bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Women and witchcraft practices in South Africa: An intersectional analysis of selected isiZulu fiction
Authors: Ndebele Siphiwe , Busane Mthobisi , Nare Motsusi 
Published: October 2024

Drawing on Kimberlé Crenshaw’s theory of intersectionality, the article closely reads the interplay of race, gender and class in shaping female identities and experiences with witchcraft in selected isiZulu creative literature. We use a qualitative research approach in conjunction with thematic analysis as a data collection tool to extract recurring themes from the chosen novels. The study identifies overlapping themes regarding the representation of black South African women and witchcraft practices as depicted in the novels under examination. These themes illuminate the intersection of race, gender and class in constructing black female identities within cultural discourses.Contribution: This study contributes to scholarship on the literary works of B.J. Dube, Mandla Nxumalo, Christian Msimang, Langalibalele Mathenjwa, E.D.M. Sibiya, M.J. Mngadi and Mjajisi Wanda. It further adds to post-structural feminism in the field of African literature studies by analysing how race, gender and class converge in shaping the lived experiences of South African black women accused of witchcraft in isiZulu novels. By examining these themes, the study highlights how social power structures influence the construction of black female identities within South African cultural landscapes.
Physical Inactivity and its Sociodemographic Determinants among Adults: A Community-Based Study
Authors: Jalaluddin  , Nawab Tabassum , Khalique Najam , Ahmad Anees 
Published: October 2024

Introduction:
Physical inactivity (PI) is the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality and is potentially modifiable. Understanding its sociodemographic correlates can contribute in planning preventive measures to reduce the same.

Aims and Objectives:
1) To estimate the prevalence of PI among adults aged 20–60 years and 2) to identify the sociodemographic determinants of PI among adults.

Material and Methods:
A community-based cross-sectional study was done in district Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh. 304 adults aged 20–60 years, giving informed consent were selected by simple random sampling. Pregnant women and those with febrile disease and physical defect were excluded. Predesigned structured proforma and Global Physical Activity Questionnaire were used. Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were applied using IBM SPSS 23.0.

Results:
Prevalence of PI was 47.7% (95% CI: 42.0–52.6). It was significantly higher in urban (55.3% vs 41.1%) than in rural area and among females than in males (68.7% vs 34.9%). PI during work was 74.3%, during travel 78.9%, and during recreation 88.5%. Being female increased odds of PI by almost ten times (adjusted odds atio (AOR) =9.7, 95% CI: 1.6–58.5). Unskilled workers/laborers and farmers (those involved in active occupational work) were found to have lesser odds of PI (AOR = 0.2, 95% CI: 0.1–0.5 and AOR = 0.2, 95% CI: 0.01–0.6, respectively).

Conclusion:
PI is highly prevalent among adults. Targeted interventions to increase physical activity in recreational domain are recommended, specially in urban areas and among women. Further studies to explore barriers to physical activity are needed to address this problem.
Prevalence and Predictors of Depression Among Drug-Sensitive Tuberculosis Patients – A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Sharma Deepak , Goel Naveen K. , Sidana Ajeet , Sandha Kawaljeet S. , Bishnoi Mamta 
Published: October 2024

Background:
According to World Health Organization, India is a high tuberculosis (TB) and depression burden state. The risk of depression is higher among TB patients. Therefore, it is vital to focus on the mental well-being of TB patients.

Objective:
The present study aimed to determine the prevalence and predictors of depression among drug-sensitive TB patients in Chandigarh city.

Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 305 TB patients. Trained investigators administered Patient Health Questionnaire 9 to screen for depression. Data analysis was done using Epi info software for windows.

Results:
The prevalence rate of depression among drug-sensitive TB patients was 7.2%. Current nonworking individuals were more likely to be depressed than their counterparts (OR = 3.7 (1.2–10.9)).

Conclusion:
Around one-tenth of the TB patients were suffering from depression. This necessitates physicians to regularly screen TB patients for depression and manage accordingly, which will help improve treatment adherence and outcome.
Verification of Sub-national Claim for ‘TB-free’ Status of Rajsamand District, Rajasthan, India-2020
Authors: Gupta Kalika , Parmar Mitin , Davda Kush , Davda Shivangi , Soni Pooja , Bhardwaj Ashok K. , Modi Bhavesh , Awate Rajendra 
Published: October 2024

Background:
Tuberculosis (TB) caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis is an opportunistic infection that affects the lungs in humans. Caseload of TB has been deemed it endemic in various regions of the world and India is on top of that list. The Government of India has set out a goal to eliminate tuberculosis in India by the year 2025 with the help of the National Strategic Plan (NSP) 2017–25. The objective of the index study was to verify the claim of Rajsamand district in Rajasthan, that it witnessed a >20% reduction in TB incidence between 2015 and 2020.

Methodology:
This was a mixed-methods study. Quantitative component (cross-sectional study): Secondary data review (review of records from Nikshay notification systems and National tuberculosis elimination program (NTEP) reports, utilization of drugs in the public sector, and drug sales in the private sector). Primary data collection through survey. Qualitative component: nominal group technique and key informant interviews.

Result:
Percentage decline of a ≥ 20% incidence in 2020 compared to baseline 2015 was not seen. The number needed to test (increased by 18.26% in 2020 as compared to the baseline of 2015. TB Score of Rajsamand district for the year 2020 was 68.34 out of 100.

Conclusion:
Rajsamand district’s claim of ≥20% reduction in TB incidence in the year 2020, was rejected.
Effectiveness of Osteoarthritis Management Program (OAMP) on the Level of Knowledge and Practice Regarding Self-Management Among Elderly with Osteoarthritis
Authors: Sapkota Pratima , Balu Venkatesan , Kamei Sonia , Devi Yumnam Sushma 
Published: October 2024

Objectives:
To assess the effectiveness of osteoarthritis management program (OAMP) on the level of knowledge and practice regarding self-management among elderly with OA.

Materials and Methods:
A quasi-experimental study was conducted among 60 elderly with osteoarthritis (OA) from March 1, 2021, to March 29, 2021. A community-based survey was conducted to identify the elderly with OA, and 60 persons were selected by using simple random technique. Knowledge was assessed through structured questionnaire, and non-observational checklist was used for Practice. OAMP was conducted to impart knowledge and practice skills.

Results:
The study findings showed that the majority of the participants had inadequate knowledge and poor practice before the intervention, whereas, after the implementation of OAMP, the maximum number of participants had adequate knowledge and good practices. The knowledge mean score increased from 52% to 86.7% and practices from 43.8% to 88.5%. There was a significant hike in the difference between the mean pre-test and post-test scores at P < 0.001 level.

Conclusion:
The present study proves that the use of OAMP is effective in increasing the level of knowledge and also in improving the practices among participants which help in self-management of OA and result in improvement in the level of physical function.
Candida Albicans Candidalysin ECE1 Gene − A Potent Virulence Factor for Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders
Authors: Subramani Mani B. , Mahalakshmi Krishnan , Jaya Bharathy , Sankari Sankar Leena , Kumar Venkatesan N. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background:
Candidalysin has been isolated initially from a pathogenic human fungus. The extent of cell elongation 1 (ECE1) gene codes for candidalysin of Candida albicans (C. albicans). This toxin is most important for epithelial immune activation, invasiveness and infection of the oral mucosa.

Aim:
This study is aimed at detecting the ECE1 gene in C. albicans isolates from oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs).

Methods and Material:
A total of 60 C. albicans isolates from OSCC (n = 23), OPMDs (n = 23) and healthy subjects (n = 14) were subjected to a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the detection of ECE1 gene. A high prevalence of the ECE1 gene was observed among the C. albicans isolates from OSCC and OPMD compared to the isolates from healthy subjects. Statistical significance was observed for both OSCC and OPMD groups compared to the healthy group.

Results and Conclusion:
The results suggest the significant role of candidalysin in oral oncogenesis. The high odds and risk ratio specify a strong association between candidalysin and these conditions. Screening this gene in a large number of isolates would further reinforce their role in oncogenesis. Future studies in characterizing their virulence on normal cell lines would clarify the importance of candidalysin in promoting oncogenesis.
Experience of using electroconvulsive therapy for bipolar disorder: A retrospective study from North India
Authors: Grover Sandeep , Sharma Namita , Chakrabarti Subho 
Published: October 2024

Background:
Little information is available on response to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in patients with bipolar disorder (BD) from India.

Aim:
This exploratory study aims to evaluate and compare the sociodemographic and clinical profiles, treatment outcomes of BD patients with depression and mania/mixed episode who received ECT and to evaluate the predictors of response to ECT.

Results:
Data of 278 BD patients who received 325 ECT courses were extracted from the ECT register. The number courses of ECT for bipolar depression (n = 202) exceeded those for mania/mixed episodes (n = 123). In terms of response to ECT, >75% response was achieved in 63.3% cases and >50% response was seen in about 90% of the patients. No significant difference was seen in response to ECTs between bipolar depression and mania/mixed episodes.

Conclusion:
The present study suggests that about two-thirds of the BD patients show more than 75% response to ECT, and more than 90% of the BD patients show more than 50% response to ECT.
Injury, substance abuse, verbal abuse, and emotional and behavioral issues among adolescents in Uttarakhand, India: A categorical principal component analysis of global school-based health survey
Authors: Kumari Ranjeeta , Dhamania Madhvi , Paul Sourabh , Singh Abhay , Singh Yogesh , Nath Bhola 
Published: October 2024

Background:
Adolescents in low-middle-income countries face increasing physical and mental health challenges. The present study aimed to assess status of injury, verbal abuse, substance use, and emotional behavior of adolescents of Uttarakhand, India, and evaluate the importance of each component.

Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted among adolescents in 13 government schools in Uttarakhand using the Global School-based Health Survey (GSHS). Categorical principal component analysis (CATPCA) using Varimax rotation was performed to analyze principal components among two domains of GSHS (substance abuse domain and verbal abuse and emotional behavior domain). Factorability was assessed using Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin and Bartlett’s test. Variance Accounted For index was used to evaluate the importance of each component.

Results:
A total of 634 adolescents completed the questionnaire. 41.3% students suffered from serious injury with a significant difference (P < 0.0001) between both genders. Girls were more likely to report having felt lonely most of the time or always in the past 12 months (11.0% vs 4.6%, P = 0.018). Boys were more likely to miss classes on 3 or more days (9.9% vs 4.9%, P = 0.043). Initiation of smoking cigarettes (9.6% vs 1.2%, P <0.0001) and tobacco chewing (3.4% vs 0.3%, P = 0.001) was more likely in 12–15-year-old boys. One-third of the students reported male guardians to use either alcohol or some form of tobacco. CATPCA yielded an 11-factor model accounting for 58.26% of variances with the most important principal component named “Tobacco (Smoking and Chewing): Initiation, Frequency and Attempt to Stop” (eigenvalue: 4.109).

Conclusion:
Significant differences in various items of injury, verbal abuse, substance use, and emotional behavior were recorded between boys and girls. CATPCA revealed patterns among injury, verbal abuse, emotional behavior, and substance abuse domains of GSHS by categorizing them into 11 components. On the basis of these patterns, prioritizing and development of appropriate school-based interventions may be implemented by various stakeholders of Uttarakhand.
Breaking barriers: Assessing the feasibility and acceptability of telemedicine-assisted buprenorphine induction for opioid use disorder in India
Authors: Ghosh Abhishek , Kale Akshayee , Laxmi Raj , Naik Shalini S. , Subodh BN , Basu Debasish 
Published: October 2024

Background:
Telemedicine-assisted buprenorphine (BNX) induction (TABI) has the potential to reduce the treatment gap for opioid use disorder.

Aim:
This study investigated the acceptability and feasibility of TABI in India. This was a retrospective study from a specialized addiction treatment center in a teaching hospital.

Methods:
TABI was introduced in November 2022; patients enrolled till May 2023 were included in the analysis. Feasibility was assessed by the proportion of patients who completed the TABI program, continued treatment for at least 3 months, and self-reported nonprescription opioid use during and after TABI. Acceptability was measured by patient satisfaction with TABI.

Results:
Sixty patients were enrolled: Fifty-three patients (88.3%) were retained during the TABI program, and 50 patients (83.3%) remained in treatment at the 3-month follow-up. Thirty-five patients (58.3%) reported using nonprescription opioids during TABI, and 28 patients (46.7%) reported such use after completing the program. Thirty-five (58.3%) were satisfied with the program, and 15 (25%) said they would recommend it to others. Patients who missed scheduled in-person appointments (P < .001) at 1 week, did not return unused BNX-naloxone (P < .001), and were not satisfied (P = .004) were more likely to report nonprescription opioid use. Those who attended the in-person follow-up at 1 week (P = .004) and were satisfied (P = .01) and did not use nonprescription opioids either during (P = .003) or after (P < .001) TABI were more likely to be retained in treatment at 3 months.

Conclusion:
The study shows TABI’s acceptability and feasibility in a specialized addiction treatment setting; further research is needed for broader applicability.
The effectiveness of day clinic treatment in adolescents with obsessive compulsive disorder: Outcomes in Turkey
Authors: Kardaş Burcu , Kardaş Ömer , Memik Nursu Çakın 
Published: October 2024

Background:
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) causes impairment in social and academic functionality. Intensive treatment methods such as day treatments are recommended in resistant cases.

Aims:
The aim of this study is to examine the changes in treatment responses according to gender in children and adolescents with OCD who are followed up in the day clinic and to evaluate the factors that predict treatment.

Methods:
Adolescents with OCD (n = 50) who were followed up in the day clinic between 2007 and 2021 were included in this study. Scales evaluating symptom severity and treatment responses were administered to the patients at admission and discharge.

Results:
The mean age of the adolescents included in the study was 14.24 (SD: 2.1). The mean length of stay in the day clinic was 8.3 (SD: 0.1) weeks. When the factors related to the treatment response were evaluated, a significant correlation was found between the length of stay in the day clinic and improvement.

Conclusions:
This study provides evidence for the importance of intensive treatment in adolescents experiencing severe OCD symptoms. Ensuring that intensive treatments such as day clinics become widespread and standardizing these treatments will provide important developments in the treatment of OCD.
The Potential Preventive Role of Dapagliflozin and Metformin Alone or in Combination on the Cisplatin-Induced Renal Damage in Adult Male Albino Rats
Authors: Hassan Walaa Abd El-Monem Mohamed , Hamama Mohamed G. , Mahdy Amal Abd El-Khalek , Amer Rabab M. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background:
Chronic kidney disease is currently a worldwide health problem with rising incidence and poor outcomes. Cisplatin (CP) is an important platinum-based anticancer drug. However, nephrotoxicity is the main limiting adverse effect.

Aim:
The objective of this work was to compare the probable protective effect of dapagliflozin and metformin alone or in combination on CP-induced renal damage in adult male albino rats using a histological study.

Material and Methods:
A total of 60 adult male albino rats were used in this study. Rats were divided into five main groups: group I (control group), which included 15 rats that were divided into four subgroups: Subgroup Ia (negative control group), which included 5 rats that received no treatment for the same periods as the experimental animals. Subgroup Ib, which included 5 rats that received intraperitonial saline once a week for 4 weeks. Subgroup Ic (dapagliflozin group), which included 5 rats that received dapagliflozin (1 mg/kg/day) by nasogastric tube for 4 weeks. Subgroup Id (metformin group), which included 5 rats that received metformin (250 mg/kg/day) by nasogastric tube for 4 weeks. The experimental group included 40 rats and was divided into the following groups: Group II (CP group), which included 10 rats that received CP (9 mg/kg) intraperitoneally once a week for 4 weeks. Group III (CP + dapagliflozin treated group), which included 10 rats that received CP (9 mg/kg) intraperitoneally once a week + dapagliflozin (1 mg/kg/day) by gavage for 4 weeks. Group IV (CP + metformin-treated group), which included 10 rats that received CP (9 mg/kg) intraperitoneally once a week + metformin (250 mg/kg/day) by gavage for 4 weeks. Group V (CP + dapagliflozin + metformin-treated group), which included 10 rats that received CP, dapagliflozin, and metformin as the previous doses for 4 weeks. Kidney specimens were subjected to histological (light and electron microscopic examination). The data were analyzed statistically.

Results:
The current study of group II showed disturbed normal histological architecture of renal cortex structure but groups III and IV resulted in mild preservation of the normal histological architecture of the renal cortex. Group V showed complete preservation of normal histological architecture of the renal cortex.

Conclusion:
CP induced structural changes on the renal cortex of adult male albino rats. Most of these changes were prevented by the usage of dapagliflozin or metformin. While the combination of both drugs protected the renal cortex.
Expression of p63 and TTF1 in Non-small Cell Lung Carcinoma with Special Reference to Mutation of EGFR and ALK in Adenocarcinoma of the Lung: An Institutional Experience
Authors: Biswal Tapan , Mohapatra Debahuti , Sahoo Nibedita , Panda Soumya S. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background:
Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers accounting for 11.4% of all newly detected cancers leading to over 1.7 million deaths every year. As the majority of the tumors are unresectable, the newly developed treatment modalities including the tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitors have led to greater emphasis on histologic subtyping and biomarker status of these tumors.

Aim and Objectives:
To classify non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) concerning histomorphology, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and further evaluation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation and ALK rearrangement in adenocarcinoma with respect clinicopathological features as well as therapeutic response.

Materials and Methods:
A total of 126 cases of biopsy-proven NSCLC were selected. EGFR and ALK mutation analysis was performed in 48 and 44 cases, respectively.

Results:
Adenocarcinoma was the most common NSCLC (83.3%), which showed a higher positivity rate of TTF1 (94.9%) than Napsin A (85%) and p63 was expressed in 17.2% of cases. EGFR mutations were positive in 43.7% of cases, showing higher incidence in females and Grade II tumors. ALK mutation was positive in 6.8% of cases and was seen predominantly in females with a higher incidence of solid morphology tumors than EGFR mutations. One year follow-up of patients showed all ALK-positive tumors were highly responsive to targeted therapy even in high-grade tumors. Cases positive for EGFR mutations on Exon 19 and Exon 21 showed good response with TKIs.

Conclusion:
In the era of personalized medicine, the lung cancer classification strives on tumor cell morphology, IHC, and molecular analysis for optimal therapeutic management and prognosis.
Effect of Intranasal Administration of Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Acute Demyelination in Mouse Corpus Callosum
Authors: Mohamed Nesma , Mekawy Mohamed Abd El Rahman Ahmed , Shaker Safaa Mohammed , Hamam Ghada Galal 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background:
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a prevalent disease often leading to both sensory and motor disabilities. The trans-nasal transport is a noninvasive approach that has recently garnered interest in managing several nervous system illnesses. Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) possess a favorable influence on many neurodegenerative disorders.

Objective:
To test the ability of intranasal administration of ADMSCs to reach the brain and evaluate the potential defensive role of intranasally delivered ADMSCs on acute demyelination of corpus callosum in adult female mice.

Materials and Methods:
Mice were nourished with a cuprizone-rich food to establish a model of demyelination that mimics MS. After 4 weeks, mice were given PKH-26 labeled ADMSCs intranasally before they were sacrificed 1 day later, and the brain was examined by fluorescence microscope to ensure homing of stem cells. After 6 weeks, corpus callosum was collected and subjected to hematoxylin and eosin and Luxol fast blue. Motor function was also tested using a wire hang test.

Results:
Intranasally applied ADMSCs effectively reached the corpus callosum. In the cuprizone group, the corpus callosum revealed unpacked, disorganized, fragmented, and widely separated demyelinated nerve fibers. Administration of ADMSCs prevented myelin loss with a considerable rise in its area percentage. The score time of the wire hang test showed a considerable decline in the cuprizone group and a considerable rise in ADMSCs group.

Conclusion:
The trans-nasal route was an effective route for the delivery of ADMSCs to the corpus callosum. Administration of ADMSCs prevented demyelination and increased wire hang test score time.