bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors associated with current use of modern contraceptive methods among young market women working at St. Balikuddembe Market in Kampala, Uganda: A cross-sectional study
Authors:   , Nambajjwe Molly , Musoke David , Matovu Joseph KB 
Published: February 2023

Background: Despite increased access to modern contraception among young women globally, little is known about modern contraceptive use among women working in the informal sector who are usually missed out on in most national surveys. We assessed the factors associated with modern contraceptive use among young market women in Kampala, Uganda. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 343 young women aged 15-24 years, working at St. Balikuddembe Market in Kampala, the Capital City of Uganda. Data were collected on socio-demographic and behavior characteristics including the current use of modern FP methods. We computed the proportion of young women who reported the current use of modern FP methods and determined the factors associated with the current use of modern FP methods using a modified Poisson regression model. Results: Of 343 young market women, 56% (192) were food handlers. Nearly half of the women (48.4, n=166) had at least one biological child. Forty-seven percent (160) of the women reported the current use of modern FP methods. Having 1-2 living children (adjusted Prevalence Ratio [aPR] =1.81, 95% Confidence Interval [95%CI]: 1.20, 2.72) or three or more living children (aPR=2.20, 95%CI: 1.33, 3.64), age 20-24 years (aPR=2.15, 95%CI: 1.46, 3.17), having secondary education (aPR=2.75, 95%CI: 1.05, 7.21), and having a positive attitude towards modern FP (aPR=1.35, 95%CI: 1.07, 1.71) were positively associated with current use of modern FP methods. Conclusion: The use of modern contraception among young market women remains sub-optimal. Having at least one living child, older age, and secondary education were the factors associated with modern contraceptive use in this population. Recommendation: Our findings suggest a need for innovative, target-specific FP interventions with a focus on several biological children, level of education, and age, to improve the uptake of modern contraceptive services among young market women in this setting.
„Systemlösungen kommen“
Authors: Deininger Olaf 
Published: February 2023

Frankfurt a.M. Am 1. März tritt Karin Guendel Gonzalez die Nachfolge von Peter R. Müller an. Wir sprachen mit ihr über das künftige Portfolio. Fragen zur aktuellen Situation beim Bayer-Konzern wollte sie nicht beantworten.
In-vitro and in-silico approach to assess the bacterial collagenase inhibiting property of andrographolide
Authors: D. Madhumathi , Sabarish Ram , J. Srikanth , S. K. Balaji 
Published: February 2023

Introduction and Aim: Andrographolide is one of the main constituents of Andrographis paniculata. An anti-collagenase property of andrographolide is yet to be explored. Thus, the primary goal of study is to assess the anti-collagenase property of andrographolides against standard bacterial collagenase. The secondary objective is to evaluate the molecular docking between andrographolide and proteins of periodontal pathogens [P. gingivalis (Arg and Lys Gingipains), P. intermedia and A. actinomycetecomitans].

Materials and Methods: Anti-collagenase property of an andrographolide was determined using a UV spectrophotometer at four different concentrations (0.5%, 1%, 2.5% and 5%) against bacterial collagenase. Furthermore, an in-silico molecular docking study was performed between andrographolide and the proteins of periodontal pathogens using the Molegro Virtual Docker (MVD) software.

Results: Different concentrations of andrographolide had a collagenase inhibiting property of upto 65% at an IC50 value of 2.4µg/ml at the end of 20mins. Based on molecular docking, the proteins exhibited high binding energy to the bacterial enzymes.

Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study andrographolides can inhibit bacterial collagenase in an in-vitro model. Also, Andrographolide was successfully docked in the protein binding sites of P. gingivalis (Arg and Lys Gingipains), P. intermedia and A. actinomycetecomitans indicating its ability to interact with these proteins.
Biopotential of microalgal extracts as a mosquito larvicide: An eco-friendly approach to control Aedes aegypti
Authors: Rani B. Yuva , Kumar T. Sathish 
Published: February 2023

Introduction and Aim: The use of chemical pesticides has raised concerns about their safety and toxicological effects on the environment, people, and other species. Therefore, there is a demand for natural alternatives that are eco- friendly, biodegradable, and target specific. The purpose of this study was to test the larvicidal activity of three microalgae namely, Chlorella sp., Chlorococcum sp., and Scenedesmus sp., against Aedes aegypti.

Materials and Methods: The microalgal extracts were prepared with different concentrations after suitable pretreatment and extraction process. The effect of extracts was tested on Aedes aegypti larvae exposed to different concentrations after 24 and 48 hours.

Results: The ethanol extract of the Scenedesmus sp. showed the highest larvicidal activity. Whereas the larvicidal activity of methanol extract of the Chlorococcum sp. was the lowest. The phytochemical screening of algal extracts revealed the presence of phytochemicals present in the microalgal extracts namely flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, quinones, saponins, and cellulose

Conclusion: This study demonstrated the biopotential of microalgae extracts for the control of the dengue vector, Aedes aegypti. Thus, the use of microalgae can be considered as an alternative to the conventional insecticides as it is more sustainable, non-toxic, and eco-friendly.
IL-38 gene expression: A new player in Graves’ ophthalmopathy patients in Iraq
Authors: Jawad Nada Kadum , Numan Ahmad Tarik , Ahmed Ahmed Ghaith , Saleh Tahreer Hadi , Al-Rubaii Bahaa Abdullah Laftaah 
Published: February 2023

Introduction and Aim: Thyroid eye illness is widely recognized as one of the most significant concerns confronting the medical profession today. The thyroid-related ophthalmopathy also known as Graves’ ophthalmopathy is an autoimmune disorder that cannot be reversed and hence, research pertaining to the identification of novel markers that can explain both the prognosis and the recovery of the condition is needed. In this study, we aimed to investigate the IL-38 gene expression levels among Graves’ ophthalmopathy patients in Iraq.

Methodology: The TSH levels were measured with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The level of IL-38 gene expression in patient blood samples and normal healthy controls was measured qualitatively using RT-PCR.

Results: Patients who were diagnosed with Graves’ ophthalmopathy were observed to have abnormally low levels of thyrotropin (TSH) in their serum. In these patients, the interleukin IL-38 gene expression was observed to be significantly greater compared to healthy controls (P<0.01), the tendency of which continued even after one year of therapy with anti-thyroid drugs.

Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that the IL-38 transcript is important in the autoimmune response. The identification of IL-38 expression levels could contribute in the early clinical diagnosis and treatment of thyroid eye disease
Stop-bang questionnaire as a screening tool for obstructive sleep apnoea in the surgical population: a prospective observational study
Authors: Shetty Kajal , Soori Rashmi 
Published: February 2023

Introduction and Aim: Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a type of sleep-related breathing disorder characterized by repetitive episodes of partial and complete pharyngeal collapse causing a reduction or total cessation of airflow during sleep. Undiagnosed, it increases the intraoperative and postoperative complications. This study aimed to screen patients undergoing surgical procedures for OSA using a validated self-report STOP-Bang questionnaire.

Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital between June and November 2021 and included 174 patients posted for elective surgery. A modified STOP-Bang questionnaire was used to evaluate participants for OSA. Documentation also included the difficulty in mask holding, number of attempts at laryngoscopy and intubation, the type and size of the endotracheal tube, and attempts to place a supraglottic airway device.

Results: The prevalence of self-reported OSA was 5.2% (n=9) among the 174 participants included in this study. Among the patients (n=98) who underwent general anaesthesia 32 had difficult airways, among which 20 (62.5%) had a predictor of difficult airway and two had OSA. One among the 2 OSA patients had other predictors of difficult airway. No statistical significance was observed between OSA and the difficult airway (p=0.723). However, a clinically significant association was seen for difficult mask holding for patients with OSA but having no other predictors of difficult airway.

Conclusion: Using the STOP-Bang questionnaire to screen OSA in patients undergoing general anaesthesia or sedation can help the anaesthesiologist manage difficult airways more effectively.
A study of ATPase gene variants of mitochondrial DNA in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Alhussona Ali Jumaah , Al-Musawi Ali Habeeb , Jalood Hayder Hussein , S. Hamzah Sawsan 
Published: February 2023

Introduction and Aim: Diabetes mellitus is a complex disease that is a major global health problem. It is defined as a chronic metabolic disease characterized by high blood glucose levels. Diabetes risk has been linked to genetic variations within mitochondrial DNA. The current study sought to identify and compare genetic variation (mutations) in ATPase genes in diabetic patients and healthy individuals.

Materials and Methods: This study included 100 individuals (50 T2DM patients and 50 healthy volunteers). Peripheral blood samples were collected from each individual and DNA extracted. The mitochondrial mtATPase genes were amplified using specific primers by polymerase chain reaction. The amplified products were sequenced, and the sequences obtained analyzed for nucleotide changes.

Results: The ATPase gene sequence analysis revealed nine nucleotide changes, three of which (A9039G, G9092A, and G9100T) are classified as polymorphisms in the human mitochondrial genome database. Furthermore, we presented the first description of mutations in ATPase genes such as (A8586G, C8637T, G8813A, A8953G, C8981T and T9024G). The A9039G mutation changed the amino acid isoleucine to glycine, the G9100T mutation changed the amino acid serine to isoleucine, and the C8981G mutation changed the amino acid threonine to isoleucine. Most patients were found to predict haplogroup H2a (H2a2), in addition to having H1c (H1c3) and L1c(L1c2). The presence of genetic variations in mtATPase genes may be an inheritable risk factor for type 2 diabetes mellitus pathogenesis.

Conclusion: Variants in ATPase mitochondrial genes may be one of the risk factors associated with type 2 diabetes. Hence, documenting these mutations is clinically important in the possibility of diagnosing diabetes, as well as the likelihood that these mutations could be pathogenic.
Prospects and retrospects of occupational hazards amongst healthcare workers
Authors: Sharma BGH Carol , Das (Kumar) Sugata , Ghosh Subrata 
Published: February 2023

Introduction and Aim: Several studies showed that exposed health care workers are prone to numerous workplace hazards. Safety measure implementation in high-income countries, mostly neutralize these risks. But in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), lack of resources and by-passing essential safety measures mostly increase the risk of occupational exposure to these hazards. This study attempts to map and synthesize the available research activities on occupational hazards among health care workers in India (LMIC) and to identify the research gaps and information policy.

Methods: Amongst 190 female health care workers including nursing staff and other caregivers, this humble work attempts to quantify observational and/or experimental studies in various categories of different parameters namely, physical, physiological, biochemical, ergonomic and chronobiological aspects.
Results: Several specific biological hazards including blood-borne pathogenic disease, psychological hazards (workplace violence, burn-out, job dissatisfaction), ergonomic hazards including musculo-skeletal disorders and chemical hazards including biochemical abnormalities (example, exposure to latex and anti-neoplastic drugs) were observed. Several unique cross-talks between parameters of different categories were observed. Implementation of risk reduction strategies was found to be sub-optimal.
Conclusion: Most of the recorded hazards are of biological type (more than 52%). Occupational safety needs to become a priority public health issue for protection of health care workers in India and other LMICs. Much more research activities are needed to understand the magnitude and the cross-talks between different hazards of the concerned profession.
Effectiveness of osteopathic treatment in patients with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS)
Authors: Arora Arunima , Ghosh Tirthankar 
Published: February 2023

Introduction and Aim: International continence society mentions that more than 50 % of females suffer from lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and more than 90% of them were not on any medication. LUTS is a term that covers symptoms resulting from conditions affecting the urinary bladder and urethra, prostate, other pelvic organs or any other part of the body which is related to the bladder and urethra anatomically. LUTS can be classified into 3 subcategories, i.e., storage symptoms (symptoms during storage of urine), voiding symptoms (symptoms during micturition), and post micturition symptoms (symptoms after completing micturition). Patients with LUTS may present with a combination of storage, voiding, and post micturition symptoms. The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of osteopathy treatment in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms.

Materials and Methods: This is a pre-test post-test single group experimental study conducted at Sri Sri University. In this study, 20 females having the mean age of 21.9± 2.61 years with moderate and severe symptoms voluntarily participated. The pre-test scores were measured in 3 different questionnaires (AUA symptom score index, ICIQ – FLUTS and HPMDQ). The subjects were diagnosed and given 4 osteopathy sessions. The post-test scoring was noted and data was analysed using MS Excel.

Results: Compared to the baseline scoring, the post intervention scores on all the questionnaires reduced significantly. Subjects having moderate and severe symptoms were selected for the study. After intervention either the symptoms were absent or mild residual symptoms were seen.

Conclusion: The results shows that osteopathy treatment is effective in patients having lower urinary tract symptoms.
A clinical study of sickle cell anemia and its management through Kiratatikta (Swertia chirayata) Ghanvati and Guduchi (Tinospora Cordifolia) Ghanvati
Authors: Prasad Sinha Chandreshwar , P.K. Panda , Panda Sushmirekha , Sai Rajesh Apratim 
Published: February 2023

Introduction and Aim: Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is a genetic condition of mutation of beta globin chain and has been acknowledged to have a global public health impact. This disease is very common among many tribal and backward populations in India. In the central part of India its prevalence varies from 10-40% and in western area of Odisha varying from 10-17%. It can be classified as two types of homozygous sickle cell disease and heterozygous sickle cell trait. In Classical Ayurveda texts word to word correlation with SCA is not found. Clinical features of SCA correspond and are in line with Sannipataja Pandu Roga as described in classical texts. In the present work, a scientific effort was made for management of sickle cell disease through Ayurvedic interventions.

Materials and Methods: A prospective clinical study was carried out in a total of thirty (30) patients of both sexes and randomly registered according to the clinical features of SCA from OPD and IPD of Government Ayurvedic College hospital, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh. After assessment of subjective and objective criteria Kiratatikta Ghanvati and Guduchi Ghanvati were given 500 mg. each drug after meal with suitable fluid twice a day for a period of two months. Efficacy of therapy was inferred in 15 days interval and evaluated statistically by student’s paired ‘t’ test.

Results: The overall improvement was assessed after study. The mean score before treatment was 3.53 while the mean score after treatment was 1.52. The statistical evaluation revealed that the mean difference was ± 2.01, SD±0.85, SE± 0.22 and t value 8.803. Trial medications were statistically highly significant with p<0.001.

Conclusion: From the present study, it can be concluded that the trial drugs are very effective in the management of SCA; they reduce the subjective and objective parameters and its complications.
Effects of muscle energy technique on improving the range of motion and pain in patients with frozen shoulder
Authors: Kumar Mallick Deepak , Paul Sohini , Ghosh Tirthankar 
Published: February 2023

Introduction and Aim: Muscle Energy Technique (MET) is a type of manual treatment that utilises the energy of the muscle in the form of a mild isometric contraction to stretch the muscle and relax the muscles through reciprocal or autogenic inhibition. An idiopathic ailment of the shoulder joint known as frozen shoulder is characterised by a rapid onset of shoulder discomfort and a limitation in mobility. Much research has been conducted to determine how various manual approaches affect shoulder discomfort. This study focuses on how MET affects pain and range of motion during the initial stages of rehabilitation.
Materials and Methods: Patients who are diagnosed with frozen shoulders with fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected for the study. In the current study, thirty patients who had a prevalence of musculoskeletal complications of the frozen shoulder were selected. Out of which eighteen are male and twelve are female. To identify the prevalence each patient's range of motion and VAS Score for pain sensation were recorded. The same patients have been introduced to MET for another seven days. MET includes 5 repetitions/sets, 3 sets/session, and 1 session/day. A statistical test was performed to identify the significant difference between pre and post-values.
Results: Most of the patients had an average range of motion (Flexion) (of 132±18.96), range of motion (Abduction) of (107.00±12.77), range of motion (Rotation) of (63.50±9.39) and VAS score was (5.96±1.29). Most patients showed the improvement in range of motion and a decrease in pain sensation as per the VAS Score.
Conclusion: This study shows that MET effectively improves the range of motion and functional ability, relieving pain in Frozen Shoulder patients in the early stage of rehabilitation.
Effect of compression of fourth ventricle on the respiratory capacity in the post COVID patients
Authors: Agarwal Kushal , Ghosh Tirthankar 
Published: February 2023

Introduction and Aim: Post-covid syndrome is the group of nonspecific symptoms which are seen among the patients who have been recovered from COVID-19 and that persist over 4 weeks. Symptoms involve fatigue, breathlessness, cough, cognitive disturbances, depression and anxiety, many organs related symptoms, and the prominent features involve shortness of breath and inability to return to baseline activity level. Studies show that Pneumonia which is associated with the COVID-19 infections can lead to long-standing damage to the alveoli in the lungs and as a result scar tissues may develop which in the future can lead to long-term breathing problems. The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of osteopathic CV4 technique in post covid patients.

Materials and Methods: This is a pre-test and post-test experimental study conducted at Sri Sri University. In this study, 20 subjects both male and female, having mean age of 23.3 ± 2.81 years were taken. After assessment of all inclusion and exclusion criteria, a brief history regarding COVID-19 and if present other respiratory disorders was taken. Following this, a 5 minutes window period was given to all participants before the collection of pre-test data.

Results: When CV4 osteopathic technique was given to post-covid patients, there was a significant change in FVC, FEV1, PEF and pulse rate when compared to the pretest intervention data. However, the changes in oxygen saturation levels were not statistically significant.

Conclusion: The results show that osteopathic CV4 technique alters the respiratory capacity in post covid patients.
A comparative study of balamoola kashayam pana with and without karpasyadhi taila nasya on apabhabuka with a special reference to frozen shoulder
Authors: Prasad Nagendra , G. Kavitha , Agrawal Sonam , Hajira Satyasundar 
Published: February 2023

Introduction and Aim: When changes in lifestyle, environment, and social structure occur throughout time with a predominance of certain symptoms and virulence, diseases arise. Whatever the illness, it becomes a serious issue for society and affects both social and professional activity. One such symptom that has afflicted people since the dawn of time is pain. There are many distinct places where pain can appear and come from. An estimated 16% to 26% of shoulder discomfort cases are self-reported. The goal is to find a treatment that will lessen a person's discomfort, decrease their level of dependency, and improve their quality of life by increasing their mobility and reducing their disability. Frozen shoulder is one of these clinical conditions where nasya with oral medication can be prescribed.

Materials and Methods: In this study patients in Group B received balamoola kashaya pana with karpasyadhi taila as nasya, in contrast to those in Group A who received balamoola kashaya pana only.

Results: After completion of 30 days, it was observed that the effect of treatment in Group B is more significant against most of the clinical parameters taken to assess the efficacy of treatment with p value <0.001.

Conclusion: After trial it can be concluded that nasya along with balamoola kashaya pana is more effective in the management of Apabahuka (Frozen shoulder).
A study on effects of osteopathic technique in fatty liver
Authors: Mirajkar Nikita Balkrishna , Ghosh Tirthankar 
Published: February 2023

Introduction and Aim: The prevalence of fatty liver is increasing worldwide and has also been observed in young adults. Fatty liver can lead to decreased liver function, which can lead to many digestive disorders and symptoms such as right upper quadrant pain, back pain, constipation, fatigue, bloating, and even loss of appetite. Liver manipulation techniques can help reduce hepatocyte inflammation, loosen the attached fascia, reduce pain, and improve liver function. The study aims to evaluate the effects of osteopathic techniques on fatty liver.

Materials and Methods: Ten participants with fatty liver were selected as per inclusion and exclusion criteria. One session per subject once a week was given for 3 consecutive weeks. Pre and post-data were analysed.

Results: The study demonstrated differences in the outcome measures pre and post-treatment. There was a significant change observed on both the outcome measures, which was statistically significant on USG and on SGOT/SGPT with p=0.05.

Conclusion: From the present study we can conclude that liver manipulation techniques are clinically effective in fatty liver conditions.