bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of oral health status among intellectually and physically disabled population in Chennai
Authors: Suresh Sushanthi , Indiran Meignana A. , Doraikannan Srisakthi , Prabakar Jayashri , Balakrishnan Satheesh 
Published: February 2022

Background:
Oral health is an integral part of general health. In certain populations, especially among intellectually and physically disabled individuals, oral health is neglected. People with disabilities deserve the same opportunities for oral health and hygiene as those who are abled, but sadly dental care is the most common unmet health care need of the disabled people. Aim: The purpose of the study is to assess the oral health status and dental care utilization of people above 15 years with intellectual and physical disability in Chennai.

Methodology:
A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out to assess the dental caries experience, gingival status, prevalence of fluorosis and lesion, and dental service utilization among 132 intellectually and physically disabled people in Chennai. After obtaining the caregivers consent of the participants, oral health was assessed using the World Health Organization (WHO) proforma, 2013. Statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Version 23.

Results:
When DMFT indexes were examined with regard to sex, the mean DMFT was found to be higher for males with 1.453 ± 1.847 whereas females have 1.403 ± 1.73, and mean DMFT was found to be more for the 26–35 years age group with 2.3 ± 2.01. 81.8% of the population had no gingival bleeding whereas only 18.18% had gingival bleeding.

Conclusion:
With the obtained results, people with physical disability have a high mean DMFT compared with intellectual disability. The present study showed dental negligence among mentally disabled population where the parents, caretakers, and dentists are responsible.
Assessment of knowledge and their practices regarding malaria among members of Village Health Sanitation Committee in rural Uttar Pradesh: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Kumar Sandip , Srivastava Dhiraj K. , Jaiswal Kirti , Shukla Sushil K. , Bajpai Prashant K. , Kaushik Amit 
Published: February 2022

Background:
In 2019, the global number of malaria cases was estimated at 229 million. An estimated 409,000 deaths were attributed to malaria in 2019. Under-five children are the most susceptible to malaria, accounting for 67% (274,000) of all malaria deaths worldwide in 2019. This study aimed to assess knowledge and practices regarding malaria among Village Health Sanitation Committee (VHSC) members in rural Uttar Pradesh.

Methodology:
This cross-sectional study was conducted in the villages of four districts of Uttar Pradesh with high malaria burden. In the present study, 484 participants were interviewed from four districts of Uttar Pradesh.

Results:
Nearly all the participants (97.1%) have heard about malaria. Majority of the participants (97.1) were aware that mosquito bites spread malaria. However, many participants were also having a false awareness that malaria is spread by other modes like drinking contaminated water, touching each other, eating contaminated food, and so on. More than half of the participants told that mosquitoes are responsible for malaria breeds in stagnant clean water (25.6%) and stagnant dirty water (28.5%). Nearly half of them were aware that mosquitoes’ biting time was sunset (42.1%) and sunrise (7.8%).

Conclusion:
In the present study, many participants were having a false awareness that malaria is spread by other modes like drinking contaminated water, touching each other, eating contaminated food, and so on. Even the knowledge regarding any government program for the prevention and control of malaria of the mosquitoes was very weak. There is an urgent requirement of increasing knowledge among the VHSC members to reduce the malaria burden in the country.
An epidemiological study and trend analysis of laboratory confirmed COVID-19 cases among children in North India
Authors: Mussadiq Sabba , Verma Rajesh K. , Singh Dharmendra P. , Bajpai Prashant K. , Begum Naila , Kumar Sandeep 
Published: February 2022

Background:
The role of children in transmitting the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus is difficult to ascertain and the consequences remain unclear. This is necessary for public health or infection control purposes. The objective of this study was to describe the epidemiological, month-wise trends and clinical characteristics of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection among children in a tertiary care hospital.

Materials and Methods:
A cross-sectional study was performed on all pediatric samples of suspected cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The samples were received from the adjoining districts and our Institution in the Department of Microbiology from June to November 2020. Cases were then confirmed by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction.

Results:
Of the total 62,030 pediatric samples tested, 847 (1.3%) were SARS-CoV-2 positive. The majority of positive cases were between the ages of 11–15 years. The median age of confirmed patients was 14 years. The male to female ratio was 1.5:1. Infants represented 1.6% of the positive cases. About 62.1% of all positive cases were asymptomatic. Childhood cases increased from June 2020 and peaked in September 2020 before declining.

Conclusion:
Children of all ages appeared susceptible to COVID-19 and accounted for a very small proportion of confirmed cases. Mostly, children were found to be asymptomatic. Young children can be important transmitters of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the general population. This population can be important for targeting immunization efforts throughout a rapidly evolving situation. Our findings provide further evidence of the distribution of infection in children and the transmission of SARS-CoV-2.
Awareness about tuberculosis in a rural area of Mandya district: A cross-sectional study in southern Karnataka
Authors: Shashikantha SK , Sheethal MP 
Published: February 2022

Background:
Tuberculosis (TB) is a re-emerging disease in India. Creating awareness among the community still plays a vital role in preventing and controlling the spread of TB.

Materials and Methods:
A cross-sectional study was carried out for a period of 4 months in a rural area in Mandya, southern Karnataka. Sample size was estimated and those who fulfill the inclusion criteria were included with prior consent. Data were collected through interview method using structured questionnaire and analyzed using Epi info software.

Results:
Among the 774 participants, majority (61.8%) of the study participants belonged to the age group of 30–59 years; 32.7% of the subjects had studied up to secondary level of education. More than three-fourth of the subjects (76.1%) had heard about TB disease. More than 50% of the subjects mentioned “coughing” by a diseased person as the main reason for spread. Forty percent of the subjects, opined as recovery, will be complete after treatment. More than 60% of the subjects knew that TB diagnosis and treatment is free in any government health center.

Conclusion:
Our study found that knowledge regarding TB and its control in many of the aspects is either insufficient or not satisfactory in the community.
Comparison of diagnostic value of two-dimensional ultrasound and clinical examination in fetal weight estimation
Authors: Nurzadeh Maryam , Naemi Mahsa , Hasani Shahrzad Sheikh 
Published: February 2022

Background:
Estimation of fetal weight during pregnancy plays an important role in prenatal and intrapartum care and is more important in pregnancies after 37 weeks to determine the type of delivery. The aim of this study was to compare and evaluate the accuracy and diagnostic value of two-dimensional ultrasound and clinical examination in estimating fetal weight and pregnancy outcomes.

Materials and Methods:
This cross-sectional study was conducted on 300 pregnant women without abnormal fetuses and pregnancies after 37 weeks; mothers who had a normal delivery or cesarean section were evaluated by the available method. The weight of the fetus was estimated before and after delivery, using ultrasound and clinical examination. Newborns were classified into five groups based on their fetal weight. Analysis of collected data was performed with SPSS software.

Results:
The mean age of the patients was 31 years and the mean weight of the neonates was 3450 g. At a weight of less than 3000 g, ultrasound and clinical evaluation were strongly correlated with the actual weight of the infant, but at weights of more than 3500 and 4000 g, weight estimation with ultrasound was highly accurate, and clinical examination had poor accuracy. In lower weights, square errors were fewer in both ultrasound and clinical examination, in comparison with higher weights. In higher weights, ultrasound is more reliable, and the diagnostic accuracy of clinical examination is reduced.

Conclusion:
Estimation of fetal weight with prenatal ultrasound is highly accurate. Clinical examination is more accurate in determining the weight of small fetuses and does not pay much attention to the diagnosis of macrosomic fetuses and even leads to overestimation, while ultrasound is much more accurate in diagnosing fetal macrosomia.
Pneumomediastinum: Radiological profile and associations of uncommon complication of COVID-19
Authors: Sarda Prashant , Thakker Vishal , Waikhom Premila D. , Arora Manali , Sharma Rohit , Baisoya Sovinder , Rawat Jagdish , Azad Rajiv K. 
Published: February 2022

Introduction:
Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is an uncommon complication of Corona Virus Disease (COVID)-19 presenting mostly in moderate to severe cases.

Materials and Methods:
This is a retrospective observational imaging and hospital data-based study done on 15 confirmed patients of COVID-19 who underwent high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) thorax at the Department of Radio-Diagnosis of a tertiary medical center in the Himalayan foothills. The clinico-radiological profile of the study group was assessed and it was aimed at finding the association of pneumomediastinum with the severity of lung changes.

Results:
A strong association of pneumomediastinum was observed with severe lung changes on HRCT thorax (n = 13, 87%, P < 0.00001). Dyspnea was the most common presenting factor. The mortality rate is high in mechanically intubated patients of pneumomediastinum with COVID-19 (75%).

Conclusion:
Pneumomediastinum is a complication of a severe COVID-19 disease spectrum. Along with severe lung parenchymal disease, systemic inflammation, systemic steroid therapy, comorbid state, and mechanical intubation, it is a part of the pool of poor prognostic factors. HRCT is essential for making a quick and comprehensive diagnosis, thereby, guiding the clinician for further management.
Mantoux test defaulters in rural population attending tertiary care hospital in a tuberculosis endemic area
Authors: Faujdar Sameer Singh , Singh Uday , Kumar Satish , Mehrishi Priya , Sharma Amisha , Dutta Aayushi 
Published: February 2022

Background:
Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the main causes of mortality among infectious diseases. The prevalence of tuberculosis is very high in developing countries such as India. Mantoux test is frequently used for the diagnosis of latent or active tuberculosis despite low sensitivity and specificity. However, the Mantoux test is a crucial test in a resource-less setup for the diagnosis of TB. Therefore, the main purpose of this study was to find the dropout rate and dropout reasons in Mantoux testing.

Methodology:
All suspected TB patients attending out-patient department and further tested for Mantoux test.

Results:
Of the total 789 Mantoux tests, 459 (58%) were negative, 195 (25%) were positive, and 135 (17%) were dropouts. One of the main reasons for dropout was patients did not give importance to the Mantoux test.

Conclusion:
Dropout rate in Mantoux testing can be reduced by patient counseling regarding TB and Mantoux test by the doctor.
Knowledge and attitude of the general population regarding infant hearing loss in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Almutairi Abdulhakeem N. , Altuaysi Abdullah M. , Alwhaid Mohammed S. , Alhasson Muath A. , Alharbi Meshari A. , Alsalam Hawra’a A. , Almazyadi Hashim A. , Almuqbil Abdulrahman Ahmed 
Published: February 2022

Background:
Ear health and hearing loss (HL) among infants has devastating outcomes. With most HL being deemed preventable, the assessment of one’s knowledge and attitude regarding this impairment is important. In Saudi Arabia, the state of the general population’s knowledge on infant HL remains unknown.

Objectives:
To determine and further elucidate the general population’s knowledge and attitude with regard to HL in Saudi Arabia.

Methods:
This is a cross-sectional survey-based study conducted on the general population of Saudi Arabia. A predetermined questionnaire was translated into Arabic. This was distributed among the targeted participants in several provinces of Saudi Arabia (central, northern, eastern, western, and southern) by using an online survey via social media. The data were collected and analyzed via the SPSS program.

Results:
The knowledge with moderate, poor, and good was determined among 60.9%, 29.6%, and 9.4% of the participants, respectively. The participants with positive and negative attitudes were detected among 92.6% and 7.4% of respondents, respectively. Increasing age was associated with better attitude, while increased knowledge was directly related to higher educational attainment. Those who have a child with HL had nearly twice as poor knowledge as those who do not have a child with HL (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:
Although most of the respondents possessed a positive attitude toward infant HL, their knowledge about it seems to be lacking. Thus, there is a need to address these knowledge gaps regarding infant HL.
Experiences and challenges faced by the working population during COVID-19 Lockdown: A qualitative study
Authors: Najeeb Shana Shirin , George Leyanna Susan 
Published: February 2022

Background:
The largest COVID-19 national lockdown was declared on 25 March 2020 in India with a total shutdown of workplaces and transport sectors. A complete lockdown deemed the entire population of the country to stay wherever they were residing at that point of time with no entry or exit movements being permitted thereafter. This unique situation betwixt a menacing health crisis rolled out a scenario uncustomary to the nation`s citizens. The varied responses of the masses to the lockdown need to be captured in order to understand the difficulties and dilemmas faced by them. Hence, this qualitative analysis aimed to capture the immediate challenges and experiences faced by the working population during the first-ever declared nationwide lockdown.

Methodology:
After obtaining institutional ethical committee clearance, a qualitative study was conducted using grounded theory approach. Using purposive sampling, people representative of the working-class population in Kerala were selected from three districts of the state. Equal representation of males and females were maintained. In-depth interviews were conducted via telephone using an interview guide till data saturation was obtained. The audio recorded data were later transcribed verbatim and translated to English. The transcripts were then manually coded to identify the emerging themes and subthemes and conclusions were drawn after triangulation.

Results:
The age of the study participants ranged from 32 to 71 years, they were occupied in different vocations and belonged to middle-class families across three districts of Kerala. All of them were aware and were mentally prepared for a national lockdown. They also made arrangements such as purchase of food, drinking water, medicines, etc., for home but also for office as well. Even though most of them were initially excited about the lockdown it was then followed by fear of contracting the disease, worries about loss of work and financial security. The study participants identified the advantages of lockdown as having more time for self & for family, use of the online/digital medium for routine activities and many also appreciated the support provided by the government in the form of food kits and loans. The lockdown was found to have increased the workload especially for women who had to manage not only family but also online work from home.

Conclusion:
The study was able to capture the different experiences and challenges faced by the middle-class working population. Even though they went through a cascade of initial excitement followed by fear of contracting the disease, it eventually turned into concerns of job and financial insecurities. The united frontline work of various sectors like police, health sector, local self-government, Kudumbashree and voluntary groups collectively aided in building community resilience enabling the southern state of Kerala to overcome the devastating effects of the pandemic and lockdown.
An evaluation of liver function tests in severe acute respiratory syndrome - Corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in the backdrop of chronic kidney disease
Authors: Kumar Rajeev , Jana Pratip , Priyadarshini Indu , Roy Smita , Datta Pritha , Das Saswati 
Published: February 2022

Background:
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has emerged as the most challenging global health problem of this century. The concomitant presence of co-morbidities like chronic kidney disease (CKD), diabetes, CHD, further complicates the problem.

Aim:
To assess the patterns of LFT abnormalities in patients of SARS-CoV-2 infection with and without CKD and evaluate the probable outcomes.

Materials and Methods:
A cross-sectional retrospective observational study done on 600 patient samples (Group 1: SARS-CoV-2 without CKD, Group 2: SARS-CoV-2 with CKD and Group 3: CKD uninfected with SARS-CoV-2) which were processed for LFT and KFT.

Results:
AST and ALT were significantly higher in all SARS-CoV-2 infected; Group 1 mean ± 2SD, (63.63 ± 42.89U/L & 50.25 ± 46.53U/L), group 2 (90.59 ± 62.51U/L & 72.09 ± 67.24 U/L) as compared to Group 3 (25.24 ± 7.47U/L & 24.93 ± 11.44U/L). A statistically significant elevation is seen in these two parameters in Group 2 as compared to Group 1. There was a negative significant correlation between eGFR and AST/ALT levels in Group 1 (p < 0.05). In Group 2, a weak positive correlation was seen with ALT. Group 3, eGFR’s showed strong correlations with AST and ALT levels; reduction in kidney function correlated well with increase in serum ALP levels.

Conclusions:
This study establishes that SARS-CoV-2 infected, with CKD, show higher elevations in serum aminotransferase levels in comparison to those without CKD. In contrast, the CKD group not infected, shows a decline in serum aminotransferase levels. Serum ALT values in SARS-CoV-2 show significant correlation with eGFR. Also, elevated ALP values in CKD patients may be used as an indicator of declining kidney function.
Effect of nutritional intervention on anthropometric measurements of malnourished children at Nutritional Rehabilitation Center, Civil Hospital Ahmedabad under “Mission Balam Sukham” scheme
Authors: Bhanat Norma Jayeshbhai , Mall Anjali 
Published: February 2022

Context:
In Gujarat, 39.7% of children are underweight and 10.6% are severely wasted in under five years of age. Nutritional rehabilitation centers started by the Government of Gujarat under the “Mission Balam Sukham” program focused at providing an energy-dense diet and protein along with other nutrients to combat malnutrition in children by hospital admission.

Aim:
To estimate the effect of nutritional intervention on Anthropometric measurements of malnourished children at Nutritional Rehabilitation Center (NRC), Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad.

Settings and Design:
A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at the NRC of B. J. Medical College, Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

Methods and Material:
It was a hospital-based cross-sectional study conducted at NRC, Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad from January 2017 till December 2017 (1-year duration). A total of 159 children, 0–5 years were admitted in NRC during this period and observed during their stay with three follow-up visits.

Statistical Analysis Used:
Z-test, one-way ANOVA on repeated measures test.

Results:
The majority of the admitted children were in the age group of 12–23 months. Overall mean weight at admission was 6.1 ± 1.7 Kg. The increase in mean weight at discharge was 6.5 ± 1.9 Kg. The mean weight on the third follow-up was 7.4 ± 1.9 Kg. Nearly 62.3% of severely malnourished children had improvement (cured) after treatment that was given during NRC admission.

Conclusions:
The present study confirmed the effectiveness of nutrition rehabilitation centers in the management of severe acute malnutrition.
Barriers perceived by researchers in pursuing medical research in an evolving medical college of tribal Madhya Pradesh, India
Authors: Kabirpanthi Vikrant , Gupta Vikas , Chavan Pragati V. 
Published: February 2022

Introduction:
Doing quality medical research that improves patient care, improves medical education, reduces expenditures, and benefits society at large is an important responsibility, though often underrated. Appropriate measures are required to be taken when a medical college is new. Hence, this provided an opportunity to conduct a study at a current medical institution with the aim of identifying the barriers faced by research in various domains.

Methods:
This cross-sectional study included currently working faculties, including senior residents and demonstrators, as subjects. A structured questionnaire with close-ended responses was used, which covered the baseline characteristics of subjects and perceived research barriers among researchers. After obtaining institutional ethical approval, the study was initiated. During the analysis of the data, an association between variables was significant for P value < 0.05.

Results:
In the present study, out of 105 eligible subjects, only 98 of them participated. The mean age of the subjects was 36.06 ± 6.48 years. The most frequent barriers expressed were a lack of research training facilities to solve individual research problems (45.9%) and a lack of a sufficient financial budget for research activities (57.1%). The organizational-managerial level domain was significantly associated with the subject’s age, designation, and gender (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:
The present study identified the barriers faced by the researcher at various levels. Despite the presence of a young workforce, it was surprising to notice that more than half of the faculty members had poor research barrier scores in each of six domains, probably due to a lack of mentorship and acknowledgement, and a lack of skill in using computer-based hardware and software.