation center at Atbara Teaching Hospital in 2021. The data were collected by interviewing patients through a close-ended questionnaire and analyzed using a statistical computerized program (SPSS version 21).

Results:

The main results of the study revealed that the prevalence of blood pressure amongst patients diagnosed with COVID-19 was mild 45%, moderate 17.7%, and severe 10%; of the cases, 25.7% were newly discovered hypertension cases, of the cases 26.7% were diabetic patients; and 70.7% of the study group full recovered form COVID-19 at discharge.

Conclusion:

The study concluded that most of the study group had hypertension with COVID-19, some of them were newly discovered cases of hypertension and also had diabetes mellitus which indicates that COVID-19 may cause the onset of hypertension.
Temporal pattern and effect of COVID-19 on the trend of TB, DRTB, paediatrics TB and TB with HIV Coinfection: A decadal trend analysis
Authors: Bairwa Pushpendra , Verma Mahesh C. , Kumari Asha , Gupta Ajay , Singh Yamini
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:

India shares 2/3 of global TB burden. MDR and HIV coinfections are the main obstacle in achieving the successful TB control because it decrease the therapy effect.

Objective:

To analyze the long-term trends of incidence of tuberculosis cases and identify any differences between actual and projected cases after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methodology:

A retrolective study was conducted in SMS medical college, Jaipur, and data were extracted from state TB cell and annual report published by central TB division. A multiplicative model was used for conducting time series analysis. The projected yearly number of cases were estimated using the line of best fit based on the least square method.

Result:

An increasing trend in the incidence of TB was observed, rising from 1,517,363 in 2008 to 2,404,815 in 2019. Similarly, DRTB also showed an increasing trend from 10,267 (0.67% of total new cases) in 2011 to 66,255 (2.75%) in 2019. The new cases of DRTB in 2020 were significantly lower than the projected number. The trend of HIV coinfection in TB cases fluctuated over the past decade.

Conclusion:

The findings reveal a concerning upward trajectory in TB incidence and DRTB cases over the decade. The fluctuating trend in HIV coinfection in TB cases emphasizes the complexity of addressing these interconnected health challenges.
The impact of COVID-19-induced distance learning on physical activity and dietary habits of female students in the Qassim Region
Authors: Almujaydil Mona S.
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected the physical activity (PA) levels and dietary habits of individuals, particularly children and adolescents in Saudi Arabia, owing to widespread closures and social distancing measures, including school closures.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the impact of distance learning (DL) on PA and dietary habits among public middle school girls during the pandemic. The Arab Teens Lifestyle Questionnaire (ATLS) was used to assess habitual PA, sedentary behavior, and dietary habits.

Results:

A total of 300 middle school female students, with an average age of 14 years, participated in the study. The results indicated a generally low level of PA among students during DL and after school reopening, with a significant decrease in specific types of PA, such as walking and stair climbing during DL. However, after schools reopened, there was a significant increase in students’ participation in activities such as swimming, dancing, and housework (P < 0.05). Moreover, sleep hours and TV-watching time increased compared to the DL period. Despite the prevalence of students frequently consuming soft drinks, sugary treats, fried and fast foods, as well as sweets and chocolates during the lockdown, middle school girls also consumed a lot of fruits and vegetables.

Conclusion:

Assessing students’ habitual PA and dietary habits during the lockdown may provide insights into their future health and well-being post-pandemic. This assessment can help in identifying strategies to redirect current PA levels to maintain health and prevent potential long-term health implications.
An analysis on role of iron deficiency in febrile seizure among children in 6 months to 5 years: A case-control study
Authors: Sankar Haridev , Shriram Vanishree , Elayaraja Sivaprakasam
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

Background for the Study:

This study looks into the relationship between febrile seizures in children between the ages of 6 months to 5 years who suffer from iron insufficiency. Febrile seizures, which are common in early life, are associated with abrupt temperature increases, and iron deficiency impacts neurological development in young infants. Understanding this relationship would lead to interventions that mitigate febrile seizure impact.

Aim:

To investigate the link between iron deficiency and febrile seizures in children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years.

Method:

A ”retrospective case-control study” of 300 cases and 300 controls, including demographic, seizure, and laboratory data, was conducted. Descriptive statistics were computed using “Chi-square tests for proportions” and “t-tests for means” with P ≤ 0.05 as the level of significance.

Result:

Significant findings emerged, including a notably younger mean age among cases (1.75 years) compared to controls (2.93 years). Cases showed higher rates of upper respiratory tract infections (3.7% vs. 0.3% in controls) and lower occurrences of viral febrile illnesses. Notably, cases had a lower prevalence of non-vegetarian diets and a higher incidence of family histories related to seizures. “Iron deficiency anemia” was more common in these instances, evident in blood parameters, alongside increased WBC counts. Recurrent seizures correlated with a lower mean RBC count (P = 0.01).

Conclusion:

The study confirms the link between “iron deficiency anemia” and “febrile seizures” among young children. Addressing iron deficiency emerges as a critical modifiable factor in potentially reducing the occurrence and impact of severe seizures, emphasizing the necessity of proactive efforts in pediatric treatment programs.