bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Maternal food insecurity and low birth weight: A hospital-based case–control study in Eastern India
Authors: Saha Roopsa , Kumar Navin , Patua Bijan , Bandyopadhyay Alapan 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background:
As household food insecurity is directly connected with the amount and quality of nutrition available to a person, maternal food insecurity, therefore, might have a role to play in poor pregnancy outcomes such as low birth weight (LBW).

Objectives:
To find out whether maternal food insecurity was associated with LBW among infants born between May and June of 2020 in a tertiary care hospital of Eastern India.

Materials and Methods:
The study was a case–control design, conducted among a set of sex-matched cases and controls. 105 LBW infants were taken as cases and 105 infants with birth weight ≥2500 g were taken as controls. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was done to ascertain the relationship between the independent and dependent variables and crude and adjusted odds ratios (AOR) were calculated to find out the association between the exposure and the outcome.

Results:
The cases and controls were statistically comparable with respect to baseline characteristics. Univariable analysis showed that the odds of LBW were 7.77 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.73–16.16) times more in food-insecure households. After adjusting for other variables included in the analysis, the AOR for food insecurity was 8.04 (95% CI: 3.81–16.94).

Conclusion:
The odds of giving birth to a LBW infant were higher in mothers belonging to food-insecure households. Addressing the prevalent barriers to accessibility, affordability, and adequacy of nutrition can be effective in mitigating this problem.
A study on menstrual hygiene practices and school absenteeism during menstruation among high school girls from an urban area of Hyderabad, Telangana
Authors: Alenur Rajitha , Koteswaramma Ch. , Maktha Vijay Kumar , Dayyala Sridhar 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background:
Menstrual hygiene is an important risk factor for reproductive tract infections among adolescent girls. Unhygienic practices during menstruation have a significant impact on health. Fear of blood leaking, fatigue, dysmenorrhea, and lack of cleanliness in schools during menstruation contribute to absenteeism. Frequent episodes of absenteeism result in poor school performance.

Objectives:
The objectives of the study were to assess menstrual hygiene practices among the study population and estimate the proportion of school absenteeism among girls during menstruation and evaluate the associated factors.

Materials and Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 231 high schools (8th, 9th, and 10th standards) girls in Narayanguda, Hyderabad. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to interview the subjects after taking permission from the principal, and confidentiality was ensured for the students. Adolescent girls who have attained menarche and who were present on the day of the survey were included in the study. Adolescent girls who have not attained menarche were excluded from the study.

Results:
The mean age of menarche was 12.19 ± 1.17 years. The majority (93%) were using sanitary pads. Disposal of material used for menstruation was majorly (95.6%) by throwing in dustbins. Almost 92.2% of them were following good hygienic practices. The proportion of school absenteeism during menstruation was 53%, and the reasons were dysmenorrhea and fear of leaking menstrual blood while transiting.

Conclusions:
The majority of the girls were following good hygienic practices and used sanitary pads. About half of them remained absent from school during menstruation.
Perceptions and awareness of snakebite envenoming in hilly areas of Madikeri: A cross sectional study
Authors: Sinha Sweta , Udayar Eshwar Sharvanan , Narasimha B. C. , Madeshan Ashwini , Marella Krishnaveni 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background:
Snake bite is one of the neglected public health problems in many tropical and subtropical countries. Wrong perception and practice of unproven traditional methods about snakes and snakebites may increase mortality due to snakebite envenoming.

Objective:
The objective is to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice regarding snakes and snakebites among the rural population in the Kodagu district.

Materials and Methods:
A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted between August-2021 and October-2021 in the rural field-practice area of Bhagamandala Primary Health Centre. Systematic random sampling was incorporated into the study to select the study participants. Data were collected using a predesigned and pretested questionnaire. Data entry was done in Microsoft Excel and was analyzed using STATA (16.1), StataCorp, College Station, Texas, USA.

Results:
Out of 1284 participants, the majority 964 (75.07%) of participants identified spectacled cobra correctly and 1142 (88.94%) correctly identified it as venomous. About 1228 (95.64%) participants had correct knowledge regarding Anti-Snake venom being an effective treatment for snake bites and the overall knowledge regarding snake bites was adequate among only 380 (29.60%) of the study population. Whereas, 188 (14.64%) of them even considered visiting a local quack or faith healer after a Snakebite.

Conclusions:
In our study, the overall knowledge regarding snake bites was adequate among 29.60% of the study population. The knowledge regarding the venemosity of snakes was good, but identification was poor. The participants had correct knowledge about ASV and its availability. The harmful practices such as visiting traditional healers and applying native medicine are still seen in 14.64% of participants.
Study of copper and ceruloplasmin in hypothyroidism and Grave’s hyperthyroidism as compared to euthyroidism: Hospital-based case–control study
Authors: Bhat Vinayak Ganesh , Patra Rajkumar , Raju D. S. S. K. , Mohandas G. V. , Rao N. Lakshmana 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background:
Hypothyroidism was highly prevalent in India, with 10.95% affected patients as compared with only 2% in the United Kingdom and 4·6% in the USA. The prevalence of Hyperthyroidism was found to be 1.6%. Copper has an essential role in thyroid metabolism, thyroid hormone production, and absorption. Copper is an essential part of thyroxine (T4) hormone and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) synthesis.

Objectives:
This study evaluated the status of serum copper and ceruloplasmin levels in hypothyroidism and Grave’s hyperthyroidism in comparison with euthyroid participants.

Materials and Methods:
This was a hospital-based case–control study that involved 100 cases of hypothyroidism and 60 cases of Grave’s hyperthyroidism compared with 100 euthyroid participants aged 15–60 years. After detailed case history and examination, the blood sample was collected and analyzed the same day for FreeT3, FreeT4, TSH, serum copper, and ceruloplasmin levels.

Results:
Compared to euthyroid participants, patients with clinical hypothyroidism had statistically significant (P < 0.05) lower levels of serum copper and ceruloplasmin. The scenario was the opposite in the case of Grave’s hyperthyroidism patients. Our study found statistically significant (P < 0.05) higher serum copper and ceruloplasmin levels in Grave’s hyperthyroidism patients.

Conclusion:
Our study found serum copper levels directly affected the thyroid profile and vice versa. The deficiency of one parameter affected the other. Patients with hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism should be routinely screened for serum copper and ceruloplasmin levels for more effective thyroid treatment.
Functional assessment and depression among geriatric population of rural Patancheru: A community-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Batchu Naga Gayathri , Lavanya C. , Kumar G. Vinod , Sadipirala Anila , Bolla Chandrasekhar Reddy 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background:
Indian aged population is currently the second largest globally. The proportion of 60 years and above population in India is 8%. It is growing faster than any other age group. However, it also challenges society to adapt, in order to maximize the health and functional capacity of older people as well as their social participation and security.

Objective:
The objective was to study functional assessment and depression among rural geriatric population.

Materials and Methods:
This was a community-based cross-sectional study among 1020 persons aged >60 from eight villages of three subcenters. Functional assessment was done using the Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and the Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale (IADL). Depression was measured using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS).

Results:
81.6% belonged to 60–75 years. Females were almost double compared to males. Majority (65.4%) were having normal body mass index. Majority 759 (74.41%) have no disturbance in sleep pattern. Majority 867 (85%) were functionally independent according to Katz ADL. Majority 745 (73.04%) were partially dependent according to the Lawton IADL. Majority of the respondents 954 (93.53%) were with no depression according to GDS. Sleep disturbance was seen highest in the age group of 60–75 years, and it reduced significantly as the age increased by a decade to 16.09%–7.3% in those aged 85 years and more (P < 0.05). Among study participants with disturbed sleep, majority 176 (67.43%) were alcoholics (P < 0.05). There is an association between ADL and depression (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:
Majority were functionally independent. Majority were partially dependent, Lawton IADL. Majority were with no depression according to GDS.
A comparative study of prophylactic nebulized dexamethasone versus intravenous dexamethasone for prevention of postoperative sore throat in prone-position surgeries
Authors: Ramamurthy Sarayu , Bettaswamy Guruprasad 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background:
Whenever endotracheal intubation is carried out during surgeries, patients commonly complain of sore throat after surgery. For its prevention, dexamethasone has been studied and found useful. However, there are limited data on comparing the efficacy of different routes of prophylactic dexamethasone for sore throat postoperatively after lumbar spine surgery in the prone position.

Objective:
The objective of the study was to compare the efficacy of nebulized dexamethasone with intravenous dexamethasone for the prevention of postoperative sore throat after lumbar spine surgery in the prone position.

Materials and Methods:
Hospital based randomized comparative study carried out among 70 patients of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) 1 and 2 aged between 20 and 60 years. They were randomly allocated into one of the two groups. Group N received 8 mg dexamethasone in 2 ml of normal saline as nebulization 30 min before induction. Group I received 8 mg dexamethasone intravenously 5 min before induction. Postoperatively, looked for symptoms of sore throat and hoarseness of voice at 2, 6, 12, and 24 h.

Results:
Both groups were comparable for age, sex, ASA grades, Mallampati grades, duration of surgery, and size of the endotracheal tube. At 2, 6, 12, and 24 h after surgery, the incidence of sore throat was higher in Group I compared to Group N. These differences at each time interval were statistically significant (P < 0.05). At 6 h, the incidence in Group I patients was 65.7% compared to Group N patients (42.9%) (P < 0.05). At 12 and 24 h, the incidence of sore throat in Group I patients (60% and 37.1%, respectively) compared to Group N patients (28.6% and 17.1%, respectively) (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:
Eight milligram of dexamethasone in 2 ml of normal saline as nebulization 30 min before induction was found to be more effective in reducing the incidence of sore throat compared to 8 mg dexamethasone intravenously 5 min before induction.
Quality of life and vision assessment with scleral lenses in keratoconus
Authors: Hadimani Shivanand R. , Kaur Hardeep , Shinde Amit J. , Chottopadhyay Tonmoy 
Published: July 2024

PURPOSE:
The purpose of the study is to evaluate the visual outcomes and improvement in quality of life (QOL) of patients with keratoconus with scleral lenses.

METHODS:
In this prospective study, 14 patients (28 eyes) with bilateral keratoconus were fitted with scleral lenses (McAsfeer 16.00 mm) in Pune city, Maharashtra, India. Uncorrected visual acuity (VA), best spectacle-corrected VA, and VA with scleral lenses were evaluated. The patients were given the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25 (NEI VFQ-25) for judging the QOL, before and after using scleral lenses for 3 months.

RESULTS:
The mean uncorrected VA of the 14 patients with a mean age of 28.64 ± 6.57 years was 1.18 ± 0.19 logMAR. Best spectacle-corrected high-contrast VA improved from 0.47 ± 0.25 logMAR to 0.03 ± 0.07 logMAR with scleral lenses (P < 0.001). Best spectacle-corrected low-contrast VA improved from 0.68 ± 0.22 logMAR to 00.47 ± 0.10 logMAR with scleral lenses (P < 0.001). Along with the increase in overall median scores on the NEI VFQ-25 from 1735 to 2930 points (P < 0.001), the distance and near activities (P < 0.001), vision-specific mental health (P < 0.002), social functioning (P < 0.004), and driving (P < 0.005) improved after using scleral lenses for 3 months.

CONCLUSION:
Scleral lenses can be an effective and safe management option for patients with keratoconus leading to an improved vision and QOL.
The effect of age on lens parameters and axial length among wide age range of Saudis: A prospective, cross-sectional study
Authors: Alotaibi Wafa M. , Alqahtani Kholoud H. 
Published: July 2024

PURPOSE:
The purpose of the study is to establish normative values of eye parameters such as lens thickness (LT), lens diameter (LD), and axial length (AXL) among wide age range of Saudis using Pentacam AXL and compare these values between gender, in addition to that, to find the correlation between the age and those parameters.

METHODS:
In this prospective cross-sectional study, we measured LT, LD, and AXL in 125 healthy Saudi controls aged between 8 and 60 years using OCULUS Pentacam AXL. The screening tests were performed for each subject to exclude any ocular abnormalities using slit lamp (Haag-Streit BQ 900), refractive error measured using auto refractometer (Topcon KR-1 Autorefractor/Keratometer), and subject who has spherical equivalent more than ± 4.00D and astigmatism more than 1.00DC was excluded from the study. The mean of three readings of LT, LD, and AXL was taken. All examination was applied on one eye (right eye).

RESULTS:
The overall mean and standard deviation of LT, LD, and AXL was 2.2 mm ± 0.5, 2.7 mm ± 0.6, and 23.8 mm ± 1.0, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between males and females in these parameters in all age groups, except in Group 2 (age: 19–30 years), there was a statistically significant difference between males and females in AXL, mean difference (M = 0.48), and P = 0.015. The mean of LT and LD was negatively associated with age. However, there was no significant correlation between AXL and age.

CONCLUSION:
Normative values of LT, LD, and AXL have been established in wide age group of healthy Saudis; the findings of the present study can highlight not only the normal range of the different ocular parameters, namely LT, LD, and AXL, but also their variation with age and gender.
Factor analysis of traditional Chinese medicine symptoms for identification of syndrome patterns associated with idiopathic short stature in children
Authors: Liao Tzu-Shien , Tsai Li-Ping , Tzeng I-Shiang , Hsu Ya-Ting , Hsieh Po-Chun , Wu Hsien-Chang 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Objectives:
Diagnosing idiopathic short stature (ISS) in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) remains challenging partly because the symptoms and syndrome patterns vary among ISS patients and studies. We aimed to use factor analysis of TCM symptoms to identify syndrome patterns associated with ISS in children on the basis of TCM theory.

Materials and Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted at Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan, from October 1, 2014, to February 28, 2016. The study included 957 individuals who were newly diagnosed with ISS through simple random sampling. The outcome measures comprised 34 TCM symptoms related to children’s growth, and these symptoms were assessed using a five-level self-report questionnaire, which was completed by children and their parents. A factor analysis was conducted for the extraction of underlying factors.

Results:
A total of 26 symptoms had factor loadings higher than the exact threshold value (0.4), and five factors were extracted. Factor 1, comprising seven symptoms, was interpreted as “yin deficiency and fire hyperactivity of kidney syndrome.” Factor 2, which included eight symptoms, was interpreted as “phlegm dampness stagnation of spleen syndrome.” Factor 4, which included five symptoms, was interpreted as “liver qi invading the spleen syndrome.” Factor 5, which included four symptoms, was interpreted as “spleen-stomach weakness syndrome.” Factor 3, which included four symptoms, was uninterpretable. Factors 1–5 accounted for 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, and 6% of the total variance.

Conclusion:
Four major TCM syndrome patterns, namely, “yin deficiency and fire hyperactivity of kidney syndrome,” “phlegm dampness stagnation of spleen syndrome,” “Liver qi invading the spleen syndrome,” and “spleen–stomach weakness syndrome” were identified and accounted for 40% of the total variance of the 34 TCM symptoms surveyed in children with ISS. Our findings may facilitate the diagnosis of ISS and the optimization of treatment strategies.
Race-modified estimated glomerular filtration rate underestimates chronic kidney disease prevalence in Black patients undergoing partial and radical nephrectomy: Implications for surgical planning
Authors: Hasley Hunter L. , Iarajuli Teona , Nguyen Jennifer , Thiemann Daniel , Malik Martin , Roth Jacquelyn , Raver Michael , Stifelman Michael , Munver Ravi , Ahmed Mutahar , Yerram Nitin 
Published: July 2024

Introduction:
In estimated glomerular filtration rate equations (eGFR), the race multiplier (RM) yields greater eGFR values and may assign less severe chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages to black individuals. When deciding on appropriateness for partial nephrectomy (PN), patients with CKD are often considered a relative or absolute indication. We hypothesize that the eGFR RM may have ramifications for patients being counseled for radical nephrectomy (RN) versus PN to manage their renal tumor.

Methods:
We utilized prospective and retrospective, IRB-approved single-center databases to select patients who underwent PN or RN between 2016 and 2022. Demographics, preoperative risk factors, preoperative eGFR, and surgical management were collected. Descriptive statistics and two-tailed difference of proportion tests compared the percentage of patients with CKD who underwent nephrectomy.

Results:
This cohort included 1137 patients who underwent RN or PN, including 74 (6.5%) Black patients and 93.5% (n = 1063) non-Black patients. There was no statistically significant difference between the eGFR of Black and non-Black individuals using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation (P = 0.24) or Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration 2009 (CKD-EPI 2009) (P = 0.45); however, there was statistically significant difference in eGFR between sample populations when using CKD-EPI 2021 (P = 0.0055). Of the Black patient cohort, 16.2% of patients reclassified to a worse CKD class using CKD-EPI 2021, including 9.5% of Black patients reclassified to CKD3a or worse, and 14.6% of all patients (Black and non-Black) reclassified to a different CKD class under the CKD-EPI 2021 equation.

Conclusions:
There are quantitative differences in the evaluation of eGFR when utilizing different equations that may impact clinical considerations and health equity outcomes for nephrectomy across racial groups.
On Multilinear Inequalities of Ho ̈lder-Brascamp-Lieb Type for Torsion-Free Discrete Abelian Groups
Authors: Christ Michael , Christ Michael , Demmel James , Knight Nicholas , Scanlon Thomas , Yelick Katherine 
Published: July 2024

Holder-Brascamp-Lieb inequalities provide upper bounds for a class of multilinear expressions, in terms of L^p norms of the functions involved. They have been extensively studied for functions defined on Euclidean spaces. Bennett-Carbery-Christ-Tao have initiated the study of these inequalities for discrete Abelian groups and, in terms of suitable data, have characterized the set of all tuples of exponents for which such an inequality holds for specified data, as the convex polyhedron defined by a particular finite set of affine inequalities. In this paper we advance the theory of such inequalities for torsion-free discrete Abelian groups in three respects.The optimal constant in any such inequality is shown to equal 1 whenever it is finite.An algorithm that computes the admissible polyhedron of exponents is developed. It is shown that nonetheless, existence of an algorithm that computes the full list of inequalitiesin the Bennett-Carbery-Christ-Tao description of the admissible polyhedron for all data,is equivalent to an affirmative solution of Hilbert's Tenth Problem over the rationals.That problem remains open.
Management of Shwitra (Vitiligo) Through Ayurveda
Authors: Rani Khandelwal  , Chandraprabha Sharma  , Harish Kumar Singhal  , Dinesh Kumar Rai  
Published: July 2024

A condition of acquired macular depigmentation called vitiligo is linked to melanocyte degeneration, caused by the autoimmune destruction of melanocytes cells. This vitiligo can be correlated to Shwitra in Ayurveda because of the disease's resemblance in appearance. In the Ayurveda classics especially Charaka Samhita, Shwitra has been mentioned under the heading of Kushta Roga Chikitsa. Methodology: The present case report is of 11 years old female child, came with complaints of whitish discolored patches on the almost all over body, effectively treated with Shamana and Shodhana Chikitsa. Result: Patient showed encouraging result after Shodhana Chikitsa, where subjective criteria evaluated using scoring method and objective criteria evaluated using VASI scoring method. Discussion: Patient was treated with Shamana Aushadis and Shodhana, where white discolored patches turned to pinkish, and after that the patches turned into normal skin color. Subject was observed with 95% improvement in subjective criteria & VASI scoring improved from 19.85 to 3.2. Conclusion: The present case study validated the efficacy of Ayurveda medicine in treating Shwitra.
The Efficacy of Vibhithaki Ksharasutra in the Management of Nadivrana w.s.r Pilonidal Sinus
Authors: M. Prabath  , K. V. Vijaya Bhaskara Reddy  , Renu Dixit  
Published: July 2024

Pilonidal sinus (PNS) is a chronic disorder that occurs in the space between the buttocks (natal cleft). Men are more susceptible (because they have more hair) to pilonidal sinus than women. Excision, primary closure and reconstructive flap surgery are the most commonly used surgical techniques for this disease. However, there is a high risk of recurrence or wound infection after surgery. In addition, the patient needs a longer hospital stay, and the procedure is expensive. Acharya Susrutha (800 BC) considered this disease under Nadivrana (Shalyaja) and advocated a minimally invasive para surgical treatment namely the Kshara Sutra procedure. Susrutha mentioned Kshara dravyas like Apamarga, Palasha, Vasa, Vibhithaki, etc used in the preparation of the Ksharasutra. Here we selected Vibhitaki to prepare Kshara and Ksharasutra. Vibhithiki is cost-effective as it is easily available and the properties of this plant are favourable to Kshara qualities. The present case study deals with the efficacy of Vibhitaki Ksharasutra in the management of Nadivrana (pilonidal sinus).