South Eastern European Journal of Public Health

A Meta-Analysis And Systematic Review Evaluating Cavities And Their Incidence In Indian Permanent Teeth

2026-01-14T11:20:38+00:00

Objectives: To use a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the combined prevalence of dental caries in the Indian population.

Methodology: To find information about dental caries in the Indian population, a keyword search was done using pertinent keywords in the PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Cochrane, and Scopus databases. Standard Boolean operators were used in the search criteria, which included English-language manuscripts published between March 2015 and March 2025. Two researchers independently reviewed the studies that satisfied the inclusion criteria, and the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale was used to evaluate their quality.

Results:
Seventy of the 253 articles that were found after screening satisfied the inclusion criteria and were used to create the meta-analysis. The overall dental caries prevalence was 54.16% (CI: 0.4966–0.5866), whereas the age-specific prevalence was 52% among individuals aged 3–18 and 62% among those aged over 18 (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions: In addition to an average prevalence of 54.16%, dental caries prevalence rates vary significantly by age, dentition, geographic location, and diagnostic parameters.

A Thematic Analysis Of Kuwaiti Women's Attitude, Behaviors, Beliefs, And Awareness About Pregnancy And Optimal Oral Hygiene Care

2026-01-22T13:01:50+00:00

Background:

During pregnancy, the hormonal and physiological processes are complicated and might predispose inflammation of the gums and caries. In spite of these dangers, there are still lots of pregnant women who do not know the value of professional oral care and preventive dental treatment. The study of oral-health beliefs and practices of women in pregnancy has received little research in Kuwait.

Purpose:

This paper examined the attitudes, beliefs, behaviors, and awareness of Kuwaiti pregnant women to oral hygiene in pregnancy through application of Health Action Model to determine the behavioral and motivational determinants of the behavior.

Methods:

The qualitative exploratory design was adopted. The focus group composed of ten Kuwaiti pregnant women pursuing antenatal care in private clinics and semi-structured interview was used. Thematic analysis was run through NVivo 12 software and Braun and Clarke six-phase framework to transcribe and analyze the data. Reflexive journaling, member checking, and peer debriefing were used to ensure credibility and trustworthiness.

Findings:

There were three key themes: (1) a lack of understanding of the oral systemic health connection, (2) perceived obstacles to professional dental care fear and competing medical advice, and (3) the powerful impact of social norms and self-care beliefs that cultural expectations have. These results imply that the motivational, social, and environmental factors interact with each other to influence oral-health behavior during pregnancy according to the Health Action Model.

Conclusion:

Kuwaiti expectant women were partially aware, and their oral-health behaviors were inconsistent and dependent on fear, misinformation, and cultural rules. The inclusion of oral-health education in antenatal services, as well as the enhancement of partnership between dental and obstetric services, could help to increase preventive steps and maternal health.

Effect Of The One Egg One Day Program On Changes In Zinc Levels And Anthropometric Status In Stunted Toddlers

2026-01-23T10:14:52+00:00

Stunting remains a serious public health problem in Indonesia. In this context, hair zinc levels serve as a sensitive long-term biomarker for assessing chronic zinc deficiency, a condition that is very common in stunted toddlers and directly contributes to stunted linear growth, while anthropometric status (especially the Height/Age z-score) provides an objective measure of impaired growth outcomes. Locally resource-based nutritional interventions, such as the consumption of omega-3-rich chicken eggs, offer significant strategic potential as a complete nutritional package rich in high-quality protein, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids (DHA), and various other essential micronutrients.

This study aimed to analyze the effectiveness of the one egg a day program on changes in hair zinc levels and anthropometric status in stunted toddlers.

The study used a pre-experimental design with a static group comparison approach. Data collection was conducted twice: a pre-test and a post-test. The data collected included the anthropometric status of stunted toddlers (height and weight) and zinc levels obtained from hair samples. Hair samples were taken from the back of the head by cutting 1.5-3 cm from the hair roots of the respondents. The data obtained were then analyzed using a paired t-test.

The One Egg a Day, One Egg program significantly increased hair zinc levels and anthropometric status (Z-score) in stunted toddlers, with a 2-tailed sig of 0.000 for each.

The use of omega-3 chicken eggs can be an alternative support option to address stunting in Indonesia through diversification of processed chicken egg products within the One Egg One Day program.

Medication Utilization And Polypharmacy Among Geriatric Patients In Saudi Arabia: A Rapid Review

2026-01-23T10:16:49+00:00

This rapid review examines polypharmacy in geriatric patients (≥65 years) with multiple chronic conditions in Saudi Arabia, focusing on its prevalence and implications. Polypharmacy—concurrent use of five or more medications—poses significant risks, including adverse drug reactions, interactions, and financial burdens. Studies highlight challenges like reduced adherence, poorer quality of life, and increased healthcare complexity. Managing polypharmacy in older adults with comorbidities requires careful coordination among providers. Proposed interventions include regular medication reviews, standardized assessment tools, and collaborative care models involving pharmacists and physicians. Enhancing provider communication and awareness can optimize medication management. The review emphasizes the need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate polypharmacy risks, improve patient safety, and enhance health outcomes. Addressing this issue is critical as Saudi Arabia’s aging population grows. By implementing evidence-based approaches, healthcare systems can reduce polypharmacy-related harms and improve care quality for elderly patients with chronic diseases.

Mapping Regional Disparities: A Comparative Analysis Of Traumatic Injury Burden Across Saudi Arabia's Administrative Regions

2026-01-23T10:18:08+00:00

Background: Traumatic injuries represent a significant public health burden in Saudi Arabia. Effective policy intervention under Vision 2030 requires a precise, subnational understanding of this burden, as national-level data often masks critical regional disparities.

Objective: This study aimed to identify and compare the relative burden of key traumatic injuries—road traffic accidents (RTAs), falls, burns, and violent injuries (stabbings/gunshots)—across Saudi Arabia's thirteen administrative regions.

Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional analysis was conducted using 2023-2024 data from the Saudi Open Data Platform and population statistics from the General Authority for Statistics. Incidence rates per 100,000 population were calculated for each injury type and region. Regions were ranked to identify high-burden "hotspots," and Pearson's correlation analysis was performed to examine relationships between injury types.

Results: The analysis revealed distinct regional hotspots: Al Baha and Najran for RTAs; the Northern Borders region for falls; Jazan and Asir for violent injuries; and Makkah as a profound outlier for burns. Correlation analysis revealed a very strong positive relationship between RTAs and burns (r = 0.824), suggesting a shared "urban trauma" etiology. Conversely, violent injuries showed negligible correlation with other injury types, indicating unique socio-cultural drivers.

Conclusion: The traumatic injury burden in Saudi Arabia is not uniform but is characterized by distinct regional patterns driven by different factors. A one-size-fits-all national strategy is inadequate. The findings mandate a precision public health approach, with targeted interventions for specific regional risk profiles—such as integrated urban safety for RTAs and burns, and localized, community-based strategies for violence prevention—to effectively reduce injuries in line with Vision 2030 goals.

Vision-Related Quality Of Life And Visual Outcome From Cataract Surgery In Patients With Diabetic Retinopathy

2026-01-23T10:19:29+00:00

Background: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) and cataract are major contributors to vision impairment in aging diabetic populations. While cataract surgery improves visual acuity, its effect on vision-related quality of life (VRQoL) in DR patients remains under-explored in Indian settings.

Aim: To assess changes in visual acuity and VRQoL following cataract surgery in patients with DR, using the validated Indian Visual Functioning Questionnaire-33 (IND-VFQ-33).

Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 94 patients with severe NPDR or PDR undergoing small incision cataract surgery (SICS) with PCIOL implantation. Preoperative and 1-month postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and IND-VFQ-33 scores were compared using paired t-tests (SPSS v22).

Results: Mean BCVA improved significantly from 0.92 ± 0.24 to 0.32 ± 0.18 logMAR (p < 0.001). VRQoL scores rose from 58.6 ± 12.3 to 82.4 ± 10.7 (p < 0.001), with significant gains across subdomains of mobility, daily activities, and emotional well-being.

Conclusion: Cataract surgery significantly enhances both visual function and quality of life in DR patients. Integrating culturally validated patient-reported outcome measures such as IND-VFQ-33 into routine cataract services strengthens evidence-based public health policy for diabetic populations in low- and middle-income countries.

Evaluation Of Antimicrobial Efficacy Of Novel Dental Varnish Containing Grape Seed Extract And Nanohydroxyapatite Against Streptococcus Mutans – An In-Vitro Study

2026-02-05T14:08:39+00:00

Background-Dental caries is a biofilm mediated disease predominantly initiated by Streptococcus mutans, leading to early enamel demineralization. While fluoride based varnishes are widely used for caries prevention, the search for bioactive, fluoride free alternatives has intensified. Grape seed extract (GSE), rich in proanthocyanidins, exhibits antimicrobial properties, and nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAP) mimics enamel mineral composition, supporting remineralization.

Aim-To evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of a novel dental varnish containing 5% Grape Seed Extract and nano-hydroxyapatite against Streptococcus mutans, as a preventive approach for initial enamel caries.

Materials and Methods-A novel experimental varnish incorporating nano-hydroxyapatite and 5% Grape Seed Extract was formulated. Antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus mutans was assessed using the agar well diffusion method. After incubation at 37°C for 48 hours, the zone of inhibition was measured in millimeters to determine bacterial sensitivity.

Results-The experimental varnish demonstrated a mean zone of inhibition of 19mm against Streptococcus mutans, indicating significant antibacterial activity and sensitivity of the organism to the formulation.

Conclusion- Findings suggest its potential role as an anticariogenic, fluoride free preventive agent for managing initial enamel caries through combined antimicrobial and biomimetic remineralization mechanisms.

A Study On Regional Variation In Son Preference In India

2026-02-16T15:42:32+00:00

Background: Son preference is a widespread phenomenon observed in many countries, including India and other South Asian nations. An extensive and populous country, India exhibits substantial variations in its geographic, economic, and cultural environment. There is little evidence of measurement of son preferences at the quantitative state level.

Objective: To measure son preferences quantitatively for major states of India and examine regional variation or heterogeneity in stopping behaviors of couples across the states of India.

Methods: We applied our proposed methodology to real data from the National Family Health Survey of different rounds.

Results Measures confirm that the methodology-based values are robust enough to provide reliable estimates of son preference at the state level. Son preference is highest in the eastern and central states, followed by northern states, and lowest in the southern states.

Conclusions: There is considerable variation in son preference across Indian states, often masked by National-level average measurements. Our findings warrant urgent policy interventions targeting specific districts in India to tackle the ongoing son preference attitudes and practices.

Role Of Oral Physicians In Delivering Palliative Care In Terminally Ill Head And Neck Cancer Patients: A Comprehensive Review

2026-02-18T06:44:36+00:00

The most frequent oral signs of terminally ill head and neck cancer patients include mucositis, xerostomia, nausea, vomiting, candidiasis, nutritional deficits, dehydration, and dysgeusia. Oral mucositis is one of the most common side effects in 75–99% of people who have undergone head and neck chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Management of oral mucositis is necessary to achieve nutrition and phonation. There is currently a scarcity of information regarding the palliative and preventive therapies that oral physicians should administer to patients who are terminally ill. The integration of oral physicians into palliative care teams for terminally ill cancer patients is crucial. Their expertise in managing oral health issues can improve these patients' overall quality of life. Palliative Care and Cancer Organizations should prioritize the inclusion of oral physicians in interdisciplinary palliative care teams, recognizing the holistic nature of patient well-being and the potential impact on both physical and emotional aspects of their final journey.

Social Perception For The Activation Of Sports For The Visually Impaired Individuals: Focusing On Big Data Analysis Of Korean Media

2026-03-10T13:52:55+00:00

This study evaluated societal perceptions regarding the promotion and development of sports for visually impaired individuals in South Kore a. Utilizing BIGKinds, a news big data analysis platform provided by the Korea Press Foundation, this study conducted a longitudinal analys is spanning from 2014 to 2023. This study focused on identifying and examining keyword patterns and trends associated with the term 'visua lly impaired' to elucidate shifts in media discourse and public interest. As a result, this study confirmed that 1,573 articles had been written in the last decade on sports for the visually impaired individuals in Kore an media big data, with interest in these sports appearing mainly in goalball, boccia, and tandem cycling. Specifically, the number of article
s on sports for the visually impaired individuals increased from 179 in 2014, decreased due to COVID-19, and then increased again to 249 in 2023. Trends indicate sustained media attention but reflect changing societal interests and pandemic impacts. The order of visually impaired i ndividuals sports disciplines frequently covered by the Korean media is a goalbal l, boccia, and tandem cycle that highlight inclusivity, challenging stereotypes and social barriers for visually impaired individuals.

Nursing Students As Workforce Extenders: An Evidence-Based- Pandemic Education-Innovation: Systematic Review

2026-03-10T14:03:09+00:00

Background: The recent COVID-19 pandemic severely damaged healthcare systems worldwide, exposing the world’s emergency preparedness and response capacity. The nursing workforce has faced increased new challenges recently, particularly in influent nations. The global shortage of the nursing workforce emphasizes the urgent need to develop a flexible environment to rebuild and support exhausted human resources.

Aims: This systematic review aimed to discover the outcomes associated with deploying nursing students as workforce eextenders with particular attention to their perceived benefits and losses.

Methods: The principal researcher conducted an online search on CINAHL, PubMed, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library to retrieve relevant studies that satisfied the predetermined eligibility criteria, using keywords and MeSH terms.

Results: A total of 1,160 participants from 52 studies published over the past five years and originating from 21 different countries were included in the review. Most of the studies suggested that nursing interventions resulted in improved student learning outcomes as knowledge, skills, satisfaction, critical thinking, and self-confidence. Academic-practice partnership programs are innovative interventions, especially during pandemics when the shortage of nursing staff is exacerbated. The removal of certain barriers and clinical training sessions becomes valuable for preparing nursing students as part of the nursing workforce.

Accuracy And Effectiveness Of Robotic Implant Placement Compared To Static And Dynamic Navigation Systems: An Umbrella Review

2026-03-12T08:51:33+00:00

Background: Robot-assisted computer-aided implant surgery (R-CAIS) is an emerging advancement in digital implantology, proposed to enhance placement precision beyond established computer-assisted modalities such as static guides (s-CAIS) and dynamic navigation (d-CAIS). However, the rapid expansion of systematic evidence necessitates higher-order synthesis to clarify comparative accuracy and clinical implications.

Objective: To evaluate the accuracy and effectiveness of robotic implant placement compared with static guidance, dynamic navigation, and freehand techniques using an umbrella review of systematic evidence.

Methods: An umbrella review was conducted following PRIOR guidelines, with protocol registration in PROSPERO (CRD420251066754). PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Google Scholar were searched through June 2025. Eligible studies were systematic reviews with meta-analysis that evaluated R-CAIS (semi-active or autonomous systems) versus s-CAIS, d-CAIS, or freehand placement and reported quantitative accuracy outcomes (coronal, apical, and/or angular deviations). Overlap was quantified using Corrected Covered Area (CCA). Methodological quality was appraised using AMSTAR-2, and certainty of evidence was assessed using GRADE where feasible.

Results: From 1,226 records, eight systematic reviews with meta-analysis (2023-2025) were included [19-26]. Collectively, they synthesized 195 unique primary studies and approximately 18,100 implant placements (9,066 in vitro; 9,044 clinical). Across reviews, R-CAIS showed consistently lower coronal and apical deviations and reduced angular deviation (≈1.5-1.8°), with pooled angular mean differences favoring robotics ranging from −1.22° to −1.58° versus navigated comparators. Overlap was moderate (CCA 6.8%). Five reviews were high quality by AMSTAR-2, and GRADE certainty (available for two reviews) ranged from low to moderate.

Conclusions: Current synthesized evidence indicates that R-CAIS provides superior implant placement accuracy compared with s-CAIS, d-CAIS, and freehand techniques, although higher-certainty clinical trials with standardized outcomes and broader effectiveness endpoints are needed to guide implementation.

Factors For The Successful Implementation Of Extended Reality In General Nursing Education: A Qualitative Expert Study Based On The Extended TPACK Model

2026-03-18T10:30:09+00:00

Persistent global shortages of qualified nursing professionals and increasing clinical complexity place substantial pressure on nursing education systems. Extended Reality (XR), including Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, and Mixed Reality, enables immersive and repeatable simulation of complex clinical scenarios within psychologically safe learning environments. Despite growing evidence regarding learning effectiveness, structural conditions for sustainable institutional implementation remain insufficiently examined.

This qualitative study investigates enabling factors and barriers influencing the integration of XR in general nursing education. Eight semi-structured expert interviews were analysed using structured qualitative content analysis guided by an extended Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework incorporating ethical and organisational dimensions.

Findings indicate that sustainable XR implementation depends on systemic alignment between technological infrastructure, pedagogical integration, disciplinary authenticity, organisational capacity, ethical governance, and long-term financing. Faculty qualification, stable institutional support structures, transparent data protection frameworks, and innovation-oriented organisational cultures emerged as decisive implementation conditions. Ethical considerations, particularly regarding data governance and learners’ psychological safety, function as foundational structural requirements rather than peripheral concerns.

By extending the TPACK framework to include ethical and organisational knowledge domains, this study provides an empirically grounded implementation model for immersive healthcare education. XR is conceptualised as a governance-related transformation process with implications for workforce resilience, patient safety, and the strategic digital development of nursing education systems.

Multiple Faces Of Autoimmune Hepatitis- A Case Series

2026-04-02T07:45:59+00:00

Introduction- Autoimmune liver diseases are mainly of three types: autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Out of these three diseases, AIH is the most frequent, with a prevalence of 17 cases per 100,000 persons, followed by PBC and PSC. AIH and PBC mainly occur in women during menopause, AIH can also affect children and young adults. PSC mainly affects men from 20 to 40 years of age. In most cases, the three diseases can be reliably distinguished by serological analysis. However, overlap syndromes may occur in which patients present symptoms of two autoimmune liver diseases. The detection of specific autoantibodies allows precise differentiation between autoimmune liver diseases and infectious, toxic and other forms of hepatitis. AIH is often associated with chronic inflammatory rheumatic systemic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus. AIH usually present as chronic liver disease but in 20-30% of patients as acute hepatitis or even fulminant hepatic failure.

Case Series We report case series of three females who presented differently- one presented as acute hepatitis, second one as unexplained transaminitis and third one as chronic liver disease. All were proven on biochemical tests, serology and liver biopsy. All three had successful outcome with treatment. Our case series of three patients have different presentations- one presented as severe acute hepatitis, second one as unexplained transaminitis, and third one as cirrhotic. Moreover, cirrhotic one became pregnant and had successful outcome, like other two on timely starting of treatment and continuing as per scientific rationale. Many patients of acute severe hepatitis can land in fulminant hepatic failure but urgent treatment prevents the same, as occurred in our case. Second inference from our case series is that need of immunosuppressive decreases in pregnancy due to it being a immunocompromised state and once post-partum is over, then due to hormonal changes, need of immunosuppressive comes back and same happened in our case. Another inference from our case series is that before labelling any patient as MASH, autoimmune liver disease must be ruled out.

Conclusion- Autoimmune hepatitis can have wide spectrum of presentation like Wilson’s diseases and it varies from asymptomatic stage with mild unexplained transaminitis to acute hepatitis, fulminant liver failure and cirrhosis.

The Ethos And Essence Of Palliative Medicine: A Comprehensive Review

2026-04-06T16:36:22+00:00

Palliative medicine (PM) is an approach that merges professional knowledge with ethical and emotional sensibility to help patients dealing with a serious illness. This review highlights two related features essence and ethos that influence palliative practice. The essence refers to the commitment to reducing suffering and the willingness to embrace life itself, while the ethos reflects the moral and humanistic ideals compassion, dignity, and respect for autonomy that shape how care is rendered. This paper does not suggest a dualistic framework; rather, it uses Cicely Sanders’s Heart and Mind idea to suggest that they are mutually reinforcing and correspond closely with each other. The analysis shows that ethos and essence are not opposing tensions, but rather complementary features of a unified philosophy of care. After reviewing historical developments, ethical principles, and clinical models, the review illustrates how values and practices reinforce each other, leading to palliative care that is more equitable, responsive, and person-centered. The integrated approach creates technically good care systems, while being deeply humane to ensure patients receive care in ways that honour their physical, emotional, and existential needs. Overall, the research suggests that the values of palliative care delivery are in congruence with clinical realisation of care in numerous settings.

Visual Rehabilitation After Complex Cataract Surgery in Bilateral Nanophthalmos with Extremely Short Axial Length

2026-04-08T05:40:04+00:00

The manifestation of nanophthalmos entails a significantly short axial length and a crowded anterior segment, which is extremely dangerous when performing cataract surgery. We describe visual and anatomical results of sequential cataract removal by phacoemulsification performed under topical anesthesia and intraocular lens implantation of high-power intraocular lenses in a patient with bilateral nanophthalmos (axial length of about 16 mm). Visual acuity preoperatively was 20/400 in the right eye and 20/200 in the left eye, with a hyperopic refractive error of more than +14.00 D. Deterioration of the axial length was found to be 16.2 mm (right eye) and 16.0 mm (left eye), and shallow anterior chamber depths were 2.1 mm and 2.0 mm, respectively. Similar results were obtained with the calculation of IOL power with Hoffer Q, Haigis, and Holladay 1 formula, which resulted in the implantation of high-power intraocular lenses (+47 diopter in the right eye and +48 diopter in the left eye; Medicontour). Surgical interventions were involving temporal procedure, poor dilation with iris hooks, trypan blue staining, controlled capsulorrhexis and cystotome use, and controlled intraoperative fluidics to reduce the effects of pressure fluctuations. The patient had left eye early postoperative choroidal effusion and extreme anterior segment inflammation with hypopyon, which improved with intensive topical corticosteroids and cycloplegic therapy. On the right eye, final corrected visual acuity improved to 20/30, and on the left eye, the visual acuity was 20/40. This case emphasizes the significance of careful preoperative evaluation, stability in the intraoperative chamber, and vigorous postoperative treatment in bringing positive visual restoration in extremely short eyes.

Comparative Effects Of Platelet-Rich Plasma And Platelet-Rich Fibrin On Achilles Tendon Healing In Wistar Rats: A Randomized Experimental Study

2026-04-12T12:42:37+00:00

Background:
Achilles tendon healing is a complex and relatively slow biological process due to limited vascularization and the predominance of type I collagen, often resulting in suboptimal biomechanical recovery. Autologous platelet-based therapies such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) have been proposed to enhance tendon healing; however, comparative evidence remains limited.

Objective:
To compare the effects of PRP and PRF on Achilles tendon healing in a Wistar rat model using histopathological and biomechanical assessments after a one-month observation period.

Methods:
An experimental study was conducted using male Wistar rats divided into three groups: control (n = 10), PRP (n = 9), and PRF (n = 10). Tendon healing was evaluated by histopathological parameters, including cellular response (hypertrophy), inflammation and matrix quality, vascularization, cellular/collagen orientation, and vacuolization. Biomechanical properties were assessed using tensile strength testing and tendon length change during loading. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square tests for categorical variables and independent t-tests or Mann–Whitney tests for numerical variables, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results:
A total of 29 Achilles tendon specimens were analyzed. Histopathological evaluation showed no statistically significant differences among groups in cellular response (p = 0.386), inflammation and matrix quality (p = 0.104), or vascularization (p = 0.149). In contrast, significant differences were observed in cellular/collagen orientation (p < 0.001) and vacuolization (p < 0.001), with the PRF group demonstrating more favorable tissue organization. Biomechanical testing revealed no significant difference in tensile strength between the control and PRP groups (p = 0.619). The PRF group demonstrated significantly higher tensile strength compared with the control group (p < 0.001), while the difference between PRP and PRF did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.051). Tendon length change during tensile testing differed significantly between the control and PRF groups (p = 0.011), whereas no significant differences were observed between control and PRP (p = 0.211) or between PRP and PRF (p = 0.278).

Conclusion:
In this Wistar rat model, PRF was associated with superior collagen organization and improved biomechanical performance compared with PRP and control, particularly during the remodeling phase of Achilles tendon healing. These findings suggest that PRF may represent a more effective biological adjunct than PRP for enhancing tendon repair.

Synthesis, Characterization, Molecular Docking And Biological Screening Of Novel 5-((2,5-Dichlorophenoxy) Methyl)-4-Phenyl-4h-1,2,4-Triazole-3-Thiol

2026-04-12T12:48:52+00:00

In the present investigation, we report synthesis of 1,2,4 triazole derivatives from a base catalysed condensation of substituted thiosemicarbazide followed by a cyclization to target product substituted-1,2,4-triazole compounds. synthesized derivatives were confirmed by adequate analytical techniques such as FTIR, ¹H NMR and MASS. Synthesized derivatives were tested experimentally to evaluate their therapeutic potential against pathogenic strains of Klebsiella, Salmonella, Serratia marcescescens, and S. aureus. Biological screening study revealed that the triazole derivatives 4a, 4d, and 4i show potent antibacterial activity, while other derivatives show moderate activity. Molecular docking of 1,2,4 triazole derivatives have been carried out to put forth the structural rationale behind the observed antibacterial effect of the substituted-1,2,4-triazole compounds. In silico data revealed binding affinity towards the O-Acetylserine Sulfhydrylase enzyme.

Calcific Subacromial Bursitis In A 53-Year-Old Manual Worker: Complete Resolution Of Chronic Pain Following Radial Shock Wave Therapy

2026-04-12T12:51:27+00:00

Calcific subacromial bursitis is a frequent cause of shoulder pain, often associated with rotator cuff overload and repetitive overhead work. This report presents a 53-year-old ceiling repair worker who developed severe right shoulder pain due to a large subacromial calcific deposit. Prior treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) provided no relief, and a rheumatologist initially recommended surgical intervention because of the size of the calcification and the patient’s high pain levels. The patient instead pursued a conservative programme consisting of radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (R-ESWT) combined with structured physiotherapy. Following this integrated approach, he experienced dramatic clinical improvement, near-complete radiological resorption of the calcification, and a full return to unrestricted occupational activity. This case highlights the substantial therapeutic value of non-invasive treatment in patients with calcific bursitis, even when classical indicators might favour surgical management.

Visual Rehabilitation After Complex Cataract Surgery In Bilateral Nanophthalmos With Extremely Short Axial Length

2026-04-20T07:16:31+00:00

Fetomaternal Outcome In Pregnancies Complicated With Hcv Infection

2026-04-22T16:09:48+00:00

Introduction- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has an estimated global prevalence of 2%–3%, with approximately 122–185 million HCV-infected persons worldwide. Globally, up to 8.0% of pregnant women are infected with HCV in highly endemic areas. Vertical transmission can occur through intrauterine, intrapartum, and postnatal routes. The infants born to women infected with HCV are more likely to be small for gestational age, have low birth weight, require admission to the neonatal intensive care unit, and require assisted ventilation.

Aims and Objectives- To evaluate the feto-maternal outcomes in pregnancies positive for Hepatitis C virus infection. The objectives were to analyse feto-maternal outcomes, to evaluate hepatic and virologic parameters and to assess the risk factors associated with Hepatitis C virus infection in pregnancy.

Material and Methods- This prospective observational study was conducted on 50 female patients with Hepatitis C infection in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at PGIMS Rohtak over a period of one year, from March 2024 to February 2025. The inclusion criterion were patients aged 18-45 years, with singleton pregnancy, found positive for hepatitis C virus infection by ELISA and PCR. The exclusion criterion were patients positive for Hepatitis A, B, D, E and known case of liver/renal disease. The sample size was calculated based on the expected prevalence of preterm delivery in Hepatitis C patients, which was found to be 35.5% in a previous study by Yasmin H et al.

Conclusion- The study concluded that HCV infection in pregnancy is associated with increased risk of adverse obstetric outcomes, including PROM, preterm birth, and fetal growth restriction, likely mediated by subtle hepatic dysfunction and placental involvement. Though maternal prognosis was generally favorable, fetal and neonatal complications were more frequent which included SGA, low APGAR scores and NICU admissions, emphasizing the need for enhanced antenatal surveillance, early detection of obstetric complications, and multidisciplinary perinatal care.