bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Post-laparoscopic cholecystectomy pancreatitis
Authors: Vagholkar Ketan , Vagholkar Suvarna , Purandare Tanay
Published: December 2023

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is one of the commonest operations performed on the biliary system. Acute pancreatitis following Lap-chole is quite uncommon. Whether pancreatitis is a complication or a sequalae to surgical treatment of gall stone disease continues to be a debatable issue. A 37-year-old lady underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for incidentally diagnosed gall stones. Early post-operative course was uneventful. The patient presented 3 weeks after surgery with severe excruciating abdominal pain and was diagnosed as acute pancreatitis by ultrasound evaluation. Liver function tests were altered with raised bilirubin, serum lipase and amylase. MRCP revealed a normal biliary tract. Pancreas showed changes of acute interstitial pancreatitis. Patient responded to conservative line of treatment. Acute pancreatitis could be a known complication following laparoscopic cholecystectomy. What causes pancreatitis continues to be a matter for debate. MRCP is the investigation of choice. Interventional endoscopy (ERCP) is indicated in cases of impacted gallstone in the CBD. While if the CBD is clear of stones, aggressive conservative management will suffice.
Local management of unresectable lung atypical carcinoid tumor: a case report and review of literature
Authors: Pisco Joana Martins , Silva Pedro Miguel , Figueiredo André Pinheiro , Silva Manuel Carmo , Pina Maria Filomena
Published: December 2023

Neuroendocrine tumors comprise a rare but increasing heterogeneous group of malignancies arising from neuroendocrine cells, most commonly from the lung and gastrointestinal tract. Due to the vast histopathological differentiation of each subtype and the scarce clinical data published, choosing the most effective therapy can be challenging. Radiotherapy can play a significant role in the treatment of locally advanced metastatic tumors, however there is a lack of randomized clinical trials in this setting. This article reviews the current knowledge on the classification and treatment of unresectable lung atypical carcinoids. We present a clinical case of a ULAC treated with systemic therapy and RT in different settings of the disease. The subject is a 48 years old male, diagnosed with a well differentiated pulmonary NET, classified as cT4N3M1b (supraclavicular and mediastinal adenopathies and an adrenal metastatic lesion) with disease progression after systemic treatment, and with superior vena cava compression. The primary tumor and involved nodal areas were treated to 54Gy/30 fractions using VMAT. SBRT was given to the metastatic left adrenal gland. Five months after RT, CT showed a volumetric reduction of <25% of the thoracic disease and adrenal gland’s lesion stability. The disease remained stable for the next year and a half, when local and distant progression occurred, starting systemic treatment. A year and a half later, the patient presented with brain metastasis and underwent radiosurgery. At last follow-up, 5 years after diagnosis, the patient maintains treatment with capecitabine and temozolomide and is clinically stable. Definitive RT should be considered in the management of ULAC to improve local control.
Social-cultural factors influencing modern contraceptive uptake among women of the reproductive age in Turkana County, Kenya
Authors: Okenyoru Douglas S. , Matoke Vincent , Odhiambo Felix , Salima Ruth , Anyika Daniel , Ogutu Gideon
Published: December 2023

Background: Modern contraceptive is pivotal for reproductive health, averting unplanned pregnancies, lowering maternal mortality, and enhancing women's well-being. Despite global strides, challenges still persist in adoption of modern family planning methods in regions, like Turkana County, Kenya with a 30.7% adoption rate marking high unmet contraception needs. This study delved into determining social-cultural factors impacting uptake of modern contraceptive in the remote area of Turkana, Kenya.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was employed. The 360 participants were sampled from households using systematic random sampling. Data was analyzed using SPSS 21.0. Data analysis included frequencies, proportions and Chi-square tests to unveil vital variable correlations. Data was presented in tables, graphs and pie charts.
Results: The study revealed higher utilization of modern contraceptives at 53%. Cultural factors associated with Modern contraceptive uptake included religion acceptance of family planning (χ2=6.997, p=0.008), myths and misconceptions (χ2=31.096, p=0.000), gender preference (χ2=28.876, p=0.000), cultural perception of child quantity (χ2=26.373, p=0.000), decision maker for family planning (χ2=19.745, p=0.000) and discussion with partner (χ2=55.063, p=0.000).
Conclusions: In Turkana County, Kenya, socio-cultural factors seem to significantly shape modern contraceptive choices among women of reproductive age. Religious beliefs, misconceptions, and gender preferences influence decisions. Cultural norms impact family size views, and autonomy prevails. Tailored interventions addressing these issues are crucial for better reproductive health outcomes.
Knowledge and utilization of premarital screening for sickle cell disease among residents of semi-urban community, Bauchi State, Nigeria
Authors: Maigoro Aliyu M. , Ibrahim Adamu M. , Usman Usman S. , Abdullahi Ibrahim A. Abdullahi
Published: December 2023

Background: Sickle cell disease is a major genetic disease that manifests early in life and may lead to significant morbidities. It is an inherited disorder resulting from an abnormality in the structure of a protein in the red blood cell called haemoglobin characterized by the presence of crescent-shaped erythrocytes. Sickle cell disease is one of the most prevalent genetic disorders among the African populations. This study assessed the knowledge and utilization of premarital screening for sickle cell disease among residents of semi-urban community of Bauchi State, Nigeria.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used for the study. A multistage sampling technique was used in selecting 308 participants and a semi structured questionnaire was used in collecting data for the study. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 26 at 5% significance level and 95% confidence interval and presented in tables of frequencies and percentages.
Results: The result revealed that 73.1% of the participants had good knowledge of premarital screening for sickle cell disease and their commonest sources of information were family and friends (45.6%). More than half of the respondents (66.8%) had good utilization.
Conclusions: Majority of the respondents had good knowledge and utilization of premarital screening for sickle cell disease. We recommend that there should be more emphasis on health education and awareness programmes at community level on premarital screening for sickle cell disease. Also, genetic screening services should be made available in all primary health care centers.
Behavioural effect of soil transmitted helminths control programme among school going children in Meru County, Kenya
Authors: Ngechu Judith N. , Onyango Rosebella , Wafula Charles , Kamau Peter
Published: December 2023

Background: Intestinal parasitic infections are major public health problems mostly among children contributed in part by adults in developing countries. Despite the effort of World Health Organization (WHO) to eradicate intestinal parasitic infections, the infection continues to be the most common of tropical diseases in developing countries.
Methods: This study adopted a mixed methods design, specifically the convergent parallel mixed methods research design. Data was collected using questionnaires, key informants guide, observation and stool examination for intestinal parasitic infections which were administered to both the experimental groups and the control groups. Data analysis was carried out with the aid of statistical package of the social sciences (SPSS) version 26.0, using descriptive statistics to describe the characteristics of the studied population. Qualitative data was analyzed by thematic content analysis.
Results: Washing hands after visiting the toilet (p<0.05), washing hands before eating (p<0.05) and washing hands after playing (p<0.05) were significantly associated with intestinal parasitic infections in both intervention and control groups. Further, at post intervention, in the intervention group, the overall prevalence of protozoan infections reduced from 28.0% to 14.7% before and after intervention respectively as well the overall prevalence of helminthic infections reduced from 40.3% to 13.7% before and after intervention respectively.
Conclusions: Public health interventions influenced the reduction of the prevalence of intestinal parasites. The county government should play a role in interventions to improve sanitation and hygiene in communities. Public health offices should enforce skills training and enhancement at the household level, and multiple targeted interventions focused on intestinal parasite infections should be implemented.
Correlation of glycated hemoglobin with serum uric acid levels among type 2 diabetic patients: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Arshad Hamid , Munir Ahad , Tahir Sulaiman , Tariq Sumera , Mehmood Atif , Qayyum Rimsha , Ain Qurat Ul , Muneer Fahad , Marva Aunia Tul , Arooj Samia Samar , Rahim Nouman , Khan Tayyab Mumtaz , Akram Jehanzeb
Published: December 2023

Background: Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 (DMT2) is one of the commonest disorders of endocrinology which is characterized by the raised blood glucose level due to insulin resistance in body cells. This study was aimed to determine the correlation between the glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and serum uric acid (SUA) in patients with DMT2.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital of Lahore. 73 Patients’ recruitment was made via convenient sampling technique and a developed inclusion and exclusion criteria. Self-structured proforma was used for data collection. Data analysis was done in SPSS version 25.0.
Results: From total patients, 40 (54.79%) were women while 33 (45.21%) were men. Means of different variables like age, HbA1c, and serum uric acid level were 54.98 years with standard deviation (SD) of ±11.67 years, 7.90 with SD of ±1.85%, and 7.51 with SD of ±0.81 respectively. 32 (43.83%) patients had good glycemic control whereas 41 (56.17%) patients had poor glycemic control. The frequencies of hyperuricemia and normal SUA in study population were 35 (47.94%) and 38 (52.06%) respectively. The means of the HbA1c across gender had statistically significant difference. Difference in the means of the SUA level, across gender and between patients with hyperuricemia and normal SUA level, was also statistically significant. Moreover, correlation between the HbA1c and SUA was positive and statistically significant.
Conclusions: In a nutshell, this study suggests that increase in SUA level, worsen the glycemic control by raising glycated hemoglobin level among patients with DMT2.
Demographic related quality of life of the aging population in Thailand
Authors: Ratmanee Yodfah , Tongkumchum Phattrawan
Published: December 2023

Background: Thailand has a substantial elderly population, around one-sixth of its total populace, and ranks second among ASEAN countries. Remarkably, Thailand is the first developing nation to transition into a fully-fledged "Aged Society". This study aimed to assess the quality of life (QoL) of aging in Thailand and explore the demographic factors that affect it.
Methods: The QoL and the demographic data of 15,600 adults aged 60 years and over were obtained from Regional Health (RH), Ministry of Public Health, and Thailand. The WHOQOL-BREF instrument in Thai was used to assess aging QoL. Outcome measures included WHOQOL-BREF's four domains (physical health, psychological, social relationships, and environmental scores. Cronbach’s coefficient assessed the reliability of the questionnaire. The relationships between QoL gender-age group, years, and RHs were investigated using multiple regression. The overall Cronbach’s coefficient of the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire was 0.94 and Cronbach`s alpha was 0.67, 0.81, 0.72, and 0.87, respectively.
Results: The scores of different gender-age groups, years, and RHs significantly differed in the four domains. The younger age for both sexes scored highest in physical, psychological, and environmental domains but not for the youngest females in social relationships. Years show a slight increase in the three domains but not the physical domain. Aging from RH 1-3 had the highest scores for all domains. The WHOQOL-BREF was reliable in the assessment of the QoL of the aging Thai population.
Conclusions: To cope with the influencing demographic factors of the QOL, health authorities should support the aging population, especially the oldest physical health.
Critical analysis of fire incidents and self-assessment of fire safety program in a tertiary care hospital of India: an observational study
Authors: Mufti Samina , Khalil Ifrah , Rashid Haroon , Hamid Shahnawaz , Mufti Hammad , Jan Farooq A.
Published: December 2023

Background: Self-assessment of fire safety provides valuable insights for framing a robust fire safety program for hospitals by identifying gaps and taking corrective measures. The study was performed to (i) critically analyse fire incidents which occurred in the hospital and (ii) assess fire safety program of the hospital.
Methods:  A critical analysis of 3 fire incidents which occurred in hospital was performed. Further review of records regarding all fire incident reports was performed for last 4.5 years and analysed for cause, site, timing, triggering factor and firefighting. For the second objective, fire safety mechanisms in hospital were compared with national accreditation board of hospital checklist and national building code 2016 part 4 “fire and life safety” guideline.
Results: It was found that a total of 44 incidents of fire occurred over a period of four and a half years from January 2019 to July 2023, of which 42 were minor, confined fires while two were major and non confined fires. Electrical cause was found in 48.84% of fire incidents, 37% occurred in external areas, 41% in the morning shift hours and in 51.16% incidents clean agent was used for extinguishing the fire. In 93.18% incidents, trained hospital security extinguished the fire. Average reporting time was 1.23 minutes and mean time taken to act and extinguish the fire completely was 10 minutes.
Conclusions: Critical analysis of fire safety using records of fire incidents and comparison with guidelines helps hospitals in self assessment of their fire safety plans and guides in filling lacunae.
Assessment of diabetes risk among adult population using Indian diabetes risk score and to correlate with actual capillary blood sugar level: a cross sectional study
Authors: Gangwar Abhinav , Srivastava Dhiraj Kumar , Kumar Sandip , Shukla Sushil Kumar , Sachan Divyata , Megha Vashishtha
Published: December 2023

Background: Diabetes is one of the fastest growing health challenges of the 21st century, with the number of adults living with diabetes having more than tripled over the past 20 years. IDRS is pre-screening tool for assessing diabetes mellitus. It is also a non-invasive procedure and less time consuming. Aim were to assess diabetes risk among adult urban population of district Etawah by using Indian Diabetes Risk Score and to correlate it with actual capillary blood sugar status.
Methods: The present study was a cross sectional study carried out among 200 adult urban non diabetic population the age group of 30 years and above. The data was collected using predesigned questionnaire followed by capillary blood sugar estimation. The data was collected under following broad heading: socio-demographic profile, Behavioural factor, Indian diabetes risk score and capillary blood sugar estimation.
Results: Majority of the participants were in the age group of 35-49 years and Hindu by religion. 62.5% gave history of fast food consumption, nearly half of the participants gave the history of moderate to heavy physical exercise. It was found that 89% of the participants fall under the category of intermediate and high risk category. On application of test of association between IDRS score and actual capillary blood sugar level, strong association exist between the two variables.
Conclusions: The present study concludes that IDRS is a powerful tool for screening of high risk group of diabetes. There is a strong association between capillary blood sugar and IDRS score.
A quasi-experimental study to assess the effectiveness of planned teaching program on knowledge regarding Ayushman Bharat Yojana among community people in Panchayatan village, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh
Authors: Saikia Bharati , Pal Monalisha , Ringkangmai Wichamjailiu , Krishnan Suresh
Published: December 2023

Background: The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) is India’s government-funded health care program that benefits more than 10.74 million poor and vulnerable families. While Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) has helped to correct state imbalances in health care spending, it has not been sufficient to compensate for the inherent fiscal difficulties of poor states. Ayushman Bharat is a holistic need-based health care service which was developed to accomplish the sustainable development goals (SDGS). The purpose of conducting this research is to assess the knowledge regarding Ayushman Bharat Yojana to the people of Panchayatan village, Greater Noida.
Methods: A quasi-experimental research design and convenience sampling technique was used to assess the effectiveness of planed teaching program on knowledge regarding Ayushman Bharat Yojana among 59 community people in Panchayatan village Greater Noida.
Results: The study found that majority of the samples (64.4%) was between the ages of 16-35 years, (83.1%) were having no previous knowledge and (86.4%) were having no source of information. The findings show mean value of 11.7±4.16 knowledge level regarding Ayushman Bharat Yojana. The post-test mean score was 13.7 which was greater than the pre-test means score 9.6. Results show a significant association between the knowledge scores (post-test) with age (p=0.051) and monthly income (p=0.019).
Conclusions: The findings concluded that the planned teaching program on knowledge regarding Ayushman Bharat Yojana among community people in Panchayatan village was effective in increasing the knowledge among community people.
Perception of local health functionaries regarding the impact of COVID-19 on health-seeking behaviour of presumptive tuberculosis patients in tricity
Authors: Dhiman Shivani , Goel Naveen Krishan , Prashar Savita , Rana Kirtan
Published: December 2023

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected every domain of human life globally and has presented an unprecedented challenge to public health, work, education, and social life. The healthcare services were prioritized and indirectly affected by that. The current study assumed the perception of healthcare functionaries regarding the impact of COVID-19 on the health-seeking behavior of presumptive TB patients in tricity (Chandigarh, Panchkula, and Mohali). 
Methods: A concurrent mixed method study design was conducted among 100 randomly selected healthcare functionaries from public health facilities in tricity. A self-structured and validated questionnaire was used and analyzed using SPSS v24 by both qualitative (frequencies, Chi-square, odd ratio) and quantitative (themes) approach.
Results: Among 100 respondents 62% participants responded that there was a disruption of the normal functioning of testing and treatment under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP). The logistics and manpower were shifted to COVID-19 management and testing of PTB patients was mostly affected. The in-depth interview found that factors like social stigma, downplaying of TB disease, and less knowledge about TB were the reasons behind the disruption of PTB services. The health functionaries also gave suggestions for the betterment of PTB services if these kinds of pandemics arise in the future.
Conclusions: Having national programs such as NTEP should be not kept on back foot while dealing with the pandemic, as TB is considered to be the greatest challenge for Health System and human beings as well.
Telework: job satisfaction during work from home among IT professionals in India: a cross sectional study
Authors: Shabadi Nayanabai , Rao Vadaga Vijaylakshmi , Murthy M. R. Narayana , Ravali Annaram
Published: December 2023

Background: The untoward events of COVID-19 led to the enforcement of work from home (WFH) for nearly every wage earner across the globe. One of the several fields that saw its implications was the IT sector. We conducted the following study to understand how the IT techies have been affected by the shift in their workspace- from their cubicles at work to the tables at home and the implications of this shift on their general and mental health.
Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in January 2021. A Google form was circulated among IT professionals. Sample size was calculated by universal sampling technique. Data collected was entered in MS Excel and analysed using SPSS version 26.
Results: Among the 47 received responses, the mean age group of the study sample was 20-30 years. 73.9% felt that personal obligations interrupted their work which led to increased frustration. There is also a rise in the incidences of backpain and eyestrain. The mean stress score of the study sample was 17.85±5.729 and though 80.9% felt they had a comfortable place at home to work, 62.52% of them wished to return to their workplace.
Conclusions: Better innovative strategies need to be thought of and implemented to help employees have an efficient work-life balance.
Understanding the social determinants of individuals’ health in an area of Hyderabad: a cross sectional study
Authors: Rahmath Shaik Sadiya , Nimrah Safia , Ahmad Sultan Rizwan , Madhipati Sai Krishna
Published: December 2023

Background: The population of India is diverse and heterogeneous, comprising different social groups like castes, religions, languages, and regions. It faces many challenges, such as poverty, illiteracy, malnutrition, lack of access to health care, sanitation, education, and infrastructure. Due to lack of proper knowledge, there is an inadequate health seeking behaviour among the people about the importance of health. This study helps us to know the most prevalent morbid conditions and how health status affects various aspects of life.
Methods: A survey was conducted by students of Deccan College of Medical Sciences under the guidance of the department of community medicine. A total of 200 families with 1101 individuals were surveyed on various parameters in quality of life, immunization, literacy and marital status. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics.
Results: In this study, 554 were males (50.31%) and 547 females (49.68%). Predominant age group was of 16-45 years (54.58%) and the least belonged to above 60 (3.17%). 12.17% individuals were illiterate while only 6.53% pursued higher education. There were 31 (51.67%) males and 29 (48.33%) females that were fully immunized and 3% females were not immunized. Hypertension exhibited highest prevalence at 41.36%. Majority of the population fell into socioeconomic status class III (41.32%).
Conclusions: Community diagnosis is an effective tool in assessing the health status of an area. It can help the health officials and healthcare centres to take appropriate measures suitable to handle the problems prevailing in that area.
Impact of Nikshay Poshan Yojana on tuberculosis outcomes: preliminary evidence from eastern India
Authors: T. Anupama , Narain Smiti , Priyadarshini Megha , Mitra Anindya , Prasad Ranjit , Pathak Rajeev Ranjan
Published: December 2023

Background: National TB programme of India implemented Nikshay Poshan Yojana (NPY) through direct benefit transfer (DBT) in April 2018. This is to address the dual evils of under nutrition and unfavourable outcomes among tuberculosis patients in the country. This study aimed to understand the impact of Nikshay Poshan Yojana (NPY) through direct benefit transfer (DBT) on the outcomes of notified TB patients from the Indian state of Jharkhand for the year 2019.
Methods: This was a retrospective cross sectional descriptive study using secondary data obtained from Nikshay web portal for the Indian state of Jharkhand for the year 2019. State level data on TB notification and NPY DBT scheme was downloaded in excel format and analysed using Excel 2016 version.
Results: The study found higher odds (odds ratio 3.14, 95% CI: 2.97, 3.33; p value <0.00001) of having successful outcomes, among those who received at least one instalment of NPY. The risk of lost to follow up (LTFU) was 2.44 times (95% CI: 2.2-2.8, p value: 3.9×10-43) higher among those who did not receive any DBT payments as compared to those who received at least one DBT instalment.
Conclusions: The ‘individual and health system enablers’ have a crucial role to play in successful TB treatment outcomes than NPY. However, LTFU rate reduces significantly with timely payment of NPY. This would facilitate improved treatment adherence and thus a favourable outcome.
Who found it easy to avail nutritional support through direct benefit transfer under national TB elimination programme in Eastern India: an early evidence from Jharkhand
Authors: T. Anupama , Priyadarshini Megha , Narain Smiti , Ghosh Pritam , Mitra Anindya , Prasad Ranjit , Pathak Rajeev Ranjan
Published: December 2023

Background: National TB Programme of India launched Nikshay Poshan Yojana (NPY) through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) in April 2018, to provide financial support for additional nutritional requirement during TB treatment. This study aims to understand the enabling attributes in availing Nikshay Poshan Yojana (NPY) through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) among notified TB patients from the Indian state of Jharkhand for the year 2019.
Methods: This is a retrospective cross sectional descriptive study using secondary data obtained from Nikshay web portal for the Indian state of Jharkhand in the year 2019. State level data on TB Notification and NPY DBT scheme is downloaded from the Nikshay portal in excel format and analysed using Excel 2016 version. Odds Ratio and P value are calculated and analysed to prove any statistically significant associations.
Results: The study found higher odds (1.08, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.14; P value 0.004) of having patients who belong to 15 to 65 years, female sex (odds ratio 1.05, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.09; P value 0.018), seeking care in public sector (odds ratio 4.05, 95% CI: 3.83, 4.27; P value <0.00001) and with drug sensitive TB (DS TB) (odds ratio 1.39, 95% CI: 1.1, 1.59; P value <0.00001), among those who received at least one instalment of DBT.
Conclusions: TB patients belonging to productive age group, female sex, seeking care in public sector and with DS TB have higher odds of receiving NPY among the study population.
Understanding perspectives of asthma among pulmonologists in Indian settings: results from a questionnaire-based survey
Authors: P. S. Tampi , Singh Sheetu , Reza Tanvir , Batra Supreet , S. S. Yuvarajan , Rachel P. Roopa , Khobragade Kunal , Doshi Nitinkumar S.
Published: December 2023

Background: Asthma is associated with high morbidity and mortality in India. This survey was undertaken to explore the perspectives of pulmonologists towards in-clinic management of patients with asthma.
Methods: It was a cross-sectional survey of pulmonologists conducted across India. It was formulated to provide unbiased observations of real-world clinical practice focusing on methods of diagnosis of asthma and its treatment preferences.
Results: The participants included 805 pulmonologists, with the majority primarily treating patients with asthma (62%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (19%) and allergic rhinitis (19%). More than 86% of pulmonologists consider clinical symptoms, history of childhood asthma, family history, and chronic allergic rhinitis for initial diagnosis. About 19-23% prefer spirometry alone or in combination with family history for confirmation of asthma. The preferred inhaled corticosteroids-long-acting bronchodilator (ICS-LABA) combination was budesonide-formoterol amongst 83% of pulmonologists. For both dry powder inhaler (DPI) and metered dose inhaler (MDI) devices, fine particle fraction per cent and delivered dose were ranked as the two most important attributes.
Conclusions: Asthma is the most prevalent diagnosis among patients treated by pulmonologists on the basis of clinical presentation and medical history. The most commonly used pharmacotherapy for the treatment of asthma comprises ICS-LABA, with budesonide-formoterol being the preferred combination. Fine particle fraction per cent and magnitude of delivered dose influence the choice of asthma inhaler prescriptions the most.
Impact of COVID-19 on socio-behavioural, health and oral health-related aspects on spinal cord injury patients: a cross-sectional study
Authors: K. Divya , P. D. Madankumar
Published: December 2023

Background: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a damaging, life-altering injury, which is estimated to have an annual global incidence of 40 to 80 cases per million population and is two to five times more possible to die prematurely. This study aims to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on socio-behavioural, health, and oral health-related aspects of spinal cord injury patients.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 50 spinal cord injury patients in the rehabilitation center in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, which was conducted between May and June 2022.
Results: The comparison of mean distribution scores based on DMFT showed that complete injury patients had a lower DMFT score of 6.40 when compared to incomplete injury (8.41). The periodontal status assessment revealed that SCI with complete injury had a lower mean number of teeth with gingival bleeding and periodontal pocket (3.81 and 2.31 respectively) when compared to incomplete injury (7.12 and 4.49). Moreover, the impact of COVID-19 on the socio-behavior and health status was found to be higher in complete injury than that in incomplete injury patients.
Conclusions: Therefore, this pandemic highlights the need to advocate the development of a nationwide SCI registry or surveillance system is fundamental to an understanding of the epidemiology and, hence, the prevention of this emerging health burden.
Prevalence of coronary artery disease in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients- a retrospective observational study
Authors: Adiody Supriya , Bellad Vishwanath , Vellore Mridula
Published: December 2023

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by chronic inflammation that results in progressive and irreversible air flow obstruction usually caused by an inflammatory response of the lungs to noxious particles and gases. There are periods of acute episodes of worsening and exacerbation. COPD was predicted to be the third leading cause of death worldwide by 2020, is a major cause of disability adjusted life years (DALY). Patients with COPD are often complicated by coronary artery disease (CAD), both of which are public health problems. There are probably a lot of mechanisms involved in the co-existence of these comorbidities like ageing, sedentary life style, systemic inflammation, atherosis and arterial stiffness. The confirmation of this comorbidity in COPD is very important as it can have implications in the management of the disease.
Methods: This observational study was done in a tertiary care hospital in Central Kerala. It was a retrospective observational study. 100 patients were included in the study.
Results: Out of 100 COPD patients that were included in the study, 27% of them had CAD as a comorbidity which implies that all patients with COPD should be screened for CAD as well.
Conclusions: All COPD patients should be screened for a coexisting CAD.
Determinants of maternal health care utilization at urban slums in Northeast India: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Chakraborty Kunal , K. Shantibala , Akoijam Brogen Singh
Published: December 2023

Background: Factors affecting maternal health care utilization determine maternal mortality rate (MMR). Therefore this study has been carried out to out to assess the level and determinants of maternal health care service utilization in an urban slum of north-east India.
Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used. The study area comprised of four municipal wards with well-defined geographical boundaries. All married women in the age group 18-45 years who were either pregnant and/ or had at least one child under 3 years of age on the day of survey residing in that area for a minimum of one year were the study population. Data collection was done by house-to-house visit. Descriptive analysis and chi-square test was used for data analysis.
Results: Adequate utilization of IFA and TT was 86.3% and 84.4%, respectively. Adequate utilization of maternal health care was found to be 79.8% and 20.2% respectively. Age, educational status, income of the participants and birth order of the relevant child was found to be significantly associated with the maternal health care utilization.
Conclusions: The study concludes that maternal health care utilization was found adequate among 79.8% of study participants, out of which antenatal care, intranatal care and postnatal care utilization rate was found in 85.4%, 89.8% and 82.5% respectively. Age, education, income of the women and birth order of their children were significantly associated with maternal health care utilization.
Socio-demography, nutritional status, age-appropriate immunization coverage and morbidity among under-five children in rural Maharashtra
Authors: C. S. Jayalekshmi , Birajdar Shrikant S. , Gurav Ravindra B.
Published: December 2023

Background: Morbidities among under-five children in rural areas is a major public health problem. This study was conducted to assess the nutritional status, age-appropriate immunization coverage, personal hygiene and morbidity pattern among under-5 children and their socio-demographic determinates in rural slum dwellings.
Methods: A community based cross sectional study was conducted in rural area of Maharashtra using purposive sampling technique. The survey was done by using predesigned and pretested proforma along with recording of socio-demographic factors, anthropometric measurements, immunization status and clinical examination of the study subjects.
Results: The study included 86 under-5 children from a rural slum dwelling. 16 (18.60%) subjects were underweighted, 35 (40.70%) were stunted and 14 (16.28%) were wasted. 04 (04.65%) and 02 (02.33%) subjects were MAM and SAM respectively. 35 (40.70%) subjects were morbid. 20 (23.26%) subjects were suffering from louse infestation of which 07 (14.58%) were boys and 13 (34.21%) were girls (p<0.05). 17 (19.77%) subjects were suffering from dental caries. 12 (13.95%) subjects were suffering from skin diseases. 23 (26.74%) subjects were suffering from oral health problems. All subjects’ personal hygiene was poor. 72 (83.72%) subjects were age-appropriate fully immunized. The association between monthly family income and presence of stunting among the subjects is statistically significant (p<0.05).
Conclusions: Underweight, stunting, wasting, MAM, SAM, louse infestation, skin diseases, dental caries, oral health problems and poor immunization coverage are found to be major health problems among the under-five children in rural areas. Poor personal hygiene of under-5 children is also a major issue. Capacity building of parents for early health seeking and strengthening of primary health care services is essential to act timely in managing these morbidities.
Effects of internet shutdown among medical students of a tertiary care hospital in Imphal, Manipur: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Laishram Jalina , Singh Khangembam Sonarjit , Huyam Yaipharembi , Akoijam Brogen Singh
Published: December 2023

Background: The internet shutdown has become a global issue affecting the academic activities of medical students. Due to civil unrest in Manipur, a Northeastern state in India, the internet has been shut down for the past several months. Therefore, the study was undertaken with the objective to determine the magnitude of the effects of the internet shutdown among the medical students of a tertiary care hospital in Manipur.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in July 2023 among 135 medical students of a tertiary care hospital using a convenience sampling method. Data were collected by using a self-administered structured questionnaire. Data analysis was done by using SPSS software version 26.
Results: The mean age of the participants was 21±1.8 years. The study found that the majority (93.3%) of medical students opined that the internet shutdown affected their daily activities.  Most of the participants (83.7%) stated that their study was affected by the current internet shutdown. Only (39.2%) of participants faced problems in submitting online forms. Most of the participants (71.1%) had a bad experience during the internet shutdown.
Conclusions: The internet shutdown affected most of the participants in their daily activities. Most of the participants felt they were missing out on information and opportunities. Most of the participants rate their overall experiences as bad during the internet shutdown.
Evaluating the performance of ChatGPT in preventive and social medicine in medical university examination
Authors: Sundararajan Sivapriya K. R. , Boralingiah Prakash , Surapaneni Krishna Mohan
Published: December 2023

Artificial Intelligence (AI) for community health holds transformative potential, offering data-driven insights, virtual health advisories, and efficient resource allocation for improved healthcare outcomes and population well-being. This study evaluates the potential of ChatGPT 3.5, an AI language model, in preventive and social medicine. Using medical exam questions, ChatGPT demonstrated commendable understanding, scoring 62% and 65% in Paper 1 and Paper 2, respectively. While promising for medical education and public health, caution is advised due to occasional inaccuracies, ethical considerations, and the model's inability to replace human expertise. Refinement efforts are crucial for harnessing ChatGPT's full potential in enhancing medical education and positively impacting public health outcomes. Further research should focus on real-world applications and addressing limitations for responsible integration.
Pandemocene: a review
Authors: Turaman Cem
Published: December 2023

The history of humans has been divided into epochs, which are characterized by the prevalence of comparable conditions and are named based on their direct or indirect interactions with their environments. It is widely recognized that we are currently in the Anthropecene epoch. Infectious diseases have impacted humans in a different extent throughout its history. The numbers of viral infection pandemics in three quarter-century clusters (25 years each) formed from 1950 to the present day were compared by examining data figures from the literature. The source of the data is obtained entirely from the published articles relating the subject. The frequency of infectious disease pandemics has increased significantly in recent decades. Roughly speaking, there is an interaction between human population density, human activities and the impact of infection outbreaks. This increase in the frequency of pandemics may be associated with the increase in population density as well as the negative impact of humans on the environment. It may be appropriate to coin this most recent epoch as Pandemocene.
Stabilization time of chemical attributes and nutritional quality of manipueira for biofertilization
Authors: Hentges Marcelo , Arcanjo Alves José Maria , Fernandes Silva Dionísio Luiz , Oliveira da Silva Deyse Cristina , Alves Guedes Yenara , Ferreira Gomes Alberlan , Ribeiro Rocha Paulo Roberto
Published: December 2023

Manioc flour and gum (starch) have a cultural value for Amazonians. The processing of cassava roots releases manipueira, a liquid waste with a high polluting potential, due to its high levels of hydrocyanic acid. The large volumes of manipueira produced in this sector require safe disposal, whether for cooking (tucupi, flour), drinking or agronomic purposes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the stabilization time of chemical attributes and the nutritional quality of manipueira. For this study, cassava roots of the Amazonas cultivar (bitter or wild) harvested 12 months after the manioc was grown, were processed to extract the manipueira, which was stored and sampled at 0; 2; 5; 8; 11; 18; 25; 32; 46; 62 and 92 days. The variables evaluated were: pH and total cyanide content. Nutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg and S) were assessed at 0, 47, 62 and 92 days after storage (DAA). The pH stabilized at 10 DAA, varying between 3.8 and 4.0. The total cyanide content stabilized at 62 DAA, containing 410 mg L-1. The macronutrient contents did not vary with storage time, with the following decreasing order of concentration: K > N > P > Mg > Ca > S, corresponding to the contents: 7.49; 1.25; 1.06; 0.68; 0.41 and 0.18 g-1, respectively.
Cultural Capital, Islamism, and Political Distrust in Pemilu 2019: An Ethnicity-based Community Engaged in Islamic Defenders Front (FPI)
Authors: Basya Muhammad Hilali
Published: December 2023

Although there have been many studies investigating Islamist movements and their views concerning the relationship between Islam and politics, very rare studies examining the ways particular ethnicity-based Islamist group invent and revitalize their cultural capital in dealing with Islamism. Based on the case of the role of FPI (the Islamic Defenders Front) group in Jakarta rejecting the result of Pemilu 2019 (Indonesian General Election), this study aims to investigate the way a young Batavian community that is engaged in the FPI (a semi radical Islamist organization) interpret their Batavian values and tradition in dealing with Islamism. This research uses a case study approach that investigates cultural capital and its influence to a young Batavian community joining the FPI. This study relies more on in-depth interviews with the members as well as observation. Based on the fieldwork this article shows that tension in national political level in Pemilu 2014 and 2019 which polarized society had encouraged these young Batavians to be engaged in an organization connecting them to wider Islamic groups. Instead of Muhammadiyah or Nahdatul Ulama (NU), their cultural capital is more supportive encouraging them to be engaged with the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI). Through this engagement in FPI and participation in political distrust rejecting the result of Pemilu 2019 they were not only involved with national issues, but also local issues dealing with their domination as an indigenous group living in an urban area.
From radical labels to moderate Islam: the transformation of the Salafism movement in Indonesia
Authors: Tabroni Roni , Idham Idham
Published: December 2023

The contemporary Salafist movement in Indonesia began to develop in the1970s. In its development, the Salafist movement later gave rise to variousfactions. One of the results of the dynamic and contestation of these variousfactions was the emergence of religious moderation movements of Salafists.This article tries to explain the role of The Islamic Propagation Council ofIndonesia (DDII) and the Institute for the Study of Islam and Arabic (LIPIA) inthe dynamics of the Salafist movement and to trace and describe the dynamicsand the religious moderation movements of the Salafist groups, particularly inJakarta, Indonesia. The research methods used are historical research methodsand qualitative methods with a case study approach. The results show that thereare adaptations emerging from the contemporary Salafist movement.These adaptations can be seen in the acceptance of the concept of the unitary stateof the Republic of Indonesia and democracy even within the framework ofSharia and the presence of moderation or anti-violence ideas. This shows theflexibility of the movement which arises from the need for the sustainability ofthe organization or movement. In addition, cities present different challenges.This then requires an organization to adapt, either in terms of strategy, method,or proselytizing approach.
Redefining the Islamic defenders front's (FPI) identity after its dissolution by the Indonesian government
Authors: Maksum Ali , Jubba Hasse , Abdullah Irwan , Wahyuni Esa Nur , Sopyan Abdul Rachman
Published: December 2023

This research aims to understand how identity redefinition occurs and whatcultural variables result in identity redefinition. The Indonesian governmenthas disbanded several mass organizations throughout the years. To ensure itssurvival, the group hid among the crowds. Meanwhile, the Islamic DefendersFront (FPI), which the government had disbanded in 2020, was renamed theIslamic United Front, and it maintained a milder stance toward the governmentto survive. Several research studies have examined the government’s rationalefor abolishment. However, research on how organizational actors react to theirorganizations’ dissolution is still scarce. The research examined the former IslamicDefenders Front (FPI) members’ perceptions of their organization’s dissolutionby the government in 2020. The study utilized a qualitative research design. Thedata analysis was performed inductively to ascertain the former FPI members’subjective opinions of the organizational redefinition. The findings indicatedthat former FPI members reinvented their identity after the government’sdisbandment as a means of survival by adopting more lenient, accommodating,and inclusive views toward the government and other mass groups. Also, thedisintegration of radical religious groups may catalyze a new relationship betweenradical Islamic organizations and the state.
Potentials of Endoscopic Combined Treatment of Esophageal Variceal Bleeding in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis
Authors: Cherednikov Evgeniy Fedorovich , Yuzefovich Igor Sergeevich , Barannikov Sergey Viktorovich , Chernykh Aleksandr Vasilevich , Banin Igor Igor Nikolaevich , Bolkhovitinov Alexey Evgenievich
Published: December 2023

Background. Treatment of variceal esophageal-gastric bleeding in patients with portal hypertension is an acute challenge in urgent surgery.The aim of study was to develop a technique and evaluate the immediate and long-term effectiveness of endoscopic ligation (EL) with the use of cytoprotective treatment.Materials and methods. The study included 106 patients who were treated at the City Clinical Emergency Hospital No. 1, Voronezh, Russia. The main group consisted of 54 patients who were treated using a developed technique of combined endoscopic ligation of esophageal varices combined with the polymer alginate hemostatic sorbent (PAHS) application on ligated nodes and post-ligature defects. The comparison group consisted of 52 patients who underwent endoscopic ligation without PAHS application.Results. In the main group, total hemostasis was achieved in 52 of 54 (96.3%) patients, p = 0.027; recurrent bleeding was observed in 2-3 days after combined ligation in two (3.7%) patients. No operations were performed; two (3.7%) patients died in this group. In the comparison group, total hemostasis was achieved in 43 of 52 (82.6%) patients, p=0.027. Recurrent bleeding was observed in nine (17.3%) patients. In the comparison group, one (1.9%) patient with massive bleeding was operated on, and seven (13.5%) patients died.Conclusion. Endoscopic ligation combined with cytoprotective treatment using a polymer alginate hemostatic sorbent increases the effectiveness of local hemostasis and reduces the rate of recurrent hemorrhage from 17.3% to 3.7%, p = 0.027. Insufflation of PAHS onto ligature nodes and defects helps relieve pain, accelerates the processes of postligature defect epitheliation from 7.7% to 94.4%, p=0.0001; it also prolongates the remission of the underlying disease.