bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Narrative Review on Prolonged Neuropsychiatric Consequences of COVID-19: A Serious Concern
Authors: Theofilis Panagiotis , Oikonomou Evangelos , Vasileiadou Maria , Tousoulis Dimitris 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is characterized by prolonged, postacute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC). Marked by persistent or new-onset symptoms within 3 months following COVID-19 recovery, PASC significantly affects a diverse spectrum of survivors. Beyond cardiovascular implications, neuropsychiatric PASC demonstrates prolonged symptoms with diverse phenotypic profiles affecting memory, attention, and mood. The pathophysiologic basis points to SARS-CoV-2’s neurotropism, instigating inflammatory responses in the central nervous system. A comprehensive multimodal assessment, integrating psychological evaluations, fluid examinations, neurophysiology, and imaging, emerges as a critical diagnostic approach. Managing neuropsychiatric PASC necessitates personalized interventions to enhance resilience and coping mechanisms, emphasizing the role of physical fitness, creative engagement, and social support in mitigating its impact on identity and well-being. In addition, early initiation of cognitive rehabilitation and cognitive behavioral therapy is proposed to address symptom chronicity, emotional distress, and cognitive dysfunction, enhancing the quality of life. The urgency for targeted interventions, early neuropsychological support, and ongoing research to comprehensively address the multifaceted neuropsychiatric effects of COVID-19 is underscored in this review. Collaborative efforts involving health-care professionals, support networks, and affected individuals are imperative to navigate the evolving landscape of PASC and its persistent neuropsychiatric implications.
A study to assess medication adherence and quality of life among epilepsy patients seeking treatment at AIIMS Bhopal
Authors: Pallavi  , Verma Ranjana , Gupta Rajratan , Shafqat Naseema , Phalswal Uma 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
Epilepsy is a disorder of the brain with a permanent predisposition to produce epileptic seizures. There are cognitive, psychological, neurological, and social causes of this condition. It is the second most common problematic neurologic disorder, affecting more than 70 million people throughout the world. More than 65% of the global burden of epilepsy occurs in developing countries.

Objective:
To assess medication adherence and quality of life among epilepsy patients and to find any correlation between medication adherence and quality of life.

Material and Methods:
This descriptive study was conducted on epileptic patients who were seeking treatment at AIIMS Bhopal. Two hundred epileptic patients were enrolled in this study via purposive sampling techniques. Data was collected through face-to-face interview method. The data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics

Results:
In this study, a total of 200 patients with epilepsy were found to be eligible to participate; there were 23 patients (11.5%) with low medication adherence, 95 patients (47.5%) with moderate medication adherence, and 82 patients (41%) with high medication adherence. Patients with epilepsy who follow recommended treatment have a good quality of life, particularly in the spiritual sector (169; 85%). The overall quality of life is moderate for 142 patients (71%) and good for 58 patients (29%). Medication adherence and quality of life were shown to be strongly positively correlated, with a Karl Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.67.

Conclusion:
The result of this study concluded that improving medication adherence is important to improving the quality of life among epilepsy patients.
Influence of shift work on sleep quality and circadian patterns of heart rate variability among nurses
Authors: Panwar Aprajita , Bagla Rahul K. , Mohan Mamta , Rathore Bharti B. 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
Shift work implementation is essential for providing continuous patient care in hospitals. However, working in shifts on a routine basis may disrupt the circadian pattern and alter the sleep-wakefulness cycle in nurses. Stress due to shift work can influence the adaptability of the cardiovascular system, produce psychophysiological strain and deteriorate work performance in female nurses.

Objective:
This study investigated the effect of morning and night shift work on sleep quality and circadian patterns governing heart rate variability (HRV) in female nurses working in a tertiary care hospital.

Methods:
Thirty-eight healthy female nurses were recruited. Frequency and time domain parameters of HRV were recorded as markers of cardiac autonomic function. A student t-test was used to investigate differences in HRV between morning and night shift workers. Mann-Whitney non-parametric test was applied for the difference between Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores in the two groups

Results:
Standard deviation of the normal-to-normal interval (SDNN) (msec), total power (ms2) and high-frequency (HF) band power (ms2) were significantly reduced in night shift nurses than in morning shift nurses. The low-frequency (LF)/HF ratio was significantly increased in night shift nurses. The differences in standard deviation of the averages of NN intervals (SDaNN) (msec), root mean square of successive differences between adjacent NN intervals (RMSSD), mean NN, very low-frequency (VLF) band power (ms2) and LF band power (ms2) were not statistically significant. The global PSQI score was significantly higher among night shift workers than in morning shifts.

Conclusion:
Inadequate sleep can disrupt the body’s ability to regulate heart rhythm and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases and mortality. The research suggests a propensity for autonomic imbalance in night shift workers when compared to their counterparts on morning shifts.
Utility of anthropometry in defining overweight and obesity in urban South Indian children
Authors: Solomon Ritchie S. , Solomon Adlyne R. 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction:
Waist-based indicators of obesity are being used to detect central obesity and are predictive for metabolic syndrome (MS). The aim of the study is to assess the basic anthropometric indices in children, to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity, and to determine the association between various waist-based measurements and body mass index (BMI).

Methodology:
A cross-sectional study was conducted among children aged 10 to 15 years attending government corporation schools in Chennai. Basic anthropometric measurements were taken. BMI, waist circumference/height ratio (WHtR), and waist circumference/hip circumference ratio (WHR) were calculated. The percentiles (Indian reference cutoffs) were determined for waist circumference (WC) and BMI. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was determined and compared to waist-based parameters.

Results:
Of 820 children, males constituted 47.1%. Stunting was seen in 9.8% and 7.8% were underweight. 8.2% had BMI less than the 3rd percentile. The prevalence of overweight and obese children was 9% and 3.2%, respectively, with female predominance. The majority had WC less than the 5th percentile. The prevalence of children under risk for MS based on WC >70th percentile was 4.5% and based on WHtR >0.5 was 8.2%. A significant association was identified between all waist-based anthropometric measurements to detect children at risk for MS and overweight/obese children as per BMI category. WHtR >0.5 was an indicator of overweight/obese children in logistic regression analysis.

Conclusion:
Early identification of children at risk of MS would require a combination of BMI to detect general obesity and waist-based anthropometric measurements to identify central obesity.
Work and health habits of Thai physicians
Authors: Tangjitgamol Siriwan , Bunsiricomchai Paisan , Kaewwanna Watcharagan , Ativanichayapong Natapon , Parinyachet Supattra , Manusirivithaya Sumonmal 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
Physicians usually have a high responsibility in caring for people. Many times, they encounter work-life imbalances that can impact both their personal health and the quality of medical services they provide.

Objective:
To evaluate the works and health habits of Thai physicians.

Methods:
Thai physicians who participated in the hospital’s Corporate Social Responsibility “Save Doctors’ Heart” project, conducted between February 14, 2022 and October 31, 2022, were invited to participate in the study. Data collected was personal data, work habits, including workplace, work hours, and health habits, including fiber in the diet, exercise, sense of well-being, history of health surveillance, and health coverage system. The characteristic features associated with their work and health habits were studied

Results:
The responses to each question varied among the 1,244 physicians who agreed to join the study. The median age was 45.0 years (IQR 39,56 years). Almost all (98.6%) were still active in medical practice, with >1 workplace in 14.7%. Nearly half (44.5%) worked >40 hours per week. Most reported a moderate to high fiber diet (80.8%), but only 29.7% exercised >3 days per week. Some degree of stress was revealed in 82.1%, being moderate to severe in 25.8%. The younger physicians with less exercise were significantly associated with moderate/severe stress. Only slightly more than half (53.0%) had a good sense of well-being. Nearly 30% had irregular health surveillance. The two most common reasons were unavailability/no time and having no symptoms.

Conclusion:
Thai participating physicians were still active professionally and had mixed health habits. Most consumed a moderate to high fiber diet and had regular health surveillance; however, with less exercise and some degree of stress. More than half were self-assessed to have a good sense of well-being.
Analysis of occurrences and causes of abnormal liver function in 109 patients with COVID-19
Authors: Deng Man-Ling , Min Fu , Peng Jing-Lin , Yang Xia , Dai Yan-Dan , Yang Xue-Feng 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Context:
COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus pneumonia, which is related to abnormal liver function. Thus, it is important to explore the occurrences and causes of abnormal liver function with COVID-19.

Methods:
We chose 109 patients with COVID-19 in 2020 and studied the relationship between gender, age, basic diseases, antiviral drug treatment, disease classification, and abnormal liver function, and analyzed the causes of abnormal liver function in patients with COVID-19

Results:
Among patients, 46 (42.20%) had abnormal liver function at admission; 37 (80.43%) had mild abnormal liver function; and 9 (19.57%) had severe liver function. Compared with other age groups, the abnormal rate of serum ALP in the group younger than 21 years old were the highest (P < 0.05). The abnormal rates and concentrations of serum ALT, AST and γ-GT in the male groups were higher than in female groups (P < 0.05), basic disease group were higher than those in the non-basic disease group (P < 0.05). Serum γ-GT concentration after 1 week of antiviral treatment was higher than that before treatment (P < 0.05). The abnormal rate of ALT and AST at discharge was lower than that after antiviral treatment for 1 week (P < 0.05). Serum TB and AST concentrations at discharge were lower than those before treatment (P < 0.05). Serum AST and γ-GT concentrations in severe/critical type group were higher than those in mild or ordinary type group (P < 0.05)

Conclusions:
In this study, we found male sex, basic diseases, antiviral drugs, and severe/critical types are related to the occurrence of abnormal liver function in COVID-19 patients.
A retrospective analysis of the trends in the prevalence of female genital mutilation and associated factors among women of reproductive age in Nigeria 2011–2021
Authors: Sanni Felix O. , Sanni Elizabeth A. , Onyeagwaibe Collins , Ahamuefula Tukwasi 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
Female genital mutilation (FGM) is widely acknowledged globally as a violation of the fundamental human rights of girls and women. FGM is still widely practiced in Nigeria but at diminishing rates. Primary care physicians must educate and campaign to end this hazardous practice in Nigeria, especially in high-incidence areas. This study fills the knowledge gap by identifying FGM determinants to help policymakers reduce it.

Method:
The study employed a retrospective cross-sectional design using data from the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund for 2011, 2016–2017, and 2021. The sampling involved multistage cluster sampling. Data analysis utilized IBM-SPSS, presenting FGM prevalence across years and exploring associations with various factors.

Results:
This study analyzed 63,365 Nigerian women across a decade (2011, 2016–2017, and 2021). FGM awareness fluctuated (35.1% in 2016–2017, 33.0% in 2011, and 31.9% in 2021), while FGM prevalence increased from 46.6% (2011) to 69.5% (2021). Education correlated with lower FGM prevalence. Geographic disparities were observed, with the Southwest having the highest (70.1%) and the Northeast having the lowest (34.5%) prevalence. Religion influenced FGM rates, with Christians (54.2%) and those with other/no religion (58.0%) showing higher rates than Muslims (52.6%). Urban women had a slightly lower prevalence (52.6%) than rural women (54.2%), and wealth quintiles displayed variations. Variability was also evident among states, ranging from 2.0% to 86.3%. Daughters’ circumcision was influenced by maternal circumcision status, education, region, religion, and wealth quintile. Common FGM procedures involved removing genital flesh (63.7%) and nicking without removal (55.1%), often performed by nurses/midwives (63.7%).

Conclusion:
The study emphasized the urgent need for continuous awareness campaigns and education to combat FGM among Nigerian women. Education emerged as a critical factor in reducing FGM, highlighting the importance of investing in girls’ education.
Clinical cohort of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in a primary care setting
Authors: Gips Julia R. , Yanek Lisa , Wu Jiajun , Hamilton James P. , Woreta Tinsay A. , Clark Jeanne M. 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Background and Aims:
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasingly common, and primary care physicians (PCPs) are often the first to diagnose NAFLD. While guidelines on NAFLD management in primary care exist, there are limited data on clinical practice patterns.

Approach:
We gathered data from over 370,000 patients with at least one PCP visit between July 2016 and September 2023. Using ICD-10 codes to identify patients with a diagnosis of NAFLD or Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH), we extracted demographics, comorbidities, laboratory results, prescriptions, imaging orders, and referrals to describe their care.

Results:
We identified 10,334 patients with a diagnosis code of NAFLD (93.1%) and/or NASH (16.7%) during a PCP visit. Just over half (54.8%) were female, mean age was 52.8 years, and mean BMI was 33.2 kg/m2 with 90% having overweight or obese. More than 50% had hypertension and hyperlipidemia, and 38% had diabetes. At the diagnosis visit, 2.7% had ultrasound elastography ordered, 2.7% liver biopsy, and less than 1% magnetic resonance elastography. During follow-up ranging from 0 to 7 years, patients had a mean of 15 encounters, during which 4% were diagnosed with fibrosis or cirrhosis. Only 24.2% of patients were referred to a nutritionist and 18% had an appointment, and only 0.7% were referred to hepatology and 3.8% saw a hepatologist.

Conclusion:
PCPs have not widely implemented clinical practice guidelines for NAFLD, resulting in suboptimal care including for the substantial minority with fibrosis or cirrhosis. Patients might benefit from targeted NAFLD education for PCPs and improved decision and management support.
Assessing the knowledge and skill of ASHA community health workers in blood pressure measurement and primary care of hypertension
Authors: Dewangan Mukesh , Garg Samir , Nanda Prabodh , Sahu Ashu , Xalxo Lalita , Tandan Pradeep , Quereishi M Jawed , Sahu Anand Kumar 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction:
India has a high burden of hypertension, and community health workers (CHWs) can contribute to its primary care. Studies of small-scale interventions have shown that trained CHWs can be useful contributors to hypertension care. No assessments are available in India on effectiveness of CHW training when conducted on a large scale.

Methods:
A study was conducted in Chhattisgarh, where 38,000 Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) CHWs had been trained in blood pressure (BP) measurement and counselling skills related to hypertension. The study involved a skill test and a knowledge test with ten points each, administered to two representative samples of trained CHWs – 433 in rural areas and 422 in urban slums.

Results:
The mean skill score out of 10 was 7.79 (7.59–7.99) and 8.11 (7.93–8.29) for the rural and urban CHWs, respectively. Around 75.3% (71.0–79.1%) of the rural and 80.3% (76.2–83.9%) of urban CHWs were able to score 70% (7 out of 10) or higher in the skill test. The mean knowledge score out of 10 was 8.18 (8.04–8.33) and 8.82 (8.78–8.93) for the rural and urban CHWs, respectively. Around 83.2% (79.3–86.4%) and 95.0% (94.4–96.7%) of the rural and urban CHWs, respectively, were able to score 70% or higher in the knowledge test.

Conclusion:
The ASHAs in Chhattisgarh demonstrated the necessary competence to contribute to BP measurement and primary care of hypertension. It shows feasibility of training a large number of CHWs in such skills. Efforts to equip and support the 1 million strong cadre of ASHAs across India need to be speeded up.
Nutritional status, food security and other correlates among adult tuberculosis patients in a block of Murshidabad district, West Bengal
Authors: Roy Avik K. , Adhikary Mrinmoy , Bandyopadhyay Prithwish , Ghosh Ritu , Das Dilip K. 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
Tuberculosis (TB) and malnutrition are epidemiologically interrelated two major public health problems in India. Food security also influences nutritional status. This aspect needs evaluation in diverse geographical areas. This study aimed to assess the level of food security, nutritional status and correlates among adult TB patients in a block of Murshidabad, West Bengal.

Methods:
This cross-sectional study was undertaken in the Nabagram block of Murshidabad district during April–July 2023. All adult (≥18 years) patients registered under the Tuberculosis Unit of the block during a reference period of 6 months (October 2022–March 2023) were considered study subjects. Eighty such eligible participants recruited randomly were interviewed with a pre-designed schedule for socio-demographic and programmatic characteristics. Household food security was measured using a validated U.S. Household Food Security Survey Module. Anthropometric measurements were taken, and nutritional status was determined based on body mass index. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 was used for analysis.

Results:
Among 80 TB patients, 51% were underweight and 20% were severely underweight. The majority (90%) of them had high or marginal food security, and 10% had low or very low food security. On multivariable logistic regression, Hindu religion (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 6.74, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.12–29.39), presence of any chronic morbidity (AOR: 11.61, 95%CI: 2.71–49.78) and receipt of dietary counselling by a health worker (AOR: 7.25, 95%CI: 1.22–43.13) appeared as predictors of underweight.

Conclusions:
Underweight among TB patients is quite prevalent in the area, and few programmatic interventions are influencing factors. This underscores the importance of nutritional counselling services and the universal provision of Poshan benefits.
Understanding pediatric snakebites: Clinical and epidemiological insights from a healthcare center in Bihar, India
Authors: Kumar Rajan , Kumar Manoj , Kumar Deepak , Raj Akanksha , Sheikh Nishat A. 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
Snakebites are a common medical emergency and occupational hazard for children in India, particularly in rural areas where poverty is prevalent. However, there is limited data on the epidemiology of snakebites on the Indian subcontinent.

Objective:
This cross-sectional, observational study aims to investigate the epidemiology, major clinical manifestations, and outcomes of snakebites in children under the age of 15 who were admitted to a tertiary care center in Bihar, a state in East India, and draw attention to this public health concern.

Methods:
A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at the Department of Paediatrics, Patna Medical College and Hospital, Patna. The study included all cases of snakebites with features of envenomation involving patients less than 15 years of age who were brought to the department over a 2-year period. Data were collected using a data collection form and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 11.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).

Results:
A total of 59 cases were recorded, with 62.71% (n = 37) being male and 37.28% (n = 22) being female. Kraits were responsible for 38.9% (n = 23) of cases, vipers for 42.3% (n = 25), and cobras for 5% (n = 3). Fang marks were present in 67.7% (n = 40) of cases, and the majority of bites (84.7%, n = 50) occurred on a lower limb during the day. The age distribution showed that 16.9% (n = 10) were below 5 years old, 44% (n = 26) were between 5 and 10 years old, and 22% (n = 13) were above 10 years old. Traditional treatment was used in 44.7% (n = 22) of cases, with the most common treatments being local incision + tourniquet (22%, n = 13) and no traditional treatment (55.9%, n = 33). The highest number of cases occurred during July–September (35.5%, n = 21).

Conclusion:
Snakebites are a significant public health issue in Bihar, India, with the majority of cases occurring in rural areas. The study highlights the importance of increased awareness and preparedness among healthcare providers and the general public, particularly during the monsoon season. Early hospital transfer, prehospital management, and prevention should be promoted through regular public health initiatives.
Outcome of Fournier’s gangrene in relation to Fournier Gangrene Severity Index (FGSI) score
Authors: Kundan Meghraj , Ambedkar Shivlok N , Kumar Rambharosh , Nyekha Vekhotso 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction:
Fournier’s gangrene is a rapidly progressive necrotizing fasciitis, involving perineum mainly. The purpose of the study is to evaluate etiology, treatment, and outcome of Fournier’s gangrene so that such type patient’s management can be done by primary care physicians with best outcomes.

Method:
This was a retrospective study including 156 patients, treated for Fournier’s gangrene, between Jan 2012 and Dec 2018. The outcome and prognosis of Fournier’s gangrene were reviewed.

Result:
The mean age and mode among survival patients were 47.94 ± 14.9 and 60 years, and the mean age and mode in nonsurvival patients was 47.64 ± 15.9 and 65 years. The most common predisposing factor was diabetes mellitus (n = 49, 31.4%) having mortality rate was 9% (n = 14). Most common causative bacteria were E. coli. In the study, the survival rate was 100% in patients having Fournier Gangrene Severity Index (FGSI)≤3. As FGSI increased from 3, the mortality rate increased.

Conclusion:
Fournier gangrene is a surgical emergency. Early diagnosis, serial surgical debridement, and broad-spectrum antibiotics decrease the mortality and morbidity of patients. The sensitivity and specificity of FGSI determine the prognosis of Fournier’s gangrene. FGSI is a simple method to know the severity and prognosis.