bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Starting a cultural collective for mothers of children with disabilities: A case study
Authors: Raknes Solfrid , Sæbjørnsen Siv Elin N. , Aarlie Hege C. , Bromstad Thrine Marie N. , Makuu Mariana J. , Yamala Caroline , Hean Sarah 
Published: December 2024

Background: Caring for children with disabilities in Tanzania involves significant challenges, including stigma, limited support and mental health risks. A cultural collective for caretakers of children with disabilities enrolled at a primary school was established to address these issues.Objectives: The study aims to explore the experiences of caregivers who started a cultural collective and to assess its impact on their lives in the short term.Method: This study used a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach with a sequential mixed-methods design. Data were collected over a period of 8 weeks, while the participants in this study established a collective in Dar es Salaam. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, and qualitative data were analysed using Braun and Clarke’s method for thematic analysis.Results: As assessed by a validated and normed questionnaire, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), 63% of the caregivers showed signs of depression before starting work in the collective. Economic needs, education and the desire for support were the primary motivations for joining. Starting the collective improved social support, fostered agency and began to enhance caregivers’ financial conditions.Conclusion: The collective addressed caregivers’ needs for economic improvement, social support and mental support, and the experience was vitalising for the caretakers.Contribution: This study deepens our understanding of holistic interventions for children with disabilities and their families in urban Africa. It offers valuable insights into a crucial stage of developing contextually relevant interventions for vulnerable, poverty-stricken populations. It provides a model that can be adapted for similar interventions in comparable contexts.
Judah and Tamar: A missiological study of Genesis 38 in its redemptive-historical context
Authors: Wielenga Barend (Bob) 
Published: December 2024

In this article, Genesis 38 was researched with missiological interests in mind. Using the redemptive-historical reading strategy, the importance of the Bible, and especially of the Old Testament, for missions has been stressed, based on the analysis of Genesis 38. Attention was paid to the literary framework in which Genesis 38 appears, constructed around the 11 toledōth statements in Genesis. The results of this literary analysis were used for a thematic reading of Genesis 38, focusing on some central issues such as the theocentric character of redemptive history, the interconnectedness of the editorial and divine communicative intentions with the inclusion of Genesis 38 in the established literary tradition of Genesis 37–50, the significance of the three-fold promise of God to Abraham (Gn 12:1–3)1 for the interpretation of Genesis 38, and the impact of Judah and Tamar on Israel’s ancient history. Next, the redemptive-historical analysed text was missionally re-read to show the present Christian community of faith how important this narrative could be for its missiological reflections and missional praxis, with attention paid to three central missiological issues: the missio Dei, the missiones ecclesiae, and corporate worship for missions.Contribution: This article, based on the redemptive-historical reading of Genesis 38 as an example, shows that the Old Testament, in its own right, is missionally relevant for the present Christian community of faith.
Medication Adherence of People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus to Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy in Davao City
Authors: Campomayor Ephole John T. , Ginelza Aj April Summer M. , Villanueva Nicole V. , Morales Sonia S. , Gabucan Von Jay Maico G. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objectives:
Medication adherence is imperative for people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV), as this directly affects the success of their treatment and the management of the condition. Medication adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is the extent of patient medication-taking behaviors following that of prescribed recommendations at the start and during the therapy as well as during medical appointments. As such, prompt adherence to HAART enhances immune suppression and viral load, leading to a low chance of spreading the virus to other individuals.

Materials and Methods:
This study utilized a quantitative method to retrospectively review the specific and de-identified information in the pharmacy records of a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-dedicated facility in Davao City, Philippines. Davao City is the capital city of Region XI, one of the regions with very high HIV incidence. Medication adherence rates of PLHIV to HAART were determined using the proportion of days covered (PDC) from 2021 to March 2024. PDC is obtained by taking the quotient of the number of days that the patient has the medication on hand over the number of days in the period of investigation. In addition, age and sex were collected as demographic data.

Results:
The study revealed that the clients in the pharmacy records were dominantly from the male gender, ages 25–34 years old. The utilization of HAART increased from 2021 to 2024, as seen in the records. However, adherence fluctuated across the years. The frequency of adherent patients in 2021–2024 was 92.31%, 77.00%, 82.68%, and 81.00%, respectively. The Chi-squared test reveals no significant difference in the number of adherent and nonadherent patients across the years except in 2023 (χ2 = 9.955; P = 0.018) when grouped according to age.

Conclusion:
Medication adherence across the years investigated was favorable, with many patients showing good adherence to medication. However, there are patients who do not adhere and thus require follow-up and additional interventions to ensure the success of treatment and management.
Factors Associated with the Nonacceptance of Mass Drug Administration for Schistosomiasis among Adults 18 Years Old and above in Selected Endemic Barangays in Mindanao, Philippines
Authors: Santos Conrigo Boya Trota , Punzalan Mary Germeyn Durias 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Aims and Objectives:
This study aims to investigate the factors affecting the nonacceptance of mass drug administration (MDA) for schistosomiasis among adults aged at least 18 years old and above in Mindanao, Philippines.

Materials and Methods:
The study utilized a mixed-methods approach, incorporating both qualitative methods to describe the MDA implementation and cross-sectional study to determine the factors associated with nonacceptance of MDA.

Results:
The findings revealed that several factors were associated with the nonacceptance of MDA for schistosomiasis among adults, including awareness of MDA for schistosomiasis and knowledge of what is used in diagnosing schistosomiasis. However, it was also observed that there were misconceptions among respondents regarding the disease. The study highlighted the importance of increasing awareness and also providing accurate and detailed information about schistosomiasis to correct misconceptions. It was found that the primary source of information about schistosomiasis and MDA was the Barangay Health Workers (BHWs), who played a crucial role in disseminating information to the community. Furthermore, the study emphasized the need for creative strategies to disseminate information on schistosomiasis, such as integrating them with other health programs such as maternal and child health or the 4Ps program.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the factors influencing the nonacceptance of MDA for schistosomiasis in rural areas of the Philippines. Tackling the nonacceptance of MDA for schistosomiasis requires comprehensive and culturally sensitive approaches. By enhancing awareness, correcting misconceptions, and utilizing creative dissemination strategies, we can significantly improve MDA uptake and contribute to the long-term goal of schistosomiasis control and eventual elimination.
A diagnostic dilemma of autoimmune polyendocrinopathy candidiasis ectodermal dystrophy syndrome
Authors: Surushe Sanket A , Sharma Richa , Kamath Chitra D , Dhurat Rachita S 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Autoimmune polyendocrinopathy candidiasis ectodermal dystrophy (APCED) syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive syndrome. There is a loss of function mutation in the autoimmune regulator (AIRE) gene. It is characterized by two of the following conditions: chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis, hypoparathyroidism, or Addison’s disease. Here, we describe one such mysterious case of APCED syndrome, which posed a diagnostic challenge.
Functional analysis of school refusal: An exploratory study in the Indian context
Authors: Yadav Arun Singh , Rajendra Kiragasur Madegowda , Sravanti Lakshmi , Kommu John Vijay Sagar , Seshadri Shekhar , Girimaji Satish Chandra 
Published: December 2024

Background:
School refusal behaviour is an umbrella term that often subsumes constructs such as truancy, school refusal, and school phobia. It is influenced by various psychological and psychosocial factors and can lead to significant distress to the child and the family.

Aim:
To assess the clinical and functional profile of school refusal behavior in children and adolescents presenting to a tertiary care child and adolescent psychiatry center in the Indian context.

Materials and Methods:
Thirty-six subjects (6–17 years) presenting to a tertiary Child and Adolescent Psychiatry service with school refusal behavior (SRB) were evaluated using the MINI-KID 6.0 and School Refusal Assessment Scale-Revised (SRAS-R). The sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of the sample were studied using frequency analysis and central tendencies. The association between school refusal and these variables was examined using Cramer’s V coefficient.

Results:
Anxiety in social/evaluative situations associated with tangible rewards at home was the predominant primary reason for school refusal in this sample. There was a significant statistical association between functions of school refusal and scholastic performance, psychiatric diagnosis, and family stressors. The Children’s Global Assessment Scale (CGAS) scores varied widely from 30 to 80 indicating an inability to function in almost all areas to no more than a slight impairment in functioning.

Conclusions:
School refusal is a complex multifactorial phenomenon with both individual and psychosocial contributing factors. Understanding the phenomenon from a functional perspective helps in devising an individualized treatment plan that may lead to better outcomes.
Initial experiences of an english-speaking digital assistant for tobacco cessation in India
Authors: Ali Enub , Antony Nitin , Sachdeva Ankur , Deshpande Smita N. 
Published: December 2024

Background:
The WHO tobacco control team established the Access Initiative for Quitting Tobacco (AIQT) in July 2020. The AIQT team developed a virtual assistant “Florence” to provide digital counseling services to people willing to quit tobacco.

Aim:
To assess tobacco users’ experience of using WHO digital health assistant “Florence” and to track their behavior changes.

Materials and Methods:
The study was conducted at a tertiary care Teaching Hospital in Delhi-NCR, India from November 2021 to March 2022. A total of 102 English-speaking tobacco users were enrolled through snowballing and online requests to use Florence (https://www.who.int/campaigns/Florence), once at baseline, and pursue as often as they wish during the next three months. A predesigned WHO questionnaire (Florence Introductory Questionnaire and Florence User Follow-up Questionnaire) was used to assess participants’ experiences of using Florence and track changes in tobacco use behavior at follow-up. Statistical analysis was performed through SPSS-22 using appropriate frequency distribution parameters and nonparametric tests to assess acceptance and efficacy of Florence.

Results:
Most participants at baseline, over 3-5 minutes, felt that Florence could not understand their speech (48%), and needed improvement in advice and information on quitting and tobacco use (52%) but felt comfortable interacting with Florence (42.2%). However, participants who re-visited Florence during the next 3 months (12/102) agreed that Florence helped them make a quit plan and used the recommended toll-free quit (9/12). Overall, there was a significant increase in proportion of participants who did not consume tobacco in the last 07 days after using Florence (09 versus 25 of 102, P < 0.01) and made quit plans (07 versus 15 of 102, P < 0.01) compared to baseline.

Conclusion:
Considering the ease, accessibility, and amount of time spent with this virtual assistant, Florence appears a positive step forward in tobacco cessation.
Suicide deaths in south and south-east districts of Delhi during pre- and post-COVID-19 period - A comparative analysis
Authors: Singh Kumkum , Kaur Ravneet , Behera Chittaranjan , Balhara Yatan P. S. , Kaushik Ruchika 
Published: December 2024

Background:
Suicides are among the leading causes of death in the world and pose a major public health challenge. Mental health issues intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic, causing an increase in the number of suicides globally. Contributory factors included social isolation, loneliness, unemployment, grief due to loss of family, fear of death, and financial stress.

Aim:
To assess the pattern of suicide deaths following the COVID-19 pandemic as compared to pre-COVID-19 in the South and South-east districts of Delhi.

Materials and Methods:
Pre-COVID-19 suicide data were reviewed from April 2017 to March 2020. We collected data from police inquest papers, medical records, and the evaluation of autopsy reports. Post-COVID-19 data for suicide deaths were collected from April 2020 and March 2023. The close relatives of the deceased were interviewed using a standardized proforma. Data were analyzed using STATA version 16.

Results:
A total of 1435 and 1462 suicide deaths were reported in the pre- and post-COVID-19 pandemic period, respectively. Suicide deaths among males were significantly higher in the post-COVID-19 period (P = 0.001). The place of suicide was non-residence in a significantly higher number of suicide deaths during the post-COVID-19 period (P = 0.001), while there was no significant difference in terms of alcohol use (P = 0.249), and physical illness (P = 0.28) during pre- and post-COVID-19 period. The most common cause of death was hanging both in the pre-COVID-19 (93.91%) and post-COVID-19 (95.5%) period.

Conclusion:
There was no significant difference in the number of suicide deaths pre- and post-COVID pandemic. A significantly higher rate among males, non-residence as the place of suicide, and history of psychiatric illness was found in the post-COVID-19 period.
Combined modalities for the rapid diagnosis of patients with suspected tuberculous lymphadenitis: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Sayed Mohsin Hasan , Sane Kavita 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
In settings with high burden of extrapulmonary tuberculosis, the use of various diagnostic modalities can result in superior and quick diagnosis leading to prompt initiation of treatment.

Objective:
This study assessed the diagnostic performance of the fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), Ziehl–Neelsen (ZN) stain, fluorescence microscopy (FM) and cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification test (CBNAAT) in patients with suspected tuberculous lymphadenitis (TBLN).

Methods:
This cross-sectional studyodes, who underwent FNAC. The FNAC samples were subjected to cytomorphological examinati involved 255 patients clinically suspected of TBLN with palpable lymph non, ZN stain, FM and CBNAAT. The diagnostic performance of each modality was compared with CBNAAT, and combined performance was determined. The diagnostic performance of CBNAAT was determined by comparing it with composite reference standard.

Results:
Of 255 patients, 148 (58.04%) showed features of TBLN on FNAC. The presence of epithelioid cell granulomas with caseous necrosis (67.57%) was the predominant cytomorphological pattern. On ZN stain, FM and CBNAAT, 31 (20.95%), 63 (42.57%) and 100 (67.57%) patients were found to be positive for TBLN, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of CBNAAT was 58.59%, 91.83%, 92% and 58.06%, respectively. Finally, the combination of ZN stain, FM and CBNAAT led to the detection of 88.51% patients with TBLN.

Conclusion:
Combined use of ZN stain, FM and CBNAAT leads to superior and swift diagnosis of patients with clinically suspected TBLN.
Role of autologous blood patch pleurodesis for management of prolonged pulmonary air leak: A systematic review
Authors: Abdalla Berun A. , Kakamad Fahmi H. , Hassan Marwan N. , Muhialdeen Asia Bahaaldeen , Ahmed Farman J. , Ahmed Harem K. , Kakamad Suhaib H. , Salih Rawezh Q. , Mohammed Shvan H. , Mustafa Shevan M. , Omar Diyar A. , Kareem Pavel Mustafa , Hasan Sabah Jalal , Mahmood Yousif M. , Mustafa Mohammed Q. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT
Prolonged air leak (PAL) represents the most commonly encountered complication following pulmonary resection. This review aims to show the role of autologous blood pleurodesis (ABPP) in the management of PAL. A search was conducted on the Web of Science, PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar for English-language articles until September 15, 2023, with titles containing the related phrase “autologous blood patch pleurodesis (ABPP), and prolonged air leaks.” Included studies comprised four randomised controlled trials, ten cohort studies, a case series, and nine case reports from various countries. Patients undergoing ABPP had a mean age of 52.7 years. Autologous blood volumes for pleurodesis varied (50 mL to 250 mL). Approximately 73.8% of cases responded to ABPP in 1 to 30 days (mean 3.75 days), and in-hospital complications were infrequent (3.9%). Follow-up durations post pleurodesis were up to 20 months. The evidence presented in this systematic review supports the role of ABPP as an effective and safe intervention for managing PAL, particularly after pulmonary resection.
Evaluation of Cyclin D1 protein and its association with the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of lung cancer: A retrospective study from Southern Kerala, India
Authors: Panakkal Neeraja , Lekshmi Asha , Nair Jagathnath K. K. M. , Sujathan Kunjuraman 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
Cyclin D1 is a protein that can enhance the proliferation of cancer cells and has been detected in various malignancies, including lung cancer. However, routine examinations for Cyclin D1 in lung cancer cases have not been conducted in Kerala.

Aim:
This study sought to evaluate the links between cyclin D1 expression, clinicopathological characteristics, and 2-year survival rates in lung cancer.

Methods:
This retrospective cohort study used medical records and paraffin blocks of lung cancer patients at the Regional Cancer Centre in Kerala, India, between 2015 and 2018. The data were collected from 61 subjects, comprising of lung adenocarcinoma (18%), lung squamous cell carcinoma (27.9%), non–small-cell lung carcinoma (18%), poorly differentiated carcinoma (19.7%), and negative for malignant cells (16.4%). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS.

Results:
The study revealed that 31.10% of the lung cancer patients exhibited overexpression of cyclin D1. A significant correlation was observed between cyclin D1 expression and histopathological results (P = 0.002), indicating that the level of cyclin D1 might be linked to specific histopathological subtypes of lung cancer. Despite this significant finding, cyclin D1 expression did not show any association with the clinical stage of the cancer or other clinical characteristics of the patients. Furthermore, when examining the 2-year survival rates of the patients, the study found no significant difference between those who had overexpression of cyclin D1 and those who did not (P = 0.145).

Conclusion:
Cyclin D1 expression was associated with histology type of lung cancer with no significant association to prognosis.
Effectiveness of pulmonary rehabilitation in post-COVID-19 patients: A pre- and post-interventional study
Authors: Bargaje Medha Deepak , Sharma Priyasha , Londhe Jyoti Deepak , Patil Sanjeevani Vishwanath , Anokar Anita Tulsiramji , Doke Purwa Prakash , Oswal Jitendra Shankarlal , Doke Prakash Prabhakarrao , Rayamane Kranti Laxman , Sule Nachiket Sandeep , Deshpande Aruna Bhimsen 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
The need of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) for COVID-19 patients with long-term effects was desperately felt. The study’s objective was to measure the effect of PR on functional capacity and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with post COVID conditions.

Methods:
Pulmonary medicine department of a teaching hospital conducted this pre-experimental study. The patient underwent a pre and post-assessment, including a six-minute walk test (6MWT) measuring distance, oxygen desaturation, pulse rate, and HRQOL. The intervention had six components; education to patients and caregivers, breathlessness relieving exercises, postural correction, aerobic training, strength training, and stretching exercises. These activities were carried out twice a week for eight weeks, supervised, unsupervised in homes, and a combination.

Results:
The study enrolled 155 post-COVID patients (Males, 102 and female, 53), out of which 28 (18.1%) had mild, 55 (35.5%) had moderate and 72 (46.5%) had severe COVID. Paired t-test showed improvement in resting pulse rate (P = 0.001) and resting oxygen saturation (P < 0.0001). Distance walking for six minutes increased after rehabilitation (P < 0.0001). After eight weeks of pulmonary rehabilitation, there was an improvement (P < 0.001) in all domains of quality of life, that is, mobility, self-care, pain and discomfort, usual activity, sleep, anxiety and depression.

Conclusion:
Pulmonary rehabilitation is beneficial for post-COVID patients in improving their quality of life and six-minute walk test parameters, resulting in improved functional capacity and overall quality of life.
Prognostic significance of eosinophil-to-platelet ratio and C-reactive protein in predicting adverse events during acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A comprehensive observational study
Authors: Yogesh M , Kadalarasu D , Makwana Naresh , Chatterjee Iva S. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
Biomarkers like sarcopenia, eosinopenia and C-reactive protein (CRP) may predict major adverse events including intubation, ICU admission, mortality and readmission in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations. We aimed to determine their prognostic utility and accuracy.

Methods:
This was a prospective analysis of COPD patients hospitalised for acute exacerbation over one year. Patients with primary diagnoses other than COPD were excluded. Patients were screened to select a sample of 205 participants, with 55 experiencing adverse events including intubation, ICU admission, in-hospital mortality and 30-day readmission. Data on demographics, lung function, symptoms, nutrition, frailty, sarcopenia, eosinophil-to-platelet ratio (EPR) and CRP were extracted. Differences between groups were analysed using t-tests and regression modelling.

Results:
EPR <0.755 and CRP ≥15.8 mg/dL were significant predictors of adverse events after adjustment, with EPR having an AUC of 0.79 and CRP an AUC of 0.68 for composite outcomes. In multivariate analysis, sarcopenia, EPR and CRP remained significant with the outcome variables (intubation, ICU admission, in-hospital mortality and 30-day readmission).

Conclusion:
EPR and CRP are useful prognostic markers of clinically significant in-hospital outcomes during COPD exacerbations. However, a multidimensional approach may further optimise risk prediction.