bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A survey on functional constipation and its risk factors in older people in Shahreza, Iran
Authors: Amiri Mina , Hassanzadeh Akbar , Rahimi Majid 
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND:
Functional constipation is prevalent among older people. It has major effects on the quality of life of them, as well as the high costs of treatment. This study investigated functional constipation and risk factors affecting older people living in Shahreza, Iran.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
This cross-sectional study was performed on 200 older people in Shahreza. They were selected by simple random sampling. We used the Rome III Criteria, the Elderly Physical Activity Questionnaire (PASE), and related questions from the SIB system (integrated health system). After completing the questionnaires, the data were analyzed using the mean and standard deviation, Chi-square test, independent-samples t-test, Fisher’s exact test, and Mann–Whitney test.

RESULTS:
The prevalence of functional constipation was 45%. There are significant relationships between functional constipation with dental problems (P = 0.02), intake of fluid (P = 0.001), fruits (P = 0.001), and vegetables (P < 0.001), polypharmacy (P = 0.003), and antidepressants (P = 0.008), history of colon (P = 0.003) and anal (P = 0.001) diseases, stroke or mobility disabilities (P = 0.002), the level of physical activity (P = 0.002), and gender (P = 0.04) in older people living in Shahreza.

CONCLUSIONS:
According to the high prevalence of functional constipation in the studied older people, it is necessary to focus on controlling risk factors and planning to prevent the destructive effects of social restrictions on older people during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
Prevention of White Spot Lesion during Orthodontic Treatment: A Novel Bioactive Glass Nanobioadhesive
Authors: Parihar Ajit , Swaraj Sadhna , Upadhyay Chandan , Nethivalavan Mohana , Maiti Pralay , Vishwakarma Ajit 
Published: March 2024

Objectives:
The objective of this study is to evaluate the ability of the bioactive glass (BAG)-Bonds to inhibit the demineralization surrounding the orthodontic brackets when being exposed to an in vitro caries challenge and also simultaneously evaluate the physical and mechanical properties in order to be accepted as an orthodontic bonding agent.

Materials and Methods:
Preparation of mesoporous bioactive glass (MBG) used an improved sol-gel method, combining with sacrificial liquid template to MBGs with controllable particle size. Tetraethyl orthosilicate, triethyl phosphate, calcium nitrate tetrahydrate, ethanol absolute, ethyl acetate, hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide, deionized water, and ammonium hydroxide were used. The microstructure was analyzed using a field emission gun-based scanning electron microscope (SEM). The debonding and adhesion characteristics were analyzed using an Instron Universal Testing Machine.

Results:
SEM analysis shows that the prepared MBG particles possess spherical morphology with generally uniform size. Novel orthodontic bonding material (BG) provides adequate mechanical and physical properties in order to be accepted as an orthodontic bonding agent since its bond strength both at the time of bonding and after 6 months in simulated salivary conditions is significantly higher than conventional bonding resin (TBXT). The bond strength was also evaluated both initially at the time of bonding as well as 6 months after being kept in simulated salivary conditions.

Conclusion:
These novel adhesives result in reduced demineralization surrounding orthodontic brackets and possess optimal physical and mechanical properties to be accepted as an orthodontic adhesive.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of COVID-19 among the Exposed Frontline Police Workers in Eastern Uttar Pradesh Region: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Singh Jaya , Singh Shruti , Jain Trupti , Raja Dinesh , Chandra Akhilesh , Khairnar Mahesh , Naveen P. G. , Agrawal Rahul 
Published: March 2024

Background:
The world has been hit by an unknown obstacle in the form of the COVID-19 pandemic. India also faced a never seen before situation in trying to contain the spread of COVID-19 by enforcing one of the most stringent lockdowns in the world. The billion-plus population of the country throws a severe challenge at the operational level in enforcing the measures. The frontline workers in these trying times such as the Police, Central Industrial Security Force, health-care workers, volunteers, and essential service workers have done a praiseworthy job under exceptionally hard conditions.

Aim:
The study aimed to investigate the awareness of COVID-19 among the frontline police workers who were posted during lockdown in our state.

Materials and Methods:
A questionnaire comprising 25 questions was randomly distributed among the police personnel who were on COVID-19 duty. The knowledge they had was assembled, assessed, and scrutinized.

Results:
A total of 150 police officers took part in the study. Mean age of 39.91 ± 9.96 years was seen. The majority of them had enough knowledge about the ongoing pandemic and they were seen to be taking good precautions to fight the virus.

Conclusion:
The joint effort of public and the frontline workers was the mainstream reason to bring our country back on track. Police had put their best efforts into controlling the spread of this contagion by maintaining a strict lockdown. They did immensely well and we as citizens should be grateful to them for protecting us from this pandemic.
Effectiveness of Egg Carton Simulation Model as a Method of Teaching Tooth Brushing in School going Children – A Quasi Experimental Study
Authors: Polapala Sugeethika , Praharsh Anakapalli Sai , Reddy L. Vamsi Krishna , Sivakumar Pydi , Nagarjuna Pottem , Pichika Swathi 
Published: March 2024

Background:
The majority of oral diseases, which are among the most common illnesses worldwide, can be avoided. Adequate oral health depends on establishing significant tooth brushing routines to prevent gingivitis and dental caries and controlling the consumption of sugared foods. Elementary schools are a potential target for these interventions to support children in developing healthy behaviors independently. Large scale school-based programs are effective in reducing preventable diseases through cost-effective interventions.

Objectives:
To establish and assess a new activity-based approach for teaching schoolchildren regarding tooth brushing, by using egg cartons as models for teeth.

Materials and Methods:
Two methods of teaching tooth brushing technique to school children of age group of 8–12 years were compared: (i) Conventional method (n = 15): Instructions on study model (ii) egg carton simulation method (n = 15): Hands-on activity on egg cartons as simulated models. The outcome assessed was the plaque index (Silness and Loe, 1964). Gender-wise comparisons were done using a Chi-square test for comparing the categorical variables.

Results:
Plaque scores compared using an independent t-test showed significant improvement in the egg carton group after the teaching sessions (P < 0.01 for the egg carton method).

Conclusion:
The egg carton simulation method is an effective method for plaque removal compared to the conventional approach as there is significant plaque score reduction in children after the teaching session.
Awareness of Patients Regarding Restorative and Endodontic Treatment during COVID-19: A Survey
Authors: Shetty Suneeth , Gupta Maruthi , Ambikatanya U. K. , Maurya M. 
Published: March 2024

Objective:
The aim of the study was to assess the awareness of patients visiting the dental Outpatient Department of JSS Dental College Hospital regarding coronavirus symptoms and their willingness to get dental treatment done during this period.

Materials and Methods:
Five hundred and twenty-five patients in the age group of 25–65 years who reported to the department of conservative dentistry and endodontics during 6 months were assessed for coronavirus symptoms using a questionnaire of descriptive statistics and analysis.

Results:
Patients were willing to undergo treatment during the pandemic (97%).

Conclusion:
Irrespective of the coronavirus, patients seem to be keen to get either their restorative or endodontic treatment done, which shows that the patients are not completely aware of the spread of COVID-19 infection and awareness programs have to be conducted to educate people.
Knowledge and practice skills on home-based urinary catheter care among parents of under-five children with urinary catheter
Authors: Halemani Kurvatteppa , Dhiraaj Sanjay , Kumar Basant , Hussan Saadhat , Pawan Premalata Prerna , Gupta Priyanshi Raviraj 
Published: March 2024

Objectives:The objectives of this study were to assess the knowledge and practice skills on home-based urinary catheter care among parents of under-five children with urinary catheter.Materials and Methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted from June 1, 2021, to September 11, 2021, in a tertiary hospital in north India. Purposive sampling was used to select 50 participants. Three instruments were employed for data collection after fulfilling sample criteria; for baseline information demographic tool, knowledge questionnaires, and a practice checklist. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.Results:On assessment of 50 participants, the majority of parents aged above 30 years (74%). Most of the participants were male (82%), graduated (38%), and working in the private sector (58%). Similarly, two-thirds of participants were residing in a nuclear family (64%) with a single child 32 (64%) and family income <5000 rupees per month (60%). The mean score of knowledge was 1.94 ± 0.81 and that of practice skills was 1.98 ± 0.85 on home-based care. Regression analysis showed that knowledge of parents was significantly associated with qualification (β: 1.821,P= 0.002). Similarly, association of practice skills of parents with gender (β: 1.235,P= 0.050) and qualification (β: 1.889,P = 0.00) was significant.Conclusion:The general findings of our study showed that parents’ education and occupation played a significant role in a child’s care. Parental education and catheter care skills positively affect the child and reduce readmission rates.
Evaluating the influence of a structured nursing protocol on targeted outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: Zaky Mohammed Elsayed , Farghaly Shimaa Magdi , Ramadan Osama Mohamed Elsayed , Abdelkader Rehab M. , Shaban Mostafa 
Published: March 2024

Objective:
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) requires comprehensive management. Structured nursing protocols may enhance outcomes, but evidence is limited. This study evaluated the effect of a structured nursing protocol on RA outcomes.

Materials and Methods:
In this one-group pre-post study, 30 Egyptian RA patients completed assessments before and after a 12-week nursing protocol comprising education, psychosocial support, and self-management promotion. Assessments included clinical evaluation of joint counts, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP) and patient-reported Arthritis Self-Efficacy Scale (ASES), Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).

Results:
The study demonstrated significant improvements in both clinical- and patient-reported outcomes. Joint count decreased from 18.4 ± 4.2 to 14.2 ± 3.8 (P < 0.001), ESR from 30.1 ± 6.8 mm/h to 25.5 ± 6.8 mm/h (P < 0.01), and CRP levels from 15.2 ± 3.6 mg/L to 11.8 ± 2.9 mg/L (P < 0.01) postintervention. Patient-reported outcomes showed a marked increase in ASES score from 140 ± 25 to 170 ± 30 (P < 0.001) and reductions in HAQ from 1.6 ± 0.4 to 1.3 ± 0.3 (P < 0.01), VAS pain score from 7.8 ± 1.7 to 6.2 ± 1.2 (P < 0.001), and HADS anxiety and depression scores from 11 ± 3 to 8 ± 2 (P < 0.05) and 10 ± 2 to 7 ± 1 (P < 0.05), respectively.

Conclusion:
A structured nursing protocol significantly improved clinical disease activity, physical functioning, pain, self-efficacy, and emotional well-being in RA patients. A multifaceted nursing intervention appears beneficial for optimizing RA outcomes.
Longitudinal axis approach versus longitudinal oblique axis approach for ultrasound-guided radial artery cannulation in adult patients: A comparative study
Authors: Kumar Rakesh , Gupta Madhu , Kaushik Parul , Mohanan Shyam , Dabas Manisha 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background and Aims:
Ultrasonography (USG)-guided arterial cannulation is a frequently performed procedure in the operating room and intensive care unit. Conventionally, longitudinal/in-plane and transverse/out-of-plane approaches are used for cannulation. Recently, a longitudinal oblique approach has been described with the advantage of wide visualization area. Hence, the present study was designed to compare the success of USG-guided radial artery cannulation in longitudinal oblique axis (LOA) and longitudinal axis (LA).

Material and Methods:
Seventy patients requiring radial artery cannulation were randomly allocated into two groups: group L (USG-guided radial artery cannulation in LA) and group O (USG-guided radial artery cannulation in LOA). Primary outcome was to assess cannulation success in the first attempt, while the secondary outcomes were to assess the number of attempts, failure rate, total cannulation time, and associated complications.

Results:
First-attempt success was higher in group O (80%) compared to group L (54.3%), with a P value of 0.022. In group L, 31.4% required two attempts and 5.7% had three attempts, while in group O, 14.3% had two attempts and 2.9% required three attempts. Group L failure rate was 8.6%, while it was 2.9% in group O. The mean total cannulation time (sec) for group L was 146.83 ± 89.37 and group O was 63.89 ± 26.277. No complication was observed with group O, while in group L, 9% had hematoma formation.

Conclusion:
The LOA approach for USG-guided radial artery cannulation has higher first-pass success rate, total success rate, and requires less cannulation time compared to the LA approach.
Exploring the Perceptions and Challenges of Teenage Pregnancy and Motherhood with Its Way Forward: A Phenomenological Study among the Tribal Population in a Rural Area of Udaipur, Rajasthan, India
Authors: Sharma Meena , Engti Raktim , Mittal Deepak 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background:
Teenage pregnancy and motherhood are one of the global public health problems. In India, 6.8% of women aged 15–19 years began childbearing between 2019 and 2021 and this is more common in rural areas and socioeconomically disadvantaged states. During the National Family Health Survey-5, it was seen that 4.2% of 15–19 years were already pregnant or had children. Thus, this study aims to explore the various challenges faced by teenage mothers with the barriers in service delivery and solutions to tackling the issue from their perspective.

Materials and Methods:
A qualitative study with a phenomenological approach was conducted from October to November’ 2023 in the tribal hamlets of Udaipur, Rajasthan. In-depth interviews of 21 purposively selected with snowball sampling teenage mothers were conducted. Audio recording and note-taking were done during the interview. Thematic analysis was done

Results:
The teenage mothers were subjected to various types of medical problems, lack of unawareness, lack of parental and spousal support, as well as psychosocial stressors and social constraints as the major challenges being faced. The major themes for its solutions were parental and spousal cooperation, education, and ownership taken by the village head

Conclusion:
Lack of unawareness, medical problems, and familial issues probably due to socioeconomic factors are the major challenges for teenage mothers, whereas the prime solution, as suggested, is parental support and cooperation. Regulation on the sale of alcohol was also cited as a factor in curbing the problems of teenage pregnancy.
Comparison of fungal vs bacterial infections in the medical intensive liver unit: Cause or corollary for high mortality?
Authors: Khan Sarah , Hong Hanna , Bass Stephanie , Wang Yifan , Wang Xiao-Feng , Sims Omar T , Koval Christine E , Kapoor Aanchal , Lindenmeyer Christina C 
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND
Due to development of an immune-dysregulated phenotype, advanced liver disease in all forms predisposes patients to sepsis acquisition, including by opportunistic pathogens such as fungi. Little data exists on fungal infection within a medical intensive liver unit (MILU), particularly in relation to acute on chronic liver failure.
AIM
To investigate the impact of fungal infections among critically ill patients with advanced liver disease, and compare outcomes to those of patients with bacterial infections.
METHODS
From our prospective registry of MILU patients from 2018-2022, we included 27 patients with culture-positive fungal infections and 183 with bacterial infections. We compared outcomes between patients admitted to the MILU with fungal infections to bacterial counterparts. Data was extracted through chart review.
RESULTS
All fungal infections were due to Candida species, and were most frequently blood isolates. Mortality among patients with fungal infections was significantly worse relative to the bacterial cohort (93% vs 52%, P < 0.001). The majority of the fungal cohort developed grade 2 or 3 acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF) (90% vs 64%, P = 0.02). Patients in the fungal cohort had increased use of vasopressors (96% vs 70%, P = 0.04), mechanical ventilation (96% vs 65%, P < 0.001), and dialysis due to acute kidney injury (78% vs 52%, P = 0.014). On MILU admission, the fungal cohort had significantly higher Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (108 vs 91, P = 0.003), Acute Physiology Score (86 vs 65, P = 0.003), and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease-Sodium scores (86 vs 65, P = 0.041). There was no significant difference in the rate of central line use preceding culture (52% vs 40%, P = 0.2). Patients with fungal infection had higher rate of transplant hold placement, and lower rates of transplant; however, differences did not achieve statistical significance.
CONCLUSION
Mortality was worse among patients with fungal infections, likely attributable to severe ACLF development. Prospective studies examining empiric antifungals in severe ACLF and associations between fungal infections and transplant outcomes are critical.
Palliative long-term abdominal drains vs large volume paracenteses for the management of refractory ascites in end-stage liver disease
Authors: Kaur Senamjit , Motta Rodrigo V , Chapman Bryony , Wharton Victoria , Collier Jane D , Saffioti Francesca 
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND
Long-term abdominal drains (LTAD) are a cost-effective palliative measure to manage malignant ascites in the community, but their use in patients with end-stage chronic liver disease and refractory ascites is not routine practice. The safety and cost-effectiveness of LTAD are currently being studied in this setting, with preliminary positive results. We hypothesised that palliative LTAD are as effective and safe as repeat palliative large volume paracentesis (LVP) in patients with cirrhosis and refractory ascites and may offer advantages in patients’ quality of life.
AIM
To compare the effectiveness and safety of palliative LTAD and LVP in refractory ascites secondary to end-stage chronic liver disease.
METHODS
A retrospective, observational cohort study comparing the effectiveness and safety outcomes of palliative LTAD and regular palliative LVP as a treatment for refractory ascites in consecutive patients with end-stage chronic liver disease followed-up at our United Kingdom tertiary centre between 2018 and 2022 was conducted. Fisher’s exact tests and the Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare qualitative and quantitative variables, respectively. Kaplan-Meier survival estimates were generated to stratify time-related outcomes according to the type of drain.
RESULTS
Thirty patients had a total of 35 indwelling abdominal drains and nineteen patients underwent regular LVP. The baseline characteristics were similar between the groups. Prophylactic antibiotics were more frequently prescribed in patients with LTAD (P = 0.012), while the incidence of peritonitis did not differ between the two groups (P = 0.46). The incidence of acute kidney injury (P = 0.014) and ascites/drain-related hospital admissions (P = 0.004) were significantly higher in the LVP group. The overall survival was similar in the two groups (log-rank P = 0.26), but the endpoint-free survival was significantly shorter in the LVP group (P = 0.003, P < 0.001, P = 0.018 for first ascites/drain-related admission, acute kidney injury and drain-related complications, respectively).
CONCLUSION
The use of LTAD in the management of refractory ascites in palliated end-stage liver disease is effective, safe, and may reduce hospital admissions and utilisation of healthcare resources compared to LVP.
Faecaloid like material in the urinary bladder: A radiological finding in a patient with urinary tract fungal bezoar infection
Authors: BAHRIN Abdul Hadi Shamsul , Jamali Ahmad Aizuddin Mohamad , Sayuti Khairil Amir , Haron Juhara , Ismail Zul Khairul Azwadi , Puteh Othman , Daud Mohamed Ashraf Mohamed 
Published: March 2024

Fungal colonization or infection of the urinary tract system is caused by Candida species. Fungal intravesical bezoars, however, are extremely rare. Radiological features may mimic the appearance of emphysematous cystitis, which makes the radiological diagnosis challenging. We present an unusual case of urinary bladder fungal bezoar caused by Candida tropicalis.
ANÁLISE DA PIORA NA QUALIDADE NUTRICIONAL DA POPULAÇÃO BRASILEIRA
Authors: Passos Luiz Marcelo , Silva Glyciane Vieira da , Lima Junior Izaias Nunes de , Krohling Joana Paula Ramos , Dill Thaís Freitas 
Published: March 2024

Neste artigo, o objetivo é promover uma reflexão sobre a relação entre os hábitos alimentares e os alimentos industrializados. Com base na leitura de textos, pretende-se trazer à tona informações pertinetes sobre a influencia alimentar nociva à saúde coletiva, conhecer o processo de identificação de componentes presentes nos alimentos industrializados, evidenciando assim os malefícios de sua ingestão exagerada para nossa saúde. Fatores como inflamação crônica a nível celular muitas vezes induzida por alimentos processados, pobres em nutrientes e ricos em carboidratos refinados e gorduras Trans, desempenham um papel crítico para a saúde humana. O consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados é responsável por aproximadamente 57 mil mortes prematuras de pessoas entre 30 e 69 anos por ano no Brasil. No Brasil, em 2022, a média nacional apontou que 31,2% dos adolescentes estavam com excesso de peso, quase o dobro da média global (18,2%).