bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electrochemical skin conductance to assess peripheral neuropathy in rheumatic diseases with or without type 2 diabetes using sudoscan
Authors: Mohamed Osama M. I. , Ali Nagwa M. M. , Ibrahim Mohammed O. , Sarmini Dana , Ibrahim Farah , Al Hosany Mariam 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT

Introduction:
Peripheral neuropathy (PN) occurs in diabetes mellitus. However, the association between PN and rheumatic disease (RD) has not been fully investigated. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of PN in patients with RDs with or without Diabetes Mellitus.

Methods:
A Cross-sectional cohort study, data extracted from patients medical records started in September 2023 to January 2024 in Abu Dhabi, UAE. A Sudoscan machine report was used to assess The electrochemical skin conductance (ESC), Sudomotor dysfunction is evaluated according to the ESC measured on the feet: >60 μS = no dysfunction; 60–40 μS = moderate dysfunction; and <40 μS = severe dysfunction.

Results:
Eighty-one patients with RDs, mean age 58 ± 12. There were 55 females (67.9%), and 26 males (32.1%) attended an ambulatory healthcare clinic in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Thirty-three (40.7%) had diabetes, while 48 (59.3%) did not have diabetes. The mean glycated haemoglobin A1c (HBA1c) was 7.4% in diabetic patients and 5.8% in non-diabetic patients Additionally, all patients had a mean blood pressure of 134/72 and a mean Body Mass Index (BMI) of 31.40 kg/m2. Among the study patients, the most common RD was osteoarthritis, which affected 56.8% of the patients. The smallest percentage of patients with PN was found in those with IgG4, at 1.2%. The prevalence of Sudomotor dysfunction (ESC feet: <60 μS) was 72.8% in patients with RDs (all patients diabetic and non-diabetic), while the prevalence of sudomotor dysfunction (ESC feet: <60 μS) in RDs patients with diabetes was 75.8% and 70.8% in RDs patients without diabetes, there was no significant difference between in prevalence of sudomotor dysfunction in RD patients with diabetes compared to RD patients without Diabetes.

Conclusion:
Sudomotor dysfunction appears to be common among patients with RD regardless they have diabetes or not. This study recommends screening all RD patients for Sudomotor Dysfunction.
Neonatal mortality outcome and trends: A 6-year retrospective analysis from a North Indian teaching college hospital
Authors: Rakholia Ritu , Maroof Mohd , Kharkwal Damini , Singh Gurpreet 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT

Background:
India contributes to the highest number of neonatal deaths in the world, a fourth of the world’s total. Targeted interventions can be planned after a specific analysis of region-specific causes if India is to achieve the sustainable development goal (SDG 3.2) of neonatal mortality of 12 per 1000 live births.

Material and Methods:
A retrospective study of medical records of all neonates admitted in the special care neonatal unit (SCNU) over the 6-year period of 2018–23 at a teaching medical college.

Results:
A total of 9462 neonates were admitted over the 6-year period. The trends in mortality were encouraging, declining from 19.40% in 2018 to 12.34% in 2023. The reduction was more in outborn (24.32% to 11.68%) than inborn (14.86% to 12.89%) neonates. The low birth rate also declined from 40.77% in 2018 to 25% in 2023. The rate of discharges went up. The trends in etiology of death were uniform over the years with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) (37.24%), hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) (29.5%), sepsis (16.12%), prematurity (11.45%), and congenital malformations (2.47%) being the chief contributors to death among newborns admitted in SNCU.

Conclusion:
The trends are encouraging but may be insufficient to meet the target of SDG 3.2. Further targeted intervention to tackle preventable cause, such as perinatal asphyxia, sepsis, better antenatal care, and better management of preterm neonates on mission mode, is need of the hour as they continue to contribute significantly to neonatal mortality.
Assessment of factors predicting the nutritional status of geriatric people in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Aljohani Samar Lafi 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT

Background:
On a global level, geriatric malnutrition is a substantial problem as it has many adverse health outcomes including increased morbidity and death rates, in addition to poor health-related quality of life. This study aims to assess the nutritional status of patients attending geriatric clinics at hospitals.

Material and Methods:
An observational cross-sectional study was conducted in Tabuk city, northern Saudi Arabia, among geriatric patients aged over 60 years who attended geriatric clinics throughout the study period (December, 2022 to February, 2023). A validated self-administered questionnaire was used in data collection. It includes demographic, habitual, and medical characteristics of the participants, anthropometric data (weight and height), and the validated short form of Mini Nutritional Assessment tool to assess their nutritional status.

Results:
The study included 307 geriatric patients out of targeted 362 (response rate = 84.8%). The age of almost half of them (49.2%) ranged between 60 and 69 years, and males constituted 56.4% of them. Overall, 17.3% of the participants were malnourished, whereas 41.4% were at risk of malnutrition. Results of multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that compared to married participants, widowed participants were at higher significant risk for malnutrition [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 2.59, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01–6.85, P = 0.049]. Compared with participants who were living alone, those living with their spouse were at 86% lower risk for malnutrition (aOR: 0.14, 95% CI: 0.03–0.62, P = 0.010). Overweight and obese subjects were at significant lower risk for malnutrition as compared to underweight subjects (aOR: 0.04, 95% CI: 0.01–0.44, P = 0.008 and aOR: 0.05, 95% CI: 0.01–0.54, P = 0.013, respectively). Participants who never practiced exercise or practiced it irregularly were at higher risk for malnutrition as opposed to those who practice physical activity regularly (aOR: 3.45, 95% CI: 1.42–8.38, P = 0.006 and aOR: 3.60, 95% CI: 1.48–8.77, P = 0.005, respectively). Patients with more than three chronic disease/heath problems were at 4-fold risk for developing malnutrition as compared to those without history of chronic diseases/health problems (aOR: 4.0, 95% CI: 1.31–12.17, P = 0.015).

Conclusion:
Malnutrition is a public health problem affecting a considerable proportion of geriatric people in Tabuk, southern Saudi Arabia, with some modifiable risk factors associated with malnutrition.
Central obesity is a burden even in normal weight adolescents of a non-metropolitan Indian City: A case for alarm and action for prevention and control
Authors: Nawab Tabassum , Khan Zulfia , Khan Iqbal M. , Ansari Mohammad A. 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT

Introduction:
Central obesity (CO) leads to increased cardiovascular and metabolic risks in children and adolescents. The evidence on prevalence of central obesity and its correlates are lacking among adolescents in India.

Objectives:
(1) To estimate the prevalence of central obesity in school-going adolescents, (2) To determine the association between central obesity and generalized obesity (GO) among adolescents, and (3) To determine the correlates of central obesity.

Methods:
Totally, 660 adolescents, selected using systematic random sampling, in four urban schools in Aligarh were interviewed using pre-designed questionnaire and Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. Height, weight, and waist circumference (WC) were measured. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated. CO was defined as >90th age-and-sex-specific percentile of WC and GO by BMI-for-age-and-sex percentiles given by WHO Growth Reference 2007. Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were done using IBM SPSS version 20.0.

Results:
Overall prevalence of central obesity was found to be 28.5% [CI: 25.2-32.0], almost double of generalized obesity (14.6%, 95%CI: 12.1-17.6). The prevalence was significantly higher among girls (33.6%, 95%CI: 28.3-39.3) than in boys (24.7%, 95%CI: 20.7-29.3) and in the affluent group (38.8%, 95%CI: 33.7-44.1) than in non-affluent (18.2%, 95%CI: 14.4-22.7). More than 1/4th of normal weight adolescents [27.2% (99/364)] also had CO. Increased fast food intake (OR: 4.1; 95% CI = 2.1-8.1), low Physical Activity Level (OR: 2.4; 95% CI = 1.3-4.3) and more than 10 hours sedentary time spent per day (OR: 2.2; 95% CI = 1.1-4.8) were independent determinants of CO.

Conclusion:
Central obesity among school-going adolescents of a non-metropolitan Indian city is alarmingly high and a burden even in one-fourth of normal weight adolescents. Screening for CO among adolescents by primary physicians, pediatricians, and through School Health Programme is recommended. Behavior change communication regarding risk factors for CO is advocated.
Effectiveness of visual instruction skit and sign language on oral health status among 5–18-year-old hearing-impaired children in South India: A cluster randomized clinical trial
Authors: Kondepudi Vaishnavi , Kumar R. V. S. Krishna , Srinivasulu Gomasani , Prasanth Punamalli Symon 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT

Background:
Literature on the effectiveness of theory-based oral health education on the oral hygiene status of hearing-impaired children is limited.

Aim:
To determine the effectiveness of a school oral health education intervention on oral hygiene status and oral health-related knowledge among 5–18-year-old children in Andhra Pradesh, India.

Materials and Methods:
A cluster randomized clinical trial was conducted among all institutionalized hearing-impaired children and young adults residing in various special care schools in Nellore district. Plaque Control record, gingival index (GI), and Decayed Missed Filled Teeth/ decayed extracted filled teeth and Decayed Missed Filled surfaces/ decayed extracted filled surfaces (DMFT/deft, and DMFS/defs) index were recorded; participants were selected and were randomly allocated to two groups using lottery method with 50 subjects in each group, Group I: sign language and Group II: video skit.

Results:
In all the age groups, preintervention DMFT and postintervention GI, DMFT, and DMFS were statistically significant in the sign language group and in the video skit group. Postintervention DMFS shows a significant difference.

Conclusion:
When compared with video instruction skit, sign language shows significant improvement in the oral hygiene status of CHI.
Comparative evaluation of silver diamine fluoride, glass ionomer cement, and calcium hydroxide for indirect pulp therapy in young permanent molars: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ghorpade Tejaswini M , Patil Devendra P , Katge Farhin Alimiya , Chimata Vamsi Krishna , Bhanushali Parin 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT

Objectives:
Comparative evaluation of indirect pulp therapy (IPT) with silver diamine fluoride (SDF), Type VII glass ionomer cement (GIC), and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) in young permanent molars.

Materials and Methods:
This was randomized controlled trial, in which 45 children with 60 young permanent first molars were allocated as; Group A: IPT with SDF, Group B: Type VII GIC, and Group C: Ca(OH)2. Clinical and radiographic evaluation and comparison was done at baseline, 3, 6, 12 months. Data analysis was done using Chi-square test, one way ANOVA, Tukey’s post hoc analysis test. The level of significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results:
On statistical analysis IPT with SDF showed 88.2%, Type VII GIC showed 94.1% and Ca(OH) 2 showed 88.2% success at 12 months’ follow-up. However, intergroup comparison showed no statistical significant difference. The mean dentin bridge formation in SDF was 0.5467 ± 0.08338 mm, Type VII GIC (0.4813 ± 0.06551 mm) and Ca(OH)2 group (0.5 ± 0.07559 mm), which was statistically significant with a P = 0.049.

Conclusions:
On comparative evaluation, clinical and radiographic success for IPT with SDF, Type VII GIC and Ca (OH) 2 were comparable. This study also concluded SDF and Type VII GIC can be used as IPT agents in permanent teeth. Dentin bridge formation was more in SDF followed by Ca(OH)2 and Type VII GIC, respectively.
Translating and culturally adapting the sleep disturbance scale for children into Malayalam language: Enhancing pediatric health in the Indian context
Authors: Nair Lekshmy S. R. , George Sageena , Anandaraj S. , Jose Deepak , Philip Deepthi Alice , Anjali J. S. 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT

Purpose:
The sleep disturbance scale for children (SDSC) is a well-regarded tool for assessing pediatric sleep disorders, covering areas such as sleep initiation, breathing issues, and arousal disorders. The SDSC, known for its reliability and validity, has been adapted for various age groups and languages and aligns with the Association of Sleep Disorders Centers classification system. This study aimed to translate and culturally adapt the SDSC into Malayalam language for use in Kerala, conducting a test with parents from the Trivandrum district.

Materials and Methods:
The SDSC was translated from English to Malayalam language through a systematic process involving bilingual experts, synthesis, back-translation, and expert review. Cognitive interviews refined the translation, which was then tested for reliability with 103 parents. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha, while test-retest reliability was evaluated with Cohen’s kappa, utilizing the SPSS version 20 for data analysis.

Results:
The translated SDSC showed strong internal consistency, with an overall Cronbach’s alpha of 0.827 and domain-specific values between 0.7 and 0.8. Test-retest reliability was high, with correctness above 90% for all items and a Kappa statistics ranging from 0.66 to 0.88.

Conclusion:
The SDSC was successfully translated and culturally adapted into Malayalam language, demonstrating strong internal consistency and high test-retest reliability. This indicates that the Malayalam language version of the SDSC is a reliable tool for assessing pediatric sleep disorders among children in Kerala, making it applicable for use in this specific cultural context.
“There is Always a New Normal” - Psychological Transformation of Nurses - A Postpandemic Qualitative Study
Authors: Joy George Vellaramcheril , Alomari Albara Mohammad Ali , Singh Kalpana , Mannethodi Kamaruddeen , Hassan Nesiya , Kunjavara Jibin , Martinez Ederlie , Al Lenjawi Badriya 
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND:
The spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has significantly diminished worldwide, but post-COVID-19 psychological experiences are rarely documented. Understanding the individual psychological needs and challenges of working during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as resilience and psychological health in continuing work in its aftermath, is essential.

OBJECTIVE:
The objective is to explore the nurses’ perspectives on psychological resilience and confidence following the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS:
A descriptive phenomenological design and purposive sampling approach was employed. Registered nurses working at the largest health organization in Qatar, which includes 14 health facilities, were invited to participate in this study. Seventeen nurses who were working in the facilities and were deployed during the first, second, and third waves of COVID-19 participated in the interviews. Data were collected through semi-structured face-to-face interviews and analyzed using the inductive thematic analysis.

RESULTS:
The psychological transformation of participants was summarized into three themes: Fear zone, learning zone, and growth zone. These themes were classified into 13 sub-themes. Fear and anxiety, influence of media and news, safety concerns, and frequent changes in policies and guidelines were the factors in the fear zone. Coping mechanisms, teamwork, establishing compassionate care, and social acceptance, helped them learn psychologically in the learning zone. Growth factors such as personal and professional benefits, confidence and resilience, a sense of satisfaction, and changed life perceptions were identified in the growth zone.

CONCLUSION:
Working during COVID-19 imposed many challenges on nurses, such as increased workload and stress. However, the different waves of the pandemic have contributed to increased resilience, confidence, and a deeper sense of life meaning in nurses. Their experiences in handling difficult situations during the pandemic have made them more confident in dealing with stressful situations and working under pressure.
How Do Glycated Hemoglobin Levels and Frailty Status Predict Health-related Quality of Life in Adults with Type-2 Diabetes Attending Teaching Hospitals in Nigeria?
Authors: Gigi Marvellous Boma , Nwozichi Chinomso Ugochukwu , Oladoyin Olajumoke , Ramos Mary Dioise , Salako Omolabake 
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND:
Patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) often experience complications, frequent hospitalizations, and multiple treatment modalities, which adversely affect their psychosocial, physical, and environmental aspects of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in affected persons. This low HRQOL has been associated with frailty and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. However, inconsistent evidence about these associations has impeded the adoption of tailored care approaches for T2DM patients to address these predictors and identify vulnerable groups with poor HRQOL.

PURPOSE:
This study assessed HbA1c levels and frailty as predictors of HRQOL among T2DM patients.

METHODS:
A descriptive cross-sectional survey was done on 230 adults with T2DM ≥18 years technique attending the teaching hospitals. The participants were chosen using a systematic sampling method. Two adopted instruments, the Fried frailty phenotype and the World Health Organization Brief (WHOQOL-BREF) were used to elicit information with Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficients ranging from 0.70 to 0.97 and biochemical measurements taken. Descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, were employed to analyze the data. Inferential statistics of multivariate regression analysis were utilized at a significance level of 0.05.

RESULTS:
Adults with T2DM had a mean age and disease duration of 50.23 ± 14.43 years and 7.17 ± 5.66 years, respectively. Frailty was reported in 45.22%, with the majority (78.7%) having poor glycemic control and a mean HbA1c of 7.74 ± 1.53%. Overall, T2DM adults had a moderate HRQOL (50.37 ± 29.09), with the mean scores for the domains from highest to lowest being 52.34 ± 27.71 (psychological health), 50.29 ± 29.38 (social relationships), 49.66 ± 29.81 (environmental) and 49.19 ± 29.46 (physical health). In addition, HbA1c and frailty were found to be significant predictors of all HRQOL domains (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION/IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE:
Moderate HRQOL was observed among T2DM patients and all HRQOL domains were significantly predicted by HbA1c and frailty. It is recommended that healthcare professionals, to enhance HRQOL among T2DM patients, include the frequent assessment of HRQOL and frailty in this population.
Strategi Komunikasi Organisasi dalam Pencapaian Akreditasi Unggul di Universitas 17 Agustus 1945 Surabaya
Authors: Parinussa Olivia Yuniar , Sadono Teguh Priyo , Hamim  
Published: January 2025

Penelitian ini menganalisis strategi komunikasi organisasi yang diterapkan oleh Universitas 17 Agustus 1945 (Untag) Surabaya dalam mencapai akreditasi unggul. Dengan pendekatan kualitatif, data dikumpulkan melalui wawancara dengan pemangku kepentingan utama, seperti Rektor, Wakil Rektor, Kepala Badan Penjaminan Mutu, dan Dekan. Penelitian ini menyoroti penerapan tiga tipe komunikasi utama; top-down, bottom-up, dan horizontal serta tantangan dalam implementasinya. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa komunikasi top-down berperan penting dalam menetapkan kebijakan dan memberi ruang inovasi bagi unit, fakultas dan program studi, sementara komunikasi bottom-up digunakan untuk mengumpulkan masukan dari staf, dosen, dan mahasiswa. Komunikasi horizontal mendukung koordinasi antar fakultas dan program studi untuk memastikan keselarasan dan kolaborasi. Tantangan yang dihadapi meliputi perubahan regulasi yang cepat, kesenjangan waktu informasi, dan efisiensi pengelolaan data. Namun, universitas berhasil mengatasi hal tersebut dengan membangun budaya komunikasi inklusif, transparansi, dan kolaborasi. Secara keseluruhan, strategi komunikasi yang diterapkan tidak hanya melibatkan pimpinan dalam menetapkan arah, tetapi juga memastikan partisipasi aktif seluruh elemen organisasi untuk mencapai akreditasi unggul, yang berkontribusi pada pengembangan teori komunikasi organisasi di pendidikan tinggi.
E-Commerce Platforms Performance During COVID-19: Problems, Future Directions and Its Impact on SDG
Authors: Altarawneh Haroon 
Published: January 2025

Objectives: Covid-19's introduction had a tremendous impact on the global market, consisting of ecommerce. Covid-19 and its effect on ecommerce systems is explored in this paper, with literature analysis.

Method: a literature review for articles posted from 2020 to 2023. Articles are selected primarily based on their relevance to the research topic and the way they effect the comprehension of the pandemic impact at the rationales for on line buying.

Results: The systematic literature overview found out numerous giant findings and analyses. The analysis uncovered that Covid-19 has notably affected on-line shopping systems, with a surge in on e-commerce impact on SDG and a shift in consumer conduct.

Practical Implications: the look at has practical implications for e-commerce platform owners and policymakers. The findings suggest that e-commerce platform proprietors have to awareness on improving their platform's overall performance, patron enjoy, agree with, and security. It also impact on SDG.

Conclusions: this systematic literature review has highlighted how covid-19 affected e-commerce platforms' performance. This overview substantially elaborated that the Pandemic has elevated demand for on line purchasing, resulting in massive boom in the e-trade industry. The assessment recognized various factors that contributed to the multiplied e-commerce platforms software, including social distancing measures, lockdowns, and shit in consumer behavior towards online purchasing.
The Impact of Workforce Flexibility on Organizational Operations: Promoting Productive Employment
Authors: Chang Shu-ya 
Published: January 2025

Objective: Workforce flexibility strategies are increasingly becoming a critical means for enterprises to enhance competitiveness and adapt to the rapidly changing market environment.

Theoretical Framework: By integrating workforce flexibility with the theoretical framework of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this study examines how flexible strategies serve as key drivers to improve market adaptability, productivity, and employee satisfaction, and provides an in-depth analysis of their application in real-world cases.

Method: Using an empirical case analysis approach, three globally influential companies—GitHub, Microsoft, and Flex—were selected for study to systematically analyze their experiences and outcomes in implementing workforce flexibility strategies.

Results and Discussion: The results demonstrate that flexible work arrangements significantly improve market adaptability and productivity, while also enhancing employee satisfaction and organizational loyalty. Furthermore, workforce flexibility fosters work-life balance, increases employee autonomy, and creates more opportunities for career development.

Research Implications: These findings provide an empirical foundation for management when formulating human resource strategies and suggest integrating workforce flexibility measures into future HR planning to achieve optimal organizational performance.

Originality/Value: The study emphasizes the value of flexible strategies in promoting industry innovation and achieving SDGs, offering a fresh management perspective for tackling globalization challenges.