bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 infection among health care workers in a tertiary care teaching hospital in Kerala – India
Authors: Chandran Priya , Lilabi M. P. , Thomas Bina , George Biju , Hafeez Nimin , George Ardra Merin , Cyriac Milu Elizabeth 
Published: February 2022

Health care workers are at the frontline for management and containment of COVID-19 infection which has put them at additional risk of the disease. Infection and subsequent quarantine of contacts among HCW may produce considerable strain on the health care system. It is essential that we study the modes by which HCW may get infected in the work environment.

Methods:
All HCW testing positive for SARS COV 2 from 1st March 2020 to 31st Jan 2021 were included in the study. Data regarding possible source of infection, details of symptoms along with demographic details were collected.

Results:
A total of 390 health-care workers tested positive for SARS CoV-2 in the institution. The mean age of affected health-care workers was 32.82 (±10.6) years (range 20–65 years), and 61.3% were female 33% of the positive HCW were doctors and 19.5% nurses. 29% of the infections occurred during patient care of which majority were from the non-COVID areas of the hospital. Interactions with infected colleagues constituted 27.4% of the infections. Symptomatics constituted 67% and the predominant symptoms included Fever, myalgia and severe headache. 57.2% of those followed up reported persistence of symptoms, commonly fatigue (53%), dyspnea on exertion (48%) and myalgia (18%).

Conclusion and Recommendation:
Infection control practices in non-COVID areas of the hospital needs to be stepped up. Adherence to masking and personal protection during clinical interactions and with colleagues needs to be maintained. Physical distancing at workplace and during mealtimes needs to be ensured by the system.
Prevalence of presbyopia, spectacles coverage and barriers for unmet need among adult population of rural Jhajjar, Haryana
Authors: Malhotra Sumit , Vashist Praveen , Kalaivani Mani , Rath Rama Shankar , Gupta Noopur , Gupta Sanjeev Kumar , Prasad Manya , Sathiyamoorthy Ramadass 
Published: February 2022

Background:
Presbyopia is a major cause for near visual impairment among adults. Presbyopia induced visual impairment can be corrected easily by spectacles. We aimed to study the prevalence of presbyopia among adults aged ≥35 years and spectacles coverage among them. We also studied the unmet need for presbyopia along with the barriers to uptake of services.

Methods:
This is a population-based cross-sectional study conducted among adults aged ≥35 years in a rural district of Haryana. Near vision assessment and semistructured interview schedule were administered by a team of trained ophthalmic assistant, social worker and health assistant.

Results:
A total of 3832 adults aged ≥35 years were enumerated, from which 3246 (84.7%) were examined. Prevalence of presbyopia was found to be 42.9% (95% confidence interval 41.2-44.6). Participants with increasing age, literacy and women had higher prevalence, and those that were employed and belonged to below poverty line economic status had lower prevalence of presbyopia. Spectacles coverage among presbyopes was found to be 25.8%. There was an inverse association between unmet need for presbyopia and women, increasing education status and office work. Lack of felt need and personal reasons were the most common barriers for unmet need due to presbyopia.

Conclusions:
There is high prevalence of presbyopia among adult population, with spectacles coverage being low. Awareness activities along with affordable, accessible and socially acceptable services for those affected with presbyopia would be one of the key components of management.
Acceptance Rate of Influenza Vaccination Among Patients with Type II Diabetes
Authors: Alsufyani Shahad Ali 
Published: February 2022

Background:
It is well known that patients with diabetes are at increased risk of influenza infection and its serious complications. Our aim was to evaluate the attitude towards and prevalence of influenza vaccination among Saudi patients with diabetes.

Methodology:
Descriptive questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey of a sample of patients with diabetes attending a specialist diabetic centre in the Ministry of Health Hospital in Taif city in Saudi Arabia. We utilized a generalized logistic regression model analysis to evaluate the effect of background factors on influenza vaccine uptake.

Results:
The study included (n = 336) patients with diabetes. The prevalence of uptake of influenza vaccine was 43.5% (CI: 38.2% to 48.8%). Adjusted analysis of background effects revealed that uptake of influenza vaccine was improved with age, university education, and belief in the dangerousness of flu infection in patients with diabetes. Factors that deterred from the uptake of flu vaccines were longer in DM duration, getting health messages about flu vaccines, belief in vaccine effectiveness, health practitioner information, in addition to physician recommendation of the vaccine.

Conclusion:
The content of health messages about flu vaccine and the quality of practitioner-patient interaction requires considerable improvement and re-evaluation if the flu vaccine uptake rates among Saudi individuals with diabetes were to increase. Comprehensive therapeutic packages for patients with diabetes should include high quality education about influenza vaccine. Research into preventative measures among patients with diabetes should evaluate the effect of educational interventions using robust methodology.
Diurnal variation of fat oxidation rate and energy expenditure in an acute bout of endurance exercise by young healthy males
Authors: Sharma Priyanka , Agarwal Mayank 
Published: February 2022

Background:
Few studies have reported that circadian rhythm affects fat oxidation (FOx) during exercise. Time-of-day causing greater FOx and energy expenditure (EE) during exercise would be beneficial in the prevention of physical inactivity-related health disorders such as metabolic syndrome. The study aims to compare EE and FOx rate after an endurance exercise session done in the morning and late-afternoon hours by apparently healthy young male participants.

Material and Methods:
The present crossover quasi-experimental study involved 10 moderately active but physically untrained male participants of age 18–25 years with normal body mass index. Participants did a steady-state exercise on a motorized treadmill for 30 minutes at a moderate-intensity (50 ± 2% of their heart rate reserve) on two separate occasions at 9:00–10:00 and 15:00–16:00. A similar meal followed by 2 hours of fasting was done before each trial session. During the last 2 minutes of the exercise session, the respiratory gas analysis estimated volume of oxygen (VO2) and volume of carbon dioxide (VCO2) consumed in L/min. Indirect calorimetry equations assessed FOx (mg/min), EE (Kcal/min) and respiratory exchange ratio (RER). Data of one participant were removed to adjust for extreme chronotype. Paired t-test was applied, and P ≤ 0.05 was considered significant.

Results:
Morning versus late-afternoon variations in FOx (269 ± 110 vs 290 ± 110, P = 0.016), RER (0.86 ± 0.05 vs 0.85 ± 0.05, P = 0.040), EE (5.454 ± 0.987 vs 5.494 ± 0.959, P = 0.079) and VO2 (1.104 ± 0.201 vs 1.113 ± 0.196, P = 0.035) were present after adjustment for chronotype.

Conclusion:
In an acute bout of endurance, exercise done by young and healthy male individuals, FOx was significantly higher, while EE tends to be higher in late-afternoon than in the morning.
Beliefs, barriers, and acceptance associated with COVID-19 vaccination among Taif University students in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Mubarak Ali S. , Baabbad Ameera S. , Almalki Nada A. , Alrbaiai Ghaida T. , Alsufyani Ghadi A. , Kabrah Danah K. 
Published: February 2022

Background:
COVID-19 was declared a public health emergency of global concern by the World Health Organization (WHO) on January 30, 2020. Vaccination is one of the most effective methods for halting the pandemic and preventing complications. Vaccine hesitancy is a possible threat to global public health. Understanding the key determinants that influence the community's preferences and demands for a future vaccine may aid in the development of strategies to improve the global vaccination program. The aim of this study was to assess the beliefs, barriers, and acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination among Taif University students in Saudi Arabia.

Materials and Method:
This was a descriptive cross-sectional study, based study in Taif University, Saudi Arabia. Data was collected using a designed self-administered questionnaire that was shared as a link through social media. 332 students were considered eligible to participate voluntarily. Data were analyzed using the (SPSS) program version 25.

Results:
Out of 332 participants, 278 (83.7%) were accepting to take the covid vaccine, while 54 (16.3%) refused. Believes in vaccine safety and effectiveness and trust in the ability of the vaccine to prevent the complication, were all associated with high acceptance rate. Fear about side effects is considered a major factor for vaccination refusal.

Conclusion:
Most of the participants have the willingness to be vaccinated. The majority of students who agreed to take the vaccine were in the medical field, and that is mostly due to their high knowledge exposure. This indicates the importance of raising the awareness of the non-medical students.
We love orthodox medicine but still use our ‘Elewe omo’
Authors: Goodman Olayinka O. , Adejoh Samuel O. , Adeniran Adeyinka , Emechebe Angela C. , Kuyinu Yetunde A. 
Published: February 2022

Background:
Traditional Medicine refers to knowledge, skills and practices based on the theories, beliefs and experiences indigenous to different cultures. Women have been reported to utilize orthodox health care facilities more hence this study in an urban center.

Objective:
To determine the utilization of traditional healers, preference of healthcare and co-utilization of traditional and orthodox medicine among women in an urban community in Lagos, Nigeria.

Method:
A cross sectional design using a multistage sampling to select 270 women in Mosan Okunola, Lagos, Nigeria in 2019. A pretested semi-structured intervieweradministered questionnaire and an in-depth interview were used to obtain data from participants. Utilization of traditional healers was referenced within the last 12 months.

Result:
Sixty three percent (63.2%) of the study population utilized traditional healers and 80.6% of respondents that accessed healthcare utilized traditional healers. The Traditional Medicine ingredient dealer was the most patronized (74.6% of respondents). Eighty three percent (83.3%) of study participants indicated preference for orthodox medicine and 53.1% of the study respondents co-utilized both traditional healers and orthodox medicine. Concurrent use of both traditional and orthodox medicine was not a common practice among the women. Level of education, monthly income and means of payment for treatment had a statistical significant association (P < 0.05) with utilization of traditional healers but means of payment for treatment was the singular predictive factor of utilization of traditional healers.

Conclusion:
Utilization of traditional healers among women in this community was high with majority indicating a preference for orthodox medicine. It is recommended that an in-depth history of remedies used by patients should be delved into by orthodox health practitioners.
Covid-19 and leptospirosis, pulmonary involvement and response to steroids
Authors: Xavier Vinod , Baby Binitha , George Joemon M. , Ittyachen Abraham M. 
Published: February 2022

Background:
COVID-19 is an emerging infectious disease with a global outreach. Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease mainly confined to tropical areas. In both cases, most of those affected are asymptomatic or have only mild respiratory disease. Those who turn critical develop acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and/or multiple-organ failure occurs rapidly, with high fatality.

Methodology:
This is a retrospective observational study from 2020 involving COVID-19 and leptospirosis patients. The data were collected using a semi-structured proforma, and analysis was performed using Easy R (EZR) software.

Results:
There were five patients with COVIDC-19 and four patients with leptospirosis; with pulmonary involvement. All the patients were males. There was no significant difference in age, the onset of pulmonary involvement, time of initiation of steroids, duration of steroids, and outcome between the two groups. However, in the case of COVID-19, it took a longer period for clearing of infiltrates.

Conclusion:
Though COVID-19 and leptospirosis are two different diseases, both of them show a similar life-saving response to steroids, the common factor in the pathogenesis being cytokine storm. Primary care physicians in tropical areas of the world should be aware of the similarities between these two diseases, especially the initial clinical presentation, the pathogenesis, and the response to steroids.
Study of clinico- epidemiological profile of COVID-19 positive pregnant females in a tertiary care hospital of Kumaon region
Authors: Rani Mahima , Khan Mohd Najmul Aqib , Ahmad Shahzad , Maroof Mohd , Pant Prabhat , Awasthi Sadhana 
Published: February 2022

Introduction:
Pregnant females are considered as a high-risk group for the prevention and control of various communicable diseases. Therefore, this research was undertaken to study the clinic-epidemiological profile and biochemical parameters of COVID-19-positive pregnant females in a tertiary care hospital.

Methods:
This hospital-based retrospective study was done on COVID-19-positive pregnant females admitted during April 2020–March 2021. A total of 139 patients were included in the study. Clinical, epidemiological, hematological, and biochemical profiles were described using frequency, percentages, mean, standard deviation using Microsoft Excel software.

Results:
The mean age of study participants was 25.36 ± 3.79 years, mean duration of pregnancy was 37.53 ± 3.31 weeks. The majority of the patients were asymptomatic (89.2%). Abdominal pain was the most common symptom (66.7%) among symptomatic. All patients were managed conservatively.

Conclusion:
The study showed the mild nature of COVID-19 among pregnant females as the majority of them pregnant were asymptomatic and few presented with mild symptoms.
Implementation, effectiveness and monitoring of telemedicine program in Bhutanese refugees camp in Eastern Nepal
Authors: Gupta Pramendra Prasad , Khatoon Salina , Khatiwada Neemesh , Mishra Abishekh , Bhatta Narendra , Geissbuhler Antoine 
Published: February 2022

Background:
Telemedicine, a part of Medical Informatics used to consult patients from remote places either via videoconferencing or transferring data and resources via the Store and Forward method, makes the quality of healthcare in low-and middle-income countries more efficient, cost-effective, and accessible. The objectives of this study were to determine its effects on the health of refugees and its efficacy in terms of referrals and cost reduction for healthcare service providers among Bhutanese refugees in eastern Nepal.

Methods:
This was a cross-sectional study done retrospectively from the records of patient data of Bhutanese refugees from AMDA, Damak, and prospectively by asking the questionnaire to the healthcare providers of Beldangi PHC of AMDA, Damak.

Results:
The total percentage of patients that were seen via teleconsultation in the primary center was 58% male and 42% females, whereas from the secondary center, males were 43% and females constituted 57%. The referral rate from those primary centers and secondary centers were decreased to 31% and 39%, respectively, from 72% and 61% from previous records. The budget expenditure was also decreased to 13.65% from 29.41%.

Conclusions:
Telemedicine is beneficial in those types of refugee camps where there are chains of referring patients from primary health centers to tertiary care centers via secondary healthcare centers. As it not only decreased the referral rate but also save the budget expenditure, which are needed when referring those patients to other centers.
Effect of melatonin in children with neurodevelopmental disabilities and sleep disorders
Authors: Al Twaijri Waleed A. , Ba Armah Dua'a , Bin Sabbar Najla , Aldebasi Tariq , Shaheen Naila , Al Bekairy Abdul Kareem S. , Al-Jeraisy Majed 
Published: February 2022

Objectives:
The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy and side effects of melatonin use in a population of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities who had sleep disorders.

Methods:
This is a cross-sectional study conducted in the pediatric neurology clinic at King Abdulaziz Medical City. A designed questionnaire was given to the parents to inquire about the sleep characteristics of their children before and after using melatonin. The patients' demographic data were collected and different parameters before and after starting melatonin were compared. Categorical variables were summarized and reported in terms of frequency and percent (n%). Continuous variables were reported in terms of mean and standard deviation.

Results:
A total of 23 patients were enrolled in our study, of which 15 (65.22%) were male. The mean age was 5.83 ± 3.07 years. For melatonin dose, 9 (39.13%) received 1 mg, 8 (34.78%) received 2 mg, and 6 (26.09%) received over 3 mg. Regarding melatonin duration of use, 7 (30.43%) received melatonin for 0 to 6 months, 7 (30.43%) received it for 7 to 12 months, and 9 (39.13%) received it for over a year. Significant differences were observed in time taken to fall asleep (P =0.046), the number of times the child woke up at night (P =0.071), total sleep time within 24 hours (P =.011), and time taken to wake up (P =.007), while no significant difference was observed in the number of naps taken during the daytime (P =.801). There were no major side effects reported.

Conclusion:
Melatonin had a significant impact on total sleep time and quality during the pre and post assessment of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities and sleep disorders.
To assess the feasibility and diagnostic accuracy of preoperative ultrasound and ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration cytology of axillary lymph nodes in patients of breast carcinoma
Authors: Singh Somendra P. , Mishra Shashi P. , Gupta Vipin , Singh Shailendra P. , Gupta Poonam , Verma Ram L. , Akram Nadeem 
Published: February 2022

Background:
Metastasis of the lymph node is one of the most significant prognostic factors for breast cancer (BC).

Aim:
To predict positivity of the lymph node in BC patients with help of USG and USG-guided FNAC and thus to prevent unnecessary morbidity.

Methods:
50 patients of incisional/true cut biopsy-proven BC patients were included. All were subjected to mammography, USG and FNAC of the lump breast. USG-guided FNAC of the axillary lymph node was done in 25 of these patients. These findings were assessed by histological examination following dissection of the axillary lymph node.

Results:
Axillary lymph node (ALN) metastasis was present in 42 patients on histopathology; 21 patients suspicious of malignancy on preoperative USG were confirmed by HPE. Out of 88 confirmed lymph nodes evaluated on ultrasonography, 4 were benign, 18 were indeterminate and 66 were suspicious. The most promising features were tumour length/depth ratio of <1.5 in 81, absent fatty hilum in 73% and hypoechoic cortex in 74%. Assessment of axilla with USG had a sensitivity of 50%, a specificity of 100%, a PPV of 100%, an NPV of 27.59% and a diagnostic accuracy of 58%. Preoperative USG-guided FNAC had a sensitivity of 91.67%, a specificity of 100%, a PPV of 100%, an NPV of 33.33% and a diagnostic accuracy of 92%.

Conclusion:
USG can detect non-palpable axillary lymph nodes and FNAC can increase the sensitivity and specificity of this technique, which makes this procedure very promising in detecting axillary metastases in BC patients.
An observational study to find association between Hypertension and severe and fatal COVID-19 infection in COVID dedicated hospital, Mumbai
Authors: Kinge Kirti V. , Chavhan Smita S. , Adsul Balkrishna B. , Kumbhar Maharudra A. , Gokhale Chinmay N. , Ingale Aniket R. 
Published: February 2022

Introduction:
World Health Organization (WHO) has declared COVID-19 outbreak as a “public health emergency of international concern” on January 31, 2020. After that the epidemic spread rapidly around the world. Chronic non-communicable diseases were identified as risk factors for SARS-CoV-2. Hypertension (HTN) is one of the most common cardiovascular diseases with a prevalence ranging from 10% to 20% among adult population. After COVID-19 outbreak, identification of risk factors for severe or fatal disease is necessary to allocate limited resources. For primary care physicians, this is of vital importance to know the association between hypertension and severe and fatal COVID-19 infection as hypertension is affecting millions of people all over the world and primary health care is of immense importance in a country like India. Duration of stay in hospital which will be taken as proxy measure of duration of illness, symptomatic status, need of ICU care and death will be taken as indicators of severe and fatal COVID-19 infection. There are few researches to find an association between Hypertension and severe and fatal COVID-19 infection. There is a need to assess the same.

Objectives:
To find an association of hypertension and severe and fatal COVID-19 infection.

Methodology:
A hospital-based cross-sectional study was carried out at a COVID dedicated hospital, Mumbai in 9 months from 1 April 2020 to 31 December 2020. All patients admitted in hospital were included in the study by universal sampling.

Ethical Approval:
The permission to conduct the study was taken by Institutional Ethics Committee.

Results:
There was a significant association between hypertension and severe and fatal COVID-19 infection defined by more duration of stay in hospital, admission to ICU and mortality.

Conclusions:
It is concluded from this study that hypertension is associated with severe and fatal COVID-19 infection. It gives a clear idea for primary care physicians to give more focus towards patients with hypertension with COVID-19 infection. Blood pressure monitoring should be strictly practiced during COVID-like illnesses. Special attention is to be given as far as treatment and early referral to higher centre with ICU is concerned for better outcome. Hypertensive patients should be protected more by adopting COVID appropriate behaviour.