bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thoracic Tumors in Children and their Long-Term Outcomes
Authors: Patil Neehar , Kadamba Padmalatha S. , Somashekhar Manjiri , Shetty Jeevak , Rama Somashekar A. 
Published: May 2024

Aims:
This study aims to review our experience in children with thoracic tumors managed by different surgical approaches, and to evaluate their long-term outcomes in relation to their functional status and quality of life.

Subjects and Methods:
This is a retrospective study (2011–2021). Children <18 years with tumors of the thorax (lung, mediastinum, and thoracic cage) were included. All included were diagnosed, managed, and followed up based on a departmental protocol. Children alive were followed up annually to monitor the development of chest wall/spinal deformities and assessed regarding their quality of life (Lansky play-performance scale) and pulmonary functions. Information regarding their demography, clinical presentations, diagnosis, treatment administered, outcome, and follow-up details were collated and analyzed.

Results:
Twenty-two children with thoracic tumors were included (2011–2021). Of which, 6/22 are benign and 16/22 are malignant lesions. About 14/22 children are alive on a regular follow-up until 2021, with a mean follow-up of 6 years (benign) and 6.25 years (malignant). About 3/22 children with malignant tumors requiring thoracotomy with rib resections developed scoliosis with a severely restrictive pattern on pulmonary functions, having a mild-to-moderate restriction of play on quality of life grading.

Conclusions:
Early follow-up of children who have undergone various surgical approaches for thoracic tumors based on the quality of life assessment and pulmonary function tests helps in planning early intervention if needed, especially in those who have undergone thoracotomy with rib resections, thereby improving their long-term functional status.
Effect of Cytomegalovirus Infection on Initial Presentation and Overall Prognosis of Biliary Atresia Patients
Authors: Vig Ayushi , Elhence Poonam , Rathod Kirtikumar J. , Nayak Shubhalaxmi , Jadhav Avinash Sukdev , Pathak Manish , Saxena Rahul , Sinha Arvind 
Published: May 2024

Background and Aim:
Biliary atresia is known to have a multifactorial etiology and perinatal infection with hepatotropic viruses such as cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a probable trigger in a subset of patients. The aim of the current study is to evaluate the effects of CMV association of biliary atresia on the initial presentation of patients and their response to Kasai portoenterostomy.

Patients and Methods:
We conducted a retrospective, single-center study on 20 patients of biliary atresia and classified them into two groups based on their CMV immunoglobulin M (IgM) positivity. We compared the age of initial presentation, the liver biochemistry at presentation, immediate and delayed follow-up, rate of jaundice clearance following Kasai portoenterostomy, and histopathology of liver between the two groups. Data were reported in terms of means, and P < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results:
Out of 20 cases of biliary atresia, 60% (n = 12) were CMV IgM positive. Infants with CMV-positive status were noted to be older at presentation (88.5 days [65–150 days] vs. 83 days [45–160 days] P < 0.05) were more jaundiced at presentation (total bilirubin – 13.51 mg/dl [9.09–15.99 mg/dl] vs. 11.83 mg/dl [6.5–13.5 mg/dl] P < 0.05), had higher alkaline phosphatase (751.2 IU/L [387–1951 IU/L] vs. 621.75 IU/L [172–857 IU/L] P < 0.05), higher gamma-glutamyl transferase levels (505.58 IU/L [376–1127 IU/L] vs. 376.75 IU/L [186–624 IU/L] P < 0.05), and had higher incidence of splenomegaly. The rate of resolution of jaundice postKasai portoenterostomy was also evidently less in CMV-positive patients. Four out of 12 patients have bilirubin >2 mg/dl at a 6-month follow-up.

Conclusion:
CMV-associated biliary atresia patients have delayed initial presentation and impaired jaundice clearance postKasai portoenterostomy. The role of antiviral therapy should be studied in this subset of patients.
Comparison of Demographic Profile and Psychological Problems Related to Coronavirus Disease 2019 Outbreak among the General Public (18 Years and Above) in a Northern State of India
Authors: Joseph Jaison , Pareek Bharat , Grover Sandeep , Sharma Sunita , Varkey Biji P. , Sehrawat Tamanna , Kumari Sarita , Parjapat Seema , Saini Sapna 
Published: May 2024

Background:
The psychological impact of the general public during a pandemic is complex and incompletely understood. There is a dearth of studies reporting the psychological problems in the general public during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis in India, including a comparison as per demographic profile.

Materials and Methods:
An online survey was conducted from April 17, to May 1, 2020 using the principles of the snowball recruiting technique. The psychological problems of the potential study subjects were evaluated using the Hindi version of the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4) scale. There were a total of 1826 responses, out of which 391 were excluded from the analysis.

Results:
The mean age of the subjects was 41.95 years (Median = 50, SD = 19.05, range: 18–86 years) and around 45% of respondents were with an age range of 18–39 years. The mean and standard deviation of the PHQ-4 was 1.81 (2.34), and the overall prevalence of psychological problems was 30% as per the cutoff of PHQ-4. The estimates of anxiety and depression among study subjects were 11% (158/1435) and 16.1% (232/1435), respectively. Younger age, female gender, unmarried, and rural residential status were significantly associated with increased psychological problems in this setting.

Conclusion:
The psychological response to the COVID-19 varies with sociodemographic status, and about one-third of the people reported having psychological problems in the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in this setting. There is a need to expand the mental health services to each stratum of the society with a focus to provide personalized care as per the sociodemographic profile.
Stress, Mental Health, and Resilience during the COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown
Authors: Sahithya B. R. , Kashyap Rithvik S. , Roopesh B. N. 
Published: May 2024

Background:
The recent COVID-19 pandemic has induced a considerable degree of fear, worry, and concern in the population at large. Drastic changes in daily lives as a result of lockdown may expose individuals to high stress levels, which might make them vulnerable to mental health issues. It is important to identify and understand these difficulties, which can help mental health professionals and policy makers address these issues.

Aim:
The present study aimed to screen mental health problems and to gain insight into resilience among Indians during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.

Materials and Methods:
The study was cross sectional, using online survey method. Sociodemographic datasheet, a self-designed questionnaire, Patient Health Questionnaire and Brief Resilience Scale were entered into Google Form, and was sent using E-mails and WhatsApp to the personal contacts of the investigators. The link was also posted in social media groups. The participants were requested to complete the survey and then forward the link to their contacts. Inclusion criteria laid for the study included English speaking males and females, 18 years or older, and living in India. A total of 348 individuals filled in the forms, of which 327 were complete and included for analysis.

Results:
Fifty percent of the participants surveyed had symptoms of common mental disorders. Thirty-three percent had elevated scores needing diagnostic evaluation for somatoform disorder, 33% for generalized anxiety disorder, and 35% for depression. 8% reported developing interpersonal difficulties with family members, 17% reported financial stress, 23.5% were worried about job loss, and 35% found the lockdown very stressful. Elevated scores on patient health questionnaire-somatic, anxiety, and depressive symptoms were associated with financial stressors, worries about job loss, and lockdown stress. Ten percent of the participants indicated a need to talk to psychologist, and 40% were not aware of tele counselling facilities. Higher resilience was associated with lower odds of developing psychiatric symptoms.

Conclusion:
The results offer preliminary data-based insight into the impact of the lockdown, and are suggestive of increased stress and mental health liabilities. Fostering resilience may be critical to prevent or reduce mental health problems in general population during the pandemic.
Systematic Review
Authors: Sarkar Siddharth , Tom Ashlyn , Das Sauvik , Bharadwaj Balaji , Ghosh Abhishek 
Published: May 2024

Background and Aims:
Relapse is a major clinical concern in alcohol use disorders. The magnitude of the problem, poor access and availability of treatment, and changing social milieu placed India in a challenging position. This was a systematic review of Indian studies on rates and determinants of relapse to alcohol.

Methods:
Systematic search (January 1980–May 2020) was carried out on PubMed and Google Scholar to select studies that presented either rates or predictors (or both) to alcohol. Relapse was broadly defined based on the characterization in the included articles. We adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses standard for reporting systematic reviews.

Results:
Thirty-six studies were selected for the qualitative synthesis from the 68 studies. In the pooled sample of 2481 participants, the relapse rate ranged from 3.4% to 90%. The study duration varied from 1 to 36 months. Results suggested that the rates were overall higher in the observational than interventional studies and in studies from states with community prevalence of alcohol use >15% than in those <10%. There was significant heterogeneity among studies. Risk factors of relapse identified were demographic (e.g., younger age), psychological (e.g., craving), situational (e.g., peer influence), stressful life situations (e.g., financial problems), and family history of alcohol use.

Conclusion:
Relapse is likely in a substantial proportion of participants. Addressing the risk factors might help in delaying relapse. Future studies could concentrate on inclusive study design and robust methodology, to examine and understand the rates and risk factors of relapse.
Utilization of Telepsychiatry Network Services during COVID-19: A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Sidana Ajeet , Goel Vibha , Sharma Sanya , Kaur Gurneet 
Published: May 2024

Background:
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of the individuals and treatment seekers has been immense. Telepsychiatry services were thus undertaken to continue the availability of services and maintain follow-up to reduce in-person outpatient visits.

Aims and Objectives:
(1) To study the sociodemographic and clinical variables of telepsychiatry service users and (2) To assess the compliance to telepsychiatry services in outpatient practice during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Materials and Methods:
The case details including sociodemographic variables and clinical variables of telepsychiatry service users from June 1, 2020, to May 31, 2021, were collected from the telemedicine pro forma approved by the institute. A comparison was drawn between the diagnosis of individuals seeking psychiatric help for the first time and old follow-up patients. The overall improvement and number of follow-ups were also analyzed. The data collected were tabulated and analyzed as per coding system using statistical analysis system software.

Results:
The data were analyzed and were studied retrospectively for a total of 300 patients. More patients were in the age group of 18–30 years (35.7%), males (70.3%), and were from an urban background (87.3%). The predominant reason for consultation was renewal of prescriptions (53.66%). Patients with International Classification of Disease diagnoses of F10–19, F30–39, and F40–49 were proportionately high. The maximum number of patients were followed up on 3–6 occasions (49.16%). 86.6% of the patients showed a significant improvement.

Conclusion:
The study concludes that telepsychiatry is very useful as a mode of treatment and its significant role in the enrollment of new patients with mental health issues as well as continuing follow-up, especially when physical consultations are difficult.
A Survey Study between Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome and Pregnant Women, Health Promotion Program
Authors: Kadhim Makki H. 
Published: May 2024

Background:
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a disease affecting the human immune system; it is caused by a virus that reduces the effectiveness of the immune system of the body to the extent that it is no longer able to fight a simple infection. The health promotion program is an important option in preventing the disease by raising the level of knowledge and information of the individual.

Objectives:
To determine the level of the pregnant women's knowledge about AIDS as well as to identify the effectiveness of the health promotion program on the knowledge and information of the pregnant women toward the disease and the relationship with some relevant variables.

Materials and Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted in Babylon/Al-Hashimiya district from September 20, 2020 to December 30, 2020. Data were collected from five health centers at Al-Hashimiya Health Sector (health centers in Al-Madhatiya, Khakan, Al-Qassim, Al-Ghazalli, and Al-Awadil), by using a special questionnaire designed for this purpose. Simple random sampling was used for the study; 300 pregnant women served as the participants attending health centers.

Results:
Result shows the majority of the pregnant women (123, 41%) were registered at age 25–29 years. With regard to education, 111 (37%) of the participants in the study sample were at secondary level of education, and about 202 (67.3%) of the participants were housewives. Regarding residency, 169 (56.3%) of the women participants were reported to be in urban areas. In addition, an analysis of the results by the “chi-square” test had reported a high significant association (P ≤ 0.01) between pregnant women's knowledge and basic sources of the information and the knowledge during the pretest and posttest period, with some factors related to the effectiveness of the health promotion program being achieved by success in the field of health promotion (15.7%) during two periods.

Conclusions:
In the present study, knowledge of pregnant women about HIV/AIDS was intermediate at (pretest) period. Whereas, during the (posttest) period, their knowledge was increased to high levels.
Oral Health–Related Quality of Life among Dental Implant Patients in Relation to Temporomandibular Joint Function
Authors: Ali Rihab Abdul , Radeef Saif Mohammed , Mohammed Nawres Bahaa , Diab Ban Sahib 
Published: May 2024

Background:
The placement of dental implants may enhance the oral health–related quality of life, which may influence temporomandibular joint function.

Aim:
The purpose of this study was to compare dental implant patients with partially and fully dentate patients in terms of oral health–related quality of life related to temporomandibular joint function.

Materials and Methods:
Ninety dental implant patients aged 50–60 years were included in the study, with 90 patients from other two groups who were matched in age and gender. For evaluation of oral health–related quality of life, Arabic version of Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index was utilized. In order to define the occurrence and severity of temporomandibular joint disorders among patients, Helkimo Clinical Dysfunction Index was used. To analyze the data, SPSS 22 (Chicago, IL, USA) was employed.

Results:
Data revealed that the mean values of oral health–related quality of life and its three domains were higher among the fully dentate group than the other groups with a statistically significant difference. A similar picture was observed regarding the temporomandibular joint function. The mean values of oral health–related quality of life were decreasing significantly with increasing severity of temporomandibular disorders among the partially edentulous group. The same figure found concerning the three domains; however, the significant decreasing was found for physical domain only.

Conclusion:
After receiving oral implant therapy, the quality of life in relation to dental health had increased. The temporomandibular problems have an adverse effect on the dental health.
Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B and C Viruses among Diabetes Mellitus Patients in Duhok Province
Authors: Abdulkareem Yasen Rashad , Shaikho Sabri Khalaf 
Published: May 2024

Background and Objective:
Patients with diabetes mellitus are at high risk of developing hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections owing to frequent hospitalization and blood investigations. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HBV and HCV infections among diabetes mellitus (DM) patients in Duhok.

Materials and Methods:
In this cross-sectional study, a total of 200 patients with DM type 1 and 2 were included. Patients’ serum samples were obtained to study HBsAg, and anti-HCV assays were done by the enzyme immunoassay method. Patients diagnosed to be positive for HBsAg and anti-HCV were referred to the infectious diseases unit for further evaluation.

Results:
The mean age of patients was 53.33 ± 11.25 years (mean±SD). More than two-thirds of them (70.0%) were females. The crude prevalence rates of HBV and HCV in patients with T2DM were 1.5% and 1.0%, respectively. The diabetes-specific seroprevalence of infection with HBV and HCV was 1.5% and 1.0%, respectively. The study did not show that baseline and clinical characteristics are related to developing viral hepatitis infection in diabetic patients.

Conclusion:
The study showed a very low seroprevalence of HBsAg and anti-HCV infection in type 2 diabetic patients with no relationship with clinical information.
Accuracy of C-Reactive Protein and Procalcitonin in Differentiating between Complicated and Non-complicated Acute Appendicitis Patients in Babylon Province
Authors: Al Sehlany Raad Gazy , Al-Gazally Moaed E. , Alshalah Mohend A. N. 
Published: May 2024

Background:
Clinical care may be influenced by the ability to predict whether a patient has complicated appendicitis at the time of presentation. However, it is unclear whether prehospital or in-hospital factors are associated with complicated appendicitis. We also want to know if C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) can be used as supporting factors for Alvarado Score associated with complex appendicitis.

Objectives:
The aim of this study is to know the possibility of adding CRP and PCT to support the diagnostic protocol for differentiating between complicated acute appendicitis and noncomplicated acute appendicitis by knowing the sensitivity and specificity of each of them, as well as knowing which is more acceptable to add to the diagnostic protocol.

Materials and Methods:
A cross-sectional study was carried out in the Emergency Unit at AL-Hilla Teaching Hospital in Babylon province, Hilla city, between October 2021 and January 2022. There were a total of 90 patients; CRP and PCT were measured for patients by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method, in addition to knowing their Alvarado score. SPSS software was used to conduct the statistical analysis.

Results:
At the time of surgery, 34 (40%) of the 90 patients had complicated appendicitis, whereas 54 (60%) without complication. The age and gender of the groups did not show any significant difference. The Alvarado score, CRP, and PCT levels all showed a significant difference (P < 0.05). The correlation between Alvarado score and biochemical parameters (CRP and PCT) show a significant positive correlation.

Conclusions:
CRP and PCT support Alvarado score to differentiate between complicated acute appendicitis and noncomplicated acute appendicitis, and this is evident from the significantly higher concentrations of both in patients with complicated acute appendicitis than in patients with noncomplicated acute appendicitis.
Assessment of the Serum Level of IL-1B, IL-2, and IL-10 in Children Infected with Enterobius vermicularis in Babylon Province
Authors: AL-Bairmani Aseel Sekar Naji , Al-Masoudi Hayam Khalis 
Published: May 2024

Background:
Children are most frequently infected with Enterobius vermicularis, a human-pathogenic intestinal parasite that belongs to the nematodes and causes enterobiasis.

Objectives:
Evaluation of interleukin (IL)-1B and IL-2 levels in pinworm-infected youngsters is the goal.

Materials and Methods:
A total of 87 children—including 30 control subjects—participated in this study. Their ages ranged from 2 to 13 years old, and both sexes (50 females and 37 males) were represented. IL-1B, IL-2, and IL-10 levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test.

Results:
When using the cellophane tape method, the results showed that 53 (60.92%) clinically infected patients had laboratory examinations, whereas all 87 (100.0%) clinically infected patients had positive diagnostic results. Additionally, the level of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1B and IL-2) was slightly higher in the intestinal E. vermicularis, a human-pathogenic organism shown to be somewhat more prevalent in patients than in the control group in this investigation. Thirty children participated in the study. Additionally, the level of IL-10 did not increase much (P = 0.005).

Conclusion:
There was increasing serum of IL-1B, IL-2, and IL-10 in patients with enterobiasis.
The Impact of Chitosan and Ozonated Water on the Remineralization of White Spot Lesion In Vitro
Authors: Al-Ward Fatima Saeed J. , Radhi Nada Jafer M. H. 
Published: May 2024

Background:
Dental caries is a complex, dynamical process that is controlled and initiated by a variety of variables.

Objective:
This study aimed to examine the ex-vivo remineralization impact of chitosan pretreated with ozonated water on artificially-induced incipient lesion.

Materials and Methods:
Artificial white spot caries was produced chemically by immersing 44 human teeth individually in demineralizing solution for 72 hours. Then the teeth were subjected to a 10-day pH cycle. Samples were assigned to four groups: (1) Control; (2) Chitosan (3) Ozonated water and (4) Chitosan application after treatment with 0.1 mg/ml ozonated water. Surface microhardness measurements were performed prior and after lesion formation then after treatment. Vickers microhardness tester and scanning electron microscope for representative teeth from the study sample were performed to assess enamel structure quantitatively and qualitatively.

Results:
The study’s findings showed that the sample from group 4 (chitosan after ozonated water treatment) had the highest level of enamel remineralization, and when compared to the control, there was a statistically significant difference(P<0.05).

Conclusion:
It could be stated that the combination of treatment of chitosan and ozone promoted the remineralization of artificially induced white spot lesion.