bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rapidly Progressing Rhino-orbito-cerebral Mucormycosis with Concomitant Pulmonary Mucormycosis in a Post-COVID-19 Diabetic Subject
Authors: Dhawan Vaishali Bodhraj , Manoj Megha 
Published: July 2024

Summary
Invasive fungal sinusitis is a highly lethal infection in an immunocompromised population that can spread rapidly to involve the adjacent structures by direct invasion or through vascular invasion. Involvement of cerebral parenchyma by vascular invasion is a devastating complication in these patients which may lead to vasculitis, thrombus formation, cerebritis, or abscess formation. Here, we present a case of a young male with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus who initially presented with COVID-19 lung disease and later developed sinonasal mucormycosis complicated with left orbital cellulitis and pulmonary mucormycosis.
A Randomized Control Trial Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Interpersonal Psychotherapy on Symptom Reduction and Relapse Prevention for Depression among the Depression Patients
Authors: Varadharasu Sivasankari 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background:
Depression is a serious illness; approximately 40%–60% of patients develop relapse, and this risk increases up to 90%. Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) is an effective method to minimize depressive symptoms and relapse.

Objectives:
This randomized control trial study is designed to assess the effectiveness of IPT on depression symptom reduction and relapse prevention.

Materials and Methods:
Three hundred depressed patients from a selected psychiatric hospital in UP, India, were recruited by a simple random sampling technique that randomly allocated 150 participants to the experimental group and 150 to the control group by tossing a coin. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, which has 17 items. On the 2nd day of the trial, the experimental group received IPT. It helped the participants recognize their emotions and urge themselves to express them, both of which had a direct positive impact on their sad mood. The IPT efficacy assessment was done at the end of the 4 weeks of the intervention, and the relapse prevention assessment was undertaken 4 months later. The control group was kept with the actual treatment modalities and psychoeducation sessions, and they were assessed in the same way as the experimental group.

Results:
Findings illustrated that the reduction of depressive symptoms with (t = 33.61) (P = 0.0000) and relapse prevention with (t = 2.7484) (P = 0.0067) are significant, respectively. Furthermore, symptom reduction and relapse prevention had an association with some demographical data at P < 0.05, 0.001.

Conclusion:
IPT is an effective intervention for reducing depressive symptoms and preventing relapse.
Nurturing Tomorrow’s Antibiotic Stewards: An Innovative School Campaign to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance in Delhi
Authors: Sharma Sangeeta , Gupta Renu , Bablani Vineeta , Bahl Arti 
Published: July 2024

Summary
Antimicrobials are lifesaving medicines, but their misuse drives antimicrobial resistance. Schools, as educational hubs wield transformative potential in fostering responsible antimicrobial behavior among students and the broader community. An online campaign targeted Delhi schools, training teachers as master trainers who, in turn, educated 359,940 students. Significant pre- to post-test score improvements were observed among teachers (6.98–8.14; P < 0.01) and students (5.20–6.56; P < 0.01). The campaign received excellent feedback (85%), with 966 students participating in the “IDEAthon” competition. While a single session improved knowledge, continuous engagement and activities are imperative for sustained behavioral change in antibiotic usage.
The Impact of Alternate Methodological and Structural Assumptions on Results of Cost-effectiveness Analysis: Empirical Evidence using Three Indian Economic Evaluations
Authors: Sharma Deepshikha , Aggarwal Arun Kumar , Bahuguna Pankaj , Prinja Shankar 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background:
Despite advancement in methods and application of economic evaluations (EEs), there are several uncertainties.

Objectives:
To assess the impact of alternate methodological and structural assumptions for four key principles of EE, on the results of cost-effectiveness analysis.

Materials and Methods:
Three previously published model-based EEs were used: (1) Integrated Management of Neonatal and Childhood Illnesses (IMNCIs) intervention; (2) intervention for multiple myeloma, and (3) safety-engineered syringes (SES) intervention. A series of empirical analyses was undertaken to assess the impact of alternate assumptions for discount-rate, time-horizon, study perspective, and health outcome measure, on incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER), and interpretation of cost-effectiveness.

Results:
Increasing discount rate resulted in an increase in ICERs, for all three case-studies; however, there was no change in the conclusions. Using shorter time-horizons resulted in a significant increase in ICERs, the multiple myeloma intervention remained cost-ineffective, SES intervention became cost-ineffective, whereas IMNCI intervention remained cost-effective, despite a three-fold increase in ICER. On using disability adjusted life years instead of quality adjusted life years, ICERs increased to 0.04, 2 and 4 times for SES, IMNCI and multiple myeloma interventions, respectively. On analyzing results from a societal perspective, a decline in ICERs was observed. The decline was significant for IMNCI where the intervention turned dominant/cost-saving. In the other two case-studies decline in ICERs was modest, 32% for multiple myeloma, and 4% for SES.

Conclusion:
We observed a significant impact of using alternate assumptions on ICERs which can potentially impact resource-allocation decisions. Our findings provide strong argument in favor of standardization of processes and development of country-specific guidelines for conduct of EE.
Recent Amendment in the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act in India: Empowering Women’s Health
Authors: Sinha Anuvi , Sinha Ratnesh 
Published: July 2024

Summary
In 1971, the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act was implemented to deal with unsafe abortions, fetal complications, and maternal mortality. In India, it is estimated that more than half of all abortions are unsafe leading to infection, hemorrhages, injury to internal organs, and sometimes maternal death. To address these issues, the MTP Act was amended in 2021 to promote uniformity, accessibility, availability, affordability, and quality of MTP services with appropriate management in case of any adverse event.
Paternal Alcohol Consumption and Childhood Malnutrition: A Community-based Participatory Case–control Study among Adivasis in Rural South India
Authors: Menon Gopal , Mathias Priyanka , Wurdeman Taylor , Dahake Ritwik , Elamanna Jiji , Pathayakandi K. Shabeer , Starr Jacqueline R. , Devi P. Shylaja ,   ASHWINI Research Team
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background:
Childhood malnutrition in India remains among the highest in the world. Adult alcohol consumption and severe malnutrition have increased among indigenous people in South India. However, the association between them is poorly understood.

Objectives:
We aimed to evaluate this association, which could help design better intervention strategies.

Methods:
This case–control observational study was conducted in the Nilgiri district in South India. Cases included children aged 1–5 years with moderate malnutrition. Controls were defined as children in the same age group with normal weight-for-age. A questionnaire was used to collect data on demographics, socioeconomic status (SES), and parental education. The WHO Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) questionnaire was used to estimate parental alcohol use. Health-care workers collected data from within the community.

Results:
The baseline demographics of the children in the control (n = 250) and case groups (n = 177) were similar. Paternal age and AUDIT scores were not different in the two groups. SES was lower in the malnourished group, while maternal education among cases was significantly lower. Maternal and paternal education were associated with childhood malnutrition (odds ratio [OR]: 0.728 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.583–0.903] and OR: 0.753 [95% CI: 0.589–0.957], respectively). After adjustment for covariates, paternal alcohol use was associated with a higher risk of malnutrition (OR: 1.56 [95% CI: 1.00–2.47]), which SES partly mediated.

Conclusion:
Paternal alcohol consumption is associated with childhood malnutrition, partially mediated by lower SES. Furthermore, lower SES appeared to be strongly associated with paternal alcohol consumption.
Universalization of Healthcare for Non-Communicable Diseases in India – Promise of Health and Wellbeing, Insurance for Universal Health Coverage
Authors: Biswas Bijit , Bashar MD. Abu , Kulkarni Muralidhar M. , Khan Imran Ahmed 
Published: July 2024

Summary
Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) pose a significant global health and economic burden, necessitating universal health coverage (UHC). Out-of-pocket (OOPs) payments for healthcare, particularly in low- and middle-income countries lacking social protection and health insurance, contribute to impoverishment and catastrophic expenditure. This scoping review aimed to assess the state of UHC for NCDs in India, including the progress made, coverage of government health insurance schemes, challenges faced, and their potential solutions. A literature search was performed in major databases such as PubMed, Ovid, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar using appropriate keywords. Findings indicated that UHC remains a distant dream in India with a disproportionately high NCD burden and a substantial portion of health-care expenses (80% outpatient, 40% inpatient) relying on OOP expenditures, causing financial hardship. Limited universal social security exacerbates health-care access challenges. The coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic has further hindered NCD services and UHC progress. The Ayushman Bharat program, featuring health and wellness centers and the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, aims to address primary health-care needs and provide NCD coverage in India. Despite this, challenges persist, including inadequate availability of essential medicines and technologies in health-care facilities, as well as gaps in rural health-care access. Telemedicine services like “eSanjeevani” have been implemented to improve access in remote areas. To achieve UHC for NCDs in India, it is crucial to strengthen primary health-care, ensure medicine availability, enhance human resources, establish a referral system, address social determinants, and implement social protection.
A First Report on the Isolation and Characterization of a Highly Potential Indigenous Mosquitocidal Bacterium (Bacillus thuringiensis Subspecies Israelensis VCRC B647) from Red Soil, India
Authors: Bora Bhagyashree , Lukose Jibi , Gangmei Kakhuangailiu , Sivaprakasam Manikandan , Vijayakumar Abhisubesh , Mandodan Sahadiya , Padmanaban Hemaladkshmi , Kunnikuruvan Aneha , Ashokkumar Mathivanan , Krishnamoorthy Vijayalakshmi , Subbiah Poopathi 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background:
To control mosquito vectors causing human diseases, bacterial biopesticides are currently in use. Indeed, the recent development of resistance to these bacterial agents has impeded its applications. Under these circumstances, the search for novel bacterial agents with mosquitocidal activity is unavoidable. In this study, a novel mosquitocidal bacterium was isolated from red soils of agricultural field.

Objectives:
The objective of this study was to isolate and identify new mosquitocidal bacteria from the natural environment.

Materials and Methods:
Soil samples were collected during 2021–2022 from Tirupathur district of Tamil Nadu, South India. The samples were bioprocessed for culturing the bacterial colony in a suitable culture medium (Nutrient Yeast Salt Medium), and after 72 h, the bacterial cell mass was removed and lyophilized. Bioassays (mosquito toxicity assays) were carried out to screen the bacterial colonies for mosquitocidal effect. The potential colony was further analyzed, and identified for its application in mosquito control.

Results:
The new isolate screened from red soil was identified as Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis (VCRC B647) as per the ilvD gene sequence analysis. The strain was found to be potentially effective in controlling mosquito larvae, and further biochemical analyses, bacterial growth, biomass, and protein content were investigated. The new isolate did not show any toxic effect on nontarget aquatic organisms.

Conclusion:
It is significant to depict that the mosquitocidal action of this new isolate (Bti) is highly significant than the reference strain of Bti-H14. It is concluded that this is the first report that an indigenous strain of Bti VCRC B647 is very effective in mosquito control.
Compositional characteristics of the gut microbiome in patients with uremia
Authors: Wu Zirui , Bian Mingjie , Zhang Hong , Wang Mengli , Wang Peng , Shao Yunxia , Shen Liang , Zhu Guoping 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT
During acute or chronic uremia, the cumulative harmful effects of uremic toxins result in numerous health problems and, ultimately, mortality. Previous research has identified that uremic retention solutes originate from the gut microbiome, indicating that uremia may be closely associated with gut microbiome dysbiosis. To deepen our understanding of the compositional characteristics of the gut microbiome in patients with uremia and thereby promote precision medicine in the treatment of uremia, we conducted a study of the compositional characteristics of the gut microbiome in 20 patients with uremia. The gut microbiome diversity of uremic patients and the control group showed certain differences. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling analysis showed that the beta diversity of the gut microbiome of uremic patients was significantly different from that of the healthy control individuals, with a distinct clustering effect in the uremic patient group, and it also showed a similarly distinct clustering effect in the healthy control group. The Chao1 index and Sobs index were significantly lower in the uremic patient group than in the healthy control group (P < 0.05). By analyzing the composition and abundance distribution of the gut microbiome in the uremic patient group and healthy control group, we found that the relative abundance of the gut microbiome constituents Fusobacteriota, Enterobacteriaceae, Oscillospirales, Ruminococcaceae, and Lachnospiraceae was significantly increased in the intestines of uremic patients. We also detected the rare taxa Erysipelotrichaceae, which was present only in the uremic patient group. Predictive functional analysis suggested that an increased abundance of Ruminococcaceae and Lachnospirales, which are associated with indoxyl sulfate and phenylacetyl glutamine, and an increased abundance of Oscillospirales, which is associated with pyruvate metabolism, in uremic patients may strongly influence the gut environment according to renal function, resulting in dysbiosis associated with uremic toxin production. Rare taxa such as Erysipelotrichaceae have been suggested to be detrimental to intestinal disease. Further research into these gut microbiomes may provide new ideas for the prevention and treatment of uremia with the gut microbiome.
Dyskeratosis congenita with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue: A rare case report
Authors: Sneha S , Sudha S , Nair Resmi G. , Dyuthi G 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT
Dyskeratosis congenita is a rare inherited bone marrow failure disorder characterized by a classic triad: nail dystrophy, reticulate skin pigmentation, and oral leukoplakia. Patients with dyskeratosis congenita have also been described as having gastrointestinal, genitourinary, neurological, ophthalmic, pulmonary, and skeletal abnormalities. Also, 80% of patients are affected with oral leukoplakia and these areas are more prone to develop into oral squamous cell carcinoma. We hereby report a rare case of oral squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue in a young male patient with dyskeratosis congenita.
Monkeypox: red alert for the dentists?
Authors: Yasmeen Subuhi , Noor Rana 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
COVID-19 pandemic is persisting around the world, meanwhile another threat to public health is Monkeypox, a viral zoonotic disease that has exploded, leading to the rise in unpredictable clinical cases from non-endemic countries along with the already-known endemic countries for it. In this article, we have discussed about the 2022 outbreak of human Monkeypox and its entanglement for dental practice including the role of the dentist for early detection, diagnosis, and management of this multi-country disease.
Very Short Answer Questions (VSAQs): A relatively new novel tool for the assessment of cognition
Authors: Piryani Rano Mal , Piryani Suneel 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Very Short Answer Questions (VSAQs) are a quite new tool used for the assessment of cognition. VSAQ consists of a clinical vignette followed by the lead in question. These are free-response types of questions that need very short responses. Students have to construct or generate their answers between one and five words. VSAQs are authentic, acceptable, valid, reliable, discriminatory, and a cost-effective method of assessment. A larger magnitude of knowledge, understanding of concepts, and application of knowledge can be assessed in a shorter period compared with Single Best Answer Questions (SBAQs). Evidence has supported “VSAQs have many surpluses over SBAQs.” This novel tool of assessment is very useful, so it needs to be integrated into formative and summative assessments of undergraduate medical curriculum.
Evaluation of the Impact of a Pharmacist-Conducted Hypertension Clinic
Authors: Mohammed Jameez Ummer , Thomas Dixon , Baker Danial 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
Hypertension can lead to cardiovascular and other health complications. Many hypertensive patients in the community may receive poor care and monitoring due to financial and other concerns. Pharmacists could support patients in improving their health outcomes. This research aims to assess the impact of pharmacist-led hypertensive clinics in a community pharmacy setting.

Methods:
The study was an interventional exploratory design in a community pharmacy in Dubai, UAE. All eligible patients who consented were enrolled in the study, making it a population-based study. Patients’ blood pressure (BP) was measured before starting the intervention and measured monthly for a minimum of 6 months of care. Measuring BP, physician referral for management of hypertension, lifestyle, diet, and medication counseling were the interventions provided by the researcher on a case-to-case basis as needed in each patient encounter. Toward the end of the study, a patient satisfaction survey was conducted. The survey form showed internal consistency, Cronbach’s alpha = 0.895.

Results:
About 30 patients were provided pharmacy services by a pharmacist for 613 months. All patients’’ BP were monitored monthly. Patients showed reductions in their systolic and diastolic BP levels with the continued care of the pharmacist. (The mean systolic BP significantly decreased from 155 mmHg (standard deviation (SD) = 14.4, median = 151) at baseline to 128 mmHg (SD = 3.1, median = 129) with a P = 0.001. The mean diastolic BP showed a decrease from 95 mmHg (SD = 8.4, Median = 93) at baseline to 82 mmHg (SD = 1.2, Median = 81) with a P = 0.17. The participants showed a high level of patient satisfaction. Some were willing to pay for the pharmacist’s professional service.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the study has shown the impact of pharmacist-led antihypertensive clinics in systolic BP control and achieving high patient satisfaction. The study generated insights into participant cooperation with pharmacist services and needs. More research on different outcomes is planned for future studies, including systematic pharmacotherapy work-up, patient medication adherence, and other clinical outcomes in the study population.
Diflubenzuron Mass Concentration Determination Method in Pesticides Using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Saponenko Vadim , Nazhmetdinov Azamat 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Aims:
Pesticides are actively used in agriculture to protect crops from pests, and accurate determination of the concentration of their active ingredient is critical to ensuring their efficacy and safety. The research aims to develop a methodology that will enable the accurate determination of the mass concentration of diflubenzuron, a widely used active ingredient in pesticide formulations. This is achieved through the use of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

Methods:
The proposed method for determining the mass concentration of diflubenzuron using HPLC was developed through a series of experiments and optimisation steps. The sample preparation procedure was optimised to extract the maximum amount of diflubenzuron from the pesticide formulation.

Result:
The chromatography conditions were optimised to separate diflubenzuron from other components in the sample matrix. A calibration approach was established for accurate quantification of diflubenzuron in the sample based on peak area measurements. The developed method can be widely used in agriculture, where accurate determination of diflubenzuron concentrations in pesticide formulations is critical for proper application and regulatory compliance. Both regulatory organizations and pesticide manufacturers can use it for batch-release testing and quality control to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pesticide products. In addition, the method can serve as a valuable tool for researchers and analysts working with pesticide residues in crops and environmental monitoring studies.

Conclusion:
The optimised sample preparation, chromatography conditions, and calibration approach provide reliable and reproducible results.
Factors associated with refusing hemoperfusion in patients with acute paraquat poisoning
Authors: Zhang Minghao , Zhao Shunzhong , Sun Mingji , Zhang Wei , Wang Boliang 
Published: July 2024

Background:
Paraquat poisoning remains a critical public health issue with no established effective treatment. Hemoperfusion (HP) has been recognized for its potential to remove toxins and is widely employed in several developing countries for managing acute paraquat poisoning cases. However, the reluctance of some patients to undergo this recommended treatment has been observed but not thoroughly investigated. This study aimed to explore the factors associated with the refusal of HP in patients suffering from paraquat intoxication.

Materials and Methods:
In this retrospective study, data of 358 patients with acute paraquat poisoning were analyzed in Xi’an, China. The outcome of our study was mortality, and the influential factors were age, gender, marital status, educational level, symptoms at presentation, and laboratory findings. A logistic regression model was utilized to explore the independent risk factors.

Results:
In a total of 358 paraquat-poisoned patients, the significant differences were found between patients who underwent HP and those who did not, particularly regarding mean age (48.02 years vs. 42.32 years; P = 0.01), mental disorders (15.6% vs. 6.1%; P = 0.01), poisoning severity score (2.36 vs. 2.57; P = 0.03), organ failure (10.9% vs. 23.5%; P = 0.02), and mechanical ventilation (18.8% vs. 33.3%; P = 0.02). Patients who refused HP exhibited a higher mortality (20.3% vs. 10.9%; P = 0.03) compared to those who received HP. Age (odds ratio (OR), 1.76; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01–3.82; P = 0.01) and history of mental disorders (OR, 2.81; 95% CI: 1.19-6.61; P = 0.02) were identified as significant independent predictors for the refusal of HP.

Conclusion:
The results of this study showed that elderly individuals and those with a history of mental disorders were independently associated with refusing HP in patients with acute paraquat poisoning.