bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Generalized and Abdominal Overweight-Obesity among Adolescents from Punjab State: Their Possible Risk Drivers
Authors: Choudhary Shivangi , Bhandari Anmol , Tung Suninder , Kaur Gurcharan 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background:
Childhood overweight/obesity is currently most pressing public health concerns in the 21st century. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of generalized and abdominal overweight/obesity and their correlations in adolescents from State of Punjab, India. The study further assessed various lifestyle habits as possible risk drivers of overweight/obesity such as dietary habits, physical activity, sleep time, screen time, etc.

Methodology:
This cross-sectional study was performed on 1408 adolescents aged 10–16 years from seven schools in Punjab, India. Prevalence of overweight/obesity was measured using four criteria Body Mass Index, Waist Circumference, Waist Hip ratio, and Waist/Height ratio were taken as indicators of generalized and abdominal obesity. The cut-off of >23rd and >27th adult equivalent BMI for overweight and obesity was used. 545 adolescents (healthy weight and overweight/obese) were then randomly selected for their lifestyle assessment.

Results:
The overall prevalence of overweight and obesity based on BMI was 18.6% and 12.4% respectively. Abdominal obesity was 11% by WC, 32.4% by WHR, and 24.6% by WHtR. All three waist indices showed significant correlation with BMI (P < 0.001). The prevalence of overweight/obesity among boys was significantly higher than girls when measured by BMI Vs WC, WHR, and WHtR. Significant association was also observed between measures of obesity and age, with higher prevalence in adolescents of 10-13 than 14-16 years. Overweight/obesity was not significantly associated with their possible lifestyle risk drivers.

Conclusion:
Overweight/obesity in adolescents showed significant association with gender and age, and the prevalence of overweight/obesity was found to be significantly higher as compared to the previous reports from India.
Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism TAQI, APAI, BSMI, and its Possible Association with the Prevalence of Dental Caries
Authors: Nireeksha  , Suchetha N. Kumari 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Aim:
Dental caries is a multifactorial disease influenced by dietary habits, genetic factors, and peptides modulating the tooth structure. This study evaluates whether salivary vitamin D levels and single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene impact dental caries susceptibility.

Materials and Methods:
This cross-sectional observational study involved 377 participants aged 18–40, divided into caries-active and caries-free groups. Salivary DNA was analyzed for VDR polymorphisms (TaqI, ApaI, and BsmI) using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism, and biochemical levels of vitamin D and LL-37 were measured. Potential confounders such as nutritional status and oral hygiene habits were controlled. Statistical analysis included ANOVA and logistic regression with confidence intervals.

Results:
Salivary vitamin D levels were significantly lower in the caries-active group (20.85 ± 11.20 pg/mL) compared to the caries-free group (28.56 ± 10.42 pg/mL, P < 0.001). No significant differences were observed in LL-37 levels between groups. VDR TaqI and ApaI polymorphisms showed strong associations with dental caries (P < 0.001). Logistic regression revealed the protective role of specific genotypes, such as CC in TaqI and AA in ApaI.

Clinical Implications:
The study findings suggest that salivary vitamin D and VDR polymorphisms could serve as noninvasive biomarkers for predicting dental caries susceptibility and guiding personalized preventive strategies.
Enhancement of Mechanical Properties and Hydrophilicity of PMMA Using Varying Concentrations of ZrO2 Nanoparticles for Dental Applications
Authors: Surana Kaustubh , Rengasamy Gayathri , Veeraraghavan Vishnu Priya , Kasi Rajan Hema Shree 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background:
This study aims to assess the effects of varying concentrations of zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) nanoparticles on the mechanical and surface properties of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) resins.

Materials and Methods:
PMMA resins were reinforced with ZrO2 nanoparticles at concentrations of 1.5%, 3%, and 5%. Various tests, including flexural strength, surface hardness, and hydrophilicity through contact angle measurements, were performed.

Results:
The incorporation of ZrO2 nanoparticles significantly enhanced the mechanical properties of PMMA. The contact angle measurements indicated increased hydrophilicity with rising ZrO2 concentrations.

Conclusion:
The findings suggest that ZrO2 nanoparticles can improve the mechanical and surface properties of PMMA resins, indicating their potential for dental applications.
Evaluation of antimicrobial activity of platelet-rich fibrin and titanium platelet-rich fibrin with and without incorporation of antibiotics on Porphyromonas gingivalis and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans: An in vitro study
Authors: Jhansi A. , Yellarthi Sandhya Pavankumar , Murthy Raja V. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract:

Background:
Infection control is of paramount importance after any periodontal therapy to achieve proper wound healing and regeneration of periodontal tissues. Clinicians continuously strive to provide procedures and/or materials that allow for enhanced and rapid wound healing. The regenerative potential of platelet concentrates like platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) has been explored for their anti-inflammatory action and liberation of growth factors; however, research is lacking on the antibacterial properties of platelet-rich gels. The present in vitro study was done to assess the antimicrobial activity of PRF and titanium PRF (T-PRF) alone or with antibiotics on periodontal pathogens.

Materials and Methods:
Thirty-three individuals who were willing to donate blood (12 ml) were included in the study. Amoxicillin (AMOX) + metronidazole (METRO) combination or clindamycin (CLINDA) was incorporated into the blood drawn, and this blood was subjected to centrifugation so as to obtain T-PRF and PRF with antibiotics. The antibacterial activity of all the groups was tested on both bacteria that were cultured in their respective media for up to a 4-day period. The data were subjected to independent t-test, Tukey post hoc test, repeated analysis of variance (ANOVA), and ANOVA.

Results:
All individual parameters were compared for antimicrobial activity on both bacteria on all 4 days. A highly statistical difference (P = 0.0001) was observed in all the groups, with the highest inhibition zone produced by PRF-CLINDA, followed by T-PRF-CLINDA. Antimicrobial activity was evident for the observed 4-day period, which declined from day 1 to day 4.

Conclusion:
T-PRF/PRF with and without antibiotics exhibited antimicrobial activity on Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Porphyromonas gingivalis over the observed 4-day period.
Cone-beam computed tomography assessment of palatal-nasal recess of maxillary sinus in dentulous and edentulous subjects
Authors: Mishra Akriti , Talwar Avaneendra , Castelino Renita 
Published: February 2025

Abstract:

Background:
Implant placement in the posterior maxilla is challenging in the case of maxillary sinus pneumatization. Increasing the vertical dimension by grafting the sinus floor is a common surgical modality. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans are used to assess the presurgical anatomic variations of the maxillary sinus and determine the difficulty that might be encountered while performing sinus elevation. The sinus membrane is elevated from both the lateral and mesial walls of the sinus. The location and angulation of the palatal-nasal recess (PNR) on the medial wall of the sinus could complicate the elevation of the sinus membrane in this region. This study aimed to assess the angulation of the PNR and its position with respect to the alveolar crest in dentulous and edentulous subjects in the 1st molar region on CBCT scans.

Materials and Methods:
One hundred and fifty-two scans were selected from the department database. Sagittal sections including the 1st molar region were selected and measurements made. The PNR height was measured from the alveolar crest in millimeters and angulation in degrees and compared between the dentulous and edentulous groups.

Results:
The dentulous group showed a statistically significant greater distance (10.4 ± 2.8 mm) between the alveolar crest and PNR as compared to the edentulous group (8.08 ± 3.1 mm). The edentulous group showed a statistically significant greater PNR angle (139.6o ± 13.6o) as compared to the dentulous group (133.4o ± 16.4o).

Conclusion:
Maxillary sinuses with acute-angled PNR and lesser distance from the alveolar crest should be carefully evaluated to avoid complications such as membrane perforation during their elevation from the bony wall of the sinus.
Life after lung lobectomy: The road to recovery and well-being – A descriptive study
Authors: Ghosh Nandita , Singh Neena V. , Kaur Sukhpal , Singh Harkant 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT

Background:
Pulmonary lobectomy significantly impacts the quality of life (QOL) in lung cancer patients. This study investigates QOL in lung lobectomy patients, identifying challenges and influencing factors to inform strategies for improving care and outcomes and enhancing recovery and long-term well-being.

Objective:
To assess the quality of life of patients who underwent lung lobectomy.

Methods:
Using a descriptive study design, 50 patients who had undergone lung lobectomy at least 3 months before and were attending CTVS OPD at a tertiary hospital were enrolled consecutively. Apart from collecting the clinical and socio-demographic profiles of patients, the EORTC-QLQ-C30 scale was used to assess QOL of patients.

Results:
The mean (standard deviation [SD]) age of the patients was 45.34 (15.19) years. Male patients outnumbered females (62%). The most common diagnosis was non-small cell lung cancer (28%). Around 18% of patients had a history of treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis. The majority (76%) of patients had a higher QOL, with a mean (SD) score of 64.50 (19.27). Age and socioeconomic status were linked to fatigue and pain, respectively. Alcohol consumption history was associated with fatigue (P = 0.02), while smoking history was linked to pain (P = 0.04) and dyspnoea (P = 0.02), revealing significant correlations between lifestyle factors and postoperative symptoms. In addition, patients in the postoperative period of 3–6 months tended to have poorer QOL.

Conclusion:
There is a need to plan comprehensive support, considering the age, health habits and socioeconomic status of patients to optimise recovery and QOL. Proper care and education can help patients adapt and make positive outcomes in post-surgery rehabilitation.
An uncommon cause of acute hypercapnic respiratory failure managed with endoscopic ultrasound
Authors: Raj Vishal , Ahuja Aman , Gupta Monika , Chaudhry Dhruva , Singh Pawan Kumar 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT
Mediastinal cysts can occasionally cause severe respiratory symptoms. A 60-year-old female smoker presented with acute hypercapnic respiratory failure. Imaging revealed a posterior mediastinal cyst compressing the trachea. Bronchoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-B FNA) provided both diagnostic clarity and symptomatic relief. This case underscores the importance of considering mediastinal cysts in differential diagnoses of acute respiratory distress and demonstrates the efficacy of EUS-B FNA for both diagnosis and immediate therapeutic intervention.
Thoracic endometriosis syndrome diagnosed by dry thoracoscopy: Novel diagnostic method for a rare disease
Authors: Sharma Parul , Karmakar Saurabh , Wani Abdul Raouf , Venugopal Vinay , Maji Debapriyo 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT
Endometriosis is an ectopic implantation of uterine tissue and can affect the thoracic cavity, resulting in Thoracic Endometriosis Syndrome (TES). TES is rare and presents with catamenial pneumothorax, haemothorax, and hemoptysis, often coinciding with menstruation. We report a case of a 46-year-old female with a decade-long history of hemoptysis and periodic chest pain associated with her menstrual cycle. High-resolution CT scans revealed persistent pneumothorax and pleural nodules. A dry thoracoscopy was performed, and biopsies confirmed the diagnosis of TES through histopathology and immunohistochemistry. This case highlights the importance of considering TES in women with cyclic respiratory symptoms and demonstrates the diagnostic value of dry thoracoscopy in benign conditions of the pleura. Raising awareness among clinicians is crucial for timely diagnosis and management of TES, reducing patient morbidity.
Hypertension Prevalence and Related Factors among Schoolteachers: A Cross-sectional Study from India
Authors: Kumar Vikash , Bharati Dharamvir R. , Prasad Nidhi , Kumar Sanjay , Chandrasekaran Sundhareshwaran 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background:
The physical and mental well-being of teachers directly impacts their ability to impart knowledge effectively. There is a scarcity of studies on the burden of hypertension (Hypertension) among schoolteachers in Patna, India. This study was done to determine the prevalence and determinants of Hypertension among government school teachers of Patna.

Materials and Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1350 government school teachers of Patna. A pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire was used for data collection.

Results:
The prevalence of Hypertension was found to be 14.1%. Consuming fast food more than 3–4 times a week, non-vegetarian diet, excess salt in the diet and sedentary lifestyle were found to be the risk factors associated with it.

Conclusion:
Addressing the factors contributing to Hypertension among teachers can lead to improved overall health and well-being, fostering a conducive environment for effective teaching and student learning outcomes.
Das forças literárias à essencialidade da literatura: os conceitos do texto literário em “O sumiço da Santa”
Authors: Salvador Amauri 
Published: February 2025

Este artigo analisa de forma contextualizada a obra "O Sumiço da Santa - Uma História de Feitiçaria" de Jorge Amado, a qual protagoniza a vivência de fé do povo de Candomblé na Bahia a partir do desaparecimento da imagem de Santa Bárbara (sincretizada à figura da Orixá Iansã), na cidade de Salvador. À luz das três forças da literatura discutidas por Roland Barthes em "A Aula" (1988), esta produção explora como a obra se encaixa nos conceitos essenciais da literatura, levando em consideração teorias acerca das discussões sobre os conceitos de discurso estético e como ele está presente no romance. Para sua composição, a análise consiste em reflexões baseadas nos conceitos de teóricos, como: Bernardo (2004), Bragatto (1995), Perroti (1986) e Eco (1991). Além disso, a análise demonstra como o romance exemplifica a capacidade da literatura transcender a narrativa linear e utilitária, proporcionando uma experiência rica e multifacetada ao leitor.
Enhancing Domestic Resource Mobilization: Experiences, Challenges and Potential Opportunities from the Sub-Sahara Africa
Authors: Njau Adrian Peter , Kombe Wilbard Jackson , Melyoki Lemayon Lemilia 
Published: February 2025

Enhancing domestic resource mobilization (DRM) in many countries especially in the Sub-Sahara Africa remains a daunting task. Many strategies and approaches to improve domestic revenue collection adopted by governments have not given rise to significant improvement in DRM. Approaches such as the use of information and communication technology (ICT) to monitor implementation of revenue mobilization, laws, regulations and procedures; electronic fiscal device management system (EFDMS), improvement of the business and investment environment, monitoring of various directives issued by the government on DRM. This paper reviews various measures taken by the government to enhance domestic revenues mobilization in selected Sub-Sahara Africa countries focusing on Senegal, Rwanda and Botswana. Literature reviews on DRM was conducted in various journal articles, governments’ reports including budget speeches and financial management documents covering the period of five years from 2016 to 2020. This period was chosen because it was period under the late president John Pombe Magufuli who instituted various measures aimed at enhancing domestic resource mobilization. The review of 2016 to 2020 period revealed that out of the three countries, only Botswana has been able to meet targets for DRM. Significant improvement was recorded in DRM while the inflows from the other two countries were unstable and unpredictable mainly due to logistical problem and political difficulties of taxing the informal sector. The qualities of revenue policies were inadequate, weak revenue administration capacity, inability to tax to full potential of natural resources and inadequate application of ICT technology. In Rwanda, political commitment was noted to contribute significantly to revenue mobilization especially the strong monitoring and evaluation system in place. The paper argues that widening the DRM base, especially the tax and non-tax revenue bases, designing policies and strategies that are supportive and creating an enabling environment and mainstreaming ICT for revenue collection from the rapidly growing informal sector require critical policy considerations.
Factores de Riesgo Asociados a las Enfermedades Crónicas No Transmisibles en el Personal de las Cafeterías Universitarias, Universidad de Panamá
Authors: De León-Atencio Rachel 
Published: February 2025

Las enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles representan la principal causa de muerte y discapacidad a nivel mundial, realidad de la que Panamá no escapa. Los estilos de vida, factores sociales y el desarrollo económico inciden directamente sobre estas y constituyen un reto a nivel mundial para su prevención, control diagnóstico, tratamiento y seguimiento.
Se analizaron los factores de riesgo asociados a las enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles en el personal de las Cafeterías, Universidad de Panamá, 2022. Se realizó un estudio analítico de prevalencia.
La muestra del estudio fue la totalidad del personal de la dirección de cafeterías donde se aplicaron 106 encuestas. La información de las encuestas fue comparada entre el grupo de sanos y enfermos. Se realizó un análisis univariado para cada variable; luego un análisis bivariado utilizando tablas tetracóricas. Los datos fueron procesados a través de Epi Info versión 7.2.
Para determinar la significancia estadística se utilizó el chi cuadrado, presentando un nivel de confianza del 95% y un valor de significancia de p 0.05.
En los resultados se encontró significancia estadística entre la edad y las enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles, el estado civil y el consumo de azúcar siendo factores de riesgo para el desarrollo de enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles.
Concluimos que la edad, estado civil y el consumo de azúcar tienen asociación con el desarrollo de las enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles y no se debe al azar.
Intersectional Stigma and Occupational Engagement Among Racialized Higher Education Students: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Tomar Nikhil , Gibson Ryan , Brewer Kathryne , Mian Nicholas 
Published: February 2025

Importance: Intersectional stigma of mental illness and race/ethnicity is a persistent determinant of the growing mental health care disparities among students in the United States. It is also the foundation on which concerns of inclusion and belonging are experienced, warranting scholarship on intersectional stigma and occupational engagement.
Objective: To examine intersectional stigma and its relationship with occupational engagement among racialized higher education students.
Design: This study used a qualitative descriptive design with interview methodology, and thematic analysis was used for data analysis. Transcript checks, peer debriefings, and multiple analysts helped strengthen the rigor of the study. Theoretical frameworks included the principle of gradient rationality to examine stigma and the moral economics of occupations framework to examine occupational engagement.
Setting: Higher education institution.
Participants Thirteen racialized students with mental illness were recruited via purposive sampling.
Results: Four themes emerged: identities and their negotiations, mental health journey, intersectional stigma of mental illness and race/ethnicity, and occupational engagement (mental health care and community participation).
Conclusions and Relevance: Findings highlight that intersectional stigma and racial/ethnic identity construction are fluid processes instead of fixed attributes and guide occupational engagement. Future research will help occupational therapy practitioners and leaders in efforts to address the growing public mental health crisis.
Plain-Language Summary: This study highlights that concerns related to belonging and inclusion among racialized students with mental illness are experienced through the intersectional stigma of mental illness and race/ethnicity. Understanding intersectional stigma also allows practitioners and scholars to better inform and implement culturally sensitive care within mental health care settings.
Positionality Statement: This research was conducted by a team of interdisciplinary multiracial researchers. This research was initiated by Nikhil Tomar, an immigrant scholar of color with a professional background in occupational therapy. The team included researchers from clinical psychology, social work, and sociology. The team included a Black scholar with expertise in race/ethnic identity, a Biracial scholar with expertise in stigma and global mental health, and a White scholar with expertise in children and adolescent mental health. The interdisciplinary nature of this research allowed the authors to challenge conventional wisdom in their respective fields and conduct research in a critical manner. Tomar has expertise in interview methodology and mental health research, which helped him conduct interviews by balancing the needs for participant safety and data collection.
PENGARUH MODEL PROBLEM BASED LEARNING BERBANTUAN MEDIA DIORAMA TERHADAP KETERAMPILAN BERPIKIR KRITIS DALAM PEMBELAJARAN IPAS SISWA MIS AL-FITRAH OESAPA KUPANG.
Authors: Letasado Adi , Mukdar Nining Savitri , Khasna Fenny Tanalinal 
Published: February 2025

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui Pengaruh Model Problem Based Learning Berbantuan Media Diorama Terhadap Ketrampilan Berpikir kritis Siswa di kelas IV MI Al-Fitrah Oesapa Kupang Tahun Ajaran 2023/2024. Jenis penelitian yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah kuantitatif dengan metode eksperimen sedangkan bentuk rancangan penelitian yaitu Pretests-Posttest Control Grup Design and Pretest-Posttest experiment Grup Design. Populasi penelitian adalah siswa kelas IV MI Al-Fitrah Oesapa Kupang berjumlah 74 orang yang terdiri dari dua kelas yakni kelas IV A 36 dan IV B 38 orang. Sampel penelitian dimana kelas IV B sebagai kelas eksperimen sedangkan kelas IVAdijadikan sebagai kelas kontrol. Alat pengumpulan data menggunakan tes objektif, angket dan dokumentasi. Data yang diperoleh kemudian di analisis menggunakan statistik untuk mengetahui uji normalitas, homogenitas dan uji-t untuk menguji hipotesis. Data dianalisi dengan menggunakan SPSS versi 29. Dengan mean Posttest kelas eksperimen 86,40 dan mean posttes kelas kontrol 62,13. Hasil perhtungan uji-tindependent diperoleh nilai sig. 0,000 < 0.05 yaitu 0,00 maka hipotesis H0 ditolak dan Ha diterima. Sehingga dapat disimpulkan bahwa ada pengaruh model Problem Based Learning berbantuan media diorama terhadap ketrampilan berpikir kritis siswa dalam pembelajaran IPAS pada kelas IV di MI Al-Fitrah Oesapa Kupang Tahun Ajaran 2023/2024.