bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Drinking water, sanitation, hygiene, and health conditions in India: Findings from the national sample survey
Authors: Vennu Vishal 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction:
Uncertainty exists in the drinking water, sanitation, hygiene, and health conditions due to mosquitoes and flies across India. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the availability of drinking water, sanitation, hygiene, and health in India.

Methods:
We used secondary analysis data on 95,548 household members from the National Sample Survey, which included 113,822 homes and 555,351 persons across India between June 2017 and 2018.

Results:
About 36.4% of household members stated that tube wells or boreholes outside the property at a distance of less than 0.2 km were their main source of drinking water. More than 87% of respondents said that the water they drank was free of impurities, and 55.1% said that it had not been treated. About 45.7% of respondents stated that there were no bathrooms in the dwellings. More than 50% of the time, according to the respondents, garbage was not collected. A flea or mosquito problem was reported by about 97% of households. Around 97% of households reported fevers that were caused by a disease.

Conclusion:
In India, poor access to drinking water, sanitary facilities, good hygiene, and healthcare existed. The results will support the next visionary programs to increase living standards in the country.
Long-COVID-19 Impact in non-hospitalized patients: Sleep and quality of life 24 months after SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Mudgal Shiv K. , Patidar Vipin , Kumar Sanjay , Kumar Suman , Gaur Rakhi , Agarwal Rajat , Varikasuvu Seshadri Reddy , Gupta Pratima , Varshney Saurabh 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Background and Aims:
Sleep disruption and reduced quality of life are common long coronavirus disease (COVID) manifestations, affecting survivors irrespective of initial COVID-19 severity. Limited research investigates symptoms beyond 24 months post-infection. We aimed to address this gap by longitudinally studying sleep patterns and overall quality of life in non-hospitalized adults, 24 months after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection.

Methods:
This prospective observational study involved the enrolment of 337 adult non-hospitalized patients in a consecutive fashion. Individuals with past COVID-19 (from 15 April 2020 to 30 June 2021) were examined at two Government hospitals and completed a telephone interview between 1 May 2023 and 30 June 2023, located in Jharkhand, India. Participants were queried about their sleep patterns and quality of life, utilizing the DSM5 LEVEL 2 and EQ-ED-5L tool, respectively.

Results:
Among 337 non-hospitalized participants, 212 completed the survey. Within this group (59.4% men, mean age 38), 36 (17.0%) experienced sleep impairment. All five dimensions of quality of life (QoL) were adversely affected in long COVID patients. Advanced age, high income, residing in rural or semi-urban areas, and having comorbidities were associated with a higher likelihood of decreased quality of life across various domains. Conversely, participants who were married, employed in healthcare or government positions, and vaccinated exhibited a reduced likelihood of experiencing lower quality of life.

Conclusion:
Long COVID-19 affects sleep and quality of life, with various demographic and clinical factors influencing outcomes. This study provides insights into the extended consequences of long COVID-19 and aids healthcare systems in addressing the challenges posed by this condition.
Perception and practice of the eight limbs of yoga in yoga teachers: A cross-sectional descriptive study
Authors: Alam Kaushal Kumar , Gangwani Nonita , Mohan Mamta 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
Yoga is an ancient wisdom that originated in India and encompasses eight limbs, including yama, niyama, asanas, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana, and samadhi. Despite its holistic nature, many studies on yoga tend to focus solely on its physical aspects, breathing practices, and meditation, neglecting other essential components. To address this gap, a study was conducted to determine the perception and practice of all eight limbs of yoga among yoga teachers.

Method:
A self-designed questionnaire containing 28 items was used for assessing the knowledge, perception, and practice of the eight limbs of yoga among yoga teachers. A total of 37 yoga teachers participated in the study. Cross-tabulation was performed to analyze the data.

Results:
The majority of participants (>80%) in this study on the practice of astanga yoga reported that all limbs of yoga were essential in their practice. However, there were varying degrees of emphasis placed on each limb. Pranayama (91.9%) and asana (89.2%) were given the most emphasis, while niyama (75.7%), yama (73%), pratyahara (70.3%), dhyana (70.3%), and dharana (64.9%) were given slightly less emphasis. Interestingly, those with more experience placed greater emphasis on various aspects of yoga.

Conclusion:
Practitioners should embrace all eight limbs of yoga when introducing it to new populations to increase access to yoga. This will help promote the benefits of yoga and make it more accessible to those who may benefit from it. Health professionals should have a comprehensive understanding of the holistic practice of yoga, including its ethics, postures, breath, mindfulness, and meditation, to promote its maximum benefits and avoid potentially harmful practices.
Prevalence and risk factors of gastro-esophageal reflux disease among college students at a public university in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Bin Abdulrahman Khalid A. , Alsaif Abdullah F. , Almehaidib Ibrahim A. , Almtehe Mohammed A. , Alqahtani Nawaf M. , Alabdali Abdulaziz K. 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most prevalent gastrointestinal disorders worldwide. It manifests when the lower esophageal sphincter malfunctions, causing the stomach’s contents to reflux into the esophagus, lead to discomforting symptoms. Heartburn and regurgitation are the typical symptoms of GERD. This study aims to determine the prevalence of GERD and assess its risk factors.

Materials and Methods:
This cross-sectional study was conducted at IMSIU, Saudi Arabia. An online survey was distributed to the students’ email addresses to determine the prevalence of GERD, its related risk factors, and understanding of its symptoms.

Results:
One thousand five hundred and thirty-three (1533) students participated in the survey. The prevalence of GERD was 34.6%. The majority (79.7%) of the respondent students had heard of GERD. Stress is believed to be a factor in developing GERD by 35.7% of students. Heartburn was the predominant symptom of GERD (76.2%). No association existed between the socio-demographic traits of those with GERD except for age and academic year.

Conclusions:
It is imperative to raise public awareness of the disorder’s characteristics and its modifiable risk factors to prevent the emergence of GERD and its complications.
Perceived stress and its influencing factors among persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) in Kannur district, Kerala, India
Authors: Sobhith V. K , Solomon M Daniel 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Context:
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic remains a major healthcare problem for the humanity. It is important to understand the level of stress among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA), which may have an influence on their living.

Aims:
The main aim of the study is to assess the perceived stress and the factors influencing.

Settings and Design:
Descriptive study. The details of a total of 750 PLHAs registered in the district were collected, and the researcher selected 210 samples using the simple random sampling method.

Methods and Material:
The researcher used the standardised Perceived Stress Scale developed by Sheldon Cohen in 1983.

Statistical Analysis Used:
The data analysis was done using descriptive statistics and tests.

Results:
While analysing the perceived stress of the respondents, more than half 61% of the respondents have reported a moderate level of perceived stress. The study also depicts that perceived stress is being influenced by gender, marital status, occupation, number of dependents, and monthly income of PLHA.

Conclusions:
PLHAs in the selected geographic area experience a significant level of perceived stress, which indicates the need for programmes to address it.
Non-invasive predictors to grade esophageal varices in liver cirrhosis patients
Authors: Rapelly Sushma S. , Singh Shraddha , Verma Narsingh , Bhattacharya Sandeep , Rungta Sumit 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
Portal hypertension commonly occurs due to liver cirrhosis, and esophageal varices (EV) is one of the major complications associated with it. The most common cause of death in liver cirrhosis is EV bleeding. Hence, GE screening for EV is required, which is an invasive procedure. Regular use of endoscopy results in low compliance due to cost and discomfort for patients. Hence, identifying non-invasive markers that could grade EV provides a useful screening tool for family physicians and primary health centers (PHCs) by referring the patient to higher centers for definitive treatment, which could reduce mortality due to variceal bleeding in cirrhotic patients.

Aims:
To assess non-invasive predictors of grade EV in patients diagnosed with liver cirrhosis.

Settings and Design:
Cross-sectional study.

Methods and Material:
A total of 109 patients with liver cirrhosis underwent clinical and biochemical evaluation, USG abdomen with spleen bipolar diameter, ascitic fluid analysis, and upper GE with a grade of EV are recorded.

Statistical Analysis Used:
SPSS software with Student t-test, Chi-square t-test, analysis of variance, receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves, and Spearman correlation with 95% CI is used. P <0.05 is considered significant.

Results:
Aminotransferase to Platelet count Ratio Index (APRI) score >1.815, PC/SD ≤909, and SAAG >1.1g/dl showed EV in liver cirrhosis (P < 0.05). The order of prediction with ROC curves shows APRI score > PC/SD > SAAG. In grading EV, APRI scores of 1.9–2.5 and >2.5 showed small and large EV, respectively (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:
APRI score may be used in PHC as an early intervention to grade EV and refer the patient to higher centers for definitive treatment. This would prevent the progression of varices to rupture and reduce mortality due to variceal bleeds in liver cirrhosis patients.
The changing trend of fungal infection in invasive rhinosinusitis in the COVID era
Authors: Garg Parul , Ranjan Vikash , Avnisha  , Hembrom Sneha , Goel Sachin , Malhotra Shalini 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
SARS-COV virus operates as a significant risk factor for invasive fungal aspergillosis and mucormycosis. Successful management of this fulminant infection requires early recognition of the disease and aggressive medical or surgical interventions to prevent the high morbidity and mortality associated with the disease process.

Aims and Objective of the Study:
1. To isolate and identify different species of fungi among acute rhinosinusitis patients. 2. To assess the association of risk factors causing fungal rhinosinusitis. 3. To assess the changing trend in fungal rhinosinusitis during the COVID era.

Material and Methods:
This is a retrospective observational study conducted from May 2020 to October 2022, attending the ENT department and relevant data were collected from the medical records department of ABVIMS and Dr RML Hospital, New Delhi, a Tertiary Care Referral Centre in India. The major risk factors studied were age, gender, COVID-19 infection and underlying diseases (such as diabetes mellitus, ischaemic heart disease, hypertension, malignancies, chronic kidney DISEASES, etc.); details of corticosteroid use of all patients were recorded in the datasheet. The pandemic data was divided into three distinct time periods/waves/eras, i.e., first, second, and third waves, each of which included ten months, to examine the changing trend in fungal rhinosinusitis in the pandemic era of COVID-19.

Results:
A total of 412 patients out of which 236 patients were clinically diagnosed with fungal sinusitis based on revised EORTC criteria. The most common site involved was the orbit with paranasal sinus and eye 86/236 (36.4%), followed by involvement of nasal and paranasal sinus alone 68/236 (28.8%). The most prevalent age range affected was 40 to 50 years. The most commonly associated comorbidity was diabetes mellitus (DM) in 176 (74.5%), followed by head and neck malignancies in 22 (9.32%) patients. Thirty-eight (50.6%) Rhizopus species and 18 (24%) Aspergillus flavus were the most common isolated fungal species on culture, followed by Mucor spp. 14 (18.6%) and Aspergillus fumigatus 5 (6.6%) in the period. In the second wave of COVID, there was a surge in Zygomycetes cases 36 (45%) and after the second wave, the Aspergillus cases increased by 14 (19%) during Jan-Oct 2022.

Conclusion:
With the continuing coronavirus pandemic, there is an unprecedented and discernible rise in the prevalence of acute invasive fungal sinusitis certainly a spike in cases of Aspergillus infection was observed, probably due to unprecedented usage of Amphotericin B for the treatment of mucormycosis during the third wave This underlines the importance of the need to tailor our treatment protocol as per the etiological agents hence the right antifungal drugs combined with urgent surgical procedures on a case-to-case basis may certainly increase the chances of survival.
Nutritional experiences of postpartum mothers - A qualitative study
Authors: Bathula Shainy Sravanthi , Helena Kanta , Avvaru Krishnaveni 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Context:
The postpartum period is crucial for both mother and infant as additional maternal nutrition needs to support the needs of self and that of an infant in the form of adequate breastfeeding. The dietary choices of women during the postpartum period were heavily influenced by traditional cultural beliefs surrounding these periods.

Aims:
To explore the experiences regarding postpartum nutrition and various nutritional practices during this period.

Settings and Design:
The study was a community-based cross-sectional qualitative study performed in the urban field practicing area of Government Medical College during the months of October and November 2022 on postnatal mothers who have crossed not more than one month of completion of their postpartum period (first six weeks of delivery).

Methods and Material:
Two focus group discussions (FGDs) and 15 in-depth interviews (IDIs) were conducted with the postnatal mothers and their caregivers using a pre-prepared semi-structured discussion guide comprising open-ended questions. Each interview/discussion was recorded electronically after taking verbal consent.

Statistical Analysis Used:
The recorded responses were transcribed verbatim and translated into English. The data were analyzed thematically and were grouped into a few broad themes.

Results:
Most mothers followed strict dietary restrictions for the first 15 days of delivery. Fruits were avoided by many of the mothers. The mothers took iron-rich foods like jaggery and green leafy vegetables in excess. Protein-rich foods like meat, egg, fish, and dal were avoided by most of the mothers. The beliefs of the mothers and caregivers about various food items were that they may cause ill health to mother and baby, considered as hot and cold foods and also out of ignorance.

Conclusions:
Most of the practices were beneficial to the mother and a few of them were harmful like avoiding protein-rich foods, few vegetables, most fruits, and night meals. The harmful nutritional practices can be addressed by educating the mother and also the caregiver who prepares the puerperal diet.
Three dimensional echocardiographic study of left atrial volumes and function correlated with functional capacity in patients with mitral stenosis
Authors: Sharaf Israa N Y , Taha Mohammed O , Elmasry Magdy M , Deraz Inas A 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Left atrial (LA) impairment of reservoir and booster function using real-time three-dimensional direct volumetric echocardiographic study (RT3DE), has been found in rheumatic mitral stenosis (MS). In MS, RT3DE has not well studied.

Aim
This study designed to reveal NYHA functional class (FC) determinants in MS cases and to demonstrate the relationship between LA mechanics as measured by RT3DE and heart failure (HF) symptoms.

Patients and Methods
55 consecutive cases (38 females and 17 males; age: 39.6 ± 11 years) with rheumatic MS underwent RT3DE to evaluate LA mechanics. Those results were then correlated with NYHA functional class.

Results
There were 22% in FC I, 42% in FC II and the remaining 36% in FC III. LAVmax, LAVmin, and LAVpreA were larger with decreased functional capacity. There was insignificant difference between NYHA functional classes. LAVmin presented positive correlation with NYHA functional classes. Total LAEV, total LAEF, LA expansion, active LAEV, and active LAEF, which reflect LA reservoir and booster functions, were also significantly lower in NYHA II and NYHA III when compared with NYHA I. Total LAEV, total LAEF, LA expansion, and LA booster function presented highly significant negative correlation with NYHA functional classes.

Conclusion
LA booster pump and reservoir dysfunctions are correlated with HF symptoms in MS. The deterioration of both LA reservoir and booster functions by RT3DE in MS with stepwise decline of NYHA functional class are important determinants of clinical symptoms, which may also play a role in management.
Modified ulcer debridement versus argon laser photocoagulation as an adjunctive therapy for treatment of fungal keratitis
Authors: Ahmed Dina S , Khater Mohamed M , Sabry Moataz M , Elshorbagy Mohamed S 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Mycotic keratitis is a disorder due to fungal invasion into the corneal stroma. Early diagnosis and immediate management are critical to avoiding long-term consequences with fungal keratitis as it grows quickly and can cause corneal ulcers and vision loss.

Aim
To compare the effect of argon laser photocoagulation with tissue debridement as a supportive therapy for treatment of fungal keratitis.

Patients and methods
In this prospective study, 40 patients with resistant fungal keratitis were evaluated and treated with argon laser and debridement as a supportive therapy in resistant cases.The duration of the study was 12 months with follow-up period of 3 months.

Results
Of 20 eyes, 18 responded to argon laser with complete epithelial healing occurring in the range of 2–4 weeks, with mean of 47.50 ± 7.96 weeks. On the contrary, 16 of 20 eyes responded to debridement, with complete healing occurring in the range of 3–7 weeks, with a mean of 46.15 ± 7.57 weeks. Two cases needed amniotic membrane graft in the laser group, whereas four cases in the debridement group.

Conclusion
Argon laser therapy is the most effective supplementary step in the treatment of resistant fungal keratitis. Argon laser therapy is preferred to debridement in the management of resistant fungal corneal ulcer and has a significant effect on reducing corneal scarring and improvement of visual acuity.
Antibacterial effect of red light emitting diodes on multi-drug resistant bacteria isolated from superficial skin infections
Authors: Shakal Noura Sobhi Salim , Taha Marwa S , Hegab Doaa S , Hassan Azza M 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Emergence of multi-drug resistant bacteria in current times demands for concerted efforts, specifically in developing countries to replace the administration of antibiotics with other therapeutic modalities as photodynamic inactivation using red light emitting diodes.

Aim
Isolate and identify pathogenic bacteria from superficial skin infections, determine antibiotic susceptibility of isolated bacteria and to evaluate antibacterial role of red light emitting diodes on multi-drug resistant isolates using different durations.

Patients and methods
Fifty patients with superficial skin infection were enrolled in the present study. Isolation and identification were carried out by standard microbiological methods. Antibacterial susceptibility tests of the isolates were assessed by disc diffusion method. The multi-drug resistant isolates were illuminated by red light emitting diodes for different durations at 10, 20, 30 and 60 min Then antibacterial effect was assessed by colony count.

Results
Illumination with red light emitting diodes showed antibacterial effect in all isolates with variable degrees. There were initial reduction in colony count after 10 min followed by a slight increase in colony count with increasing the duration of illumination. Staphylococcus aureus isolates showed the lowest reduction in log10CFU/ml-1 with mean±SD of 5.14 ± 0.06 after 10 min.

Conclusion
The photodynamic inactivation using red light emitting diodes showed significant reduction in colony count when multi-drug-resistant isolates were illuminated for 10 min suggesting its potential for use as antibacterial therapeutic modality.
Pattern of acute poisoning that required intensive care unit admission in Tanta University poison control center
Authors: Abdelnoor Amira A , El-Sarnagawy Ghada N , Abuelfadl Arwa A , El-Mehallawi Inas H 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Poisoning is an important health care problem resulting in high morbidity and mortality rates especially in developing countries. About 4–40% of acute poisoned patients need intensive care units (ICU).

Aim
The aim of this study was to evaluate pattern of acute poisoning that required ICU admission, clinical characteristics and outcome of these patients in Tanta University Poison Control Center.

Patients and methods
All acute poisoned cases who admitted to ICU from the start of February 2017 to the end of July 2018 were included. Sociodemographic, characteristic clinical manifestations, laboratory investigations and outcomes were recorded.

Results
ICU admitted poisoned patients represented 6% of total poisoned patients. More than half of patients (54.4%) were in the age group between 18 and 40 years and 50.7% of patients were females. The highest percentage were from rural areas (87%) with suicidal intentions (76.8%). The main route of exposure was oral route (95%). Median delay time and hospitalization period were 3 h and 43 h, respectively.
The most frequent poisons were aluminum phosphide (61.5%), organophosphates (11.5%) and digitalis (4.8%(. 32.7% of patients were hypotensive and 20.3% presented with undetected blood pressure. Mixed metabolic acidosis with respiratory alkalosis was the most frequent arterial blood gases abnormality (40%) and 51.4% of the studied patients died.

Conclusion
The most frequent three poisons that required ICU admission were aluminum phosphide, organophosphates and digitalis respectively. The alarming clinical presentations were hypotension, tachycardia, tachypnea and mixed arterial blood gas abnormality.