bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serological and molecular survey of zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis in stray dogs (Canis familiaris) from an endemic focus in Meshkin-Shahr district in Ardabil province, Iran
Authors: Tabatabaie Fatemeh , Nasirikaleybar Yashar , Mohebali Mehdi , Solgi Rahmat , Babaei Vahid , Heidari Zahra , Orujzadeh Fariba , Zarei Zabihollah
Published: December 2022

Background & objectives: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL),a protozoan disease caused by Leishmania infantum is a major public health problem and cause of death among infants aged under 1 year and the elderly in endemic foci of Iran. The aim of this study is to determine the status of L.infantum infection in stray dogs from Meshkin-Shahr, a typical endemic area of VL in Iran.

Methods: Sixty-eight randomly trapped stray dogs in Meshkin-Shahr area were tested for L. infantum infection using the direct agglutination test (DAT) from June to October 2016. The confirmation of seropositive samples was performed by Microscopic slides of spleen, culture and then PCR. The molecular methods performed by ITS1-PCR, RFLP-PCR and kDNA-PCR. The allof kDNA -PCR products were sequenced.

Results: Out of 68 examined stray dogs, 17 (25.0%) were positive for L. infantum by DAT (1:320 titers or higher). Parasite test showed that all of seropositive samples have amastigote forms in their spleens but only 3 out of them could be cultured. The kDNA-PCR confirmed all of seropositive samples but ITS1-PCR and RFLP-PCR only confirmed 3 out of 17 (17.6%) seropositive samples. The sequenced products showed 94% homology with L. infantum.

Interpretation & conclusion: The results showed a high prevalence of L. infantum infection in dogs in an endemic area of CVL and it provided key information for designing control programs against canine and human leishmaniasis.
Chagas’ disease among school students from Chiapas, Mexico
Authors: Guadalupe Vidal-López Dolores , Martha Bucio Torres , Margarita Cabrera Bravo , Elia Torres Gutiérrez , Adelina Schlie-Guzmán María , Adrián Pérez-Vargas , María Salazar-Schettino Paz
Published: December 2022

Background & objectives:

Chagas disease is a vector-borne life-threatening illness originally confined to the Americas. Seroprevalence studies have been reported in the Mexican state of Chiapas; nevertheless, no clinical/cardiological studies have been conducted to detect underage cases. The aim of the present work was to detect underage cases in the Mexican state of Chiapas.

Methods:

A serological screening by ELISA was conducted on 1556 blood samples from school pupils; seropositiv- ity was confirmed by indirect ELISA and indirect immunofluorescence. Seropositive cases were clinically assessed in a hospital, and electrocardiographic and echocardiographic studies were performed. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis.

Results:

Seropositivity was confirmed in three cases in the population under study (0.19%). Cardiological studies confirmed the presence of alterations associated to Chagasic cardiomyopathy in two of the three patients.

Interpretation & conclusion:

The conditions for an active transmission of T. cruzi infection are met in the rural localities under study. Additionally, the presence of Chagasic cardiomyopathy in underage patients highlights the relevance of an early detection of cases to provide specific treatment at the onset of the infection and to implement epidemiological surveillance as suggested by PAHO/WHO.
The optimization of PpSP15 purification from salivary glands in Iranian wild Phlebotomus papatasi (Diptera
Authors: Ghafari S M , Parvizi P
Published: December 2022

Background & objectives: Sand fly saliva contains proteins that modulate the host immune system and it plays an important role in both blood feeding and the outcome of Leishmania infections. The profile of the salivary proteins was examined and analyzed from an endemic focus of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis by wild P. papatasi to find local and suitable antigens as potential proteins for developing Leishmania vaccine alongside the development of a new extraction technique.

Methods: Specimens were caught from Bojnord, using funnel and CDC traps. Different methods of protein extraction were employed and a new technique was developed. The proteins were extracted from the salivary glands tissues with a lysis buffer. Purification was performed using RP-HPLC, with a linear gradient protocol from 0-60 % of acetonitrile. PpSP15 was characterized by SDS-PAGE.

Results: The concentration of extracted protein content was 0.5 and 0.03 μg/μl in chemical and physical methods, respectively. PpSP15 was isolated at a weight of 15kDa in 80–85 min of run time. SDS-PAGE was able to characterize PpSP15. The crude extract of the chemical method, revealed 15 separated bands, ranging from 11–100 KDa. Tajima D index was positive.

Interpretation & conclusion: PpSP15 was characterized from Iranian specimens; it is a very highly hydrophobic protein of salivary glands among SP15- like proteins. The chemical method of extraction was found to be more effective than physical methods (P < 0.05). For developing a vaccine against leishmaniasis, depending on the location, choosing suitable proteins should be considered and an efficient extraction method should be used.
Clinical profile and severity of Plasmodium vivax and falciparum malaria in hospitalized children from North India
Authors: Badugu Venkatesh , Gaur Bablu Kumar , Maini Baljeet
Published: December 2022

Background & objectives:

Malaria is the most common parasitic infection in children and the most common cause of mortality by vector-borne disease in tropical countries. In these endemic countries there is limited published literature on the clinical profile and severity of Plasmodium vivax malaria in children. We highlight the clinical presentations and severity of malaria in children belonging to Uttar Pradesh, North India

Methods:

This observational study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital, in Moradabad, western Uttar Pradesh, India. Children (aged 6 months–18 years) hospitalized from June 2019 to May 2020 with a clinical picture consistent with malaria along with a positive rapid malaria antigen test (RMAT) and/or positive peripheral blood smear for malaria were enrolled. All data about the clinical profile and laboratory features were recorded. Results were analyzed for significance using appropriate statistical tests for continuous and categorical data.

Results:

One hundred children were enrolled in this study; 59 cases had Plasmodium vivax (PV) malaria, 33 cases had Plasmodium falciparum (PF) malaria, and 8 cases had mixed infections (both PV and PF). Among 59 children with P V malaria, 44 (74%) had severe malaria and 15 (26%) had uncomplicated malaria. Severe malarial anaemia (43.2%), followed by jaundice (36.4%), impaired renal function (21.6%), significant bleeding (18.9%), shock (18.9%), and prostration (16.2%), were the main severity parameters of malaria among these hospitalised children. Impaired renal function (P-value = 0.01) and unconsciousness (P-value = 0.02) were more frequent in Plasmodium falciparum cases. Other severity parameters were not significant between the vivax and falciparum species.

Interpretation & conclusion:

We conclude that a significant proportion of severe malaria was caused by Plasmodium vivax in this region, where both species coexist. Plasmodium vivax malaria is no longer the benign entity it was around ten years ago in hospitalised children. Severe malarial anaemia was the most common severity parameter found in both Plasmodium vivax and P. falciparum species. The clinical presentation and a change in the severity parameters in vivax malaria indicate a recent shift in the disease severity from benign to fatal.
Laboratory evaluation of the efficacy of boric acid containing toxic sugar baits against Anopheles culicifacies, An. stephensi and Aedes aegypti mosquitoes
Authors: Kumar Gaurav , Sharma Amit , Dhiman Ramesh C.
Published: December 2022

Background & objectives: Attractive toxic sugar baits (ATSB) is a novel tool which employs mosquito sugar feeding behaviour to kill them. The potential of ATSB against mosquito vectors has been demonstrated in limited scope around the world including Israel, some of the African countries and USA. But their efficacy against mosquito vectors of India is yet to be ascertained. Therefore, current study was planned to evaluate the efficacy of TSB (without attractant) against two important malaria vectors Anopheles culicifacies and An. stephensi along with major dengue vector Aedes aegypti.

Methods: TSB solution was prepared by dissolving different concentrations of boric acid in glucose and tested against each of the mosquito species. Another experiment was done by spraying this boric acid sugar solution on to Calendula officinalis plant. It served as a sole source of mosquito feed and mortality of mosquitoes was counted after 24 hours.

Results: The TSB resulted in 100% mortality of Ae. aegypti and An. stephensi at 4% concentration of boric acid while in An. culicifacies 100% mortality was achieved at 3% concentration TSB solution. TSB solution with 2% boric acid, resulted in 99.1% mortality in An. culicifacies while ~95 % mortality of An. stephensi and Ae. aegypti. When TSB solution with 2% boric acid was sprayed on plant, ~89-94% mortality was observed in both An. stephensi and An. culicifacies.

Interpretation & conclusion: Based on the results, boric acid based toxic sugar bait solution could be a promising tool for vector control. Further studies are needed to find out its toxicity of TSB against non-target organisms and residual efficacy in field trials in different ecotypes.
Sustainable control of malaria employing Gambusia fishes as biological control in Jalore and Barmer districts of Western Rajasthan
Authors: Singh Himmat , Gupta Sanjeev Kumar , Vikram Kumar , Saxena Rekha , Srivastava Aruna , Nagpal B. N.
Published: December 2022

Sardar Sarovar Irrigation Canal system was constructed by Narmada Valley Development Authority (NVDA) to cater to drinking water as well as for irrigation purposes in Jalore and Barmer districts of Western Rajasthan. To cater to the needs of water for the villagers in the command areas, ‘Diggies’ (surface water tanks) with ‘Sumpwells’ (water supply surface tanks) were installed. In a health impact assessment study of the irrigation canals from December 2010 to February 2016, the breeding of two major malaria vectors. An. culicifacies and An. stephensi were observed in diggies and sumpwells. As a biological control, Gambusia affanis fishes were employed for larval control in such stagnated water sites during the intervention phase viz. February 2012 in 251 diggies and 251 sumpwells. A significant reduction of breeding in diggies (99.54%) and sumpwells (97.81%) was observed. The positivity and larval density (dip index) were monitored in the control from up to February 2016 for their sustainability.
Seven-year follow-up of a pediatric patient with combined hamartoma of retina and retinal pigment epithelium complicating with preretinal neovascularization and vitreous hemorrhage treated with intravitreal injections of bevacizumab
Authors: Tsai Tsung-Ying , Chen Kuan-Jen , Chao An-Ning
Published: December 2022

We report a case of successful management of intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor antibody bevacizumab in two unusual complications, preretinal neovascularization and vitreous hemorrhage, secondary to a combined hamartoma of the retina and retinal pigment epithelium (CHRRPE). A male pediatric patient suffered from decreased vision in the right eye at 5-year-old. His ophthalmologic examination revealed a CHRRPE involving the superior area of the optic disc and macula in the right eye. The patient’s family history and neurological examinations of tuberous sclerosis were absent. While no lesion growth was observed over time, preretinal vascularization and recurrent nonclearing hemorrhage occurred 2 years after the initial presentation. The patient was successfully managed with two intravitreal injections of bevacizumab. No recurrences of vitreous hemorrhage were observed at a 7-year post-treatment follow-up. Intravitreal injections of bevacizumab were safe and effective in the management of uncommon complications of preretinal neovascularization and vitreous hemorrhage of CHRRPE in a pediatric patient in long-term follow-up.
Elucidation of the Mechanism of Gualou-Xiebai-Banxia Decoction for the Treatment of Unstable Angina Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking
Authors: Tan Yu , Chen Li , Qu Hua , Shi Da-Zhuo , Ma Xiao-Juan
Published: December 2022

Objective:

The aim of this study was to identify the potential pharmacological mechanisms of Gualou-Xiebai-Banxia decoction (GLXBBX) against unstable angina (UA).

Materials and Methods:

The active compounds of GLXBBX were collected from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform, and their targets were predicted using the SwissTargetPrediction database. The targets associated with UA were obtained from the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man, GeneCards, and Therapeutic Target Database. Individual targets associated with UA and GLXBBX were cross-checked to identify the targets of GLXBBX involved in the treatment of UA. A protein–protein interaction network was built using the STRING online database. Cytoscape 3.7.2 software was used to screen out hub genes. Additional gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses were performed using the clusterProfiler package in R.

Results:

A total of 28 bioactive compounds and 320 protein targets of GLXBBX associated with UA were screened out. Enrichment analysis indicated that the therapeutic effect of GLXBBX may be mediated through the PI3K/AKT, MAPK, and HIF-1 signaling pathways. Molecular docking suggested that the active compounds including Vitamin E, cavidine, and baicalein can bind to their protein receptors.

Conclusions:

This research confirmed the multifactorial effects of GLXBBX in the treatment of UA and laid the foundation for the experimental research on GLXBBX.
Changing epidemiology of monkeypox and risk for wide-scale outbreak
Authors: Yasri Sora , Wiwanitkit Viroj
Published: December 2022

Monkeypox has spread over Europe, posing a major threat to public health. Monkeypox is a rare pox infection that has returned, with zoonosis suspected as the cause. Human-to-human transmission is now under observation. The medical community has been alerted by an increasing number of reported cases in several countries. SARS-CoV-2 pandemic taught us that in the event of an outbreak, we must act promptly to respond, examine thoroughly, and take appropriate action. Although monkeypox is an old disease, a new genetic mutation may have resulted in a more severe illness and a widespread outbreak.
Factors Related to Seeking Health Services in People with Mental Disorders and Psychological Problems
Authors: Adianti Talia Puspita , Wardani Tusy Novita Dwi , Wulandari Ratna Dwi
Published: December 2022

Introduction:

Mental disorders are the inability to deal with stressors that interfere with social functions. The public health center seeks to improve the social functions of people with mental disorders (PWMDs) and psychological problems (PWPPs) through the integrated healthcare center. This study aimed to determine the effect of the ability to perceive, approachability, and health care needs on selecting health care facilities for PWMDs and PWPP.

Methods:

The research method used was observational with a cross-sectional design. The sampling technique was a multistage sampling technique with a stratified random sampling method. The research sample size was 16 public health centers, and the respondents were 177 families of PWMDs and PWPPs. The independent variables were the ability to perceive, approachability, and the need for health services. The dependent variable was the selection of health services. Data were obtained by the questionnaire and analyzed using the partial least square measurement.

Results:

A total of 59 families of PWMDs and PWPPs were categorized in the middle adulthood. Most of the people were male with mental disorders and psychological problems (63.1%) than the female gender (37.9%). The results of this study showed that the ability to perceive (11.622), approachability (3.903), and the need for health services (9.127) affect the desire for health services.

Conclusion:

The ability to perceive, approachability, and the need for health services significantly affect the desire for health services. Advocacy and health education are the necessary recommendations for handling mental health problems.
Total Leukocyte Count in Rattus norvegicus after Duffy Binding-Like 2β-Plasmodium falciparum Erythrocyte Membrane Protein 1 Recombinant Protein Injection: The way to a Peptide-based Malaria Vaccine Development
Authors: Putri Dwi Ari Santi , Sulistyaningsih Erma , Kusuma Irawan Fajar , Dewi Rosita
Published: December 2022

Introduction:

Severe malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum is mediated by the P. falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1). It has a DBL2β domain that specifically binds to the intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) receptor that lies in endothelial cells of many vital organs and is involved in malaria pathogenesis. Antibody against the DBL2β-PfEMP1 protein correlates with a reduced risk of severe malaria, making it a potential malaria vaccine candidate. This study aimed to examine total leukocytes after serial DBL2β-PfEMP1 recombinant protein injection to determine its immunogenicity. Settings and Design: This was an experimental study using pre-post control groups design.

Methods:

Samples were male rats aged 2-3 months with a weight of 150-350 g. Rats were injected 3x with 100 µg, 150 µg, and 200 µg of the purified DBL2β-PfEMP1 recombinant protein in the three-weeks interval. Blood samples were collected on days 0, 8, 29, and 50, and total leukocytes were counted using the improved Neubauer counting chamber and observed under a microscope. The data were analyzed using the Friedman test, Kruskal Wallis test, and Mann-Whitney test.

Results:

The lowest leukocyte level was at the pre-injection, and the highest level was after the third injection. There was a significant increase in leukocytes (P < 0.05) in all treatment groups but no increase in the control group. A dose of 100 µg of DBL2β-PfEMP1 recombinant protein showed the best response in inducing the increase of total leukocytes.

Conclusion:

The DBL2β-PfEMP1 recombinant protein could induce the higher leukocyte level in each injection, especially after the third injection.
Evaluation of the effect of intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor versus medical treatment in acute central serous chorioretinopathy
Authors: Sallam Moataz A.
Published: December 2022

Objective

To assess the effectiveness of intravitreal ranibizumab or aflibercept versus medical therapy for treatment of patients presented with acute central serous chorioretinopathy.

Patients and method

This comparative controlled clinical trial involved 45 eyes of 45 patients having acute central serous chorioretinopathy. Patients were divided into three equal groups: the first patient group received intravitreal aflibercept, the second one received intravitreal ranibizumab, and the third one, control group, received medical therapy: oral spironolactone 100 mg once daily and topical bromfenac 0.09% q.i.d. All groups were observed over a duration of 6 months and assessed for best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), pattern on fundus fluorescein angiography, duration of visual recovery, recurrence rate, and possible complications after intravitreal injections. The central macular thickness (CMT), the subfoveal choroidal thickness (CT), the subretinal fluid (SRF), and the foveal vascular density were compared across the groups.

Results

By the end of the follow-up, BCVA significantly (P<0.01) improved in all groups. However, group comparison revealed no significant differences (P>0.05). A significant reduction in the CMT due to resolution of the SRF existed at 2 weeks after treatment in all groups till complete resolution at 6 months. For subfoveal CT, within-group analysis reported nonsignificant (P>0.05) differences in the intravitreal injection groups, whereas a significant (P<0.05) reduction in CT was recorded in the control group at 3 and 6 months. The foveal vascular density showed nonsignificant differences (P<0.05) within and among study groups.

Conclusion

Intravitreal injections had similar effects as medical treatment in improving BCVA, CMT, and SRF but had weaker action on CT.
Correlation between retinal and optic nerve microvasculature and sensitivity in patients with multiple sclerosis with and without optic neuritis
Authors: El-Mayah Esraa , Mohamed Mounira M.A. , Elmekawey Hany , Eltanamly Rasha M.
Published: December 2022

Objective

To correlate the retinal vascular affection (macula and Optic nerve head (ONH)) assessed with OCT-A and retinal sensitivity (macula and peripapillary) measured with microperimetry in patients with multiple sclerosis with and without optic neuritis.

Patients and methods

A total of 18 patients (18 eyes, six with antecedent attack of optic neuritis and 12 without) and 18 age-matched healthy controls (18 eyes) were included. OCT-A and microperimetry were used to evaluate retinal vasculature and sensitivity in the macular and peripapillary areas, respectively.

Results

Patients with MS (regardless of the presence of history of symptomatic optic neuritis) had lower vessel density, thickness, and sensitivity than controls. This decrease in the three parameters was correlated to some extent especially in the superior and parafoveal regions.

Conclusion

OCT-A and microperimetry could be considered as noninvasive tools for early diagnosis of neuroretinal affection in multiple sclerosis and monitoring of disease severity.
Hemodialysis Parameters and Pulse Wave Velocity
Authors: Miseljic Sanja , Aziri Buena , Begic Edin , Rebic Damir , Džubur Alen , Miseljic Nenad , Mekic Mevludin , Resic Halima , Begic Nedim , Zukic Fuad
Published: December 2022

Aim:

The study aimed to evaluate the acute effect of ultrafiltration on the mechanical properties of the aorta using brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (PWV) before and after hemodialysis (HD).

Patients and Methods:

This study included 80 patients who were on a long-term HD program. The input variables were anamnestic data, body composition monitor (BCM) parameters, and echocardiography findings. The assessment of hydration status was determined by BCM, whose work is based on the principle of multifrequency bioimpedance spectroscopy. Another diagnostic procedure was the use of an arteriograph apparatus to assess PWV and Augmentation Index (AIx). All measurements were performed before and after dialysis on the middle dialysis day of the week.

Results:

The participants were divided into two groups based on hydration status: the experimental group consisted of 40 overhydrated participants and the control group consisted of 40 normovolemic participants. Statistically, the following BCM parameters correlated significantly positively with PWV: total body fat (r = 0.222; P < 0.05), overhydration (r = 0.290; P < 0.001), and relative overhydration (r = 0.290; P < 0.001). From echocardiography findings, only left atrial diameter correlated statistically significantly positively with PWV (r = 0.359; P < 0.001). Comparison of the mean PWV values within the experimental group before and after HD showed a statistically significant decrease from 14.32 ± 2.34 m/s to 8.72 ± 1.52 m/s (Z = 3.254; P = 0.0001). Mean PWV values within the control group did not decrease significantly from 13.39 ± 1.32 m/s to 10.39 ± 1.18 m/s (Z = 0.524; P = 0.742). If we compare the mean values of PWV between groups, then before HD treatment, there was no statistically significant difference between groups with PWV values in the experimental group of 14.32 ± 2.34 m/s and the control group of 13.39 ± 1.32 m/s (Z = 0.762; P = 0.852). According to the results of univariate regression analysis before and after HD treatment, only overhydration showed an absolute effect on PWV before and after HD.

Conclusion:

Overhydration showed an effect on brachial-ankle PWV before and after HD, and brachial-ankle PWV should be followed in HD patients.
Profile of poisoning cases treated in a teaching hospital of Northeast India with special reference to Poison severity score: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Das Anamika , Datta Anupam , Nath Anamika , Bhowmik Anirban
Published: December 2022

ABSTRACT

Background:

Poisoning has been one of the greatest medical emergencies from the dawn of human civilization, posing threat to mankind. Tripura being a seven sister state of Northeast India have a unique topography, diverse ethnic groups, cross-cultural food habits, agriculture, and a horticulture-based economy that draws some distinctive type of poisoning threats compared to the rest of the Indian subcontinent. The present study was carried out to find out the epidemiological factors, toxicological profiles, and clinical outcomes of patients after consumption of poison.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study on 212 patients with a complaint of poisoning was conducted in a teaching hospital in Tripura, India, for 2 years, and the data were analyzed by using SPSS-15 (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) software.

Results:

Out of 212 participants, males from lower socioeconomic status, farmers by occupation, and belonging to the age group of 21–30 years predominated other categories. Organophosphorus compounds were majorly ingested (38.7%). Suicide was the most common manner of poisoning (62.73%). The majority of the patients (75%) died during treatment, 39.15% of patients died in the initial 24 hours and 43.87% of the patients had severe life-threatening symptoms [grade 3 of poison severity score (PSS)] during the first 72 hours of hospital admission. A Spearman rho value of −0.740 and a P value <0.001 were found while establishing a relationship between survival time and PSS.

Conclusion:

Poisoning by any agents and means produces adverse effects on the human body which further influences the clinical outcome. Therefore, proper knowledge and attention regarding its clinico-toxico-epidemiological profile, accurate and timely diagnosis, and satisfactory management and prevention strategies are necessary.
Role of domestic migration stress in adapting precarious behaviours among interstate migrant workers in a semi-urban area of Tamil Nadu
Authors: Soundarajan Suganathan , Akhtar Shifa , Dutta Ruma , Nisha B , Parasuraman Gomathy
Published: December 2022

ABSTRACT

Background:

Migration is a process in which a person moves from one cultural setting to another for a long period of time or permanently, which induces increased adaptation of risky behaviors due to migration stress. This study aimed to identify domestic migration stress and to determine its role in practising precarious behaviours among interstate migrant workers.

Methodology:

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 313 migrant workers in the Kanchipuram district using a simple random sampling method for recruitment. A pretested semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data with details on socio-demographic characteristics and precarious behavior profiles, and the ‘domestic migration stress scale’ was validated. For analysis, variables were described using frequencies, proportions and mean ± standard deviation, appropriately. Inferential statistics like the ‘Chi-square test and multiple logistic regressions’ were performed to establish the relationship between migration stress and high-risk behavior.

Results:

Among respondents, 286 (91.37%) were males. The majority were chronic alcoholics [151 (48.56%)], followed by tobacco chewers [106 (33.86%)], chronic smokers [83 (26.51%)], had illicit sexual activity [59 (18.84%)] and drug abusers [4 (1.27%)]. About 247 (78.93%) were under domestic migration stress. Smokers, tobacco chewers and those involved in illicit sexual activity were significant predictor factors.

Conclusion:

Stress management is paramount, and having the knowledge about their precarious behavior and stress among workers will help in the further development of health promotion strategies for migrant workers.
Assessment of diabetes risk profile in a rural population of northern India using the Indian Diabetes Risk Score – A community-based study
Authors: Sharma Sarit , Bansal Aman , Singh Surinder Pal , Chaudhary Anurag , Satija Mahesh , Singla Ankur , Kalsi Harsimran
Published: December 2022

ABSTRACT

Background:

Diabetes is one of the leading killers among noncommunicable diseases of the present time and poses a considerable burden to the society in terms of public health. The Indian Diabetes Risk Score (IDRS) can be used as a risk assessment tool to estimate the population at risk and plan appropriate interventions. The present study was conducted to assess the diabetes risk profile of a rural population of Punjab by using IDRS.

Materials and Methods:

This was a cross-sectional study conducted in two phases after obtaining approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee. Phase 1 was done in Rural Health Training Center (RHTC), Pohir, where every fifth patient attending the outpatient department was included in the study. Phase 2 was conducted in village Gopalpur, which is one of the villages in the field practice area of Department of Community Medicine, where participants were enrolled by conducting house to house survey after taking their informed consent. Sociodemographic characteristics, risk factor profile, and the IDRS of the participants were noted. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0 to calculate the percentages. Pearson’s Chi-square test was used for qualitative variables, and mean, standard deviation and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used for quantitative variables. A P value of less than 0.05 was considered significant.

Results:

A total of 252 subjects (99 male and 153 female) from RHTC and 213 subjects (71 male and 142 female) from village Gopalpur participated in the study, with their mean IDRS being 44.8 ± 15.7 and 46.6 ± 21.1, respectively. On calculating the IDRS of participants enrolled in RHTC, it was found that 15.5% had low, 56% had moderate, and 28.5% had high risk, whereas from village Gopalpur, 19.2% had low, 57.3% had moderate, and 23.5% had high risk for developing diabetes mellitus. The risk for developing diabetes was found to be higher among females, subjects living in joint families, and subjects with high body mass index (BMI). The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure showed an increasing trend with increase in IDRS score of the participants.

Conclusion:

The present study showed that even in rural areas, nearly one-fourth of the adult population was at high risk, whereas more than half of the population was at moderate risk of developing diabetes mellitus. This corroborates the World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) stand to declare diabetes as a public health emergency and to devise ways to urgently mitigate this problem. Therefore, awareness and health education campaigns should be implemented in rural areas for early identification of risks, which will help in prevention and hence decreasing the burden of the disease.
Status of cancer screening in India: An alarm signal from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5)
Authors: Gopika M. G , Prabhu Priya R. , Thulaseedharan Jissa V.
Published: December 2022

ABSTRACT

Background:

Cancer is often detected much later to its onset, resulting in poor prognosis. This makes cancer the second most common cause of death globally. Looking for cancers much before any symptoms occur is termed “cancer screening” and is a powerful strategy for prevention, early diagnosis, and better management of several cancers. This paper examines the status of cancer screening in India from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-5 report for the period of 2019–2021.

Methods:

Secondary data on participation in screening for cervical, breast, and oral cancer were extracted from the NFHS-5 report. Participation status for all the above cancer types is represented as percentages and compared across 28 states and eight union territories in India.

Results:

The percentages of women who have ever undergone cervical, breast, and oral cavity screening were 1.9%, 0.9%, and 0.9%, respectively. About 1.2% of men participated in oral cavity screening. The highest percentage of cervical and breast cancer screening participation was reported in Tamil Nadu (9.8% and 5.6%, respectively), followed by Puducherry (7.4% and 4.2%) and Mizoram (6.9% and 2.7%). Andaman and Nicobar Islands reported the highest oral cancer screening among women (10.1%) while Andhra Pradesh (6.3%) reported the highest participation among men.

Conclusion:

Cancer screening participation in India is extremely inadequate and calls for the immediate attention of national and state governments. Additional efforts are warranted to improve public awareness of cancer screening, and appropriate measures should be implemented to conduct well-organized screening programs across the country to ensure maximum participation.
Effectiveness of weekly local mothers’ kitchen recipe talks to improve dietary iron intake among tribes of Andhra Pradesh, India: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Gupta Arti , Shaik Yusuf Noorani , Kakkar Rakesh , Aravindakshan Rajeev , Pentapati Siva Santosh Kumar , Reddy B Venkatashiva
Published: December 2022

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Anemia is a major public health problem in India, especially among tribal women. The study was done to estimate the prevalence of iron intake below the estimated average requirement in the diet and to study the effectiveness of weekly local mothers’ kitchen recipe talks.

Methodology:

A total of 340 women from scheduled tribes participated in a prospective cohort study over 10 months in 10 clusters in the Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh, India. A questionnaire, a 24-hour dietary recall, and an assessment of hemoglobin were done to gather information at baseline and after three months of weekly local recipe talks in mothers’ kitchens.

Results:

A total of 340 women were studied. The mean age of the mothers was 23.5 ± 3.6 years. At baseline prevalence, the mean intake of daily iron in diet among mothers was 9.04 ± 3.18 (SD) mg/day. The prevalence of anemia among mothers at the baseline was 63.8%. The mean intake of daily iron in the diet at the end line was significantly higher with a P value of 0.019 among mothers who attended 10 or more weekly local mothers’ kitchen recipe talks and did not take iron folic acid (IFA). Mothers who attended 10 or more weekly local mothers’ kitchen recipe talks without IFA intake have a significant drop in the prevalence of severe anemia.

Conclusion:

The integration of weekly local mothers’ kitchen recipe talks in the ongoing Integrated Child Development Service Scheme can be a boon for early-aged, less-literate, inexperienced, and financially poor mothers.
Practice of ear candling during lockdown due to COVID-19 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alanazi Samar M. , Albdaya Norah A. , Alhosaini Lama S. , Alotaibi Fahad Z. , AlQabbani Alhanouf A. , Hajr Eman A.
Published: December 2022

ABSTRACT

Objectives:

Cerumen production is a protective process for the ear canal. Cerumen impaction causes unpleasant symptoms. There are various cerumen removal practices. These include irrigation, application of softeners/solvents, mechanical removal, and micro-suction. However, during the lockdown period of the COVID-19 pandemic, some patients opted for some procedures, such as ear candling, which are not evidence-based. This study aimed to explore the awareness of ear candling among otolaryngology doctors and record cases with complications of such practice in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional study. A questionnaire was developed after an extensive literature search, and distributed to otolaryngology residents, fellows, and consultants of different hospitals across the country. A total of 80 respondents agreed to participate in the study.

Results:

A total of 16 doctors reported seeing cases of ear candling, of which 13 patients had different complications, of which ear pain was the most commonly reported. The majority of participants (42.5%) thought the lack of medical access during lockdown enhanced the practice of alternative medicine for ear-related complaints in society compared to 35% of participants who had a neutral response regarding this idea and 22.5% who disagreed.

Conclusions:

Although the practice of ear candling is not widely spread in KSA, different types of ear complications were recorded by the otolaryngologist. We would like to encourage the doctors to report such complications, especially after the lockdown period.
Assessment of the levels of antispike SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies and their association with clinical characteristics in cohort of patients in Saudi Arabia
Authors: AlGannas Nayef S. , Alghamdi Abdullah S. , Hazazi Ali M , Alqahtani Nasser S. , Alshareef Mohammad N. , Ahmed Mohamed H. , Omer Abubakr , AlShehah Abdulmajid A.
Published: December 2022

ABSTRACT

Background:

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused a global public health crisis. The disease is known to be caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus, but the detailed characteristics of the immune response to this novel virus have not been fully elucidated yet. In this study, we aimed to determine the level of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies and their correlation with clinical features at three time points postinfection in a group of patients in Saudi Arabia.

Method:

In this prospective observational study, we collected the demographic and clinical data from 43 polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-confirmed patients and measured the COVID-19 antispike IgG levels at three different visits.

Result:

The seroconversion rate after COVID-19 infection was 88.4% in the study participants, with no significant changes in the IgG levels through the three visits. The duration of shortness of breath had a significant positive correlation with the IgG level of the patients. Using the logistic regression model, participants having coughs were found to be 12.48 times more likely to develop positive IgG. The IgG levels were less in smokers than nonsmokers [Odds ratio = 6.42 (95% CI 2.11–19.48); P = 0.001].

Conclusion:

Positive IgG levels have been developed in most COVID-19 patients and did not significantly change over 3 months following the diagnosis. The level of IgG antibodies was found to be significantly associated with the presence of cough, duration of shortness of breath, and the smoking habit of the patients. These findings have clinical and public health significance and need to be validated in larger studies in different populations.
Intrapartum cardiotocographic monitoring and its correlation with neonatal outcome
Authors: Singh Suraj Kumar , Kumar Rakesh , Agarwal Anand , Tyagi Amita , Bisht Surender Singh
Published: December 2022

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Despite the advancements in perinatal care in past decades, perinatal asphyxia remains a serious problem leading to significant perinatal morbidity and mortality. Therefore, foetal monitoring during the intrapartum period is of paramount importance. Among various methods of fetal monitoring, cardiotocography is a form of electronic foetal monitoring in which there is simultaneous recording of foetal heart rate and uterine contractions.

Materials and Methods:

This cross-sectional observational study was done in the labour room and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of a teaching Municipal Hospital in North India including 500 pregnant women of age group 18-45 years with singeleton fetus of gestation ≥36 weeks without any known congenital anomaly. Intrapartum cardiotocography (CTG) for 20 minutes was done within 12 hours prior to delivery and babies born to them were observed for birth asphyxia as Apgar score <7 at 1 minute as per using APGAR score less than 7 at 1 minute as per south east asia regional neonatal perinatal database (SEAR-NPD), world health organization (WHO) working definition.

Results:

CTG tracing was normal/reassuring in 92% of pregnant women, nonreassuring in 7% and was abnormal in only 1%. In patients with abnormal and nonreassuring CTG, delivery by lower segment cesarian section (LSCS) was significantly high (P < .0001). APGAR scoring was done at 1 minute and 5 minutes of life, it was found that 4% babies were having score less than 7 at 1 minute with incidence of birth asphyxia 40 per 1,000 live births Neonatal seizure was significantly more in nonreassuring and abnormal CTG group (P value <.0001).

Conclusion:

Abnormal CTG tracings result in higher incidence of operative interventions for deliveries. Abnormal CTG pattern during intrapartum CTG has high specificity and negative predictive value but has low sensitivity and positive predictive value for detection of birth asphyxia and need for NICU admission.
Status of respectful maternity care for women underwent normal vaginal delivery in selected hospitals in Rishikesh: A mixed-method study
Authors: Rana Jyoti , Jelly Prasuna , Negi Rizu , Sharma Rakesh
Published: December 2022

ABSTRACT

Background:

Many women face disrespectful and abusive treatment during childbirth in facilities worldwide. Such treatment violates women’s rights to respectful care and jeopardizes their rights to life, health, bodily integrity, and equality. This study aims at identifying the status of respectful maternity care (RMC) in selected hospitals in Rishikesh.

Material and Methods:

A mixed-method approach was adopted to explore RMC during normal vaginal delivery in a selected hospital in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. In the quantitative part, 145 women were purposively selected, and data were collected by a pre-structured, validated RMC checklist, developed based on WHO RMC standards. Qualitative data were collected from 18 women, and a face-to-face semi-structured interview was conducted.

Results:

Forty-two elements of RMC categorized under eight domains show the type of mistreatment and its prevalence faced by women at a health care facility. Data showed that domain-7 (availability of competent and motivated human resources) had higher scoring (95%), and on the other hand, domain-4 (informed consent and effective communication) got lowest-scoring (68.45%). The overall mean percentage score of RMC was 85.68%. There was no statistically significant association between the total score of RMC and the selected socio-demographic variables.

Conclusion:

The overall RMC score was high, and there was no significant association with mothers’ socio-demographic variables. The majority of mothers expressed that competent and motivated professionals were available during their delivery, but their communication skills were found to be lacking.
Assessment of the socio-economic and health impact of COVID-19 in the NGO intervention areas of Gujarat
Authors: Shah Neeta , Ray Tarnishtha , Shah Hetvi , Kapasi Malav , Patel Pallavi , Shah Komal
Published: December 2022

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim:

By this time, the world has already witnessed catastrophic effects of the pandemic on economic and healthcare services infrastructure, from India the scientific publications documenting this effect are quite sparse. The current report aims to compile the socio-economic, demographic and healthcare services transactions among the population in the non-governmental organization (NGO) supported areas of Gujarat state.

Methods:

The data were collected by human research of the NGO from Sanand, Mundra and Ahmedabad sites at three different time intervals – pre-lockdown, during lockdown and post-lockdown.

Results:

The findings of the study reported a clear increase in availing of healthcare services in all three study sites covered under the programmes of the NGO. It was clearly evident that the impact of lockdown on the livelihood of the population in all three sites was devastating with a significant proportion of individuals losing their jobs. However, the majority of the people were able to rejoin the jobs (though with lower average income) in all three sites. During the lockdown, people heavily relied on stored food sources such as grains and pulses and consumption of fresh vegetables and fruits reduced significantly. Lockdown has severely hampered essential maternal and child care services which were remarkably improved in the months of post-lockdown. A considerable number of the family had to mortgage their assets during the lockdown. The mortgage proportion varied widely (3–58%) among all the study sites.

Conclusion:

It was observed that in the unprecedented time, the national lockdown was a challenging time, where there was a drastic shift in the livelihood profile of the population due to significant loss of jobs. Lockdown has also severely affected the essential healthcare services coverage; however, with efforts from the government and the NGO, it was restored to a near pre-lockdown situation in all three sites.
Clinical features, management, and mortality because of COVID-19 in an intensive care unit in Surguja, a tribal district in Central India: A single-centre descriptive study
Authors: Malik Chetanya , Lal Roshan , Chandrakar Kajal , Singh Lakhan , Jadhao Sunil , Kalkonde Yogeshwar , Khanna Shilpa , Kale Neha
Published: December 2022

ABSTRACT

Background:

The clinical features and management of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been well documented in urban India. However, little data exist on the management and outcomes of severe COVID-19 in rural and tribal areas.

Methods:

This was a retrospective chart review of the patients admitted in a 20-bedded COVID-19 intensive care unit (ICU) set up at the Government District Hospital, Ambikapur, Chhattisgarh, between 17 May and 17 July 2021 during the second wave of COVID-19 in India. The ICU was managed by a team of primary care providers, family physicians, and nurses under the supervision of three specialists. Data related to socio-demographic, clinical, laboratory, and treatment profiles were extracted using a data extraction tool and analysed.

Results:

A total of 55 of the 63 (87.3%) patients admitted in the ICU during the study period were eligible for the study. The mean age of the patients was 50.95 [standard deviation (SD) 15.76] years; 66% were < 60 years of age, and 63.6% were men. The mean duration of symptoms before ICU admission was 7.52 (SD 4.16) days. Breathlessness (63.6%), fever (58.2%), cough (52.7%), and altered sensorium (38.2%) were the most common presenting symptoms. 67% of the patients had any co-morbidity, and 43% had two or more co-morbidities. 32.7% patients needed non-invasive (14 out of 55) or invasive ventilation (4 out of 55). 12.7% of the patients (7 out of 55) needed dialysis. The intra-ICU mortality was 47%. Patients who died had higher prevalence of heart disease, hypoxia, and altered sensorium.

Conclusion:

Our study highlights the need for critical care services in Government District Hospitals in India and the feasibility of providing such care by primary care providers through specialist mentoring.