bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Retinal morphology and microvasculature density alterations in generalized anxiety disorders
Authors: Abdala Majdi A. , Geilani Nadia A. , Masuod Suliman M. , Abdulkarim Naeimah A. , ILSAKER Iman A. 
Published: October 2024

Purpose
This study evaluates morphological alterations in the macula and peripapillary regions of patients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCT-A). We compared these changes with healthy controls to determine GAD’s impact on the retina.

Methods
An observational case-control study was conducted from January to May 2024 at the Benghazi Teaching Eye Hospital, including 40 GAD patients and 40 healthy controls aged 30–65 years. Participants underwent comprehensive ophthalmic assessments, including OCT and OCT-A. We analyzed retinal parameters such as central macular thickness (CMT), Macular volume, Ganglion cell layer thickness, and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, along with vessel density in the macular and peripapillary regions.

Results
GAD patients exhibited significantly lower CMT (243.30±21.15 μm vs. 268.79±17.34 μm, P=0.001), Macular volume (9.48±0.62 mm3 vs. 10.17±0.39 mm3, P=0.001), Ganglion cell layer thickness (83.60±78.24 μm vs. 92.30±74.73 μm, P=0.001), and total RNFL thickness (93.90±11.05 μm vs. 97.76±8.67 μm, P=0.001) compared with controls. RNFL thinning was noted in the nasal, inferior, and temporal regions. However, OCT-A revealed no significant differences in vessel density in the peripapillary and central macular areas between GAD patients and controls.

Conclusion
Patients with GAD exhibit significant retinal structural changes, particularly in the macular and RNFL regions. However, no significant differences in retinal vessel density were observed. These findings suggest that GAD may impact retinal morphology but not vascular density, indicating potential biomarkers for early detection and monitoring of GAD-related neurodegeneration.
Possible Role of Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Treatment of Patients with Postherpetic Neuralgia: A Prospective, Single-Arm, Open-Label Clinical Study
Authors: Abu El-Hamd Mohammed , Abd Elaa Shereen G. , Abdelwahab Ashraf 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background:
Currently, no treatment can fully and finally treat postherpetic neuralgia (PHN).

Objectives:
This study aimed to evaluate the possible efficacy of autologous intralesional platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection in treating patients with PHN.

Materials and Methods:
A prospective, single-arm, open-label clinical study was conducted on 45 patients with PHN attending the Dermatology Outpatient Clinics of Sohag University Hospital, Egypt, between November 2019 and November 2021. Patients were subjected to full clinical general and dermatologic examinations. Patient’s assessment included; severity of pain through visual analogue scale (VAS), numerical rating scale (NRS), and verbal rating scale (VRS), in addition to Medical Outcomes Study 36 Item Short-Form (SF-36). Patients were treated by autologous PRP injection every 2 weeks for 2 months (4 sessions). Patients were evaluated before every session and 3- months after the last session.

Results:
There was a significantly decreased VAS, NRS, VRS, and SF-36 questionnaire values in the last session and three months after the last session. There was a highly significant moderate correlation between both scales (VAS and VRS) and patient’s age in years and who have aggravating factors. Likewise, there was a significant moderate positive correlation between scales (VAS and VRS) and the disease duration, medical co-morbidities, and associated myalgia.

Limitations:
These findings require further confirmations on more inclusive large-sized multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trials with longer follow-up.

Conclusion:
This clinical pilot study concluded that autologous intralesional PRP injection was an effective therapeutic option for patients with PHN.
Pandemic Tattoo Reactions – A Scenario on the Surge; A Series of 30 Cases
Authors: Raj Chinmoy , Behera Debasmita , Debata Ipsita , Begum Farheen 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Since ancient era, tattooing has been very popular, but in the recent times, it has been perceived as a form of art and is quite popular for cosmetic purposes. During the COVID pandemic, while most businesses were struggling, the tattoo industry flourished. This in turn led to an increase in tattooing practices causing a surge in tattoo site complications as well. We hereby present a series of 30 cases of tattoo site reactions which we have encountered as a direct result of tattooing during the pandemic.
eTEP-PP for repair of primary midline ventral hernias
Authors: Kapoor Abhimanyu , Tarun Sutrave , Kumar Rahul , Ansari Azharuddin , Sakhare Suraj Subhash 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

BACKGROUND:
Minimally invasive surgery for hernia repair has advanced significantly, with techniques such as transabdominal preperitoneal repair (TAPP) and totally extraperitoneal repair for inguinal hernias inspiring similar approaches for ventral and incisional hernias. The enhanced-view totally extraperitoneal repair (eTEP) technique, introduced in the twenty-first century, demonstrated advantages in inguinal hernia repair. Leveraging the benefits of eTEP and TAPP while addressing their limitations, we developed the extended totally extraperitoneal preperitoneal repair (eTEP-PP) technique for primary midline ventral hernias. This technique combines the benefits of eTEP and TAPP, avoids specific drawbacks such as the need to divide the posterior rectus sheath or close the peritoneum, and ensures safer and more effective repair. The eTEP-PP method shows promise as a future standard for small-to-medium primary ventral hernia repairs. Further studies are needed to confirm its long-term efficacy and application.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
This retrospective study included 15 patients who underwent eTEP-PP surgery between February 2024 and June 2024 at the Department of Surgical Gastroenterology, Regency Hospital, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India. Patients with primary midline ventral abdominal wall hernias were studied, noting intraoperative and postoperative outcomes.

RESULTS:
All 15 patients experienced no intraoperative complications or conversions to open surgery. Two patients required conversion from eTEP-PP to eTEP due to challenges in creating the preperitoneal flap. Postoperative outcomes were excellent, with no surgical site occurrences or complications requiring intervention. There were no readmissions, mortalities, or recurrences 1 month post-surgery.

CONCLUSION:
The eTEP-PP technique for primary ventral hernia repair is reproducible and has shown excellent initial outcomes. While the study’s sample size is a limitation, the technique’s potential as a future standard for small-to-medium primary ventral hernia repairs is evident. Further studies are needed to establish its long-term efficacy and broaden its application.
How Does Self Efficacy and Motivation Influence the Adoption of Sexual Abstinence among Students in Indonesia
Authors: Siswantara Pulung , Qomaruddin Mochammad Bagus , Bilqis Tiber Raniar Inner Beauty 
Published: October 2024

Summary
In adolescence, dating behavior may escalate into sexual contact which has implications for unwanted pregnancies followed by various negative effects. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of self-efficacy on adolescent motivation and analyze the influence of motivation on the adoption of Sexual Abstinence. This study is an observational analytic with a cross-sectional approach, sampling using the Multistage Cluster Random technique with a total of 299 respondents. The data analysis used is Structural Equation Model test at a significance of 0.05. The results showed that there was an influence of self-efficacy variable on motivation with a P value of 0.010 and there was no influence of the motivation variable on the adoption of sexual abstinence with a P value of 0.225. High self-efficacy in adolescents can increase adolescent motivation in adopting sexual abstinence behavior. It takes effort to increase self-efficacy in adolescents which can affect the motivation in adopting sexual abstinence.
Hodgkin’s Lymphoma after Initiation of Antiretroviral Therapy in a Patient from India
Authors: Konan Vinay Kumar , Kavya S. T. , Nagchand Mohan C , Shetty Bhushan C. 
Published: October 2024

Summary
Malignancies in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive individuals have a larger role in morbidity and mortality. Appropriate clinical acumen is required for a clinician to anticipate the occurrence of lymphoma after starting antiretroviral therapy, especially in patients with CD4 <100 cells/mm3. Here is a 30-year-old man with weight loss and appetite, found to be retroviral disease positive status with low CD 4 counts. He was started on antiretroviral treatment, and following that, he developed Hodgkin’s lymphoma of mixed cellularity. He is planned for an ABVD regimen and received one cycle of the same without any complications. To our knowledge, we are reporting the first case of an HIV patient with a mixed cellularity form of classical Hodgkin’s lymphoma from India.
Low and Delayed Patient Arrival Rates during COVID-19 Pandemic in Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients: A Study from Tertiary Cardiac Center
Authors: Manoharan Kapil , Krishna Saumitra , Shukla Praveen , Kala Chayanika , Bajpai Ashutosh , Krishna Vinay , Bhattacharya Shantanu 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background:
The footfall and admission rates post-COVID-19 scenario have come down in the case of patients with cardiac problems with larger delays leading to complications as per several studies. Studies have primarily focused on the disruptions due to lockdown but not much study has been done to understand how it has affected the lifestyle of the patients and changed the mentality leading to lower patient arrivals.

Objectives:
The current study deals with understanding how the patient arrival pattern has changed and what are the factors affecting the same during COVID-19 times.

Materials and Methods:
Analysis of the data for patients with acute coronary syndrome from April to June for pre (2019)- and post (2020)-COVID-19 times admitted to a government cardiology and cardiac care hospital is studied for patient-based and accessibility-based parameters.

Results:
A significant reduction in admissions (4230-880) with higher arrival times from the onset of symptom (80% rise) although the overall mean distance traveled reduced (63.8–47.4 km) leading to greater health risks. Furthermore, problems due to physical inactivity, diabetes, smoking, and drinking have also risen by about 3%–5% in each case.

Conclusion:
The need for better health-care system connectivity and the need for online platforms-based consultation systems, especially in times of such a pandemic have been highlighted. The results from this study will be helpful in addressing the issues related to delayed care for heart patients, thereby helping in reducing the mortality rate and improving overall health.
Social and Cultural Influences on Genetic Counseling Acceptability: A Mixed-Methods Study on Beta-Thalassemia Carriers Among Graduate Students in West Bengal, India
Authors: Samanta Abhishek , Sen Sugata , Choudhuri Indranil , Bhattacharyya Nandan 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background:
Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder characterized by abnormal production of hemoglobin. The prevalence of thalassemia in India varies depending on the region and population. The study used a pre- and postcounseling cross-sectional design, which involves measuring outcomes before and after the intervention (genetic counseling).

Objectives:
Three hundred and eighty-five respondents were screened as thalassemia carriers, between a pool of 2985 participants to depict the quantitative prevalence of thalassemia. Two separate qualitative cross-sectional studies were conducted and compared to validate genetic counseling. The aims of the study are to contribute to the understanding of thalassemia carrier frequency and to improve the education and awareness of college students regarding thalassemia.

Materials and Methods:
Two different questionnaires were used with the same knowledge, attitude, and practice parameters, one before and one after counseling. A two-sample t-test and an analysis of variance (ANOVA) F-test were used to compare the changes in knowledge, attitude, and practice.

Results:
Using paired samples t-test to compare the pre- and postcounseling outcome showed significant (P < 0.001) elevation in terms of knowledge, attitude, social beliefs, social discomfort, and practice as a thalassemia carrier. Further, ANOVA F-test demonstrates the relationship between demography and the difference in parametric score of the pre- and postcounseling outcome.

Conclusion:
By improving knowledge and attitudes, counseling can help individuals to better understand their condition and the importance of adhering to treatment recommendations. This can lead to improved health outcomes and a better quality of life for affected individuals.
Health-care Professionals’ Perception toward Medical Device Postmarket Surveillance Practices: A Cross-sectional Study in India
Authors: Shukla Shatrunajay , Meher Bikash Ranjan , Mishra Archana , Arora Shubhang , Kalaiselvan Vivekanandan , Raghuvanshi Rajeev Singh 
Published: October 2024

Summary
A cross-sectional, web-based survey was conducted to assess the health-care professionals (HCPs)’ perception toward existing medical device postmarket surveillance (PMS) practices in India. A total of 1756 responses (medical practitioners [19.8%], nurses [22.5%], pharmacists [21.4%], and biomedical engineers [13.8%]) were recorded and analyzed. About 71.2% of participants were aware about the ongoing PMS program, 87.5% were aware that medical devices are under regulation in India, and 83.3% were aware about who can report medical device adverse event (MDAE). About 56.3% of participants agreed that they take regular feedback from patients after using high-risk medical device. Majority of participants (69.4%) were aware about tools for reporting MDAE and the online reporting form is the most preferable tool among users. About 76.2% of participants were agreeing that reporting of MDAE is their professional/ethical responsibility. This study reveals that Indian HCPs show a good understanding of PMS practices and a positive perception toward MDAE reporting. However, underreporting still remains a challenge in India.
Health Promotion Practices among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinics at a Tertiary Hospital in Nigeria
Authors: Adetona Ademuyiwa , Adetona Oluwaseyi Grace , Agbana Richard Dele , Ipinnimo Tope Michael , Ekpo David Sylvanus , Sanni Taofeek Adedayo 
Published: October 2024

Summary
A cross-sectional study conducted in a semi-urban tertiary healthcare hospital in South western Nigeria to assess health promotion practices and associated sociodemographic factors among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics. A total of 220 pregnant women were studied. Results showed that 95.0% of the participants had good health promotion practices with physical activities having the lowest while spiritual values had the highest score. Moreover, age, religion, education, and occupation were significantly associated with health promotion practices among the pregnant women.
Routine Immunization Status and Factors Associated with Immunization Coverage among Children Aged 12–23 Months in Tanzania
Authors: Abdallah Gumi , Msuya Hajirani M. , Mtenga Sally , Festo Charles , Mhalu Grace , Shabani Josephine , Tillya Robert , Mwengee William , Masanja Honorati , Mkopi Abdallah 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT.
Immunization has saved millions of lives globally from vaccine-preventable diseases. Childhood immunization is an effective public health strategy for decreasing morbidity and mortality among children in developing countries. Tanzania has one of the highest rates of coverage of routine child immunization among sub-Saharan African countries. However, obstacles to universal immunization still exist, particularly in rural areas of the country. Assessing routine immunization coverage is essential to inform vaccine policies and program implementation. This study aimed to assess routine immunization status and factors associated with its coverage among children aged 12–23 months. We conducted a cross-sectional, quantitative household survey in 31 regions with caretakers of children in Tanzania, where a total of 4,560 households were visited. Nationally, 85.5% of children aged 12–23 months had completed the full recommended course of vaccines. Overall, 14.5% of children aged 12–23 months did not complete routine immunization schedules in 2019. We found that factors associated with immunization coverage included having one to six family members, higher household wealth, the family’s head engaging in subsistence farming, caretakers’ age, children’s age, educational level, children with clinic cards, and children receiving the diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus–3 vaccine. The country is about to reach the vaccination coverage target set by the WHO and the United Nations Children Fund. Improving existing vaccination coverage and optimizing the use of recommended interventions are required. We strongly advise using the periodic micro-planning tool and satellite image technology, particularly in areas where immunization coverage is less than 80%.
Electronic Clinical Decision Support Tools: Strategies to Improve the Management of Lower Respiratory Tract Infections in Low-Resource Settings
Authors: Tillekeratne L. Gayani , De Soyza Warsha , Iglesias-Ussel Maria D. , Olague Stefany , Palangasinghe Dhammika , Nagahawatte Ajith , Wickramatunga Thilini , Gamage Jayani , Kurukulasooriya Ruvini , Premamali Madureka , Ngocho James , Obale Armstrong , Sanborn Kate , Gallis John , Woods Christopher W. , Naggie Susanna , Ostbye Truls , Chakraborty Hrishikesh , Laber Eric , Myers Evan , Watt Melissa , Bodinayake Champica K. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT.
Lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) is a common reason for hospitalization and antibacterial use globally. There is considerable overlap in the clinical presentation of bacterial and viral LRTIs. Low- or middle-income countries (LMICs) face the dual challenge of appropriately targeting antibacterials for bacterial LRTI while reducing inappropriate antibacterials for viral LRTI. We propose a framework by which an electronic clinical decision support tool (eCDST) for diagnosing LRTI and reducing unnecessary antibacterial use may be developed, validated, and prospectively evaluated in an LMIC. The developed tool would be data driven, low-cost, feasible in the local setting, adaptable based on resource availability, and updated in real time, with prospective assessment to identify its clinical impact. We draw upon our team’s recent experience developing an eCDST for LRTI management in Sri Lanka. Publicly sharing such processes and data is valuable, such that we can collectively improve clinical care in LMICs and other settings.
Myocardial Ischemia after Severe Scorpion Envenomation: A Narrative Review
Authors: Bahloul Mabrouk , Bouchaala Karama , Chtara Kamilia , Kharrat Sana , Bouaziz Mounir 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT.
Myocardial ischemia after severe scorpion envenomation is rarely reported. The aim of this review was to elaborate on a review of myocardial ischemia after severe scorpion envenomation and to detail the mechanism of this myocardial hypoperfusion. We used the PubMed database and entered the following keywords in MeSH research: scorpion envenomation, myocardial ischemia, myocardial perfusion scintigraphy, echocardiography, and troponins. The literature analysis confirmed that severe scorpion envenomation can be complicated by temporary myocardial ischemia, based on electrocardiographic, histopathologic, echocardiographic, myocardial perfusion scintigraphy, and biological studies. The correlation between clinical manifestations, laboratory and electrocardiographic evidence of myocardial damage, echocardiographic studies, perfusion scintigraphy abnormalities, and histopathologic findings are suggestive of lesions of cardiac fibers secondary to myocardial ischemia. Myocardial hypoperfusion may be due to multiple factors. First, catecholamine storms can induce microvascular constriction. On the other hand, the release of catecholamines through a complex neurohormonal interaction with other neuropeptides and cytokine release can produce/induce major coronary microvascular constriction and/or microvascular injury, leading to microvascular acute coronary syndrome with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. The management of severe scorpion envenomation with severe myocardial failure and pulmonary edema is based on oxygen with invasive or noninvasive ventilator support. Dobutamine improves cardiac function after scorpion envenomation. Antiplatelet therapy is not recommended. In conclusion, severe scorpion envenomation can be complicated by temporary myocardial ischemia, which can be due to multiple factors.
Case Report: Burkholderia pseudomallei Infection with Sepsis and Aortic Pseudoaneurysm
Authors: Kuang Dai , Liu Wei , Chen Daohu , Jiang Jingsi , Wang Yi , Xia Qianfeng 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT.
Burkholderia pseudomallei is a Gram-negative bacterium found predominantly in tropical and subtropical regions. A 49-year-old individual with type 2 diabetes in Hainan, China, with a 4-month history of intermittent fever and 20 days of chest-back pain was diagnosed with aortic pseudoaneurysm through a computerized tomography scan. Burkholderia pseudomallei was identified through bacteriological examination of the patient’s blood. The patient received supportive care, with management of hyperthermia, heart rate, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels. Intravenous meropenem and oral sulfamethoxazole were administered for anti-infection treatment. Within 10 days, the patient’s temperature normalized, vital signs stabilized, chest pain subsided, and blood cultures cleared. This case highlights the potential severity of B. pseudomallei infections, underscoring the critical role of appropriate antibiotics, supportive care, and long-term follow-up in ensuring comprehensive management and preventing further transmission.