bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unhindered Access to Hospital Buildings: A Neglected Domain
Authors: Sodhi Jitender , Arora Pankaj 
Published: December 2024

Summary
Globally, 15% of the population suffers from disability. However, the percentage of people visiting hospitals who may be suffering from some form of disability may be higher. It may cause difficulty in accessing the health-care facilities. Universal design features help assimilate persons with disabilities with the mainstream. Patients on trolleys in hospitals jostling with vehicular traffic are a common sight. The lack of functional, dedicated, and encumbrance-free sidewalks for the movement of trolleys is a hindrance. We wish to highlight this aspect, suggest some remedial measures, and initiate a conversation among the health-care planners through this article.
Family-centered Health Education Intervention for Improving Iron−folic Acid Adherence and Anemia Reduction among Antenatal Mothers in Rural Jodhpur: A Quasi-experimental Study
Authors: Singh Gyanendra , Ranjitha R. , Baskaran Pritish , Goel Akhil Dhanesh , Gupta Manoj Kumar , Dileepan S. , Choudhary Yachana , Rehana V. R. , Raghav Pankaja Ravi 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background:
Anemia is one of the global public health concerns. Despite the availability of effective treatment options, reducing its prevalence remains challenging.

Objectives:
The objectives of this study were to investigate family-centered health education intervention in improving iron − folic acid adherence and anemia status, knowledge, attitude, and practices.

Materials and Methods:
A quasi-experimental community interventional trial was conducted. Employing a multistage cluster-randomized sampling technique, intervention and control areas were identified. All pregnant women of gestational age 14–16 weeks with mild and moderate anemia were included and interviewed along with hemoglobin and ferritin estimation.

Results:
Change in adherence, knowledge, attitude, practice, and anemia status was assessed after the follow-up period for both groups. The results revealed significant improvements in knowledge, attitude, practice, adherence to iron supplements, and anemia status within the intervention group. The participants with moderate anemia decreased from an initial value of 38.66% to 7.25%, whereas mild anemia reduced from 61.33% to 21.74%. Moreover, the mean hemoglobin level showed a significant difference from 9.8 ± 1.3 g/dL at baseline to 10.8 ± 0.5 g/dL at the end line, whereas the serum ferritin level increased from 12.5 ± 8.7 μg/dL to 19.0 ± 7.6 μg/dL. The difference-in-difference analysis revealed 0.78 g/dL hemoglobin and 4.72 μg/dL ferritin improvement in the intervention group is due to family-centered health education.

Conclusion:
Family-centered health education in multiple modes of intervention improved the adherence to iron supplements and anemia status and increased the knowledge, attitude, and practices toward the same, among pregnant women along with their family members.
Utilization of Institutional Maternal Delivery and Associated Factors among Rural Women: A Case Study of High Priority District of Himachal Pradesh
Authors: Kaur Mandeep 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background:
Utilization of institutional maternal delivery is the cornerstone for the health of both mother and child which provides essential emergency care and reduces the risk of maternal and neonatal mortality. The aim of the current study is to analyze the perceptions of pregnant women regarding the place of maternal delivery in Lahaul and Spiti.

Materials and Methods:
A cross-section study was conducted among 410 pregnant women in remote district of Himachal Pradesh. Data collection was done by multistage random sampling through an interview method using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, principal component analysis, and logistic regression were applied to find out the outcomes.

Results:
Out of 410 study participants, 230 women had perception for utilizing the institutional maternal delivery and 180 had perception to utilize home delivery. More than 80% of women who preferred institutional birth had high severity for medical complications and preterm birth threat. The women who attended more than 4 antenatal care (ANC) visits had 2.86 more chances to go for hospital birth (confidence interval [CI] = 0.41–4.23, P < 0.05). The odds of women who believed in high perceived threat in home delivery had 1.99 more chances to go for institutional maternal delivery.

Conclusion:
The study highlights that public maternal health policies in the remote areas are to increase the proportion of utilization of institutional maternal deliveries. The policy imperative for remote villages requires to upgrade the weak health infrastructure and boost ANC and transportation facilities for better implementation of government maternity healthcare schemes.
Microvascular Free Flaps for Reconstruction of Postmucormycosis Head-and-Neck Defects: Experience in a Tertiary Care Institute
Authors: Kundal Ashikesh , Sharma Amit 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT
Mucormycosis or black fungus raised to infamy during the COVID-19 epidemic all over the world with disastrous consequences including death. Those who survived were left with complex deformities mostly involving the head-and-neck region. We through this article would like to present our experience of management of head-and-neck defects in patients of mucormycosis both in acute and delayed presentations using microvascular free flap reconstruction.
Prevalence of Internet-based Self-medical Diagnosis among Indian Nonmedical Undergraduate Students: An Observational Cross-sectional Survey
Authors: Pandey Jayati , Deo Priya Nimish , Deshmukh Revati Shailesh , Shinde Siddharth , Bhosale Veera 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction:
Self-medical diagnosis using the Internet has become a common practice. Increasing use of technology and readily available health-related information on the Internet is a major reason for this practice. Self-medical diagnosis can have some advantages as well as disadvantages.

Aim:
To study the status, prevalence, and need of Internet usage for self-medical diagnosis among nonmedical undergraduate students and if gender, residency, and year of the study affect it.

Methodology:
After ethical clearance, an e-form with 12 closed-ended questions designed on Google Forms was randomly circulated to nonmedical Indian undergraduate students. The 986 responses gained over 3 months were tabulated and statistically analyzed using the SPSS statistical software 23.0 Version and Chi-square test.

Results:
The study revealed that convenience, accessibility, and a desire for immediate answers were key factors driving individuals to engage in Internet-based self-medical diagnosis. There was no statistically significant difference in gender, type of residency, and year of the study to any of the questions regarding the role of Internet in self-medical diagnosis.

Conclusion:
Participants acknowledged the presence of misinformation, conflicting advice, and difficulty in accurately interpreting medical information online. The risk of misdiagnosis, heightened anxiety, and inappropriate self-treatment emerged as noteworthy concerns, emphasizing the need for cautious engagement and the importance of seeking professional medical guidance to enable a more balanced approach.
Evaluation of Apical Sealing Ability of Four Endodontic Sealers: An In vitro Study
Authors: Joshi Sourabh Ramesh , Sruthi S. , Mopagar Viddyasagar Prabhakar , Padmawar Neeta Surendra , Pendyala Gowri Swaminatham 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction:
Three-dimensional filling of the root canal system is widely recognized as crucial for the success of endodontic treatment, the main reason for endodontic failure persists as microleakage that happens between the filling material in the root canal and the walls of the canal. A significant factor contributing to microleakage subsequent to endodontic procedures is the leakage of blood from the apex of the tooth. Therefore, it is imperative to provide a good apical seal to prevent reinfection by spread of microbial toxins. Root canal sealers combined with core obturating material are aimed to create a fluid tight apical seal.

Aim:
To evaluate the sealing ability of MTA Fillapex, CeraSeal, CeraSeal-B and AH Plus.

Objectives:
To evaluate and compare the sealing ability of MTA Fillapex, CeraSeal, CeraSeal-B and AH Plus.

Material and Methods:
Sixty freshly extracted single rooted sound human teeth were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The samples were divided by simple random sampling method into 4 groups with 15 teeth in each group namely Group A: MTA Fillapex, Group B: CeraSeal, Group C: CeraSeal B, Group D: AH Plus. The teeth sealed with respective sealers were obturated using thermoplasticized gutta percha technique. The samples were stored at 37°C and 100% humidity to assure the setting of the sealer. The samples were immersed in 2% methylene blue solution for 7 days. The linear measurement of dye penetration from the root apex to the greatest coronal extent was evaluated under stereomicroscope at 20 X magnification.

Results:
After complete statistical evaluation, it was inferred that the intergroup comparison showed MTA Fillapex, CeraSeal, AH Plus to have statistically non-significant mean difference (p>0.05). Cera Seal B had highest mean dye penetration (2.59 ± 1.11) and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05).

Conclusion:
Maximum dye penetration was seen in CeraSeal B, showing it had the lowest sealing ability. that CeraSeal had slightly higher sealing ability as compared to AH Plus and MTA Fillapex, although their difference was statistically non-significant.
Exploring Serum Ceruloplasmin Dynamics in Stage II Periodontitis: Pre- and PostPhase I Therapy Assessment
Authors: Priyangha P. T , Kshirsagar Jaishree Tukaram , Kalaiselvan D 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

Objective:
This study aimed to evaluate the concentration of ceruloplasmin (CP) in serum before and after Phase I periodontal therapy in patients with Stage II periodontitis.

Materials and Methods:
Forty subjects were divided into periodontally healthy subjects (n = 20) and Stage II periodontitis patients (n = 20). Serum CP levels were assessed and compared with clinical parameters (plaque index, gingival bleeding index, probing pocket depth, and clinical attachment level) before and after Phase-I therapy. Serum CP was measured using the immunoturbidometric method. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 20.0, with significance set at P ≤ 0.05. The independent t-test compared periodontally healthy and Stage II periodontitis patients.

Results:
Significant reductions were noted in all clinical parameters and serum CP levels. The baseline mean serum CP was 26.03 ± 4.371, decreasing to 22.85 ± 3.971 after 3 months of Phase I therapy. The mean difference in serum CP from baseline to 3 months was 3.185 ± 1.16 (P = 0.000).

Conclusion:
Periodontal inflammation may elevate serum CP levels and clinical parameter values in Stage II periodontitis patients. Phase I therapy effectively decreased serum CP levels and improved clinical parameters, suggesting its potential in managing periodontal disease.
Biomedical Waste Management: A Study on the Awareness and Practice among Dental Healthcare Workers in India
Authors: Mahajan Ankit , Pawar Madhura , Patil Amol Namdeorao , Behera Sumitra , Pattnaik Samarjeet J. , Rajguru Jagadish Prasad 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
Biomedical waste includes waste products generated from medical procedures within healthcare centers, research facilities, diagnostic laboratories, and treatment procedures, immunization process of humans as well as animals from the production and testing of biological substances. Management and disposal of biomedical waste should be done using safe as well as proper methods. These methods should be known as well as practiced by all healthcare professionals for reducing transmission of different infections and prevention of different types of health as well as environment-associated hazards.

Aim:
The aim of the present study was to analyze knowledge, awareness, and practice of the management of generated biomedical waste among dental undergraduate students in India.

Materials and Methods:
This randomized cross-sectional study was carried out on a total of 450 dental undergraduate students after obtaining the institutional ethical committee clearance. The questionnaire included details of sociodemographic characteristics (age, gender, religion, and caste), knowledge, awareness, and attitude regarding handling as well as management of biomedical waste in healthcare settings. Data collection was done for a period of 1 month.

Results and Observations:
On assessing knowledge regarding the generation of biomedical waste along with legislation, it was observed that only 10.19% of dentistry students had an excellent level of knowledge regarding generation as well as legislation concerned with biomedical waste, whereas only 2.03% of undergraduate dental students possessed an extremely poor level of knowledge. On analyzing awareness concerning practices of waste regulation and management, it was observed that only 6% of dental undergraduate students had “excellent” level of knowledge concerning the practice of biomedical waste management. On analyzing the attitude of dental students toward the management of biomedical, it was observed that 29.1% possessed a poor attitude regarding the issue of proper biomedical waste management.

Conclusion:
In the present study, it was observed that the majority of dental students pursuing undergraduate courses did not have adequate knowledge, attitude, and awareness regarding the practice of adequate biomedical waste management and disposal.
Evaluation of Effect of Herbal Irrigant on Microhardness of Root Dentin: An in vitro Study
Authors: Koparde Anuya Ravindra , Sharma Anupam Sandeep , Jadhav Aniket , Handa Aishwarya , Jadhav Abhijit Bajirao , Jadhav Madhura A. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction:
This study evaluated the effect of an herbal irrigant (6.5% grape seed extract [GSE] solution) on the microhardness of root dentin, which is treated with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) (commonly used endodontic irrigants). Proanthocyanidin, a naturally occurring collagen cross-linking agent (found in GSE), was tested for its impact on root dentin.

Materials and Methods:
A double-ended cutting diamond disc was used to decoronate 8 extracted single-rooted, single-canal premolars. Then, they were divided longitudinally into buccal and lingual segments to create 16 samples, which were implanted in acrylic resin so that each sample’s inner dentin surface was visible. Samples were submerged in 5.25% NaOCl for 2 min, after which they were submerged in 17% EDTA solution for 2 min. The samples were split into two groups at random. Samples from Group 1 were treated with 6.5% GSE solution for 2 min. Samples in Group 2 were submerged in distilled water for 2 min (control group). Vickers microhardness unit was used to test samples for microhardness. The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software. Unpaired t-test was used to compare groups.

Results:
Group 1 microhardness score ranged from 79 to 94, whereas Group 2 ranged from 34 to 59. A statistically significant result was obtained between the microhardness in both the groups.

Conclusion:
The results of the intergroup comparison showed that 6.5% of GSE solution increased the microhardness values of root dentin that had been treated with standard endodontic irrigants.
Utility of surface landmark technique in providing optimal intratracheal endotracheal tube placement during orotracheal intubation
Authors: Mittal Amit K. , Patel Anil K. , Dubey Jitendra , Shukla Seema , Bhasin Nikhil , Bhardwaj Manoj 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background and Aims:
Optimal endotracheal tube (ETT) placement in patients with short tracheas by the existing techniques is challenging because of the fixed intratracheal ETT length of insertion. However, in the surface landmark technique (SLT), the individual’s tracheal length (distance between mid-thyroid and manubrium–sternum) was estimated and 3 cm was deducted from it to obtain the desired intratracheal ETT length of insertion. Being a new technique, its reliability in providing optimal placement is yet to be evaluated. Hence, to assess the utility and reliability of SLT in achieving optimal placement, this study was planned.

Material and Methods:
In this prospective study, 406 participants were equally randomized between SLT and intubation guide mark (IGM) groups for ETT placement. In both groups, ETT tip–carina distance (DTC) was measured to assess optimal placements. The placements were compared by paired t-test. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to assess optimal ETT placement between techniques.

Results:
The mean DTC in the SLT (3.52 ± 0.68 cm) group was significantly higher than in the IGM (2.23 ± 1.01 cm) group, with P < 0.0001. Consequently, optimal placements were significantly higher in the SLT group (190 [95%]) compared to the IGM (121 [60.5%]) group (P < 0.0001). On ROC, at a cut-off value for DTC of 1.5 cm, the observed area under the curve to assess optimal ETT placements was significantly better in SLT (0.997, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.997–1.000) compared to IGM (0.968, 95% CI 0.933–0.988), with P < 0.0001.

Conclusion:
Based on the measurement of an individual’s tracheal length, SLT is a reliable and useful technique to achieve optimal tube placement.
A comparative analysis to find out the preferred and effective way to identify new Indian currency note by blind individual: A Pilot study
Authors: Biswas Vishal , Choudhury Monira Sirajum , Majumder Roshni 
Published: December 2024

Purpose:
The purpose of the study was to find out the preferred, accurate, and effective way to identify the new Indian currency note by a blind individual.

Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted in two phases among 30 subjects in a school for the blind. In phase 1, comparison was done in terms of accuracy and the time taken to identify the Indian currency between the old and new currency notes by using the tactile method by the blind individuals. In phase 2, comparison was done same as phase 1, with the addition of two more note identification methods, one was by using Mani note identifier application via smart phone and the other was Notex. The accuracy and time were analyzed and compared for all three used methods for both phases.

Results:
Thirty blind individuals were included in the study. The mean age of the subjects was 29.43 years (±10.88 years) and the age range was 18–54 years. The total time taken to identify all the currency notes in each category was recorded in seconds. The average time taken with the help of tactile sense was 75.34 s, but the accuracy here was very poor, even many currencies went unidentified. The average time taken with the help of Notex was 136.54 s. The average time taken with the help of Mani mobile note identifier software was 774.07 s.

Conclusion:
Notex was the most effective method of identifying Indian currency as compared to the other two methods that were used in our study.
Mydriatic efficacy of topical phenylephrine and tropicamide combination vs tropicamide in screening for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) – An RCT
Authors: Andrews Camina , Karat Shubashree , Padua Winston , Nesargi Saudamini V , Nithyanandam Suneetha , Butola Shalini 
Published: December 2024

Introduction:
Screening for ROP and its severity require optimum pupillary dilatation. Mydriatics that allow good dilatation often have systemic side effects. Topical tropicamide is considered safest but does not dilate pupils optimally. A combination of phenylephrine and tropicamide is a good mydriatic but has adverse effects. The study aims to compare the mydriatic efficacy of phenylephrine (P 2.5%) plus tropicamide (T 0.4%) versus tropicamide (T 1%) alone for ROP screening.

Methods:
Preterm neonates due for ROP screening were randomized to one of the two groups. One drop was instilled in the eye thrice every 15 mins. Pupillary diameter was recorded as a primary outcome measure using the Schirmer’s strip at baseline, 15, 30, and 45 minutes after drop instillation. Oxygen saturation, heart rate, and respiratory rate were measured at similar intervals. Adverse effects like apneas, vomiting, and feed intolerance were documented. Ophthalmologist comments on the visibility of different retinal zones were also recorded. Data were analyzed by t-test and Chi-square test as appropriate.

Results:
Fifty-four preterm babies were included (27 in each group). The birth weight (1130 ± 300g, 1220 ± 460 g) and gestation (34.40 ± 2.26 and 34.74 ± 3.24) weeks were similar in both groups. The pupillary size after 45 minutes in group 1 (7.56 ± 1.12 mm) was significantly greater (P < 0.001) than that of group 2 (5.92 ± 0.90 mm). The visibility of retinal zones was better in group 1 compared to group 2, which was statistically significant (P < 0.01). There was no significant difference between the two groups in saturation, heart rate, and respiratory rate at 30 mins and 45 mins.

Conclusion:
A combination of phenylephrine and tropicamide is a more effective mydriatic with no increase in adverse effects.
Epithelioid Angiosarcoma Mimicking Pancoast’s Tumor: A Rare Presentation
Authors: Waghray Kunal , Subramaniam Sobha , Raj Amal , Nair Indu Ramachandran 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Epithelioid angiosarcoma (EA) is an uncommon malignant neoplasm. It is documented that this condition affects several organs and tissues, such as the kidney, spleen, skin, soft tissues, bones, and breast. Instances of mediastinal involvement are exceedingly uncommon. This case report presents a 61-year-old male, who is a current smoker, with EA in the neck with extension to the mediastinum. The patient experienced right-sided neck pain, hoarseness of voice, cough, shortness of breath, and loss of appetite. The chest X-ray revealed the presence of an opacity in the right upper zone. The clinical and radiological features indicated a Pancoast’s tumor. A computed tomography scan of the chest and neck showed a soft-tissue mass in the neck. The mass extends from the neck into the upper part of the chest. An excision biopsy was done under general anesthesia, indicating the presence of a poorly differentiated tumor. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated that the tumor cells exhibited positivity for CD31. The patient’s diagnosis of EA was determined through analysis of histological, morphological, and immunohistochemical results. Thereafter, the patient was directed to the medical oncology department for treatment. This case demonstrates that EA located in the superior mediastinum has the potential to imitate a Pancoast’s tumor.