bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Seventh and Eighth Grade Primary School Students’ Physical Fitness and Results on the Gymnastics Polygon
Authors: Milenković Dejan
Published: August 2023

The purpose of the study was to determine the connection between physical fitness and the results on the gymnastics polygon in the seventh and eighth grade elementary school students. Additionally, it was necessary to determine the differences in the observed variables in relation to the grade, separately for each gender.
Materials and methods. A total of 128 students from three elementary schools (64 male and 64 female students), 13 and 14 years old, participated in the testing. Five physical fitness tests were used (modified agility "T" test (MAT), Illinois agility run test, 10x5 shuttle run test, standing balance test and 2-minute step in place test), and a specially designed gymnastics polygon was used to assess the level of adoption of technical elements from artistic gymnastics.
Results. A statistically significant correlation was recorded between all observed parameters with different levels, from moderate to strong correlations, both in relation to the grade, as well as in relation to the gender of the students. It was also determined that in boys, there are differences in only one test (MAT) in favor of the eighth graders, while in girls, there was a difference in three tests (MAT; 10x5 shuttle test; 2-minute step in place test) in favor of the eighth graders.
Conclusions. So it can be concluded that there is a strong mutual connection between physical fitness and sports-specific skills, which are presented in this paper by means of the technical elements of artistic gymnastics.
Jumps and Lower Limb Strength Asymmetry in Young Soccer Players: Differences Between Sand and Conventional Surfaces
Authors: Sannicandro Italo , Cofano Giacomo , D’Onofrio Rosario , Piccinno Andrea
Published: August 2023

Study purpose. The aim of the study was to evaluate jumping performance and lower limbs strength asymmetry in young soccer players by comparing this movement performed on both a conventional surface and a sand surface.
Materials and methods. 20 young soccer players under 17 years old randomly performed a standing long jump, a single hop jump in the sagittal plane (Hop Jump Test) and a single side hop jump in the frontal plane (Side Hop Jump Test), first on a conventional surface (natural grass) and then on sand. The jump distance and strength asymmetry was calculated using the formula: (NDL / DL) x 100.
Results. The values from the two different jumping conditions showed a statistically significant decrease in the Broad Jump Test (p<0.001, ES: 3.56), Hop Jump Test left limb (p<0.001, ES: 4.99), Hop Jump Test right limb (p<0.001, ES: 3.95), Side Hop Jump Test left limb (p<0.001, ES: 4.67) and Side Hop Jump Test right limb (p<0.001, ES: 2.98) in the sand condition.
The asymmetry values in the Hop Jump Test and the Side Hop Jump Test showed a statistically significant increase (+21.5%, p<0.001, ES: 3.66 and +41.1%, p<0.001, ES: 1.99, respectively) when comparing the performance on grass and sand.
Conclusions. This different performance response in the two different jumping modes leads to the hypothesis that young soccer players who want to stress their explosive strength ability and joint stability should favor the use of one-leg rather than two-leg jumps.
The values described in the study lead to the hypothesis that training on sand should be suggested when the young soccer player presents modest values of inter-limb asymmetry measured on a conventional surface.
ANÁLISE COMPARATIVA DA SÍFILIS CONGÊNITA NAS CAPITAIS DO NORDESTE, 2015-2020
Authors: Fernandes Oliveira Denise Lauana , De Sá Carvalho Maria Luiza , Da Hora Sales Maria Lucélia , de Araújo Mendes Tânia Kátia
Published: August 2023

A Sífilis, patologia cujo agente etiológico corresponde à bactéria Treponema pallidum, é uma doença transmitida, sobretudo, por via sexual, no entanto, outras formas de transmissão são as vias transplacentária e hematológica. As características variam desde quadros assintomáticos até manifestações que podem ser agrupadas em duas categorias: a Sífilis Congênita precoce e a tardia. Trata-se de um estudo quantitativo, transversal e retrospectivo, que versa acerca da epidemiologia da Sífilis Congênita no Brasil, sobretudo, na Região Nordeste. A fonte de dados utilizada foi oriunda da Vigilância Epidemiológica da Sífilis Congênita. Observa-se que o percentual de casos por ano no Brasil aumentou de 2015 a 2018 e reduziu de 2018 até 2019, já em Alagoas o número de casos variou, sendo menos elevada em 2016, seguida de 2019 e 2017, e mais elevada em 2018. Fortaleza, Recife e Salvador obtiveram a maior quantidade acumulada de casos. A maioria dos casos foi detectado quando a criança tinha menos de 7 dias de idade tanto no Brasil quanto em Alagoas e o perfil das gestantes é representado por mulheres com faixa etária entre 20 e 29 anos, cor parda e fundamental incompleto e o momento do diagnóstico da Sífilis na gestante ocorre durante o pré-natal. Por fim, o estudo elencou pontos que tangem, sobretudo, à qualidade da assistência à saúde fornecida pelo SUS, demonstrando que, apesar do ordenamento de diversas medidas que orientam as condutas quanto ao correto manejo dessa infecção, há ainda uma grande dificuldade em combater essa enfermidade.
Text-borrowing Practices in LIS Doctoral Theses of South Indian Universities: A Study
Authors: Balachandran Chikku , Harinarayana N. S.
Published: August 2023

This paper reports the findings of the study, which examined the text copying practices prevalent among the Ph.D. theses in Library and Information Science (LIS) submitted to South India’s universities. Ten theses available in the Shodhganga repository have been tested for text-borrowing practices. Turnitin, a plagiarism detection software, has been used to identify the text matches in theses, and the plagiarised portions are manually analyzed with original sources. The findings indicate that LIS doctoral theses borrow words up to 30% without proper citations. Copying text from other sources and presenting without appropriate citation modalities (Sham plagiarism) is found to be common among the South Indian Ph.D. theses. Direct plagiarism type is less compared to inappropriate paraphrasing.
Phraseological Units with a Zoonym Component Motivated by Stereotypes
Authors: Iakovleva Olga , Horvat Mojca Kumin
Published: August 2023

The article discusses Russian, Polish and Slovenian phraseological units containing the names of animals (zoonyms). The aim of the study is to determine to what extent the stereotyped image of animals, fixed in phraseological units, corresponds to contemporary knowledge about the behaviour of animals. An analysis of phraseological units concerning a cow, bull, calf, ox, goat, sheep and ram is conducted. A comparison of these phraseologies with contemporary data on animal behaviour reveals a certain discrepancy between the actual intellectual and psychological capacities of animals and their image fixed in phraseological units.
Spatial Metaphors in Reporting Emotions: The Use of Emotional Deixis in Interviews with Parents of Children with a Language Disorder
Authors: Baranyiné Kóczy Judit , Zajdó Krisztina
Published: August 2023

The paper explores how Hungarian parents of children with a language disorder use emotional deixis to report their child’s condition. Demonstrative pronouns and the metaphorical meaning of space, particularly proximity, are observed in a corpus of six interviews. The questions raised are: a) What entities and relations are typically referenced by emotional deixis? b) What kinds of metaphorical meanings are conveyed by spatial closeness in the use of demonstrative pronouns? Results show that the parents use proximal emotional deixis differently from the usual pattern; instead of expressing their internal direct and positive experience, they employ them to report fundamentally negative experiences of the child’s condition, development, diagnosis or therapy, or other negative experiences. Such application of emotional deixis indicates an intense and vivid experience, namely mental and emotional proximity to negative experiences, which stems from the empathic parental role.
Human amniotic membrane-derived stem cells down-regulation of proinflammatory cytokines in CDK of the experimental model
Authors: Bhat B , Singh N , Udwadia BS , Guda EN
Published: August 2023

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is viewed as quite possibly one of the most well-known renal problems that is treated with dialysis or renal transplant. Amniotic membrane stem cell (AMSC) injections may be able to improve kidney function, according to recent research. As a result, the current study looked into how intra-kidney injection of human amniotic membrane-derived stem cells (hAMCs) affected inflammatory cytokines like IL-10 and IL-17 in mice using the CKD model. Twenty male wild mice were arranged into four gatherings: control, CKD, culture medium infusion bunch, and hAMCs infusion bunch. Following two months, blood tests were taken from the creatures, and the articulation levels of interleukins 10 and 17 were estimated by the ELISA method. The outcomes showed that infusion of hAMCs into male mice with CKD caused down-guideline of IL-17 fiery cytokine and over-articulation of IL-10 calming cytokine. In light of the aftereffects of this review and past ones, we presumed that hAMCs could be viewed as one of the up-and-comers in later examinations on decreasing irritation in CKD treatment by changing a few provocative cytokines.
Prevalence of back-pain following caesarean section under spinal anesthesia
Authors: Shanthi M. Sahaya Packia , Gayathiri N. , Paul E. Jissy
Published: August 2023

Back pain following a caesarean section is a typical complaint. It has been statistically proven that more than 70% of cases, or 7 out of 10 women who give birth, endure back pain. If it is not treated at the appropriate time and with adequate measurement, the back pain may worsen in the future. A systematic literature search was performed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with back pain among patients undergoing spinal anesthesia. Many studies have attempted to determine risk factors for back pain after birth in different populations, using different methods and outcome variables. Data were collected from PubMed, Google scholar and the medicine and nursing database. Back pain that persists after a caesarean delivery is brought on by a number of circumstances. Post-partum back pain is linked to a history involving pre- and post-pregnancy back pain, obesity, bad posture while nursing, sitting, walking, and standing are the contributing factors. The study results show that by maintaining posture correction, yoga, meditation, lumbar support, rest and massage helps to alleviate post anesthetic back pain. This study confirms that the overall incidence of back pain is high in comparison to the majority of studies. The severity of back pain caused by spinal anesthesia is highly connected to the size of the spinal needle, body mass index, and number of attempts, body posture and number of bone contacts.
Acceptance and awareness regarding influenza vaccine among healthcare workers in a tertiary care centre, Kerala
Authors: Puliyakkadi Safa , Kulankara Rohini , Philip Reo , Mathumkunnath Vijayan Sajna , Vijayakumar Arya
Published: August 2023

Background: The seasonal Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness. The most important step in preventing flu is to get a flu vaccination each year along with everyday preventive actions. The objective of this research was to study the acceptance and awareness of Influenza vaccine among health care workers of a tertiary care centre, Kerala and to explore the preventive practices.
Methods: This study was a hospital based cross sectional study conducted among 204 health care workers in a tertiary centre in Kerala. A simple random sampling technique was adopted. Data was collected using self-administered pretested semi structured questionnaires.
Results: 165 (80.9%) are aware of the Influenza vaccine while 39 (19.1%) are not aware of the Influenza vaccine. 30 (14.7%) has received at least one dose of Influenza vaccine in last five years while 174 (85.2%) has not received the vaccine. 161(78.9%) says they are willing to get vaccinated against Influenza while 43(21.1%) are not willing to get vaccinated.
Conclusions: Even though there is good awareness about Influenza vaccine, the number of vaccine recipients is less than ideal. However, majority are willing to take Influenza vaccine in the future which shows good acceptance.
Stunting is influenced by toddler and maternal characteristics, history of infectious disease, IYCF practices, and protein intake: case control study in Nabire coastal areas, Indonesia
Authors: Ibrahim Nur Indah Fitriana , Khomsan Ali , Riyadi Hadi
Published: August 2023

Background: Stunting is one of the unresolved nutritional problems in Indonesia. The coastal areas of Nabire Regency have a high prevalence of stunting, which is more than 20%. This study aims to further analyze the risk factors for stunting in children aged 6-24 months in the coastal area of Nabire Regency.
Methods: The research design used was a case-control study with matching age, gender, socioeconomics, and village monographs, performed in August 2022-June 2023. The number of samples in this study was 112 subjects (children’s 6-24 months). Collected by questionnaires, data of family characteristics, toddler characteristics, maternal characteristics, history of infectious diseases, IYCF practices, nutritional intake of toddlers, complete basic immunization status of toddlers, maternal anemia history, maternal SEZ history, and maternal ANC history. The risk of independent variables was analyzed by logistic regression test by SPSS 16.
Results: The results showed that the risk factors for stunting were birth length (OR=6.38), birth weight (OR=6.73), current weight (OR: 15.59), history of anemia during pregnancy (OR=19.60), history of ANC during pregnancy (OR=41.88), frequency of respiratory infection (OR=39.00), frequency of diarrhea (OR=2.37), early initiation of breastfeeding (OR=0.33), exclusive breastfeeding (OR=0.41), 6-24 months breastfeeding (OR=0.39), complementary feeding practices (OR=2.60), protein intake (OR=6.75).
Conclusions: Nabire Regency with its diversity of socio-cultural life, and unique geographical conditions, certainly has problems and determinants of stunting that are different from other parts of Indonesia. The most influential risk factor for stunting is the history of ANC during pregnancy and frequency of respiratory infections.
Patterns of COVID-19 induced bio-medical waste management in Bangladesh: a case study of Chittagong port city
Authors: Iqbal Sarwar M. , Ashraf Mahfuz , Nasreen Akter , Shahidul Islam M. , Faria Sultana , Shamsal Islam M.
Published: August 2023

Background: The objective of this study was to investigate effective waste management practices and develop environment-friendly public health guidelines for the target audience.
Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in 14 Upazilas of Chittagong Districts, where 200 community members were physically interviewed during the pandemic. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate statistical analyses were conducted.
Results: The majority of respondents followed government guidelines for waste management, and plastic containers, poly bags, bio-hazard bags, and metal containers were commonly used to collect waste. The type of container used was significantly associated with the level of education among community members. Non-environmental materials were used to deposit and dispose of COVID-19-induced biomedical waste. The majority of respondents had poor practices regarding the disposal of biomedical waste and were unaware of the standard duration for the disposal of infectious waste. The level of education was associated with awareness of COVID-19 rules and regulations. The recording of COVID-19-induced biomedical waste was insufficient, and the most commonly used methods for treating biomedical waste were biological, thermal, and irradiation. Plastic containers were the most frequently used disposal method for waste during COVID-19, which is hazardous to both the environment and public health.
Conclusions: Community-based BCC activities by engaging community stakeholders in disseminating and raising awareness of key behaviors related to the environment and public health that are impacted by the biomedical waste in the community setting.
Prevalence and factors associated with utilization of emergency obstetric newborn care services among women of reproductive age in Nakuru county Kenya
Authors: Maingi Nancy N. , Margaret Keraka M. , Makworo Drusilla G.
Published: August 2023

Background: Emergency obstetric and newborn care (EmONC) mediates maternal survival. To prevent deaths, mothers require access to quality care and utilization of health facilities where professionals can promptly diagnose and manage emergencies related to pregnancy and childbirth. The study focused on socio-demographic, social cultural and social economic factors.
Methods: The study was a randomized control trial and utilized a mixed method. Pregnant mother 26 to 32 weeks gestation and aged 15-49 years totaling to 382 respondents were enrolled in the study. Allocation to each study group was done on a 1:1 ratio; hence each group had 191 participants. The study was conducted from January to July 2020.
Results: The intervention group had 95.93% (n=165) utilization of EmONC services in comparison to the control arm 75.29% (n=128). There was no discrepancy in both groups from base line to final survey OR=1.209, CI=0.742 to 1.969 and p=0.446. The level of education significantly influenced utilization at χ2=40.402 and a p<0.001. Secondary education influences utilization of EmONC services at AOR=8.791, 95% CI=3.631 to 21.285 and p<0.001. Respondents with tertiary education were 2.5 times likely to utilize EmONC services. Parity was significant at χ2=43.724, p<0.001. There was no significant difference between socioeconomic factors, sociocultural factors and utilization of EmONC services at baseline level.
Conclusions: There was an increase in utilization of EmONC services. The education level and parity of the woman determined the utilization of EmONC services.
Association between serum uric acid level and microalbuminuria among type 2 diabetic patients: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Mumtaz Ahmed , Hadi Hasan Abdul , Hassan Ramsha , Hassan Muhammad , Khan Tayyab Mumtaz , Warrarich Bismah Imtiaz , Tauqeer Alizay , Fatima Syeda Ammara , Amer Marryam , Akram Jehanzeb
Published: August 2023

Background: Diabetic nephropathy is common and its advancement is affected by different factors and one of them, serum uric acid has crucial role in the progression of kidney injury. The objective of this study is the determination of the association of serum uric acid level with the microalbuminuria among type 2 diabetic patients.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in a tertiary care hospital of Rawalpindi, among 108 patients for 8 months from March 2021 to October 2021. Patients’ recruitment was done by the inclusion and exclusion criteria and convenient sampling technique. Data was obtained via a self-designed proforma. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied for data analysis. P<0.05 was taken as statistically significant Data analysis was performed by SPSS version 25.0.
Results: From total study population, 60 (55.55%) were females, whereas, 48 (44.45%) were males. The means of age for the study population and serum uric acid were 48.98±15.67 years and 7.12±0.91 respectively. The overall frequencies of hyperuricemia and microalbuminuria were 41 (37.96%) and 33 (30.55%) respectively. The frequency of hyperuricemia was higher among older age group, women, and patients with microalbuminuria. The associations of serum uric acid level with the age group, gender, and albuminuria were significant statistically.
Conclusions: Correlation between the serum uric acid levels and albuminuria is statistically significant. Serum uric acid levels have statistically significant relationship with age and gender as well. Serum uric acid level was higher among older age group, females, and patients with microalbuminuria.
Gall bladder diseases: a study of histopathological spectrum of cholecystectomy specimens from rural tertiary hospital in Telangana state during COVID pandemic
Authors: Vutukuru Anuradha , Suragani Nageshwar Rao , Sailaja Vallury , V. Vijay Sreedhar , K. B. Mithila
Published: August 2023

Background: The debate of “is it worth spending the busy pathologist’s time on gall bladder specimens” has been there for decades. The selective approach may result in missing discrete pathologies such as premalignant lesions. We are presenting an interesting series of gall bladder histopathology diagnosed at our institute in the past two years.
Methods: This is a retrospective study done at Bhaskar Medical College between 2020-2022 (specifically chosen as this is the period of COVID pandemic). This study included 43 patients who underwent cholecystectomy. All confirmed cases of acute abdomen operated for other reasons and trauma were excluded. Sections were taken from neck, fundus, body and cross section of cystic duct of each cholecystectomy specimen. The whole gallbladder was submitted and screened for the invasion in ICPN case. These sections were processed through routine paraffin embedding, microtome cutting and H&E staining for evaluation of spectrum of various gallbladder lesions.
Results: In our study, 25 cases showed lymphoplasmacytic infiltration with fibrosis, 9 cases showed ulceration, congested blood vessels and neutrophilic infiltration. We encountered few rare cases like eosinophilic cholecystitis, xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis, and Intracholecystic papillary neoplasm (ICPN)”. Pyloric metaplasia was seen in 27.9% cases, which is also higher
Conclusions: Our study emphasizes the need for the routine examination of these specimens, to have a detailed understanding of the etiology to prevent/predict the other associated medical conditions. We also could find 2% of the cases having pre-malignant lesions and 28% having metaplasia, which if missed shall progress to malignant conditions.
Actual dietary intake versus dietary recommendation among patients with chronic kidney disease!-an observational study
Authors: S. S. Rao Abhinaya , A. J. Hemamalini , P. Soundararajan
Published: August 2023

Background: As diet is an important component of chronic kidney disease management. It is important to understand the actual dietary intake of these patients and see if they are able to meet their respective recommended dietary allowance (RDA), failing which they are predisposed to malnutrition. Hence the study was carried out to assess the actual dietary intake of the subjects with chronic kidney disease to understand the gap between recommendation and actual intake. Aim of this study was to assess the dietary intake of patients with chronic kidney disease.
Methods: Patients with chronic kidney disease in stages 3 and 4 were recruited based on the inclusion criteria and the information on demographics, medical history, subjective data and seven-day dietary recall were obtained. The quantitative and qualitative estimation of the seven-day dietary intake was computed using “Dietcal” software.
Results: Anorexia was observed among 54% of the study participants. The mean calorie, protein and carbohydrate intake was 959.69±166.49 Kcals, 27.94±5.36 g and 160.5±26.7 g respectively while mean intake of sodium, potassium and phosphorous were 88.65±42.88 mg, 944.5±188.69 mg and 560.77±127.64 mg respectively.
Conclusions: The actual dietary intake was lesser than the recommended intake as influenced by anorexia, dysguesia, early satiety and dietary restrictions. Poor nutrient intake per se is the primary influential factor in the onset of malnutrition. Hence, it is important to adopt customized approach rather than generalized nutrient restrictions imposed upon these patients.
Awareness and experiences of side effects and infections during chemotherapy treatment: a cross sectional survey among family caregivers of cancer patients in India
Authors: Roy Sayan , M. G. Gopika , Vinoda Thulaseedharan Jissa
Published: August 2023

Background: Adequate understanding of side effects and infections is essential for family caregivers to ensure proper management for cancer patients during chemotherapy. The present paper describes the family caregivers' awareness of the symptoms of possible side effects and infections during chemotherapy treatment.
Methods: Family caregivers were identified through the lodging facilities near the cancer treatment centres in Thiruvananthapuram and Mumbai. The cross-sectional survey was conducted using a structured interview schedule formulated in the Kobo-collect toolbox and analyzed using IBM-SPSS-Statistics-25.
Results: Among the 217 family caregivers aged between 19 to 76 years, 83% were close relatives of the patients. The majority of the family caregivers were able to identify conditions such as hair loss (95%), appetite change (88%), and nausea/vomiting (88%) as side effects of chemotherapy. At the same time, participants recognized the symptoms of infections were less. Unusual vaginal discharge/irritation (57%) and burning/pain with urination (55%) were the commonly recognized symptoms of infections. From the list of symptoms, more than six out of the thirteen side effects and more than three out of seven infections were correctly identified by 82% and 42% of family caregivers, respectively.
Conclusions: The family caregivers were largely aware of side effects but not much about infections. Since chemotherapy is an immune suppressive treatment, infection awareness among family caregivers is essential to avoid any serious complications during the treatment period. Communication with family caregivers on 'the symptoms and management' of 'side effects and infections' and when to seek treatment is crucial for cancer treatment success.
Health status of inmates of homes for persons with disabilities in Central India: a cross-sectional study
Authors: H. Pandole Wandana , Patil Sonali , Narlawar Uday W. , T. Nimje Ashish
Published: August 2023

Background: Disability is not just a health problem or attribute of individuals, but it reflects difficulties that individuals may experience in physical movements and interaction with society. Studies have indicated that persons with disabilities may experience a poorer health and quality of life than the general population. Inmates most commonly suffer from mental disorders with/without multiple disabilities. Musculoskeletal disorders and injuries were the most common morbidities identified.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study to assess health status was conducted in various homes for persons with disabilities in Central India in 130 subjects out of which 64.62% were male and 35.38% were female.
Results: In present study, maximum i.e., 18 (13.85%) of study subjects were having fatigue followed by cold 15 (11.54%), throat pain 13 (10%), Generalized pain (not otherwise specified) 12 (9.23%), pain in abdomen 7 (5.38%) at the time of examination. Health status reveals that maximum number 49 (37.69%) of study subjects were having anaemia followed by 15 (11.54%) rhinitis.
Conclusions: Predominant morbidities observed in study subjects are underweight, anemia, and hypertension while refractive error, diabetes mellitus these were present in few study subjects. Regular health check-ups or camps should be organized for diagnosis and management of health problems of persons with disabilities.
Comparative study of feeding practices among children less than two years attending rural and urban primary health centers, Mysuru, Karnataka
Authors: Lokesh Nagendra , Kulkarni Praveen , R. Pragadesh , Basheer Sayana , D. Sunil Kumar , A. Vanmathi
Published: August 2023

Background: Breastfeeding is considered one of the most significant aspects of a child's health and survival. Breastfeeding is unquestionably the "GOLD STANDARD" dietary intake during the first six months after birth. So it is necessary to know about the feeding practices among children less than two years in both rural and urban areas. Aim of study was to compare the feeding practices among children less than two years attending the urban and rural Primary health centers under JSS Medical College, Mysuru.
Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 280 mother and their children residing in both rural and urban areas of Mysuru for six months. A pretested structured questionnaire was used to collect the socio-demographic characteristics and feeding practices. Feeding practices among study subjects were analyzed using SPSS 23 software.
Results: In the present study, 35% had poor, 57.1% had average and 7.9% had good infant and early child feeding practices in rural areas, on the other hand, 19.3% had poor, 55.0% had average and 25.7% had good in urban. In this study, the frequency of breastfeeding practices, pre-lacteal feeding, and overall feeding practices were significantly associated with place of residence.
Conclusions: This study concludes that though pre-lacteal feeding and bottle feeding were more in urban areas, the overall feeding practices were poorer in rural than urban.
An assessment of nutritional status of elderly in Bolangir district of Odisha: a community based study
Authors: Ayushree B. R. A. , Biswal Rasmita , Munda Monalisha , Udgata Jyotirmayee , Bhoi Bijayani
Published: August 2023

Background: Ageing is a physiological process that begins at birth, continues throughout life, and culminates in death. Poor nutrition is not a normal by-product of ageing; older persons are vulnerable to malnutrition due to physiological, psychological, social, nutritional, and environmental risk factors. Objective were to assess the nutritional status of elderly residing in rural areas with special reference to anthropometric measurements.
Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted in Mursundi Village at Alagpur block of Bolangir district of Odisha, India. A total of sixty elderly of age 60 years or above were selected for the study through random sampling method. Data was assessed using a well-structured and pretested questionnaire. Information was collected from selected elderly people through personal interview by repeatedly visiting the study area.
Results: Out of the total 60 participants, the mean height of the male elderly was 149.5±7.23 cm subsequently mean weight was 50.33±8.89 kg and BMI score (22.97±2.25 kg/m²) of the male elderly was within the normal range. Similarly, the mean height and weight of the female elderly participants were 151.4±7.16 cm and 49.33±6.69 kg respectively while the BMI mean score (21.34±2.94 kg/m²) falls into to the underweight category. About 33.3% of the elderly males were normal, 43.3% underweight and 23.33% from overweight category. Similarly, majority females (26.66%) were normal, 50.0% were underweight and 23.33% from overweight category.
Conclusions: Nutritional status of elderly subjects especially among females is very poor as detected in this study. There is need and scope for geriatric nutritional interventions mainly through nutrition education in rural population.
INDEX guidelines for extra-pulmonary tuberculosis: knowledge and practice among clinicians in Bengaluru, Karnataka
Authors: Shivalingappa Uma Shankar , Burugina Nagaraja Sharath , Aggarwal Sarika Jain , Gupta Joydev , Ahmed Jameel , Gopalswamy Vinay , P. N. Veena , Reddy Shravika , Somashekar  , Ellappan Kalaiarasan
Published: August 2023

Background: Extra-pulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) remains a major problem in developing countries, which acquire diagnostic and management challenges. The study was conducted to characterize the diagnosed EPTB cases, and to understand the perspectives of clinicians on diagnosis and challenges in its management.
Methods: A total of 150 EPTB patients' medical records were reviewed at two tertiary hospitals in Bengaluru, Karnataka for the period January 2017 to December 2017. The questionnaire-based interview was conducted among clinicians (n=42) during the study period.
Results: The mean age and weight of EPTB patients (females (77, 51%) and males (73, 49%) were 32.5 (±17.5) years and 44.5 (±16.3) kilograms, respectively. Pleural TB (44, 29%), cervical lymph node TB (LNTB) (32, 21%) and abdominal TB (17, 11%) were the most common sites of EPTB involvement, followed by bones and joints TB (11, 7%), spine TB (10, 7%), hilar/mediastinal TB (9, 6%), tuberculoma (8, 5%), TB meningitis (6, 4%), abdominal LNTB (6, 4%), urinary TB (4, 3%) and others (3, 2%). We found GeneXpert was the basis of EPTB diagnosis in 43.3% of cases followed by acid-fast bacilli (AFB) smear microscopy (20.7%) and culture (12.5%). Of 150 EPTB suspected cases, 73% (110) were started anti-TB treatment (ATT), including 8% (12) having received ATT previously. According to LIKERT scale options, 90% of clinicians agreed GeneXpert as a promising diagnostic tool for diagnosis as compared to other microbiological (79%) and histopathological tests (55%).
Conclusions: The quality of EPTB diagnosis and management practices at these institutions is satisfactory according to the principles laid down in INDEX TB guidelines or the national guidelines.
Comparative evaluation of efficacy of gluma desensitiser vs diode laser in treating dentinal hypersensitivity: an in vivo study
Authors: Hugar Shweta S. , Metgud Renuka , Thomas Maria , Sureshbabu Abhirami , Patil Sneha
Published: August 2023

Background: There are different types of adhesives and resins available today for the treatment of dentinal hypersensitivity. Literature search showed fewer comparative studies using gluma desensitizing agent and diode laser (940nm) in the treatment of dentinal hypersensitivity. Hence, the aim of present study is to compare the efficacy of gluma desensitizing agent and diode laser (940 nm) in the treatment of dentinal hypersensitivity.
Methods: Patients were selected using VAS scale and randomly divided into group 1 (gluma) and group 2 (diode laser). Gluma and laser treatment was done for the patients on the contralateral sides. The follow up was done at an interval of 1 month and 3 months.
Results: Statistically significant difference was seen in intra group comparison for both gluma and laser treatment but no statistically significant difference was seen in the intergroup comparison of both the groups.
Conclusions: Both gluma and diode laser treatment were found to be equally effective for the treatment of dentinal hypersensitivity.
Clinical study to evaluate the efficacy of Commiphora muku (Muqil) on thyroid function in hypothyroidism
Authors: Iqbal Arsheed , Habib Arif , Ahmad Sheikh Zahoor , Afzal Asma , Jan Afroza , . Huma , Shah Arjumand
Published: August 2023

Background: Hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disorder in which there is deficient production of thyroid hormone. Even though hormone replacement therapy is the mainstay treatment of hypothyroidism, but due to adverse effects on long term use, safe and effective Unani herbal drugs need to be researched. A decrease in serum concentrations of thyroid hormone causes an increased secretion of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), thus resulting in elevated serum TSH concentration.
Methods: The methods used to determine thyroid dysfunction are still serum thyroid stimulating hormone and the main circulating thyroid hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine either as total or estimated free concentrations, and it is indeed the improved assay sensitivities and specificities that have made it possible to diagnose these milder forms. TSH, T3 and T4 with safety parameters tests were done before treatment and after completion of treatment in both the groups in order to make the proper diagnosis, to exclude other systemic ailments and to assess the efficacy/safety of the proposed herbal drug.
Results: The effects of test drug on lowering the raised serum TSH are attributed to the thyroid activities of the test drug which shoes highly significance p<0.01 before and after intervention. In respect of thyroxin there were no significant results between the test and control group.
Conclusions: The study concluded that the efficacy of Commiphora mukul (Muqil) on thyroid function was designed to explore the role of Unani herbal drugs in the management of hypothyroidism on Unani principles is effective, safe and cost effective.
Effect of non-traumatic first trimester per vaginal bleeding on maternal and fetal outcomes in Indian tertiary care teaching hospital
Authors: Arora Shweta , Tanveer Raeesa , Gulati Rachit
Published: August 2023

Background: Aim of study was to assess the maternal and perinatal outcomes in first trimester vaginal bleeding.
Methods: This prospective observational study was done on 112 patients with first trimester vaginal bleeding at a tertiary care teaching hospital in South India over a period of two years. All the patients who satisfied the inclusion and exclusion criteria were evaluated for the outcomes like hypertensive disorders, post partum and anter partum haemorrhage, rupture of menbranes, anemia, gestational diabetes, pre term delivery, low birth weight, small for gestational age, NICU admissions, intra-uterine growth restriction and mode of delivery.
Results: Maximum patients with bleeding per vagina in first trimester belonged to 26-30 years age group out of which majority had spotting. No specific significance was found to be associated between gravida score and bleeding or bleeding types. Out of 75 patients who continued pregnancy, 57 (76.0%) patients had one or the other complication in pregnancy which was significant (p<0.05). Regarding fetal outcomes, 19 had preterm delivery, 10 were LBW while 4 were SGA, 26 required NICU admissions and 8 had IUGR. 48 patients had recurrent bleeding PV which showed no significant correlation with abortion or APH.
Conclusions: Study shows that per vaginal bleeding in first trimester may lead to maternal and foetal complications. We recommend training pregnant women regarding those complications and their prevention.
Evaluation of audio-visual aids as a medium of periodontal health education for patients with periodontitis
Authors: K. B. Menaka , Raza Sidra , U. Nayak Sangeeta , Krishna Vinita
Published: August 2023

Background: It is of paramount importance that patients be educated of their clinical conditions and the available treatment options. Audio-visual aids can be used as a beneficial modality to help the clinicians in the educational task by presenting the necessary information to the patient in a simpler manner.
Methods: A randomized controlled trial was done to assess the retention of knowledge amongst periodontitis patients after receiving oral health education using audio-visual aids. The effect of audio-visual aids was compared to standard education in the form of verbal narration for periodontal patient education. A total of 60 consented periodontitis patients were recruited for the study and randomly allocated to audio-visual group or control group according to computer generated randomization. All patients received a pre-test questionnaire to assess their baseline knowledge regarding oral health and treatment modalities. A post-test questionnaire was taken immediately after receiving the two sets of education to assess the retention level of knowledge. The questionnaire contained 15 multiple-choice questions.
Results: There was no significant difference in baseline knowledge between the two groups (p value=0.317). Patients receiving the audio-visual aids had significantly higher scores for the post-test (mean±SD=7.56±2.31) when compared with patients receiving standard education (mean±SD=5.73±2.94; p value=0.01*).
Conclusions: Retention of knowledge is significantly higher in the audio-visual group when compared to the control group. Audio-visual aids can be an effective medium for patient education in day-to-day dental practice.
Psychological health problems and associated factors among perimenopausal women in rural Prayagraj
Authors: Siddiqui Mehnaz B. , Parveen Khurshid , Prakash Gyan , Singh Richa
Published: August 2023

Background: The perimenopause is an ill-defined time period that surrounds the final years of a woman’s reproductive life. It begins with the first onset of menstrual irregularity and ends after one year of amenorrhea has occurred. Various psychological illnesses also mark this period.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 320 perimenopausal women aged between 40 to 55 years in rural Prayagraj. The study participants were interviewed and examined for psychological illnesses. A structured and predesigned questionnaire was used for the same. In this study, the scales used were PHQ-9, ISI, and GAD-7 for assessing depression, insomnia and anxiety respectively.
Results: Study found average age of perimenopausal women to be 46.55±2.64 years. Among the psychological problems depression, insomnia and anxiety was analysed using scales- PHQ-9, ISI and GAD-7 respectively. It was found that 84.69% perimenopausal women had depression, 82.50% women had anxiety and only 35.31% women had insomnia. Of all women with depression majority had mild depression (70.94%). Regarding anxiety status majority had mild anxiety (68.13%). whereas 30.94% of women were found to have sub threshold insomnia.
Conclusions: Present study shows association between psychological symptoms and employment status. Depression was found to be associated with type of family and age of woman. Insomnia was found to be associated with marital status and age of woman. Anxiety was found to be associated with type of family. Most common psychological morbidity among perimenopausal women was found to be depression.
Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practice regarding dengue among undergraduates of Government Medical College, Western Maharashtra: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Bhadake Kavita H. , Haralkar Santosh J. , Roy Payel
Published: August 2023

Background: Dengue fever is one of the most important viral infections transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes and a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally. For its prevention and control need to assess knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) level of individuals.
Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was carried out in Dr. V. M. Government Medical College, Solapur after taking institutional ethical committee (IEC) approval during 01 October to 30 October in all 200 undergraduate students of a batch of MBBS was selected out of 3 batches by lottery method, who were given consent were included in the study, out of which 154 had responded to pre-tested, structured, questionnaire.
Results: 78.57% participants had good knowledge regarding dengue fever causative agent, transmission, signs and symptoms, preventive and control measures. 92.2% participants had good attitude towards dengue fever seriousness, preventive and control measures, need of community participation, importance of immediate visit to health care facilities. All participants had good practices regarding dengue fever preventive and control measures and 98% participants had high KAP score >38 (out of 50) regarding dengue fever signs and symptoms, means of transmission and its preventive and control measures.
Conclusions: Majority of participants had good knowledge regarding dengue fever causative agent, transmission, signs and symptoms, preventive and control measures. Majority of participants had good attitude towards dengue seriousness, preventive and control measures, need of community participation, and all participants had good practice regarding dengue fever preventive and control measures and majority of participants had high KAP score regarding the same.
Knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding sexually transmitted infections among students of Punjab university, Chandigarh
Authors: Ali Iram , Goel Naveen Krishan , Sharma Manoj Kumar , Rana Kirtan , Ian Gachuki James
Published: August 2023

Background: Sexually Transmitted Infections are a major public health concern. Young adults have risk-taking behavior and casual attitude, engaging themselves in risky sexual activities thus contracting STIs. This study aimed at assessing knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding sexually transmitted infections among students of Panjab University, Chandigarh.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 252 students of Panjab University, Chandigarh, selected here through simple random sampling. A self- administered, semi structured and validated questionnaire was used for collecting data. The data was analysed using SPSS and presented as percentages, mean, standard deviation and ANOVA.
Results: The current study had 125 (49.5%) males and 127 (50.4%) female students. 228 (90.5%) had correct knowledge that multiple partners can increase risk of STI. Around 171 (67.9%) responded that it is possible to get STI after having sex first time while 151 (59.9%) responded that STI can cause long term health problems. 217 (86.1%) of respondents agreed with statement "one should go for STI test”. While 96 (38.1%) respondents believed that prohibiting prostitution would control spread of STI. Majority of respondents (81.8%) opined for introducing sex education at schools. 65.9%of respondents were reluctant to disclose about multiple sexual partners. 179(71%) respondents felt comfortable discussing STIs with family members, friends, and co-workers.
Conclusions: The current study found the need of introducing sexual health education among university students to fill gaps in existing knowledge which can further reduce the risk of STIs among them and ultimately help in achieving the targets of Sustainable Development Goals.
A cross-sectional study on knowledge, attitude and practice regarding rabies among patients attending a tertiary care centre, Solapur Maharashtra
Authors: Roy Payel , Nandimath Viresh A. , Bhadake Kavita H.
Published: August 2023

Background: Rabies is a neglected zoonotic tropical disease. Rabies is one of the world’s deadliest diseases which has 100% fatality and at the same time 100% preventable. The present study is an attempt to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice regarding rabies among animal bite patients and sociodemographic factors associated with it.
Methods: This observational cross-sectional study was done in a tertiary care centre, Solapur after taking IEC approval during 1st October 2022 to 31st October 2022, among all adult patients (≥18 years age) attending anti-rabies OPD, in a pre-tested, structured, questionnaire.
Results: Among 194 participants 51 (26.29%), 101 (52.06%) and 42 (21.65%) of participants had high, moderate and low knowledge regarding rabies respectively; 75 (38.66%), 106 (54.64%) and 13 (6.7%) had high, moderate and low attitude towards rabies respectively; 160 (82.47%), 33 (17.01%) and 1 (0.52%) had high, moderate and low practice towards rabies prevention and control respectively. In this study knowledge is significantly associated with age, family size, education and socio-economic status; attitude is significantly associated with education and practice is significantly associated with family size.
Conclusions: Majority of the participants (101) had moderate knowledge regarding modes of transmission of rabies, fatality of rabies, symptoms of rabid animal, incubation period of rabies and PEP after animal bite, etc. Most of the participants (106) had moderate attitude towards completion of Inj. ARV schedule and the necessity to promote knowledge about rabies in the community. Majority of the participants (160) had high practice regarding first aid after animal bite and anti-rabies vaccination.