bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neutrophil volume, conductivity, and scatter (VCS) as a screening tool in neonatal sepsis
Authors: Imam Safaa S. , Ibraheem Yasmeen M. Mahmood Ali , Sorial Remonda M. M. , Hussein Mohamed H. M. 
Published: July 2024

Background
The aim of the study is to establish changes in Neutrophil volume, conductivity, and scatter (VCS) in neonatal sepsis and to determine appropriate cutoff levels to be used as a screening tool for neonatal sepsis.

Methods
This prospective observational study was conducted at the Neonatal Intensive care Units at Ain Shams University. It included 25 septic neonates diagnosed based on the presence of risk factors of sepsis, clinical or laboratory evidence suggestive of sepsis, and positive blood culture results. A control group of 25 age-matched neonates was also included. Blood counts were processed in the automated hematology analyzer, Beckman coulter LH 750. Neutrophil VCS Parameters were analyzed and correlated with different clinical and laboratory data of the study sample.

Results
In this study, the value of mean neutrophil volume (MNV) was significantly increased, and the value of mean neutrophil scatter (MNS) was significantly decreased in the septic group compared with the control group, with P value = 0.026 and 0.025, respectively. The MNV showed a sensitivity of 96%, a specificity of 48%, a PPV of 64.9%, an NPV of 92.3%, and a cutoff point of >140.2 with AUC of 0.713. The MNS showed a sensitivity of 68%, a specificity of 92%, a PPV of 89.5%, a NPV of 74.2%, and a cutoff point of ≤129.4 with an AUC of 0.718.

Conclusion
Although neutrophil VCS parameters cannot be used alone to diagnose or rule out neonatal sepsis, they aid as additional markers for early diagnosis of neonatal sepsis. They can also be used in combination with other hematological screening tests to improve the diagnostic accuracy of the neonatal sepsis screen.
Fear of COVID-19, Health Anxiety and Work-Family Conflict in Nurses Working in the COVID-19 Ward
Authors: Mirbazegh Seyedeh Fatemeh , Ranjbaran Simin , Allameh Seyed Farshad , Hakemi Ali Ganjalikhan , Rezaie Fereshteh , Jannat Forouzandeh , Harouni Gholamreza Ghaedamini , Moghaddam Ladan Fattah 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background:
COVID-19 is an example of an epidemic and sudden crisis that has affected many aspects of life and work and identifying the factors that contribute to its impact can help prevent similar crises in the future. The purpose of this study was to investigate fear of COVID-19, health anxiety, and work–family conflict in nurses working in COVID-19 wards in hospitals affiliated with the Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS).

Materials and Methods:
This descriptive-analytical study used a census method to survey 226 nurses working in eight hospitals affiliated with TUMS. Demographics information and three questionnaires including; the Fear of COVID-19 Scale, Short Health Anxiety Inventory, and Work–Family Conflict Scale were completed online. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and analytical statistics, and a significance level of p < 0.05 was considered.

Results:
Structural equation modeling test showed that work–family conflict had an effect on health anxiety, and health anxiety had an effect on fear of COVID-19 (p < 0.05). The severity of the effect of work–family conflict on health anxiety was 0.73, and the severity of the effect of health anxiety on fear of COVID-19 was 0.46. Work–family conflict had an indirect effect on fear of COVID-19 mediated only by health anxiety (p < 0.05) and the severity of the indirect effect was 0.33.

Conclusions:
Health anxiety plays a mediating role in the relationship between work–family conflict and fear of COVID-19. Workplaces should provide more support to their employees during a crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and prevention programs should be implemented to decrease anxiety.
The Effect of Yoga Practice on Labor Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Nikpour Maryam , Sepidarkish Mahdi , Joneidi Elham , Darzipour Mahbobeh , Firouzbakht Mojgan 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background:
Labor pain management is a critical aspect of midwifery care and an essential purpose of childbirth-related care. There is a need for comprehensive results on relevant non-therapeutic methods of reducing labor pain. This systematic review and meta-analysis study was conducted to investigate the effect of yoga practice on labor pain.

Material and Methods:
We performed a systematic literature search from SCOPUS, PubMed, Web of Science, and Science Direct for relevant studies from January 1, 1990 to June 2, 2022. We selected published quasi-randomized and randomized controlled trial studies that evaluated the effect of yoga practice on labor pain. Quality research was applied. We pooled the Standardized Mean Dfference (SMD) of labor pain in pregnant women with and without yoga practice during pregnancy using a random-effects model at 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs).

Results:
Nine studies including 660 women were included in the meta-analysis. Pregnant women in the yoga practice group experienced statistically significantly low labor pain at the beginning of the active phase compared to the control group (SMD: -1.10, 95% CI: -1.61, -0.58, p < 0.001; I2 = 89%). Yoga interventions also reduced the intensity of labor pain in active (SMD: -1.32, 95% CI: -2.03, -0.60, p < 0.001; I2 = 92%) and transition (SMD: -1.93, 95% CI: -2.87, -0.99, p < 0.001; I2 = 92%) phases compared to the control group, respectively.

Conclusions:
The results of the study showed that yoga practice during pregnancy reduces the intensity of labor pain in different labor phases. However, these findings should be considered cautiously due to the substantial heterogeneity between studies.
Prevalence of Breastfeeding among Working versus Nonworking Mothers in Saudi Arabia: A Regional Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Almalki Faisal Ghazi , Algithmi Jana Abdulnaser , Alghamdi Haitham Mohammed , Alhnaidi Malek Adeeb , Kandil Hammam 
Published: July 2024

Background:
Breastfeeding practices in Saudi Arabia may vary between working and non-working mothers. Working hours and work-related responsibilities may be obstacles to exclusive breastfeeding (EBF).

Objectives:
This study aims to investigate the prevalence of breastfeeding among working versus non-working mothers in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and to investigate barriers to EBF among working mothers.

Methods:
This was a cross-sectional survey-based study, in which 507 women were surveyed, predominantly aged 26–33 years. The data were collected through an online self-administered questionnaire sent randomly through social media. The Chi-squared test was employed to assess the prevalence and the factors influencing the choice of breastfeeding methods in these groups.

Results:
EBF rate was 82% and 85.5% in non-working and working mothers, respectively. Exclusively breastfeeding mothers favored direct breastfeeding (54%) and mostly breastfed for over 6 months of their infants’ age (92%), whereas non-EBF mothers favored a combination of milk pumps and direct breastfeeding (P ≤ 0.001). The majority of working mothers strongly agree with the continuation of breastfeeding for the first 6 months of the child’s life if the workplace provides special breastfeeding facilities, provides paid maternity leave, or if they get help with housework.

Conclusion:
There was no difference in the duration of breastfeeding in working mothers compared to nonworking mothers. Working mothers report many barriers to breastfeeding, and those strategies should be targeted by governmental programs to enhance EBF practices.
Glomerular Filtration Rate in Sick Neonates: A Focus on Cystatin C
Authors: Avong Olusola , Abdulkadir Isa , Bugaje Mairo 
Published: July 2024

Background:
The use of creatinine as an endogenous marker of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is well-established in clinical practice, despite its limitations. As a step toward limiting this drawback, cystatin C and various biomarkers came into use in determining renal function. In sick neonates, various pathologies may impair renal function thus, underscoring the need for accurate estimation of glomerular filtration rate (GFR).

Aims and Objectives:
This study aimed at evaluating the use of cystatin C in estimating the GFR of sick neonates in comparison to creatinine.

Materials and Methods:
A hospital-based descriptive study was conducted at a tertiary center in North Central, Nigeria, for 4 months. One hundred and seventy-three sick neonates admitted into the special care baby unit were recruited. Blood was sampled at admission for determination of serum creatinine and cystatin C levels, while a repeat sample for creatinine was taken 48 hours after. GFR was estimated using the Schwartz formula for creatinine and the Zappitelli equation for cystatin C and compared with an inulin reference.

Results:
The median (interquartile range [IQR]) eGFR derived from cystatin C was 48.8 (21.0) mL/min/1.73 m2, it was higher than the median creatinine-derived GFR at admission and was of statistical significance. It is also approximated closer to the inulin reference. The median (IQR) eGFR derived from creatinine at admission was 21.2 (21.4) mL/min/1.73 m2. Creatinine-derived eGFR was significantly lower in babies with asphyxia and neonatal sepsis compared to those who did not have these diagnoses. Cystatin C-derived eGFR showed no variation between the various diagnoses.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, cystatin C is a useful and unbiased determinant of eGFR in sick neonates as compared to creatinine.
Acne Vulgaris in Saudi Arabia – Myths and Common Misconceptions: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Aldosari Manal A. , Aldosari Dalal A. , Almutairi Rahaf H. , Aldosari Turki A. , Shadid Asem M. , Alzamil Fajer M. 
Published: July 2024

Background:
Acne vulgaris is a long-term condition of the sebaceous glands that usually occurs during puberty. The mean prevalence of acne in Saudi males is 54% and ranges from 54% to 84% among Saudi females. Despite the high prevalence of acne vulgaris, it is shrouded in multiple misconceptions that are widely spread among the general public and among patients with acne.

Purpose:
This study is conducted to assess the knowledge, awareness, and widespread myths and misconceptions about acne vulgaris.

Methods:
A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted in Saudi Arabia in August 2022 through 1164 self-administered, convenient sampling technique online questionnaires. Sociodemographic data, as well as knowledge regarding acne and its treatment, were collected and evaluated.

Results:
Three-quarters of the respondents (73%) knew that stress precipitated acne, and two-thirds (66%) knew that fat-rich food could increase the risk of developing acne. Knowledge was lower in males than females, while a family history of acne was associated with higher knowledge. Most respondents (76%) knew that hormonal changes could precipitate acne. More than half of the respondents did not know whether Vitamin A derivatives increased the risk of depression (61%), anxiety, and stress (55%). Three-quarters of the respondents (73%) knew that stress precipitated acne, and two-thirds (66%) knew that fat-rich food could increase the risk of developing acne. The most common source of information was the Internet (40.8%) followed by social media platforms (25.2%) and physicians (15.2%).

Conclusion:
There was an adequate level of knowledge. Approximately half of the respondents declared the Internet as a source of their information. We recommend physicians to educate their patients about acne, to elaborate society-oriented campaigns, and to encourage dermatologists to spread information through the Internet and social media platforms as they are considered a major source of information in this study.
Cutaneous Manifestations of Diabetes Mellitus in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Eastern India: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Barman Srutee , Achar Arun , Sengupta Nilanjan , Chowdhury Joyeeta , Bhakta Abhijit 
Published: July 2024

Background:
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder and is a major public health problem worldwide. Skin diseases can appear as the first sign of diabetes or can develop at any time in the course of the illness.

Purpose:
This study aimed to determine the pattern and prevalence of skin manifestations in patients with diabetes mellitus.

Methods:
An observational cross-sectional study was done on 80 Type 1 and Type 2 diagnosed diabetes mellitus patients and with informed consent, they were thoroughly examined for their respective skin disorders.

Results:
Among 80 patients, 35% of patients had infectious skin lesions, whereas 20% had noninfectious dermatosis only. More than one type of dermatosis was seen in 45% of patients. Candidal balanoposthitis was the most common fungal infection.

Limitation:
Limited sample in a single center.

Conclusion:
Infections were more prevalent compared to noninfectious disease in a population with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. Pruritus was the most common disorder among the other diabetic complications.
Evaluation of child’s behavior during the pit and fissure sealant administration using the rubber dam and MiniDam: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Rahul Shaik , Saikiran Kanamarlapudi Venkata , Elicherla Niharika Reddy , Anchala Karthik , Singaraju Anuja , Nuvvula Sivakumar 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
Dental caries is a multifactorial disease that manifests itself in primary and permanent dentitions. Pit and fissure sealants have become the most effective noninvasive treatment for addressing teeth with deep pits and fissures in children. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the behavior of the child when administering the pit and fissure sealant using the rubber dam and MiniDam.

Methodology:
Fifty-two children in the age range of 9–12 years were randomly allocated into two groups: Group I, rubber dam and Group II, MiniDam. The children were randomly assigned into two groups with 26 members in Group 1 (rubber dam isolation) and 26 members in Group 2 (MiniDam isolation). Children’s anxiety was assessed using the modified Venham scale and heart rate. The children’s pain intensity was assessed using Memojis Pain Scale. The data collected were tabulated and statistically analyzed using SPSS software. The level of significance was established at 0.05.

Results:
Intergroup comparison of heart rates showed a statistically significant difference for both the groups at various intervals (P value 0.05), that is, before placing the dam, with the dam, and during treatment. Pain and anxiety scores showed a statistically significant difference in both the groups before and after the procedure (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:
The use of MiniDam can offer a better option for the pit/fissure sealant procedure due to its unique qualities, including simplicity of placement, improved behavior management, and less chair time in children.
Caries assessment and salivary microbial analysis in patients diagnosed with mucopolysaccharidosis
Authors: Anju Vinod , Raj N. Sunil 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Background and Objectives:
Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) is a group of lysosomal storage disorders that cause the deposition of polysaccharides in cells. This causes systemic and oral manifestations, which can be observed clinically and radiographically. The present study aimed to assess dental caries, the effect of salivary pH, and the change of microflora on teeth in patients diagnosed with MPS.

Materials and Methods:
The study included children affected with mucopolysaccharidosis (n = 50) and healthy children (n = 50) in the control group between 3 and 15 years of age. The pH of saliva and decayed, missing, and filled teeth/decayed extracted and filled teeth index were noted and recorded. For the microbial analysis, saliva was inoculated into blood agar, MacConkey agar, Candida CHROMagar, and Mitis Salivarius agar, then inspected for colony-forming units, which were counted and recorded based on the colony characteristics and gram staining.

Statistical Analysis:
Intergroup comparison of the test parameters was done using the Mann–Whitney test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:
The results showed significantly higher total microbial load (P = 0.00008), streptococcus viridans species (P = 0.00001), and Candida species (P = 0.0038) in the study group. The caries incidence was also higher in the study group for both primary (P = 0.0096) and permanent dentition (P = 0.0251), and salivary pH was more acidic (P = 0.00001) in the patients diagnosed with MPS.

Interpretation and Conclusion:
Patients diagnosed with MPS have a higher microbial load, more acidic saliva, and subsequently, a higher caries incidence than normal healthy children. Hence, regular dental evaluation, prevention, and treatment must be integrated into their health-care regimen.
Interexaminer agreement among pediatric dental specialists in assessment of tonsil size, Friedman tongue position, and Friedman staging of obstructive sleep apnea in children: An observational study
Authors: Nair Lekshmy S. R. , George Sageena , Anandaraj S. , Anuja S. , Naveena T. V. , Aishwarya U. 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
The evaluation of tonsil size, Friedman Tongue Position (FTP), and Friedman staging in pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) holds significant clinical importance, offering manifold advantages in diagnosis and surgical management.

Aims and Objectives:
This study aimed to assess the reliability of pediatric OSA evaluation by determining inter-examiner agreement among pediatric dental specialists.

Materials and Methods:
Conducted at the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, PMS College of Dental Science and Research Hospital (2023-2024), this observational study utilized conventional consulting rooms, headlights, and examination chairs. Thirteen medical practitioners reviewed video recordings of the oropharyngeal regions of twelve pediatric patients exhibiting mouth breathing. Friedman staging was determined based on tonsil size and tongue position gradings.Inter-examiner agreement was evaluated using Fleiss kappa analysis.

Results:
Observers, including residents and practitioners in pediatric dentistry, demonstrated poor agreement regarding FTP and tonsil grading.

Conclusion:
Understanding the nuances of tonsil size and FTP in pediatric OSA evaluation, along with identifying avenues for refinement, can enhance medical decision-making among healthcare providers, including pediatric dentists.
Tuberculosis diagnostic practices among private medical practitioners of modern medicine in South India – A cross-sectional study
Authors: Naidu Navya Krishna , Kondagunta Nagaraj , Guthi Visweswara Rao 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background:
India has the highest tuberculosis (TB) burden in the world and account for nearly one-fourth of the global burden of TB. Although the Indian government provides a basic national health service, an increasingly large number of health-care interactions in India are with the physicians in the private sector.

Objective:
The objective is to study the TB diagnostic practices among private medical practitioners and to determine the association of diagnostic practices with socio-demographic factors, the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) training status, and professional/academic qualification of private medical practitioners.

Materials and Methods:
The current study was a cross-sectional study conducted in the urban areas of Nalgonda district between October 2015 and September 2017. The study included all medical general practitioners (GP) and all specialists practicing internal medicine, chest medicine, and pediatrics, registered with the Indian Medical Association (IMA) branches and had a private practice in the study area. The study included 101 private medical practitioners from three IMA branches. The data on diagnostic practices of TB and RNTCP training status were collected by an interview using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire. The data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 19th version.

Results:
The majority of study participants in this study were GP, while specialists constituted a smaller portion. Most of these private medical practitioners opted sputum smear examination as their second preferred investigation after a chest X-ray. For the diagnosis of pulmonary TB, majority of the private practitioners preferred both sputum smears examination and chest X-ray. The private medical practitioners who had received the RNTCP training were employing sputum smear microscopy as a diagnostic tool and were also aware about notification of TB.

Conclusions:
Overreliance on chest X-ray as the investigation of choice to diagnose pulmonary TB and for follow-up. Training in RNTCP has a positive impact on practicing standard diagnostic practices, treatment, and referral practices on private medical practitioners.
Comparative study on the quality of electrocardiogram and arrhythmia detection using wireless ambulatory Vigo SmartHeart Holter and conventional Holter
Authors: Bala Sudha , Mirza Mehdi Ali , Mavoori Archana , Bandaru Rajiv Kumar , Kampally Mallikharjuna , Agarwal Sony , Chormalle Rishabh 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background:
Wireless Holter monitors can be a great alternative to the traditional wired holter monitoring potentially giving better patient outcomes. However, the technology is new and less explored for the quality of ECG wave forms.

Objective:
This study was taken up to compare the quality of electrocardiogram (ECG) and arrhythmia detection using a traditional Holter and a wireless ambulatory smart ECG – Vigo SmartHeart (VSH) that functions with a Mobile application.

Materials and Methods:
The present study was cross-sectional in nature. We enrolled the patients indicated for continuous ECG monitoring. All the enrolled patients were connected to VSH wireless Holter solution and a conventional Holter monitor simultaneously. The ECGs generated were compared through descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviation, and correlation by Pearson’s correlation method.

Results:
Seventy-one patients had simultaneous ECG recordings by both systems. The Pearson correlation for P wave, QRS, PR, QT, and ST was measured as 0.93, 0.93, 0.99, 0.36, and 0.98, respectively. The minimum heart rate (HR), maximum HR, RR interval, P wave, QRS complex, PR, and ST segments showed a statistically significant correlation between Smart Heart and Conventional Holter. 17 ECG events were reported, of which 14 were detected by both. The events missed by conventional Holter and detected by VSH were Atrioventricular block (2), Supraventricular tachycardia (1), and Intraventricular conduction delay (1).

Conclusions:
The quality of the report generated by both the methods was comparable to ECG wave quality, However, arrhythmia was picked up by the SmartHeart with better precision compared to conventional Holter. Thus, VSH can serve as a viable and potential alternative tool to screen and help in reducing the morbidity and mortality related to arrhythmias.