bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the antibacterial efficacy of nanomodified triple antibiotic paste with nano anti-inflammatory drug and nano calcium hydroxide as intracanal medicament using confocal laser scanning microscope
Authors: Prakhyath Alekhya , Parvathaneni Krishna Prasad , Raju T. B. V. G. , Seshadri Abitha , Kintada Venkata Srija , Parepalli Prem Sai
Published: March 2024

Aim:

To evaluate and compare the antibacterial efficacy of Nano amoxicillin modified Triple antibiotic paste (mTAP) with nano Ibuprofen and nano calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) as a root canal medicament on Enterococcus faecalis infected root canal dentin..

Methods:

Sixty eight semi-cylindrical root samples were infected for 3 weeks with E. faecalis ATCC 29212 and randomly assigned into 4 Groups based on the medication used, Ca(OH)2; Nano Ca(OH)2; Amoxicillin mTAP +I (Ibuprofen); Nano Amoxicillin mTAP + Nano Ibuprofen and was incubated for 7 days. The proportions of dead and live bacteria was quantitatively analyzed by Confocal laser scanning microscopy. One-way ANOVA was used to compare the four groups and intergroup comparison with Tukey’s post hoc tests.

Results:

Nano Amoxicillin mTAP with Nano Ibuprofen was shown to have a higher antibacterial effect against E. faecalis compared to the unmodified medicaments.

Conclusion:

Nanomodified ICMs of APIs showed better antimicrobial activity due to their increased stability and deeper penetration into dentinal tubules when compared to conventional forms of ICMs.
Effect of diode laser and ultrasonic activation on post-obturation push-out bond strength of non-eugenol based sealers: An in vitro study
Authors: Dave Aabha Gautam , Mallya P. Laxmish , Natarajan Srikant
Published: March 2024

Aim:

The study aimed to assess the postobturation push-out bond strength of noneugenol-based sealers among different activation groups.

Methods:

One hundred sixteen single-rooted extracted mandibular premolar teeth were obtained. They were split into six groups-Group I: conventional cleaning and shaping (CCS) and sealing with AH Plus; Group II: CCS with MTA Fillapex; Group III: diode laser group with AH Plus; Group IV: diode laser group with MTA Fillapex; Group V: ultrasonic activation group with AH Plus; and Group VI: ultrasonic activation group with MTA Fillapex. Coronal and apical horizontal root sections were obtained from each sample and subjected to push-out bond strength. An independent t-test was done to compare the two groups of sealers.

Results:

A comparison of the irrigation activation in each sealer group was made using one-way analysis of variance and post hoc Tukey test. A comparison of the coronal and apical groups was made by paired t-test. Both the sealers exhibited higher push-out bond strength values after ultrasonic irrigation in the apical section. Higher values were obtained when AH Plus sealer was used. Push-out bond strength tests between MTA Fillapex and AH Plus with various irrigation activation regimes revealed that AH Plus had a stronger bond to the root dentin when combined with ultrasonic activation in the apical third of the root dentin.

Conclusion:

The study concluded that the higher values of push-out bond strength were noted in the AH Plus sealer group in the ultrasonic activation group in the apical root dentin section.
Facial Segmental Infantile Haemangioma: A Cutaneous Mosaicism Quandary
Authors: Naryanan Vignesh , Mahajan Rahul , Ashraf Raihan , Sharma Apoorva , Lal Brij , De Dipankar , Handa Sanjeev
Published: March 2024

Mosaicism has long been considered the underlying mechanism of segmental infantile hemangiomas (SIH). This was a prospective pilot case-control study conducted with the objective to quantify the percentage overlap of silhouettes of facial SIH with those of Blaschko lines (the most well studied archetypical pattern of mosaicism on face) as compared to other mosaic disorders on face. Lesional silhouettes of 8 patients with SIH (Group A) and 6 patients with other facial dermatosis known to have blaschkoidal distribution (Group B), were overlapped on a standardized template with Blaschkoidal lines on the frontal view of face. The alignment was done via the auto align tool of photoshop and percentage of overlap was calculated with an online image comparison software (IMGonline.com.ua). There was a significant difference in mean overlap in Group A (72.92 ± 15.6 %) as compared to Group B (90.1 ± 4.3%; P=0.018). Hence, we concluded that facial SIH do not follow lines of Blaschko.
Adalimumab-Induced Erythrodermic Psoriasis Associated with Alopecia in a Patient with Palmoplantar Pustulosis
Authors: Wang Ying , Cui Yong , Zheng Zhancai
Published: March 2024

In recent years, with the increased usage of tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors, more side effects have been revealed. Paradoxical psoriasis, including psoriasis vulgaris, palmoplantar pustulosis, scalp psoriasis and their combinations, is a common adverse effect. However, erythrodermic psoriasis associated with alopecia due to anti-TNF-α is rarely reported in the literature. We report a 44-year-old woman who developed erythrodermic psoriasis associated with diffuse alopecia during her treatment with adalimumab for palmoplantar pustulosis.
Infective Endocarditis in a Patient of End-stage Kidney Disease and the Nuances of Management
Authors: Rajarajan Arun Prabhahar , Shaji Alan , Sethi Jasmine , Shankar Gowri , Bhatia Harsimran , Ghosh Soumitra
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT

Nontunneled central venous catheters remain an irreplaceable tool for initiation of haemodialysis in most patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) in the developing and underdevelpoed countries. The low cost and convenience of insertion outweigh their disadvantage of higher rates of infection and mortality. We report a case of right-sided infective endocarditis (IE) in a ESKD patient secondary to uncuffed dialysis catheter and the challenges faced with respect to diagnosing and managing IE in such population. This case is unique because it demonstrates septic pulmonary emboli secondary to tricuspid valve Staphylococcus aureus IE in a patient with ESKD.
Psychometric properties of the COVID-19 safety measures questionnaire in the employees of the radiation therapy center
Authors: Saber Korosh , Madadizadeh Farzan , Abdollahi-Dehkordi Sepideh , Azmoonfar Rasool , Hamzian Nima , Shabani Masoud
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND:

Due to the effect of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak on the continuation, schedule, and efficiency of radiation therapy, this study aimed to investigate the reliability and validity of the COVID-19 Safety Measures (CSM) questionnaire at the radiation therapy center.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

In this analytical cross-sectional study, which all personnel of the radiation therapy center (20 people) participated, the validity and reliability of the 16-item CSM questionnaire were investigated. Cultural adaptation, face validity, content validity, test-retest reliability, and internal consistency were evaluated. For face and content validity, impact score, content validity ratio, and content validity index (CVR and CVI) were calculated, respectively. Also, internal consistency and stability reliability were calculated with Kuder–Richardson (KR20) alpha and Pearson correlation coefficient and intraclass correlation (ICC), respectively. Data analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 24 with a significant level of 5%.

RESULTS:

Out of 20 employees, 70% (14 people) were female, 75% (15 people) were married and the mean age (SD) was 32.4 (6.35) years. Scale-based Kuder–Richardson alpha, S-CVI, ICC, and confidence interval were 0.79, 0.97, 0.68, and 0.38–0.89, respectively.

CONCLUSION:

The validity and reliability of the 16-item CSM questionnaire were confirmed. Therefore, the application of this scale is recommended.
Developing a model of public health system strengthening during pandemic of new emerging respiratory diseases for Iran: A protocol study
Authors: Hosseinabadi Zahra Afshar , Raeisi Ahmad Reza , Amiresmaili Mohammadreza , Amini-Rarani Mostafa , Shaarbafchizadeh Nasrin
Published: March 2024

The objective of this article is to propose a protocol for developing a model for strengthening the public health system in Iran. Currently, there is no clearly articulated model for strengthening public health systems during the pandemic of new emerging respiratory diseases in Iran. The protocol described here aims to: (1) identify components for strengthening public health systems, during the pandemic of new emerging respiratory diseases worldwide, (2) identify components for strengthening Iran’s public health system, and (3) design a model for strengthening the public health system in Iran during the pandemic of new emerging respiratory diseases. The protocol proposes three phases. In the first phase, a realistic review will be conducted to identify components for strengthening public health systems worldwide based on six building block framework. In the second phase, a qualitative study will be used to identify components for strengthening public health systems in Iran during the pandemic of new emerging respiratory diseases. In the third phase, an initial model will be designed, and the Delphi technique will be used to finalize the model. Due to fragility and the significant strain that public health systems experienced during the pandemic, it is imperative to introduce a model that strengthens public health systems through some initiatives and strategies and explains the mechanisms by which they operate. A realist review and qualitative study will provide the evidence needed to support the effective implementation of public health interventions, taking into consideration the diverse contexts of these interventions in Iran.
Role of family communication patterns as predictors of behavioral health among students of public universities in north of Iran
Authors: Bakhtiari Afsaneh , Kashefi Fatemeh , Pasha Hajar , Nasiri-Amiri Fatemeh , Bakouei Fatemeh , Saffari Elnaz
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND:

Communication is one of the oldest and greatest human achievements and the basis of social life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of family communication patterns as predictors of behavioral health among students of public universities in the north of Iran.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

In this cross-sectional study, a total of 461 students from all the public universities of Babol, Iran, were selected in 2019. A stratified sampling random method was used to select the samples. The demographic characteristics, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, Acceptance and Action Questionnaire, Rosenberg self-esteem questionnaire, and Communication Skills Interpersonal Test were used to collect data. Simple and multi-variate linear regressions as well as Pearson’s correlation coefficient were utilized for data analysis.

RESULTS:

The mean and standard deviation scores of conversation orientation and conformity orientation were 35.61 ± 0.55 and 19.31 ± 0.41, respectively. Family conversation orientation was a significant predictor of behavioral health scales of students (except for acceptance and action), predicting negatively and significantly depression, anxiety, stress, and positively self-esteem and inter-personal communication skills of students. Family conformity orientation was also a significant predictor of behavioral health scales (except for inter-personal communication skills) of students, which predicted positively and significantly depression, anxiety, stress, and negatively acceptance, action, and students’ self-esteem.

CONCLUSION:

To prevent behavioral health problems, it is necessary to observe conformity orientation and rely on conversation orientation.
The views of general practitioners in Morocco about health promotion at the primary health care services: Qualitative study
Authors: Mansoury Ouassim , Kachkhouch Hamza , Essoli Samira , Mansouri Adil , Jabbar Murtada , Adarmouch Latifa , Amine Mohamed , Sebbani Majda
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND:

Health promotion (HP) is one of the key skills that every general practitioner (GP) should have, according to The World Organization of Family Doctors, but for several reasons, his practice remains insufficient. However, a gap would exist between the GPs’ knowledge and their practices about HP. The aims of our study were to explore GPs’ perceptions, knowledge, and practices in Morocco about HP and identify their barriers and needs to best practice HP actions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A qualitative case study was conducted among GPs, via semi-structured interviews following an interview guide. Purposive and snowball sampling were used to select our sample. It contained four themes, perceptions, practices, barriers and needs, and proposals for improvement. The interviews were recorded and then transcribed. Thematic content data analysis was done manually. Favorable ethical approval was obtained from the local ethics committee.

RESULTS:

Fourteen GPs participated in this study. The sex ratio was at one. GPs’ practices were focused on the biomedical model with wide confusion of HP with prevention and therapeutic education. Their roles in HP were considered paramount. The number of patients during consultations, structures’ care, and knowledge were the main barriers. The main cited needs were material resources and HP training.

CONCLUSION:

Our study has made it possible to make an inventory of the practice of HP in Morocco. Participants’ practices were based on the curative aspect. There is a crucial need to implement continuing and contextualized training for general practitioners to strengthen their skills in HP. This training will help to succeed in the health-promoting hospital’s strategy.
Postpartum depression and its relationship with the positive and negative perfectionism
Authors: Rahimi Hanieh , Mousavi Fatemeh Sadat , Rahmanian Seyyedeh Adeleh , Khalajinia Zohre , Khavari Farideh
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND:

Depression is a common mental disorder after childbirth, which has serious consequences for the mother, baby, and family. A wide range of causes, including some personality traits of mothers, are involved in its etiology. Therefore, this study was conducted aiming to determine the factors related to postpartum depression (PPD) and its relationship with positive and negative perfectionism in Qom, Iran.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on 162 mothers who had been referred to health centers in Qom during 6–8 weeks after normal vaginal delivery (NVD) in 2020. After randomly classifying the health centers, the convenience sampling method was carried out. Data collection tools included social–individual information form, Edinburg Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and Positive and Negative Perfectionism Questionnaire of Terry-Short. The data were analyzed using the Chi-square and Pearson correlation tests and multivariate logistic regression analysis.

RESULT:

The prevalence of PPD in this study was 29.6%. The results showed that with the increase in the negative dimension of perfectionism, the chance of PPD in people increases by 14% (OR = 1.14, CI = 1.06–1.21), while there was no significant correlation between the positive dimension of perfectionism and PPD (r = 0.006, P > 0.05). Furthermore, the chance of PPD was higher in student mothers, mothers who had a history of PPD, and unintended pregnancy. Moreover, some factors such as multigravidity, breastfeeding, and not worrying about body image reduce the chance of occurrence.

CONCLUSION:

Since mothers’ negative perfectionism is associated with PPD, it is recommended to identify perfectionist individuals during pregnancy and after delivery and provide counseling service to them.
Negative expectations (nocebo phenomenon) in clinical interventions: A scoping review
Authors: Nasiri-Dehsorkhi Hamid , Vaziri Shahram , Esmaillzadeh Ahmad , Adibi Peyman
Published: March 2024

Unpredictable, undesirable, and confusing reactions in the face of psychological or medical interventions make the clinical presentation more complicated and may represent clinically unexplained symptoms and also disturbed the doctor–patients relationship and decrease patients’ benefits of treatment. It seems that negative expectations from the treatment (nocebo phenomenon) can explain such reactions. The aim of the current study is a scoping review and investigate different aspects of the nocebo phenomenon (negative expectations) in clinical interventions. This paper follows a scoping review of the existence, importance, and multidimensions of the nocebo phenomenon in medical and psychological interventions. Data sources include literature databases (ProQuest, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus) reviewed from inception dates to 2023, and the terms negative expectations, nocebo effect, placebo effect, negative placebo, and clinical interventions were searched. The review of the available articles showed that negative expectations play an important role in the process and effectiveness of clinical interventions. Negative expectations (here named nocebo effect) can significantly interfere with rapport and treatment processes. Some underlying components of the nocebo effect include negative expectancies, conditioning, social learning, memory, cognitive distortions, meaning, motivation, somatic focus, negative reinforcements, personality, anxiety, and neurophysiological factors such as CCK, dopamine, and cortisol are proposed for development and presence of nocebo phenomenon in clinical practice. Negative expectations with its biopsychosocial aspects play an important and amazing role in disorganizing medical and psychological interventions. Using appropriate methods to reduce nocebo effects in therapeutic interventions may increase treatment compliance and adherence and increase the effectiveness of interventions.
Determinants of health literacy and its impact on glycemic control among women with gestational diabetes mellitus in a tertiary care hospital, Puducherry – A cross-sectional analytical study
Authors: Veerasetty Naveen Kumar , Venkatachalam J. , Subbaiah Murali , Arikrishnan Kalaiselvy , Soni Bhanushree
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND:

Health literacy is vital during pregnancy, as maternal health knowledge and behavior have a significant impact on the health of both mother and child. Hence, this study aimed to assess the health literacy status of pregnant women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), as well as its associated factors and impact on glycemic control.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The facility-based Cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 200 pregnant women with GDM in a tertiary care hospital. The eligible participants were consecutively selected for the study. The study was conducted from September 2022 to March 2023. A validated semi-structured questionnaire, the Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ) for GDM, was used to measure health literacy status. Stata V.17 software was used for data analysis.

RESULTS:

Out of 200 pregnant women with GDM, the mean (SD) age of the participants is 29.5 (±5.5) years. It was observed that 164 (82%) of the participants had adequate health literacy, whereas 36 (18%) had inadequate health literacy about Gestational Diabetes. Adequate health literacy (HL) was observed among 88.5% of women with controlled blood sugar and 55.1% of women with uncontrolled blood sugar. Results of multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that pregnant mothers’ educational status (PR: 1.8; 95% CI: 1.2-2.5) and glycemic control (PR: 1.4; 95% CI (1.2-1.7) were associated with adequate HL.

CONCLUSIONS:

In conclusion, this study supports the association between adequate HL and glycemic control in pregnant women with GDM. Addressing this gap is essential for healthcare officials and planners to implement programs that promote women’s HL during pregnancy, with a focus on low-educated groups.
Nurses' knowledge and protective health behaviors about prevention of COVID-19 pandemic complications at Baghdad Teaching Hospitals
Authors: Hassan Ahmed F. , Majeed Haider M. , Isam Safad Riyadh
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND:

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a global pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. Infection with SARS-CoV-2 primarily occurs through binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2), which is abundantly expressed in various anatomical sites, including the nasopharynx, lungs, cardiovascular system, and gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts. This study aimed to nurses' knowledge and protective health behaviors about prevention of covid-19 pandemic complications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A descriptive design study was conducted from October 1, 2022, to March 15, 2023. A non-probability purposive sample of 50 nurses from different educational levels, genders, and departments at Baghdad teaching hospitals was selected. Data collected were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0.

RESULTS:

The study comprised an equal distribution of male and female participants, with the majority (44%) aged between 22 and 30 years. A significant proportion (52%) of nurses held institute degrees. Forty-six percent were single, and the majority (74%) had 1-5 years of experience. The mean scores were 0.70 for nurses’ knowledge and 3.22 for nurses’ protective health behaviors.

CONCLUSIONS:

The findings indicate that nurses possess satisfactory knowledge and exhibit high levels of protective health behaviors regarding complications associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. It is recommended to conduct future research focusing on nurses’ knowledge and practices related to patient care in the context of a pandemic.
Suicide and its risk factors – An ecological study
Authors: Muniyapillai Tamilarasan , Kulothungan Karthikeyan , Vignesh K Nawin Jai , Keerthi Sathya CM , Godwyn Sherin Rosetta , Shivashankari SB , Bhonsle Shivanjali Raje B , Krishnakumar Shanmuga Priya , Suresh Shivani Devi
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND:

There is tremendous variation in both the prevalence of suicide and the factors that contribute to its occurrence across geographic locations, cultures, and time. Therefore, the present study aims to identify the various socio-demographic risk factors and psychosocial stressors using population data.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The countries that were included in the study were based on data from the World Health Organization. We considered the top ten suicide countries and the ten lowest suicide nations. We searched five global databases for the most recent socio-demographic data and data on psychosocial stressors during the period of August and September 2022. We analyzed the correlation between suicide rates and various factors, and we considered a P value of less than 0.05 to be statistically significant.

RESULTS:

The correlation of suicide with sociodemographic factors like age (P 0.246), gender (male, P 0.357, and female, P 0.357), net enrolment rate (P 0.725), gender parity index (P 0.929), urban population percentage (P 0.571), marital status (male, P 0.345, and female, P 0.752), and literacy rate percentage (P 0.199) was not significant. The correlation of suicide with psychosocial stressors like unemployment percentage (P 0.552), alcoholism percentage (P 0.271), the prevalence of depression (P 0.523), the number of psychiatrists (P 0.605), the number of mental hospitals (r = -0.090, P 0.713), and the poverty rate percentage (P 0.538) were also not significant.

CONCLUSION:

Suicide is a major public health issue, yet global suicide data is scarce. Sociodemographic factors like age, urbanization, and literacy rate were negatively correlated, whereas psychosocial stressors like unemployment, alcohol misuse, and poverty were positively correlated, but none were significantly associated.
Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) practices among residents of different slum settlements in a ward of Kolkata: A mixed-methods study
Authors: Ray Kuntala , Shukla Vineeta , Basu Mausumi , Manna Sukanta , Rashid Mamunur , Mondal Aparajita
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND:

Access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) is the most basic need for mankind. Poor WASH practices are associated with various waterborne diseases, especially in developing countries such as India. The aim of the study was to assess WASH practices among residents of different slum settlements in a ward of Kolkata, identify the factors associated with WASH practice, and explore the barriers faced by the families and municipal staff in providing adequate WASH services to the community.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

An observational study, cross-sectional in design with a convergent parallel mixed–methods approach, was conducted in different slum settlements in a ward of Kolkata. Quantitative data were collected by face-to-face interview, spot observation, and measuring the living area, door, and window spaces. Key informant interviews were conducted with the medical officer, ward vector-control coordinator, and municipal waste handlers, in addition to in-depth interviews with respondents who had unsatisfactory WASH practices. SPSS version 25.0 was used to analyze the quantitative data. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically using Atlas.ti 22.

RESULTS:

The overall WASH practices were considered satisfactory in 58.8% of the households. Education of the respondents up to the secondary level, presence of overcrowding, and inadequate ventilation in the house had statistically significantly higher odds of unsatisfactory practice. Poor living conditions, difficulty in collecting and storing water, waterlogging, blocked sewage drains, common toilets for men and women, and lack of motivation were the primary obstacles identified by the residents.

CONCLUSION:

Unsatisfactory WASH practices were observed among a high proportion of the slum population. Community engagement and education regarding WASH in communities is strongly recommended along with improvement of infrastructure and capacity building.
Comparison of Xpert MTB RIF (G4) With Xpert MTB (Ultra) in Diagnosis of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis in Clinical Samples
Authors: Mathew Ann , Bhatt Puneet , Ninawe Sandeep Madhav , Patel Ankita , Bahal Ashish
Published: March 2024

Background:

Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The main strategy to fight the pandemic is the development of rapid, accurate diagnostic tests, which helps to reduce the time for initiation of therapy. In 2010, WHO recommended the use of Xpert Mycobacterium tuberculosis/rifampicin (MTB/RIF) (G4), which is a cartridge-based semi-automated nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) as a primary test with an aim to improve the detection of MTB. Later on, to improve the diagnostic efficacy, the new and improved cartridges called Xpert Ultra were introduced in 2017.

Materials and Methods:

One thousand and sixty-nine clinical samples were utilized for the study for microscopy, culture, and NAATs (Xpert MTB/RIF G4 and Ultra). The samples were randomly allocated. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated while assuming trace results as positive and negative in two separate scenarios.

Results:

The sensitivity of Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra cartridge was higher (100%) than Xpert MTB/RIF G4 cartridge (95.23%) and the specificity of Ultra cartridge was lower (71.79%) when compared to G4 cartridge (91.63%). However, the specificity of Xpert Ultra cartridge improved by reclassifying the “trace” interpretation as negative (89.1%). The NPV was 100% and 99.09% for Xpert Ultra cartridge and the Xpert G4 cartridge, respectively, and did not change by reclassifying the “trace” interpretation as negative. In contrast, the PPV varied greatly between the two tests, 26.66% for Xpert Ultra cartridge and 66.66% for Xpert G4 cartridge. The PPV of Xpert Ultra cartridge was improved to 48.48% by including “trace” samples in the negative pool.

Conclusion:

Xpert Ultra and G4 shows good performance as a first line diagnostic test. Caution should be exercised when interpreting ‘trace’ results in a country like India without parallel confirmatory tests like microscopy and culture. Data is limited on this newly incorporated value assigned in the automated report. Conducting further studies on results interpreted as ‘trace’ will help in improving the guidelines and as well as utilisation of such tests.
Successful management of severe tetanus in a 10-year-old unvaccinated girl: A case report
Authors: Catherine K. , Francis Johny Vakayil , Babu Sarath
Published: March 2024

Tetanus is a potentially fatal disease caused by Clostridium tetani, which produces muscle spasms, autonomic dysfunction, and respiratory failure by the action of a powerful neurotoxin. Tetanus can be prevented by vaccination, proper wound care, and tetanus prophylaxis, but it remains a significant public health concern in regions with inadequate vaccination coverage. We report a case of severe tetanus in an unvaccinated 10-year-old girl following a tetanus prone injury on her right big toe and was treated with antibiotics, tetanus immunoglobulin, tetanus toxoid, sedatives, neuromuscular blockers, and tracheostomy with mechanical ventilation. She recovered after 28 days of supportive multi-disciplinary intensive care and was discharged with no neurological sequelae.
Effect of henna application on pulse oximetry reading among sick children admitted in an emergency unit: A single-center prospective observational study from Nigeria
Authors: Abubakar Muhammad Shakur , Abdussalam Umma Ibrahim , Aliyu Ibrahim , Ahmad Khadija Shamsu
Published: March 2024

Background:

As red henna interferes with the working principles of pulse oximetry, it affects peripheral oxygen saturation readings. This study was conducted to determine the effect of henna on the pulse oximetry of sick children admitted to the emergency department (ED).

Subjects and Methods:

This was a prospective observational study on 100 sick children admitted to ED. The red henna was applied on the right index finger and right toe, while the left index finger and left toe served as control. SpO2 readings for the upper limbs and lower limbs were recorded simultaneously and compared.

Results:

The median (interquartile range) age was 4.0 (2.0–8.6) years. There was no significant difference between SpO2 (95.9±4.2 vs. 95.4±4.4) for the upper limb finger (t = 1.147, P
= 0.254) and Spo2 (95.3% ±4.9% vs. 95.7% ±3.9%) for lower limb finger (t = 0.954, P = 0.342) with henna and their corresponding pair without henna. However, the SpO2 of children with hypoxia (92.12% ±5.6% vs. 86.88% ±9.6%) for upper limb finger (92.00% ±5.7% vs. 88.41% ±5.5%) and for the toe was significantly higher on digits with henna compared with their pairs without henna (t = 3.167, P = 0.006 upper limb pair; t = 6.351, P = 0.013 for lower limb pair).

Conclusions:

Red henna application does not significantly affect the reading of pulse oximetry among children without hypoxia but significantly overestimates the oximetry reading in hypoxic children.
Utility of the Full Outline of UnResponsiveness score in children with altered sensorium: A single-center prospective observational study
Authors: Musthafa Sanifa , Kumar Nirmal
Published: March 2024

Background:

Recent studies on the Full Outline of UnResponsiveness (FOUR) score suggest that it can overcome the limitations of the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). Hence, this study was planned to predict the outcome of children with altered sensorium using the FOUR score and to compare it with the GCS score.

Subjects and Methods:

This was a single-center prospective observational study conducted in children in the age group of ≥2 months–12 years with altered sensorium included in this study. Admission GCS and FOUR scores were collected. Data were analyzed to compare the FOUR score to GCS in relation to outcome (survivors/nonsurvivors).

Results:

Out of 90 cases with altered sensorium, 12 expired (13.3%). The mean (standard deviation [SD]) of age (years) was 4.69 (3.72) and the maximum in the age group of 1–5 years (n = 42). The mean (SD), median (interquartile range), and range for GCS at admission for survivors versus nonsurvivors were 11.58 (1.62) versus 6.08 (1.08), 12 (11–13) versus 6 (5.75–7), and 7–17 versus 4–8, and for FOUR score, 13.51 (1.46) versus 8.67 (1.50), 13 (13–15) versus 8 (7.75–10), and 9–16 versus 7–11 were observed, P < 0.001. Admission GCS score of ≤8 (12 out of 15) and FOUR score <11 (10 out of 12) died, P < 0.001. ROC curve analysis for mortality prediction, the area under the curve for GCS (cutoff of 8) was 0.992, and for the FOUR score (cutoff of 11), 0.989 was observed, P < 0.001.

Conclusions:

Admission FOUR and GCS scores are comparable for the prediction of mortality in children with altered sensorium. The FOUR score of ≤11 strongly correlated with mortality.
Does Texting While Walking Affect Gait’s Plantar Pressure Parameters?
Authors: Elvan A , Ozer MT
Published: March 2024

Background:

This study aims to examine the possible effects of mobile phone use on plantar pressure and spatiotemporal parameters during walking.

Materials and Methods:

Thirty volunteers (18 males and 12 females) participated in the study. A 10-m walking path was prepared, and a messaging connection was established. They were asked to write three posts without word or character mistakes and participants walked on the path walk as much as they wanted on the trail to make sure they were walking at their own pace. The gait’s spatiotemporal parameters and plantar pressure parameters were recorded while walking. A paired samplest-test was used to determine whether there was a difference between normal walking and walking while texting.

Results:

While walking and writing a message, cadence, speed, and step length decreased significantly (P< 0.05). In the plantar pressure parameters, the fore- and midfoot load and pressure were significantly increased (P< 0.05).

Conclusions:

Compared to normal walking, the forces on the forefoot and midfoot and the pressure per unit area increased in walking while texting. It is thought that the pace of walking slows down, and focus and attention shift to the front of the body.
Anthropometric Predictors of Health-Related Quality of Life in Obese Patients Attending a Tertiary Hospital in Nnewi, South-East Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Obi-Nwosu Amaka L , Nwosu Betrand O , Ezemenahi Sylvia I , Obi-Nwosu Daniella I , Nwosu Chinekwu S , Azudialu Bede C , Ojiakor Chukwudi S , Umeh Uche M , Izuchukwu Emeka C , Ofiaeli Chika I , Ulochukwu Chinyere M
Published: March 2024

Background:

Obesity as a disorder with excess body fat directly decreases quality of life. While Body Mass Index (BMI) has been used largely in health studies as a measure of obesity, it is largely unable to differentiate between body fat and lean body mass, hence other anthropometric measures can be used to assess body fat.

Objective:

To determine the association of anthropometric indicators with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in obese adults.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional study of obese adults (BMI ≥30kg/m2) attending the general outpatient clinic was conducted over four months. The quality of life was assessed using the short form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire. The anthropometric indicators used were BMI, waist circumference (WC), waist hip ratio (WHR), and waist-height ratio (WHtR).

Results:

Physical component summary (PCS) was significantly related to BMI, WHtR, and WC. After adjusting for co-variables (gender, age, occupation, and marital status), they remained significantly associated with PCS. Mental component summary (MCS) was significantly related to BMI, WHtR, and WC. After adjusting for the known determinants of HRQoL, only BMI remained significantly associated with MCS (P = −0.004; r = −0.146). When all the indicators were included in the same regression model, no anthropometric indicator was significantly related to MCS while only WHtR was significantly associated with PCS (P = 0.001; r = −0.465).

Conclusion:

HRQoL in obese patients is related to measures of body fat. The physical and mental components of health-related quality of life are correlated differently with the various anthropometric measures of obesity. The WHtR was found to be an independent predictor of the physical component of HRQoL.
Predictive Power of Self-Efficacy on the Fear of Childbirth in Pregnant Women: Underlying Mechanisms of Social Support as a Mediator and the COVID-19 Fear as a Moderator
Authors: Bilgin N Citak , Coskun H , Tunc G Citak , Boyuk M , Deger HS
Published: March 2024

Background:

Fear of childbirth (FOC) is a common problem associated with psycho-social factors in pregnant women.

Objectives:

This study aimed to determine the mediator of social support and the moderator role of fear of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the relationship between self-efficacy and FOC in pregnant women.

Materials and Methods:

This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 422 pregnant women registered in 18 family health centers. Data were collected with the introductory information form, the Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire-A, the Childbirth Self-Efficacy Inventory, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and the Fear of COVID19 Scale. The SPSS 22 package program and Hayes’s process macro 3.2 were used in the analysis of the data.

Results:

Findings showed that 19.9% of the pregnant women experienced severe FOC. Self-efficacy and social support negatively predicted FOC, while fear of COVID-19 predicted it positively. Perceived social support moderately mediated the relationship between FOC and self-efficacy. Fear of COVID-19 was found to be a marginally effective moderator in the relationship between self-efficacy and FOC. This indicates that as self-efficacy increases in pregnant women with low fear of COVID-19, the FOC is experienced less.

Conclusion:

In the relationship between self-efficacy and FOC, social support is a key factor in reducing FOC. To reduce the FOC, the social support of pregnant women should be strengthened, and the fear associated with acute crisis periods such as pandemics should be reduced with some preventive measures.
Accidental Self-inflicted Nail-gun Injury to the Heart
Authors: Ghazanfari Ana , Firouzi Ata , Khalilipur Ehsan , Hosseini Saeid
Published: March 2024

Penetrating cardiac injuries are heart crises requiring immediate surgical intervention, and nail-gun injuries have also been documented. This case report covers a 19-year-old male who self-inflicted a single chest wound using a nail gun. Examination of the heart revealed a nail that touched the myocardium around the right ventricular outflow tract.
Plasma Levels of High-sensitivity Cardiac Troponin I and Histopathological Findings in Heart Transplant Patients: A Single-center Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Mozaffari Kambiz , Naderi Nasim , Jadidian Mohammad , Alizadeh-Asl Azin , Taghavi Sepideh , Omidvar Razieh , Bakhshandeh Hooman
Published: March 2024

Introduction:

This study aimed to evaluate the association between plasma levels of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (cTnI) in heart transplant patients and the grading of graft rejection.

Methods:

In a cross-sectional study, 92 biopsy samples from the patients who had undergone heart transplantation during 2022, at Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center, the largest referral center in Tehran, Iran, were evaluated for heart transplant rejection. Transplant rejection grades, high-sensitivity troponin I plasma levels, and the relationship between them were assessed statistically.

Results:

Forty-two patients (mean age 37 ± 9.6 years, 26 (62%) male) were assessed. The mean transplant age was 3 ± 1.8 years. In terms of graft rejection, 30 (33%) biopsies showed Grade 1R and 4 (4%) showed Grade 2R. Quilty effect was observed in 43 (47%). The median (Q1–Q3) of the cTnI was 0.02 (0.02–0.75) and 43 (47%) had high troponin level (>0.03 ng/mL). A positive association was observed between high cTnI and rejection (P = 0.025).

Conclusion:

The association between the troponin level and rejection grade suggested the considerable myocardial injury during the rejection process.
Exploring Deep Learning Models for Accurate Alzheimer's Disease Classification based on MRI Imaging
Authors: Rahat Irfan Sadiq , Hossain Tuhin , Ghosh Hritwik , Kanth Reddy Kamjula Lakshmi , Palvadi Srinivas Kumar , Ravindra J V R
Published: March 2024

INTRODUCTION: Alzheimer's disease (AD), a complex neurodegenerative condition, presents significant challenges in early and accurate diagnosis. Early prediction of AD severity holds the potential for improved patient care and timely interventions. This research investigates the use of deep learning methodologies to forecast AD severity utilizing data extracted from Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans.
OBJECTIVES: This study aims to explore the efficacy of deep learning models in predicting the severity of Alzheimer's disease using MRI data. Traditional diagnostic methods for AD, primarily reliant on cognitive assessments, often lead to late-stage detection. MRI scans offer a non-invasive means to examine brain structure and detect pathological changes associated with AD. However, manual interpretation of these scans is labor-intensive and subject to variability.
METHODS: Various deep learning models, including Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and advanced architectures like DenseNet, VGG16, ResNet50, MobileNet, AlexNet, and Xception, are explored for MRI scan analysis. The performance of these models in predicting AD severity is assessed and compared. Deep learning models autonomously learn hierarchical features from the data, potentially recognizing intricate patterns associated with different AD stages that may be overlooked in manual analysis.
RESULTS: The study evaluates the performance of different deep learning models in predicting AD severity using MRI scans. The results highlight the efficacy of these models in capturing subtle patterns indicative of AD progression. Moreover, the comparison underscores the strengths and limitations of each model, aiding in the selection of appropriate methodologies for AD prognosis.
CONCLUSION: This research contributes to the growing field of AI-driven healthcare by showcasing the potential of deep learning in revolutionizing AD diagnosis and prognosis. The findings emphasize the importance of leveraging advanced technologies, such as deep learning, to enhance the accuracy and timeliness of AD diagnosis. However, challenges remain, including the need for large, annotated datasets, model interpretability, and integration into clinical workflows. Continued efforts in this area hold promise for improving the management of AD and ultimately enhancing patient outcomes.
Swift Diagnose: A High-Performance Shallow Convolutional Neural Network for Rapid and Reliable SARS-COV-2 Induced Pneumonia Detection
Authors: Dutta Koustav , Lenka Rasmita , Gupta Priya , Goel Aarti , Naga Ramesh Janjhyam Venkata
Published: March 2024

INTRODUCTION: The SARS-COV-2 pandemic has led to a significant increase in the number of infected individuals and a considerable loss of lives. Identifying SARS-COV-2-induced pneumonia cases promptly is crucial for controlling the virus's spread and improving patient care. In this context, chest X-ray imaging has become an essential tool for detecting pneumonia caused by the novel coronavirus.
OBJECTIVES: The primary goal of this research is to differentiate between pneumonia cases induced specifically by the SARS-COV-2 virus and other types of pneumonia or healthy cases. This distinction is vital for the effective treatment and isolation of affected patients.
METHODS: A streamlined stacked Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) architecture was employed for this study. The dataset, meticulously curated from Johns Hopkins University's medical database, comprised 2292 chest X-ray images. This included 542 images of COVID-19-infected cases and 1266 non-COVID cases for the training phase, and 167 COVID-infected images plus 317 non-COVID images for the testing phase. The CNN's performance was assessed against a well-established CNN model to ensure the reliability of the findings.
RESULTS: The proposed CNN model demonstrated exceptional accuracy, with an overall accuracy rate of 98.96%. In particular, the model achieved a per-class accuracy of 99.405% for detecting SARS-COV-2-infected cases and 98.73% for identifying non-COVID cases. These results indicate the model's significant potential in distinguishing between COVID-19-related pneumonia and other conditions.
CONCLUSION: The research validates the efficacy of using a specialized CNN architecture for the rapid and precise identification of SARS-COV-2-induced pneumonia from chest X-ray images. The high accuracy rates suggest that this method could be a valuable tool in the ongoing fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, aiding in the swift diagnosis and effective treatment of patients.
Deformations of modified $r$-matrices and cohomologies of related algebraic structures
Authors: Jiang Jun , Sheng Yunhe
Published: March 2024

Modified

r

-matrices are solutions of the modified classical Yang–Baxter equation, introduced by Semenov-Tian-Shansky, and play important roles in mathematical physics. In this paper, first we introduce a cohomology theory for modified

r

-matrices. Then we study three kinds of deformations of modified

r

-matrices using the established cohomology theory, including algebraic deformations, geometric deformations and linear deformations. We give the differential graded Lie algebra that governs algebraic deformations of modified

r

-matrices. For geometric deformations, we prove the rigidity theorem and study when is a neighborhood of a modified

r

-matrix smooth in the space of all modified

r

-matrix structures. In the study of trivial linear deformations, we introduce the notion of a Nijenhuis element for a modified

r

-matrix. Finally, applications are given to study deformations of the complement of the diagonal Lie algebra and compatible Poisson structures.
Radon–Nikodým theorems in non-separable Banach spaces
Authors: Kaliaj Sokol Bush
Published: March 2024

In this paper, we present two Radon–Nikodým theorems in non-separable Banach spaces using Pettis and variational McShane integrals. The first one works for a dominated additive interval multifunction

\Phi : \mathcal{I}\to ck(X)

, and the second one works for a dominated strong multimeasure

M : \mathcal{L}\to cwk(X)

, where

\mathcal{I}

is the family of all closed non-degenerate subintervals of the interval

W = [0,1]^{m}\subset \mathbb{R}^{m}

,

\mathcal{L}

is the family of all Lebesgue measurable subsets of

W

, and

cwk(X)

(ck(X))

is the family of all convex weakly compact (convex compact) non-empty subsets of

X

.
Фокусирующее спаренное модифицированное уравнение Кортевега-де Фриза с ненулевыми граничными условиями: задача Римана-Гильберта и классификация солитонов
Authors: Ma Xinxin
Published: March 2024

С помощью задачи Римана-Гильберта изучается фокусирующее спаренное модифицированное уравнение Кортевега-де Фриза с ненулевыми граничными условиями. Для вывода точных решений в компактном виде сформулированы три симметрии. Решения включают в себя шесть различных типов солитонных решений, таких как два темных и два светлых солитона, "кинк-темный-темный солитон", "кинк-светлый-светлый солитон", и два бризера.
Уравнение Янга-Бакстера во всех измерениях и универсальные кудитные вентили
Authors: Pourkia Arash
Published: March 2024

Путем непосредственного обобщения ранее найденных решений для размерности пространства $d=2$ построены некоторые решения уравнения Янга-Бакстера для любой размерности $d\geqslant 2$. Затем решения наделяются свойствами унитарности и запутывания. Унитарность превращает их в двухкудитные квантовые логические элементы для систем на основе кудитов. Свойство запутывания позволяет сформировать из каждого решения вместе со всеми однокудитными вентилями универсальный набор квантовых логических элементов.