bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of nasal surgeries on olfactory functional outcome
Authors: Varghese Sherin , Aroor Rajeshwary , Goutham Maniyankode Krishnamohan , Saldanha Marina , Bhat Vadisha Srinivasa 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background:
Nasal pathologies can alter the olfactory function there by the quality of life. In this study, we did an olfactory assessment in patients undergoing nasal surgeries, and the preoperative values were compared with the postoperative values.

Objective:
The objective of the study is to assess the role of nasal surgeries on olfactory functions in patients with nasal pathologies.

Materials and Methods:
In total, 70 participants undergoing nasal surgeries were subjected to olfactory function assessment using the Modified I smell test, which comprises olfactory threshold testing and odor identification, and the Numerical Rating Scale. Olfactory assessment was done preoperatively, 4th week and 12th week after the surgery.

Results:
Among 70 cases, 18 were sinonasal polyposis (25.75%), 16 (22.85%) were chronic rhinosinusitis cases, 35 (50%) deviated nasal septum cases and only one (1.4%) bilateral inferior turbinate hypertrophy case. The overall mean preoperative combined olfactory score (COS) value was 16.03 ± 2.55, 18.06 ± 1.68 in the 4th week of the postoperative period, and in the 12th week, it was 17.99 ± 1.83. There was a significant improvement in olfactory function when preoperative COS was compared with postoperative COS in different nasal surgeries. The olfactory impairment in nasal polyposis and chronic rhinosinusitis was more when compared to other nasal pathologies like nasal obstructions due to deviated nasal septum and turbinate hypertrophy. Overall, 91.7% of participants who underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) and 90% of FESS + septoplasty cases showed improvement in olfactory function. Only 50% of septoplasty cases showed improvement.

Conclusion:
Nasal pathologies are more common among men of the age group 21–30 years. Olfactory impairment in nasal polyposis and chronic rhinosinusitis was more compared to other nasal pathologies like nasal obstructions due to deviated nasal septum. FESS significantly improves the olfactory function in chronic rhinosinusitis and sino-nasal polyposis patients.
Maternal mortality due to hepatitis E and hepatitis A virus: A less explored cause of death
Authors: Patil Lalita Y , Charpe Prasad S , Lande Shruti S , Jashnani Kusum D , Dhende Priyanka 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background:
Hepatitis E and A viruses are known to cause acute hepatitis in pregnant females and its manifestations range from inapparent to fulminant hepatitis. Due to low immune status and high steroid hormone levels during pregnancy, women are at high risk of contracting an infection. Pregnancy and risk factors like unhygienic practices and poor living conditions can lead to hepatitis E and A infections, which might complicate to fulminant hepatitis and lead to mortality.

Materials and Methods:
Retrospective study from January 2014 to December 2020 was performed at a tertiary care hospital. Out of 4,202 postmortems performed, 344 were maternal mortality cases, of which 54 were hepatitis E/A/both positive. These 54 cases were studied by correlating clinicopathological, biochemical parameters with gross and histopathological examination of liver.

Results:
Maximum cases belonged to the age group of 18–25 years (33, 61.11%) and mortality was highest in multigravida (30, 55.55%) and maximum mortality occurred in the postpartum period (19, 35.18%). On microscopic examination of hepatitis E/A/both positive 54 cases, 31 deaths (57.40%) were attributable to submassive hepatic necrosis, 16 (29.62%) to massive hepatic necrosis, 3 (5.55%) due to viral hepatitis and 1 each (1.8%) was caused by cerebral edema, liver abscess, bronchopneumonia, and intrapulmonary hemorrhage.

Conclusion:
Hepatitis E and A infection during pregnancy can lead to mortality due to submassive to massive hepatic necrosis. Early diagnosis and preventive measures such as safe water drinking, personal hygiene, and improved living standards can prevent the pregnant women from morbidity and mortality.
Health assessment by using medical astrology principles: A community-based survey
Authors: Bahl Aarti , Patil Akanksha Adhikrao , Deshpande Prasanna R 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background:
Medical astrology is an extended arm of astrology that helps in understanding the association of various parts of the body, diseases, and disorders with the nature of the sun, moon, planets, and the 12 astrological signs. Despite the extensive availability of astrological literature, research conducted in the field of Vedic Medical astrology remains scarce. The study aimed at providing a general health assessment of participants using astrological principles, thereby implementing statistical analysis to prove the association amongst the same.

Objectives:
The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of participants toward medical astrology.

Materials and Methods:
In this prospective, observational study, the Lagna Kundali of the participants was obtained using Astrosage software. The general health of the participants was assessed by implementing medical astrology principles. Thereby, the participants were interviewed for their pre-existing knowledge, level of satisfaction attained, reliability, and willingness to recommend medical astrology using a set of questionnaire. A study score was devised.

Results:
A total of 131 participants were interviewed, counseled, and analyzed. The study population had a slight male predominance (51.90%). The average age distribution of the study was 31 years (±10.99 years). The average score of the study was 12.38 (out of 20). On the basis of score evaluation, 46% of the total participants (59) showed a “good” response towards knowledge, attitude, and practice of medical astrology, whereas the remaining showed poor response. The correlation between the age of the participants and their familiarity with medical astrology principles was found to be significant (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:
The level of satisfaction was found to be very high in the majority of participants. Overall scoring was “good” in nearly half of the participants. We conclude that medicine and astrology, hence, if combined will help medical science and can prove to be a good therapeutic branch in the future. However, a lot of research work should be carried out to ensure advancement of medical astrology.
Abdominal lymphangioma in a child: A case report
Authors: Majumdar Lahari , Jha Shivam K , Mallik Sourav , Halder Pankaj 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Cystic lymphangioma of the mesentery and retroperitoneum is a rare, slow-growing lesion. It produces a variety of symptoms, from an asymptomatic abdominal mass to an acute abdomen. In cases when it is possible, complete surgical excision is the optimum method of treatment. We describe a 5-year-old boy who had a brief history of abdominal pain and distension. Imaging analysis revealed an intraabdominal multiloculated cyst lesion that was likely an omental or hydatid cyst. The patient underwent surgery, and the cyst could be completely excised without any gut resection. The tumor biopsy revealed a cystic lymphangioma.
Awareness of diabetic retinopathy among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus attending Donga Clinic in Francistown, Botswana
Authors: Kgame Tshegofatso , Wu Huiqun , Geng Jinsong 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT

Context:
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) prevalence is steadily increasing in the country and by raising patient awareness, health providers can educate on regular eye exams, stimulate collaboration with experts, enhance monitoring and follow-up, and improve the patient’s overall condition

Aim:
To assess the awareness of diabetic retinopathy (DR) among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) during their new/follow-up visit in a diabetes clinic

Settings and Design:
Patients were given a questionnaire for 4 weeks

Methods and Material:
A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted, and data were analyzed with SPSS

Results:
A total of 160 patients were enrolled (59.08 study was conductedents wite females. 42% had DM duration of less than 5 years. Hypertension was a comorbidity at 83%. Blood sugar control was good among 53%. 96.3% were nonsmokers, 1.9% quit smoking, and 1.9% smoked. 100% believed diabetes may affect their eyes, 83.1% stated eye exams were necessary even when diabetes was well managed, 96.9% believed eye exams were necessary when diabetes was poorly controlled. Majority (43%) felt they should go for eye checkups every 6 months. 75% were unaware of the treatments available for DR. Patients were aware of blindness, cataract, glaucoma, DR, at 63%, 14%, 10%, and 13%, respectively. The primary reason for undergoing eye examination was doctor’s referral at 94%. Healthcare provider was the common source of information on DM complications (79%).

Conclusion:
The need arises to raise DR awareness to increase case detection thus reduce the strain of DR’s sight-threatening complications.
Evaluation of the association between inflammatory markers and the prognosis of Covid-19
Authors: Manjili Danial Amiri , Mohammadnia-Afrozi Mousa , Rostami Ali , Babaei Fatemeh Naghdi , Bayani Masoumeh 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT

Introduction:
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) triggers the immune system and causes changes in the serum level of inflammatory markers such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein, ferritin, interleukin-6, LDH, D-dimer, and procalcitonin (PCT); in this study, we investigate the association between the serum level of inflammatory markers and the prognosis of COVID-19, which included mortality and intensive care unit (ICU) admission of patients

Methods:
This cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 COVID-19 patients hospitalized at Ayatollah Rouhani Hospital, Babol, from March 2020 to March 2021. Demographic indicators and inflammatory markers were recorded in the questionnaire and were investigated based on disease outcome, length of hospitalization, need for non-invasive ventilation (NIV), and need for hospitalization in the ICU and ventilator. Patients who died or were discharged within the first 24 hours of hospitalization (before the test) were excluded from the study. Finally, the data were recorded in SPSS Statistics 26.0 and then analyzed.

Results:
The average age of patients with COVID-19 hospitalized in the hospital was 57.92 ± 16.18. The prevalence of death due to coronavirus disease in hospitalized patients was 8.5%. Besides, 23.5% of patients were hospitalized in the ICU and 28.5% required NIV. Based on the disease’s outcome, a significant difference was found in the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), so the NLR was significantly higher in patients who died due to coronavirus. Moreover, the levels of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), D-dimer, LDH, and PCT in deceased individuals were considerably higher compared to those who recovered.

Conclusion:
NLR, ESR, D-dimer level, LDH, and PCT are among the markers that affect COVID-19 patient outcomes. The increment of any of these markers will lead to an increase in the risk of death and also the need for ICU admission.
Assessment of prescription pattern of under-five diarrhea cases in Western Odisha
Authors: Panda Manasee , Satapathy Sushree Priyadarsini , Bhue Pradip Kumar , Agrawal Anil Kumar , Meher Tushar Kanti 
Published: October 2023

Introduction:
Diarrhea is the second leading cause of death among under-five children. Prescription review by the authorities of the health facilities every month for the improvement of the quality of prescription writing of Medical practitioners is very essentials. With this background, the present study was conducted to assess the prescription patterns of healthcare providers for under-five diarrhea cases and to study the factors responsible for nonadherence to protocol of prescription patterns.

Methodology:
This cross-sectional study was conducted in the health facilities of two aspirational districts of Odisha. All secondary- and tertiary-level health institutions with 2–3 randomly selected PHCs of that blocks of the two districts were the study units. Mixed methods were used for data collection. Primary data were collected by in-depth interview of doctor and pharmacist. Secondary data were collected by review of records such as OPD ticket, IPD ticket, OPD register, dispensing register, and stock registers.

Results:
Of the 64 health facilities visited, a total of 516 prescriptions [217 (42%)] scanned/carbon copy of OPD ticket, 238 (46%) data from register on drug prescription, and 61 (11.8%) IPD record data were collected. Duration of diarrhea illness was not mentioned in any of the prescriptions which is important criteria for classifying the type of diarrhea and treatment. Signs of dehydration and degree of dehydration were mentioned in very few prescriptions of both the district. For the treatment of diarrhea cases, 2 to 4 medicines were prescribed in majority of 146 (67.3%), followed by more than four medicines in 38 (17.5%) prescriptions, and less than two medicines were prescribed in 33 (15.2%) cases. All prescriptions from MCH and SDH had ORS and zinc. Though all of them knew about the management protocol as per IMNCI, to be on the safe onside they used to prescribe more medicines to under-five diarrhea cases. None had the knowledge on five types of management plan.

Conclusion:
For under-five diarrhea cases, care should be taken to write the detail examination finding, weight of the child, associated comorbid condition, and advice on feeding in the prescription.
Pattern of congenital heart defects among children in Jazan Region, Saudi Arabia: A five-year hospital-based study
Authors: Names Abdellh A. , Alqassim Ahmad Y. , Jareebi Mohammad A. , Aldhamdi Mohammed A. , Abutaleb Alaa A. , Alwani Abdulaziz A. , Shami Mohammed O. , Alneel Ghadeer A. , Alhazmi Abdurahman H. , Gohal Hassan M. , Hadad Basel A. , Alaksham Hamad M. 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT

Background:
Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are the leading cause of death and morbidity in children under one year around the world. This study explores the prevalence, patterns, and interventions of congenital heart defects in children in the Jazan region, Saudi Arabia.

Methods:
This was a descriptive cross-sectional study, conducted in the Jazan region, Saudi Arabia. We looked back at all of the CHD patients who went to the two tertiary hospitals in the Jazan region between January 2017 and December 2021 and collected and analyzed their background information and diagnosis.

Results:
During the study period, 1,275 CHD patients aged under 15 years old were identified. A total of 717 (56.24%) were males, while 558 (43.76%) were females. Acyanotic CHDs were the most common, accounting for 79.21% of all cases, while cyanotic CHDs accounted for only 20.79%. Ventricular septal defect (VSD), atrial septal defect (ASD), and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) were the most common acyanotic CHDs, accounting for 35.69%, 24.31%, and 8% of total cases, respectively. The most common cyanotic CHDs were Tetralogy of Fallot (7.14%) and Total Anomalies of Pulmonary Venous Connection (TAPVC) (1.57%). The most common Cath intervention was patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).

Conclusions:
This study’s results are similar to those described in previous studies from around the world, except for the unreported Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA) cases. This kind of information is very important for setting priorities in the Saudi Arabian health sector in light of the National Transformation Program.
Anemia burden in pregnancy and birth outcomes among women receiving antenatal care services from a secondary level hospital in South India: A record review
Authors: Biradar Bhoomika , Arasu Sakthi , Ramesh Naveen 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT

Introduction:
Anaemia in pregnant women is a major public health problem and is associated with adverse outcomes both in pregnant mothers and new-borns. According to NFHS-5, 45.7% of women in urban India were affected by anaemia during their pregnancy. The objectives of this study were to estimate the proportion of pregnant women who were anaemic and its effect on maternal and birth outcomes, and additionally, to assess the various socio-economic factors contributing to anaemia during pregnancy.

Methodology:
Data was collected by reviewing records between December 2018 and December 2021 of 302 pregnant women who had received antenatal care at a secondary level health facility in Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu. The data included details of socio-economic parameters, parity, haemoglobin levels, mode of delivery, pregnancy related complications during the antenatal period and during delivery, including need for blood transfusions in mothers. Birth-related outcomes like miscarriages, intra-uterine death, low birth weight (LBW), need for NICU admission and congenital defects were also analysed. Variables in the study are described as frequencies and proportions. Appropriate tests were used to check for association and a P- value of less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

Results:
The mean age of the women was 24 ± 3.72 years and the mean Haemoglobin level during the first trimester was 10.5 ± 1.12 gm/dl. The proportion of women with anaemia in the first trimester was 174 (57.6%). Among the anaemics, 15 (8.6%) required treatment in the form of injectable iron and 29 (16.7%) required blood transfusion. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) (31.6%) (P < 0.05), preeclampsia (38.9%) (P < 0.02) less among anaemic. Hyperemesis (66.7%) (P = 0.58), risk of miscarriage (57.8%) (P = 0.94), postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) (80.0%) (P = 0.15) was higher in the anaemic group. Adverse Neonatal-related outcomes such as low birth weight babies (52.0%) (P = 0.54), meconium aspiration (72.7%) (P = 0.25) and need for NICU admission (75.0%) (P = 0.25) was higher in babies born to anaemic pregnant women.

Conclusions:
The proportion of anaemic women was 57.6%. There was no significant difference in maternal demographic characteristics or obstetric factors between anaemic and non-anaemic pregnant women. GDM, pre-eclampsia was less prevalent among anaemic women. Hyperemesis, risk of abortion, postpartum haemorrhage and low birth weight (LBW) infants was higher in anaemic pregnancies. The need for providing education regarding iron supplementation and early detection of anaemia during pregnancy should be emphasised to avoid complications.
Coronavirus infection and ABO blood grouping: Correlation or coincidence?
Authors: Bhalchandra Awale R. , Sanjeev Om P. , Chaudhary Rajendra , Sharma Swati , Katharia Rahul , Nath Alok , Singh Chandrakanta , Singh Ratender K. , Mishra Prabhakar K. 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT

Background:
Association between the ABO blood group and patient outcomes in COVID-19 patients is still unexplored. A known association may help to understand possible risks in advance to the management of such COVID-19 patients. The present study was designed to test such association if there is any, between the ABO blood group and the severity of COVID-19 patients.

Methods:
The present hospital-based observational study was conducted at a COVID-19 dedicated tertiary care hospital in North India over a period of six months during the first wave of the pandemic in the country. Five hundred consecutive patients, who tested positive for COVID-19 using RT-PCR on oropharyngeal/nasopharyngeal swabs, admitted to the hospital were included in the study. ABO and Rhesus (Rh) blood grouping was done on leftover hematology blood samples using gel column agglutination technology. Required clinical details of patients including age, gender, clinical symptoms, comorbidities, outcomes, etc., were obtained from the patient’s case sheets.

Results:
The most common blood group was ‘B’ (42.8%) followed by ‘O’ (23.4%), and ‘A’ (22.4%) while the least common was ‘AB’ (11.4%). Rh positive was seen in 96.2% while 3.8% were negative. Baseline characteristics were comparable including length of hospital stay, duration of symptoms, and associated comorbid illnesses. The need for intensive care unit (ICU) admissions (P = 0.05) and intubations (P = 0.20) was similar across all four blood groups. Differences in the severity of COVID-19 disease and mortalities among the groups were non-significant.

Conclusion:
There was no observed association found between the ABO blood group and COVID-19 infection requiring hospitalization, ICU admission, intubation, and outcomes. However, there was a higher proportion of breathlessness and the presence of at least one comorbidity in blood group O as compared to others.
A retrospective study of life skills promotes healthy Internet use among adolescents
Authors: Ramakrishna Satish Kumar , Vranda Mysore Narasimha , Sharma Manoj Kumar , Majhi Gobinda , Gunasekaren Duraimurukan , Cicil Radhakrishna Vasanthra 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT

Background:
Since the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic, studies highlight the augmentation in the use of Internet and smartphone, especially among the adolescents. However, little is known about the effect of technology addiction on adolescent mental health following reopening of the schools.

Aim:
The study aims to assess the level of technology addiction, life skills, and mental health impact among adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic in India

Materials and Methods:
A cross-sectional research was conducted from July 2021 to October 2022. A nonprobability convenience sampling was used to collect the data from 352 adolescents using an Internet addiction test, smartphone addiction scale, life skills scale, and patient health questionnaire.

Results:
More than half of the adolescents were moderately addicted to the Internet and Smartphone. Three-fourth of the adolescents had mild-to-moderate depression. Those with moderate life skills were found to be moderately addicted to the Internet and Smartphone. Religion was found to be associated with Internet addiction. Age, religion, and parental monthly income were significantly associated with smartphone addiction among adolescents. Furthermore, class and life skills were significantly associated with depression among adolescents.

Conclusion:
Early-life skills training can help to prevent dysfunctional Internet use and mental and psychological problems among adolescents in schools and colleges.
Prevalence of self-reported noncommunicable diseases in grassroot-level health worker of Petlad taluka: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Mistry Charvi P. , Bhanderi Dinesh J. 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT

Context:
Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) kill 41 million people each year globally. The financial burden of NCDs, including lifelong and expensive treatment with loss of income, forces many people into poverty. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are an essential group of the workforce in building a healthier society. They must choose a healthy lifestyle to have better health for themselves.

Aim:
To estimate the prevalence of self-reported NCDs in grassroot-level HCWs of Petlad taluka along with the study of various healthcare and lifestyle practices among them

Methods and Material:
In this cross-sectional study, grassroot-level HCWs of Petlad taluka of Anand district were given a self-administered questionnaire, which included their demographic details, their current health status, and health practices followed by them

Statistical Analysis:
The data collected were entered in Microsoft Excel-2019 and analysed by SPSS version 15. Descriptive analysis and univariate analysis were performed.

Results:
NCDs’ prevalence was 10.2%. Hypertension and diabetes were the commonest. Nearly 50% HCWs have their body mass index in a normal range. The majority of them were aware of healthy diet practices and exercise.

Conclusions:
Our study reported a lower prevalence of NCDs than other studies (50%). Dietary practices appear to be healthy, but a significant proportion of them are overweight. The majority of them prefer to consult at a government hospital. Healthy behaviour and practices should be encouraged and maintained in HCWs.