bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Yoga and nutritional therapies for promoting health-related quality of life in persons with metabolic syndrome—An interventional observational study
Authors: Sorout Jitender , Kacker Sudhanshu , Saboo Neha , Kumar Munesh 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction:
A group of related risk factors known as central obesity, elevated blood pressure, impaired fasting glucose, elevated triglycerides (TGs), and low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) are collectively referred to as metabolic syndrome (MetS). A low quality of life (QoL) in terms of health is linked to MetS. This study sought to determine how lifestyle modifications affected the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of primary care patients with MetS.

Materials and Methods:
In this study, we randomized 300 subjects diagnosed with MetS as per the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III) criteria, into control, yoga, and yoga + diet groups according to their intervention which was given for 6 months. Socio-demographic, anthropometric, and physiological and biochemical parameters were collected at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. The 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) was also used to assess HRQoL.

Results:
The results of this study indicate that yoga + diet and yoga intervention led to significant decrease in metabolic risk factors, such as waist circumference (WC), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), fasting blood glucose (FBG), TGs, and increase in HDL at 3 months and 6 months from baseline. SF-36 score also showed increment (from 0 score to 100) at 3 months and 6 months, which indicates improvement in HRQoL.

Conclusion:
Dietary changes and yoga are useful strategies for reducing the risk of MetS, which improves QoL in relation to health. Incorporating yoga practices and advocating a balanced diet within primary care systems can significantly benefit individuals with or at risk of MetS.
Influences of role models and other factors on physical activity amongst 6 to 16 years overweight and obese students
Authors: Batish Rohit , Oberoi Simmi , Singh Harmanjeet , Jain Ira , Singh Amandev , Garg Arsh , Suri Bani , Kaur Avneet 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
Physical activity is an essential aspect of living a healthy lifestyle, which offers a myriad of benefits for both the body and the mind. Nonetheless, a family history of obesity can pose significant challenges to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, which is further exacerbated by the academic stress. Individuals who have a role model that prioritizes physical activity are more likely to develop positive and healthy habits in their lives.

Objectives:
The study aimed to examine how role models affect physical activity and its impact on addressing challenges of family obesity history and academic stress in school children.

Methods:
This cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2019 to April 2020 in three schools in Amritsar district selected by lottery method of simple random sampling. Out of 4226 students, 355 overweight and obese students were interviewed regarding their physical activity. An informed written assent and consent was taken from the children and guardians respectively. Mothers of 6 to 11-year-old students and students aged 12 to 16 were interviewed using a pre-designed, validated, semi-structured questionnaire.

Results:
51.3% had a family history of obesity while 14.9% and 14.6% of parents of overweight students had hypertension and diabetes, respectively. Over half (52.7%) lacked interest in physical activity and almost 33.5% of males were inactive. Students who chose movie actors as role models (71.1%) and those who found their role models’ information reliable (83.2%) were more likely to participate in physical activity. Of the 247 students who were knowledgeable about healthy living, a significant majority of 70.4% engaged in physical activity while 76% of overweight/obese students reported academic stress as a barrier.

Conclusions:
Study shows majority engage in physical activity regardless of gender. Over 70% have family history of obesity and healthy lifestyle knowledge. Stress reduces physical activity and students with movie/sports/fitness role models have better activity levels. Reasons for not engaging included dislike for sports and lack of time.
A retrospective study of prostate-specific antigen and international prostate symptoms scores from participants at a men’s health screening initiative in Trinidad
Authors: Khan Raveed , St. Hill Ramona , Awe Olusegun , Bhola O’Reon , Orumwense Osayimwense , Deosaran Pavitra , Seecharan Priya , Avula Puneeth , Mohammed Rafiah , Terapalli Ashni , Jardine Rebecca M. 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
This study describes the characteristics of men attending a primary health care screening initiative, determines the proportion of men who have elevated International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) scores and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, and determines any correlation between these scores as indicators for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostate cancer.

Methods:
Data were collected from all patient records during men’s health screening initiatives that occurred in December 2018, January 2019, and March 2019 in Trinidad and Tobago. A total of 350 medical records were analyzed to record patient demographics, PSA levels, and IPSS scores. Analysis of the data was performed with the use of Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software (version 27).

Results:
Most men who attended the screening initiative belonged to the 61–65 age group (20.57%), with more than half of the men being married (57.71%) and employed (52.57%) and of patients with comorbidities (17%), the most prevalent included hypertension (6%) and diabetes mellitus (3.7%). A mean PSA level of 2.94 ng/ml and a mean IPSS of 7.62 were recorded. Moreover, 11.5% of the males had elevated PSA levels (>4 ng/ml) and 32.9% had elevated IPSS levels (>8). There were correlations between PSA and IPSS values (r = 0.161 and P = 0.006). Age was a predictor of both IPSS and PSA values (r = 0.214, P = 0.000 and r = 0.192, P = 0.000, respectively). Among diabetic participants, a small but significant correlation between IPSS and diabetes was shown (r = 0.223, P = 0.028). As a predictor of elevated IPSS, diabetes had an odds ratio of 1.132 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.021–1.255).

Conclusion:
Our findings are similar to those described in previous studies; however, further investigations are required to fully describe the relationship between PSA and IPSS. This may assist in advancing screening measures and improving health outcomes for men with BPH and prostate cancer. Primary care physicians should recognize the possible association between BPH and diabetes mellitus and offer appropriate screening where indicated.
Assessment of clinical and histopathological characteristics in COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM) patients correlating with outcome: A hospital-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Gupta Rakesh K. , Nagarkar Nitin M. , Chowhan Amit K. , Mehta Rupa , Singh Alok , Simon Ankita 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
The second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic led to a very dreaded complication of mucormycosis. Immunosuppressive action of the COVID-19 virus, co-morbidities, for example, diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension, use of steroids, and humidified oxygen, are among the important factors that make the patients susceptible to developing mucormycosis.

Objective:
The present study was conducted to identify and understand all the significant histological changes including the type and extent of tissue involvement, the pattern of inflammation, the volume of fungal hyphae, hemorrhage, etc., in patients with COVID-19 associated mucormycosis (CAM) and correlate with clinical outcome.

Method:
It was a retrospective cross-sectional observational study involving all the patients of CAM, who underwent debridement or biopsy over a period of 5 months, from April 01, 2021, to August 31, 2021. CAM was classified based on the radiological evaluation, clinical features, and organs involved. Different demographic, clinical, laboratory, and histologic parameters were recorded. The variables were assessed for their association with poor clinical outcomes using multiple logistic regression. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:
A total of 146 patients were included in the study with a mean age of 49.4 years and 71.2% were male. Sino-naso-palatal was the most common type of CAM (32.9%), while sino-naso-cerebral was the least common (14.3%). DM was present in 54.1% of patients, out of which 26.6% were recently diagnosed. The death occurred in 21.9% of patients. Maximum mortality was observed in CAM of sino-naso-cerebral involvement (42.9%). Total leucocyte count (TLC) [OR = 0.87; 95%CI: 0.76-0.97; P = 0.02] and C-reactive protein (CRP) [OR = 0.97; 95%CI: 0.96-0.99; P = 0.008] were significantly associated with poor outcomes. Other factors, that is, high prothrombin time, DM, ferritin, and the involvement of muscle, skin, and cartilage, were also associated with poor clinical outcomes but were not statistically significant. Similarly, high fungal volume and the presence of thrombosis were also associated with poor outcomes but were not statistically significant.

Conclusion:
CAM more commonly affects males with co-morbidities. TLC and CRP were significantly associated with poor outcomes. Histologically, the involvement of skin, muscle, and cartilage and the presence of excessive fungal hyphae and thrombosis were also associated with poor outcomes.
A postmortem study of demographics and severity of thoracoabdominal injuries among patients attending a teaching hospital in northeast India
Authors: Datta Anupam , Siddappa Santhosh C. , Dey Debaleena , Nath Anamika 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction:
The global estimate reflects 4.4 million injury-related deaths every year and the thoracoabdominal region is frequently injured since it is a wide area.

Methods:
An autopsy-based cross-sectional study was conducted using a convenient sampling technique for three years. A Chi-square test was conducted for categorical variables. A P value of less than 0.01 was considered statistically significant.

Results:
Out of 80 cadavers, the male:female ratio was 1:0.31. The commonest age group was 20–29 years. Victims of road traffic accidents were 54 (67.5%) followed by falls from height 10 (12.5%). External thoracic injuries were commoner than internal and vice versa in abdominal injuries. Liver injuries were major in number. Combined thoracic-abdominal and associated injuries were observed in 67 (83.75%) victims. The commonest cause of death was craniocerebral injury combined with hemorrhagic shock (36.25%). Eighteen (22.5%) victims died on the spot having an Injury Severity Score (ISS) of 73.37 followed by a survival time of 1–7 days in 17 (21.25%) cases. A significant correlation was found between ISS and survival period.

Conclusion:
All thoracic and abdominal injuries represent a possible increase in morbidity and mortality; hence, working toward their prevention and timely intervention is necessary.
Serotype-specific clinical features and spatial distribution of dengue in northern Kerala, India
Authors: Vaman Raman Swathy , Valamparampil Mathew J. , Somasundaran Aswathi Kodenchery , Balakrishnan Anjali Jayasree , Janardhanan Prajit , Rahul Arya , Pilankatta Rajendra , Anish Thekkumkara Surendran 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
Collection and compilation of spatial, meteorological, entomological, and virological data are critical in mitigating climate-sensitive emerging infections like dengue. This study was a holistic attempt to understand the dengue situation in the Kasaragod district of Kerala, India.

Methods:
This cross-sectional study was conducted in 13 health institutions from June to July 2021. Adult patients presenting with fever and testing positive for NS1 ELISA were subjected to Dengue RT-PCR and serotyping. The spatial and clinical features of the RT-PCR-positive patients, the district’s meteorological data, and the vector indices were studied.

Results:
The pre-epidemic months were marked by intermittent rainfall, peak ambient temperature and high larval indices. Among the 136 dengue RT-PCR patients studied, 41.2% had DENV2 followed by DENV1 (22.8%), DENV3 (5.9%) and DENV4 (4.4%); with 25% mixed infections. DENV1 showed a higher risk of gastrointestinal manifestations (80.6%, p=0.019) and musculoskeletal symptoms (77.4%, p=0.026) compared with other serotypes.

Conclusions:
In the context of dengue hyperendemicity, the possibility of an emerging serotype’s dominance coupled with the mixing up of strains should warn the health system regarding future outbreaks. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the importance of monitoring larval indices and the window of opportunity to intervene between environmental predictors and dengue outbreaks.
Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in community-acquired pneumonia: Diagnostic potential and its limitations in the COVID era
Authors: Abrol Ritika , Ahmed Sohaib , Khanduri Rakhee 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Objective:
To determine the diagnostic potential of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as a POC marker to discriminate tuberculous from non-tuberculous CAP and identify limitations if any at a tertiary care centre in Uttarakhand, India.

Methods:
225 patients presenting with respiratory complaints were recruited from the General Medicine clinics and investigated. NLR was noted at onset and correlated with final diagnosis.

Results:
NLR from both groups did not exhibit a statistically significant difference. The area under curve (AUC) exhibited an accuracy of 49.1% in differentiating tuberculous from non-tubercular CAP, and an anomalous effect of prior steroid exposure on NLR was noted as a limitation.

Conclusion:
The disparity of our results from previous studies warranted a review of literature which rendered a significant limitation of NLR. The NLR is affected by catecholamines, which makes the marker unreliable in patients with exogenous steroid exposure. This was not noted in the previous studies. We presume indiscriminate steroid usage in the pandemic confounded our findings. We propose that this limitation be accounted for in future studies so that NLR’s true utility may be identified.
The association of continuous glucose monitoring with glycemic parameters in patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes: A prospective observational study
Authors: Chaubey Abhishek , Chaubey Deepika , Dwivedi Abhishek , Dwivedi Saurabh , Mishra Tanu 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
Uncontrolled glycemic parameters in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are a major concern. The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) on glycemic control in type 2 diabetics on insulin therapy.

Materials and Methods:
This prospective observational study was done in the Outpatient Department of General Medicine from January 1, 2021 till December 31, 2021 on patients with confirmed T2DM and on insulin therapy. Patients underwent detailed history and physical examination. The CGM device was inserted to record blood glucose levels throughout the day and night for monitoring. Parameters like glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood sugar (FBS), post-paradial blood sugar (PPBS), and lipid profile parameters [cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)] were compared at baseline and after a follow-up of 3 months. P-value < 0.05 was used to indicate significant difference.

Results:
Of 107 patients screened, 100 were included in the study and seven were excluded. The mean age of the patients was 60.6 ± 11.1 years. Fifty-six (56%) of the patients were males, and 44 (44%) were females. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 22.9 ± 2.4 kg/m2. Compared to baseline values, after 3 months of CGM, there was significantly decreased HbA1c (9.41 ± 0.83 vs 9.87 ± 1.16 g%, P < 0.001), FBS (194.640 ± 22.4587 vs 205.10 ± 35.7758 mg/dl, P = 0.002), PPBS (271.160 ± 29.1235 vs 299.180 ± 42.3798, P < 0.001), cholesterol (184.470 ± 28.5192 vs 198.430 ± 38.8367 mg/dl, P < 0.001), LDL (102.410 ± 22.8973 vs 112.040 ± 30.8859, P < 0.001), and TG (140.890 ± 18.0979 vs 146.730 ± 20.8665 mg/dl, P < 0.001).

Conclusion:
There was a significant improvement in the glycemic parameters and lipid profile parameters with the adoption of CGM. Overall, CGM is a novel method for practical use for management of patients with T2DM.
Effectiveness of training on primary care nurses’ knowledge and screening practice in identification of children at risk for developmental delay: An Indian perspective
Authors: Ramu Rajalakshmi , Govindan Radhakrishnan , Marimuthu Palaniappan 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
In India, overall, 1.5–19.8% of the children were found to be developmentally delayed. The evaluation of development in young children and health professionals’ early referrals for diagnostic assessment will accelerate appropriate early intervention as early as possible. Nurses can screen the children and help the parents by providing the necessary information and support.

Aim:
To train the primary care nurses on developmental screening and early identification of developmental delay (DD) in children and find the effectiveness of the same.

Objectives of the study:
To evaluate the effectiveness of the training program on the knowledge and screening practice of the nurses towards the identification of children at risk for DD and to find out the relationship between nurses’ knowledge and screening practice.

Methods and Materials:
A quasi-experimental, one-group pretest, post-test design was adopted among 69 nurses, who were providing child care services and working in the selected government hospitals in Bengaluru, South India. Nurses’ knowledge and screening practice in identifying children at risk for DD were assessed before and after the training. SPSS package 21.00 version was used to analyse the descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results:
The training program was effective in the enhancement of primary care nurses’ knowledge and screening practice in the identification of DDs in under-five children.

Conclusion:
The findings of this study concluded that developmental screening can be performed by nurses with suitable training programs. The training program played a significant role in the enhancement of nurses’ knowledge and screening practice in the identification of DDs in under-five children.
Awareness of school teachers about students common emergencies during school time in the eastern region, Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Alruwaili Abdullah , Al Sulaiteen Hajar , Alanazy Ahmed , Almousa Zahraa , Alshaqaqiq Maryam , Alhofufi Albatool , Almulhem Noura , Alibrahim Zahraa 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
Schools have to ensure student safety and well-being. However, medical emergencies involving injuries are common, requiring teachers to provide prompt first aid before professional care arrives. This study assessed knowledge and awareness of first aid among school teachers to identify areas needing improvement.

Methods:
This cross-sectional study surveyed 371 teachers from the eastern region primary schools using a standardized questionnaire assessing first aid knowledge across areas like bleeding control, fractures, seizures, choking, and burns. Demographic factors were analyzed for correlations with knowledge levels. Pearson’s Chi-square tests analyzed bivariate relationships comparing correct knowledge identification percentages across teacher sociodemographic. The level of statistical significance was at a P value <0.05 across tests.

Results:
Only 157 teachers felt able to appropriately handle medical emergencies. Major knowledge gaps existed regarding airway obstruction and chemical injuries, with 168 unable to identify correct responses for choking first aid and 105 unsure of chemical burn management steps. Appropriate fracture management was lacking, with just 70 correctly endorsing nose pinch for nosebleeds. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation knowledge was inadequate, with 57 of teachers unaware of the basics. Teachers demonstrating higher knowledge levels overwhelmingly had prior first aid training (153, 66.5%) compared to untrained counterparts (89, 63.1%).

Conclusion:
The study revealed poor first aid knowledge among elementary school teachers for effectively managing child emergencies. Strategies enhancing delivery must address barriers around training access, knowledge attrition, and variability in baseline skills through sustainable system-wide policies applied nationally. Fulfilling schools’ ethical obligations toward maintaining student safety requires urgent reforms to bolster emergency preparedness.
Prevalence of intestinal parasites in humans and domestic animals in Jirel community, Dolakha, Nepal
Authors: Dhakal Pitambar , Dhakal Medhavi , Dhakal Dipa , Shakya Pramita , Singh Barsha , Gupta Kalwar Rabina , Shahi Rekha , Pandey Sophiya , Niraula Darwin , Karki Anita , Mahato Mukesh Kumar , Tamang Semsal , Chhetri Basanti , Thapa Muna , Parajuli Rameshwor , Subedi Janak Raj , Pandey Kishor , Maharjan Mahendra , Parajuli Rajendra Prasad 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTIntroduction:Gastrointestinal (GI) parasites are major health concerns in both humans and domestic animals. Livestock farming is one of the common livelihood practices in rural Nepal. The proximity at human and domestic animal interface increases the chances of dissemination of enteric parasites, especially those of zoonotic importance. This study was aimed at finding the parasite prevalence and risk factors in both humans and their domestic animals in Jirel community.Materials and Methods:A field survey was conducted on the Jirel ethnic people and their domestic animals in Dolakha district, where a total of 152 fresh fecal samples from humans and domestic animals (cow, pigs, goats, chickens, ducks, and pigeons) were collected. The feces were examined by wet mounts and concentration techniques. A structured questionnaire survey was carried out among the local people and owners of the domestic animals to gather sociodemographic information, awareness, and hygienic practices in relation to parasite transmissionResults:The enteric parasite prevalence was found to be highest in goats (80.0%;12/15), followed by pigs (55.55%;5/9), cows (45.45%;6/11), chickens (11.7%;4/34), and humans (1.41%;1/71), while the fecal samples of ducks and pigeons did not contain any parasites. The only parasite identified in humans wasAscaris lumbricoides. Similarly, three genera of GI parasites (Eimeriasp.,Strongyloidessp, andTrichurissp.) from goats, two genera each from cow (Eimeriasp. andStrongyloidessp.), pigs (Entamoebasp. andA.suum), and chickens (Eimeriasp. andAscaridia galli), were detectedConclusions:Based on the direct field observation, questionnaire survey and laboratory analysis, it is concluded that the Jirel community people are aware of health and hygiene; however, intervention measures are necessary to prevent parasitic infection in their domestic animals.