bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating Medical Staff's Burnout and its Related Factor during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Habibi Ehsanollah , Esmaeili Sayed Vahid , Paridokht Fatemeh , Dehghan Habibollah
Published: May 2024

Aim:

This study aimed to determine the medical staff's burnout level and its related factors at Daran Shahid Rajaee Hospital.

Materials and Methods:

The total number of participants was 145 medical staff who participated in this cross-sectional study. Data were collected employing such various instruments as demographic information questionnaires, general health questionnaires, job satisfaction (JS), and Maslach burnout inventory. Then, the researcher analyzed the data with correlation, t-tests, and variance by using the SPSS software version 26.

Results:

The findings indicated that 79% of the medical staff suffer from high burnout level. The results showed that the correlation between burnout levels and JS was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Moreover, the correlation of depersonalization levels with marital status, age, work experience, and type of employment was significant (P < 0.001) as well.

Conclusion:

The results indicated that, during the pandemic of COVID-19, the medical staff's burnout was at a high level. Interestingly, on the emotional exhaustion scale, the medical staff burnout was more than other burnout levels requiring organizational interventions to lessen medical staff burnout.
The Possible Effects of Common Air Pollutants on the Pathophysiology of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders: A Narrative Review
Authors: Boroujeni Mahshad Heidarian , Dehdashti Bahare , Amin Mohammad Mehdi , Adibi Peyman
Published: May 2024

There are more than seven million premature deaths every year linked to air pollution effects. The critical hazards of exposure to air pollution are the increased risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, which can boost morbidity and mortality. Besides, ingested pollutants can cause gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. Functional GI disorders (FGIDs) are called gut-brain interaction disorders that influence approximately one out of every four people and have negative effects on life quality, work productivity, and medical costs. Intestinal inflammation, gut microbiota, and GI motility are the three important factors in the pathogenesis pathways of these disorders. This literature aimed to clarify the link between air pollution exposure and the pathophysiology of FGIDs. This study was conducted based on published studies in English using scientific databases, such as PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, from 1990 to 2023. We used various combinations of relevant keywords, such as air pollution, air pollutant, FGID, gut microbiota, and gut inflammation. The findings indicated that air pollution can contribute to the etiology of FGIDs through dysbiosis and intestinal inflammation. In addition, air pollution may alter the composition and diversity of gut microbiota, which in turn can play major roles in the development of these disorders. In addition to the steps taken by the government to tackle air pollution, there are some recommendations to prevent the negative effects of air pollution exposure, such as the consumption of biotics in a diet.
Cancer and Noncancer Risk Assessment for Workers Exposed to the Chemical Pollutants in Ahvaz Gas Stations, Iran
Authors: Askari Ali , Abadi Ali Salehi Sahl , Golbabaei Farideh , Jafarzadeh Emad , Aazam Kamal
Published: May 2024

Aim:

This article evaluates the health risk of occupational exposure to BTEX compounds, cancer risk, and noncancer risk analysis among gas station workers.

Materials and Methods:

This cross-sectional research evaluates pollutants rank of risk released at Ahvaz stations in Iran. We have collected 96 samples of workers exposed to BTEX and eight samples for control in the ambient air. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommended BTEX method numbers 1500 and 1501 for sampling and analysis. To evaluate the risk assessment of pollutants, we utilized a semi-quantitative method offered by Singapore's Occupational Safety and Health Division.

Results:

The average benzene concentration in the operators' breathing zone (1.202 0.83 ppm) was greater than the threshold limit values-time weighted average (TLVs-TWA) (P < 0.05). Other contaminants had concentrations that were lower than the ACGIH's TLV-TWA (P < 0.05). In gas stations, benzene has a very high danger ranking among chemical compounds. Toluene, ethyl benzene, and xylene in the employees' breathing zone posed a modest risk. The average cancer risk for benzene-exposed operators, head shift workers, and supervisors was calculated to be 4.46 × 10−3, 2.90 × 10−3, and 2.08 × 10−3, respectively. The risk of cancer is projected to be higher than the tolerable level of 10-6.

Conclusion:

In unique, long-term exposure to benzene has been linked to an increased risk of cancer and toxic effects, and a health-risk assessment can provide useful information about current workplace contaminants.
Comparison of Changes in Physiological and Perceptual Indices of Cold Stress under Normal Clothing and Thermal Insulation Clothing among Automotive Service Workers in Isfahan
Authors: Naghdi Fatemeh , Mohebian Zohreh , Dehghan Habibollah
Published: May 2024

Aim:

Exposure to cold can have negative physiological and psychological effects on human health. The purpose of this study is to compare the changes in physiological and perceptual indicators of cold stress under normal clothing and thermal insulation clothing (TIC) among automotive service workers (auto mechanics) in Isfahan, Iran.

Materials and Methods:

Using the simple random sampling method, this cross-sectional descriptive analytical study focused on 35 automechanics in Isfahan during the winter of 2021. Physiological indicators including cold stress index, cold sensitivity, core temperature (eardrum), skin temperature, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and environmental variables were measured before and after TIC. Data were analyzed using the SPSS version 21.

Results:

The index for cold sensitivity showed that none of the subjects wearing insulation clothes complained about the cold environment. Furthermore, the index for equivalent chill temperature was statistically significant before and after TIC (P < 0.05). No significant relationship was established for cold strain index before and after TIC (P > 0.05). After 1 h of exposure to cold, a significant relationship occurred between the average forehead temperature and hand temperature before and after wearing clothes (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Automechanics in Isfahan is affected by cold strain. The protective effect of insulation clothing on cold strain shows that required clothing insulation index is a strong indicator for evaluating cold stress according to the environmental parameters.
Primary Sjogren’s syndrome with secondary distal renal tubular acidosis unmasked during pregnancy: A rare presentation
Authors: Das Anik , Meena Deepak , Mahata Rahin , Kar Jugal K , Seth Bikas C , Mahapatra Umakanta , Chowdhury Spandan , Deb Souradeep
Published: May 2024

Renal tubular acidosis (RTA) comprises transport defects in renal reabsorption of bicarbonate, impaired acidification of urine, or both. It is broadly classified into distal, proximal, and hyperkalemic RTA. Distal RTA (dRTA) is characterized by reduced net acid excretion in urine. It can be primary or secondary, and hypokalemia is often a central presenting feature. Hypokalemia may present with flaccid quadriparesis, arrhythmia, and respiratory failure. Hypokalemia also causes nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) due to the downregulation of vasopressin-responsive aquaporin-2 water channel and inhibition of renal response to vasopressin. Primary Sjogren’s syndrome (pSS) is the most common autoimmune disorder associated with secondary dRTA. Here, we present the case of a 22-year-old critically ill pregnant lady with adverse pregnancy outcomes, diagnosed to be pSS with dRTA, who presented with severe hypokalemia and hypernatremia (due to NDI). Both pSS and chronic acidosis are associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Laser biomodulation in dentistry
Authors: Nagammai N
Published: May 2024

The laser is an acronym for “light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation.” After the discovery of laser in 1960, it was very well appreciated that laser therapy has the ability to reduce pain, inflammation, swelling, and also improve wound healing. The dentists are now provided with a wide variety of lasers of different wavelengths and so they readily choose according to their needs of treatment. Each of the wavelengths has specific laser-tissue interactions. One such laser-tissue interaction is called “soft-tissue laser therapy or biostimulation or biomodulation.” This laser uses the specific wavelength from visible red to near-visible red in the electromagnetic spectrum ranging from 630 to 980 nm. Numerous researches on low-level laser therapy are documented in the literature over 30 years before. This review article gives an insight into the mechanism of action, its dosage, and emphasizes its application in dentistry.
Immune-mediated lesions of the oral cavity
Authors: Khera Shriya , Gupta Sunita
Published: May 2024

Oral mucosa may be the first site to manifest protean signs and symptoms in immune mediated diseases. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to have a thorough and vast knowledge about various diseases. It is the role of oral and maxillofacial diagnostician to diagnose the lesions according to their salient features. In this review article, we aim to describe the immune-mediated oral lesions, their clinical features, investigations, and management.
Analysis of hematology quality control using six sigma metrics
Authors: Goel Shreya , Nisal Amit R. , Raj Ankita , Nimbargi Ravindra C.
Published: May 2024

Introduction:

Clinical laboratories serve a critical role in increasing the efficiency of patient care. Choosing the right test, getting trustworthy results and appropriate interpretation are of utmost importance in improving the patient’s well-being. Quality management strategies should be applied in routine patient care because laboratory errors have a major impact on the quality of patient care. In sigma metrics, errors identified are quantified as percentage errors or defects per million (DPM). It aims at improving the quality control (QC) process by forming an appropriate strategy.

Aim and Objectives:

To analyze the internal quality control (IQC) of hematology analytes using the sigma metrics method and to devise the frequency of IQC by the results of six sigma metric analysis.

Materials and Methods:

This study was conducted in a tertiary care center of western India. Internal quality control (IQC) data sets of five analytes- Red Blood Cell count (RBC), Hemoglobin (Hb), Hematocrit (Hct), White blood cell count (WBC), and Platelet count (PLT) were analyzed retrospectively of six months using Beckman Coulter DXH 800 hematology analyzers.

Results:

The observed sigma value was >6 for Hb, TLC, and PLT, indicating excellent results and requiring no modification in IQC. The Sigma value was between 3 and 4 for RBC and Hct suggested the need for improvement in quality control (QC) processes. No analytes showed a Sigma value of <3.

Conclusion:

Sigma metrics provide a quantitative framework that helps to assess analytic methodologies and can serve as an important self-assessment tool for quality assurance in the clinical laboratory.
Malignant Pericardial Effusion 7 Years after Treatment of Ductal Carcinoma in situ of Breast
Authors: Aashita  , Sharma Rajiv , Yadav Vikas , Thakur Pragyat
Published: May 2024

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a precursor of invasive breast cancer (IBC) that may or may not lead to IBC. Although the incidence is increasing, it usually has a good prognosis. Local recurrence can occur in the form of DCIS or IBC. Distant metastasis is uncommon and in the absence of local recurrence is extremely rare. Here, we report a case of a 47-year-old female with DCIS, who, 7 years after treatment developed malignant pericardial effusion along with lung and marrow metastasis. This is the second reported case of distant multiple metastases without local recurrence in a known case of DCIS. This shows the possibility of aggressive behavior in DCIS that usually has a favorable prognosis.
Perceived Needs of Family Members Who Accompany Patient with Acute Decompensated Heart Failure to the Emergency Department: Report from a Tertiary Care Facility
Authors: Mathew Esther Mary , Dhandapani Manju , Narang Rajiv , Hote Payal Kahol , Gopichandran Lakshman
Published: May 2024

Introduction:

Acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is a dynamic and heterogeneous clinical entity accounting for most of the hospital admissions through the emergency department (ED). The present study was undertaken with an objective of assessing the perceived needs of family members of ADHF patients in ED, AIIMS, New Delhi.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 100 family members of ADHF patients visiting ED, AIIMS. Perceived needs of family members were assessed using forty-item critical care family need inventory-ED (CCFNI-ED). Data analysis was done using STATA 14.0, with the level of significance set at P ≤ 0.05.

Results:

ADHF patients in the present study were younger (48.81 ± 16.13 years) and hypertension (39%), coronary artery disease (32%), and rheumatic heart disease (32%) were the main etiological factors associated with ADHF in ED, AIIMS, New Delhi. The most prioritized need statement according to family members was “to talk to a doctor” with a mean score of 3.99 ± 0.1 and the least ranked need statement was “to be told about religious services” (2.86 ± 0.77). Communication was the most prioritized theme (3.90 ± 0.05) in CCFNI-ED and the least prioritized was comfort (3.32 ± 0.36).

Conclusion:

Family members place a greater importance on the need of effective communication. The results of the present study offered insight for nurses and various health-care professionals regarding the critical needs of family members of the patients that should be taken into consideration in an ED. Total patient care can only be implemented when the needs of the whole family unit are considered which includes both patient and family.
Tissue Eosinophils in Different Grades of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma – A Special Stain (Carbol Chromotrope) Study
Authors: Prem Diana , Murugesan Ambika , Sekar B. , Ramesh Maya
Published: May 2024

Background:

In recent days, tissue eosinophils are considered to have more impetus role in the biological behavior of various tumors. Compared to routine hematoxylin and eosin stain, the special stains such as carbol chromotrope for eosinophils are considered to be more specific and definitive for its evaluation in routine histopathology.

Aim:

This study aims to evaluate and compare the infiltration of tissue eosinophils in different grades of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) using a special stain – carbol chromotrope and to investigate the prognostic role of tissue eosinophils in OSCC.

Methodology:

The study was carried out with the sample size of fifty histopathologically diagnosed cases of OSCC, of which twenty cases were well differentiated, twenty cases were moderately differentiated, and ten cases were poorly differentiated, and comparison of infiltration of tissue eosinophils in the different grades of OSCC was done using special stain. The tissue sections were stained with carbol chromotrope special stain.

Results:

In the present study, more number of tissue eosinophils were seen in well-differentiated OSCC cases than the moderately and poorly differentiated OSCC cases, and the analysis of variance test showed P < 0.001. Tukey B's post hoc range test showed that mean scores fell in three different subsets, and the least mean score was observed in the poorly differentiated group (2.20) and the highest mean score was observed in the well-differentiated group (34.75).

Conclusion:

The results proved that the presence of more number of tissue eosinophils in well-differentiated OSCC is associated with favorable prognosis and that quantitative assessment of tissue eosinophilia should become a part of the routine histopathological diagnosis for the different grades of OSCC.
Direct Optic Nerve Transection after Head Injury
Authors: Obasuyi Osamudiamen Cyril , Ovienria Wilson Abhulimen , Osuji Ugochukwu Ethelbert
Published: May 2024

Optic nerve injuries, though rare, pose a serious threat to vision irrespective of how mild they may appear.

We present a case of a 19-year-old poly-traumatized female student who presented with a 2-h history of multiple soft and hard tissue facial injuries with loss of consciousness after a motor vehicular road traffic accident. The patient was admitted and was treated with a multidisciplinary management approach.

A total afferent pupillary defect noticed on presentation and confirmed in follow-up examinations was the patient's pointer to a left optic nerve transection. Total vision loss was confirmed in the left eye, with regain of consciousness and recovery.
Endodontic Management of a Mandibular First Molar with Four Individual Canals Evaluated Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Scanning
Authors: Esh Sushmita , Adhikari Haridas D.
Published: May 2024

Endodontic management of a permanent mandibular molar is challenging owing to its varied morphology and complexity of the roots and root canal system. A thorough knowledge of the root canal systems and their possible variations is of utmost importance in order to reduce the incidence of endodontic failures caused by missed canals, incomplete debridement, and obturation. The most common presentation of a permanent mandibular molar is one mesial root having two canals and one distal root having one or two canals. The present case report describes the diagnosis and nonsurgical endodontic management of a case of permanent mandibular molar having four roots, each having a single canal. Angled periapical radiograph along with cone-beam computed tomography was used for the identification of roots and root canal system.
Ocular Myasthenia Gravis
Authors: Nwosu Sebastian N. N. , Onyiaorah Adaora A. , Akudinobi Cyriacus U. , Uba-Obiano Chizoba U.
Published: May 2024

Myasthenia gravis, a disorder involving striated muscles in various parts of the body, clinically presents as generalized weakness especially after exertion. A diagnosis of myasthenia gravis may be missed in patients presenting with ptosis without associated musculoskeletal weakness. We report a case of ocular myasthenia gravis in a 6-year-old girl whose only symptoms were bilateral ptosis and diplopia. Both worsened with exertion but there was no associated weakness of any other part of the body. A neostigmine test resulted in marked improvement in the patient’s ptosis thus confirming the diagnosis of ocular myasthenia gravis. It is concluded that ocular myasthenia gravis, though rare, may occur in children. Health workers should be aware of the possibility of this disease among pediatric age group.
Pneumococcal Vaccination for Africans with Heart Failure
Authors: Akintunde Adeseye Abiodun , Akinlade Olawale Mathias
Published: May 2024

Heart failure is a chronic progressive disease syndrome associated with acute exacerbations leading to progressive deterioration. Africans have been shown to have excess morbidity and mortality from heart failure and are also associated with worse comorbidity profiles compared with Caucasians. Acute exacerbations are often due to precipitants, many of which are related to infectious diseases. Among the commonest causes of exacerbations are respiratory infections, the majority of which are due to streptococcal pneumonia. The highest burden of acute exacerbation related to chest infections presupposes that appropriate vaccinations against common pathogenic etiology may be a potential target in improving heart failure care, preventing rehospitalization, and improving quality of life among Africans with heart failure. This could also serve as a cost-effective intervention to improve clinical outcomes in heart failure management. This review highlights the contribution of the pneumococcal organism as a major contributor to respiratory infections in Africans with heart failure and the potential evidence of vaccinations for cardioprotection.
Radioiodine Therapy in Differentiated Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Isah Ahmed Rufai , Abubakar Sofiullah , Yunusa Garba Haruna , Jawa Zabah Muhammad , Momodu Jaleelat I.
Published: May 2024

Well differentiated thyroid cancers are slow-growing tumors with low disease-specific mortality rates for locoregional disease. Diagnosis is through histopathology of symptomatic or incidentally detected thyroid nodules. The management depends on the tumor stage and risk stratification. Monitoring, surgery, radioactive iodine, radiotherapy and targeted therapy play various role in management depending on stage and risk of recurrence. Radioactive iodine is a form of iodine which is unstable and emits both gamma (γ) rays and beta (β) rays. This enables its usage in both diagnosis and therapy for well differentiated thyroid cancers that retain the physiological process of concentrating iodine. This review article highlights, in summary, the role of radioiodine in the management of well differentiated thyroid cancers and also helps create awareness among physicians in Nigeria.
Low-Grade Appendiceal Mucinous Neoplasm with Obstruction of the Terminal Ileum
Authors: Ano-Edward GH
Published: May 2024

Low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm is the most common form of mucocele of the appendix arising from dilation of the appendiceal lumen by mucin. This is a case of a referred 43-year-old male patient who presented with a two-day history of sudden severe abdominal pain with low-grade fever, nausea, and vomiting. A diagnosis of ruptured acute appendicitis with peritonitis was made. He had exploratory laparotomy with right hemicolectomy performed. The histopathological examination of the sample sent was low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm and hemorrhagic necrosis of the terminal ileum. Postoperation was uneventful, and patient was discharged to follow-up in the outpatient clinic. low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm with obstruction of the terminal ileum is a rare presentation of an uncommon neoplasm. Laparotomy with right hemicolectomy has a good prognosis. Laparoscopy is discouraged for the fear of spillage of mucin, leading to pseudomyxoma peritonei, a life-threatening condition. The definitive diagnosis is on histological examination.
Oral Synbiosis—Current Evidence and Future Potential
Authors: Setia Ria , Bajaj Nitika , Bhola Meenu , Brar Gurlal S.
Published: May 2024

The human oral cavity is colonized by a complex ecosystem of microorganisms. There are various beneficial and harmful bacteria present in the oral cavity. Beneficial bacteria have numerous and important functions, e.g., they produce various nutrients for their host, prevent infections, and modulate a normal immunological response. In order to achieve, restore, and maintain favorable balance in the ecosystem, the modification of the oral microbiota is necessary, for improved health outcomes. So, the introduction of probiotics, prebiotics, or synbiotics in a human diet could be beneficial. Probiotics are dietary supplements containing beneficial bacteria and yeast, whereas prebiotics are nondigestible dietary supplements that further stimulate the number and activities of probiotics to improve oral health. So, the combination of these two, probiotic and prebiotic, are regarded as “synbiotic.” Synbiotics are emerging as a captivating and desirable field in dentistry, which when consumed provides noninvasive treatment and thus improves the quality of life. This review article highlights the role of synbiotics in oral health and disease, as synbiotics can be considered a potential therapeutic and preventive strategy against various oral diseases.
Is Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder Preventive Against Addiction?
Authors: Tan Oguz
Published: May 2024

Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is unique among mental illnesses in that its comorbidity with alcohol use disorders (AUD), substance use disorders (SUD), and smoking has been reported to be common in the community but surprisingly less frequent in clinical settings. To better investigate this dual diagnosis, we screened the Medline, PsychInfo, and Scopus databases. We did not apply strict criteria for the selection of articles because this article is a narrative review. Relatively, mild OCD is characterized by a high prevalence of AUD/SUD. Comorbidity becomes less frequent as OCD grows more distressing up to a certain degree of illness severity, above which it rises once more. In contrast, the prevalence of AUD/SUD in anxiety disorders, depression, and bipolar disorder is higher in clinical samples than in the community. The high prevalence of AUD/SUD accompanying OCD in community settings may be accounted for by self-medication, whereas decreasing prevalence in clinical samples may reflect personality traits common among obsessive-compulsive people, such as an elevated sense of harm and risk avoidance. An increase in more severe patients may imply the interplay between impulsiveness and compulsiveness. The distinct symptom dimensions of OCD, such as washing, checking, and having taboo thoughts, may be associated with varying degrees of predisposition to AUD/SUD as well as with different rates for seeking treatment, thus affecting the contradictions in the comorbidity rates of OCD and AUD/SUD. Our search confirms the U-shaped curve model put forward to explain the intricate relationship between OCD and AUD/SUD.
Electrophysiological Features of Hypnotic State in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Çinaroglu Metin , Tas Cumhur
Published: May 2024

Aim:

Hypnosis is treated as a state of mind. An individual depending on his/her social and psychological features follows suggestions and applies the requirements concerning time and space. With the advancement in brain-imagining techniques, viewing neuropsychological features of hypnosis has become a possibility. This article investigates the neuropsychological properties of hypnosis. The present study examines the electrophysiological features of the hypnotic minds of healthy individuals. This study aims to detect whether there is a change in and, if yes, in what region of suggestible individuals' minds during hypnosis.

Materials and Methods:

In this study, 34 highly suggestive individuals were selected out of 150 healthy individuals and were subjected to multidimensional Iowa suggestibility scale inventory and electroencephalogram (EEG). Due to technical problems during EEG, 24 data could be used cleanly. Using a correlational design, 34 healthy, suggestive individuals between the ages of 18–55 were included in the study. These participants have gone through an EEG procedure using the oddball paradigm. EEG and oddball were administered to 17 participants with and without hypnosis. Seventeen participants were administered without and with hypnosis. Twenty-four participants whose data was clear were included in the analyses.

Results:

When the groups were compared, it was seen that there was no significant difference in P300, P200, and P100 activities. There was also no significant difference in N200 and N100 activities.

Conclusions:

In this study the authors administered oddball paradigm with hypnosis and without hypnosis. The authors do not report any differences between conditions in terms of enterprise resource plannings. Although there was no statistically significant difference in this experimental design, studies with new and different designs should be continued.
Uskudar Life Meaning and Goals Scale Validity and Reliability Studies
Authors: Tarhan Nevzat , Ünal Aylin Tutgun
Published: May 2024

Aim:

One of the important factors that cause stress today is aimlessness. Determining the meaning and purposes of life has an impact on both the mental and physical health of the individual. Two types of values are mentioned as tool values and purpose values. Measuring the life goals to include these values is seen as important for determining the life goal skills of individuals. Hence, it is aimed to measure meaning and purpose and to measure perceptions about it.

Materials and Methods:

This study aimed to carry out validity and reliability studies of the Uskudar Life Meaning and Goals Scale (USLIFE). The sample consisted of 1026 people from Turkey. Factor analysis revealed that the scale consists of seven factors.

Results:

The first factor “Abstract Meaning Skill” explains 14.59% of the variance, the second factor “Skill to Delay of Gratification” 10.31% of the variance, the third factor “Concrete Meaning Skill” 8.97% of the variance, the fourth factor “Internal Control Skill” 5.53% of the variance, the fifth factor “Medium- and Long-Term Planning Skill” 4.60% of the variance, the sixth factor “Belief in Death” 4.39% of the variance, and the seventh factor “Ego Ideal Perception” explains 3.87% of the variance. The seven-factor structure consisting of 28 items in total explained 52.28%. In addition, seven factors confirmed the USLIFE in the confirmatory factor analysis. Goodness-of-fit values were found to be acceptable. The Cronbach's alpha value of the scale was found to be 0.74.

Conclusion:

A valid and reliable scale, named “USLIFE,” has emerged. This scale measures people's life goals skills and is graded in the five-point Likert type between “completely agree” and “never agree.”
Quantitative Structured Reporting in Dementia Studies with Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Barzegar Mojtaba , Carreras Joan
Published: May 2024

Introduction:

Nowadays, radiology is playing a very essential role in quantitative imaging from medical images to quantitative biomarkers. Integration of this numerical information into structured reports can make it more practical tool for an accurate diagnosis of dementia.

Materials and Methods:

This research developed a structured radiological report template for dementia as an automated integration of quantitative imaging biomarkers of magnetic resonance images into neurological structured reporting as a new achievement in the Management of Radiology Report Templates in a more organized style.

Results:

A significant accuracy rather than free conventional style for dementia patients.

Conclusion:

Final aim of this study is making this feature available to make the best decision on patients with some dementia signs.
Clinico-epidemiological and Patch Test Profile of Patients with Suspected Allergic Contact Dermatitis to Cosmetics in a Tertiary Care Hospital in the Southern Philippines: A 3-year Retrospective Study
Authors: Pario Zacaria B. , Castaños Karla Phoebe B. , Contreras Andrea Isabel
Published: May 2024

Background:

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a common skin inflammatory reaction occurring at the site of challenge with a contact allergen in sensitized individuals and one of the most common causes for consultation in dermatology clinics. Patch testing is a method for detecting the causative component in suspected cases of ACD. Awareness about the causative allergen aids in reducing morbidity and can significantly minimize the impact of ACD in the affected people.

Objectives:

The study aimed to measure the number of relevant positive reactions in patch tests being performed in our institution in patients with ACD to cosmetic products.

Methods:

A total of 60 patients who were diagnosed with ACD to cosmetics and underwent patch testing were reviewed to identify the clinico-epidemiological and patch test profiles of these patients.

Results:

The study showed that the mean age of patients was 42 comprising mostly of females. Most of the patients were unemployed, office workers, and medical workers. The most common cosmetic products that caused ACD include soaps, shampoos, lotions, and moisturizers. Nickel is still the most tested positive among these patients, followed by fragrance mixes and 4-phenylenediamine base. They are widely distributed in cosmetic products, especially in soaps and lotions. The pattern of dermatitis revealed facial dermatitis to be the most common reason for consult of these patients.

Conclusion:

Patch test is valuable in the setting of establishing the etiology of ACD to cosmetic products.
Annular Secondary Syphilis with Histopathologic Features of Granuloma Annulare
Authors: Margate Rizia Estanislao , Venida-Tablizo Abelaine , Olalia Dana Lee
Published: May 2024

Syphilis is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the world. It is known as “the great mimicker” due to its varied cutaneous presentations, which can make it challenging to diagnose. We report a case of a 20-year-old female presenting with a nonhealing, pruritic, annular plaque on the left malar area of 3-month duration. She was initially treated as a case of tinea faciei. The lesion was unresponsive to topical antifungals and steroids with continued increase in size and number. Skin biopsy revealed secondary syphilis with histopathologic features of granuloma annulare. Degenerated collagen, not a feature of secondary syphilis, was seen, prompting further studies to confirm the diagnosis of secondary syphilis. Alcian blue stain was negative, which helped rule out granuloma annulare. She was then given benzathine penicillin G 2.4 million U, which led to a significant decrease in the size of the lesion noted 1 week posttreatment. Only postinflammatory hyperpigmentation was noted after 1 month of treatment. Clinically, secondary syphilis may present as an annular lesion that can mimic tinea. This can also present with atypical histopathologic features and an in-depth investigation is needed to further confirm the diagnosis.
Noninvasive tear breakup time evaluation with multifunctional topography supports the diagnosis of evaporative dry eye disease
Authors: Correa-Sandoval Diana Carolina , Quintanilla-Treviño Patricio M. , Amparo Francisco , Garza-Leon Manuel Alejandro
Published: May 2024

Introduction:

Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial disorder that presents alterations in the homeostasis of the tear film and is accompanied by characteristic symptoms of ocular discomfort. In normal circumstances, the tear film has a uniform distribution on the eye, allowing for a normal function of the ocular surface unit. In patients with DED, the tear film presents a nonuniform, suboptimal distribution on the ocular surface that manifests with premature ruptures following the regular blinking pattern. In this study, we aimed to evaluate and identify the differences in the tear film breakup patterns in patients with evaporative dry eye when compared to healthy controls.

Methods:

We designed a prospective, cross-sectional, observational study to evaluate the tear film breakup patterns in two groups: (a) patients with a diagnosis of evaporative dry eye and (b) healthy subjects as controls. All the participants underwent a comprehensive assessment that included the following assessments: a symptom questionnaire, noninvasive tear film breakup using multifunctional topography, clinical evaluation of the ocular surface, and staining.

Results:

Seventy-two eyes from 72 participants were studied. Participants had a mean age of 34.9 ± 25.1 years, 51.4% were male, 36 were patients with evaporative dry eye, and 36 were healthy controls. All the patients with evaporative dry eye presented some type of tear rupture compared with only 50% of the healthy subjects. The lower temporal quadrant of the cornea was the region that most consistently presented tear film ruptures in patients with evaporative dry eye as compared with healthy subjects (22 vs. 9, P = 0.003) (odds ratio: 4.17, 95% confidence interval: 1.75–13.15).

Conclusions:

Evaluation of specific noninvasive tear film breakup patterns through multifunctional topography can be a valuable assessment for the screening of subjects to complement the diagnosis of evaporative dry eye.
Dextrocardia with situs inversus
Authors: Sule Muhammad Baba , Ma'aji Sadisu Mohammed , Sa'idu Sule Ahmed , Shamaki Amina M. B.
Published: May 2024

Dextrocardia is a cardiac positional anomaly, in which the heart is located in the right hemithorax with its base to apex axis directed to the right and caudad. The malposition is intrinsic to the heart and not caused by extracardiac abnormalities. This is a 9-year-old Nigerian female child who was referred for plain radiograph of the chest on account of recurrent episodes of cough and upper respiratory tract symptoms. The chest and upper abdominal radiograph showed dextrocardia with a right placed heart and gastric fundal gas beneath the right diaphragm. Complimentary abdominal ultrasound showed displaced spleen and stomach to the right with the liver displaced to the left, confirming the diagnosis of dextrocardia with situs inversus.
Hospitalization and discharge against medical advice underpinned by elder mistreatment
Authors: Akoria Obehi Aituaje , Edeki Imuetinyan R. , Dawodu Ejemen A.
Published: May 2024

This clinical vignette is that of an 82-year-old woman who was admitted into a geriatrics unit in Nigeria, with acute heart failure and multiple decubitus ulcers. She was subsequently discharged against medical advice after 27 days on account of financial constraints and her children's inability to achieve a unified front for her care provision. The clinical scenario illustrates that medical presentation of disease may be a manifestation of elder mistreatment. It also highlights how discharge against medical advice may be the culmination of mistreatment of hospitalized older adults. We review the literature on types and important features of elder mistreatment and how it may be diagnosed in clinical settings. We also discuss challenges that clinicians in Nigeria may face in diagnosing and managing elder mistreatment as a result of a dearth of training in geriatrics and the absence of a national framework to tackle elder mistreatment.
Asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia among HIV infected children and adolescents
Authors: Bello Surajudeen Oyeleke , Audu Esther Solomon , Hassan Ikrama , Abolodje Efe , Bako Ishaku
Published: May 2024

Background:

Malaria manifests with life-threatening manifestations resulting in hospital admissions and sometimes death may ensue. This is more devastating among children due to high susceptibility resulting from impaired immune system following severe malaria. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection with malaria further compromises the immune system and increases the vulnerability. The effect of co-trimoxazole prophylaxis in curtailing malaria has not being well evaluated in our environment where both malaria and HIV are endemic. This study sets out to determine the magnitude of asymptomatic malaria among HIV-infected children and adolescents receiving care at our facility.

Study Design:

This was a descriptive cross-sectional study.

Materials and Methods:

A prospective study among HIV-infected children aged 2–18 years was enrolled in our care. Nonprobability convenience sampling was used to recruit individuals who fulfilled the criteria. Questionnaire and patients' medical records were used to gather some data. A sample was taken for malaria parasite microscopy. The analysis was done using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20. Categorical variables were presented as percentages and association assessed using Chi-square test, whereas continuous variables were presented as mean and standard deviation, and the association between two means was checked using Student's t-test.

Results:

The mean age of the study population is 7.02 ± 2.97 years. Of the 420 participants in this study, 92 (45.7%) had confirmed malaria. There was no significant difference in the gender, age groups, and viral loads of patients with malaria.

Conclusion:

There is a high prevalence of malaria coinfection with HIV in this study.
Coarse tremors (Kwashi shakes) occurring in children recovering from severe acute malnutrition: Case series from a tertiary hospital in Sokoto
Authors: Isezuo Khadijat Omeneke , Amodu-Sanni Maryam , Sani Usman Muhammad , Garba Bilkisu Ilah , Waziri Usman Muhammad , Ahmad Murtala Muhammad , Jangebe Mikailu Abubakar , Abubakar Faruk , Mada Ibrahim Lawal
Published: May 2024

Kwashi tremors or Kwashi shakes are uncommon neurological complications of unknown etiology seen in edematous forms of severe acute malnutrition (SAM) during rehabilitation phase of treatment. Four patients with SAM seen in our facility within a 30-month period who developed coarse tremors are presented. The aim was to highlight this uncommon presentation of SAM in our setting. Of the four patients, 3 were male and 1 was a female. Their age ranged from 19 months to 2 years and they weighed between 5.5 and 8.7 kg. Their common clinical presentation included body swelling, loss of appetite, fever, and tremors which developed after discharge. All the patients had increased/overzealous protein intake while at home. The tremors resolved completely in all the patients, but more slowly in two of the patients with hypocalcaemia. In conclusion, Kwashi shakes occurring during rehabilitation of edematous SAM with increased protein intake and appears to be worsened with hypocalcemia
Management of severe iatrogenic perineal injury
Authors: Nwashilli Nnamdi Jude , Arekhandia Alexander Ilo
Published: May 2024

Perineal injuries are uncommon. More uncommon are severe perineal injuries. This is attributed to the relative protection of the perineum by the bony pelvis. Common causes of perineal injury include injuries from motor vehicular accidents, fall from height, foreign body insertion into the perineum, injuries from rape, and penetrating external trauma. The management of severe perineal injury entails addressing any life-threatening condition in the patient first and, subsequently, the perineal injury. The perineal injury can be repaired primarily with or without colostomy or colostomy carried out alone without primary repair. We present four cases of severe perineal injury managed by colostomy alone without primary repair of perineal soft tissue or anal sphincters. The anal sphincters and perineal soft tissues healed secondarily and sealed without any need for repair with good outcome.
The use of excel spread sheet and printer in marking medical science objective questions
Authors: Okolo Raymond Ugochukwu , Kolawole Olorunshola Victor
Published: May 2024

Background:

Multiple-choice question (MCQ) is an effective form of written assessments for knowledge acquisition. Optical mark reading scanner is used for grading MCQs. Major setback in the use of scanner is the cost of acquiring it. Consequently, several manual methods such as conference making and stencil overlay are used to mark MCQ. This paper highlights the use of Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet and printer to mark MCQ and compares the method with other manual methods of marking.

Materials and Methods:

Five sets of 100 stems of objective questions (true or false, one in five, and matching types) were administered to students. Answer script was designed using Excel Spreadsheet. Three groups of marking were done: directly on the question paper, use of stencil for marking on the answer script, use of Microsoft Excel soft copy. At the end of the marking process, mean marking time, mean collation time, mean counting time, and mean marking error were collated and compared. The instant computer statistical software was used to calculate means, standard deviations, and ANOVA. A P < 0.05 was regarded as statistically significant.

Results:

Results showed a statistically significant low mean marking time of 0.68 h (P < 0.0001) for the spreadsheet/printer marking method. Marking error was significantly low with this method (P < 0.001) as compared with other manual marking methods. The collation time and counting time were not significantly different across the groups.

Conclusion:

It is concluded that Excel Spreadsheet and printer marking method significantly reduced marking time and marking errors in marking MCQs.
Juvenile aggressive psammomatous ossifying fibroma of the maxilla: A report of three cases and review of the literature
Authors: Fomete Benjamin , Okeke Albert U. , Samaila Modupe O. , Agbara Rowlan , Ajike Sunday O. , Mgbemena Charles C. , Amuda Oladunni , Abugu Hyacinth O.
Published: May 2024

Juvenile aggressive ossifying fibroma occurs in early life, and approximately 79% are diagnosed before the age of 15 years. Approximately 85% of cases were found in the face, while the calvarium and extracranial sites accounted for 12% and 3%, respectively. We present three females with psammomatous juvenile aggressive juvenile ossifying fibroma (JOF) of the maxilla diagnosed in our institution. While two of them were children of 11 and 12 years, the third was a 30-year-old. The histological type of JOF in all the three cases was the psammomatous type. They all had surgery with one of them having a radical maxillectomy.
Assessing the Level of Compliance to Standards among Agencies for Housing Development in Taraba State, Nigeria
Authors: Chrinus A. E. , Okoye C. O. , Ukah C.
Published: May 2024

Housing development is an investment from which flows a number of consumer services. Hence, this paper evaluates the level of compliance to standards among agencies for housing development in Taraba State, Nigeria using both primary and secondary types and sources of data in a 399 structured questionnaire and interview section. The results showed that all respondents affirmed that limited resources on the part of concerned agencies contributes to the challenges of compliance (3.33), inadequacy of regulatory frameworks affects compliance (3.22), favoritism in the course of discharge of duties undermine the enforcement of standards (3.29), corruption compromises the quality of housing development (3.22), nepotism also leads to lack of safety of housing units (3.24), inadequate funding affects agencies to ensure standard compliance (3.31), lack of awareness among stakeholders also affects the level of compliance to standard (3.31) as well as inadequate equipment necessary for monitory compliance (3.18) were all above the acceptance value of 2.50. Furthermore, the hypothesis which states that factors affecting level of compliance to standard among agencies do not significantly impact on housing development was tested using Chi-Square. The p-value (Sig) is .000 which implies that there is a significant impact of factors affecting level of compliance with standard among agencies on housing development in Taraba State. From the findings, the study recommends that fight against bribery and corruption should be initiated at all government levels (Federal, State, and LGAs) especially in Taraba State in order to maintain standards and compliance. Also, funds and resources should be made available for the agencies responsible for housing development.
Erken Cumhuriyet Döneminde Spor Kulüpleri: Çanakkale Örneği
Authors: Şahin Güneş
Published: May 2024

Küçük bir sahil kasabası görünümünde olan Çanakkale’de açılan spor kulüpleri iktidarın modernleşme laboratuvarı olarak görülebilir. Kulüplerin; kentte sosyal hayatın değişimi, vatandaşlar arasında dayanışma ruhunun gelişimi ve halkın gündelik hayat alışkanlıklarının dışına çıkabilecekleri kamusal alanlar oluşturulması gibi pek çok işlevi bulunur. Aslında gençler fiziken, mantıken ve ahlaken eğitilirken bir yandan da siyasetten azade, ortak bir milli bilinçle yetiştirilmek istenir. Bir anlamda gençler spor kulüpleri ile fikren ve ideolojik olarak da eğitilir. İktidar için vatandaşların yekvücut halinde olması, devrim şuurunun halk nezdinde daha net anlaşılabilmesi noktasında önemlidir ve bu konuda ısrarcı bir çaba sarf edilir. Dolayısıyla spor kulüpleri yeni rejimin kendisini ifade etme ve ulusal kimliğin şekillenmesinde öne çıkan teşkilatlarındandır. Çalışma esnasında ağırlıklı olarak Türkiye Cumhuriyeti Cumhurbaşkanlığı Devlet Arşivleri’nden, süreli yayınlardan temin edilen belgeler kullanılmıştır. Çanakkale ve ilçelerinde erken cumhuriyet döneminde tespit ettiğimiz spor kulüpleri; Çanakkale Türk Gücü Birliği, Ece idman Yurdu, Ezine Gençler Birliği, Ayvacık Gençler Birliği, Bayramiç Gençler Birliği, Biga İdman Yurdu, Lapseki Gençler Birliği çalışmanın kavramsal çerçevesini oluşturmaktadır.