bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge and practice of indoor residual spray with dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane in the prevention and control of malaria in the endemic zone of rural area of west Tripura district, North East India: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Tripura Amar , Reang Taranga
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND:

The World Health Organization recommends indoor residual spray (IRS) including dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), as a malaria vector control measure.

OBJECTIVE:

The objective was to assess the knowledge and practice of IRS with DDT in rural area of the West Tripura district.

METHODOLOGY:

A community based cross-sectional study was conducted in rural area of West Tripura District during the period of June to July 2019. Two hundred adult participants were interviewed from randomly selected families using multistage simple random sampling technique using a predesigned, pretested interview schedule. Data were analyzed using Microsoft excel 2007 and the Epi-info version 6.0 (CDC, Atlanta, Georgia, USA).

RESULTS:

More than 43% of the families knew that DDT spray was for malaria prevention and control measures. Reasons for not allowing DDT spray were due to stains of houses (35.13%), bad odors (3.5%), unpreparedness (3.5%), uninformed (3%), and 7% other reasons.

CONCLUSIONS:

Practice on indoor residual spray (DDT) was below the level of coverage required for mass effect recommended by the World Health Organization. However, the population had a good knowledge of the diseases spread by the mosquitoes.
Evaluation of epithelial toto bodies and their relationship with connective tissue inflammation in reactive lesions of the oral cavity: A preliminary study
Authors: Gowsalya M. , Hallikerimath Seema , Angadi Punnya V.
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND:

Toto bodies are homogeneous eosinophilic bodies, round to oval in shape with a peripheral clear appearance, also known as “Mucopolysaccharide keratin dystrophy” due to its contents, often seen on the topmost layers of stratified squamous epithelium of reactive and inflammatory oral lesions. The present study aimed to correlate the presence of epithelial Toto bodies with inflammatory components of the connective tissue in oral reactive lesions to elucidate the association between them.

Material and Methods:

This preliminary study included 12 archival reactive lesional slides (seven pyogenic granuloma [PG] and five inflammatory hyperplasia) with toto bodies and the correlation with inflammatory component of the connective tissue with regard to such as intensity, type of inflammatory cells was evaluated.

RESULTS:

Toto bodies were found in PG (58%), followed by inflammatory hyperplasia (42%). Almost 75% of cases exhibited diffuse distribution of chronic inflammatory cells, predominantly plasma cells (58%), followed by lymphocytes (42%) in the underlying connective tissue, followed by focal inflammatory cells that accounted for only 25% of cases. A positive correlation of toto bodies with connective tissue inflammation was noted.

CONCLUSION:

There was a positive correlation seen between the existence of epithelial toto bodies with the underlying connective tissue inflammation. The existence of toto bodies may aid as a diagnostic clue for the lesion being reactive/inflammatory in origin
Prediction of low birth weight (LBW) among smokeless tobacco-using pregnant mothers by using stepwise logistic regression model
Authors: Ganganahalli Praveen , Kakade Satish V. , Patil Jyotsna A. , Pratinidhi Asha
Published: January 2025

INTRODUCTION:

Children’s health is tomorrow’s wealth is one of the WHO’s slogans of the recent years. However, children’s health is to a great extent determined by factors that operate in utero, well before they are born. Newborns falling in the category of low birth weight (LBW) carry relatively greater risks of perinatal and neonatal morbidity and mortality and substandard growth and development in the later life.

OBJECTIVES:

The objective of the study was to study birth weight pattern of newborn babies and to find determinants of LBW among babies born to women using Mishri during pregnancy and to construct predictive model for LBW using multiple binary regression.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A cross-sectional study was conducted in the obstetric wards on women admitted for delivery and using Mishri (form of Tobacco), and they were compared with the nonusers of any form of tobacco. Details of pregnancy and delivery followed by the estimation of serum levels of cotinine using ELISA technique were collected among both groups.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED:

Statistical analysis used multiple binary regression model and tests of significance.

RESULTS:

LBW is eight times more commonly seen among users of Mishri compared to nonusers of Mishri. As the cotinine level increases, there is a significant decrease in birth weight (relative risk: 4–10 times) was observed.

CONCLUSIONS:

Increase in cotinine levels and decrease in birth weight explain the dose–response relationship between the use of tobacco (Mishri) and adverse pregnancy outcomes (LBW). This can be applied to assess the risk among pregnant women who are using Mishri at their first antenatal care visit.
Effect of health education on the awareness of human papillomavirus infection among undergraduate students of a health sciences university – An interventional study
Authors: Muthusamy Sasitharan , Yogeshkumar S.
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND:

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a significant public health concern associated with various cancers. Despite available vaccines, knowledge gaps persist among healthcare students, impacting vaccine uptake. This study aimed to assess the impact of an educational intervention on health-care students’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding HPV infection and vaccination. Furthermore, the study aimed to assess the potential barriers to vaccination.

METHODOLOGY:

A pre- post-interventional study was conducted among 656 undergraduate healthcare students over a period of 1 year to assess baseline knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to HPV infection and vaccination using a self-structured validated questionnaire. Following this, an educational intervention, in the form of an interactive PowerPoint presentation, was conducted. Moreover, posttest surveys were administered 1 month after the intervention. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS v23.0.

RESULTS:

The median age of the students in the study was 21 years. Pretest surveys revealed knowledge gaps and misconceptions among participants with a knowledge score of 10.59 ± 6.58 (mean ± standard deviation [SD]), attitude score of 1.31 ± 1.944 (mean ± SD) and pretest willingness to receive the vaccine was 6.4%. Whereas, postintervention, significant improvements were observed in knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding HPV infection and vaccination, with a mean knowledge score of 25.82 ± 8.34 and a mean attitude score of 3.84 ± 4.259. Practices also improved, with more participants expressing readiness to receive (75.9%) and advocate for vaccination. Moreover, the study demonstrated the potential barriers to vaccination as lack of awareness, nonavailability, and cost of the vaccine.

CONCLUSION:

Targeted educational interventions effectively improved HPV vaccination awareness and acceptance among health-care students. These findings contribute to public health efforts in HPV prevention and control.
A rare case of extradural Ewing sarcoma of the cervical spine in a 9-year-old boy
Authors: Patil Rutuja , Chowdhry Ratnapriya , Bhongale Neha , Wade Poonam
Published: January 2025

Pediatric embryonal tumors have a rare occurrence in the peripheral nervous system. A more aberrant location is the extradural space, with only 25 cases being reported in literature. The seemingly innocuous symptoms can often be misleading as a sprain, and in our country, where tuberculosis is endemic, it can even be perceived as Pott’s spine, and therefore, leads to a delayed intervention for these rapidly progressive malignancies. We report the case of a 9-year-old boy whose symptoms started with a dull neck pain that was ignored for 6 months as a neck sprain. X-ray of his cervical spine showed only subtle loss of cervical lordosis, a finding that was missed. Eventually, he developed weakness of the right upper and lower limbs and was referred to our hospital. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a large lobulated extradural lesion extending from C1-D3 level of neoplastic etiology. Postlaminectomy, the histopathology was consistent with primitive embryonal tumor. The patient was immediately started on an intensive chemotherapy regimen and is currently in the consolidation phase.
Efficacy of modified electroconvulsive therapy as augmentation agent in treatment-resistant schizophrenia
Authors: Singh Chitrakshee , Kumar Sudhir , Pandey Abhinav , Singh Paramvir
Published: January 2025

AIM:

The aim of the study was to study the efficacy of modified electroconvulsive therapy (MECT) as an augmentation agent in schizophrenia, with particular emphasis in treatment-resistant schizophrenia.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

A prospective open-label, raters blinded within a group interventional study done over 1 year with 40 consenting adults with a diagnosis of treatment-resistant schizophrenia as per Conley and Kelly’s criteria. With preanesthetic clearance, they were put on a supervised regular MECT regimen after baseline clinical global impression (CGI), PANSS, and Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) application with improvement recorded by repeat application of psychopathology measurement scales.

RESULTS:

after a mean of 11.10 ± 1.6 MECT sessions ranging from 8 to 14, we observed an improvement of 30.6% ± 3.5% in total PANSS score with significant improvement in CGI and BPRS.

CONCLUSION:

The study endorses the efficacy of MECT augmentation in treatment-resistant schizophrenia.
A comparison of serum cystatin C with traditional biomarkers of renal function in patients of essential hypertension in a tertiary care center of the Kumaun region
Authors: Singh Sangeeta , Saini Aman , Joshi Basant Kumar
Published: January 2025

INTRODUCTION:

In India, hypertensive renal disease, the second leading cause of chronic kidney failure, necessitates dialysis or renal transplantation. Most traditional renal function indicators, such as serum urea and creatinine, track disease progression and therapy response. Cystatin C, an excellent glomerular filtration rate (GFR) indicator, is freely filtered through the glomerular membrane, and its concentration is solely dictated by GFR. About 25%–40% of untreated hypertensives develop hyperuricemia. Microalbuminuria is a traditional renal function biomarker and outcome predictor in renal disease patients. This research compared blood cystatin C to standard renal function indicators (serum urea, serum creatinine [Scr], serum uric acid, urine microalbumin, and urinary total protein) in essential hypertension patients in a Kumaun tertiary care institution.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

One hundred hypertensive individuals aged 30–60 years and 50 age- and sex-matched normotensive controls were studied. The fully computerized Roche Cobas C501 Analyzer assessed Scr and urea. Estimation of serum cystatin C was done by turbidimetric method using semiautomatic analyzer (MERCK Microlab 300). A urine sample taken over a 24-h period for total protein concentration and urinary microalbumin was taken in a clean plastic container. The preservative was 10% HCL. Using pyrogallol red and turbidimetric immunoassay, urine total protein and microalbumin were measured.

RESULTS:

In comparison to the control group and Stage II hypertension participants, hypertensive people exhibited substantially greater mean blood urea, creatinine, urine total protein, and urinary microalbumin levels. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.0007). Only Stage II hypertensives had substantially lower mean estimated GFR (eGFR) and eGFR (Scr) levels than controls. These differences were statistically significant (P < 0.0001). Cases and Stage II hypertensives had considerably higher mean blood cystatin C levels than controls and Stage I hypertensives. Serum cystatin C correlated positively with urea, creatinine, and urine microalbumin, but negatively with uric acid (r = 0.004; P > 0.05). Linear connections were found between parameters.

CONCLUSION:

Our investigation found that cystatin C-based GFR equations beat Scr ones. Serum cystatin C is more sensitive than Scr for detecting early renal function deterioration in hypertensive individuals.
Knowledge and practice regarding eye donation among degree college students of Belagavi city
Authors: Kumar S. Vinod , Metgud Chandra S.
Published: January 2025

INTRODUCTION:

Sight is crucial for our existence. In India, corneal opacity is the leading cause of blindness among people aged 0–49 years. The only treatment for corneal blindness is transplantation, necessitating increased awareness, and dispelling myths about eye donation. This study was conducted to assess the knowledge and practice regarding eye donation among degree college students of Belagavi city.

Material and Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1018 degree college students from Belagavi, selected through proportionate sampling. The data were collected using a pretested questionnaire. Collected data were entered using Microsoft Excel and analyzed in SPSS software.

RESULTS:

The mean ± standard deviation age of participants was 20.15 ± 1.04 years. Among the 1018 students, 12.88% of them had good knowledge score, 65.91% had average knowledge score, and 21.21% had poor knowledge score regarding eye donation. Around 331 (32.50%) of the students had favorable practice score for eye donation activities.

CONCLUSION:

The study highlights that while most students were aware of eye donation, detailed knowledge and favorable practice was less prevalent. Targeted educational programs could enhance these aspects, ultimately increasing corneal donation rates.
Qualitative and quantitative analysis of microplastics in milk samples
Authors: Badwanache Pratiksha , Dodamani Suneel
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND:

This study was undertaken to determine the amount and type of microplastics in different milk samples.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

Sample collection was done from branded, dairy, and directly from the cow shed and was then transferred to a conical flask. Containers were wrapped with aluminum foil to avoid contamination of the samples. A total of 100 mL of 5% sodium chloride solution was added to 200 mL of milk sample, rotated for 2 min, and was kept to undergo density separation for 15 min in a water bath. Whatman filter paper Grade I of pore size 11 µm is used for filtration. The samples were filtered using a vacuum filtration setup with a vacuum pressure of 0.5 bar pressure and stored in clean Petri dishes. These were kept in a hot air oven for drying at 60°C for 3 h and at room temperature for 24 h for complete drying of the filter paper.

RESULTS:

Fourier transform infrared analyses determined that the polystyrene type of microplastics was higher, showing red, blue, violet, and green colors by microscopic analysis.

CONCLUSION:

Three categories of milk samples (branded, dairy, and cowshed) were taken and analyzed, the results showed more microplastics in branded milk packets than in dairy and fresh cowshed milk samples which are lower than other food products.
Double burden of malnutrition among adolescents: Evidence from a cross-sectional study among school-going adolescents in Bangalore city
Authors: Balasubramanya Bhavya , Johnson Avita Rose , Sulekha T.
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND:

Previously, low- and middle-income nations grappled with widespread undernutrition, but now encounter the added challenge of overweight/obesity. Rapid urbanization has led to changes in the diet and physical activity of Indian adolescents. Malnutrition during adolescence has far-reaching consequences into adulthood.

OBJECTIVE:

The objective of this study was to assess the nutritional status of adolescents in schools and identify associated factors, with the aim of assessing whether the double burden of malnutrition exists among urban adolescents.

METHODS:

A cross-sectional study was conducted across four schools of Bangalore city with a universal sampling of 752 adolescents aged 10–19 years. Height and weight were entered into the WHO AnthroPlus software to compute body mass index-for-age and categorize nutritional status as per Z-scores. Sociodemographic details and data on diet and physical activity were collected by the interview schedule. The Chi-square test and Independent t-test were done to associate nutritional status with various exposure variables, followed by multiple logistic regression separately for undernutrition and for overweight/obesity.

RESULTS:

The prevalence of adolescent undernutrition was 13.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 10.89%–15.71%) and significantly associated with middle adolescence (odds ratio [OR] = 2.6 [1.43–2.75]), <8 h of sleep (OR = 1.68 [1.07–2.65]). The prevalence of overweight/obesity was 13.3% (95% CI: 10.89%–15.71%) and significantly associated with female gender (OR = 2.10 [1.33-3.31]), consumption of aerated drinks (OR = 2.35 [1.24–4.44]), and bakery products (OR = 1.68 [1.24–4.44]).

CONCLUSION:

Among urban school-going adolescents, there exists a double burden of malnutrition, with an equal proportion of undernutrition and overweight/obesity. Initiatives are needed to promote healthy eating and physical activity among adolescents, periodic health appraisals at school and enhancing the quality of meals at school and at home through health education and policy change.
Neuropsychiatric manifestation of corpus callosum dysgenesis: A case series
Authors: Ragashree M. R. , Anusha M. S. , Hiremath Shivanand B. , Mangalwedhe Sameer Belvi
Published: January 2025

The aim of this study is to present the cases of patients who visited the psychiatric department because of their disorderly behavior related to a psychotic episode. Before admission, the patient underwent thorough examination and investigations to rule out acute organic causes of altered mental status, and a radiological examination of the brain revealed abnormalities of the corpus callosum. The commissural pathway, the corpus callosum which connects the two hemispheres of the brain, is either partially or completely absent in patients which is a rare congenital condition. It plays a role in the brain’s motor, sensory, and cognitive functions. With regard to the prevalence of undetected abnormalities of corpus callosum and potential underlying genetic contributions in patients with severe mental illness, this case series offers an interesting incidental anatomical finding in patients with psychotic symptoms.
Prevalence of secondary conditions and cardiovascular risk prediction among persons with disability aged 18–59 years in the area of Sarjapur Primary Health Center – A cross-sectional study
Authors: Nagaraja Deepika , Shanbhag Deepthi N.
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND:

Disability means any restriction or lack of ability to perform an activity in the manner or within the range considered normal for a human being. A secondary condition is an additional condition that presupposes the existence of a primary condition. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide, which can be predicted using the World Health Organization (WHO)/International Society of Hypertension (ISH) risk prediction chart.

AIMS:

To assess the prevalence of secondary conditions and cardiovascular risk in identified adults with disabilities in the age group of 18–59 years in the Sarjapur Primary Health Centre (PHC) area.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN:

This was a cross-sectional study done in Sarjapur PHC area including 100 subjects with disability. Stratified random sampling was used based on each village considered as a stratum. The study population was distributed according to the probability proportional to size to the number of people with disabilities (PWDs) residing in each village.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS:

Secondary conditions assessed were depression, pain, and STDs.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED:

The continuous variables and categorical variables were analyzed using mean and standard deviation and percentages. The association between various factors was analyzed using the Chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test as applicable.

RESULTS:

Among the 100 PWDs interviewed, 34% of them had secondary conditions. A 10-year cardiovascular risk prediction using the WHO ISH chart found that 92.9% had <10% risk of CVD.

CONCLUSIONS:

Secondary conditions were present in less than one-fourth of the study subjects. The majority of the study subjects had minimal risk of CVD.
The radiographic breadth of the talus bone for forensic and clinical use
Authors: Ominde Beryl Shitandi , Nwokolo Princess Uzoma , Enakpoya Princess , Ikubor Joyce Ekeme , Omoro Faithful Orovwoghene , Igbigbi Patrick Sunday
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND:

The accurate identification of unknown human remains plays a critical role in natural disaster scenarios and medico-legal cases in forensic anthropology and forensic medicine. This study aimed to determine normal reference values for the breadth of the talus bone using ankle radiographs from a Teaching Hospital in Delta State, Nigeria.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

This cross-sectional study retrospectively reviewed 107 digital ankle radiographs from patients aged 20 to 60 years (60 males and 47 females). Ethical clearance was obtained before accessing the digital images archived in a radiological unit of a Hospital in Delta State, Nigeria. The talus breadth was measured using digital calipers and the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to compare the means based on gender and age. The association of variables was done using the Pearson’s correlation test. Statistical significance was considered at P < 5%.

RESULTS:

The mean talus breadth was significantly larger in males (41.76 mm) than in females (38.59 mm). However, the means had no significant association with age. The right talus breadth had a strong positive correlation with the left talus breadth.

CONCLUSION:

The findings are useful to orthopedic surgeons managing ankle pathologies. In addition, the study reveals the potential use of the talar breadth in sex determination when other methods are inconclusive.
Impact of occupation on the social health of workers and their families residing in the field practice area of medical college: A qualitative survey
Authors: Shoor Purva , Sharma Shubham Mohan , Dadhich Sheetal
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND:

Social health factors influence the well-being and continuation of jobs for workers. Factors such as familial support, their attitude, workplace cohesiveness, and social life play a major role in social health impacting all other dimensions of health also.

OBJECTIVES:

The aim of this study was. 1. To describe and analyze the individual viewpoints of workers or their family respondents about their social well-being. 2. To analyze the social determinants such as income, cohesiveness, discrimination, and recreation, that explain a worker’s social health status even beyond work.

METHODOLOGY:

A cross-sectional survey of the sample size of 117 respondents, residing in the urban field practice area of the medical college.

RESULTS:

Discrimination at the workplace was found low. Workplace cohesiveness, recreation, and regularity of jobs affected quality of life (QoL). Job satisfaction was prevalent among 80.34% of families.

DISCUSSION:

Time for recreation with family and workers desiring job change was significantly affected by QoL scores also. Job satisfaction was more among skilled workers. The majority of the residents put up in the area for more than 10 years. This permanence influences the regularity of the job.

CONCLUSION:

Major social determinants of QoL among workers were cohesiveness, grounds of discrimination, regularity of job, residential permanence, family time, and desire to change the job. Job satisfaction was more among skilled workers.
Diabetic retinopathy and the risk of coronary heart disease among diabetic patients of a tertiary care hospital in rural Tumkur, Karnataka
Authors: Krishna Chandana , Babu B. Manoj , Bharamshettar S. Roopa , Shetty Niharika
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND:

Diabetes is a significant cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke, and lower limb amputation. Diabetes is a growing challenge in India, with an estimated 8.7% diabetic population (between 20 and 70 years). The macrovascular disease is the primary pathogenic mechanism underlying coronary heart disease (CHD). Microvascular disease may play a prominent role in CHD development in diabetic individuals. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a specific marker of microvascular disease in type 2 diabetes. It is unclear, however, if the presence of DR signifies an increased risk of CHD.

OBJECTIVES:

1. To assess the proportion of DR and 10-year risk of developing CHD among study subjects

2. To assess the relationship between DR and CHD risk.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

A cross-sectional study was conducted between January 2021 and November 2023 at a tertiary hospital in Tumkur among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Data were collected using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire, and subjects were examined for DR and 10-year risk of developing CHD and data were analyzed.

RESULTS:

Among the study subjects, 65% were male, 74.3% were on oral hypoglycemic drugs, and 12.9% had a family history of CHD. DR was seen in 49.3% of study subjects. 10% of study subjects hada ≥ 40% risk of developing CHD. There was a statistically significant association between DR and the risk of CHD (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION:

DR may be associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk. A careful cardiovascular assessment and follow-up may be required in individuals with DR.
Grains of change – Analyzing consumption pattern of millets among rural population: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Kavimalar T , Hullalli Rashmi , Gudadinni Muttappa R. , Yadavannavar Mallikarjun C.
Published: January 2025

INTRODUCTION:

Millets, with their exceptional nutritional value, nonglutinous nature, and digestive ease, offer a wealth of benefits. They are rich in lecithin and known to fortify the nervous system. While millets such as jowar are dietary staples in rural India, they have often been relegated to animal feed and birdseed elsewhere. Despite India’s deep-rooted millet tradition, the consumption of pearl millet (bajra) declined by 67% in urban and 59% in rural areas between 1972–1973 and 2004–2005. Recognizing their potential, the Indian Government proposed the declaration of 2023 as the International Year of Millets to the UN.

OBJECTIVES:

The objective of the study was to assess the consumption pattern of millets among the rural population and its association with the sociodemographic profile.

METHODOLOGY:

A cross-sectional study was done among rural households residing in the field practice area of the Rural Health Training Centre, Ukkali, Department of Community Medicine, BLDE (DU). By convenient sampling, we obtained a sample size of 94. Data were collected from the individuals, using a semistructured questionnaire, which encompassed both sociodemographic information and details regarding their consumption habits. Data were analyzed using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 26, is developed and manufactured by IBM Corporation, headquartered in Armonk, New York, United States.

RESULTS:

In this study, a total of 94 participants were included. Out of these, 61 (64.9%) were male and 33 (35.1%) were female. The majority of participants, 74 individuals (79%), reported that they consumed millets as part of their diet, whereas a minority, 20 individuals (21%), did not include millets in their diet.

CONCLUSION:

This consumption rate can be attributed to Karnataka’s status as the second-largest producer of millets, reflecting a strong connection between local production and consumption patterns. It emphasizes the importance of promoting millets as a staple food source not only for their nutritional benefits but also for their potential economic and agricultural advantages among urban population.
Unlocking the potential: Cas13-based sensing system in early detection of micro-RNA biomarker
Authors: Reddy Shreya , Swami Rishita , Ghumde Jaishiv , Nair Athulya , Kushwaha Simran , Somkuwar Shrutam , Salodkar Devyani , Nair Aparna , Begde Deovrat
Published: January 2025

AIM:

The aim of this study is to standardize in-vitro CRISPR-Cas13 assay for the detection of salivary microRNAs (miRNAs) as Oral Cancer Biomarker.

BACKGROUND:

Oral cavity cancer poses a significant global health threat, prevalent in both emerging and industrialized nations, primarily attributed to factors such as tobacco and alcohol use. This study addresses the imperative need for adaptive, effective, and non-invasive strategies in the diagnosis and treatment of oral cancer, emphasising the importance of early detection for improved prognosis. The study introduces a novel approach employing the CRISPR-Cas13 system for the detection of salivary miRNA-145 as an oral cancer biomarker.

Material and methods:

The study utilized the CRISPR-Cas13 system to detect salivary miRNA-145. Specific guide RNA (gRNA) sequences were designed which guides LwaCas13a and targets miRNA-145, resulting in activation of collateral cleavage activity. Total RNA isolated from salivary samples were used in the assay, and the detection of miRNA-145 was assessed through distinct reduction in band intensity and fluorescence detection using a FAM based reporter RNA.

Results:

This study has successfully set up CRISPR-Cas13 in-vitro assay for detection of miRNA. The assay demonstrated a distinct reduction in band intensity in test samples compared to controls when total RNA was used. The assay employing reporter RNA illustrates fluorescence detection exclusively in test samples utilizing specific gRNA.

Conclusion:

This study introduces an innovative method for oral cancer detection, leveraging the CRISPR-Cas13 system and salivary miRNA-145 as a biomarker. The approach presents a non-invasive, cost-effective, and efficient alternative for early cancer diagnosis and monitoring, showcasing its potential impact on advancing diagnostic technologies in the field.
A phenomenological study on lived in experiences with cancer among patients admitted at R.L Jalappa hospital and research center
Authors: George Rubin , Vijayalakshmi G. , Rashmi A , Saritha V
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND:

The cancer burden continues to grow globally, exerting tremendous physical, emotional, and financial strain on individuals, families, and communities. The experiences of cancer patients who are diagnosed with cancer at an early stage differ from patients who reached at terminal stage. The current study is an effort to know the lived-in experiences of cancer patients who were diagnosed with cancer and taking treatment at R. L. Jalapa Hospital and Research Center (RLJHRC).

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

This is a phenomenological study design. Twelve cancer patients diagnosed with cancer and taking treatment at the oncology unit of RLJHRC were selected for the study using a purposive sampling technique. All patients were interviewed using open-ended questionnaires through focus group discussions in a quiet conference room to maintain privacy. The time taken was approximately 60 min to collect data and verbatim transcription.

RESULTS:

Study results revealed that all cancer patients were females, the majority (33%) were aged between 51 and 60 years, 59% were not having a formal education, and 83% were residing in urban areas. From the study, six themes were extracted, and they were uncertainty, dependent on family, stigma and discrimination, family influence, and believing God with hope and gratitude.

CONCLUSION:

The study concluded that cancer patients had undergone various psychological problems from the time of diagnosis to treatment. Hence, efforts need to be taken by the concerned authorities to conduct counseling services for these patients and families.
PALYATİF BAKIM DENEYİMİ BULUNAN SAĞLIK ÇALIŞANLARININ SOSYAL HİZMET UZMANLARINA YÖNELİK DEĞERLENDİRMELERİ
Authors: Cansız Kösesoy Berra , Oktar Merve Nur
Published: January 2025

Bu çalışmanın amacı; palyatif bakım biriminde görevli sağlık çalışanlarının, sosyal hizmet uzmanlarına yönelik değerlendirmelerini ve sosyal hizmet uzmanlarına hangi konularda ihtiyaç duyduklarını keşfetmektir. Palyatif bakımda sosyal hizmet uzmanına yönelik mevcut algının ortaya çıkarılması, sosyal hizmet uzmanlarının sahada karşılaştıkları sorunların görünür kılınması açısından önemlidir. Nitel yöntem ile gerçekleştirilen çalışmada, betimsel fenomenoloji deseni kullanılmıştır. Veriler MAXQDA 2020 programı ile çözümlenmiştir. Elazığ Fırat Üniversitesi Hastanesi palyatif bakım merkezinde görev yapan, palyatif bakım çalışma deneyimine sahip, sağlık çalışanları (dokuz hemşire ve üç hekim) araştırmanın çalışma grubunu oluşturmaktadır. Araştırmada sosyal hizmet uzmanlarının ve sosyal hizmet uygulamalarının, palyatif bakım ekip üyeleri, kurum, hastalar ve yakınları açısından ihtiyaç olarak görüldüğü keşfedilmiş ve ana tema “Multidisipliner Ekibin Elzem Üyesi” olarak belirlenmiştir.
YAŞLILARA YÖNELİK BAKIM HİZMETLERİNDE KALİTENİN TEMEL UNSURLARI: YAŞLILARIN REFAHI İÇİN YÜKSEK STANDARTLAR
Authors: Irmak Yaşar Hatice Selin
Published: January 2025

Günümüzde, dünya genelinde nüfusun yaşlanmasıyla birlikte, yaşlı yetişkinlerin bakımı giderek daha önemli hale gelmektedir. Yaşlı insanların yaşam kalitesini artırmak ve refahlarını sağlamak için yüksek standartlarda bakım hizmetleri gerekmektedir. Kaliteli bakım hizmetleri, yaşlıların bağımsızlıklarını sürdürmelerine, saygınlıklarını korumalarına ve kendilerini değerli hissetmelerine yardımcı olabilmelidir. Bu bakımdan, yaşlı bakımında kalitenin önemi sadece yaşlıların fiziksel ihtiyaçlarının karşılanmasıyla sınırlı değildir; aynı zamanda duygusal, sosyal ve manevi refahlarını da içerir. Bu bağlamda, yaşlı bakımında kalite kavramı, hizmetlerin etkili, güvenli ve bireyselleştirilmiş bir şekilde sunulması ile ilgilidir ve yaşlı bakımında kalite kavramı, hizmetlerin etkinliği, güvenilirliği, erişilebilirliği ve kişiselleştirilmesi gibi çeşitli unsurları içermektedir.
Rurality and Curriculum Implementation in Zimbabwean Primary Schools: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Mufanechiya Tafara , Dube Bekithemba , Mufanechiya Albert
Published: January 2025

The paper argues that harnessing community epistemologies can greatly improve the implementation of the curriculum in Zimbabwean rural primary schools. The contribution of rural communities in educational discourses has been less valued and this position is being challenged given the wealth of knowledge and skills that are prevalent in rural communities. Employing the Social Capital Theory, the study empirically analyses the implications of engaging rural communities based on a qualitative descriptive survey design with a small purposefully selected sample of four rural primary schools, twenty primary school teachers, and ten community members.  The study employed focus group discussion and in-depth unstructured interviews in data collection. The research findings indicated that rural teachers cannot self-provide all the educational knowledge critical for quality primary school education. They need to meaningfully engage community members in the implementation of the primary school curriculum. Furthermore, rural community members felt the primary schools did not value their contributions and, therefore, did not engage them in curriculum implementation discourses. The study concludes that there is a need to change the current teacher-community relationship practices that erode trust and voluntarism on classroom matters and create favourable win-win educational conditions. The study recommends that teachers identify specific attributes of members of the rural community and exploit them for the good of curriculum implementation at the primary school level.
Pedagogy for Teaching Mathematics to Refugee Students: A Sociocultural Learning Approach
Authors: Adu Kemi Olajumoke
Published: January 2025

This paper engages in a literature review of pedagogy for teaching refugee mathematics. The paper reviewed includes the pedagogy and refugee students, the difficulty of refugee students, the methodology used to teach mathematics to refugee students, the conceptualization of the cognitive background of refugee students, and the differences in language and cultural barriers were also discussed. The paper underpins sociocultural learning theory, which has profoundly impacted educational psychology and pedagogy. The findings revealed that the understanding of the sociocultural learning approach can enhance the effective use of different pedagogies to teach mathematics to refugee students.  The paper concluded that by integrating different elements into their teaching practices, educators can create a more effective and supportive learning environment for refugee students, helping them to succeed in mathematics and beyond.
Enhancing Indigenous Knowledge Systems in Education through Folklore: A Case Study at the Further Education and Training Phase in South Africa
Authors: Jaxa Nontembiso Patricia
Published: January 2025

This article critically examines the role of folklore in teaching indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) within the Further Education and Training (FET) phase in South Africa, specifically in Home Languages curricula. Despite the recognised importance of indigenous knowledge systems in enhancing the relevance and effectiveness of education as articulated in the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS), their integration into formal education remains hypothetical. Utilising a culturally relevant pedagogy framework iteratively and the decolonial theory, this article explores how folklore could serve as an effective medium for implanting the IKS formal education. The findings accentuate the need for policy reforms to prioritise folklore in the FET phase, ensuring that all learners studying Home Languages are exposed to IKS as that is crucial in nurturing the cultural identity and cognitive development among learners.
A Review towards Enhancing Geospatial Technologies in South African Rural Education
Authors: Olatoye Tolulope Ayodeji , Fru Raymond Nkwenti
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the geospatial technologies in the South African rural schools. Despite the increasing importance of geospatial technologies, there is inadequate research examining their integration into rural education curricula. This gap in the literature raises questions about the effectiveness of current pedagogical practices in fostering proficiency in utilizing geospatial technologies among students preparing for careers in this field. The rationale behind this study lies in recognizing the critical role that geospatial literacy plays in contemporary professional practice. By identifying effective pedagogical practices, educators can enhance teaching and learning experiences, ultimately improving student outcomes, and the study addresses the broader societal need for skilled geospatial professionals in South African rural schools.  The study employed a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) on geospatial technologies in South African rural schools. In addition, the inclusion and exclusion research design were adopted for the study, while the social constructivism theory guided the study. The review process resulted in a detailed analysis of 54 relevant articles utilized for the study. The findings reveal that the challenges to utilizing GIS in South African rural education curricula are multifaceted, encompassing infrastructural deficiencies, limited access to technology and resources, lack of teacher training, curriculum integration issues, The findings contribute to understanding how proficiency in geospatial technologies can be enhanced through innovative teaching methods, addressing the growing demand for geospatial skills in various professional domains. This study recommends the enhancement of geospatial technologies rural education programs and standardizing geospatial curriculum frameworks, hands-on learning experiences, and interdisciplinary collaborations.
Examination of Gender Mainstreaming Policies in Mbhashe and Port St John's Local Municipalities, OR Tambo District, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Authors: Omojemite Matthew Damilola , Zibongiwe Mpongwana , Cishe Elphina Nomabandla
Published: January 2025

This study utilised a qualitative research approach to comprehensively assess gender mainstreaming policies in Mbhashe and Port St John's local municipalities within the O.R. Tambo District of the Eastern Cape in South Africa. Through focus group discussions with government officials, community leaders, and civil society representatives, diverse perspectives on gender issues and policy challenges were explored. Document analysis of relevant reports and policy documents provided additional context. Thematic analysis of the data identified recurring themes and related to gender mainstreaming policies, ensuring a clear understanding of their effectiveness and implementation gaps. The findings revealed Mbhashe's proactive measures to empower women in leadership roles contrasted with Port St John’s concerns about biases and unintended consequences in policy execution, highlighting the complexity of achieving comprehensive gender equality. Recommendations include enhancing educational programmes, awareness campaigns, fostering community involvement, and leveraging partnerships with religious, traditional and community leaders to promote inclusive practices and address structural inequalities, thus advancing sustainable gender equality and social justice agendas.
Pre-Service Teachers’ Perceptions on the Use of Proctoring Tools and its Impact on their Well-Being during Online Examinations at an ODeL Institution
Authors: Ngoako Rosina Nkadi
Published: January 2025

Academic integrity has been a serious concern in online assessments, resulting in most higher education institutions (HEIs) using proctoring. This paper explored pre-service teachers’ perceptions regarding proctoring tools during online examinations at an ODeL institution and investigated its potential impact on their well-being. This qualitative study used document analysis on the twenty e-mails purposively selected to provide narratives exposing pre-service teachers’ underlying emotions and anxieties when taking proctored online examinations. The theory of planned behaviour and the PERMA model assisted the researcher in conducting document analysis using ATLAS.ti 23 software to generate codes. Similar codes were later merged to formulate themes for a deeper exploration of experiences, emotions and concerns that students raised about using the proctoring tool. The results revealed that pre-service teachers experienced challenges like slow network or load-shedding and technical challenges that hindered them from accessing exam papers and uploading their answer scripts. This triggered negative emotions like frustration and sadness, affecting their well-being. By understanding students’ experiences, educational institutions, policymakers and technology developers can collaborate to make informed decisions regarding implementing proctoring tools. The study recommends that higher education institutions consider students’ well-being during online assessments, by providing workshops on coping strategies and proctoring processes before online examinations are taken, to prepare students and alleviate fear and anxiety. Institutions should also ensure that their software service providers regularly update their proctoring tools to reduce the challenges that these tools might pose during online examinations.
Aproximações teórico-metodológicas entre a perspectiva enunciativo-discursiva e a gramática do design visual
Authors: Oliveira Peterson José de
Published: January 2025

Neste trabalho visamos uma compreensão dos gêneros multissemióticos, em especial o que envolve imagem e palavra, a partir de elementos teórico-metodológicos da gramática do design visual (GDV) de Kress e van Leeuwen (2006), buscando mostrar de como a GDV está em consonância com as bases metodológicas enunciativo-discursiva encontradas na Base Nacional Comum Curricular (BNCC), de 2017.). Ao final, propusemos uma análise de um exercício didático para explorar tais potencialidades da GDV.
A terra fantástica da Amazônia
Authors: Marques Lima João Vítor , Correa Sotana Edvaldo
Published: January 2025

O objeto de estudo deste artigo é a dramaturgia teatral intitulada “Fragmentos de Vida” (1995), montada pelo grupo Teatro Experimental de Alta Floresta (TEAF), em 1996. Especificamente, pretende-se trabalhar com os seguintes recortes temáticos do texto: a) a propaganda realizada pela colonizadora que buscava atrair famílias do interior do Paraná para o norte de Mato Grosso; b) a relação de colonos e colonizadora com o garimpo na região durante a década de 1980. Refletindo assim sobre o papel do Governo Federal e a colonização na Amazônia Matogrossense.
ŽENSKO PISMO HOLOKAUSTA: SEĆANJA I SVEDOČANSTVA
Authors:   University of Arts in Belgrade, Faculty of Dramatic Arts, Serbia, Daković Nevena B.
Published: January 2025

The aim of this paper, as the comparative analysis of the three female writings about
Holocaust, is to map out the testimonies, trauma and the imperative to remember. All three
work toward the common aim to make the world know and to allow the post generations

not to repeat - as having the knowledge - the civilizational trauma of the past. The stylisti-
cally and generically diverse chosen titles: letters of Hilda Deutsch, journal of Helen Berr and
the memoires of Charlotte Delbo are signed by the witnesses, survivors sand victims. Seen

synchronically they represent the testimonies of the times of the Holocaust and the post-
trauma, while diachronically they coalesce into imaginary, multiperspective memory of the
times before (Berr), of the time in the concentration camps (Deutsch and Delbo) and the post-
times of the post trauma (Delbo).
D ’UN HOMME QUELCONQUE À UN BOURREAU: „LA MORT EST MON MÉTIER“ DE ROBERT MERLE
Authors:   University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Philology and Arts, Serbia, Melić Katarina V.
Published: January 2025

La parole du bourreau nazi est rare dans la littérature. Bien avant Jonathan Littel ou Laurent Binet, Robert Merle publie en 1952, en pleine période d’amnésie collective, un roman La mort est mon métier qui passe assez inaperçu : il est jugé comme politiquement incorrect pour deux raisons : il remet en cause les « interdictions » majeures – écrire de la poésie après Auschwitz, fictionner les camps et présenter un récit qui n’est pas celui d’un témoin survivant, mais d’un bourreau. Cette étude a pour but d’analyser pourquoi Robert Merle donne la parole au bourreau nazi, Rudolf Hoess/Rudolf Lang, commandant du camp de concentration d’Auschwitz. Dans son portrait du bourreau, Merle anticipe le concept de la « banalité du mal » d’ Hannah Arendt. Sa représentation du bourreau ne correspond pas au stéréotype du SS monstrueux et démoniaque : nous verrons dans notre analyse que, dans l’autobiographie fictive de Rudolf Hoess, Robert Merle adopte le point de vue du bourreau et fait un portrait en contre-exemple, celui d’un homme banal, ambitieux, dénué de sentiments et d’empathie, grimpant les échelles du parti nazi pour devenir un des architectes de la « solution finale » de la question juive.