bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanism of action of exercise regulating intestinal microflora to improve spontaneous hypertension in rats
Authors: Li Yu , Song Xiaoju , Dai Lianjing , Wang Yangyi , Luo Qiong , Lei Lei , Pu Yunfei
Published: October 2024

Hypertension is a prevalent cardiovascular disease. Exercise is widely recognized as an effective treatment for hypertension, and it may also influence the composition of the intestinal microflora. However, it remains unclear whether exercise can specifically regulate the intestinal microflora in the context of hypertension treatment. In this study, tail blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) was measured using a blood pressure meter after exercise intervention and fecal bacteria transplantation following exercise. Blood lipid levels were assessed using an automatic biochemical analyzer, and 16S rRNA sequencing was employed to analyze the intestinal microflora. Histological examinations of ileal tissue were conducted using HE and Masson staining. Intestinal permeability, inflammatory status, and sympathetic activity were evaluated by measuring the levels of diamine oxidase, D-lactic acid, C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, lipopolysaccharide, norepinephrine, angiotensin II, cyclic adenosine monophosphate, and cyclic guanosine monophosphate. Exercise was found to reduce blood pressure and blood lipid levels in SHR. It also improved the composition of the intestinal microflora, as evidenced by a reduced Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, an increase in bacteria that produce acetic and butyric acid, and higher Chao 1 and Shannon diversity indices. Furthermore, exercise reduced the thickness of the fibrotic and muscular layers in the ileum, increased the goblet cell/villus ratio and villus length, and decreased intestinal permeability, inflammatory markers, and sympathetic nerve activity. The intestinal microbial flora regulated by exercise demonstrated similar effects on hypertension. In conclusion, exercise appears to regulate the intestinal microflora, and this exercise-induced change in flora may contribute to improvements in hypertension in rats.
PELO DIREITO DE SER QUEM SOMOS: UMA REVISÃO BIBLIOGRÁFICA SOBRE O GRUPO DIGNIDADE E TONI REIS
Authors: Gomes Izabela de Paula , Mezzomo Frank Antonio
Published: October 2024

O presente artigo tem por objetivo identificar e analisar as produções bibliográficas produzidas sobre o Grupo Dignidade, precursor na busca pela promoção da cidadania e dos direitos da população LGBTQIA+ em Curitiba, Paraná. Esse exercício permite compreender como a instituição e um de seus fundadores, Toni Reis, são tematizados no espaço acadêmico e como tem sido sua visibilidade no espaço público. Para isso, consultamos três bases de dados eletrônicos: Google Acadêmico, Portal de teses e dissertações da CAPES e Portal de artigos Scielo. Identificamos 9 trabalhos que abordam a temática proposta tendo como recorte temporal os anos entre 2013-2023. Para análise das produções construímos três eixos temáticos: 1) formação do Grupo Dignidade; 2) adoção homoafetiva; e 3) atuação do Grupo e de Toni Reis no espaço público. Concluímos que as discussões no âmbito acadêmico têm sido insipientes, a despeito da relevância e do papel político e social desempenhado pelos envolvidos.
GEOPOLITICAL CONSCIOUSNESS OF UKRAINIANS AS AN EXISTENTIAL PHENOMENON
Authors:   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine, TURPAK Nadiia
Published: October 2024

The article is devoted to the study of the geopolitical consciousness of Ukrainians as an existential phenomenon based on the Ukrainian studies approach. Emphasis is placed on the need for a value-semantic distinction between the geopolitical consciousness of Russians and the geopolitical consciousness of Ukrainians, which is a determining prerequisite for Ukrainian studies of this problem. It is claimed that the geopolitical consciousness of Russians is based on aggressive expansionist values and semantic principles. In turn, the opinion that the basis of the geopolitical consciousness of Ukrainians is based on humanistic existential value-meaning principles is substantiated. Thus, in particular, on the basis of the analysis of the geopolitical ideas of Ukrainian philosophers, it is shown that the geopolitical consciousness of Ukrainians is based on the archetypes of the Ukrainian mentality, is connected with the idea of harmony in arranging the geopolitical space of existence of the Ukrainian ethnic group and the Ukrainian nation, and also bears the imprint of the geopolitical injuries associated with the need for Ukraine to overcome civilizational challenges at key stages of its development. It is emphasized that the problem of the transformation of geopolitical science in the direction of postmodernism, which is a topic of modern Western European humanitarianism, is also actualized by the awareness of the need to modernize the geopolitical consciousness of Ukrainians. So, in particular, the article emphasizes the newest, integrative possibilities of the Ukrainian studies approach for further research. It is substantiated that the geopolitical consciousness of the Ukrainian community is one of the fundamental factors for the establishment of the geopolitical subjectivity of Ukraine and the modernization of its geopolitical priorities and values in the conditions of countering the global challenges of war. Aspects of further research into the geopolitical consciousness of Ukrainians in the context of the need to affirm its geopolitical subjectivity are proposed.
MYTHS OF THE WAR AND MYTHS AROUND THE WAR: AN ATTEMPT OF ANALYSIS
Authors:   H. Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine, HRABOVSKYI Serhii
Published: October 2024

The article is devoted to actual theoretical and practical issues related to the Russian-Ukrainian war. The author of the article aims to study the phenomenon that can be characterized as myths of war. The first of these myths (more precisely, a group of myths) consists in the identification of all Ukrainians with the Soviet population, which in its majority is incapable of self-directed actions and is used to relying on the government, its instructions and ideas in everything. The next group of myths, which lives both in foreign and partly in Ukrainian public opinion, consists in denying the belonging of rashism, its instructions and practice, to one of the varieties of fascism. Rashism is terrible, but it is not fascism. But this myth is based on a misunderstanding at the best. This myth is connected to a myth that denies the totalitarian nature of both the Russian state and a number of its allies (Belarus, Iran, North Korea, etc.). These states are called either authoritarian or "totally not free" states, in the latter case ignoring the fundamental difference between them and, for example, Haiti. However, a totalitarian state is distinguished by the fact that, with rare exceptions, it cannot be changed by overthrowing the ruling regime. It can only be destroyed in one way or another. The next myth consists in laying the main blame for the failure of the 2023 counteroffensive on the Ukrainian command, on its wrong plans and actions. The author of the article proves that in the absence of the necessary support from those Western partners who were most afraid of "intensification of escalation", the counteroffensive was a priori doomed to failure. The correct thing to do under these circumstances would be to switch to strategic defence, and this myth is spread by those who are actually directly involved in the failure of the offensive. Finally, another myth of the current war is related to the use by the Rashists of thousands of so-called "refugees" and "migrants" from Asian and African countries for a "hybrid war" against the European Union in order to distract its attention and weaken support for Ukraine.
Means of Human Rights Activities by the State
Authors: Chechelnitskiy I. V.
Published: October 2024

The paper defines the author’s approach to the concept, types, and features of the means of human rights activity of the State. The paper analyses the question of the correlation between the categories of «goals» and «means» from the point of view of various philosophical movements. The author has examined the correlation between the following concepts: means, methods, tools, legal means and human rights means. It is proposed to consider human rights tools in philosophical, institutional and instrumental aspects. The analysis of the means of state human rights activity enshrined in legislation is carried out, their signs and classification are proposed. It is shown that it is the availability of appropriate tools and their professional application that gives the state human rights activity an effective character and distinguishes it from other types of human rights protection. The analysis made it possible to conclude about the need to increase the consistency of the means of state human rights work. Proposals have been developed to improve normative legal regulation in the context of the development of public human rights activities.
Financial Sovereignty in the Doctrine of Financial Law of Pre-Revolutionary and Soviet Periods: A Historical and Legal Study
Authors: Omelchenko A. G.
Published: October 2024

The paper is devoted to the study of the works of leading pre-revolutionary and Soviet period researchers representing the science of financial law in relation to issues related to financial sovereignty. The work analyzes textbooks on financial law written by E. N. Berendts, S. I. Ilovaisky, V. A. Lebedev, D. M. Lvov, I. I. Patlaevsky, I. I. Yanzhul, V. G. Yarotsky, M. A. Gurvich, G. S. Gurevich, S. A. Kotlyarevsky and E. A. Rovinsky. It is noted that at an early stage of development (the end of the 19th — beginning of the 20th century), the science of financial law had not yet formed a unified idea not only about financial sovereignty, but also about the content and system of financial law as a science. At the same time, the authors of this period paid special attention to the problems of financial supremacy (the law of supreme power in the field of public economy). At the initial stage of the formation of Soviet power, researchers do not focus on studying the essence of financial sovereignty. Later, the Soviet authors proceeded from the position based on constitutional provisions, according to which it was the Union republics that possessed sovereignty manifested in the recognition of the fullness of their power on their territory and the right to independently carry out financial activities. It is concluded that granting the status of a sovereign State to individual Union republics, also in the field of financial activity, is inconsistent with the essence of sovereignty and the essence of the federation as a form of government. In the federation, the bearer of sovereignty can only be of the federal level of government common to the whole country.
Criminally Relevant Psycho-Emotional States of Individual: Problems of Consideration when Assigning Punishment
Authors: Porayko V. V.
Published: October 2024

The paper reviews the problems related to the assessment of criminal law significance of the psychoemotional states of an individual at the time of committing crimes. An analysis of forensic practice and judicial statistics allowed the author to focus attention on the increase in both the total number of persons referred to forensic psychiatric examination and the number of identified insane and partially sane persons. This has made several issues more urgent. It is important for the court to consider if the guilty party is limited in sanity; when sentencing the guilty party, the nature of their behavior in the period immediately preceding the commission of the crime; the psycho-emotional state of the subject when implementing the principle of guilt in crimes committed negligently. The problems that cause the greatest difficulties in law enforcement practice and disagreements in the doctrine of criminal law are identified. The most promising ways to solve them have been outlined. According to the author, the adoption by the Plenum of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation of special explanation on the issues of considering criminally relevant psycho-emotional states should contribute to the removal of these problems. The document must, in particular, clearly spell out the options for considering the limited sanity of the perpetrator when assigning a sentence, as well as the nature of his behavior in the period immediately preceding the commission of the crime. The author also advocates for expanding, at the legislative level, the grounds for recognizing an act as committed innocently.
Women’s religious communities and patronage in the UK
Authors: Jordan Kate
Published: October 2024

This paper discusses women as architectural clients through an examination of Roman Catholic nuns as patrons, designers and in some cases builders of religious architecture. The paper offers two case studies to explore the roles that women assumed in religious communities: the first, a chapel commissioned and built by a community of Carmelite nuns in Wales during the 1950s and the second, a recently completed abbey in the North of England. The examples highlight the evolution of female agency in the built environment and how this has been impacted by the professionalisation of architecture.
The clinicopathological profile and treatment outcomes of stage IV lung cancer patients treated at a tertiary cancer center in India
Authors: Shrivastav Gunjan , Batra Sandeep , Rohatgi Nitesh , Gupta Alok , Siddiqui Hiba , Arya Devavrat , Bahl Ankur , Chaturvedi Harit
Published: October 2024

Background: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a devastating disease that originates from a complex combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. A prospective study was conducted at Max Hospital, Saket, New Delhi, to assess the above factors in stage IV lung cancer patients and determine the survival rate and quality of life (QOL) parameters post-administration of the recommended first-line therapy.
Methods: The primary objective of the study was to determine progression-free survival (PFS) in stage IV lung cancer patients after receiving the first-line therapy. This study also evaluated the clinical and histopathological profile of patients, survival rate, and QOL parameters after the administration of first-line therapy, which includes chemotherapy, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI), immunotherapy, and chemo-immunotherapy.
Results: The study enrolled 85 patients (63 males, 22 females) with a mean age of 64.08±10.3 years. The median PFS was 10.56 months, with a six-month survival rate of 74.3% and a one-year overall survival rate of 58.3%. Among stage IV lung cancer patients, adenocarcinoma was more common (64.71%), especially in females (86.36%) compared to males (57.14%). Out of 85 patients, 54 completed the QOL questionnaire at baseline and follow-up, showing significant improvement in QOL scores during follow-up (p<0.0001).
Conclusions: This prospective study showed improvement in PFS compared to the studies already conducted in different parts of India. A notable trend of increase in NSCLC was observed among females. Improvement in QOL scores was observed in patients who received chemotherapy and TKI as the first-line therapy.
Correlation of microalbuminuria and diabetic retinopathy: a retrospective study
Authors: P. Supraja , K. Hemalatha , P. Suneetha , K. P. Shruthi , B. Manohar Babu
Published: October 2024

Background: By 2030, the number of people with diabetes is estimated to increase to 366 million. As the number of people with diabetes increases, the development of microvascular complications also rises. DR is responsible for 4.8% of the 37 million cases of blindness worldwide. The present population-based study was carried out to estimate the prevalence of microalbuminuria in type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between microalbuminuria and the presence and severity of diabetic retinopathy in individuals with diabetes.
Methods: Patients with diabetic retinopathy who underwent urine albumin excretion testing in the retina clinic in 2022 were taken. The sample collected was a total of 200 patients with diabetic retinopathy. Each patient's clinical findings, OCT, and spot urine albumin were noted. Reports of other risk factors were collected. All parameters were compared between two groups (with and without nephropathy).
Results: The prevalence of microalbuminuria in patients with diabetic retinopathy and maculopathy is higher. Patients with microalbuminuria mostly had severe NPDR and PDR.
Conclusions: Patients with microalbuminuria would have more severe retinopathy compared to those without nephropathy. This study helps ophthalmologists in the early detection of the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy and prevents its progression by careful monitoring.
A case report on neurological Wilson disease in an adolescent boy
Authors: Paul Sarmistha , Ratan Piyush , Shankhwar Rajat K. , Shankar Udvaw , Anurag
Published: October 2024

Wilson disease is an inherited metabolic multi-system disease that affects primarily the liver and brain. The cirrhotic liver combined with degenerative changes in lenticular nuclei of brain gives it the name of hepatolenticular degeneration. It is a rare disease involving the ATP7B gene and its protein. Here we discuss a case of a 15-year-old male who presented with predominantly neurological symptoms such as tremors, gait abnormality, dysphagia, and dysarthria which turned out to be a case of Wilson disease. Early identification is usually difficult since it has a long latent period and involves multiple systems with varied manifestations. It is a treatable with fair prognosis if diagnosed early.
Distal deep vein thrombosis as a presenting manifestation of tropical hyper-eosinophilia
Authors: Sharma Vishnu , Bagrodia Vansh , Digwal Arpita , Parchwani Tanishk
Published: October 2024

A young woman with swelling and pain in her left leg was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) confirmed by Doppler study. However, she also had hypereosinophilia (HE), which led to investigations for possible underlying causes. Positive serologic testing for Filariasis suggested it as the likely cause, highlighting DVT as a presenting manifestation of tropical HE. Treatment with rivaroxaban for DVT and antiparasitic medication led to normalization of eosinophil counts and complete resolution of DVT on follow-up. This case presents a rare occurrence of DVT seen as a presentation with tropical HE.
Systemic lupus erythromatosus presenting as cardiac tamponade: a rare and life-threatening presentation
Authors: Kothia Darpan , Nagar Madhvi , Nandania Parthkumar , Chatterjee S. S.
Published: October 2024

We present a case of a 35-year-old female with 3-4 months history of left sided chest pain, low grade fever, dyspnea on exertion, dry cough, fatigue and myalgia. Initial investigations including pleural fluid CBNAAT was negative. Empiric anti- tuberculosis therapy was initiated based on clinical and radiological findings. Despite treatment, symptoms persisted. Subsequent evaluation including echocardiography which showed moderate pericardial effusion along with special investigations leading to a diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus. Treatment with corticosteroid resulted in significant symptom improvement. This case highlights the importance of considering systemic lupus erythematosus in patients with atypical presentations, even in absence of classic features.
Benefits of using fiber post and core to restore decaying teeth: a case report and analysis
Authors: Patil Sujeet K. , Jain Saloni S.
Published: October 2024

The post and core approach works best for treating teeth with short clinical crowns that are insufficiently strong to sustain the final restoration. The widespread acceptance of fibre posts can be attributed to their advantages over traditional metallic post materials. Additionally, fibre posts' mechanical and aesthetic advantages have given them popularity in the dental industry. Additionally, the outcomes of a few clinical trials have given therapists confidence to employ the fibre posts. For the previous six months, the primary complaint of a 23-year-old guy had been decaying teeth in the upper front area. On both sides of the maxillary central and lateral incisors, deep proximal caries was discovered. Because of the poor remaining crown structure and crown placement, the proposed course of treatment involved root canal therapy for all four teeth, followed by post and core for 11, 21, and 22. One of the many problems caused by anterior teeth decay is appearance. When such teeth are restored with glass fibre posts as opposed to the more traditional post core technique, the patients have better results over an extended period of time with fewer appointments. Glass fibre restorations, as opposed to the more conventional post core procedure, yield superior outcomes over a longer length of time and require fewer consultations.
Hemorrhagic viral encephalitis: an unusual presentation of chikungunya viral infection
Authors: Kamble Aarav S. , Kute Akshay P. , S. Anitha M. , Badadhe Pooja
Published: October 2024

Chikungunya is a mosquito borne alpha virus that is implicated in causation of viral fever with arthralgia which is literally translated as “to become contorted” depicting the severity of the pain. The infection in itself is self-limiting, however the joint pain and myalgia associated with it might linger till weeks, months or even years. Some cases also progress to the viral fever associated complications such as meningitis, encephalitis and Guillain–Barré syndrome. Though, some cases of encephalitis have been reported, it is a relatively rare complication. Here we present a case of a 17 years old male with viral fever secondary to Chikungunya infection which progressed to hemorrhagic encephalitis which is relatively unknown and rare complication of the infection.
Uncommon presentation of sigmoid diverticulitis: colouterine fistula with pyometra
Authors: Solanki Ashvi U. , Fakih Kausar A. , Iyer Sandhya , Singh Mansha
Published: October 2024

Pyometra is accumulation of pus in the uterine cavity. We present a case of a 76-year-old female presenting with pyometra secondary to a colouterine fistula in a case of sigmoid diverticulitis. Patient had come with complaints of pain in lower abdomen associated with loose stools and fever. Computed tomography (CT) of abdomen showed circumferential wall thickening of sigmoid colon with diverticulitis. ~125 cc of fluid collection with air fluid level was seen in uterus abutting the sigmoid colon. On administering rectal contrast, leak of contrast was seen in the collection. In order to treat the sepsis, a diverting loop colostomy with dilatation of cervix and drainage of pyometra was done. Patient was planned for definitive surgery of sigmoid resection with hysterectomy after resolution of infection and inflammation. However, patient had a myocardial infarction in postoperative period and succumbed to the same. Since colouterine fistula secondary to diverticulitis is rare, we wish to add this case to current scientific literature.
Medicinal plants used as female contraceptives in India: a review
Authors: Sharma Pramod Parasharam , Kature Shilpa Kashinath , Sharma Sakshi Pramod
Published: October 2024

Contraception means prevention of conception. There are a variety of modern medicines and methods are existing in accordance to their nature of use. Some medicines/methods support short period birth control, while some other gives long term birth control or permanent sterility. But all modern medicines / methods have benefits as well as side effects associated with them. On other hand, plant medicines used for female contraception provide alternate way to avoid pregnancy as which show lesser side effects. Several plants have been used to prevent conception since ancient time and pharmacological researches have proved antifertility potential of several plant medicines. In present review information of different medicinal plants used as female contraceptive is provided. Information of 116 plants for preparing 130 formulations used as female contraceptives along with, plant part used, mode of preparation of medicine, mode of administration and references of the research publication from which information such as, traditional uses and pharmacological studies have been gathered.
Knowledge, attitude and practice on road traffic safety among the motorbike riders of Lalitpur metropolitan, Nepal
Authors: Phuyal Sujeeta , Ghimire Sushmita , Adhikari Anita , Khadka Debendra , Pahari Sandip
Published: October 2024

Background: Motorbike riders are among the most vulnerable road users, and road safety plays a primary role in eliminating road traffic accidents (RTAs). The objective of the study was to determine the level of knowledge, attitude and practice of road safety among motorbike riders and to identify the factors associated with their knowledge, attitude and practices.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study was conducted among 151 motorbike riders utilizing face-to-face interview. Systematic sampling technique was applied to 1516 households of the selected ward. Socio-demographics and KAP were obtained using structured questionnaire. Bivariate and multivariate analysis was done to find out the association between independent and dependent variables.
Results: Overall, only (62.9%) respondents had adequate knowledge of road safety; (73%) of riders had a favorable attitude toward road safety; while only (44.37%) followed good road safety practices. The practice of drunken-drive was reported by total of 33.2% of respondents. Results showed that over speeding practices were (5 times) higher in males, mobile use was seen more (7.4 times) among age group 18-24. The more the years of riding experience the more the speedy driving, i.e. (1.08 times) higher among those having more than 2 years of riding experience.
Conclusions: To address RTA through, we conclude that traffic police and other stakeholders should implement robust legislation concerning road safety. This should include periodic training and examinations for vehicle users to ensure their understanding and compliance with road safety measures.
Determinants of successful transition from adolescent to adult HIV treatment in Zambia: a facility-level based comparative study
Authors: Chabu Timothy , Kazonga Eustarckio , Mutemwa Richard
Published: October 2024

Background: Successful transition from adolescent to adult care has not been extensively evaluated, in Zambia. The study aimed to assess the relationship between facility-based socio-demographic traits and successful transition to adult HIV care, in Zambia.
Methods: A retrospective descriptive cross-sectional analysis of 7275 patient files from 718 PEPFAR sponsored facilities. Data was extracted from the National Electronic Health Record (EHR) system and imported into STATA SE v-16 for analysis. Descriptive statistics were calculated on socio-demographic features and facility-level performance. Logistic regression was used to analyse the association between level of facility and successful transition to adult care, comparing third level facilities to lower-level facilities. Chi-square was employed to evaluate the association between socio-demographic traits and effective transition outcomes at a significance level of 0.05.
Results: 43.2% had successfully transitioned to adult care. Health posts performed the best, with 57.3% of patients successfully transitioning to adult care. The study found that health post type, private ownership, rural location, and province were significant factors in successful transition. Adolescents in lower-level facilities had a 59.9% success rate compared to those in third-level facilities.
Conclusions: The study stresses the importance of health system structure and posits that successful transition depends on many factors, not simply adolescent traits.
Influence of male targeted short message service on knowledge, nature of attitude and male involvement on uptake of family planning among spouses in Marsabit County, Kenya
Authors: Matoke Vincent O. , Gitonga Eliphas M. , Owaka Isaac O. , Okari Geoffrey M. , Mutabazi Michel , Ogutu Gideon M. , Odhiambo Felix B. , Anyika Daniel K. , Salima Ruth , Okenyoru Douglas S.
Published: October 2024

Background: Family planning services helps the individuals or couples to regulate the number and determine healthy spacing and timing of pregnancies. Globally, contraceptive prevalence stands at 49.0%, Sub-Saharan Africa at 29.0%, Kenya at 56.9% and Marsabit County at 5.6%. Some of the reasons given for low uptake include low knowledge level, negative attitude and lack of male involvement on family planning matters. This study aimed at establishing the influence of male targeted short message service on knowledge, nature of attitude and male involvement on uptake of family planning among spouses in Marsabit County.
Methods: A pre-test and post-test quasi experimental study design was adopted involving randomly selected 220 couples from Laisamis (control group) and Moyale (intervention group) sub-counties. Intervention of male targeted short message service was offered weekly to male spouses from Moyale sub-county. A questionnaire was used to collect data. Data analysis was done using SPSS. All the required ethical and logistical considerations were adhered to accordingly.
Results: Male targeted short message service increased level of knowledge significantly (OR 4.173, p=0.001), changed nature of attitude (OR 2.7335, p=0.004) and male involvement in family planning (OR 4.4306, p=0.001).
Conclusions: The study concluded male targeted SMS intervention increased level of knowledge, attitude changed and males were involved. The County government of Marsabit should engage opinion leaders in family planning to help in educating and changing the attitude of the men towards family planning.
Sleep deprivation and its associated factors among early adolescents in selected schools of Kathmandu Metropolitan City
Authors: Chudal Shrima , Neupane Maryada , Baral Kushalata , Sharma Puja , Poudel Yogesh
Published: October 2024

Background: Sleep deprivation is a growing mental health issue that is characterized by a lack of adequate sleep with fatigue and lethargy. It is an increasing concern for early adolescents as they have constant access to the internet and social media nowadays. This research aimed to identify the prevalence of sleep deprivation and its associated factors among early adolescents.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 329 early adolescents from selected schools in Kathmandu valley. The lottery method was used to select the study area and simple random was used for sample units. A semi-structured questionnaire and face-to-face interview were conducted as a data collection tool and technique. KOBO toolbox and SPSS 25.0 were used for data entry and analysis. Relevant descriptive statistics were computed for all variables and the association was computed using the Chi-square test.
Results: Among 329 respondents, 60.2% had poor sleep quality, and 54.7% were dependent upon social media. Sleep quality and social media dependency were positively associated with the gender of the respondent, frequency of checking social media apps per day, use of social media before sleeping and after waking up, duration of social media usage before sleeping, academic performance, and interest in studying.
Conclusions: This study showed a significant relationship between social media usage, poor sleep quality, and academic performance. It highlighted a critical need for awareness of sleep deprivation and the psychological effects of excessive social media usage on adolescents in Kathmandu valley.
The spectrum of congenital heart defects among children at federal medical centre, Asaba, Nigeria
Authors: Okwundika Ifeoma O. , Ajaegbu Obinna C. , Ighbosewe Peace A. , Ezeonwu Bertilla U. , Mbagwu Nkemjika E. , Sadoh Wilson E.
Published: October 2024

Background: Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a common problem in the pediatric age group with significant morbidity and mortality when early diagnosis and prompt treatment are not instituted. Recent reports have shown an increasing burden of this disease. This study was aimed at documenting the prevalence and patter of CHD among children at Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba.
Methods: This was a hospital based retrospective observational study. The records of all children seen at the department of pediatrics FMC Asaba who did cardiac echo-cardiogram between 2019 and 2022 were reviewed. The clinical, demographic and echocardiogram details were retrieved, descriptive analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS), version 21.
Results: A total of 324 children were identified to have CHD of which 178 (54.9%) were male and 146 (45.1%) were female given a male to female ration of 1.2:1. Ventricular septal defect (27.7%) was the most common congenital heart disease seen while tetralogy of fallot 25 (7.7%) was the most prevalent cyanotic congenital heart disease. Trisomy 21 (5.5%) was the most frequently identified chromosomal abnormality identified among the subjects. A total of 61 (18.8%) of the subject died.
Conclusions: The spectrum of CHD in our study was largely similar to previous documentation in the literatures. The mortality rate among children with CHD in our environment is still high largely due to non-availability of surgical intervention.
Knowledge and awareness regarding thyroid disorder among paramedical students
Authors: Abirami R. Sakthi , Subiksha E. , Mubasheer K. F. Mohammed , Swetha M. , Padmaja S.
Published: October 2024

Background: Thyroid disease ranks as the second most common endocrine disorder worldwide, following diabetes. In India, the prevalence mirrors global trends, with approximately 42 million individuals affected, accounting for one in ten adults.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 1064 paramedical students aged 18-25 years. The study received approval from the institutional ethics committee, and informed consent was obtained from all participants. Data on knowledge and awareness were collected using a questionnaire. Statistical analysis, including frequency, mean, standard deviation, percentage was performed using SPSS version 2.0.
Results: The study found that 31.86% of students had a low level of knowledge about thyroid disorders, while 24.90% demonstrated a high level of knowledge on thyroid symptoms. Additionally, 8.17% of students showed good awareness of thyroid disorders, whereas 42.01% had low awareness levels. Third-year students aged 20-22 exhibited higher awareness (12.40%) of lifestyle factors and preventive measures affecting thyroid health.
Conclusions: There were significant gaps in knowledge and awareness of thyroid disorders among paramedical students. Enhancing education and outreach efforts could help bridge these gaps, empowering individuals to recognize symptoms, seek timely diagnoses, and access appropriate treatment.
Development, validation, and reliability testing of the standard treatment workflow checklist
Authors: Prudhvi Teja Rangisetti Naga , Thimmiah Arjun , Kachroo Kavita , Moinudeen Syed Abdul Khader , Sahithya Vanjavakam , Sharma Jitendra , Grover Ashoo
Published: October 2024

Background: Standard Treatment Workflows (STWs) are systematically developed documents designed to enhance clinical care and patient outcomes. Validating these workflows is essential for their adoption across diverse clinical settings. This study aimed to develop and validate a checklist for evaluating STWs.
Methods: The study was conducted in three phases. Initially, items were generated through a comprehensive literature review and expert consultations, followed by pre-testing (N=50). In the second phase, content validation (N=43) was performed using the Content Validity Index (CVI) and Content Validity Ratio (CVR) to assess the relevancy and essentiality of each item. Item-level (I-CVI) and scale-level (S-CVI) indexes were calculated. Items were accepted, modified, or rejected based on these scores. In the third phase, pilot testing (N=30) assessed the checklist's reliability and calculated Cronbach's alpha.
Results: The final checklist comprised 33 close-ended and one open-ended items. Each item was deemed relevant and essential, with I-CVIs ranging from 0.96 to 1.00 and S-CVI/UA and S-CVI/Ave values of 0.83 and 0.99, respectively. CVR values ranged from 0.85 to 1.00, with an average CVR of 0.97. Reliability testing yielded Cronbach’s alpha values of 0.863 and 0.961 for the two parts of the checklist.
Conclusions: The developed checklist is valid and reliable, with satisfactory CVI, CVR, and Cronbach’s alpha values. It can be used as a standard tool for assessing STW validation and effectively capturing essential aspects of STW evaluation.
Effectiveness of structured teaching programme on knowledge regarding worm infestation among mothers of under-five children
Authors: Amin Ishrat , Mushtaq Tahira
Published: October 2024

Background: Children from low and middle-income nations continue to be primarily affected by worm infections. Development and nutrition may be hampered by an intestinal worm infection. The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of structured teaching programme on knowledge regarding worm infestation among mothers of under-five children.
Methods: A pre-experimental one group pre-test and post-test research design was used for the study. The sample selected were 40 mothers of under-five children in a selected area of Pulwama, Kashmir. A self-structured interview schedule was used to assess the knowledge.
Results: The collected data was analysed by SPSS. The study findings revealed that the mean knowledge score of nursing students in the pre-test was 16.97 and mean knowledge score of nursing students in the post test was 29.52, with a mean difference of 12.55. In pre-test, 30 (75%) had poor knowledge, 10 (25%) had average knowledge, whereas in the post-test 8 (20%) had poor knowledge, 25 (62.5% had average knowledge and 7 (17.5%) had good knowledge. The present study revealed that there was no significant association between pre-test knowledge score with the selected socio-demographic variables.
Conclusions: The study revealed that mean knowledge score of nursing students in post-test was higher than the mean knowledge score of nursing students in the pre-test. The structured teaching programme was effective in improving the knowledge regarding worm infestation among mothers of under-five children.
Assessing the knowledge, preparedness and perceived barriers among dental clinicians and academicians regarding tobacco cessation counselling in Chennai city- a cross-sectional study
Authors: Balasundaram Ravisankar , Sundaram Sounthariya Angamuthu Shanmuga , Sivakumar Kokila , Kumar Rajeswary , Subramanian Kalaivani
Published: October 2024

Background: Every year, tobacco usage causes three million deaths worldwide. Specialized counselling enhances the rate of cessation by an additional 4-7% when compared to standard counselling. Nowadays, the evaluation of oral health includes tobacco cessation. The goal of the study was to evaluate the knowledge, readiness, and perceived barriers of Chennai’s dentistry practitioners with reference to tobacco cessation counselling.
Methods: Over the course of three months, from March to May 2024, an across-sectional questionnaire survey was carried out among dental professionals in Chennai city, comprising researchers (group 1), practitioners (group 2), and academicians and practitioners combined (group 3). A semi-open, coded, structured, self-administered questionnaire was mailed to them, and it was analysed.
Results: It appears from the study’s findings that nearly every group felt that they could assist patients in quitting smoking. All of the perceived barriers to our study have been overcome after counselling, 75.9% of academicians and practitioners combined experts received good comments from patients and 70.9% of academicians felt that the patient’s chances of quitting had increased. On the other hand, 42.9% of academicians and practitioners combined professionals thought they didn’t have enough time to provide patients advice.
Conclusions: Compared to academicians and clinicians in other groups, dental professionals in academicians and practitioners combined group possess superior knowledge and actively engage with patient cessation. This is evident from the results of our study. Thus, at the community and institutional levels, there is an urgent need to raise awareness and provide academicians and physicians with training.
Oral self-care practices, oral health status and treatment needs in diabetic and non-diabetic patients undergoing orthodontic treatment
Authors: Asarsa Shekhar K. , Gopal  , Bisht Shivani
Published: October 2024

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia resulting either from defects in insulin secretion, action, or both, affecting almost all tissues in body, including those in oral cavity and hence the aim of this study is to assess oral self-care practices, oral health status and treatment needs of diabetic and non-diabetic patients undergoing orthodontic treatment.
Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 120 each diabetic and non-diabetic patients ranging from 14-35 years undergoing orthodontic treatment. Data was collected using pre tested questionnaire for oral self-care practices and WHO proforma (1997) was used for assessing oral health status and treatment needs. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 17.
Results: The present study revealed that there was not much difference in the oral hygiene practices among both groups. Percentage of oral mucosal lesions, Pocket formation, Loss of Attachment and mean DMFT was high among diabetic group when compared to non-diabetics.
Conclusions: Since the prevalence of periodontitis is more among diabetic, the oral hygiene practices have to be improved. The oral complications of diabetes can be prevented by combined effect of dentist and the Physician by emphasizing the patients for periodic review to dentist for improving the oral health.
Prevalence of osteoarthritis knee among elderly in rural field practice area of Rajarajeswari Medical College, Bengaluru, India
Authors: S. Suriyan , S. Usha , M. Shashikala , C. Chandrakala
Published: October 2024

Background: The most prevalent kind of arthritis and a highly common disease of the elderly is osteoarthritis (OA). It is a major contributor to disability among elders. The cervical and lumbosacral spine, the hip, the knee, and the first metatarsal phalangeal joint are the joints most frequently afflicted by it. Objective was to estimate the prevalence of osteoarthritis knee and to assess the risk factors associated with osteoarthritis knee among elderly persons in rural field practice area of Rajarajeswari Medical College, Bangalore.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted by visiting house to house among 150 elderly people selected by purposive sampling technique at Chunchunnakuppe village which is located on South Bangalore from June 2023 to July 2023. A detailed clinical examination of knee using American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria and Socio demographic information were also elicited.
Results: A total of 150 elder respondents were interviewed out of which 63 (42%) had OA knee. Female gender, history of a knee injury, family history of knee pain, other chronic illness, current physical activity, BMI, and smoking status were found to be significantly associated with knee OA (p<0.05).
Conclusions: In the study area, osteoarthritis of the knee was quite prevalent. Some of the modifiable factors like physical activity, smoking, BMI are significantly associated with OA knee.
Fast-food consumption among Indian adolescents and associated factors
Authors: Arya Chhavi , Dubey Neha
Published: October 2024

Fast food consumption is on a rise among adolescence in India and this age group is also facing the double burden of malnutrition. Fast foods are an unhealthy food choice and are associated with increasing obesity and related non -communicable diseases at a young age. India has the largest adolescent population and the health and nutrition issues of this group need to be addressed. Ironically children and teenagers who require more healthy nutritious food constitutes the largest population preferring fast foods. There is need to gain a clear insight on the issue in Indian context therefore the current paper was undertaken to study the scale of the problem, along with factors contributing to rising fast-food consumption among adolescent in India. The review primarily focused on existing Indian studies pertaining to the issue. Available studies report high prevalence of fast-food consumption and lower than recommended consumption of fruits, green leafy vegetables and dairy products which is likely to result in higher calorie consumption and lesser intake of protein, vitamins, minerals, dietary fibre and phytochemicals in respondents. Both urban and rural adolescence show rising trends of fast-food consumption. It is higher among the urban counterparts. Studies establishing association between overweight/obesity and junk food/fast food consumption in this age group could be sighted. Studies reported taste, affordability, availability, advertising and marketing, parental influence, nuclear families and working mothers, peer pressure and meal skipping to be the contributory associated factors.
Urban health data in India: mapping gaps and solutions
Authors: Kumar Vibhor , Deshmukh Ashwin
Published: October 2024

Inadequacies of current health information systems in capturing the diverse health needs and vulnerabilities within urban populations, emphasizing the need to move beyond fragmented traditional data collection approaches. By incorporating emerging technologies and enhancing governance structures, such as strengthening coordination mechanisms and promoting transparency, urban health stakeholders can overcome data gaps and better address the evolving health landscape.
Understanding caregivers' needs: supporting families of autistic children
Authors: John Leena Pravil , Hemalatha R.
Published: October 2024

Parenting a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) poses significant emotional, financial, and social challenges to caregivers. This paper examines the experiences of caregivers, highlighting their increased stress, burnout, and mental health concerns. The importance of accessible information resources, respite care services, emotional support networks, and financial assistance programs is emphasized. Effective strategies for supporting caregivers include educating them about ASD symptoms, treatments, and therapies, teaching coping mechanisms for managing challenging behaviors, and promoting collaboration between healthcare providers and caregivers. Policy implications are discussed, including advocating for legislative modifications that prioritize caregiver needs, promoting inclusionary practices within educational systems, and increasing funding for early intervention programs and caregiver support services. The implementation of parent training programs, collaborative relationships between educators and caregivers, and professional development opportunities for educators are also recommended. This study aims to inform policymakers, healthcare professionals, and educators about the critical role of caregiver support in improving outcomes for children with ASD. By addressing caregiver needs and providing comprehensive support, we can enhance the well-being of both caregivers and children with ASD.