bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intrathecal magnesium sulphate as an adjuvant to bupivacaine for infraumbilical surgeries: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Belal Mohamed Mohamed , Alazki Osama Mohammad , Bashir Mohamed Nabih , Sbitan Lana Yousef , Albelal Douaa , Albakkar Farah , Hafez Abdelrahmanh H. , Nabhan Ayman Issa
Published: January 2025

Background and Aims:

Intrathecal anaesthesia is widely used for infraumbilical surgeries due to its effectiveness in providing pain relief during and after the operation. Adding magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) to intrathecal local anaesthetics can prolong analgesia, reduce postoperative analgesic requirements and improve the management of shivering perioperatively. This review aims to investigate the use of intrathecal adjuvant MgSO4 for anaesthesia in infraumbilical surgeries.

Methods:

We performed a meta-analysis (PROSPERO ID: CRD42023432378) of trials, which included patients who underwent a variety of surgical procedures under spinal anaesthesia with intrathecal MgSO4 as an adjuvant to spinal local anaesthetics. The analysed outcomes included sensory and motor effects and adverse effects. We presented dichotomous outcomes as risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CI), while continuous outcomes were measured as mean differences (MDs) with 95% CI. We considered the results significant if the P value was < 0.05.

Results:

Thirty-two studies (2379 patients) were included. Adding intrathecal MgSO4 to bupivacaine significantly prolonged the time for regression of two segments from the maximum height (MD: 27.18 min; 95% CI: 12.56, 41.79; P = 0.0003), delayed the onset of sensory block to T10 (MD: 1.93 min; 95% CI: 1.10, 2.77; P < 0.0001), prolonged the duration of motor block (Bromage score = 0) (MD: 15.13 min; 95% CI: 4.59, 25.66; P = 0.005) and extended time for first rescue analgesia (MD: 43.80 min; 95% CI: 26.47, 61.14; P < 0.00001). No significant effect for MgSO4 on side effects was observed.

Conclusion:

Our review underscores intrathecal MgSO4’s benefits in prolonging block duration and improving pain management, but highlights significant heterogeneity, limiting the strength of these findings.
Effect of intraoperative fluid volume on postoperative pulmonary complications in thoracic surgeries: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Adhikari Shreya Das , Gupta Nitin , Gupta Mukund , Nagesh Savan K. , Chaudhuri Souvik , Garg Rakesh
Published: January 2025

Background and Aims:

There is a lack of clear recommendations on fluid strategies in patients undergoing thoracic surgeries. The primary objective of this study was to compare the amount of intraoperative intravenous fluid (IVF) infused between those who developed postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) and those who did not.

Methods:

All studies comparing PPCs in intraoperative restrictive versus liberal fluid therapies were included. Those studies where the average fluid infused was compared between PPC and the ‘no PPC’ groups were also included. The pooled mean difference in IVF between patients with and without PPC and the pooled risk ratio of PPC in restricted versus liberal fluid arms were calculated.

Results:

Articles from PubMed (n = 157), EMBASE (n = 724) and citation searching (n = 4) were included. After excluding duplicates, title–abstract screening for 759 articles and full-text screening for 24 articles were done. The mean fluid infused in the 11 included articles was significantly higher in those with PPC (mean difference: 1.51 ml/kg/h, P = 0.001). The pooled proportion of PPC in liberal fluid arms was higher than in restricted fluid arms [risk ratio = 0.58 (95% confidence interval: 0.33, 1.02), P = 0.06]. There was high heterogeneity in both the meta-analyses.

Conclusion:

The meta-analysis showed that increased intraoperative IVF is associated with higher PPCs, and a restricted fluid strategy might be safer to reduce PPCs. However, since most studies were observational with a high risk of bias and high heterogeneity, well-conducted randomised controlled trials are needed to derive recommendations.
Impact of Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols in idiopathic scoliosis of children: A systematic review with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis
Authors: Sarkar Soumya , Yalla Bharat , Garg Bhavuk , Khanna Puneet
Published: January 2025

Background and Aims:

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols are widely adopted in various surgeries to improve outcomes and reduce length of stay (LOS). However, their cost-effectiveness in spine surgery for children is unclear.

Methods:

Studies comparing ERAS with conventional pathways for spinal surgery in children with idiopathic scoliosis were included after scrutiny of electronic databases (PubMed, Medline, and Embase), Google Scholar, preprint, and clinical trial databases after the protocol was enroled in PROSPERO (ID: CRD42023418323).

Results:

Twenty-five studies, including 15,399 patients, were included. Patients in the ERAS group had a significant reduction in LOS by −1.68 days [95% confidence interval (CI): −1.88, −1.47; I2 = 96%), per-patient hospital cost by 3765.27 USD, as per 2023 valuation (95% CI: −5257.43, −2273.12, I2 = 99.96%), risk of complications (log-odds ratio: −0.85; 95% CI: −1.45, −0.27; I2 =50.4%), blood loss by 159.38 mL (95% CI: 121.8, 197.79, I2 = 95.02%), compared to the traditional protocol group. On multivariable meta-regression analyses, the LOS was not impacted by age (P = 0.382), duration of surgery (P = 0.289), preoperative Cobb’s angle (P = 0.405), and intraoperative blood loss (P = 0.525). The required information size estimated for a power of 95% based on the 30% reduction in the LOS, 50% relative risk reduction for complications, reduction of per patient hospital cost of USD 3500 as per 2023 valuation, and reduction of mean intraoperative blood loss of 100 mL were 8599, 904, 499, and 499 respectively, was achieved.

Conclusion:

ERAS protocols in children’s scoliosis surgeries significantly reduce treatment costs through decreased hospital stays, fewer complications, and less intraoperative blood loss.
Habit-induced oral lesions in different occupations: A comparative study among people between geographical different places of West Bengal
Authors: Bhattacharjee Tathagata , Mukherjee Kasturi , Dash Kailash C. , Gangopadhyay Somnath
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Like general health, oral health also depends upon their occupational environment and occupational health policies. Workplace exposure to environmental tobacco smoke and its harmful effect is well known. The consumption of tobacco, arecanut, and alcohol is the leading preventable cause for development of oral potentially malignant disorders.

Aim:

To determine prevalence of habit-induced oral lesions in different occupations in different geographical places of West Bengal and compare among them.

Method:

A total of 841 people aged 15 years and above were selected from different parts of West Bengal. Face-to-face interview was conducted using a structured questionnaire, and oral cavity examination was done in daylight. Data were summarized, and statistical analysis was done.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Chi-square test and univariate logistic regression done.

Results:

The people in armed forces had cancer-causing habits most, and managers had cancer-causing habits least. People in armed forces had cancer-causing habits most, and people with Group-1 occupation/managers had cancer-causing habits least.
Evidence based use of antibiotics in epidemic keratoconjunctivitis to prevent development of microbial resistance
Authors: Kumari Shalini , Longkumer Imsensenba , Sharma Mamta , Tripathi Shashank
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT

Aim:

It was thought that resistance acquired during treatment of systemic diseases can lead to resistant bacteria in eye infections. However, evidences are showing emergence of bacterial resistance owing to prior topical antibiotic usage. In the current study, we intended to promote evidence-based usage of antibiotics during outbreak of epidemic keratoconjunctivitis.

Methods:

A descriptive study was designed. First 50 patients who visited the outpatient department of ophthalmology with signs and symptoms of EKC during the outbreak in the months of July-August, 2023 in a tertiary hospital in northern India were included in the study. Prior usage of topical antibiotics during this epidemic outbreak was the exclusion criteria. Conjunctival swabs were taken and subjected to Gram staining and Culture and sensitivity, for any bacterial infection.

Results:

Only two slides of gram stain showed gram-positive cocci. These two samples were positive for Methicillin resistant Staphylococcs Aureus (MRSA). Rest of the 48 samples were negative for any bacterial growth. P value for no growth in bacterial cultures was <0.05, which is significant.

Conclusions:

Our study suggests restrain from overusage of topical antibiotics in outbreaks of EKC until microbiological outcomes suggest otherwise. In view of presence of MRSA in neo-natal sample, and its known serious complications, we suggest prophylactic use of topical antibiotic and its modifications once reports of culture and sensitivity are available.
Electrochemical skin conductance to assess peripheral neuropathy in rheumatic diseases with or without type 2 diabetes using sudoscan
Authors: Mohamed Osama M. I. , Ali Nagwa M. M. , Ibrahim Mohammed O. , Sarmini Dana , Ibrahim Farah , Al Hosany Mariam
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Peripheral neuropathy (PN) occurs in diabetes mellitus. However, the association between PN and rheumatic disease (RD) has not been fully investigated. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of PN in patients with RDs with or without Diabetes Mellitus.

Methods:

A Cross-sectional cohort study, data extracted from patients medical records started in September 2023 to January 2024 in Abu Dhabi, UAE. A Sudoscan machine report was used to assess The electrochemical skin conductance (ESC), Sudomotor dysfunction is evaluated according to the ESC measured on the feet: >60 μS = no dysfunction; 60–40 μS = moderate dysfunction; and <40 μS = severe dysfunction.

Results:

Eighty-one patients with RDs, mean age 58 ± 12. There were 55 females (67.9%), and 26 males (32.1%) attended an ambulatory healthcare clinic in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Thirty-three (40.7%) had diabetes, while 48 (59.3%) did not have diabetes. The mean glycated haemoglobin A1c (HBA1c) was 7.4% in diabetic patients and 5.8% in non-diabetic patients Additionally, all patients had a mean blood pressure of 134/72 and a mean Body Mass Index (BMI) of 31.40 kg/m2. Among the study patients, the most common RD was osteoarthritis, which affected 56.8% of the patients. The smallest percentage of patients with PN was found in those with IgG4, at 1.2%. The prevalence of Sudomotor dysfunction (ESC feet: <60 μS) was 72.8% in patients with RDs (all patients diabetic and non-diabetic), while the prevalence of sudomotor dysfunction (ESC feet: <60 μS) in RDs patients with diabetes was 75.8% and 70.8% in RDs patients without diabetes, there was no significant difference between in prevalence of sudomotor dysfunction in RD patients with diabetes compared to RD patients without Diabetes.

Conclusion:

Sudomotor dysfunction appears to be common among patients with RD regardless they have diabetes or not. This study recommends screening all RD patients for Sudomotor Dysfunction.
Rare cause of chronic cough in a young healthcare worker - A case of exogenous lipoid pneumonia!
Authors: Dikshit Nandini , Gupta Mansi , Nigam Neha , Nath Alok
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT

Exogenous lipoid pneumonia (ELP) is a rarely reported entity caused by aspirating or inhaling fat or oil-containing substances. Clinically, patients present with subacute to chronic-onset non-specific symptoms such as cough, fever, breathlessness, and general malaise. In addition, lobar or multifocal interstitial and parenchymal infiltrates on chest imaging can mimic any other infectious etiology. Diagnosis of lipoid pneumonia is often missed or delayed in many cases and requires a high index of clinical suspicion. We report a case of a 36-year-old nursing officer who presented with a cough and right-sided pneumonia on chest imaging. She was being treated empirically with antitubercular therapy without any clinical response to the treatment. ELP was diagnosed after carefully evaluating the radiological findings, reviewing the clinical history, and finding supportive evidence of lipid-laden alveolar macrophages in her broncho-alveolar lavage fluid. It is vital to uphold a heightened clinical suspicion for non-infectious etiologies in non-resolving pneumonia and investigate the patient thoroughly before resorting to empirical treatments.
Neonatal mortality outcome and trends: A 6-year retrospective analysis from a North Indian teaching college hospital
Authors: Rakholia Ritu , Maroof Mohd , Kharkwal Damini , Singh Gurpreet
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT

Background:

India contributes to the highest number of neonatal deaths in the world, a fourth of the world’s total. Targeted interventions can be planned after a specific analysis of region-specific causes if India is to achieve the sustainable development goal (SDG 3.2) of neonatal mortality of 12 per 1000 live births.

Material and Methods:

A retrospective study of medical records of all neonates admitted in the special care neonatal unit (SCNU) over the 6-year period of 2018–23 at a teaching medical college.

Results:

A total of 9462 neonates were admitted over the 6-year period. The trends in mortality were encouraging, declining from 19.40% in 2018 to 12.34% in 2023. The reduction was more in outborn (24.32% to 11.68%) than inborn (14.86% to 12.89%) neonates. The low birth rate also declined from 40.77% in 2018 to 25% in 2023. The rate of discharges went up. The trends in etiology of death were uniform over the years with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) (37.24%), hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) (29.5%), sepsis (16.12%), prematurity (11.45%), and congenital malformations (2.47%) being the chief contributors to death among newborns admitted in SNCU.

Conclusion:

The trends are encouraging but may be insufficient to meet the target of SDG 3.2. Further targeted intervention to tackle preventable cause, such as perinatal asphyxia, sepsis, better antenatal care, and better management of preterm neonates on mission mode, is need of the hour as they continue to contribute significantly to neonatal mortality.
Assessment of factors predicting the nutritional status of geriatric people in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Aljohani Samar Lafi
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT

Background:

On a global level, geriatric malnutrition is a substantial problem as it has many adverse health outcomes including increased morbidity and death rates, in addition to poor health-related quality of life. This study aims to assess the nutritional status of patients attending geriatric clinics at hospitals.

Material and Methods:

An observational cross-sectional study was conducted in Tabuk city, northern Saudi Arabia, among geriatric patients aged over 60 years who attended geriatric clinics throughout the study period (December, 2022 to February, 2023). A validated self-administered questionnaire was used in data collection. It includes demographic, habitual, and medical characteristics of the participants, anthropometric data (weight and height), and the validated short form of Mini Nutritional Assessment tool to assess their nutritional status.

Results:

The study included 307 geriatric patients out of targeted 362 (response rate = 84.8%). The age of almost half of them (49.2%) ranged between 60 and 69 years, and males constituted 56.4% of them. Overall, 17.3% of the participants were malnourished, whereas 41.4% were at risk of malnutrition. Results of multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that compared to married participants, widowed participants were at higher significant risk for malnutrition [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 2.59, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01–6.85, P = 0.049]. Compared with participants who were living alone, those living with their spouse were at 86% lower risk for malnutrition (aOR: 0.14, 95% CI: 0.03–0.62, P = 0.010). Overweight and obese subjects were at significant lower risk for malnutrition as compared to underweight subjects (aOR: 0.04, 95% CI: 0.01–0.44, P = 0.008 and aOR: 0.05, 95% CI: 0.01–0.54, P = 0.013, respectively). Participants who never practiced exercise or practiced it irregularly were at higher risk for malnutrition as opposed to those who practice physical activity regularly (aOR: 3.45, 95% CI: 1.42–8.38, P = 0.006 and aOR: 3.60, 95% CI: 1.48–8.77, P = 0.005, respectively). Patients with more than three chronic disease/heath problems were at 4-fold risk for developing malnutrition as compared to those without history of chronic diseases/health problems (aOR: 4.0, 95% CI: 1.31–12.17, P = 0.015).

Conclusion:

Malnutrition is a public health problem affecting a considerable proportion of geriatric people in Tabuk, southern Saudi Arabia, with some modifiable risk factors associated with malnutrition.
Case report of familial hypercholesterolemia with internal carotid neck swelling
Authors: Kumar Sudesh , Ray Prajna , Sahana Ranita
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT

Familial hypercholesterolemia is a multi-gene disorder affecting 1 in 200-500 individual which is characterized by increased level of total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein (LDL) which deposit cholesterol reach protein leading to xanthomas, corneal arcus and prone to develop risk for atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. 11 year female, born of consanguineous marriage attended with yellowish patches (Xanthelasma) bilaterally present over upper eyelid, buttock since 5-6 years. In family history younger girl along with both parents has Xanthelasma. In investigations, routine blood, urine and ECG& ECHO was normal except lipid profile of patient and sibling was abnormal. Child was treated with atorvastatin and dietary advice. In follow up after 3 month, child had complained of neck pain and swelling to left side. Then USG neck and Color Doppler showed reduced diastolic flow of left ICA and type two plaques and type 111 plaque in Rt common carotid artery. Anti-platelets was added and referred to cardiologist for coronary angiography which showed LAD – proximal mid distal diffuse plaque, LCX- proximal eccentric plaque. This case highlights the significance of conscious and proactive genetic screening for familial hypercholesterolemia especially in consanguineous marriage, to diagnose, treat and prevent mortality with premature coronary artery disease.
Chronic right lung abscess with empyema thoracic presenting as continuous high-grade fever: A case report
Authors: Sonia  , Kumari Kusum , Kataria Neetu , Shahi Sudhir K. , Kalyani C. Vasantha
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT

A lung abscess is a microbial infection of the lungs. An empyema is an accumulation of pus in the pleural space that increases after infection of either lung or pleura generally. The sign of empyema is similar to that of lung abscess in that the patient has complaints of high-grade fever, chest pain, and productive cough. Here, we present the report of a patient who was admitted with high-grade fever, which could not be treated despite aggressive medical treatment due to underlying lung pathology. A 30-year-old woman started having right-sided chest pain; subsequently, she developed fever, which was continuous and high grade in character, for which she visited a local doctor. Right-sided intercostal drainage was done in that hospital, but neither too much drain came out nor she experienced relief in symptoms. Then, she was referred to a tertiary care center in Delhi for further treatment. She got re-evaluated there. During hospitalization, despite treatment with intravenous (IV) paracetamol and third-generation IV antibiotics, the fever did not come down, and hence she was planned for emergency posterior lateral thoracotomy to deal with the underlying pathology causing persistent high-grade fever. High-risk consent was taken for right side thoracotomy and patient was operated in a febrile condition. She was discharged on the third postoperative day with the chest tube in situ. The fever could not be treated for last 3 months despite aggressive medical treatment. Evacuation of pus from the pleural cavity was mandatory here because it was the primary focus to reduce the high-grade fever of patient.
Microfilaria coexisting with multifocal hepatocellular carcinoma: A case report
Authors: Sinha Ruchi , Prasad Tanya , Kumar Satyajeet , Singh Avinash , Khanna Puja
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT

Filariasis is an endemic health issue in India and Southeast Asian countries. The diagnosis is conventionally made by demonstrating microfilaria in a peripheral blood smear. Detection of microfilaria is rarely reported in cytological evaluation, and even more infrequent is the presence of microfilaria in a neoplastic lesion. Here we report a rare case of microfilaria in a routine cytological smear of a liver aspirate, which was diagnosed as hepatocellular carcinoma.
Central obesity is a burden even in normal weight adolescents of a non-metropolitan Indian City: A case for alarm and action for prevention and control
Authors: Nawab Tabassum , Khan Zulfia , Khan Iqbal M. , Ansari Mohammad A.
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Central obesity (CO) leads to increased cardiovascular and metabolic risks in children and adolescents. The evidence on prevalence of central obesity and its correlates are lacking among adolescents in India.

Objectives:

(1) To estimate the prevalence of central obesity in school-going adolescents, (2) To determine the association between central obesity and generalized obesity (GO) among adolescents, and (3) To determine the correlates of central obesity.

Methods:

Totally, 660 adolescents, selected using systematic random sampling, in four urban schools in Aligarh were interviewed using pre-designed questionnaire and Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. Height, weight, and waist circumference (WC) were measured. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated. CO was defined as >90th age-and-sex-specific percentile of WC and GO by BMI-for-age-and-sex percentiles given by WHO Growth Reference 2007. Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were done using IBM SPSS version 20.0.

Results:

Overall prevalence of central obesity was found to be 28.5% [CI: 25.2-32.0], almost double of generalized obesity (14.6%, 95%CI: 12.1-17.6). The prevalence was significantly higher among girls (33.6%, 95%CI: 28.3-39.3) than in boys (24.7%, 95%CI: 20.7-29.3) and in the affluent group (38.8%, 95%CI: 33.7-44.1) than in non-affluent (18.2%, 95%CI: 14.4-22.7). More than 1/4th of normal weight adolescents [27.2% (99/364)] also had CO. Increased fast food intake (OR: 4.1; 95% CI = 2.1-8.1), low Physical Activity Level (OR: 2.4; 95% CI = 1.3-4.3) and more than 10 hours sedentary time spent per day (OR: 2.2; 95% CI = 1.1-4.8) were independent determinants of CO.

Conclusion:

Central obesity among school-going adolescents of a non-metropolitan Indian city is alarmingly high and a burden even in one-fourth of normal weight adolescents. Screening for CO among adolescents by primary physicians, pediatricians, and through School Health Programme is recommended. Behavior change communication regarding risk factors for CO is advocated.
Effectiveness of visual instruction skit and sign language on oral health status among 5–18-year-old hearing-impaired children in South India: A cluster randomized clinical trial
Authors: Kondepudi Vaishnavi , Kumar R. V. S. Krishna , Srinivasulu Gomasani , Prasanth Punamalli Symon
Published: January 2025

Background:

Literature on the effectiveness of theory-based oral health education on the oral hygiene status of hearing-impaired children is limited.

Aim:

To determine the effectiveness of a school oral health education intervention on oral hygiene status and oral health-related knowledge among 5–18-year-old children in Andhra Pradesh, India.

Materials and Methods:

A cluster randomized clinical trial was conducted among all institutionalized hearing-impaired children and young adults residing in various special care schools in Nellore district. Plaque Control record, gingival index (GI), and Decayed Missed Filled Teeth/ decayed extracted filled teeth and Decayed Missed Filled surfaces/ decayed extracted filled surfaces (DMFT/deft, and DMFS/defs) index were recorded; participants were selected and were randomly allocated to two groups using lottery method with 50 subjects in each group, Group I: sign language and Group II: video skit.

Results:

In all the age groups, preintervention DMFT and postintervention GI, DMFT, and DMFS were statistically significant in the sign language group and in the video skit group. Postintervention DMFS shows a significant difference.

Conclusion:

When compared with video instruction skit, sign language shows significant improvement in the oral hygiene status of CHI.
Comparative evaluation of silver diamine fluoride, glass ionomer cement, and calcium hydroxide for indirect pulp therapy in young permanent molars: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ghorpade Tejaswini M , Patil Devendra P , Katge Farhin Alimiya , Chimata Vamsi Krishna , Bhanushali Parin
Published: January 2025

Objectives:

Comparative evaluation of indirect pulp therapy (IPT) with silver diamine fluoride (SDF), Type VII glass ionomer cement (GIC), and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) in young permanent molars.

Materials and Methods:

This was randomized controlled trial, in which 45 children with 60 young permanent first molars were allocated as; Group A: IPT with SDF, Group B: Type VII GIC, and Group C: Ca(OH)2. Clinical and radiographic evaluation and comparison was done at baseline, 3, 6, 12 months. Data analysis was done using Chi-square test, one way ANOVA, Tukey’s post hoc analysis test. The level of significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results:

On statistical analysis IPT with SDF showed 88.2%, Type VII GIC showed 94.1% and Ca(OH) 2 showed 88.2% success at 12 months’ follow-up. However, intergroup comparison showed no statistical significant difference. The mean dentin bridge formation in SDF was 0.5467 ± 0.08338 mm, Type VII GIC (0.4813 ± 0.06551 mm) and Ca(OH)2 group (0.5 ± 0.07559 mm), which was statistically significant with a P = 0.049.

Conclusions:

On comparative evaluation, clinical and radiographic success for IPT with SDF, Type VII GIC and Ca (OH) 2 were comparable. This study also concluded SDF and Type VII GIC can be used as IPT agents in permanent teeth. Dentin bridge formation was more in SDF followed by Ca(OH)2 and Type VII GIC, respectively.
Translating and culturally adapting the sleep disturbance scale for children into Malayalam language: Enhancing pediatric health in the Indian context
Authors: Nair Lekshmy S. R. , George Sageena , Anandaraj S. , Jose Deepak , Philip Deepthi Alice , Anjali J. S.
Published: January 2025

Purpose:

The sleep disturbance scale for children (SDSC) is a well-regarded tool for assessing pediatric sleep disorders, covering areas such as sleep initiation, breathing issues, and arousal disorders. The SDSC, known for its reliability and validity, has been adapted for various age groups and languages and aligns with the Association of Sleep Disorders Centers classification system. This study aimed to translate and culturally adapt the SDSC into Malayalam language for use in Kerala, conducting a test with parents from the Trivandrum district.

Materials and Methods:

The SDSC was translated from English to Malayalam language through a systematic process involving bilingual experts, synthesis, back-translation, and expert review. Cognitive interviews refined the translation, which was then tested for reliability with 103 parents. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha, while test-retest reliability was evaluated with Cohen’s kappa, utilizing the SPSS version 20 for data analysis.

Results:

The translated SDSC showed strong internal consistency, with an overall Cronbach’s alpha of 0.827 and domain-specific values between 0.7 and 0.8. Test-retest reliability was high, with correctness above 90% for all items and a Kappa statistics ranging from 0.66 to 0.88.

Conclusion:

The SDSC was successfully translated and culturally adapted into Malayalam language, demonstrating strong internal consistency and high test-retest reliability. This indicates that the Malayalam language version of the SDSC is a reliable tool for assessing pediatric sleep disorders among children in Kerala, making it applicable for use in this specific cultural context.
“There is Always a New Normal” - Psychological Transformation of Nurses - A Postpandemic Qualitative Study
Authors: Joy George Vellaramcheril , Alomari Albara Mohammad Ali , Singh Kalpana , Mannethodi Kamaruddeen , Hassan Nesiya , Kunjavara Jibin , Martinez Ederlie , Al Lenjawi Badriya
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND:

The spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has significantly diminished worldwide, but post-COVID-19 psychological experiences are rarely documented. Understanding the individual psychological needs and challenges of working during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as resilience and psychological health in continuing work in its aftermath, is essential.

OBJECTIVE:

The objective is to explore the nurses’ perspectives on psychological resilience and confidence following the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS:

A descriptive phenomenological design and purposive sampling approach was employed. Registered nurses working at the largest health organization in Qatar, which includes 14 health facilities, were invited to participate in this study. Seventeen nurses who were working in the facilities and were deployed during the first, second, and third waves of COVID-19 participated in the interviews. Data were collected through semi-structured face-to-face interviews and analyzed using the inductive thematic analysis.

RESULTS:

The psychological transformation of participants was summarized into three themes: Fear zone, learning zone, and growth zone. These themes were classified into 13 sub-themes. Fear and anxiety, influence of media and news, safety concerns, and frequent changes in policies and guidelines were the factors in the fear zone. Coping mechanisms, teamwork, establishing compassionate care, and social acceptance, helped them learn psychologically in the learning zone. Growth factors such as personal and professional benefits, confidence and resilience, a sense of satisfaction, and changed life perceptions were identified in the growth zone.

CONCLUSION:

Working during COVID-19 imposed many challenges on nurses, such as increased workload and stress. However, the different waves of the pandemic have contributed to increased resilience, confidence, and a deeper sense of life meaning in nurses. Their experiences in handling difficult situations during the pandemic have made them more confident in dealing with stressful situations and working under pressure.
How Do Glycated Hemoglobin Levels and Frailty Status Predict Health-related Quality of Life in Adults with Type-2 Diabetes Attending Teaching Hospitals in Nigeria?
Authors: Gigi Marvellous Boma , Nwozichi Chinomso Ugochukwu , Oladoyin Olajumoke , Ramos Mary Dioise , Salako Omolabake
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND:

Patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) often experience complications, frequent hospitalizations, and multiple treatment modalities, which adversely affect their psychosocial, physical, and environmental aspects of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in affected persons. This low HRQOL has been associated with frailty and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. However, inconsistent evidence about these associations has impeded the adoption of tailored care approaches for T2DM patients to address these predictors and identify vulnerable groups with poor HRQOL.

PURPOSE:

This study assessed HbA1c levels and frailty as predictors of HRQOL among T2DM patients.

METHODS:

A descriptive cross-sectional survey was done on 230 adults with T2DM ≥18 years technique attending the teaching hospitals. The participants were chosen using a systematic sampling method. Two adopted instruments, the Fried frailty phenotype and the World Health Organization Brief (WHOQOL-BREF) were used to elicit information with Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficients ranging from 0.70 to 0.97 and biochemical measurements taken. Descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, were employed to analyze the data. Inferential statistics of multivariate regression analysis were utilized at a significance level of 0.05.

RESULTS:

Adults with T2DM had a mean age and disease duration of 50.23 ± 14.43 years and 7.17 ± 5.66 years, respectively. Frailty was reported in 45.22%, with the majority (78.7%) having poor glycemic control and a mean HbA1c of 7.74 ± 1.53%. Overall, T2DM adults had a moderate HRQOL (50.37 ± 29.09), with the mean scores for the domains from highest to lowest being 52.34 ± 27.71 (psychological health), 50.29 ± 29.38 (social relationships), 49.66 ± 29.81 (environmental) and 49.19 ± 29.46 (physical health). In addition, HbA1c and frailty were found to be significant predictors of all HRQOL domains (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION/IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE:

Moderate HRQOL was observed among T2DM patients and all HRQOL domains were significantly predicted by HbA1c and frailty. It is recommended that healthcare professionals, to enhance HRQOL among T2DM patients, include the frequent assessment of HRQOL and frailty in this population.
Two-sided estimate for the derivative of the sum of sine series with convex sequence of coefficients
Authors: Popov Anton Yur'evich
Published: January 2025

The absolute value of the derivative of the sum of an arbitrary sine series with convex sequence of coefficients is estimated. The upper estimate is asymptotically sharp, and the lower estimate is order sharp.
Bibliography: 13 titles.
TİP 1 DİYABETLİ ÇOCUK VE ERGENLERDE ALGILANAN SOSYAL DESTEĞİN TRAVMA SONRASI BÜYÜME İLE İLİŞKİSİ
Authors: Yanar Gökhan , Özkan Yasemin
Published: January 2025

Bu araştırma, tip 1 diyabet tanısı almış ergenlerde algılanan sosyal desteğin ve sosyo-demografik özelliklerin travma sonrası büyümeye etkisini belirlemek amacıyla yapılmıştır. Araştırma Samsun Kadın Doğum ve Çocuk Hastalıkları Hastanesi Çocuk Endokrinoloji Polikliniği'nde, 2022 yılının Haziran ve Eylül aylarında rastgele örnekleme yöntemi kullanılarak 200 çocukla yürütülmüştür. Araştırmada, Sosyo-demografik ve tip 1 diyabete ilişkin bilgi formu, Travma Sonrası Büyüme Ölçeği (TSB-Ö) ve Çok Boyutlu Algılanan Sosyal Destek Ölçeği (ÇBASDÖ) kullanılmıştır.
Araştırma sonucunda, sosyodemografik değişkenlerden yaşın travma sonrası büyümede etkisi olduğu, 15 yaş ve altı çocukların TSB puanlarının daha büyük çocuklardan anlamlı olarak daha yüksek olduğu, ÇBASDÖ ile TSB arasında anlamlı pozitif yönlü güçlü bir ilişki olduğu tespit edilmiştir. (r=0,456; p
Unpacking Gender Inequality in Education: A Theoretical Exploration
Authors: Omojemite Matthew Damilola
Published: January 2025

This paper examines gender inequality in education in Ekiti State, Nigeria, using feminist and critical theories as frameworks. Gender inequality, driven by societal norms and power dynamics, appears in areas such as access, curriculum bias, and socio-cultural expectations. The study identifies key causes, measures, and impacts of this disparity on individuals and communities through a literature review and theoretical analysis. Feminist theory highlights patriarchal structures, gender socialization, and cultural norms, while critical theory examines institutional processes and power dynamics. Both theories stress the need for policy reforms, challenging norms, and promoting inclusivity to address gender disparities. The analysis underscores the complex interplay of institutional, cultural, and socioeconomic factors, necessitating comprehensive interventions. Despite challenges like limited resources and entrenched beliefs, collaboration among policymakers, educators, and communities is essential. Integrating feminist and critical perspectives can foster equitable learning environments, essential for social justice, community prosperity, and sustainable development.
Teaching Bulgarian Folktales in The EFL Classroom: Exploring ‘Storytelling in Education’, Textual Realms of Aesthetic Illusion and Your Own Local Folkloric Culture
Authors: Templer Bill
Published: January 2025

Younger learners (and older ones too) enjoy folktales, fairy tales of all kinds,
and all EFL teachers know that. Textbook writers too, including versions of familiar
‘children’s stories’ from the international or English repertoire. But how many teachers
here in Bulgaria use English versions of Bulgarian traditional tales in their teaching—
stories that all the teachers and a portion of the younger (and older) learners probably
know in original Bulgarian versions through the numerous books of Ran Bosilek and
Angel Karalyichev? It can become a revealing window onto your own culture through its
translation into English. Using indigenous traditional tales: toward a ‘Bulgarian Applied
ELT’. In ‘indigenizing the EFL syllabus,’ making it closer in feeling, content and imagination
to the life worlds of Bulgarian learners, Bulgarian folktales in English translation have a key
role to play. In this context, the article discusses at some length the concept of ‘aesthetic
illusion’ as developed by Austrian literary scholar Werner Wolf and others. Folk literature
is a major genre of textual fictional/imaginative representation grounded on ‘aesthetic
illusioning’, an important focus in narratology. I would argue that indigenizing materials
in Bulgaria, integral to a ‘Bulgarian TEFL’, need to take this parameter into clear account,
within a framework of a ‘Bulgarian Applied ELT’ sensitive to local realities. The article
also foregrounds secondarily the online upsurge in ‘storytelling in education’ over the past
decade digitally and in the classroom and the potential use of picture books in building
student literacy in Bulgarian and in foreign languages. In sec. 17, I likewise examine the
current need for intensifying critical literacy pedagogy, grounded beyond delusion on
insights into evidentiary reality − contemplating the current violence-permeated global
system and its narrative matrix within which we are immersed and propagandized, the
war on Gaza a dark icon. The article comprises 18 sections. An earlier significantly shorter
version of this article appeared in BETA E-Newsletter, No. 8, Nov.-Dec. 2013, pp. 5-21, and
has been retitled and substantially revised here Nov. 2024, its links updated.
Цариград в спомените на Ефрем Каранов: илюзии и (раз)очарования
Authors:   Ankara University, Turkey, Mevsim Hüseyin
Published: January 2025

From September 1864 to January 1867, Efrem Karanov (Kratovo, 1852 – Kyustendil,
1927) was a student at the Bulgarian School on the banks of the Golden Horn in the imperial
capital. In the last years of his life, he dictated to his loved ones his memories concerning
the short, but left a deep impression on his mind and soul time spent at the said school.
The memoir, which remained in manuscript, was published almost half a century after
the death of its author. “On the Bulgarian church in Constantinople 60 years ago (student
memories)” is the most valuable work in the modest literary legacy of Efrem Karanov,
which begins with pictures of life in his native Kratovo and continues with the description
of the author’s journey with his brother and father via Thessaloniki and Kavala to Istanbul.
Quite naturally, most pages in the memoir are devoted to the imperial capital. The memory
of the past is reconstructed after more than half a century, but in this case the temporal
distance is an advantage, as it helps the maximum crystallization of the memory particles;
for the sedimentation in the folds of memory of only the most vivid impressions. 12-year-old
Efrem builds an ideal image of the capital in advance through mediated ways - from what
he reads, hears, tells and listens to from third parties. The present text aims to trace the
collapse of illusions, the shattering of the idealized children’s idea of the Bulgarian church
and the school associated with it in the imperial capital. The disillusionment born after the
collision with reality is gradually replaced by a fascination that hides under the veil of the
colorful everyday life of the crowded city.
Илюзията като методика в обучението по литература
Authors:   Konstantin Preslavsky University of Shumen, Dilovski Vladimir
Published: January 2025

This article studies the illusory nature of artistic fictionality and the ways in
which this unreality affects reality. Examples are given of how the “method of deception”
carries out the author’s intention from the time of Sophocles to the present day. The
deliberate deception of the reader is a manifestation of the game, which is an aspect of
the essence of the literary text, but it also provokes thinking, which reflects on a person’s
behavior in reality. The short story “Kosachi/Mowers” by Elin Pelin presents the role of
the imaginary, the illusory as an escape from the “bad” truths, but also shows how it can
become a motive for a decisive action. The second aspect of the research is related to the
methodology of teaching literature at school and how the artistic illusion supports the
personality formation with role models. “Antigone” (Sophocles), “Po zhitsata/ On the
Wire” (Y. Yovkov), “Hamlet” (Shakespeare), “Noev kovcheg/ Noah’s Ark” (Y. Radichkov),
etc. studied at primary and high school present various manifestations of artistic illusion
and its impact on the student’s consciousness at the very important stage of their lives when
their values are formed. The question about the role of artificial intelligence in teaching
literature is raised but its answer is not clear-cut yet. The interpretation of the literary text
is a subjective act expressing the understanding of the author’s messages, and it cannot be
replaced and displaced by the standardized and clichéd “utterances” of the AI embedded in
its databases. The illusory nature of machine intelligence cripples the discourse in which
the communicative process takes place, because it displaces the main thing in it – human
uniqueness and originality.
Илюзорната повърхност на водата в лириката на Атанас Далчев
Authors:   University of Bucharest, Romania, Puiu Catalina
Published: January 2025

One of the most erudite Bulgarian poets, critic, translator from Russian, French,
Spanish, German and Italian, Atanas Dalchev introduced new techniques and new artistic
functions of „object imagery“ in the 1920s. The metaphor of water is secondary in Dalchev‘s
poetics. In his poetry, water does not give rise to contemplation as it does in the poetry of
Pencho Slaveykov, nor does it take the reader into Yavor‘s nirvana. But water has symbolic
functions in Dalchev’s poems as well. Can we find other meanings behind the illusory
surface of Atanas Dalchev‘s water? Does the overall semantic picture of water conceal the
illusion of the unfulfilled life of the poet according to his own rules? On closer inspection
we can discern three images of the miraculous liquid: the first image symbolizes life, its
fecundity, the immense joy of its full experience - the cool, pure, spring water, clear and
joyful, shimmering in the poems „Unexpected Rain“, „Pan“, „Spring Night“, „Brook“; the
second image represents the dull, meaningless existence in the poem „Collie“; and the last
metaphor - of disappearance, of the end - it is the sad, dark water in the poems „Rain“, „The
Doors“, „Murder“. These symbols of water will be examined in our study. The semantics
of miraculous water begins with the image of clear, spring water from which „no one has
yet drunk“ and ends with the sad, dark, suffering water that evokes a sense of anguish and
suffering. The voice of water is a reflection of human feelings that prompt deep meditation
on our existence.
Илюзиите в антиутопията „Ние“ на Евгений Замятин, или критика на чистия разум
Authors:   Konstantin Preslavsky University of Shumen, Zarkova Magdalena
Published: January 2025

The article analyzes the illusions in Yevgeny Zamyatin’s dystopian novel “We”
in relation to Kant’s transcendental dialectic, which explores the ideas of pure reason.
Through an intertextual approach and comparative analysis methods, the study traces
the connection between the philosophical work and the fictional world of the 20th-century
novel through the lens of the four antinomies of pure reason. The research reveals multiple
allusions and reminiscences to transcendental illusions in “The Critique of Pure Reason,”
manifested in the artistic reinterpretation of Kant’s philosophical concepts. The analysis
of antinomies uncovers fundamental oppositions in the novel between limitation and
infinity, individuality and collectivity, freedom and submission, faith and denial. The
results demonstrate that the novel transcends traditional dystopian criticism, evolving
into a complex philosophical reflection on the dangers of reason’s absolutization. The
study establishes how the artistic reimagining of Kantian philosophical concepts enables
Zamyatin to problematize the idea of reason as the supreme criterion for human perfection.
The research findings reveal that through examining the implicit relationship between
the four pure reason antinomies and the novel’s narrative structure, Zamyatin creates a
sophisticated critique of rational absolutism. This interpretation gains particular relevance
in the context of contemporary technological progress and the drive toward rationalization
of human life at the expense of emotionality and creative imagination.
Illusory Perceptions in Academic Writing in English
Authors: Donaghue Edward
Published: January 2025

Academic writing is a key component of learning in institutions of higher
education, and plays a vital role in assessment. However, many students have illusory
perceptions about the nature of academic writing. The purpose and process of writing, and
the processes involved in knowledge-construction, meaning-making, and argumentation
in academic writing in English are not always transparent, and students often fail to make
effective use of feedback. In addition, many teachers also have perceptual illusions about
writing and, as a result of a lack of adequate training in providing instruction and appropriate
feedback on writing, fail to dispel their students’ perceptual illusions and effectively develop
their academic writing skills. In an attempt to outline the nature of such illusions, this
paper provides a review and analysis of key research on teaching and providing feedback
on academic writing. It considers writing at university as product, process, discourse, and
genre, and finds that questions of what constitutes effective feedback, and how feedback can
improve student writing, are inextricably linked with approaches to the teaching of writing.
The findings suggest that approaches to teaching writing and approaches to feedback on
writing can both be seen as part of a developmental and interactive process of scaffolding
student writing skills in which process and socio-constructive models of teaching and
learning are most effective. Raising the awareness of both teachers and students about
the nature of writing, and the purpose of feedback, could play a crucial role in dispelling
students’ illusory perceptions, and improving their academic writing skills.