bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Screen Time and Mental Well-Being of Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Ganesh Ragul , Singh Swarndeep , Bhargava Rachna , Balhara Yatan Pal Singh 
Published: May 2024

Background and Objectives:
Concerns have been expressed about the possible adverse impact of increased screen time on the psychological well-being of students during the COVID-19 pandemic. The current study aimed to assess the relationship between screen time and mental well-being among college students.

Methods:
This cross-sectional online survey-based study was conducted among Indian college students. Details regarding sociodemographics and the amount and pattern of screen time usage and mental well-being (assessed using World Health Organization Well-Being Index; 5) were collected. Furthermore, personality traits were assessed using a validated questionnaire.

Results:
The final study sample comprised of 731 medical and engineering undergraduate students with a mean age of 20.7 years. The total screen time across different devices among the study participants for both weekdays and weekends was comparable, with a median value of 540 min. Poor mental well-being was significantly associated with higher total screen time (P = 0.03). Furthermore, screen time use predominantly to access social media for noncommunication purposes was associated with significantly lower mental well-being scores (P = 0.03).

Conclusions:
The current study highlights the impact of screen time on the mental well-being of students. The higher total screen time use was associated with poor mental well-being. Various types of screen time could have a differential relation with the mental well-being of students. Increased screen time use predominantly to access social media for noncommunication purposes was associated with a higher risk of poor mental well-being.
Common Barriers and Facilitators of Addiction Treatment among Treatment-Seeking Population
Authors: Chattopadhyay Ankita , Sarkar Siddharth , Mandal Piyali , Sood Esha , Thakur Ankush 
Published: May 2024

Background and Aims:
In the process of treatment for substance use disorders, patients experience many barriers and facilitators related to treatment. This study aimed to ascertain the barriers and facilitators of addiction treatment in treatment-seeking population of patients with substance use disorders.

Methods:
A defined questionnaire was developed on the basis of qualitative work to assess the barriers and facilitators among adult patients with opioid and/or alcohol use disorders seeking care at a dedicated addiction treatment facility.

Results:
We recruited a total of 96 male patients. The mean age of the sample was 30.8 years. The most common barriers were feeling like taking substances when depressed, stressed, or angry; having difficulty while not having substances; and lack of willpower to quit the substances. The most common facilitators of treatment were quitting addiction for a better future (e.g., marriage and children); good response from the doctor; facing the harmful consequences of substance use; having effective medicine and treatment; substance use causing health deterioration; and the need to fulfill family responsibilities. Higher educational attainment and better socioeconomic status were associated with fewer barriers and facilitators of treatment.

Conclusion:
Some barriers and facilitators are endorsed more commonly by patients who seek services for addiction treatment. Efforts are required to minimize the barriers and utilize facilitators so that patients are able to engage in treatment more easily.
Navigating the Challenges Encountered While Dual-task Walking in Real-life Environment by Elderly with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Sunny Sumam , Dave Dhruv 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background and Objectives:
Real-life walking environment comprises various attentionally demanding activities that require intact dual-tasking ability. Dual-task cost is higher in older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) while walking due to the alterations in cognition and gait. However, contextual variations in the familial, social, and environmental conditions also influence walking in real-life environments. There is a scarcity of literature exploring the challenges linked with contextual variations while dual-task walking in real-life environments for older adults with T2DM. Hence, this study aims to identify barriers and facilitators to dual-task walking in real-life environments for T2DM elderly.

Methods:
The study used a phenomenological approach and interviewed older adults with and without T2DM using a semi-structured interview guide. It comprised open-ended questions on walking difficulties in a real-life environment.

Results:
Four themes were identified which comprised individual, social, environmental, and policy-level factors influencing walking. Role transitions within the family, fear, infrastructural impediments, and overprotectiveness of family members were identified as barriers whereas health literacy, positive outlook, occupational demands, and devout engagement in religious participation were identified as facilitators to walking in the elderly. The participants expressed several policy-level challenges, and emphasis was made on outdoor modifications and the need for community programs.

Conclusion:
The findings of this study provide insights into various constructs close to real-life walking environment that needs to be included in dual-task cost evaluation tools and several measures that can be taken at the familial and policy levels to increase the community mobility of older adults with T2DM.
Prevalence of Orofacial Mucormycosis in Coronavirus Disease-2019 Patients: Insights from a Tertiary Care Center in Northern India
Authors: Tarai Bansidhar , Kumar Harinder , Agrawal Sonu Kumari , Sen Poornima , Bhan Romila 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 that is the cause of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is linked to a variety of opportunistic bacterial and fungal coinfections. Orofacial mycoses, fungal infections affecting the oral and facial regions, have recently gained attention as potential complications in individuals with COVID-19.

Materials and Methods:
This study aims to contribute to the understanding of orofacial mucormycosis in the context of COVID-19, particularly focusing on the prevalence among patients in a tertiary care center in Northern India. This study comprised respiratory materials from 255 COVID-19 patients treated at Max Hospital, Saket. The laboratory received specimens for microbiological pneumonia workup culture and molecular detection.

Results:
The most prevalent site for mucormycosis was the rhino-orbital region, accounting for a majority of cases at 58.2%. Following the rhino-orbital region, the involvement extended to the rhino-orbital-cerebral region in a notable proportion of cases. Pulmonary sites were identified as a significant location for mucormycosis, though less frequent compared to the rhino-orbital region. Mucormycosis diagnoses were predominantly made using direct microscopy, with 82.6% (196/255) of patients undergoing this diagnostic method.

Conclusion:
Our study in Northern India revealed a high prevalence of orofacial mucormycosis in middle-aged diabetic males, often with a history of COVID-19 hospitalization and steroid use. Rhizopus spp. were the most common Mucorales identified, with treatment challenges due to antifungal resistance. Molecular tests, such as matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight, are valuable for species identification, emphasizing the need for heightened awareness during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Regarding Dyslipidemia among Adult Patients Visiting Medicine Outpatient Department of a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital in Delhi
Authors: Arun Anamika , Aggarwal Amitesh , Raizada Alpana , Sharma Rahul 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background:
Dyslipidemia, a key risk factor for atherosclerosis, affects 25%–30% of urban and 15%–20% of rural individuals in India, as per the Indian Heart Watch study. Despite its association with cardiovascular diseases, there is insufficient understanding among the public. Given the scarcity of studies on knowledge, attitudes, and practices of dyslipidemia among the Indian population, this study aims to fill that gap.

Materials and Methods:
A cross-sectional observational study was conducted from September 2022 to February 2024. A total of 288 adult patients visiting the medicine outpatient department were included in the study through convenience sampling. A structured questionnaire consisting of 42 questions was designed, pretested, and administered to the participants to assess their knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding dyslipidemia. Data regarding lipid profile tests (total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, and high-density lipoprotein) were collected, and medication adherence was also asked from the patients.

Results:
The study revealed a lack of knowledge, negative attitudes, and poor practices regarding dyslipidemia among the participants. The study included 288 participants with an average age of 40 years, predominantly males (53.1%). The majority of participants lacked knowledge about dyslipidemia (81.9%), with a prevalent misconception identified, with many participants incorrectly associating dyslipidemia exclusively with obesity. Among dyslipidemic patients, medication adherence was suboptimal, with a significant proportion discontinuing medication over time (87.3%). Factors associated with better knowledge of dyslipidemia included younger age, male gender, higher education level, professional occupation, higher income, unmarried status (who tend to be younger), urban residence, absence of comorbidities, and lower body mass index.

Conclusion:
The findings reveal significant gaps in awareness, negative attitudes, and suboptimal practices related to dyslipidemia and its management among the study participants. The majority of participants lacked knowledge about dyslipidemia, with a prevalent misconception associating it primarily with obesity.
Assessing the relationship between health literacy intervention and hypertension self-management: A 7-year systematic review from January 2016 to December 2022
Authors: Bamidele Feyisayo Iyabo , Bello Cecilia Bukola , Akinwale Oladayo Damilola , Falana Mubo Stella 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT
Hypertension (HTN) is one of the most common chronic diseases affecting over 30% of the adult population globally, with a growing incidence rate. This review assesses the relationship between health literacy (HL) intervention and hypertension (HTN) self-management among people with HTN. The study design was a systematic review of empirical research articles using a well-defined strategy. Online journals were accessed through databases such as PubMed, CINAHL, Google Scholar, ProQuest, Global Health, WHOLIS, Embase, and EbscoHost, spanning from January 2016 to December 2022 as the scope of the study. Articles selected for inclusion were those published in English during the specified time frame and adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and Sample, Phenomenon of Interest, Design, Evaluation, Research Type framework for systematic review, focusing on criteria related to the sample, the phenomenon of interest, study design, evaluation, and research type. Out of 180 studies initially identified in the database search, 20 studies were ultimately included in the review. The findings were reported based on these five emerging themes: Relationship between HL and HTN self-management; Effect of HL intervention on HTN self-management; Factors predicting self-care behaviors among HTN patients with low HL; Effect of HL and self-management efficacy on health-related quality of life (HRQoL); and level of self-care practices. This review highlights a relationship between HL, self-efficacy, self-care, and HRQoL, underscoring the necessity for further well-designed intervention studies focused on enhancing HL in individuals with HTN in Nigeria to enhance their quality of life.
Effectiveness of aromatherapy with lavender compared to progressive muscle relaxation on anxiety and vital signs in patients under spinal anesthesia: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Amini Nazanin , Omidvar Safoora , Zamenjani Masoomeh Noruzi , Harorani Mehdi , Modir Hesameddin 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT

Objective:
This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of aromatherapy with lavender essential oil compared to progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) on anxiety and vital signs of patients under spinal anesthesia.

Materials and Methods:
This clinical trial was conducted on 120 spinal anesthesia candidates who were randomly assigned into three groups of 40 including control, PMR (Jacobsen group), and aromatherapy. The state-trait anxiety inventory was completed on surgery day and 15 min after the end of the intervention by the samples of all three groups, and at the same time as completing the questionnaire, vital signs were also measured and recorded.

Results:
The mean score of anxiety after intervention was lower than that before the intervention in the aromatherapy group (P < 0.001). The mean score of anxiety in the aromatherapy group was significantly lower than that in the Jacobsen group (P < 0.001). Moreover, data analysis showed a significant decrease in the mean arterial blood pressure scores of the PMR (P = 008) and aromatherapy (P < 0.001) groups and a statistically significant increase in the mean heart rate scores in the control group (P = 0.002).

Conclusion:
The use of aromatherapy with lavender is more effective than PMR therapy in reducing the anxiety level of patients undergoing spinal anesthesia. Due to the high level of anxiety and its serious effects on the patient’s hemodynamics, aromatherapy with lavender can be used as an easy and cheap method to reduce anxiety in operation rooms.
Study of Clinical, Laboratory Profile, and Outcome of Patients with Acute Pyelonephritis in a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Wani Athar Rashid , Koul Rakesh Kumar , Dar Musaib Ahmad , Farooq Shaika 
Published: May 2024

Aims:
This study aims to study the clinical profile of patients with acute pyelonephritis (APN), yield of urine culture in APN; common causative agents and their antibiotic sensitivity pattern and to study the outcome of patients with APN in terms of mortality, duration of hospital stay, need of intensive care unit (ICU) care and necessitation of urological intervention.

Materials and Methods:
This study was a prospective observational study of patients who were admitted to the Postgraduate Department of General Medicine, Shri Maharaja Hari-Singh Hospital, an associated hospital of Government Medical College Srinagar as clinically suspected cases of APN and then proven radiologically. The study was conducted over a period of 2 years from August 2018 to August 2020 and a total of 200 patients fulfilling the selection criteria were included in the study.

Results:
Classical triad of fever, dysuria, and flank pain was seen in 55% of our patients with fever as the predominant symptom seen in 92% of patients. In our study, 70% were diabetic, 11% had nephrolithiasis, 8% of patients had obstructive uropathy, 7% were immunosuppressed, 3% had indwelling catheters while as 9% were documented cases of chronic kidney disease. Out of all positive urine cultures, 60% were Escherichia coli, 16.6 were Enterococcus, 13.3% were klebsiella, and 10% were Pseudomonas.

Conclusion:
Fever is predominant symptom in APN 23. Diabetes is the most common underlying predisposing condition. Yield of urine culture is very low with E. coli is the predominant organism. USG has less sensitivity for diagnosing APN than CT. The outcome of patients in terms of duration of hospital stay and need of ICU care is poor in diabetic patients. In our study, USG underestimated the cases of APN; detected only 132 out of 184 cases of computed tomography-proven nonemphysematous pyelonephritis and only 8 out of 16 patients of emphysematous pyelonephritis with an overall sensitivity of 70%. In our study, 3% of patients needed ICU care while 46% and 4% develop acute kidney injury and multiple organ dysfunction syndromes, respectively. Eleven percent of patients required urological intervention. Unfortunately, 2 out of 200 patients died during disease in the hospital.
Bioactivities of Osbeckia octandra DC. Extracts
Authors: Vivekanandarajah Saravanan , Shanmugalingam Vinujan , Rajamanoharan Pholtan 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Osbeckia octandra DC. is a small shrub that belongs to the Melastomataceae family. This plant species has been used in Sri Lankan Ayurvedic medicine to treat diabetes, hemorrhoids, hepatitis, ascites, jaundice, other liver disorders, and hyperlipidemia. This work aims to present a comprehensive, systematic review of O. octandra. The electronic databases, including the Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Semantic Scholar, were employed to identify the related published studies of O. octandra up to December 2023. Both in vitro and in vivo studies show that O. octandra has antihepatotoxic activity, immunomodulatory activity, antioxidant activity, cholinesterase inhibitory activity, protease inhibitory activity, and hepatoprotective activity. On the other hand, the phytochemistry of O. octandra is unknown. Furthermore, none of the active compounds have been identified for their reported pharmacological activities. Hence, further in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies should be conducted on extracts, and active compounds should be identified from these extracts. Only limited scientific evidence is available for the ethnopharmacological uses of O. octandra. Therefore, this work provides the basis for carrying out further pharmacological activity research and phytochemistry analyses of this plant species.
Identification and Content Determination of Toxic Alkaloids in Aconitum brachypodum
Authors: Peng Haiyan , Yang Fulin , Luo Yumei , Ma Xiaoxia , Zhou Zhihong 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
The aim of this study was to identify and determine the content of toxic components (diester-type alkaloids) in Aconitum
brachypodum, providing scientific support for the safe clinical use of this medicinal herb and offering a basis for quality control.

Methods:
Acidic water was used to extract the alkaloids from Aconitum
brachypodum, which were then extracted with petroleum ether. Toxic components were separated and extracted with chloroform from the acid water, with the phenolic acidic fractions absorbed by alkaline oxidized alumina. The toxic components were identified by thin-layer chromatography (TLC), and the content was measured by ultraviolet (UV)–visible spectrophotometry.

Results:
A method for special thin-layer identification of toxic components and general determination of total alkaloid content in Aconitum
brachypodum was established. The mean content of toxic diterpenoid alkaloids in Aconitum
brachypodum cultivated in the Dongchuan district of Kunming was approximately 0.30%.

Conclusion:
Selective extraction of toxic alkaloids in Aconitum
brachypodum by chemical methods, identification by TLC, and content determination by UV–visible spectrophotometry can control the toxicity of this herb, guide production, and ensure clinical safety.
The Frequency of Occipital Spurs in Relation to the Cephalic Index: An Anatomorphometric Cone Beam CT Study
Authors: Çağlayan F , Güller H , Öncü E , Kuzey N , Dalcı HLT 
Published: May 2024

Background:
The occipital spur (OS) can be described as an abnormal elongation of the external occipital protuberance (EOP). The cephalic index (CI) refers to the ratio of width to length in any skull.

Aim:
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the frequency and types of OS. It also aimed to determine the mean CI and the distribution of skull types using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). And to determine if there was a relationship between the cephalic index and the presence and types of OS.

Methods:
CBCT scans from 523 patients were included in the study. OSs were classified as type 1 (flat), type 2 (crest), and type 3 (spine). Skull length and width were measured on axial sections and the CI was calculated. Based on the cephalic index (CI), skull types were classified as dolichocephalic (CI < 75), mesocephalic (75 < CI < 80), brachycephalic (80 < CI < 85), and hyperbrachycephalic (CI > 85).

Results:
The most common cranial types in the study group were brachycephalic (44.7%), mesocephalic (28.3%), hyperbrachycephalic (21.2%), and dolichocephalic (5.7%). Regarding the presence of OS, 54.3% of the participants had no OS, 23.1% had flat type, 15.3% had crest type, and 7.2% had spin type OS. There was a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) in the frequency of OS according to skull type.

Conclusion:
This study, the first to evaluate CI and OS using CBCT, concludes that brachycephaly is the most common cranial type. OS is more common in mesocephalic and dolichocephalic skulls, at older ages, and in males.
Effect of Neurostimulator Usage on Block Success in Costoclavicular Block: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Soylu S , Moralar DG , Şehirlioğlu SŞ , Yaman Ü , Türkmen ÜA 
Published: May 2024

Background:The need of a neurostimulator for a successful nerve block was questioned in different block types after ultrasound had become standard.Aim:To determine the effect of neurostimulator use on block success in the costoclavicular block (CCB).Methods:Sixty patients undergoing upper limb surgery were enrolled in the study. Patients using ultrasound and injection pressure manometer were divided as Group USP, and those using ultrasound, injection pressure manometer, and neurostimulator were divided as Group USPN. After block was applied, sensory and motor block levels were measured on a numeric scale. The block was considered successful when the desired score was reached or general anesthesia was not required intraoperatively. The number of successful and unsuccessful blocks for each group was summed up. The successful block rate was compared as the primary objective. Block application time, time to readiness for surgery, the number of needle passes, diaphragm paralysis rate, and complication rate were compared as secondary goals.Results:Block success rate was 90% (27/30) in Group USP and 96.7% (29/30) in Group USPN. There was no statistical difference in terms of block success rate. Block application time was significantly shorter in Group USP (207.2 ± 32.7 s) when compared to Group USPN (280.9 ± 70.1 s). Other secondary outcomes were similar.Conclusion:Neurostimulator use did not affect block success in the CCB. Neurostimulator utilization prolonged block application time explicitly and did not change the complication rate. Ultrasound and injection pressure manometer are sufficient for a safe and successful CCB.