bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Squalor in Migrant Colonies of Thiruvalla Province of Kerala, India using Rapid Survey Technique
Authors: Cherian Koshy M. , Samuel Johnson Abel K. , Chacko Avira , Babu Bichu P. , Joseph Marina Rajan , David Alice , Varghese Sangeetha M. 
Published: January 2024

Background:
Domestic squalor refers to households that are extremely cluttered, in a filthy condition, and where the accumulation of items such as personal possessions, rubbish, excrement and decomposing food creates an environment that jeopardizes the health and wellbeing of the occupant(s). In India, an estimated 258 million are migrants. They are more likely to live in squalor due to inferior socio-economic status and no permanent residence. This poses a threat to the health of the migrants and the neighbors.

Objective:
To assess the squalor and morbidity pattern among the migrants of Migrant colonies in Thiruvalla using Rapid survey technique.

Methodology:
The state of squalor in migrant colonies was assessed by Lot Quality Assurance Sampling Methodology using the Environment Cleanliness and Clutter Scale (ECCS). The sample size for each lot/colony was '14' dwellings according to LQAS table. The details were collected from 14 inhabitants of different dwellings of the same colony. The inhabitants were selected randomly and were excluded if he belonged to the same dwelling. Fifteen colonies were randomly selected to achieve the sample size of 210 (15*14). The study was done in Tiruvalla municipality.

Results and Conclusion:
Only two colonies (n = 15) were squalor free. Majority of the dwellings (n = 210) were having an ECCS score between 13 and 15. Common ailments affecting migrants include Common cold, Skin disorders, and dental caries and gastritis. Squalor was found in most of the migrant colonies as they are living in inhuman conditions.
Clinical Epidemiology and Predictors of Outcome in Chlorpyrifos Poisoning in Farming and Allied Agricultural Workers in East Godavari, Andhra Pradesh
Authors: Acharya Anand , Panda Abinash 
Published: January 2024

Background:
Chlorpyrifos is the ninth most consumed pesticide for agricultural purposes in India. It is a chlorinated organophosphate that also causes poisoning in non-target species such as humans. There is a scarcity of published literature on chlorpyrifos intoxication in the Indian scenario.

Objective:
The objective of the study was to find out the clinical epidemiology and factors influencing the outcome of chlorpyrifos poisoning in the farming and allied agricultural workers.

Methodology:
The patient record-based cross-sectional study was carried out on 40 confirmed cases of chlorpyrifos poisoning in a tertiary care teaching hospital in East Godavari district, a predominantly agrarian region in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Clinic-demographic profile, aspects of poisoning, outcome in terms of recovery, death, ventilator support were obtained. Mortality or requirement of ventilator support was classified as a bad outcome. Carlsons’ Co-morbidity Index, Poison Severity Score, and Glasgow Coma Scale score at the time of admission were assessed objectively. The strength of association between the predictor variables and the outcome was represented using the odds ratio. Statistical analysis was performed using Graph Pad Prism 8.0 trial version.

Results:
Chlorpyrifos poisoning constituted about 10% of pesticide poisoning and 25% of such cases had a poor outcome. The mean age was 44.73 ± 10.76 years, the majority being farmers. Younger age (<40 years), early reporting to hospital, Carlsons’ Co-morbidity Index of less than 8, Glasgow Coma Scale score of more than 12, and Poison severity score of less than 2 were significantly associated with favorable outcome (P < 0.005). During admission, 60% of cases had a plasma pseudocholinesterase level of less than 1000 U/L. Lower plasma pseudocholinesterase was associated with a poor outcome (OR 9.62 CI 4.05-22.84).

Conclusions:
Farmers and allied agricultural workers are susceptible to chlorpyrifos intoxication. Along with clinical and laboratory parameters, Carlsons’ Co-morbidity Index, Glasgow Coma Scale score, and Poison severity score at the time of admission are seen as reliable predictors of outcome.
Geographical Information System–Aided Noise Pollution Mapping of Urban Puducherry, South India
Authors: Devasia James T. , Thulasingam Mahalakshmy , Lakshminarayanan Subitha , Naik Bijaya N. , Shanmugavelu Sabesan , Raju Hari K. , Premarajan KC 
Published: January 2024

Context:
Noise pollution and its influence on environmental and quality of human life are a major concern and hot topic of scientific research in the twenty-first century.

Aims:
Spatial analysis of noise pollution in urban Puducherry, South India.

Settings and Design:
Cross-sectional study conducted in 36 locations of urban Puducherry.

Methods and Material:
Noise measurements were taken using a calibrated NOR 132 digital sound level meter using the prescribed parameters set by the Central Pollution Control Board. Geo coordinates were taken using Garmin Oregon 550 GPS. Noise measurements were classified according to the Bureau of Indian Standards for town planning into five zones.

Statistical Analysis Used:
Noise pollution map of urban Puducherry for three time points of the day was generated using ArcGIS Desktop v10.3 with Geo-statistical module and Inverse Distance method.

Results:
Seventeen percent of the sites are high noise sources (80–90 dB), two thirds (65%) of the study sites fall into concentrated average noise zones (70–80 dB), and less than one fifth (18%) of the study sites are in relatively quiet zones across different measurement time slots.

Conclusions:
Long-term strategy for noise control should be incorporated in the development of new townships and other infrastructures in accordance with the noise control norms. Implications for future research include monitoring noise pollution levels in rural areas and health effects of noise pollution in bystanders and drivers.
Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders and Quality of Life Among Staff Nurses in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Bangalore
Authors: Chandralekha Kona , Joseph Merlyn , Joseph Bobby 
Published: January 2024

Background:
Work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD) is a collective and descriptive term used for the symptoms caused or aggravated by work. Significant WMSDs can affect the productivity and Quality of Life (QOL) of nurses. This study was undertaken to estimate the prevalence of WMSDs, identify their risk factors, and find the association, if any. This study also assessed the quality of life of nurses and its association with WMSDs.

Methods:
This cross-sectional study was conducted among 207 staff nurses at a tertiary care hospital in Bangalore for a period of 7 months (June-2018 to Dec-2018). The nurses were stratified based on their parent department into three broad categories – Medical, Surgical, and Operation Theatre. Stratified random sampling was followed to obtain the required number of nurses from each stratum. Data was collected using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire, Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), clinical examination tests, and WHOQOL-BREF.

Results:
The annual prevalence of WMSDs among the study subjects using NMQ was 168 (81.2%). The prevalence of WMSDs based on clinical examination tests was 67 (32.4%). Repetitive movements at work (OR 9.3, 95% CI 3.4-25.7), working in abnormal postures for prolonged periods (OR 4.7, 95% CI 1.7-12.9), and working even when sick (OR 5.3, 95% CI 2.0-14.1) were the risk factors for WMSDs (P < 0.05). No significant association was found between reported WMSDs (according to NMQ) and QOL.

Conclusion:
Our study found that the prevalence of WMSDs was high among the staff nurses and it did not affect their QOL significantly. Workshops and training sessions on ergonomics should be regularly conducted at the workplace to prevent WMSDs.
Health of Farming Communities Prior to Modification of the Occupational Environment through a Watershed Development Project in Kolar, India
Authors: Pradyumna Adithya , Farnham Andrea , Utzinger Jürg , Winkler Mirko S. 
Published: January 2024

Background:
Watershed development (WSD) projects, aimed primarily at enhancing soil and water conservation and supporting livelihoods in semi-arid areas, have the potential to impact health by modifying the occupational and household environments in agrarian communities. To identify and address potential health concerns arising from a planned WSD project in Kolar district, India, a health impact assessment (HIA) was conducted. This necessitated understanding the health status and concerns in the project villages.

Objective:
To characterize the health of farmers and their household members in close proximity of the planned WSD project.

Methods:
We carried out a cross-sectional survey between April and July 2019. The study comprised: (i) a household survey covering the four project villages and two comparison villages (e.g. socio-demographic characteristics, occurrence of vector-borne diseases (VBDs), access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene, and utilization of healthcare); and (ii) an anthropometric survey for children under the age of 5 years in the four project villages and four comparison villages.

Results:
Respondents (n = 333) reported household-level occurrences of VBDs (chikungunya, 3.3%; and dengue, 1.5%), consuming unsafe water (54.5%) and frequent pesticide application in fields (26.7%). The prevalence of child underweight was 23.8%.

Conclusions:
VBDs, poor water quality and child undernutrition were found to be important local health concerns, amenable for preventive and promotive measures through the planned WSD project. Occupational environments in agricultural settings affect the workers and their households, and comprehensive projects such as WSD can seize the opportunity for improving health of farming and other rural households.
A Study of the Effectiveness of Workplace Health and Safety Programmes in a University Setting in Canada
Authors: Hoque Zakia , Gadag Veeresh , Sarkar Atanu 
Published: January 2024

Introduction:
Nearly a quarter-million people work in universities in Canada, making it one of the fastest-growing sectors. Although each university provides occupational health and safety services and training programmes to their employees, there have been no studies conducted on the impact of such programmes on employees’ knowledge, attitude and behaviour. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of dissemination of information of workplace health and safety programmes to workers at a Canadian university.

Methods:
The study compared two cross-sectional online surveys of employees of a Canadian university regarding workplace health and safety with a previously conducted cross-sectional study and thematic analysis of key informant interviews to address the issues raised in the surveys.

Results:
Participation in health and safety presentations could enhance understanding and practices of safety. Age, employment status and duration of employment were associated with the levels of knowledge, attitudes and behaviour of employees and graduate students. The key informant interviews highlighted some new initiatives such as the establishment of workplace health and safety committees in all university buildings; the development of a safety app and health and safety management system; routine annual inspections of all university building offices and laboratories; new orientation for undergraduate students where general safety rules are described.

Discussion:
University should have regular presentations on the available health and safety programmes and should increase the number of safety training programmes and keep track of the employees that have not received any training, particularly for those working in hazardous environments.
Assessment of Occupational Noise Generation and Associated Noise-Induced Hearing Loss among Employees of a Black Tea Processing Factory in Darjeeling District, India
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Alapan , Ghosal Rishav , Dasgupta Pallabi , Mukherjee Abhijit 
Published: January 2024

Introduction:
Exposure to high levels of noise is a problem among tea factory workers worldwide, but it is poorly studied in India.

Aims:
This study aimed to assess noise generation in various parts of a black tea factory and find out prevalence of occupational noise-induced hearing loss (ONIHL) and its determinants among employees.

Materials and Methods:
An observational cross-sectional study was performed in a black tea processing factory of Darjeeling District. Noise levels and exposure data at different parts of the factory were measured using a sound level meter. Participant characteristics were obtained using a questionnaire and noise-induced hearing loss data obtained by audiometry. A sound map was generated based on noise exposure data and a multivariable logistic regression performed to assess determinants of ONIHL.

Results:
Sound pressure levels ranged from 58.7 to 90.3 dBA, with the highest levels in the crushing–tearing–curling (CTC) room. Noise exposure of workers was the highest during curling process and the lowest during packaging in the packing room. The prevalence of ONIHL was found to be 28.3%, most of which were of moderate degree, and the highest prevalence was among CTC room workers. Multivariable analysis showed significant association only between daily noise exposure and the presence of ONIHL (AOR 1.68, P value = 0.018). None of the study participants used any hearing protection equipment during work.

Conclusions:
Generation of high levels of noise is a pertinent problem in the black tea factory, which, coupled with non-use of personal protective equipment, led to a high risk and prevalence of ONIHL.
Occupational factors associated with long-term abstinence among persons treated for alcohol dependence
Authors: Ezhumalai Sinu , Muralidhar D. , Murthy Pratima 
Published: January 2024

Background:
Several studies have examined the occupational factors associated with alcohol use and dependence. However, there are very few studies that investigated the role of occupational factors associated with long-term abstinence among persons treated for alcohol dependence in India.

Aim:
To examine the occupational factors associated with long-term abstinence among persons treated for alcohol dependence.

Methods:
Sixty in-patients treated for alcohol dependence were selected using inclusion criteria from the Government-run de-addiction center, tertiary care teaching hospital, Bangalore. All patients were followed up periodically for 1 year. The semi-structured interview schedule was used for collecting data on occupational factors associated with long-term abstinence. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, and Fisher exact test were used for data analysis.

Results:
There was a positive trend showing self-employed (pf = 1.74, P = 0.45), having skilled work (pf = 1.52, P = 0.72), regular pattern of employment (pf = 1.21, P =.60), monthly mode of income (pf = 1.43, P =.76) were factors associated with abstinence. Among eight occupational variables, employment status (x
2 = 4.0, P =.04) and having well-defined working hours ((pf = 6.18, P =.04) were significantly associated with long-term abstinence among persons treated for alcohol dependence.

Conclusion:
Occupational factors seem to influence the outcome in alcohol dependence and appropriate vocational interventions would be effective in promoting long-term abstinence.
The Effect of Physical Exposures and Job Stress on Sleep Quality and Mental Health in a Group of Pink-Collar Workers in Iran
Authors: Hosseininejad Mahin , Moslemi Shahrbanoo , Mohammadi Saber 
Published: January 2024

Background:
Pink-collar workers are a group of workers in the service industries. Teachers are classified as a group of pink-collar workers, who are under a high level of stress. This study aimed to investigate the effect of physical exposures and job stress on mental health and sleep quality of technical and vocational teachers.

Materials and Methods:
This cross-sectional study was conducted on 622 teachers. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) were employed to evaluate sleep status; the Osipow Questionnaire was used to assess job stress; the musculoskeletal intervention center – Norrtalje questionnaire (MUSIC) was used to measure physical exposures; and the 12-Item General Health Questionnaire was used to assess mental health.

Results:
The mean scores of general health, job stress, and work hardness were 10.97 ± 6.29, 153.40 ± 22.63, and 15.61 ± 2.77, respectively; the mean score of ESS and PSQI were 6.22 ± 3.61 and 5.44 ± 2.97, respectively. The mental health status of the participants was significantly worse with more exposure to various types of job stressors and physical exposures. There was a significant relationship between sleep quality and general health score.

Conclusion:
The mental health status was considerably better in women, smokers, and people who exercised, have less work experience, do not do shift work, work fewer hours per week, and have good sleep quality. Physical exposures and various occupational stressors can reduce mental health. There was a significant relationship between job stress and decreased sleep quality but sleep quality was not significantly associated with age, BMI, work experience, and working hours per week.
Occupational Ventilatory Defects Among Workers Employed in Tea Gardens, A Cross-Sectional Study in Siliguri Subdivision of Darjeeling District, West Bengal
Authors: Roychowdhury Papiya , Mukherjee Abhijit , Bhattacherjee Sharmistha , Bhutia Prem Dorjee , Datta Saikat , Dasgupta Samir 
Published: January 2024

Introduction:
During the refining and packing of tea, a very fine dust is formed which is called the tea fluff. Exposure to this fluff has been reported to cause ventilatory defects on chronic exposure.

Objective:
To determine the association between air quality of the different work sections of tea gardens and the ventilatory functions of the workers.

Methodology:
An observational analytical study with cross sectional design was conducted on 400 apparently healthy individuals working in different sections of 4 tea gardens. Data on sociodemographic characters of the population, particulate matter (PM) and air quality (AQI) was recorded. All participants underwent spirometric evaluation.

Results:
The mean (SD) age of the study population was 37.8 (8) years. Most (67%) of the study participants were females. The participants were engaged in the job for a mean (SD) of 4.7 (2.7) years. The median distribution of PM2.5, PM 10 and AQI are progressively higher from the garden section to the dry section. A significant correlation between FVC and PM2.5 and PM10 is seen. FEV1 and FEV1/FVC shows a significant correlation with all air quality parameters while FEF25-75 is correlated to none of them. Comparison of the three models to predict the spirometric variables show that even after adjustments, the FEV1 is significantly associated with air quality parameters, FEV1/FVC is significantly associated with the air quality parameters and age while the FEF25-75% is dependent on the age of the participant.

Conclusion:
There is a strong correlation between the ventilatory parameters and the cumulative exposure of PM2.5, PM10 and AQI, which persists even after adjustment for confounders.
Assessment of Sea Sickness in Naval Personnel
Authors: Gupta Arvind K. , Kumar B. Vijaya , Rajguru Renu , Parate KD 
Published: January 2024

Background:
Strategic, operational and tactical superiority of Navy hinges on extremely efficient warships which in turn depend on professionally competent sailors ready to undertake tasks to deliver timely, structured and metered response. Ships and their potentialities are tools to achieve the required strategic advantage which is dependent on the proficiency of sailors. Sailors who are fit ashore may be debilitated on board because of sea sickness.

Aims:
To study the incidence and severity of sea sickness among 500 naval personnel from various ships. Setting and design: An observational study conducted from May 2019 to March 2020 among 500 naval personnel from various ships of the fleet.

Materials and Methods:
Motion Sickness Assessment Questionnaire (MSAQ) was used to collect data from personnel of different departments working in different part of ship aged between 20 to 50 years.

Results:
The majority suffered mild symptoms (78.78%) and did not require any medication. Their symptoms were selflimiting and settled on rest within 24 hours. Moderately severe symptoms were observed among 19.31 % personnel and had to be administered medication and rest for 24 hours. Only 1.91% had severe symptoms and had to be excused from duties along with medication and rest.

Conclusion:
Sea sickness is unpleasant and has an adverse effect on employability of the sailors. It is mild and self limiting in majority of the personnel not requiring active intervention. Some personnel may require desensitisation along with pharmacotherapy.
An unusual case of hemorrhage along the capsulotomy margin following Nd YAG capsulotomy
Authors: Pradeep Thanuja Gopal 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Posterior capsular opacification is the most common cause of reduced vision postcataract surgery. It is treated with neodymium: yttrium–aluminum–garnet capsulotomy, and patients usually have good vision following the procedure. Complications after laser capsulotomy are usually limited to iritis and raised intraocular opacification. We report a rare case of bleeding around the capsulotomy margin following capsulotomy. This was probably due to the placement of intraocular lens in the sulcus and adherence between the anterior and posterior capsule with adhesion to the iris. We present this case to highlight this unusual complication postlaser capsulotomy.
Pattern of presentation and laboratory findings of patients with epidemic keratoconjunctivitis in the 2023 outbreak in North India: A hospital-based analysis
Authors: Mohan Amit , Gajraj Manju , Bansal Ekansh , Vishnoi Indu 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Context:
Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC) is a highly contagious acute conjunctival infection caused by adenovirus. In the 3rd week of July 2023, we observed a surge in the number of patients with EKC in North India. Identifying cases of EKC and controlling its spread are important for preventing larger outbreaks.

Aims:
The aim of this study was to know the pattern of presentation and laboratory investigation in cases of EKC during a recent outbreak.

Materials and Methods:
All patients with features of conjunctivitis were examined and investigated. Demographic data and clinical features were recorded. We also collected data on potential exposure through nonstructured interviews. Conjunctival swab and blood sample were collected from two patients for adenovirus qualitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and for other conjunctivitis virus panel PCR.

Statistical Analysis Used:
The characteristics of the EKC cases were described in terms of frequency (n) and percentage (%). The prevalence of EKC was calculated by dividing the number of EKC cases by the total number of patients visiting the clinic during the study period.

Results:
A total of 387 cases of EKC were reported out of the 2876 patients during the study period of 6 days (prevalence rate = 13.45%). The mean age of the patients was 30.69 ± 20.65 years. All patients complained of redness (n = 387, 100%) and a foreign body sensation (n = 334, 86.3%). The most common sign was conjunctival congestion in 100% of the cases. Four patients had superficial punctate keratitis, three had subepithelial haze, two had pseudomembrane, and one had atypical dacryoadenitis. Of the 387, 291 (75.2%) patients were definitively exposed to acute conjunctivitis within the family or workplace. Adenovirus was detected in both samples of conjunctival swab in real-time PCR; however, blood specimens tested were negative for adenovirus.

Conclusions:
The recent outbreak of EKC in India is highly contagious and due to adenovirus. The patient should be educated about the contagious nature of EKC and aware that it is easily transmitted by contact.