South Eastern European Journal of Public Health (SEEJPH - Universität Bielefeld)
Not a member yet
4227 research outputs found
Sort by
Serum MicroRNA-21 as a Biomarker for Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis
Full text linkColorectal cancer (CRC), a leading malignancy globally, is increasingly prevalent in low- and middle-income countries due to urbanization and lifestyle changes. In Egypt, CRC ranks as the 7th most common cancer, with most cases progressing over decades through adenoma–carcinoma sequences or serrated pathways. Early detection is crucial, as CRC is preventable and treatable in its early stages, but current diagnostic methods like colonoscopy are invasive, costly, and operator-dependent. Non-invasive biomarker tests, including carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and CA 19-9, have shown utility in monitoring CRC but lack optimal sensitivity and specificity. MicroRNA-21, a small non-coding RNA involved in gene regulation, is frequently overexpressed in CRC and has been linked to tumor proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. This study aimed to evaluate serum microRNA-21 levels as a diagnostic biomarker for CRC. Conducted at Qena University Hospital, Egypt, the cross-sectional study included 50 CRC patients and 50 healthy controls. Serum microRNA-21 levels were analyzed using RT-PCR and the 2-ΔΔCt method, excluding individuals with confounding factors such as prior cancer treatments or elevated CEA and CA 19-9 levels. The findings are expected to underscore microRNA-21’s potential as a non-invasive diagnostic tool for CRC, offering high sensitivity and specificity. This could aid in reducing the reliance on invasive diagnostic techniques and improving early detection, ultimately lowering CRC-associated mortality
A Theoretical View of the Influence of Welfare Schemes on Employees\u27 Performance
Full text linkThe present work reviews and summarizes the various theories used for researchon the impact of welfare schemes on employee performance. It provides an overview ofwhy welfare schemes are crucial and their impact on employee productivity. The results suggest a way to guide future welfare policie
COMPARISON OF INTRAPERITONEAL INSTILLATION OF ROPIVACAINE WITH DEXMEDETOMIDINE VS ROPIVACAINE WITH DEXMEDETOMIDINE AND TRAMADOL FOR POST-OP ANALGESIA FOLLOWING LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY- RANDOMISED DOUBLE-BLIND CLINICAL STUDY
Full text linkIntroduction: Post-surgery pain in laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients is often managed with NSAIDs and opioids, but their side effects limit their effectiveness. This study aims to optimize pain management strategies by comparing the effectiveness of ropivacaine, dexmedetomidine, and tramadol in reducing postoperative pain and improving surgical patient care. Aims: The study evaluates the post-operative analgesia efficacy of Ropivacaine plus Dexmedetomidine versus Ropivacaine with Dexmedetomidine and Tramadol in patients post-cholecystectomy surgery, focusing on VAS score and rescue time. Methodology: A randomized double-blind clinical study at Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth University in Maharashtra analyzed patients aged 18-60 with ASA grade 1 and 2 for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The study included patients with ASA physical status 1 and 2, aged 18-65, and a body weight of 50 kg or more. Postoperative care involved continuous monitoring, pain assessment, and rescue analgesia. Results: The study found no significant differences in age, gender, weight, BMI, post-operative pain perception, rescue analgesia dose requirements, heart rates, diastolic blood pressure, or SPO2 levels between the RD and RDT groups. Discussion: The study found no significant association between age and clinical trials\u27 outcomes. ASA status distribution was similar between RD and RDT groups. The ropivacaine and dexmedetomidine combination showed lower pain scores and prolonged analgesia. No significant difference in systolic blood pressure was found. Conclusion: The study indicates that incorporating tramadol into a combination of Ropivacaine and Dexmedetomidine significantly improves post-operative analgesia quality, duration, and rescue time, thereby enhancing patient comfort and satisfaction
STUDY OF TROPONIN I LEVELS IN EVALUATION OF CARDIOVASCULAR STATUS OF FULL-TERM BIRTH ASPHYXIATED NEONATES
Full text linkIntroduction: Birth asphyxia, a prolonged imbalance between oxygen demand and supply, accounts for 24% of neonatal deaths and 11% of fatalities in children under 5. Perinatal asphyxia leads to multiple organ dysfunction, including myocardial involvement, which can affect outcomes. Elevated troponin I levels in asphyxiated newborns are crucial biomarkers for detecting cardiac injury, and this study aims to determine their relationship with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy stages. Aims: The study explores the link between troponin I levels, cardiovascular status, disease severity, and mortality in asphyxiated full-term neonates, examining the relationship between these factors. Methodology: The study, a cross-sectional observational observational study, examined the prevalence of birth asphyxia in inborn neonates at Krishna Hospital, Karad, focusing on factors such as gender, birth weight, delivery mode, neurological involvement, and maternal risk factors. Results: The study analyzed the prevalence of ovarian cancer in women and men, with a majority of cases being females. The most common cause was fetal distress. The study found that asphyxiated subjects had higher troponin I values, and a higher percentage of subjects had neurological involvement. The majority of cases experienced convulsions or comatose state. Discussion: A study found no significant association between pH values, APGAR score, and cord blood ABG in newborn babies, but found meconium-stained liquor more common in asphyxiated neonates. Conclusion: Birth asphyxiated individuals exhibited higher cardiac troponin I levels, linked to increased mortality, cardiovascular, and neurological issues, potentially serving as a biomarker for these parameters
The Prevalence of Antibiotic Resistance Genes and Toxin Producing Genes in Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Isolates from Diabetic Foot Ulcer
Full text linkAntibiotic resistance in bacterial pathogens coupled with toxin production can have severe impact on health. Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is an extreme pathophysiological condition difficult to treat due to bacterial infections. The present study investigates the antibiotic resistance, prevalence of antibiotic resistance genes and virulence genes in one of the most common Gram-positive pathogen Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus from DFUs of Indian patients. The samples were collected form DFU using sterile swab, needle aspiration and curetting. A total of 150 Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates were tested for antibiotic resistance using various drugs. The prevalence of the genes involved in antibiotic resistance (MecA) and toxin production (FemA, coa, nuc, aroA, alpha-toxin, exfA, FabA, FabB, and pvl) was studies using PCR analysis. Among 150 Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates 100% isolates were resistant to Benzylpenicillin and Cefoxitin.Most of the isolates were sensitive to Linezolid (4%; 6 isolates), Tigecycline (4%; 6 isolates), Teicoplanin (5.33%; 8 isolates), Nitrofutantion (6%; 9 isolates), and Vancomycin (8%; 12 isolates). Mec 1 gene was present in 84 (54%) isolates. MecA gene was present in81(54%) isolates. Among toxin producing genes Fab-A105(70%) was the most prevalent gene. MecA gene was present in 100% isolates resistant to Benzylpenicillin, Cefoxitin, and Levofloxacin. These results suggest that antibiotic resistance pattern of MRSA isolates vary for different drugs. The possibility of the presence of other antibiotic resistance genes and toxin producing genes in Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates could not be denied
Impact of Financial Constraints on Treatment Choices and Quality of Life Among Breast Cancer Patients
Full text linkBackgroundBreast cancer is the most common cancer in women and a leading cause of death worldwide. Many patients in low-resource settings, such as India, struggle to access advanced therapies due to financial constraints. Chemotherapy remains a common treatment choice, despite its side effects, because it is more affordable compared to targeted therapies. This study examines the economic burden & impact on quality of life (QoL) for breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy & targeted therapy.MethodsThis study was conducted over six months, a multicenter study with 200 breast cancer patients. Data included patient demographics, clinical details, treatment type, side effects & both direct & indirect treatment costs. QoL was assessed using st&ard tools, the EORTC QLQ-C30 & QLQ BR-23. Statistical analyses, including correlations & t-tests, were used to identify relationships between therapy type, QoL & financial constraints.ResultsOut of 200 patients 73% received chemotherapy & 27% chose targeted therapy. Financial constraints were the main reason for selecting chemotherapy despite advice for targeted therapy (84.2%). Chemotherapy patients reported higher complications such as nausea/vomiting (69.9%) & hair loss (75.3%) compared to targeted therapy. Chemotherapy negatively affected QoL (r = -0.55, p = 0.013), while targeted therapy had a positive effect on QoL (r = 0.48, p = 0.021). Financial burden also strongly impacted QoL (r = -0.62, p < 0.001).ConclusionThis study shows that financial issues play a major role in treatment decisions for breast cancer. Many patients choose chemotherapy due to its affordability, even though it reduces QoL & causes more side effects compared to targeted therapy. The findings highlight the need for affordable cancer treatments, better healthcare policies & financial support to improve outcomes & quality of life for breast cancer patients
Big Data Analytics in Education: Insights for Improved Learning Outcomes via ICT
Full text linkThe integration of Big Data Analytics (BDA) in education has transformed traditional teaching and learning approaches, offering significant potential to enhance student learning outcomes. This paper explores the role of BDA in the educational sector, focusing on its applications through Information and Communication Technology (ICT). With the increasing availability of digital data, BDA provides educators, administrators, and policymakers with the tools to make data-driven decisions that promote personalized learning, optimize educational processes, and predict student performance. The paper outlines how BDA enables institutions to analyze vast amounts of student data, such as academic performance, engagement patterns, and learning behaviors, to identify trends, challenges, and areas for improvement. Furthermore, the review highlights the transformative impact of BDA in curriculum design, student support services, and resource allocation, ensuring a more tailored educational experience. Additionally, the paper discusses the challenges of implementing BDA in educational settings, including data privacy concerns, resource constraints, and the need for skilled professionals to analyze and interpret data effectively. It also presents case studies of institutions that have successfully leveraged BDA for enhancing educational practices, demonstrating its practical applications in improving learning outcomes. By examining current trends and future prospects, this paper contributes valuable insights into how BDA, when integrated with ICT, can foster a more efficient, inclusive, and personalized learning environment. In conclusion, while the adoption of BDA in education faces several barriers, its potential to revolutionize learning and teaching practices is undeniable, paving the way for more data-driven, student-centered educational models globally
Evaluating Sustainability Reporting Practices in Selected Indian Banks: A Study on Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Framework
Full text linkPurpose: The study examine the Global Reporting Initiative and the Financial Service Sector Supplement (FSSS) framework of the twenty selected Indian banks.Design/ Methodology/ Approach: The content analysis utilized to assess the sustainability report score of the selected banks from 2017-2021 through sustainability reports and annual reports of the banks and the sustainability indicators were coded using content analysis techniques. Using the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and Financial Service Sector Supplements (FSSS) parameters, a scale for sustainability reporting of selected Indian banks is created based on economic, social, and environmental aspects. In addition, the study used the t-test for independent samples for comparison, which showed that private-sector banks have a higher average score than public-sector banks.Findings: The results of the study showed that only a small number of banks use and work better in GRI sustainability reporting practices for economic, social, and environmental reporting.Research Implications: Sustainability reporting should be assessed by regulators, governments and policymakers and banks need to become more transparent in their annual reports as more and more stakeholders become aware of them.Originality/ Value: Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) reporting framework for Financial Service Sector Supplement (FSSS) is least studied in earlier studies
The Impact of Modern Preferences on Restaurant Choices: Lifestyle, Culinary Expectations and Regional Dynamics
Full text linkIn an era shaped by rapid globalization and evolving consumer preferences, the restaurant industry faces dynamic challenges influenced by lifestyle changes, culinary expectations, and regional dynamics. This study explores the multifaceted impact of modern preferences on restaurant choices across diverse demographics. Firstly, lifestyle shifts towards convenience and health consciousness have transformed dining habits. Consumers increasingly favor restaurants offering quick, nutritious options that align with their busy schedules and dietary preferences. This trend underscores the rising demand for transparency in sourcing and preparation methods. Secondly, culinary expectations play a pivotal role in shaping restaurant selections. Preferences for authenticity, innovation, and experiential dining have heightened competition among establishments. Diners seek unique gastronomic experiences that blend traditional flavors with contemporary twists, stimulating creativity in menu offerings and ambiance. Thirdly, regional dynamics significantly influence restaurant preferences. Cultural diversity dictates varying tastes and dining rituals, necessitating localized adaptations by restaurateurs. Understanding regional nuances enables establishments to tailor menus and services to cater effectively to local palates and traditions. This study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews across urban and rural settings. Statistical analysis highlights correlations between demographic factors, lifestyle choices, and restaurant preferences. Qualitative insights delve into consumer perceptions, exploring the emotional and experiential dimensions driving dining decisions
FACTORS INFLUENCING BRAND SWITCHING BEHAVIOUR OF TELECOM CUSTOMERS
Full text linkThe factors behind brand switching behaviour of consumers depend on the nature of the business, but generally, poor service quality is a major culprit. The research attempts to identify the factors influencing brand switching behaviour of telecom customers. The data has been collected from 352 telecom service users in Kerala. Hence, it is concluded that there is influence of customer satisfaction, service quality, price and customer loyalty on brand switching behaviour. But, there is no influence of brand image and trust on brand switching behaviour. Service providers should shift focus on building brand image and analyze more carefully the reason for customers to switch brands in their industries in order to increase loyalty among these customers. The telecom companies improve the overall brand images of their companies to improve customer satisfaction and reduce consumer switching from one mobile network operator to another