bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stress Interpretation by Using Blood Glucose levels, blood pressure and pulse rate measurement in Patients attending Oral and Maxillofacial Clinic in College of Dentistry at University of Sulaimani
Authors: Abdalkarim Kardo , Hamaamin Kanar , Mahmud Bayad
Published: January 2023

Objective: Based on specific parameters such as blood glucose levels, blood pressure, and pulse rate, a prospective randomized case-control study was conducted to determine the stress during minor oral surgical procedures.  

Methods: A total of 200 patients who underwent minor oral surgical procedures were randomly assigned into two groups: group (1) received 2% lignocaine with adrenaline, while group (2) received the same plus an oral intake of 10 mg glucose in 200 mL water after administration of local anesthesia. Before starting the operation and after the procedure was completed, the blood glucose level, blood pressure, and pulse rate were taken at the chairside, with the time difference for each phase noted.      

Results:  In group (1), blood glucose levels were found to decrease before operations and then increase to a value higher than the preoperative value, while in group (2), blood sugar levels remained constant before eventually rising to a higher postoperative value. Blood pressure increased gradually in all classes, and a rise in pulse rate was observed.  

Conclusions: We found a temporary decrease in blood glucose levels preceding an increase in blood glucose levels, lasting no more than four or five minutes in minor intraoral operations under local anesthesia. Mild hypoglycemia may trigger episodes of psychogenic syncope, so this brief hypoglycemia is of great clinical importance. At the same time, pulse rate and blood pressure gradually increase with the procedures' progress, which is due to sympathetic nervous system excitation that promotes norepinephrine-induced changes in many systems.
Validity of a Self-reported Questionnaires for Periodontitis in a Kurdish Population of Sulaimani City/Iraq
Authors: Abdulsalam Lubna , Gul Sarhang
Published: January 2023

Objective: Full-mouth clinical periodontal evaluations in large surveys may not be practicable. Therefore, the questionnaire can be used to reduce cost and time. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate two previously used questionnaires to determine periodontitis and compare them in the Kurdish population. 

Methods: The two different questionnaires used were previously examined in different populations. Full mouth periodontal examination of bleeding on probing, pocket depth, clinical attachment loss, furcation involvement, and recession were recorded. The case definition of periodontitis is based on the 2017 classification. The receiver operating characteristic curve, area under the curve (AUC), and logistic regression were used to examine the validity of each questionnaire.      

Results: Self-reported questionnaires had a useful discriminative capability for detecting periodontitis patients. In questionnaire1, (Q1) has the uppermost true positive result (79.2%), and the strongest crude associations were seen for Q3 (17.72) and 4 (10.9). Whereas, in questionnaire 2, the most frequent positive response was to the Q12 (77.2%), and the strongest crude associations were detected for the Q2 (13.76%) and Q6 (20.78%). The combinations of questions revealed increasing the AUC.  

Conclusions: The use of several self-reported questions revealed a good performance for screening periodontitis in the Kurdish population, especially those related to patient awareness about periodontal disease, bleeding of the gum, treatment, and diagnosis that had been carried out for patients previously by a dentist.
El desacuerdo como fuente de humor en conversaciones coloquiales
Authors:   Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Milà-Garcia Alba
Published: January 2023

Este artículo tiene como objetivo estudiar la expresión del desacuerdo como fuente de humor conversacional, es decir, los casos en los que, en un marco humorístico, el desacuerdo se convierteen un elemento más que los hablantes usan para fortalecer las relaciones sociales y la solidaridad. Este valor está en acorde con la percepción situada y discursiva del estudio del conflicto en la interacción que prevalece actualmente, según la cual no se puede atribuiruna naturaleza amenazadora de la imagen al desacuerdo de forma intrínseca. El análisis cualitativo se basa en la selección de fragmentos de un corpus de conversaciones coloquiales en catalán entre amigos y familiarescercanos, caracterizadas en todos los casos por la proximidad y un marco y una temática muy cotidianos. Los resultadosmuestranque,dentro de un marco humorístico (identificado, entre otros indicios, conla aparición de la risa), los interlocutores construyen secuencias humorísticas que refuerzan los lazos afectivos del grupo a partir de la expresión del desacuerdo, que se manifiestade formas muy variadas.
Alterations of DA-related transcripts in A11 diencephalospinal pathways after spinal cord injury
Authors:   , Zhao Shunyi , Hou Shaoping
Published: January 2023

The A11 diencephalospinal pathways are the primary source of dopamine (DA) in the spinal cord. Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) often interrupts descending or ascending neuronal projections causing neuronal apoptosis or compromised function. Accordingly, we hypothesized that SCI alters mRNA levels of DA-related genes in A11 pathways. In this project, adult rats received a complete spinal cord transection at the 10th thoracic (T10) level. After 3 or 8 weeks, rostral (T5) and caudal (L1) spinal cord segments were collected to measure mRNA levels of DA-related genes, including tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), dopamine decarboxylase (DDC), D2 receptors and so on. In parallel, A11 neurons in the brain were isolated by laser microdissection and subsequent single-cell qPCR was employed to evaluate mRNA levels. Additionally, immunohistochemistry was utilized to assess the number of A11 DA neurons. The results showed a transient decrease in mRNA levels of TH, DDC, and D2 autoreceptors in the T5 spinal segment while mRNA levels of dopamine-[beta]-hydroxylase (DBH), D1 receptors, and several DA associated transcription factors did not change following SCI. Furthermore, axon degeneration below the lesion caused substantially decreased mRNA levels of TH and D2 receptors as well as a temporary decrease of DDC transcript in the L1 spinal segment. Histological analysis demonstrated that the number of A11 DA neurons did not change after injury, and similar mRNA levels of DA-related enzymes were detected in soma between groups. Thus, impaired A11 diencephalospinal pathways following SCI may transiently reduce DA production in the spinal cord rostral to the lesion.
Bladder exstrophy: surgical management in older children and young adults: review of 29 cases in sub-Saharan surgical facility
Authors: Getahun Gashaw M. , Desalegn Andinet
Published: January 2023

Background: Bladder exstrophy is a challenge to every surgeon in the world but it is more challenging in developing world. The condition is highly varied in nature and so are the procedures. Though rare it is associated with severe disability not to be able to have continence of urine and affect normal reproduction.
Methods: We retrospectively retrieved documents from hospital records
Result: We describe 29 cases of Bladder extrophy where 10 of which were treated with uretero-sigmoidostomy diversion. Bladder closures were done for 19 cases with 2 cases of bladder wall dehiscence. We also reported use of paraexstrophy skin to augment the contracted bladders in 9 older children.
Conclusions:  because of lack of awareness in the community, bladder exstrophy cases come late in the childhood or in adulthood. This has affected the result where many of them offered only diversion. In One third (9 cases) we used paraexstrophy skin to augment bladder capacity where we observed better outcomes.
Comparative study of early versus delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy in acute cholecystitis and its associated complications
Authors: G. Madhura , R. Deepthi , V. Neetha , S. Venkatesh
Published: January 2023

Background: Acute cholecystitis is a common surgical problem and was usually treated with conservative management followed by surgery after an interval of 6/8 weeks. The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of immediate with delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Methods: Randomized controlled trial in RRMCH from January 2019 to June 2019 was conducted on patients diagnosed to have acute cholecystitis. The 25 patients underwent immediate laparoscopic cholecystectomy within 24-72 hours of admission and 25 patients underwent DLC.
Results: In the early surgery group intraoperative complications noted were adhesions, bleeding, GB perforation and bile duct injury. Although the percentage of complications was high in delayed group no statistical significance could be derived between the groups
Conclusions: Early laparoscopic cholecystectomy (ELC) surgery had similar intra and postoperative complications compared to delayed surgery in acute cholecystitis but was associated with a shorter surgery and lesser stay in hospital.
Gall bladder perforation: critical analysis of management at tertiary care centre
Authors: Sharma Sanjay , Trehan Vikram , Ranjan Priya , Singh Amit
Published: January 2023

Background: Gall bladder perforation (GBP) is a rare complication of acute cholecystitis. Despite considerable advancements in diagnostic and therapeutic modalities, morbidity and mortality continues to be high, owing to delay in diagnosis and ill-defined treatment protocols.
Methods: We reviewed demographic profile, diagnosis and management strategies employed in 28 patients at our centre from Jan 2018 till Jul 2020. Patients were classified based on Niemeier classification.
Results: A total of 28 patients were identified but 3 excluded due to paucity of data. There were 21 patients of Niemeier type II perforation and 02 each of type I and III. Diagnosis of GBP was based on CECT in 18 patients. In patients with type II perforation, 03 underwent emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) though one required conversion. Twelve patients were managed conservatively followed by interval cholecystectomy after mean duration of 14 weeks. Of these 08 successfully underwent LC and 03 were converted to open surgery. One patient underwent open radical cholecystectomy due to intraoperative suspicion of carcinoma. 06 patients of type II perforation underwent percutaneous drainage of collection followed by LC after mean duration of 23 weeks. Histopathology revealed chronic cholecystitis in 16 patients, acute cholecystitis in 05, carcinoma in 02 and xantho-granulomatous cholecystitis in one patient.
Conclusions: CECT should be employed early for diagnosis in suspected cases and percutaneous intervention should be used in cases unresponsive to conservative measures alone. There are higher chances of success in performing LC after 14 weeks leading to better outcomes.
Accidental acid ingestion in children: case series and literature review
Authors: Suman Bijay Kumar , Singh Ram Jeewan , Sinha Amit Kumar , Kumar Bindey , Shweta
Published: January 2023

Acid ingestion in children is a common problem in developing countries. Immediate complications of acid ingestion are oesophageal perforation, laryngeal trauma, bleeding and fistula formation but stricture is a delayed complication. Gastric outlet obstruction is known complication of acids and surgery is the mainstay of treatment. Heineke-Mikulicz pyloroplasty was done in five cases without complications and the outcomes were satisfactory.
Perforated appendicitis after blunt abdominal trauma: a case report
Authors: Yu Kah Ling , Nor Azizan Aida Nadhirah , Ahmad M. Ammar
Published: January 2023

Cases of acute appendicitis due to blunt abdominal trauma (BAT) are rare, and usually regarded as two separate entities. Although the exact mechanism of acute appendicitis after BAT is unknown, several literatures reported their causal relationship. Suspicion of appendicitis should be raised in presentation of abdominal pain after BAT. We present a case report of two patients who developed acute perforated appendicitis following BAT.
A rare case of Amyand hernia with acute appendicitis in a 7-day-old child
Authors: Abo El Naga Mohammad A. , Abd Elhady Islam E. , Elwan Yomna H. , Abdo Shereen O. , Khalil Nervana M.
Published: January 2023

Amyand hernia is an extremely rare type of inguinal hernia where the vermiform appendix resides within the hernial sac. We presented a case of a 7-day-old male patient who presented to the ER with an irreducible right congenital inguinal hernia for 6 hours. The patient underwent surgical correction for the hernia where a thick, elongated, and inflamed appendix was identified within the hernia sac, ligated and excised to be sent for histopathological evaluation. Amyand hernia, as well as acute appendicitis in neonates, is an extremely rare condition, and in most cases, the diagnosis is established intraoperative because it's nearly impossible to be diagnosed by radiological imaging.
Peritoneal carcinomatosis as a pathway of metastatic dissemination in a patient with gastroesophageal junction cancer: case report and review
Authors: Ramírez José Á. Tovar , Ramos R. Lucano Valdés , Jiménez Miguel Á. Nava , Chávez Obed H. Grajeda , R. Luis Arturo Camarillo , Ponce Mariano Tovar , García Emmanuel Gómez , Hurtado Mauricio Martínez , Ramírez Daniela Rodríguez , S. Ludwigvan A. Bustamante
Published: January 2023

The oesophageal adenocarcinoma is an increasing pathology in the last decade, predominantly in the western population. A characteristic of esophageal cancer (EC) and esophageal-gastric junction cancer (EGJC) is the high percent of metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis one of the main causes of death in these patients. The present case is about a 78-year-old man, diagnosed with Barrett's esophagus with high-grade dysplasia and stenosis of distal third of esophagus, during surgery we found peritoneal carcinomatosis with implants in gut and no resectably disease.
A rare case of a giant vesical diverticular calculus managed successfully by endoscopy
Authors: Patil Santosh , Kundargi Vinay S. , Patil Siddanagouda B. , Patil Basavesh S. , Thakkar Saurabh M.
Published: January 2023

Vesical diverticula occur in the setting of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) and neurogenic vesicourethral dysfunction. Vesical diverticular calculi are rare, especially for minimally invasive endoscopic lithotripsy treatment. A male patient of around 80 years presented with complaints of urinary intermittency and dribbling for 3 to 4 days. On investigation, the patient was found to have a calculus within a diverticulum in the urinary bladder. After counselling, cystolithotripsy + transurethral resection (CLT+TURP) of the prostate under spinal anaesthesia was performed.  Usually, open surgery is recommended for the management of vesical diverticular calculi. However, CLT+TURP was the best option, in this case, keeping in mind the patient’s age and comorbidities. Simultaneous endoscopic resection of the prostate gland would help to treat the cause.
Intussusception in a mid-age female
Authors: Raj Rishabh , Deo Anshuman , Prem Pranjal , Kumar Prem
Published: January 2023

Intussusception in adults is a rare entity, especially caused by benign lesions like lipoma. The clinical picture of intussusception in adults is subtle making the diagnosis tenuous. Gastrointestinal lipomas are rare benign tumors and the present report describes one such clinical entity.
A rare case of delayed presentation of post traumatic diaphragmatic hernia presented with intestinal obstruction
Authors: Chaudhary Hiral D. , Bhatt Jatin G. , Rajyaguru Ajay M. , Vaniya Nilesh V.
Published: January 2023

Traumatic diaphragmatic injuries are rare complications resulting from a thoracic-abdominal blunt or penetrating trauma. Diaphragmatic injury is a rare entity and clinically difficult to be diagnosed as symptoms are often masked due to associated injury in poly trauma case. There are no specific signs and symptoms for diagnosing diaphragmatic rupture. High degree of clinical suspicion is needed in all cases of thoroco-abdominal injury to diagnose a case of diaphragmatic rupture.  Left sided diaphragmatic injuries are more commonly reported in literature.
Determinants of commodity management practices in public health facilities in devolved health systems: a case of essential medicines in Makueni County, Kenya
Authors: Mwangi Daniel I. , Njoroge Kezia , Oluoch Musa
Published: January 2023

Background: Good health commodities management is an essential component of effective and affordable health care services globally. Curative, preventative and rehabilitative care involve the utlization of medicines and medical supplies. The specific focus of the research was on the impact of: healthcare worker training; policy and institutional framework; healthcare budgetary allocations; and, available infrastructure on effective management of essential medicines in publicly owned health facilities in a devolved system.
Methods: The researcher used descriptive cross-sectional research design and a mixed method of qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques in collecting both primary and secondary data. The study adopted a stratified random sampling procedure to choose targeted 50 public health facilities in Makueni County from a population of 162 health facilities. The calculated size of the sample was 96 respondents through stratified sampling technique. The analysed data was presented using tables, charts and narration for qualitative data.
Results: The study findings established that health worker training, health budgetary allocations and available infrastructure had significant and positive effect on management practices of essential medicine in Makueni County, Kenya. However, the effect of policy and institutional framework was found to insignificant in predicting the management practices of essential medicines in Makueni County.
Conclusions: The study concluded that healthcare sector is a dynamic sector that faces different changes on a daily basis. Health worker training; policies and institutional structures; budget allocation; and infrastructure need to be advanced to meet the expectations in the evolving healthcare sector.
Role of specific interventions to prevent stunting in children under five years in the first thousand days of life
Authors: Wiyono Sugeng , Rachmat Moch , Marbun Rosmida M.
Published: January 2023

Background: Indonesia faces the problem of stunting in children under five years by 24.4%. Boys aged 3 years with severe stunting have 15.0 points lower reading ability and girls have 11.0 points compared to mild stunting, resulting in a decrease in intelligence (IQ), so that learning achievement becomes low. Objective was to obtain information on the role of specific interventions to prevent stunting in children under five years in the first thousand days of life.
Methods: Case-control design analytical research, in the stunted locus area, Jagakarsa Subdistrict, South Jakarta, Special area of the capital Jakarta Indonesia from 1 to 30 September 2021. Case samples of all stunting in children under five years and controls were normal height children who were matched for age and sex with 28 children each. The inclusion criteria in this research were ages 6-59 while the exclusion criteria in this research were toddler who had physical disabilities.
Results: Variables that showed a significant relationship with stunting in children under five years (p<0.05) were the length of a baby at birth (p=0.005) OR 4.958 (95%CI: 1.529-15.987), maternal height (0.002) OR 5.727 (95%CI: 1.765-18.507), father’s education p=0.006 OR 5.169 (95%CI:1.520-17.580, and family income (p=0.012) OR 9.800 (95%CI: 1.116-86.041.
Conclusions: Babies born <48.0 cm are at risk of 12.306 times of becoming stunting after controlling for variables such as maternal height, father’s education, energy intake, protein, iron, colds, exclusive breastfeeding, supplementary feeding for pregnant women and children and early initiation of breastfeeding.
Readiness for self-directed learning and learning style preferences among first year’s medical students
Authors: Abdelsalam Amira E. , Eltwansy Maha E.
Published: January 2023

Background: Self-directed learning (SDL) is a core element in enhancing learning outcomes and academic performance. It can be promoted through increasing students’ awareness of their own SDL skills and learning styles assessment.
Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted on 320 first year medical students (Zagazig University) during August and September, 2022. Using two standardized questionnaires: self-directed learning scale (assessing the readiness for SDL) and VARK questionnaire that assess different learning styles (visual, aural, read and write, kinesthetics).
Results: Almost 65% of the studied participants scored below the optimum score for self-directed learning readiness. Regarding the learning styles, all the participants reported multimodal learning styles. kinesthetic learning and visual styles were the most preferred (28% and 20.7% respectively). There was significant positive correlation between SDLR and kinesthetic learning style (p≤0.05).
Conclusions: Although the low overall SDLR score, but the students had a high desire for learning. As kinesthetic style was the most preferred that can increase the students’ self-directed learning.
Non-exclusive breastfeeding as the risk factor of stunting among Indonesian toddler in coastal areas
Authors: Kapantow Nova Hellen , Sanggelorang Yulianty , Adam Hilman
Published: January 2023

Background: Indonesia is ranked fifth in the world for the problem of stunting. Stunting in children under the age of five requires special attention, due to its inhibiting effect on children’s physical and mental development. Stunting has been associated with several factors, one of which is non-exclusive breastfeeding. This study aimed to analyse non-exclusive breastfeeding as the risk factor of stunting among Indonesian toddler in coastal area.
Methods: This study was an observational analytic study with cross sectional approach, which was carried out for 6 months, from March to September 2022. The sample population was children aged 36-59 months, who lived with their mothers in the coastal areas of Bitung city, north Sulawesi province. Sampling was done by purposive sampling to get 120 samples. Data collection using questionnaires by interview, secondary data in the maternal and child health (MCH) book, and anthropometric measurements using height for age index, for indicated stunting.
Results: The results showed the history of exclusive breastfeeding (POR=2.630), energy intake (POR=2.492) and protein intake (POR=1.857) as the risk factors of stunting. It showed that in the group of children who were not exclusively breastfed, have less energy and protein intake, and poor parenting, have a higher risk of stunting compared to children from other groups.
Conclusions: Stunting among toddler can be prevent by controlling many factors, such as guarantees that every mother provides exclusive breastfeeding, and maintains adequate energy and protein intake during the growth period, especially in the first 1000 days of a child’s life.
Occupational health and safety hazards faced by health care professionals in Kathmandu based hospital: a cross-sectional analytical study
Authors: Marasini Ramita , Shrestha Pratik , Chaudhary Yaman
Published: January 2023

Background: Occupational health and safety is a broad discipline that covers several specialized fields, including physical, psychological, chemical, biological, and mechanical/electrical, and assesses the health and safety of employees in a broader context. Healthcare workers including physicians and nurses get regularly exposed to occupational hazards. The objective of the study was to analyse the occupational health and safety hazards faced by healthcare professionals in Kathmandu.
Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in the hospitals of the Kathmandu district. Ethical approval was taken from National Academy for Medical Sciences and hospitals. Purposive sampling was used to select the hospitals and convenience sampling was used to collect the data from respondents using semi-structured questionnaires. The total sample size was 247. Data collected from respondents were entered into Epidata and were analysed and expressed using SPSS version 25.
Results: Back pain (64.8%) and needle injury (59.5%) were the most perceived injury that might occur in hospitals along with hepatitis B (35.2%) and covid (23.9%) as infections. The majority (88.7%) of health workers used PPE while working and biological hazards (88.3%) were the most suffered hazards followed by chemical hazards (87%). The age group of 50-60 years, higher secondary level graduates, government health workers, doctors, and nurses were statistically significant with safety practices whereas Buddhist, married participants, governmental health workers, nurses, and radiologists were associated with hazards.
Conclusions: The development and updates of existing policy on OHS and training/workshop, exposure to information, and awareness are necessary for improving occupational health and safety of health care workers in Kathmandu valley.
Prevalence of tobacco dependence among rural population of Mysuru District
Authors: H. P. Poorvitha , Kumar D. Sunil , Basava J. Dodda
Published: January 2023

Background: Tobacco is generally a leaf with 1-3% of the alkaloid nicotine Consuming it becomes so dangerous that it is the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Tobacco risks include heart attack, gum disease and pre-cancerous mouth lesions etc. The purpose of the current study is to investigate the prevalence of Tobacco dependence and factors that contribute to tobacco dependence among rural populations. Objectives of current study was to estimate the prevalence of tobacco dependence and to assess the factors influencing Tobacco dependence among rural population.
Methods: A community based cross sectional study was carried out in rural areas of Nanjangud taluk for 6months from January 2022 to June 2022. Multistage sampling Technique was adopted to select the study population.one subcentre is selected randomly by lottery method, PPS sampling technique will be applied to select the required number of participants from the villages in the selected subcentre. Sample size is 362 individuals aged above 18years who comes under ICD10 criteria were included in the study. The data were gathered using the pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire by interview method, and the FRAGESTROM test to assess dependence on nicotine SPSS version 25 was used for analysis.
Results: The overall prevalence of Tobacco dependence among rural population of Nanjangud taluk is 62.40%. We found that tobacco dependence was significantly associated with gender, age group, occupation education, and socioeconomic status and there is no significant association between caste and Tobacco dependence.
Conclusions: The present study concludes that the prevalence of tobacco dependence is high in a rural population. More tobacco free initiatives to be implemented.
Marital and family relationships among women with severe mental illness during perinatal period admitted to a mother baby psychiatric unit, India
Authors: Kaur Gurinder Preet , Vaiphei Kimneihat , Ganjekar Sundernag , Thippeswamy Harish , Chandra Prabha S. , Desai Geetha
Published: January 2023

Background: Pregnancy and transition to parenthood is often a stressful event and brings about more profound changes than any other developmental stage of the family life cycle. Consequently, pregnancy and post-partum are times of increased vulnerability for the onset or relapse of a mental illness. The current paper aimed at understanding the marital and family relationships among women with severe mental illness during the perinatal period in India.
Methods: The study included a retrospective chart review of mothers admitted to a mother-baby unit between the years January 2015 to March 2020. We included all mothers who were married and had onset of SMI in the perinatal period. Details of socio-demographic, clinical profile and descriptive understanding of relationships were collected.
Results: The total sample was 149, mean age of women in years was 25.27 (SD=4.97). The clinical diagnosis included non-affective psychosis (45.5%), affective psychosis (42.2%) with 130 (87.24%) women having their first episode of SMI during the postpartum period. More than half of the women admitted to the ward reported having problems in their marital relationship, with 25% experiencing violence from their spouses and in-laws. Interpersonal issues with their in-laws in the context of violence, household chores and poor support.
Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of routine assessments of the quality of marital and family relationships including domestic violence. There is a need to provide interventions aimed at helping women deal with difficulties in intimate and social relationships.
Knowledge, attitude and practices about Nipah virus infection among people visiting urban and rural health training centres
Authors: Kardalkar Shruti , Hiremath Bhavana R. , K. Swetha
Published: January 2023

Background: Nipah virus infection is an emerging infectious disease of south-east Asia region, which has gained public health importance. Nipah virus is classified internationally as a biosecurity level (BSL) 4 agent. Objective was to assess knowledge, practice and attitude regarding Nipah virus infection.
Methods: A cross sectional study was done in urban and rural health training centers among adult population, data was collected using pre-designed and pre-tested proforma. Data was entered in Microsoft excel, frequencies and percentages were calculated.
Results: In present study majority of study participants belonged to less than 25 years. Nuclear families were common in both urban (76%) and rural (44%) areas. 41% and 35% of urban and rural study participants belonged to class II status respectively. In present study it was found that both urban and rural study participants had heard about Nipah virus infection in recent few months. 73% of urban study participants considered themselves at risk of Nipah virus infection when compared to 36% of rural participants. Rural study participants did not have clarity of spread, signs and symptoms. 11% and 6% of urban and rural study participants had heard health education talks about Nipah virus infection respectively and most common source was social media.
Conclusions: The present study finding is suggestive of good knowledge regarding Nipah virus infection among urban population when compared to rural setting. Continuous health education has to be imparted at all levels of health care so as to make community aware about spread, clinical presentation and prevention aspects of Nipah virus infection.
Socio-economic coordinates and morbidity profile of the inhabitants of a peri-urban area of Srinagar district of Jammu and Kashmir India: a cross sectional study
Authors: Ahmad Javeed , Fazili Anjum B. , Shah Rohul J. , Qulsum Reyana
Published: January 2023

Background: The present study was planned to find out socio-economic coordinates and morbidity profile of the inhabitants of a peri-urban area of Srinagar district- urban field practice area of Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS).
Methods: A cross-sectional community-based house to house study of Anchar area (peri-urban) was conducted for a period of six months. Out of six localities/mohallas of anchar, three localities/mohallas representing the core area and comprising the major chunk of population were purposively selected for the study. All the households of the selected localities were included in the study.
Results: The inhabitants of area are moderately positioned on socio-economic scale. The area lacks an adequate liquid waste disposal system. The prevalence of tobacco use was found to be 30.61%. 10.94% of the total population was found to be morbid. Most common morbidities found were hypertension (5.15%) followed by diabetes (1.41%), hypothyroidism (1.23%) and cardiovascular disease (0.82%).
Conclusions: Life style diseases are preponderate among the study population. Sustained and regular health check-ups ought to be carried out with a special focus on awareness and education.
Postural strain of spinner and casting workers of a small-scale aluminium utensil making factory
Authors: Chatterjee Tapomoy , Mazumder Sahana , Gangopadhyay Somnath , Ghorai Tamal , Samanta Amalendu
Published: January 2023

Background: Small scale establishments often neglect the worker safety and comfort which impacts both productivity and workers’ safety. Various studies have been conducted in such small-scale establishments but not much has been done on aluminium utensil manufacturing factories. Spinning and casting are two important processes for manufacturing of aluminium utensils. But not much has been studied to assess the hazards of the involved workers. The present study is an attempt to explore this previously unnoticed area.
Methods: The study was conducted in different small scale aluminium utensil factories in West Bengal. Sixteen spinners and seventeen casting workers were evaluated for this study. The analysis of posture was done by rapid upper limb assessment (RULA), rapid entire body assessment (REBA) and Ovako working posture analysis system (OWAS). The body parts discomfort was assessed by using Cornell musculoskeletal discomfort questionnaire and Nordic questionnaire was also used to assess the pain they experience.
Results: All the casting workers are experiencing postural load beyond the recommended limit whereas in case of spinner, five workers experienced less postural load due to favorable work conditions. Casting workers mainly suffered from low back, neck, right shoulder pain whereas spinners suffered from wrist and finger pain followed by lower extremity pain.
Conclusions: Both group of workers are experiencing postural load and discomfort. In case of casting workers, the prevalence was high and immediate interventions are needed. The discomfort is particularly high during the end of shifts.
A study of growth pattern of school going children of Kolkata, India
Authors: Ghorai Tamal , Mazumder Sahan , Gangopadhyay Somnath , Chatterjee Tapomoy , Shaw Kartik , Das Payel , Samanta Amalendu
Published: January 2023

Background: In our society only, a few peoples have good physiological status from their childhood. Health status of children and adolescents is important factor for young society. This present study highlights the peoples’ state of health and nutrition. Change in height with respect to age can be seen during puberty and adolescence. Growth can also be dependent upon the geographical regions.
Methods: In this study included 230 adolescent students (boys- 146, girls- 84) in the age group of between 12-18 years. So many related growth parameters were measured using by an anthropometric rod, weighing machine, and slide calliper. BMI, p value was obtained by performing t-test at 0.05 level of significance. Statistical software SPSS version 20 was used.
Results: Growth parameter was found to be increasing with age and it was more pronounced between 16 and 17 years. Interestingly the increment of all the growth parameter was found to be more in urban and less in rural.
Conclusions: The findings of this study showed a progressively increasing of growth-related parameters with ages and the progress vary, indicating a nutritional supplementation are unequal (unequal growth pattern), as it was evident from different growth parameters percentile values of CDC and IAP values. This study will certainly help to create among the children and their parents about the physical growth and health.
Impact of third wave of COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and its related lifestyle: a cross sectional survey
Authors: Rath Padmalaya , Gautam Shweta , Jain Shruti , Bajpai Anurag , Singh Mohan , Kaushik Subhash
Published: January 2023

Background: The coronavirus outbreak has a detrimental impact on human life. Various measures have been taken to reduce socioeconomic impact, but many problems still persist especially mental health, in particular anxiety. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence and contributing factors of anxiety among the people aged 18 and above, residents of Noida, during the third wave of COVID-19.
Methods: This was descriptive cross-sectional study with semi structured questionnaire, completed by 401 participants. The questionnaire covered four parts: dysfunctional anxiety, mental health-related lifestyle changes, the indicators of negative mental health impact, and social and family support.
Results: The mean age of participants was 36.9±11.5, and 34.2%, aged between 18 and 30 years. Of 401 participants, only 29 participants (i.e., 7.2%) reported CAS≥9 indicating anxiety. CAS is significantly higher in females, housewives and non-working group. Also, 53% of respondents reported that the pandemic had worsened their financial burden. There was an association between some of the sociodemographic variables and anxiety, different responses of lifestyle choices, negative health impact and social and family support.
Conclusions: The pandemic had some positive results such as impact on social and family support, awareness of mental health issues and lifestyle changes. These positive results might operate as effective defences against the adverse COVID-19 effect. Further studies are required to investigate the positive impacts attributed to COVID-19 which can be supported.
An assessment of knowledge regarding breast cancer among educated women in Kanpur Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Singh Sapna , Anand Deepak , Tyagi Preeti , Gupta Rashmi
Published: January 2023

Background: Most common female cancer worldwide including India is breast cancer. Awareness about breast cancer is very necessary for early detection and prevention as diagnosis at advanced stages of disease contributes to the high mortality rate. An assessment of existing levels of knowledge regarding cancer is a pre-requisite to find out gaps and to plan for proper educational programmes.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in a women’s college, study subjects were students, female faculty members and female staff.  A structured questionnaire was given, data was collected and analysed.
Results: In this study it is found that knowledge regarding risk factors for breast cancer was low, only 47.68% knew that family history predisposes for breast cancer, 28.48% knew late menopause is risk factor. 76.82% of respondents knew that lump in breast is a sign of breast cancer, whereas only 31.13% knew that discharge from nipple is sign of breast cancer. Merely 6.40% of respondents knew the procedure of breast self-examination. Majority of respondents i.e. 54.53% told media as source of information.
Conclusions: Regarding breast cancer low level of knowledge was found among the study subjects which suggests that proper information should be provided in colleges, especially health facilities and schools should increase their role in providing related information.
A cross-sectional study to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice about COVID-19 following the 2nd wave among the residents of Mysuru city
Authors: Akbar Shabeena , Vadaga Vijaylakshmi Rao , Anil Deepak , Murthy M. R. Narayana , Kumar D. Sunil
Published: January 2023

Background: COVID-19 is an infectious disease which emerged at the end of 2019 in China and soon took over the world. Interventional measures such as lockdown and health education were provided to contain the spread of the infection. The present study was conducted to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of the people of Mysuru and clarify any misconceptions regarding the disease or COVID-19 vaccination following the 2nd wave of the disease.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from June to July 2021 to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice about the 2nd wave of COVID-19 among the people residing in Mysuru city. The aim was to correct any misconceptions about COVID-19 vaccination, black fungus and basic practices to combat the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. A sample size of 142 was interviewed with a questionnaire through a door-to-door survey.
Results: Though awareness about black fungus and basic etiquette was present among the people, there was poor knowledge about the benefits and use of COVID-19 vaccination among the people.
Conclusions: Providing health education is essential to provide knowledge to the public. However, clarifying their doubts and queries is also an essential component to ensure better attitude and widespread practice of the containment measures.
A cross sectional study on awareness about cancer screening methods for breast and cervical cancer in women of reproductive age from Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh
Authors: Sharma Sudha , Arya Vimal K. , Malhotra Anil K.
Published: January 2023

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are responsible for 63% of all deaths in India of which 9% are due to cancers according to the World Health Organization (WHO) global profile 2018. One in eight men and one in eleven women die from the disease globally (Globocan 2020). To reduce the morbidity and mortality due to the disease early diagnosis of disease and risk factors by regular screening of asymptomatic people is recommended. Objectives of the study were: to assess the awareness about methods for breast and cervical cancer screening among women of reproductive age, and to assess their readiness to go for screening.
Methods: In a health awareness session on cancer screening among women of reproductive age the participants (104 women) were given a self-designed questionnaire which was administered before the session. The questionnaire covered general awareness about cancer, the symptoms and the methods of screening for breast and cervical cancer. The results were expressed in frequency and percentages.
Results: The mean age of participants was 29.8 years (range 21 years-45 years). 88% felt that early diagnosis would improve outcome. Only 11% had heard of Pap test and only 3 had gotten it done. Around 21% had heard about mammography and only 4% had heard about breast self-examination. 86% and 90% were ready to get themselves screened for cervical cancer and breast cancer respectively, if given the opportunity.
Conclusions: This study highlights both the lack of knowledge and the high acceptance of cancer screening among women. Awareness campaigns at regular intervals backed by immediate access to screening facilities are required to address the problem.
Outbreak investigation of cholera in a rural community, Rivers State Nigeria: an interventional epidemiological study
Authors: Luke Golden Owhonda , Anwuri Luke  , Bright O. Ogbondah  , Ifeoma Nwadiuto  , Victor Abikor  , Emmanuel Owhondah
Published: January 2023

Cholera is a potentially life-threatening public health menace caused by a gram-negative rod-shaped bacterium known as Vibrio cholerae. This study was an epidemiological investigation of the cholera outbreak in Degema local government area (LGA), Rivers State, Nigeria. An interventional epidemiological study was conducted in a rural community between December 2021 to February 2022. All suspected cases were identified using the World Health Organization (WHO) case definition of acute watery diarrhoea. The standard outbreak investigation procedures (active case search, case management, water sanitation, hygiene) were implemented. The cholera outbreak observed two waves within an at-risk population of 373,071 in the affected LGA. Of the 35 line-listed suspected cases (male-20 versus female-15), the highest frequency was observed among those aged 0-5 years. The index case was reported on the 3rd of December in the 47th week of 2021 and abated by the 49th week, while the 2nd wave began in the 1st week of 2022 and abated by the 6th week. The stool samples result revealed; six positives for RDT, while four samples were positive by microscopy. All patients received home-based treatment except for two cases that were managed at the healthcare facility. The attack and case fatality rates were 0.01, and 8% respectively. The Rivers State public health emergency operation centre deployed standard epidemiological interventions for the containment of acute watery diarrhoea (cholera) aimed at reducing morbidity and mortality; however, vaccines were not part of the response. The deployment of vaccines and provision of potable water will improve response outcomes.
Survey of Pregnant Women’s Attitude towards Healthy Nutrition in Yazd City
Authors: Sadeghi Saeedeh , Khodayarian Mahsa , Mazloomy Mahmoodabad Seyed Saeed , Nadjarzadeh Azadeh , Fallahzadeh Hossein
Published: January 2023

Background: Healthy nutrition is a part of a healthy pregnancy. Having a poor food attitude towards healthy nutrition often leads to unfavorable consequences for the mother and her baby. Health care providers need to be aware of these attitudes, so that they can focus their attention on pregnant women during this critical period. Therefore, the present study aims to determine the attitude to healthy nutrition of pregnant women in Yazd city, Iran. Methods: The present cross-sectional descriptive study included 250 pregnant women aged 18-49 years who referred to community health centers, without any background diseases using random sampling method. The face and content validity of the researcher-made questionnaire was confirmed by experts. Its reliability was evaluated by Cronbach's alpha method and completed by self-reporting. The data were analyzed by SPSS software. Results: The mean score of pregnant women’s attitude towards healthy nutrition was 132.7 ± 22.0. According to the results, despite the obstacles to providing healthy and practical food for pregnant women, such as their high cost, research units sought to provide healthy food during this period. Also, there was an inverse relationship between nutrition-related attitudes during pregnancy and higher pregnancy rates. Multiparous women had fewer misconceptions than primiparous women, which require training of health professionals to prescribe appropriate food attitudes. Conclusion: In general, it can be inferred that the women of the present study adhered to their nutritional attitudes that originated from their culture, and this study was able to provide a clear picture of the cultural attitudes to healthy nutrition of pregnant women in Yazd.
Production of Rice-By Product Protein Isolate Using the Subcritical Water Extraction Method
Authors: Raeisi Ardali Fatemeh , Sharifan Anousheh , Mousavi Seyed Mohammad , Mortazavian Amir Mohammad , Jannat Behrooz
Published: January 2023

Background: Subcritical water extraction (SWE) is a friendly technique applied to produce rice by-product extract. The aim of this study is using SWE as a new friendly extraction method for producing protein isolates (PI) of rice bran and rice combination as a byproduct of Iranian agriculture product. Methods: D-optimal combined design was used to optimize bran rice ratio, solid/water ratio, extraction time, and particle size to obtain maximum protein. Bran (8-12%) and rice ratio (88-92%) solid water (0.04 -0.12%), time (15-45 min), and particle sizes (420 µm and 710 µm) were selected as independent variables, and protein as dependent variable. After optimization, the effects of extraction parameters on functional properties were investigated. Results: Increasing bran/rice ratio has a significant effect on the protein extraction. In this study, the optimum SWE conditions were solid water (0.12), bran rice ratio (8:92), time (45 min), particle size (420 µm), and the optimum SWE temperature was obtained at 120 Cº. SWE also could significantly enhance functional properties, such as the solubility, emulsifying activity index (EAI), and degree of hydrolysis of by-product of rice milling (BRM) PI. Conclusion: According to the positive impact of SWE on protein extraction and the functional properties of BRM PI, this method could be applied as a novel extraction technique to modify the properties of rice protein isolate for functional purposes in the future. However, more investigation is required to study the quantity and quality of the extracted valuable materials to scale it up for industrial means.