bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of zinc sulfate on schizophrenia symptoms in patients undergoing atypical antipsychotic pharmacotherapy
Authors: Behrouzian Forouzan , Nazarinasab Masoumeh , Sadegh Amirali Moghadam , Abdi Layla , Sabzevarizadeh Mansooreh 
Published: January 2023

ABSTRACT

Introduction:
It has been noticed that inadequate levels of zinc (Zn) can have adverse effects on the nervous system, which in turn leads to cognitive disorders. The present study was conducted to determine the effects of Zn sulfate on eliminating the symptoms of schizophrenia.

Methodology:
This study was a double-blind intervention study conducted in 2020. PANSS and HAM-D questionnaires as well as demographic information were completed for the participants. The patients were assigned to two groups with an equal number of 44 (n = 44). Zinc sulfate 220 mg capsules were delivered to the patients every 8 hours, and the control group received the placebo. Finally, the data of both groups were entered into the software and compared with one another.

Results:
No significant differences were found among the 88 participants regarding variables of age (P = 0.607), gender (P = 0.792), job (P = 0.596), income (P = 0.293), length of the illness (P = 0.965), and education (P = 0.281). Positive symptoms (P = 0.426), negative symptoms (P = 0.891), and psychopathologic symptoms (P = 0.100) had no significant statistical difference between the two groups before the intervention. However, within the second week, positive symptoms had significant differences between the groups (P = 0.029), and they were significantly lower in the experimental group. The fourth week following the therapy was associated with significant differences in positive (P = 0.005), negative (P = 0.036), and psychopathological (P = 0.002) symptoms in both groups. Moreover, within the sixth week, significant differences in positive (P = 0.007), negative (P = 0.002), and psychopathological (P = 0.008) symptoms were found between both groups, which were significantly lower in the experimental group.

Conclusions:
According to the observations made in this study, zinc sulfate improved symptoms of schizophrenia in the patients.
Association of serum vitamin D levels with ectopic pregnancy
Authors: Abedini Golnaz , Parsapour Hamideh , Khanlarzadeh Elham , Alizamir Aida 
Published: January 2023

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim:
A few studies have addressed the possible role of vitamin D in decrement of ectopic pregnancy. Therefore, because of the widespread of vitamin D deficiency, especially among Iranian women, in this study, the association of serum vitamin D levels and ectopic pregnancy in pregnant women during the first trimester of pregnancy was investigated.

Methods:
This study is a cross-sectional study that has a control group. The cases group consisted of 51 pregnant women with ectopic pregnancies, and the control group consisted of 51 pregnant women with normal pregnancies. From all pregnant women participating in the study, 5 cc of blood samples were taken to determine the concentration of vitamin D serum. Serum vitamin D level was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The collected data were statistically analyzed using SPSS Statistical Software Package Version 16.0. P value less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant level.

Results:
The differences between the two groups based on the demographic characteristics, including mean age, body mass index, and number of deliveries, were not statistically significant. The level of vitamin D in blood (ng/ml) was significantly higher in the control group (34.31 ± 7.32) compared to the participants with ectopic pregnancy (20.95 ± 20.68) (<0.001). Based on the results of the present study, women with inadequate serum levels (less than 30 ng/ml) are 6.40 times more likely to have an ectopic pregnancy than normal pregnant women (OR = 6.40; 95% CI; 3.260–15.834).

Conclusion:
Based on the results of this study and considering the association of serum vitamin D levels and ectopic pregnancy, it seems necessary to measure the level of serum vitamin D in women before their pregnancy.
Needs assessment of general practitioners in Pakistan: A descriptive cross-sectional survey
Authors: Farazdaq Hamida , Gilani Jaleed A. , Qureshi Asra , Khan Unab I. 
Published: January 2023

ABSTRACT

Background:
With the growing and complex nature of medicine, it is imperative for physicians to update their knowledge and skills to reflect current standards of care. In Pakistan, 71% of primary care needs are met by general practitioners (GPs). GPs are not required to complete structured training and no regulatory mandates exist for continuing medical education. We conducted a needs assessment to evaluate the readiness for competency-based updating of knowledge and skills, and the use of technology by practicing GPs in Pakistan.

Methods:
A cross-sectional survey inviting registered GPs across Pakistan was administered online and in-person. Questions pertained to physician demographics, practice characteristics, confidence in knowledge and skills, and preferred modes of updating knowledge and barriers. Descriptive analyses were performed for GPs and patient-related characteristics and bivariate analyses to evaluate the relationship between parameters of interest.

Results:
Of the 459 GPs who responded, 35% were practicing for <5 years and 34% reported practicing for >10 years. Only 7% had a post-graduate qualification in family medicine. GPs reported needing practice in neonatal examination (52%), neurological exam (53%), depression screening (53%), growth charts (53%) and peak flow meter use (53%), interpretation of electrocardiograms (ECGs, 58%) and insulin dosing for diabetes (50%). High workload (44%) was the most common barrier to updating clinical knowledge. Sixty-two percent used the Internet on a regular basis.

Conclusion:
Most GPs have no structured training and encounter gaps in knowledge and skills in clinical practice. Flexible, hybrid, and competency-based continuing medical education programs can be used to update knowledge and skills.
Magnitude and associated factors of menstrual irregularity among young girls: A cross-sectional study during COVID-19 second wave in India
Authors: Bhardwaj Priya , Yadav Sunita K. , Taneja Jyoti 
Published: January 2023

ABSTRACT

Background:
Several symptoms are typically experienced after a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. Worldwide, a lot of women are reporting irregularities in their menstrual cycles post-COVID-19 infection. The purpose of this study is to investigate the prevalence of menstrual pattern among young girls during the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic and to determine the risk factors related to lifestyle among young girls.

Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-designed questionnaire encompassing details of the menstrual pattern, features of hyperandrogenism, lifestyle, and comorbidity among young girls aged 16-24 years.

Results:
The data from 508 girls fulfilling the inclusion criteria were analyzed. The prevalence of irregular menstrual cycle was found to be 29.1%. Further analysis revealed that a significant percentage of girls with irregular menstrual cycle suffer from depression (14.9%) and are often staying stressed (40.5%) in comparison to the girls having regular menstrual cycle. Also, a total of 58 girls out of 508 were diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Among various comorbid conditions, obesity was found in 60% of girls having PCOS followed by an eating disorder.

Conclusions:
A significant increase in irregular menstrual cycle in young girls was found during the second wave of COVID-19. The risk factors for causing the irregular menstrual cycle were found to be insomnia, stress, and depression
Comparison of clinical features, management, and outcomes between children and adolescents diagnosed with multi-system inflammatory syndrome in children
Authors: Kumar Pancham , Sharma Deepak , Sood Ambika , Sharma Sanya , Sharma Rakesh 
Published: January 2023

ABSTRACT

Background:
The present study aimed to compare clinical features, management, and outcomes between children and adolescents admitted as cases of multi-system inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) in Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla.

Material and Methods:
We conducted a cross-sectional study for MIS-C from January to July 2021, in the pediatric ward of IGMC in Himachal Pradesh. All children admitted with a diagnosis of MIS-C were included in the study. Data regarding socio-demographic factors, clinical features, and treatment modalities were extracted and analyzed using Epi Info V7 software.

Results:
A total of 31 children diagnosed as cases of MIS-C were included. The mean age was 7.12 ± 4.78 years. 71% were in group 0–10 years, followed by 29% in 11–18 years. Although the duration of hospital stay, mortality, and Kawasaki disease cases were more in children as compared to adolescents, the difference was not significant. Similarly, fever, rash, cough, hematemesis, tachypnea, respiratory distress, hypotension, vomiting, bleeding diathesis, hematuria, seizure, encephalopathy, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, and lymphadenopathy were greater in children as compared to adolescents but were not significant. Likewise, abnormalities in various biochemical, hematological, inflammatory, and cardiac markers were deranged to a greater extent in children as compared to adolescents, but there was no significant difference. The need for various treatment modalities such as IVIG, methylprednisolone, low-molecular weight heparin, aspirin, respiratory Support, O2, ventilatory support, and inotropic support was more in children as compared to an adolescent, but there was no significant difference.

Conclusion:
There was no significant difference in socio-demographic factors, clinical presentation, diagnostic test, mode of treatment, duration of stay, and mortality among children and adolescents.
Insight into women with dermal fillers perceptions in Riyadh to uptake the Coronavirus vaccine
Authors: Al Otaiby Shahad , Al Otaiby Farah , Bahlol Arwa , Al Nassar Sara 
Published: January 2023

ABSTRACT

Background:
Vaccination is considered to be the ideal way for population immunity, and willingness in taking the COVID-19 vaccine has been a controversial issue worldwide. The commonly reported adverse events of the COVID-19 vaccination have made people question the safety of the vaccine, especially for women with dermal filler and using cosmetics injections. It has been reported that some COVID-19 vaccines can cause side effects in women with dermal filler injections. In this study, we aimed to assess the perception and attitude of females with dermal fillers in Riyadh towards the COVID-19 vaccine using a self-answered questionnaire.

Methods:
A total of 352 females participated in the study of different ages and nationalities. our study findings indicate that the mean knowledge and attitude scores of females with dermal fillers regarding the COVID-19 vaccine are sub-optimal.

Results:
Knowledge is significantly related to factors such as educational level, and chronic disease status, while attitude scores are significantly associated with nationality, educational level, COVID-19 vaccination status, previous history of taking the seasonal flu vaccine, and source of information related to COVID-19.

Conclusion:
These findings suggest the need to increase awareness regarding the COVID-19 vaccine and improve the attitude toward it.
Incidence and outcome of gastrointestinal bleeding in patients receiving aspirin with or without clopidogrel over 10 years- An observational study
Authors: Ray Gautam 
Published: January 2023

ABSTRACT

Aims:
To determine the long-term incidence and outcome of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding in users of aspirin with (dual antiplatelet therapy, DAPT) or without clopidogrel.

Settings and Design:
Prospective hospital based 12-year study.

Methods and Material:
There were 1047 patients on either aspirin 150 md/day alone (n = 574, 54.8%) or aspirin 75 md/day + clopidogrel 75 md/day (n = 473, 45.2%) were followed up for any incident GI bleed, rebleed and mortality. Those simultaneously using other drugs known to cause GI bleeding were excluded. Comorbidities, concomitant use of proton pump inhibitors and statins were noted.

Results:
GI bleed occurred in 11.8% after 8,683 person years of follow up. 56 (45%) patients had lower GI source of bleed [colon 9 (7%), small gut 47 (38%)] and 68 (55%) had upper GI source [duodenum 39 (32.3%), stomach 28 (22.6%) and oesophagus 1 (0.1%)]. Whereas stomach and duodenum were the chief sites in the first year, small gut predominated in later years. The cumulative bleeding rate after 1, 5 and 10 years was 5%, 8% and 11%, respectively, higher in the DAPT group. Bleeding stopped spontaneously in 98% on drug withdrawal, and 7.3% patients rebled in the next 6.2 years. The overall mortality was 33.1% but only 1.6% was due to the bleed being significantly lower in the DAPT group. On multivariate analysis coronary interventions, diabetes mellitus, renal and multiorgan dysfunction were the significant predictors of GI bleed and mortality.

Conclusions:
Though the incidence and mortality are low, GI bleed increases with longer use of antiplatelet agents predominantly from the lower GI tract.
Post-vaccination COVID-19 infection among health care workers in a medical college hospital
Authors: Bhat Sowmya , Dsouza Agnes Moira Preethi , Suresh Sucharitha 
Published: January 2023

ABSTRACTIntroduction:The world witnessed the pandemic of coronavirus disease (COVID)-19, caused by the virus Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, wreaking havoc on all our lives. The healthcare sector in India was faced with numerous challenges and struggles. The health care workers of this developing country risked everything against this pandemic, which put them at a higher risk of transmission of this infection. The risk of contracting Covid infection was not nullified, even though vaccination was introduced and was made available to these healthcare workers at the earliest. Hence this study aimed to understand the severity of COVID-19 infection, post covid vaccination.Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted among 95 health care workers of Father Muller Medical College hospital who were infected with COVID-19, post their vaccination. A validated preformed questionnaire was used to collect the data from the participants. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS 21stversion. Descriptive statistics were used. A value ofP< 0.05 was considered significant.Results:In our study, 34.7% of health care workers required hospital admission for COVID-19 treatment. The mean duration is taken by health care workers to return to work after COVID was 12.59 days (SD—4.43). The severity of COVID-19 infection was significantly higher among females, the younger population, and the nursing cadre.Conclusion:The severity of COVID-19 infection among health care workers and long COVID can be reduced by timely vaccination.
Use of the modified early obstetric warning system chart as a predictor of peri-partum obstetric morbidity in a rural teaching institute: A two-year cross-sectional study
Authors: Singhal Sonakshi , Acharya Neema , Madaan Sparsh , Mohammad Shazia , Acharya Sourya 
Published: January 2023

ABSTRACT

Background and Objectives:
The occurrence of obstetric morbidity is on the rise in developing countries. The peri-partum period is very crucial as most of the deaths occur during labour or in the first 24 hours of the post-partum period. Early recognition and treatment of disease entities leading to obstetric morbidity can be performed by the “track and trigger” system of parameters on a chart, thus preventing the obstetric morbidity and mortality. Therefore, the MEOWS chart (Modified Early Obstetric Warning System chart) was recommended by the Confidential Enquiry into Maternal and Child Health report in order to evaluate the patient at an urgent basis with timely diagnosis and treatment.

Material and Methods:
We conducted an observational study in a rural tertiary care centre based in central India over the span of 2 years from September 2017 till August 2019. Physiological parameters of 1000 patients which included pregnant women in labour >28 weeks of gestation were recorded on the MEOWS chart. Trigger was defined as either one red zone (any one parameter that was markedly abnormal, with values in the red zone) or two yellow zones (when simultaneously any two parameters were moderately de-ranged with values in yellow zones). Based on trigger, patients were categorised as triggered and non-triggered groups. Further based on the obstetric morbidity during hospital stay, triggered and non-triggered groups were divided into category 1 (patients who did not have any obstetric morbidity during hospital stay) and category 2 (patients who had any obstetric morbidity during hospital stay).

Results:
Out of the total 1000 patients, 24.8% patients had an abnormal MEOWS chart and were categorised into the triggered group. Out of a total of 248 patients in the triggered group, 47.5% (118) patients had obstetric morbidity during hospital stay (category 2). The MEOWS chart was found to be 85.51% sensitive and 84.92% specific with a positive predictive value of 47.58% and a negative predictive value of 97.34%. The accuracy of the MEOWS chart was 85%.

Conclusion and Interpretation:
It was concluded that there was a significant difference between obstetric morbidity in normal (non-triggered) and abnormal (triggered) MEOWS chart findings. The sensitivity and specificity of the MEOWS chart were high. The negative predictive value of the chart was very high. Thus, the MEOWS chart can be used as a bedside screening tool for predicting obstetric morbidity.
Influence of pharmaceutical representatives on prescription decisions by physicians in Qassim province
Authors: Altowayan Waleed M. , Alshubaili Abdullah 
Published: January 2023

ABSTRACT

Introduction:
Pharmaceutical representatives are an important part of the marketing of pharmaceutical products and an important source of prescribing information for common practitioners. Thus, this study aims to identify factors that affect physicians’ drug selection decisions, determine the main source of information for physicians about new drugs, and the most effective reminder methods used by pharmaceutical representatives.

Method:
This study is a cross-sectional study that was distributed to doctors in different health specialties and different clinics and hospitals in the Qassim region from February to March 2020. The data collected were analyzed using Microsoft Excel.

Result:
The Internet is the most considered main source of new drug information. Moreover, hospital policy is the most common factor that affects physicians’ drug selection decisions. Finally, leaflets and pharmaceutical sales representatives’ (PRs’) frequent visits are the most effective reminder methods.

Conclusion:
This study showed the main source of new drug information was the Internet. In comparison, the factor that affects the physician’s drug selection decision in this study was hospital policy. Finally, the most effective reminder methods were PRs’ frequent visits and also an equal percentage leaflet.
Prevalence and associated factors of depression among elderly patients attending the primary health clinic in Prince Mansour Military Hospital in Taif, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alkhammash Sawsan Safar , Alkhaldi Dhelal Musleh , Alotaibi Fawaz S. 
Published: January 2023

ABSTRACT

Background:
Depression in the elderly is a common, debilitating, and costly condition. Little is known about the prevalence and correlates of geriatric depression in Saudi Arabia. This study evaluates the prevalence of depression among the elderly and its associated risk factors.

Materials and Methods:
A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based descriptive study was conducted on 259 elderly patients attending the Prince Mansour Military Hospital emergency department family medicine clinic in Taif city. Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) was used.

Results:
The mean score was 4.4 (standard deviation [SD] = 2.56), ranging between 0 and 13. The median GDS score was 4. According to the results of this study, Cronbach’s alpha for the GDS was 0.61 (95% confidence interval: 0.54–0.68). The prevalence of depression among the study participants was 43.2%. According to the GDS score categorization, 36.3% were mildly depressed, 4.2% were moderately depressed, and 2.7% were severely depressed. The adjusted effect was statistically significant for male gender (odds = 0.39, P < 0.001), older age (odds = 1.11, P = 0.007), diabetes mellitus (odds = 3.04, P = 0.02), asthma (odds = 25.94, P < 0.001), and renal failure (odds = 114.27, P = 0.03).

Conclusion:
Identification and treatment of geriatric depression should be prioritized by the family physicians in Saudi Arabia. Further research should focus on designing better culture-friendly geriatric depression screening tools.
Epidemiological profile and management practices of animal bite cases in a tertiary care hospital of Haryana: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Sachdeva Aman , Vinay  , Kumar Tarun , Yadav Garima , Tondwal Jyotsna 
Published: January 2023

ABSTRACT

Introduction:
Rabies is one of the oldest and deadliest diseases known to man. After the clinical occurrence of rabies, there is no comprehensive treatment possible. However, the development of rabies can be prevented to a large extent if animal bites are managed appropriately and in time. The post-exposure treatment of animal bite cases is of prime importance in this regard. India has the highest burden of animal bite and rabies cases in the world. This imposes a substantial burden on the healthcare delivery services of the country.

Materials and Methods:
This was a cross-sectional study conducted in the immunization clinic of a tertiary care hospital in Haryana from January 2018 to December 2018. A total of 614 cases were interviewed using a pre-designed, pre-tested, and semi-structured interview schedule.

Results:
Around 80.5% of the bites were inflicted by stray animals, among which 70% of cases were by stray dogs. Precisely, 97.7% of cases took anti-rabies vaccine and 96.6% of cases took Tetanus Toxoid. 204 (33.2%) of victims were category III cases, who needed local infiltration of immunoglobulin but only 46% of them got it. The association of time lag between bite and reporting to the first health facility with socio-economic status, residence, and education was found to be statistically significant.

Conclusion:
To conclude it was observed that proper wound management practices were lacking in the people of the study area and there is a need to strengthen the availability of provision of free-of-cost life-saving immunoglobulin at the health facility, under the rabies control program.
Identification of spectrum of persistent post-COVID-19 symptoms and their duration in Central India: A pilot study
Authors: Sree Sudha T.Y. , Sasanka K. S. B. S. Krishna , Thangaraju Pugazhenthan , Kuotsu Ruuzeno , William Akanksha G. 
Published: January 2023

ABSTRACT

Objectives:
To uncover numerous post-COVID symptoms in individuals after SARS-CoV-2 infection and to raise concerns about the consequences for health care planning.

Methodology:
Patients declared negative with RTPCR and discharged from the hospital were followed up for three months.

Results:
The majority of patients who suffered from weakness since discharge are 63 (25.40%), body aches 40 (16.12%), loss of taste 26 (10.48%), and loss of smell 18 (7.25%). The total of reinfected patients in the 4th week was 9 (3.62%), in the 6th week 10 (4.03%), in the 8th week 7 (2.82%), and in the 12th week 11 (4.43%). A total of 54.7% of individuals still have the persistence of symptoms at the end of the 12th week.

Conclusions:
A significant number of participants developed long-term health issues as a result of post-COVID-19 syndrome. Our findings highlight the importance of initial preventive measures and patient-centered benefit programs in reducing post-COVID-19 complications.