bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A comparative study of the treatment outcome of moderately accelerated radiation fractionation (with concurrent chemotherapy in daily dosing) to conventional chemo-radiotherapy in locally advanced head and neck cancers: Supportive in a resource constrained environment
Authors: Arora Chhavi , Sharma Neelam , Kapoor Amul , Pandya Tejas N. 
Published: June 2023

Background:
In our country, head and neck cancers account for about a third of all cancers. Moreover, the patients typically present in advanced stages, which entails intensive multimodality therapy; but there is not much scope for improved survival outcomes. In view of this, a study was conducted to know the effects of treatment intensification, wherein moderately accelerated fractionation radiotherapy was given to patients presenting with advanced cancer of head and neck. This treatment was further intensified by accompanying radiation with concurrent cisplatin chemotherapy in daily doses. The control arm received the current standard therapy of conventional fractionation radiotherapy with weekly cisplatin chemotherapy.

Methods:
The primary objective of the study was to determine the prospect of tumor control (TC), disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS). The secondary objective was to study acute toxicity and late toxicity of the highest grade in both treatment groups. The study was conducted on a total of 60 patients who presented with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. The 30 patients in the control group received conventional fractionated radiotherapy (five fractions per week) with weekly cisplatin chemotherapy (40 mg/m2), whereas the remaining 30 in the study group received moderately accelerated radiotherapy (six fractions per week with same treatment field) along with daily cisplatin chemotherapy (6 mg/m2) with a reduction in treatment time by 1 week.

Results:
The overall response to therapy assessed as TC, DFS, and OS was compared, and no statistically significant difference between the two treatment arms was observed. However, the mean overall treatment time was reduced in the study group to 45 days as compared with 49 days in the control group (P = 0.001). The acute toxicities of xerostomia (P = 0.057) and skin (P = 0.052) and late toxicity of aspiration/laryngeal toxicity (P = 0.002) were higher in grade and number in the study group with accelerated fractionation.

Conclusions:
Hence, the study results suggest that it is a feasible option to combine the therapeutic benefits of accelerated fractionation radiotherapy with concurrent chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced head and neck carcinomas. There is a significant decrease in the overall treatment time and a considerable reduction in the load on the resource-constrained healthcare system. It would be equitable to point out that higher grade of few toxicities in the acceleration arm are likely due to doses to organs at risk being intensified with accelerated fractionation, which can now be delivered in a controlled manner with the latest high precision techniques, resulting in improved toxicity profile and quality of life which is the way forward for future studies.
Low degree of patient involvement in contemporary surgical research: A scoping review
Authors: Mojadeddi ZM , Öberg S , Rosenberg J 
Published: June 2023

Background:
Patient and public involvement in research was introduced a few decades ago. However, there is still a lack of knowledge of the degree of patient involvement, particularly in surgical research. The aim of this review was to characterize the use of patient/public involvement in contemporary surgical research and to describe how patients were involved, if they gained authorships, and which countries studies came from.

Methods:
In this scoping review, original studies and reviews about surgery were included that had patient/public involvement regarding study planning, conducting the study, and/or revising the manuscript. Screening was performed in the issues from 2021 of five general medicine journals with high-impact factors, also classically called “the big five,” and in the ten surgical journals with the highest impact factor.

Results:
Of the 808 studies, 12 studies from three journals had patient involvement, corresponding to 1.7%. Patients were involved as participants in nine of the studies either in the designing of the study and/or in revising or approving the protocol; and in four studies in revising and/or approving the manuscript. One patient fulfilled the ICMJE authorship criteria and received a group authorship. Studies with patient involvement originated from six countries namely, Australia, Canada, Netherlands, Norway, USA, and UK; with five studies from the UK.

Conclusion:
Patient involvement is very low in contemporary surgical research. It is primarily in the study planning phase, authorship is almost non-existent and few countries publish such studies.
Systolic Pressure, not the Diastolic Pressure Expresses Better the Relationship between Age and Blood Pressure Changes in a Community Sample of Adults
Authors: Bamaiyi Adamu Jibril , Madaki Habib Ozavinoyi , Musa Hamis Muhammad , Usman Abdulrasheed , Zagga Muawiya Usman , Tambuwal Bello Umar , Umar Hayatu 
Published: June 2023

Context:
Hypertension is an important cause of the cardiovascular disease (CVD). Blood pressure (BP) elevations and the associated complications are influenced by age.

Aim:
To evaluate age-related variations in systolic BP, diastolic BP, and the derived pulse pressure (PP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), as well as pulse rate (PR) in a community sample of adults in Sokoto.

Settings and Design:
Adult individuals, predominantly non-hypertensive, non-diabetic that attended a free medical screening in a Sokoto community, Northwestern Nigeria were evaluated.

Materials and Methods:
Blood pressure, anthropometry, and random blood glucose were measured.

Statistical Analysis Used:
Database storage and analysis were carried out using IBM SPSS, version 23.0.

Results:
Systolic BP correlates with age increases beyond other BP parameters (standardized β-coefficient of systolic BP = 0.4071, R2 = 0.0933, Diastolic BP = 0.1485, R2 = 0.0409, PP = 0.2587, R2 = 0.0661, MAP = 0.2347, R2 = 0.0757, PR = -0.0087, R2 = 0.0001). The same trend was observed when age-dependent variations in the BP parameters were assessed independent of body weights (Fcrit = 2.398, F = 151.911, df = 4, P = 0.000) and independent of the steady state pressure, MAP (Fcrit = 2.637, F = 795.975, P = 0.000). However, when the population is considered by age categories of ≤50 years or >50 years separately, diastolic BP rather than the systolic BP better explain the relationship in the ≤50 years category.

Conclusion:
Although all the components of BP should be monitored when treating hypertension in adults, systolic BP and its derivative PP be given more attention.
Prevalence of Thyroid Dysfunction in Women with Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding in Kano, North-Western Nigeria
Authors: Habib Abdullahi A. , Abba Usman , Abdullahi Hauwa M. , Ibrahim Sa'idu Adamu 
Published: June 2023

Context:
Thyroid hormones play a key role in the menstrual and reproductive functions of women. Thyroid dysfunction is marked by a large number of menstrual aberrations.

Objective:
To determine the incidence of thyroid dysfunction in dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB) and its correlation with menstrual patterns.

Materials and Methods:
The study population consisted of 64 DUB patients aged between 19 and 45 years and an equal number of age-matched women with a normal menstrual cycle. Plasma concentrations of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (T4), and free triiodothyronine (T3) of the participants were measured. Laboratory analyses were conducted on Elecsys 2010 immunology analyzer. Statistical analysis was performed with Microsoft Excel software, and the data were transferred into IBM SPSS version 21.0 for processing. A P-value of <0.05 was considered significant.

Results:
Among the 64 women with DUB, 21.9% had thyroid dysfunction, of which 14.1% had overt hypothyroidism, 6.2% had subclinical hypothyroidism, and 1.5% had overt hyperthyroidism. The main menstrual complaint among hypothyroid DUB patients was menorrhagia. The only presentation in hyperthyroidism was oligomenorrhea.

Conclusion:
The prevalence of abnormal thyroid function in this study was high; therefore, screening of DUB patients for thyroid function abnormalities is suggested.
Economic Evaluation of Stroke in Kano, North-Western Nigeria
Authors: Saidu Hadiza , Shuaibu Aisha , Nuhu Usman A. , Adeyeye Lawrence , Ibrahim Aliyu , Owolabi Lukman F. 
Published: June 2023

Context:
The cost of in-patient care for common non-communicable diseases is enormous, considering the health financing options in most developing countries. With the general economic down-turn in the country, and the predominant out-of-pocket payment for health service method by patients in our resource challenged settings, these patients usually incur catastrophic health expenditures. However, with the recent adoption of the contributory health schemes by some state governments to reduce the out-of-pocket payment by poorly remunerated citizens, studies on the cost of illness are imperative to enhance effective provider planning and administration.

Aim:
To estimate the cost of illness associated with managing acute stroke in Kano.

Setting and Design:
We conducted a cross-sectional study where eighty five adults with established diagnosis of stroke were enrolled using a cost of illness questionnaire. Prevalence-based costs were stratified by patients' socio-demographic characteristics and socio-economic scores (SES). The “bottomup” and “human capital” approaches were used to generate estimates of the direct and indirect costs, respectively. All estimates of the financial burden of the stroke were analyzed from the patients' perspective using Statistical Product and Services Solutions (IBM SPSS V.22).

Results:
A total of 85 patients participated in the study (AKTH-45, MMSH-40). Most were within the middle-age group (69.4%), had the ischemic stroke subtype (82.4%) and belong to the low socio-economic class (41.2%). The total costs of care for the 85 patients amounted to N8,753,623.00 ($21,339.37). The cost of illness for accessing care by a stroke patient was N102,983.80 ($251.05). The direct cost accounted for N72,730.00 ($177.40), and the indirect cost was N30,252.90 ($73.75). The projected economic burden of acute stroke care by adult population in Kano was also enormous. The health facility of care, stroke subtype, and length of hospital-stay accounted for the significant difference in cost of illness between the study patients (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:
Cost of illness in managing acute stroke care was found to be high, and with the sizeable proportion of the population belonging to the low socio-economic class, cost-effective primary preventive strategies to reduce risks for stroke is imperative.
Spectrum of Nasopharyngeal Cancers Seen in the Department of Radiation Oncology University College Hospital, Ibadan
Authors: Isah Ahmed Rufai , Aliyu Usman Malami , Adenipekun Adeniyi , Cambell Oladapo Babatunde , Ango Umar Mohammad 
Published: June 2023

Context:
Nasopharyngeal cancers were initially thought to be an uncommon disease in Nigeria, but recent studies have shown a steady increase in the incidence of the disease with an associated increase in morbidity and mortality due to late presentation.

Aims:
The aims are to evaluate the mode of presentation and referral pattern of nasopharyngeal cancer patients seen.

Settings and Design:
This was a retrospective review of patients with nasopharyngeal cancer seen in the department of Radiation Oncology U.C.H. Ibadan from 2000 to 2009.

Methods and Material:
Patients' biodata, clinical–pathologic presentation, and site of referral were retrieved using data extraction form and subsequently analyzed using Microsoft Excel (2013).

Statistical Analysis Used:
It is a descriptive analysis.

Results:
A total of 205 patients with histologically confirmed nasopharyngeal cancer seen during the study period were analyzed. The mean age of the patients was 41.7 years with 144 (70.2%) males and 61 (29.8%) females. The commonest presenting complaint was cervical lymphadenopathy in 98.5% of patients followed by nasal blockade, nasal discharge, and epistaxis with 82.0%, 78.0%, and 51.2%, respectively. Undifferentiated carcinoma was the commonest histologic type (68.8%). Majority of patients were civil servants (33.2%). The habit of smoking and alcohol ingestion was unspecified in majority of patients (43.4%). Ingestion of smoked fish has been found in majority of patients (122, 59.5%) with the disease in this study. Most of the patients came from southern part of the country which coincides with the geographic distribution of Burkitt's lymphoma; hence, the possibility of Epstein–Barr virus as one of the likely causative agents. None of the patients presented with stage I disease, while most patients presented at stage III 129 (62.9%).

Conclusions:
Nasopharyngeal cancer is common. Cervical lymphadenopathy, nasal blockade with undifferentiated histology, and late presentation were the norm. Referrals were from all the regions of the country.
Age-related variation in lifestyle and its relationship to chronic disease as shown by a survey using a self-evaluation questionnaire
Authors: Thakral Sonika , Garg Rahul , Bijlani Ramesh 
Published: June 2023

ABSTRACT

Background:
Many of the prevalent diseases have their roots in inappropriate lifestyle besides heredity. Modifiable lifestyle factors may be effective in the prevention and management of such diseases, as indicated by several research studies. This cross-sectional survey explores the correlation between various lifestyle factors and some common diseases primarily in the Indian context.

Materials and Methods:
A lifestyle questionnaire having 40 questions and comprising 7 dimensions was administered as a Google Form. The subjects of the study, recruited using convenience sampling, were all above 17 years of age.

Results:
The subjects were divided into four age groups. The lifestyle score (LS) increased with age, with the maximum rise happening in the age group 31–40. For the age groups 31–40 and 41–60, significant differences were found in the LSs of those having a lifestyle disease and those having none; two out of seven dimensions could predict the presence of a lifestyle disease for these groups. A dimension-wise comparison between Indian and outside India subjects within age groups revealed that Indians scored better in most cases where there was a significant difference. A similar comparison between males and females showed that females scored better in all cases of significant difference. However, females had a significantly more incidence of lifestyle diseases.

Conclusions:
The impact of a low LS starts becoming visible in the age group 31–40. Furthermore, this group makes maximum efforts to improve lifestyle. Hence, it is likely to be benefited the most by health education. Since females appear to be more prone, they need special focus.
Effect of mobile-based online meditation module and yoga intervention on depression, anxiety, and stress in the elderly during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Malhotra Varun , Sampath Ananyan , Javed Danish , Bharshankar Rajay , Mishra Shweta , Singh Vijender , Gautham Namita 
Published: June 2023

ABSTRACT

Introduction:
The aging process and the pandemic have significantly affected the elderly population, resulting in a wide range of physiological and psychological changes. These changes have created a significant burden for the nation as the elderly is often overlooked. In response to this, the Government of India and AIIMS Bhopal developed a yoga-meditation-based intervention to help improve the mental health of the elderly (>60 years) during the pandemic.

Methodology:
A retrospective case − control study was conducted on the geriatric population aged over 60 years of both sexes from March 2021 to September 2021 at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhopal. The sample size was calculated to be 690 participants based on the prevalence of depression and anxiety in the elderly population and using the depression, anxiety, and stress scale 21 (DASS)-21. Participants were asked to fill out the DASS questionnaire, and those with mild to moderate depression, anxiety, or stress were randomly divided into two groups. The intervention group received a 6-week yoga-based mobile intervention, and the results were analyzed using the SPSS software version 27.

Results:
The between group analysis showed that MOMMY intervention was effective in reducing symptoms of depression (t=3.38, df=93, p<0.001), anxiety (t=4.33, df=93, P < 0.001) and stress (t = 1.76, df=93, P < 0.05).

Conclusion:
Lockdowns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the psychological status of individuals. The study found a significant reduction in depression, anxiety, and stress levels after the intervention, indicating the necessity of similar interventions on the geriatric population to alleviate their mental health status.
Development, validation, and feasibility testing of a yoga module for substance use disorder
Authors: Ramsahaye Atmika Yantra , Bharathi B. , Sasidharan K. Rajesh , Rawat Vikas , Thulasi Arun , Kumar Vinod , Katla Naresh , Zaeem Syed H. Z 
Published: June 2023

ABSTRACT

Introduction:
Research evidence and theoretical models point to the need to implement yoga and mindfulness interventions as they impact different physiological and psychological functioning associated with addiction and relapse. To ensure the safe application of yoga, a standardized yoga module that can be practiced across any drug type of substance addiction is required. This study focuses on developing, validating, and testing a yoga module’s feasibility for the management of substance use disorder (SUD).

Materials and Methods:
The yoga module was developed for SUD by including specific yogic practices derived from research evidence from Google Scholar, PubMed, and traditional literature targeting symptoms related to SUD. Yoga experts validated the module using a 3-point Likert scale. Practices which scored a content validity ratio (CVR) score ≥0.33 were retained in the yoga module for SUD. A pilot assessment was done online to test the module’s feasibility. Participants in a 9-week residential rehabilitation center participated in the study. The module was taught as an add-on to their existing treatment. The motivation for seeking treatment was assessed at baseline, and quality of life was assessed at pre- and post-intervention using the questionnaire de motivation au traitement des toxicomanies and the World Health Organization Quality of Life BREF (WHOQOL BREF), respectively.

Results:
Thirty experts validated the developed module. Based on the CVR scoring, 37 yoga practices were retained. The final list of practices included breathing exercises, sukshmāvyāyāma (loosening exercise), āsana (postures), prāṇāyāma (breathing exercise), and dhyāna (meditation). In the feasibility study, all participants (n = 12) reported satisfaction and mentioned no adverse effects of the yoga intervention. The participants’ mean ± standard deviation (SD) of identified motivation was 26.6 ± 1.9, introjected amotivation 22.7 ± 5.1, external motivation 16.4 ± 6.2, and a motivation 15.1 ± 5.7. The Global score or Internalization coefficient mean ± SD was 29.1 ± 18.1. The participant’s total score on the WHOQOL-BREF was significant post intervention (P = 0.004). With the practice of the module, there was a significant change in the participant’s psychological (P = 0.008), social (P = 0.002), and environmental domains (P < 0.001) but not in physical health (P = 0.17). At 1 month follow-up, 11 participants (n = 12) maintained abstinence.

Conclusion:
The designed yoga module for SUD was validated by yoga experts and was considered safe and feasible by patients with SUD. In addition, patients reported an increase in their quality of life. This can be further studied in randomized controlled trials.
Analogy between contemporary underlying factors in teaching with Taittiriya Upanishad
Authors: Baghel Richa 
Published: June 2023

ABSTRACT
The purpose is to understand the values of Indian education and its contemporary implication. Peace, teaching, pedagogy, perception and values, memory and knowledge recitation, and convocation are categorized as essentials of teaching in the Taittiriya Upanishad. These are essential to enhance the creativity of a learner and implement knowledge. The objective of this study is to explore the relevance of ancient Indian education in the current time. A mixed and multiple-stage method was employed, comprising a literature review, pilot studies, and an empirical survey questionnaire adopted in this research. After learners contemplate the teachings, they find a unique way to implement their wisdom. The Indian education values discuss self-exploration. Relationships between teacher–student, their psychology, family, and society are the context of the Guru–Shishya tradition. It shows the relevance of Traditional Indian Education in contemporary times and matches the objectives of the New Education Policy 2020, India. The need of the hour is education patterns and rethinking knowledge delivery. Today the Internet is a hub of information; however, information is transcended by a teacher. All 30 variables of the study are still relevant in contemporary times out of 32 variables given in the Taittiriya Upanishad.
Developing a new improved yoga therapy treatment for asthma
Authors: Sangeethalaxmi M. J. , Hankey Alex 
Published: June 2023

ABSTRACTBackground:Bronchial asthma afflicts many millions of people worldwide, with multinational studies finding over 4% of young adults on asthma medication. Prescribed medication may alleviate symptoms but does not cure. The complementary system of yoga therapy has developed yoga practice modules that improve symptoms, but are cumbersome, and lead to high dropout rates.Results:We report the development of a new, shorter yoga module that achieved zero dropouts over a 90-day randomized controlled trial.Discussion:All yoga breathing exercises could be done standing or sitting in a chair, making the module suitable not just for young adults, but for all ages.
Yogic diet on gut microbial diversity in asthma
Authors: Das Monalisa , Pundir Megha , Nayak Priyanka , Patra Sanjib , Thajuddin Nooruddin 
Published: June 2023

ABSTRACTNutrition plays an important role in maintaining a healthy life with a better lifespan. A balanced diet is very important to maintain good health as illustrated in yoga.PathyaandApathyaAhara (diet) is an important part of almost every treatment of various lifestyle diseases including Asthma. Ayurveda also believes that a proper diet for a particular disease is as effective as medicine. According to the principles of Yoga, the essence of food forms the mind. A healthy diet is essential for a healthy mind and body. However, diet plays an important role in yoga perfection and success. The yoga diet brings peace and spiritual development. Hence, in this article, we discuss the diet required for an asthmatic following the principles illustrated in yoga literature such asHathayoga Padipika, Gheranda Samhita, andShrimad Bhagavadgita.