bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Tuberculosis Infection among Adults of Thiruvananthapuram District of Kerala as Measured by Interferon Gamma Release Assay – A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Mohan Aparna , Indu P.S. , Nair Sanjeev , Rakesh P.S. , Saradadevi K.L. , Rajahamsan Jyothi 
Published: March 2024

Background:
To achieve the goals of the end tuberculosis (TB) strategy, strategies for management of TB infection (TBI) have to be expanded. The first step to devise policies is to understand the distribution and determinants of TBI in the community. The objectives of the study were to estimate the prevalence of TBI using Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) and its determinants among the adult population of Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala.

Materials and Methods:
A community-based, cross-sectional study using the stratified cluster sampling was carried out among the adults. TBI was detected using IGRA conducted on whole blood sample. Data on determinants were collected using a structured questionnaire by the face-to-face interview. The prevalence of TBI was estimated. Univariate and multivariate analysis was conducted to identify the determinants.

Results:
Age standardized prevalence of TBI among 396 adults was 20.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 16.52–24.48). On adjusting for the possible confounders, increasing age (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.028; 95% CI 1.008–1.048; P = 0.005), history of contact with active TB disease (adjusted OR 7.61; 95% CI 4.43–13.05; P < 0.001), childhood contact (adjusted OR 8.20; 95% CI 3.14–21.41; P < 0.001), and household contact (adjusted OR 10.12; 95% CI 5.39–18.98; P < 0.001) were found to be the determinants of TBI in this population.

Conclusion:
The present study observed that nearly one-fifth of the adult population in the Thiruvananthapuram district has TBI. For the programmatic management, factors such as increasing age and contact history may be considered for the elimination of TBI in the state.
Comparing Three Models of Community-Based Diabetic Retinopathy Screening, Treatment, and Awareness Creation Services in Southern India / South Kerala
Authors: Soman Manoj , Iqbal Sameer , Nizar A. P. Abdul , Nair R. Unnikrishnan 
Published: March 2024

Background:
The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of three models of diabetic retinopathy (DR) screening from an economic perspective and their effectiveness in awareness creation, screening, and ability to deliver treatment.

Materials and Methods:
Analysis of a prospective screening program for diabetes mellitus and DR in South Kerala was done. Three models were created: Model 1: blood screening camp, Model 2: comprehensive eye camp, and Model 3: institution-based screening camp.

Results:
Forty-seven camps were conducted in Model 1, 438 in Model 2, and 18 in Model 3. Of 94,993 people screened, the percentage of diabetes was 17.4. Of the diabetics screened, the percentage of retinopathy was 22.8. Model 1 was most economically viable to detect a large number of new diabetics. Model 2 was more economically challenging but had the best overall pickup rate for new DR patients. Model 3 had a lesser pickup of new DR patients.

Conclusion:
Model 1 is effective in picking up new diabetics but poor for DR screening. Model 3 is cost-efficient with very high DR detection rates. Cost-effective screening activities and service delivery are best achieved through a well-planned Model 2 camp which has the best overall detection rate for DR.
Sharing the Load by One Health
Authors: Airikkala-Otter Ilona , Fröchlich Julia , Porkodi S. , Gibson Andrew , Gamble Luke , Rayner Emma 
Published: March 2024

Background:
India carries the largest national burden for rabies globally. Coordinating large-scale canine rabies elimination programs is challenging, particularly in rural areas, where the majority of human rabies deaths occur. This study evaluated the feasibility of combining canine rabies vaccination with pre-existing animal-health interventions or public health programs in a rural area of India.

Materials and Methods:
Canine rabies vaccination teams collaborated with a bi-annual bovine foot-and-mouth vaccination program coordinated by the Animal Husbandry Department (AH-collaboration) and with a village health program by the Public Health Department (PH-collaboration) in Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu, to vaccinate dogs during the implementation of these government-led health initiatives.

Results:
A total of 251 dogs were vaccinated over 7 days during the AH-collaboration, and 1083 dogs were vaccinated over 15 days during the PH-collaboration. The AH-collaboration achieved a vaccination coverage of 76% based on same-time sighting survey, and 58% based on post-vaccination survey. The PH-collaboration achieved vaccination coverage of 79% based on the same-time survey and 83% based on the post-vaccination survey.

Conclusions:
The integration of mass dog vaccination into existing government sector initiatives may facilitate the scaling up of canine rabies vaccination campaigns.
Compliance for Community-Based Cervical Cancer Screening Program among Women of Age 30–65 Years Residing in Low Socioeconomic Settings of Mumbai, India
Authors: Kulkarni Vasundhara Yalguresh , Mishra Gauravi Ashish , Pimple Sharmila Anil , Shaikh Heena Kauser Aslam , Awasthi Aanchal A 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background:
Low participation in screening and poor follow-up are major challenges in implementing population based screening in developing countries. Determinants of participation in a community-based organized cervical cancer screening program are discussed here.

Objectives:
The objectives were to study factors determining compliance of women for cervical cancer screening in an urban low socioeconomic setting.

Methodology:
Community-based service program was conducted for screening uterine cervix cancers with a visual inspection of the cervix on the application of 5% acetic acid by trained primary health workers. The process involved the selection of clusters, household surveys, health education, and screening of eligible women for uterine cervix cancer. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify determinants of participation in cervical cancer screening.

Results:
A total of 138,383 population were surveyed, of which 21,422 eligible women were contacted and 16,424 (82.50%) complied for screening. According to the results of univariate and multivariate analysis, women belonging to the age group of 30–39 (80.69%), literate women with school level or education up to Senior College (78.97% and 80.86%) (odds ratio [OR], 1.323; P ≤ 0.001) and (OR, 1.402; P ≤ 0.001), belonging to Hindu religion (77.20%), speaking Marathi (77.07%), and with a family history of cancer (81.93%) had higher participation for screening, while women belonging to the Muslim community (73.95%) (OR, 0.743; P ≤ 0.001), speaking other than Marathi and Hindi language (73%) (OR, 0.872; P = 0.017), illiterate women (70.71%), and graduate women (70.78%) had lower participation.

Conclusion:
High compliance can be achieved by providing good-quality health education and setting up of screening clinics in vicinity of participating women.
“Healthy Heart, Healthy You”
Authors: Kannan Radhika , Kiran Pretesh Rohan , Gnanaselvam Nancy Angeline , Mathew Kevin George , Johnson Jewel Christy 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background:
Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality globally. Over 75% of CVD deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.

Objectives:
To assess the 10-year CVD risk among adults aged 30 years and above attending the outpatient department at a Taluk Hospital, Bangalore Urban District, Karnataka.

Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 217 subjects above 30 years of age attending the hospital. They were selected by consecutive sampling and administered a face-validated interview schedule. WHO/ISH CVD risk assessment tool was used to categorize them into four categories of CVD risk. Additional risk factors like alcohol use and smoking were also assessed.

Results:
The mean age of the subjects was 55.7 ± 12.3 years. About 65% of the study population had low risk (<10%), 21.2% had mild risk (10%–20%), 9.7% had moderate risk (20%–30%) and 4.1% had high risk (>30%) according to the World Health Organization/International Society of Hypertension (WHO/ISH) CVD risk assessment tool. In the study population, 4.6% were abusing alcohol as per the CAGE questionnaire.

Conclusion:
The burden of CVD risk among the adults interviewed was high. The WHO/ISH chart is an inexpensive tool that can be used for screening in a regular OPD.
A Cross-sectional Study to Evaluate the Acceptance of Non-pharmacological Interventions to Control Anaemia among Adolescent Girls and Lactating Mothers in a District of Gujarat, India
Authors: Lodhiya Kaushik K. , Brahmbhatt Krutarth R. , Govani Kapil J. , Chhaya Jatin 
Published: March 2024

Background:
To combat Iron deficiency anemia, an innovative pilot project, anemia prevention among adolescent girls and lactating mothers through nonpharmacological measures has been started at few places in Gujarat. To evaluate the acceptability of intervention kits provided to the beneficiaries.

Material and Methods:
A cross-sectional study design where 182 beneficiaries were randomly selected for interview from 12 randomly selected Anganwadi centers of intervention taluka of Junagadh district.

Results:
Information Education and Communication (IEC) material though available was unread by majority of beneficiaries. Iron utensils were used by 65% of beneficiaries for cooking. Only few beneficiaries (7%) daily use the provided moringa powder. Only half of the beneficiaries (53%) had grown some of the crops from the kitchen garden kit provided and knowledge of beneficiaries regarding iron-rich food was satisfactory in less than one-fifth (19%) of them.

Conclusion:
Study results concluded that providing nonpharmacological material is of little use until beneficiaries were properly guided and motivated by regular follow-up visits and addressing their problems; otherwise, it just stands as a mere matter of rock only.
A Hospital Based Study to Access the Usefulness of Using the Combination Regime of the Ferric Carboxy Maltose, Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid as a Treatment of Severe Anemia among Pregnant Women in a Rural Tribal Community of South Gujarat
Authors: Maitri Vayeda , Tushar Desai , Dhiren Modi , Shrey Desai , Gayatri Desai 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Anemia is most common morbidity in pregnancy and micronutrient deficiency is its most common cause in India.

Objective:
It is to assess the beneficiary effects as well as side effects of single parenteral administration of ferric carboxymaltose (FCM), Vitamin B12, and folic acid as treatment of severe anemia during pregnancy.

Methods:
This pre-post intervention study was done from April 2018 to March 2019 at a charitable hospital. 100 pregnant women were treated with one infusion of FCM (1000 mg), along with intramuscular Vitamin B12 (500 mcg) and folic acid (15 mg) followed by daily oral supplementation of iron (100 mg) up to delivery.

Results:
Compared to baseline, absolute increase in hemoglobin was 2.9 g/dl (P < 0.001) and 5.4 g/dl (P < 0.001) after 6 weeks of infusion and at delivery, respectively. 63.9% of women turned nonanemic and none had severe anemia at delivery. No serious side effect was reported and none needed blood transfusion at any time during the study.

Conclusion:
FCM along with Vitamin B12 and folic acid might be considered for treating severe anemia in pregnancy in resource-poor settings.
Root canal dentin wear during final irrigation in endodontic retreatment with passive ultrasonic irrigation and easy clean instruments
Authors: Alves Louise Schmitt , Ormiga Fabiola , de Lima Carolina Oliveira , Lopes Ricardo Tadeu , Gusman Heloisa 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Context:
Complementary procedures have been proposed to improve the endodontic retreatments.

Aim:
The aim of this study was to evaluate, by microcomputed tomography (micro-CT), the dentin wear caused by passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) and easy clean (EC) instruments, when used for the final removal of filling material during endodontic retreatment.

Methods:
Thirty-six mesial roots of the lower first molars were divided into four groups (n = 9), according to the final irrigation and sealer: PUI/AH Plus, EC/AH Plus, PUI/Total Fill (TF), and EC/TF. Canal volume was evaluated, both before and after the final irrigation, by micro-CT analysis. The Kruskal–Wallis test was used to compare the volumes among groups and the paired Wilcoxon test was used to compare the volume values before and after the final irrigation within each group.

Results:
Both complementary cleaning procedures promoted dentin wear that was observed only when the volume was analyzed for each third of the root canal. In the apical third, both instruments showed significant wear, where the use of the EC instrument resulted in greater wear than the PUI, in teeth filled with both AH Plus and TF BC Sealers (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:
Both complementary cleaning procedures promoted dentin wear and must be used cautiously.
In vitro evaluation of the effect of addition of biomaterials to carbamide peroxide on the bleaching efficacy and microhardness of enamel
Authors: Kavoor Sowmya , Ranjini M. A. , Aziz Naval Abdul , Ashok H. K. , Nadig Roopa R. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background and Aim:
Teeth bleaching, although considered safe and conservative, cause microscopic changes in the tooth structure. The aim of this study is to evaluate the bleaching efficacy of carbamide peroxide (CP) bleaching gel when modified with the incorporation of bioactive glass (BG) and hydroxyapatite (HA) and its effect on enamel microhardness.

Materials and Methods:
Forty-five maxillary incisors were decoronated, artificially stained and mounted in acrylic. The samples were divided into three groups of 15 each and subjected to the following bleaching protocol for 8 h/day at 37°C for 2 weeks: Group 1 – 16% CP, Group 2 – CP modified with BG, and Group 3 – CP modified with hydroxyapatite (HA). Spectrophotometric color assessment using CIE L*a*b* system and Vickers microhardness were assessed before and after bleaching. Data were analyzed using Student’s paired t-test and one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post hoc analysis.

Results:
There was a significant change in color (L*a*b*) in all the three groups when compared to the baseline values. However, no significant difference in the total color change (ΔE) was observed between the three groups. Enamel microhardness reduced significantly in the CP group, whereas it increased in the BG and HA group after bleaching. Scanning electron microscopy images of BG and HA groups showed crystalline deposits suggesting mineral deposition.

Conclusion:
Addition of biomaterials can be a beneficial alternative to bleaching with CP alone, considering the increase in microhardness without hindering the bleaching action.
Evaluation of rise in pH and oxygen release at the site of simulated external root resorption cavities using different oxygen-releasing biomaterials: An in vitro study
Authors: Swetha Bollineni , Malini Duvvuri Lakshmi , Mohan T. Murali , Priya B. Devi , Reddy O. Asha , Haripriya G. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Context:
External inflammatory root resorption has rapid onset and progresses aggressively. It leads to cementum loss, which allows communication between the infected pulp and the periodontium through the denuded dentinal tubules. Primary management strategy includes adequate chemomechanical debridement and lesion arrest for which maintaining alkaline pH and aerobic conditions is essential for healing and repair of the resorption defect.

Aims:
The aim of this study is to evaluate rise in pH and oxygen release at the site of simulated external root resorption cavities using different oxygen-releasing biomaterials.

Materials and Methods:
In 40 extracted single-rooted teeth access opening and chemomechanical debridement were done. Cavities simulating resorption defect are prepared on the roots. The samples are divided into four groups (n = 10) based on the biomaterial used. After placing the biomaterial, the root apices were sealed. Half of the samples from each group were tested for oxygen release using dissolved oxygen meter and the other half for rise in pH using pH meter at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days.

Statistical Analysis:
The pH values were analyzed using Friedman 2-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Kruskal–Wallis test. Oxygen release was measured using the two-way and repeated-measures ANOVA.

Results:
Calcium peroxide group showed the highest mean pH and oxygen release than other groups at any given point of time.

Conclusions:
Incorporating oxygen-releasing biomaterials such as calcium peroxide and perfluorodecalin into intracanal medicaments, such as calcium hydroxide, creates an alkaline and oxygen-enriched milieu in the periapical tissues.
Advancements in keratoplasty: Exploring newer techniques and imaging modalities for enhanced surgical outcomes
Authors: Aggarwal Sarita , Kumari Madhu , Bhatnagar Nupur 
Published: March 2024

Abstract:
Keratoplasty, the transplantation of corneal tissue, is a well-established surgical procedure for the treatment of various corneal diseases. Over the years, advancements in keratoplasty techniques have significantly improved surgical outcomes and patient satisfaction. This review article provides an overview of newer techniques and imaging modalities in keratoplasty that have emerged as promising options for corneal transplantation. The article begins with a brief overview of traditional keratoplasty techniques, including penetrating keratoplasty, deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty, Descemet’s stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (EK), and Descemet’s membrane EK. It then delves into the discussion of newer techniques, including femtosecond laser-assisted keratoplasty, Bowman layer transplantation, and the role of anterior segment optical coherence tomography in keratoplasty. This review article aims to provide ophthalmologists with a comprehensive understanding of the newer techniques in keratoplasty, their advantages, limitations, and clinical outcomes. It emphasizes the importance of individualized treatment planning, considering patient-specific factors, and utilizing advanced imaging modalities to optimize surgical outcomes. The incorporation of newer techniques and imaging modalities in keratoplasty has the potential to revolutionize the field, offering improved visual outcomes, reduced complications, and enhanced patient satisfaction. Continued research and technological advancements will further refine these techniques, paving the way for the future of keratoplasty and improving the quality of life for patients with corneal diseases. We evaluate the currently available literature in this article to provide a comprehensive overview of contemporary surgical and imaging methods in ophthalmology to facilitate additional developments in the field of corneal transplantation.
On the Ziv–Merhav theorem beyond Markovianity I
Authors: Barnfield Nicholas , Grondin Raphaël , Pozzoli Gaia , Raquépas Renaud 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
We generalize to a broader class of decoupled measures a result of Ziv and Merhav on universal estimation of the specific cross (or relative) entropy, originally for a pair of multilevel Markov measures. Our generalization focuses on abstract decoupling conditions and covers pairs of suitably regular g-measures and pairs of equilibrium measures arising from the “small space of interactions” in mathematical statistical mechanics.
“Own Foreign Land”: The Transformation of Attitudes Towards the Pre-War Past of the Region in the “Kaliningradskiy Komsomolets” Newspaper During the Perestroika Period
Authors: Saenko Angelina V. 
Published: March 2024

The perestroika-time public discussion about the “white spots” of history in the Kaliningrad region focused on the history of East Prussia, which had previously been under a tacit ban. This article analyzes publications about the pre-war past of the region in the popular youth newspaper “Kaliningradskiy komsomolets” from 1985-1991. It examines the process of changing the regional historical narrative and characterizes the transformation of the historical memory of Kaliningrad residents during the years of perestroika. The paper aims to trace how the “discovery” of East Prussian themes occurred, who promoted the new historical narrative and by what means, and the stages through which the process of “appropriation” of the cultural heritage inherited after the war by the inhabitants of the region went. The study utilized a qualitative-quantitative content analysis method of newspaper texts, conducted with the help of the MAX QDA 2020 program. The results were interpreted using the categories of “Our Own” and “the Other” from B. Wandelfels’ philosophical concept and P. Nora’s “place of memory” one. The paper concludes that by the early 1990s, Kaliningrad society had varied approaches to the “pre-Soviet” period ranging from denial of the significance of the “foreign” and “the Other” heritage to its full acceptance as “one’s own”. The analysis of the content of the publications, including the commemorative practices reflected in the newspaper, shows that the regional historical narrative changed during the years of perestroika. The course of “exorcising the Prussian spirit”, approved immediately after the war, although not completely eradicated, became a marginal phenomenon, while the study, preservation, and utilization of the experience and historical and cultural heritage of the predecessors became the dominant trend in which the press of the glasnost’ era played a significant role.
From Kimono to Big Mac: An Analysis of Russian Internet Queries as a Reflection of Stereotypes Forming Images of the Other
Authors: Aliev Rastyam T. 
Published: March 2024

The study addresses the analysis of the ethnic “Other” images in the stereotypes of Russians, utilizing data from internet searches in Yandex and Google search engines. The primary issue is to understand how frequently encountered queries reflect cultural representations and biases, shaping the collective perception of various ethnic groups. The aim of the article is to analyze and comprehend the dynamics of public opinions and views on various aspects of other cultures, including dietary, vestimentary, and sexual habits. The research focuses on identifying key markers that Russians associate with different ethnicities.
The results demonstrate that the analysis of internet search queries can reflect a comprehensive level of public interest, fears, and apprehensions towards the cultural “Other.” The study provides a detailed view of the various forms of societal response, ranging from interest and curiosity to fears and prejudices. The analysis also revealed significant moments of intensification of interethnic tensions and changes in public discourse, particularly in the context of perceiving and interpreting cultural differences.
The conclusions of the research emphasize the importance of an objective analysis of internet queries for understanding public views and opinions about different ethnic groups. The article will be useful for researchers in the fields of cultural studies, sociology, and for those interested in studying the dynamics of cultural interaction and the perception of the ethnic “Other” in contemporary society.