bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative pattern of fracture in different animals
Authors: Chandra Das Bhajan , Bayazid Bostami Mohammad , Dey Tuli , Chandra Sutradhar Bibek
Published: September 2023

Incidence of bone fracture is very common in both medical and veterinary profession. There is lots of fracture management techniques applied for bone fracture. A total of 6163 clinical cases were recorded from May, 2017 to April, 2018 at the Sahidul Alam Quadery Teaching Veterinary Hospital (SAQTVH), CVASU. The objectives of the study were to find out the incidence of fracture in dogs, cats, goats and cattle and parameters were also studied for fracture occurrence in breed, age, sex and different nature and causes of fractures. A total of 6163 cases were recorded out of which 829 were surgical cases and 85 were fracture cases (dog-20, cat-19, goat-36 and cattle-10). The overall incidence of fracture was recorded as1.38% for all four species (dogs, cats, goat and cattle) of animals and 10.25% for all surgical cases of animals. Goat was the most common (42.35%) species to have a fracture among four species. Local breeds were more susceptible for fracture in dog, cat and cattle but jamunapari breeds were common in goats. Overall males were more prone for fracture and age less than six months old were also more vulnerable for fracture among four species. Closed unilateral hind limb fractures were more in all cases. Among different bones, femur fracture was the most common in dogs and cats but metacarpal bone was more common in goat and tibial bone in cattle and most of the fractures were oblique in nature. Falling from height (34.11%) was the major cause of fracture comparison to other causes but according to four species, automobile accident was common cause of fracture in dogs.
The Development of Physical Education Curriculum Martial Arts Sports for the Nine Years Compulsory Education Stage of Guangdong Province
Authors: Liu Shangguozi , Nirantranon Wanit , Hongsaenyatham Prakit
Published: September 2023

Background and Aim: Based on the lack of existing teaching materials. The objective of this research was to construct the Wushu physical education curriculum in the nine-year compulsory education stage.
Materials and Methods: This study is a survey study. The population samples of this study are five nine-year compulsory education schools in Guangdong Province, namely Bayi Experimental School in Guangzhou, Xiaode School in Baoan District, Shenzhen, Zhongte Wenwu School in Zhuhai, Affiliated School of Foshan No. 4 Middle School, and Shantou Jinhua Overseas Chinese Pilot School. There are 369 students, 21 teachers, and 23 experts in the field of martial arts.
Results: 1) The selection of martial arts teaching content in the teacher's book of the Cantonese Education Edition is better than that of the People's Education Edition, but there are still lack of martial arts etiquette content, lack of boxing characteristics, too single theoretical content, insufficient evaluation content and content system issues still need to be improved; 2) During the implementation of teaching, there are problems such as the teaching content in the teacher's book cannot meet the needs of the class hours, the difficulty of the teaching content is not appropriate, and the sequence of the teaching content is not properly arranged, which leads to certain influences on the selection of the actual teaching content by teachers; 3) In the actual teaching implementation, teachers should make full use of lesson preparation resources in the setting of teaching content, deeply understand the new curriculum standards; they should fully analyze the academic situation, and consider the sensitive period of students' physical fitness and students' psychology. The characteristics and learning basis; should fully reflect the integrity of the content, rationally set the theoretical content, and appropriately increase the traditional boxing types, to make the teaching content system more complete.
Conclusion: In the first stage of the level, the study of theoretical knowledge such as martial arts is added. The second stage of the level emphasizes the connection between the past and the next. For the consolidation and improvement of the content of the previous stage, the practice of prescribed routines is added to strengthen the basic skills exercises. Level three adds to the learning of martial arts equipment. The fourth stage of the level enriches the theoretical knowledge and increases the practice of characteristic boxing and equipment at the level of movement technology.
Non-Gastrointestinal Complications and Short-Term Outcomes in Patients With Anastomotic Leak After Colon Resection: A Propensity Matched Analysis of American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Database
Authors: Humza Sohail Amir , Beneat Amanda , Humza Sohail Amir , Morel Andrew , Ali Hassam , Hakmi Hazim , Whittington Jennifer , Kumar Gangwani Manesh , Islam Shahidul , Maan Soban , Silva Pacheco Tulio Brasileiro
Published: September 2023

Introduction: Anastomotic leak is a devastating complication after colorectal surgery. There is paucity of data on non-gastrointestinal complications after anastomotic leak in this population. We aimed to investigate non-gastrointestinal complications, as well as causes of major morbidity and mortality following anastomotic leak after colorectal resection and hypothesized that non-gastrointestinal complications after anastomotic leak are a sizable proportion of the overall morbidity and mortality in this population. Methods: We used the ACS NSQIP database, and searched for CPT codes for colorectal procedures with primary anastomosis between 2015-2019. The cohorts (anastomotic leak vs. no-leak) were aligned using propensity score matching, and 30-day mortality, length of stay, and readmission outcomes were compared. Results: We identified 4881 patients with anastomotic leak and 150331 patients with no-leak. The overall leak rate was 3.14%. Anastomotic leak group had an 85% longer length-of-stay. Predicted mean (95% CI) length-of-stay for the leak group was 10.2 (9.9-10.5) days vs. 5.5 (5.4-5.7) days for the no-leak group. Anastomotic leak was associated with a higher 30-day risk of unplanned return to the operating room (OR 34.5; 95% CI 27.2-43.8), and thirty-day mortality (OR 2.8; 95% 2.2-3.5). Anastomotic leak was associated with a higher incidence of pulmonary complications including: pneumonia (OR 4.4; 95% CI 3.5-5.6), unplanned intubation (OR 6.3; 95% CI 4.8-8.3), mechanical ventilation (OR 6.3; 95% CI 5.1-8.0), and pulmonary embolism (OR 4.3; 95% CI 2.6-7.0); cardiac complications, including myocardial infarction (OR 2.9 (95% CI 2.0-4.2) and cardiac arrest (OR 3.2; 95% CI 2.1-4.9); and new-onset renal failure requiring dialysis (OR 3.8; 95% CI 2.6-5.5). There was no significant difference in risk of acute kidney injury (OR 1.1; 95% CI 0.6-2.0), and stroke (OR 1.8; 95% CI 0.9-3.6). Conclusion: Colorectal anastomotic leak independently lengthens length-of-stay, and is associated with increased mortality (2.7% vs. 7.2%) after colorectal surgery with an enteric anastomosis.
Defining the Legal Nature of Shared Rights Annotation
Authors: Bichia Мikheil
Published: September 2023

The current article is dedicated to defining the legal nature of shared rights, which has twofold importance, scientific accuracy, and practicality.

The roots of shared rights are in common property, which is part of property law. Therefore, logically, shared rights contain some elements of property law. In particular, the relationship of owners of shared rights with third parties is an external and property law-connected. This relationship has an absolute character. In addition, the internal fiduciary relationship between parties, which is related to the origins of the obligation law of shared rights, is also noteworthy.

The existence of shared rights in the obligation law is caused by the internal, relational, and personal nature of the existing relationship, by the non-injury of the interests of the other parties in the use of the shared rights by one party. The legal content of the rights and obligations of the parties is expressed in the powers of using, managing, and disposing of the shared object, taking into account the interests of other parties, also in the power of canceling the shared right, etc.

Shared rights have a merged legal nature: the internal relations of the shareholders are relative, and the relationships of the owners of shared rights with third parties are absolute. Accordingly, the specifics of this relationship depend on whether it concerns the internal rights and obligations of the shareholders or the interests of the co-sharers with third parties. The above-mentioned determines which field of civil law norms will be applicable concerning the mentioned relationship - property or obligation law
Summing of Worker’s Working Times with different Employers by an Employee - as an Infringement of Freedom of Parallel Employment and Illegal Processing of Personal Data
Authors: Kardava Ekaterine
Published: September 2023

In the modern labor market, parallel employment of a person in different businesses is an opportunity to mitigate the economic dependence on only one employer and manage own welfare life. In 2019, the EU Labor Directive 2019/1125 on Transparent and Predictable Working Conditions, legally strengthened the freedom of an employee to work with different employers in case of will. Restriction of this freedom is allowed only in reasonable and precisely defined cases.

The article explains the legal norm of the Labor Code of Georgia regulating parallel employment. Some wrong Georgian practices between competitors (employers) are criticized. In order to use the norm in a uniform and good sense, in order to understand the real purpose of parallel labor freedom, the models of European legal regulations, the provisions of 2019/1125 directive, and various laws/norms of Georgia are synchronized and analysed.
Property-related Obligations of Spouses
Authors: Meladze Giorgi
Published: September 2023

Property obligations of spouses is one of the fundamental issues of family law, which is characterized by a number of features. The purpose of this article is to define/distinguish the spheres of common and separate obligations of spouses, which in turn affects the scope of their property responsibility. It is worth noting the interest of the creditor towards the fulfillment of the obligation of debtor spouse/spouses - without taking it into consideration, the examination of the property obligations of spouses and conducting respective legal reasoning will not be justified,. It should be emphasized that in general, the property obligations of spouses also include the legal duty of mutual maintenance of spouses established by the Civil Code of Georgia and its regulatory norms, however, the purpose of this article is to separately examine the obligations of spouses not in the context of the alimony relationship, but in the context of the property regime.
Municipal Elections: Peculiarities and Challenges in Georgia
Authors: Chigladze Nana
Published: September 2023

After the restoration of independence, in the 90s, along with other vital issues of state importance, the process of bringing municipal democracy closer to the Georgian reality began actively. A number of factors prevented perfecting the local management system in Georgia, therefore, it is still in the process of reforming. The most important component, which enables municipal bodies to function in accordance with modern international standards and is a guarantee of effective self-government, is the rule of their formation.    

      Electiveness, that is, the possibility of people's participation in the creation and activities of municipal bodies, is a visible expression of the exercise of the right of local self-government. It is noteworthy that the municipal elections, in their essence, are characterized by a number of peculiarities and sharply differ from the elections of the central governmental institutions. Accordingly, national states, including Georgia, try to create legislation that is adapted to the political and social reality of their own country and reflects traditions and legislation which will provide the realization of real content of local self-government and the possibility of involvement of the population of the municipal unit. In the relevant electoral legislation, substantial changes were made more than once, which had a positive impact, mainly, on the result of the October 2, 2021 local self-government elections. Additionally, municipal electoral legislation and practice still face challenges, on which answers depends the future of Georgia as a democratic and legal state largely.
The Court Practice of Imposing Fine towards Juvenile and Litigated Issue of Its Enforcement
Authors: Nozadze Lela
Published: September 2023

Research and generalization of the court practice should shape those non-custodial punishments, which in reality will perform the main aim of the Juvenile Justice Code – protection of the best interests of child, their faces not to remain only as “unchanged monument carved into the stone”.
Inappropriateness of Prohibiting Appealing an Arrest Warrant
Authors: Sadradze Tamar
Published: September 2023

According to Paragraph One of Article 13 of the Constitution of Georgia, human freedom shall be protected. The XVIII Chapter of the Criminal Procedure Code of Georgia specifies the grounds for criminal prosecution, detention and recognition as an accused.

The present article deals with some problems related to a person’s detention by a court decision. It discusses the following issues: the concept and essence of detention, the gaps associated with arrest warrants, in particular the lack of legal grounds for specifying the term of execution of an arrest warrant, lack of control over the execution of an arrest warrant, the constitutional claim filed by my colleagues and me related to the prohibition of appealing an arrest warrant and resultant legal problems.

The article also explores the court practice regarding a person’s detention by a court decision, which demonstrates and illustrates the problems related to detention practices. Examples of some foreign jurisdictions for appeals of warrant orders that have chosen the principles of equality and adversariality of the parties as their primary guiding principle are also discussed.

The article describes the effective legal norm, reviews the judicial practice, gives conclusions and essential recommendations to improve the issue of legislative control.
Progress on Microfluidic Blood Cell Counting Techniques
Authors: Zhang Yongqian , Wu Weifeng , Xu Qianfeng , Zhong Yunsheng , Yan Rongguo
Published: September 2023

Accurately and efficiently detecting the quantity of blood cells is crucial in routine blood examination, as abnormal high or low numbers of blood cells are associated with the occurrence of various disorders. Due to inherent drawbacks, traditional blood cell analysis equipment cannot meet the demands of modern primary healthcare, particularly in terms of point-of-care testing. In recent years, the development of point-of-care testing blood cell counting equipment has been accelerated, thanks to the rapid advancement of microfluidic technology and the expanding research on blood cell counting using microfluidic chips. In this paper, we reviewed three blood cell counting methods based on microfluidic chips, electrical impedance, light scattering, and microscopic imaging, as well as the recent development and achievements in blood cell counting using microfluidic chips.
Electromagnetic induction detection techniques for craniocerebral injury: A review
Authors: Song Ruoyu , Xu Tao , Shi Tingting , Gui Xinrui , Yan Rongguo
Published: September 2023

Assessing the severity and prognosis of patients with craniocerebral damage is a major research area in medicine since it is a prevalent clinical disease. Acute craniocerebral injury, a common traumatic condition, is often caused by traffic accidents, collisions, and falls in daily life. Secondary craniocerebral injury refers to symptoms such as brain edema and intracranial hemorrhage after acute craniocerebral injury, which will aggravate the injury. Secondary craniocerebral injury can be avoided by effective and timely treatment, and real-time detection of brain edema and intracranial hemorrhage by non-invasive medical imaging is a solution. Therefore, non-invasive medical imaging technology has recently emerged as a new area of study. A new imaging technology, namely the brain injury detection technology based on electromagnetic induction, has been discovered after years of research on non-invasive detection of brain injury. Initially, electromagnetic induction technology was widely used in metal nondestructive testing. The human body, as a conductor, also has electromagnetic induction, allowing this technology to be used on the human body. This study reviews the technologies for detecting electromagnetic induction in cases of craniocerebral damage, including induced current electrical impedance tomography, magneto-acoustic tomography, and eddy current damping sensors for detection and imaging.
Assessment of risk profile of medical and dental students regarding hospital-associated infections in Nigeria
Authors: Aladelusi T  , Kanmodi K  , Kanmodi P
Published: September 2023

Background: Medical education involves intense clinical training which necessitates exposure of the medical and dental students to patients. In some instances, the student comes in contact with infectious diseases and are vulnerable to getting infected or by themselves becoming a carrier of the disease.Objectives: We aim to assess the risk profile of medical and dental students in clinical settings in terms of hospital-associated infections.Study Design: This is a cross sectional studies conducted among medical and dental students in Nigeria, with focus on 4th to 6th year students from 4 Public universities using anonymous structured questionnaire.Result: Two hundred and ninety-five (295) participants were enrolled in this study. The mean (±SD) age of the respondents was 23.45 (±2.88) years. The majority (65.1%) of them were males, 82.4% were medical students. Only 68% of the respondents reported that they had received a comprehensive lecture on infection control in the course of their training. Less than half of the respondents indicated that their institutions provide free vaccination against tetanus, hepatitis, yellow fever, and cerebrospinal meningitis. 47.1% and 57.3% of the respondents keep their clinical apparels in their school bag and room wardrobe, respectively. More than 70% of the respondents agreed that hand washing is the most important step in infection control. However, only a minority (<40%) always practice hand washing in accordance with recommendation.Conclusion: The present study shows that there is a need for improvement in the attitude and practice of medical students towards hand hygiene use and vaccination. There is also a need for advocacy in institutionalization of preventive measures for the control of nosocomial infections.
Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers: A Teaching Hospital-Based Study
Authors: Imasogie DE  , Olu-Eddo AN
Published: September 2023

Context: The mortality rate of non-melanoma skin cancers (Basal cell carcinoma [BCC] and squamous cell carcinoma [SCC]) is low. This implies a high morbidity state. The cost implication to the health sector may be huge depending on its magnitude. The data generated from this study will give an insight of the burden of non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) on our health facility as well as being utilized for the purpose of records and ultimately for planning locally and nationally.Aims and objectives: To determine the frequency, age and sex distribution of NMSC.Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional retrospective study. All cases of NMSC (BCC and SCC) diagnosed histologically between January 2004 and December 2013 in the Department of Morbid Anatomy, University of Benin Teaching Hospital were analysed.Results: The NMSC accounted for 36.90% of malignant skin lesions. Their age spanned from the 2nd to the 9th decade with a mean age in the 5th decade (47.49 years). There was no significant sexual predilection (male:female = 1.03:1). SCC and BCC accounted for 82.61% and 17.39% respectively of NMSC. The head and neck region was the most common site of presentation of these tumours.Conclusion: The NMSC comprises a notable portion (36.9%) of malignant skin tumours. The frequency of SCC was by far higher than that of BCC. The mean age of NMSC, SCC and BCC was in the 5th decade (40-49years). No significant sexual predilection was noted in this study. The head and neck region was the most common site for NMSC.
Shoe size and other anthropometric variables among women who had normal labour in Abakaliki, south-east Nigeria
Authors: Isikhuemen ME  , Sunday-Adeoye I  , Ajose F  , Ekwedigwe KC  , Daniyan ABC  , Eliboh MO  , Chukwu I  , Dimejesi IB
Published: September 2023

Objective: To assess the anthropometric variables of women who had normal labour and to document the relationship between shoe size and other anthropometric variables.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 307 women who had normal labour at Mile 4 Hospital, Abakaliki, between January 2013 and January 2015. Information on sociodemographic characteristics was obtained. Shoe sizes were measured using the Genuine Brannock Device. The relationship between the shoe size and other variables were assessed using linear regression models.Results: Their mean age was 27.7 + 3.7 years. The mean height was 1.58 + 0.35 and mean weight was 65.37 + 10.31kg. The mean waist circumference of the study population was 37.19 + 3.34cm. The mean chest circumference of the subjects was 37.75 + 3.10cm. Their mean shoe size was 7.86 + 1.26. There was a positive correlation between shoe size and other anthropometric variables.Conclusion: This study showed a positive correlation between shoe size and other anthropometric variables (height, weight, chest circumference and waist circumference) among women who had normal labour. Hence shoe size may be a useful predictor for normal labour.
Domestic violence among women attending ante natal care in a tertiary health facility in south-south Nigeria
Authors: Ogbondah BO  , Okoye V
Published: September 2023

Background: Domestic violence is a preventable public health problem that is under reported and under diagnosed. Women are usually the most affected and presents with serious psycho-social, physical and reproductive health implications. It violates the fundamental human right of victims and associated with perinatal and maternal morbidity and mortality.Methodology: The study was a cross sectional descriptive study, conducted among pregnant women attending ante-natal care (ANC) at the ante natal care clinic of the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (O and G), university of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital. All eligible pregnant women who visited the ANC clinic were enlisted for the study until the required sample size was attained. Study instrument included a pretested, adapted, interviewer administered, questionnaire which was prepared in English language. Results were presented in simple frequency distribution table while data was analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. Categorical data were analyzed using chi-square test. Ethical clearance was granted by the hospitals ethical committee while permission for the study was also derived from the department of O and G and the Hospital Management.Result: Results from the study revealed a statistically significant association between alcohol, cigarette ingestion and domestic violence. Results also shows associated risk factors to domestic violence such as low income, religion, poor educational background and unemployment.Conclusion: Domestic violence is a breach of fundamental human right of those abused. It is significantly associated with alcohol and cigarette ingestion, while it is associated with young age of couple, cohabitation, poor educational background and duration of marriage. Improving women empowerment and education could help curb this social vice.
Histological analysis of breast lesions in a Nigerian population
Authors: Raphael S  , Abimiku BA  , Abdul OA  , Nwana EJC
Published: September 2023

Context: Breast cancer is the most common site-specific cancer among women in Nigeria and globally, and it is a leading cause of cancer related fatalities.Objective. This study documents the prevalence, histologic subtypes, relative frequency, and histopathologic characteristics of breast lesions seen in a North Central Nigerian populationMaterials and Method: This was a retrospective review of all breast lesions diagnosed at the pathology department of a tertiary health institution in North Central Nigeria in a 5-year period.Results: In the study period, 1081 patients had breast specimens taken, representing 8.6% of all specimens (12501) processed in the department. Of the 983 patients’ whose specimens were included in this study, 954 were females (97%) and 29 (3%) were males, giving a female to male ratio of 32.9:1. The lesions consisted of 31 (3.2%) non neoplastic breast lesions (NBLs), 590 (60.0%) benign neoplastic breast lesions (BNBLs) and 362 (36.8%) malignant breast lesions (MBLs), with a BNBLs to MBLs ratio of 1.6:1. The most common BNBLs breast lesions seen during the study period was fibroadenoma (318/590, 53.9%), followed by fibrocystic change (186/590, 31.5%). The cancers were mostly carcinoma (98.3%) with invasive ductal carcinoma (300/362, 82.9%) being the most common followed by invasive medullary carcinoma (38/362, 10.5%).Conclusion: Breast lesions are common lesions among females in our setting. A significant proportion of these lesions are malignant and affects young females. The histologic spectrum, demographic and histopathology characteristics are similar to previous reports in the country.
Antibiogram of urinary tract pathogens in a tertiary hospital in south-south Nigeria
Authors: Onukak AE  , Udoette SB  , Ekuma AE
Published: September 2023

Background: Antibiograms represent the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of bacterial isolates in a given healthcare setting and guides the selection of empiric antimicrobial therapy. Repeated antibiograms over time can be used to ascertain resistance trends of microbes. There is paucity of data on the antibiogram of urinary isolates in Nigeria.Objective: This study aimed to determine the antibiogram of urinary isolates in a tertiary hospital.Materials and Methods: A review of records of mid-stream urine samples received in the Medical Microbiology Laboratory and analysed for pathogen identification and subsequent antimicrobial susceptibility testing over a 4 month period, was carried out. Multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index for each isolate was calculated and data was summarized on SPSS 20 using descriptive statistics.Results: Out of the 959 urine samples submitted to the laboratory during the study period, 283 (29.5%) had positive cultures. Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia were the most frequently isolated organisms. The total mean MAR index was 0.61 ± 0.30. Providencia spp had the highest mean MAR index of 0.82 ± 0.26, followed by Klebsiella spp and Pseudomonas aeruginosa with mean MAR index of 0.68 ± 0.28 and 0.64 ± 0.32 respectively.Conclusion: There is a high level of resistance to commonly prescribed antibiotics among UTI pathogens in the hospital. Antimicrobial stewardship strategies are needed to address this negative trend.
Megbelayin Irrigating Tubing System (MITS) for Continuous Intraocular Irrigation
Authors: Megbelayin EO
Published: September 2023

Background: The panacea to scarce financial, material and skilled human resources, especially in underserved parts of the world, would be ingenuity that harnesses available human and material potentials.Objective: To describe a lengthening technique for irrigating tubing used for continuous intraocular irrigation.Methods: Literature and internet search for relevant information on the subject of ophthalmic innovations and ideas.Results: Megbelayin Irrigating Tubing System (MITS) is useful in vitreoretinal and anterior segment procedures where spacious surgical fields are the ultimate goals.Conclusion: MITS is a reusable, cost-effective and efficient irrigating unit.
Mandibular third molar surgery: A review of common and uncommon complications
Authors: Egbor PE  , Adetunji SG
Published: September 2023

Background: Third molar surgical extraction is one of the commonest surgical procedures in oral surgery and it is associated with postoperative complications. However, some of these complications are commoner than others and they have variable impacts on the quality of life of the patients.Objective: To review the common and uncommon complications of third molar surgery as reported in the literature.Methods: PubMed, ScienceDirect databases, AJOL, and Google scholar literature search was done to identify related articles on complications of mandibular third molar surgical extractions. Other online materials were also reviewed. The search words used were mandibular, third molar, lower jaw, surgical extraction, common, uncommon, and complicationsResults: Common complications of third molar surgery identified include; postoperative pain, swelling, trismus, infection, dry socket, inferior alveolar and lingual nerve damage, injury to the adjacent tooth, with their attendant impact on the patient’s quality of life.Conclusion: Third molar surgical extractions are associated with certain complications and some of them are unavoidable. Therefore, adequate patients’ education and psychological preparation for the procedure and its sequelae are necessary.
Submental epidermoid cyst masquerading as a giant plunging ranula: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Eziagu UB  , Inoh MI
Published: September 2023

Submental epidermoid (epidermal) cyst is a very rare non-neoplastic cyst lined by squamous epithelium that arises from the floor of the mouth. It can sometimes clinically resemble a giant plunging ranula. This is a case report of a 20-year-old female who presented with a slow growing largely asymptomatic lower jaw swelling of 10 years’ duration. A clinical diagnosis of giant plunging ranula was made. An excisional biopsy/corrective surgery was performed and subsequent histopathological evaluation revealed that this submental lesion was an epidermoid cyst. Thus, Submental epidermoid (epidermal) cyst can mimic a giant plunging ranula in its clinical presentation. Therefore, histopathologic evaluation is critical in making definitive diagnosis in such scenarios.
Prevalence of hepatitis B markers seropositivity in sickle cell (SCA) children in ABUTH Shika, Kaduna State
Authors: Aliyu-zubair R  , Yakubu AM  , Ogurinde GO  , Ibrahim A  , Olayinka A
Published: September 2023

Background: The study was carried out to determine the scope and pattern of hepatitis B infection among patient with sickle cell disease presenting at ABUTH Shika. Aims and objectives. This research work was conducted to determine the seropositivity of HBV infection amongst SCA patients and also to determine the associated potential risk in the acquisition of the infection.Patients and method: In order to determine the pattern of HBV infection among children with SCA aged 6 months to 12 years and associated risk factors; a random selection of 146 children was made at the paediatric haematology clinic of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika. For each SCA patient, an age-and sex- matched control with genotype AA presenting with minor ailments were selected from the paediatric outpatient of the hospital. The children were screened for various markers of hepatitis B virus using a spot test and ELISA test.Results: The prevalence rates of hepatitis B infection documented in the SCA and control groups were 24.66% and 28.77% respectively. The prevalence was highest in 9 - 12 year age group for both SCA patients and controls with prevalence of 42.86% and 42.11% respectively. None of the risk factors studied which included blood transfusions, parenteral injections, hospitalization, ulcers, tattooing, traditional circumcision, ear piercing, traditional scarification and contact with known hepatitis case were significantly associated with HBV infection in either the SCA or control group. There was also no association between frequency of hospitalizations, transfusions and people sleeping in the same room with HBV infection in either SCA patients or the control groups. The most frequent marker found among both the SCA and control group was anti-HBc.Conclusion: High prevalence of HBV infection was detected in both the subjects and controls. Children with SCA were not found to be at increased risk of contracting hepatitis B infection. It is recommended that all children should benefit from early vaccination.
Knowledge, attitude, perception and practices towards covid-19 among rural dwellers in Akwa-Ibom State, Nigeria
Authors: Ekpin VI  , Akwaowo CD  , Nde UT  , Inwang E  , Isaac E  , Esien I  , Ukpong D  , Sylvanus W
Published: September 2023

Context: The novel Corona virus disease (COVID-19) has spread rapidly around the world and has brought unprecedented fear and anxiety. Several nations, including Nigeria, instituted strict prevention and control measures to curb the spread of the disease.Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude, perception and practices towards Covid-19 among rural dwellers in Akwa-Ibom state, Nigeria.Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in the three senatorial districts in Akwa-Ibom state, using an interviewer administered semi-structured questionnaire on the ODK data entry app to obtain data. Data was analysed using SPSS version 22. Statistical significance was set at a P value of 0.05.Results: A total of 421 respondents participated in this study with 238(56.5%) females and 183(43.5%) males. The mean age was 38.6±16.1 years. Most participants were aware of Covid-19 (97.9%) and the most common sources of information on Covid-19 were the radio (88.4%) and religious organizations (60.4%). Most respondents had good knowledge (62.6%), positive attitude (85.9%), good perception (75.0%) and good practices (77.9%) towards Covid-19. Pearson correlation showed that practice of precautionary measures against Covid-19 was significantly associated with participants’ Knowledge and Perception of Covid-19 (r=0.117, p=0.017 and r=0.201, p<0.0001 respectively) but not with Attitude (p=0.136).Conclusion: The results revealed that there was good knowledge, attitude, perception and practices towards Covid-19 among the study population. Practice of preventive measures was seen to be weakly correlated to knowledge and perception.
Knowledge and Risk Factors of Lassa Fever among Household Members in a Rural Community in Edo State, Southern Nigeria
Authors: Alenoghena I  , Omuemu V
Published: September 2023

Background: Lassa fever (LF) affects about two million people and causes 5000-10,000 deaths annually in West Africa. The study aimed to assess the knowledge and risk factors of LF among householders in Akhulowa community in Edo State.Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was carried out among all consenting eligible participants. Data collection was by structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and an observational checklist used to assess the housing conditions. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 22.0. Univariate and bivariate analysis were done and p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: There were 220 respondents with a mean age of 37.9±13.2 years and more females 127 (57.7%). One hundred and four (47.3%) of the respondents had secondary education. One hundred and ninety-one (86.8%) of them were aware of LF, out of which 112 (58.6%) had good knowledge. Higher education level (p=0.045), being employed (p=0.001) and lower household income (p=0.010) were significantly associated with good knowledge of LF. One hundred and fifty-eight participants (71.8%) had low risk assessment score for LF. Being employed (p=0.001); having stayed < 20 years in the community (p=0.001) and lower household income (p=0.004) were significantly associated with high risk of LF. One hundred and twenty-nine (58.6%) and 74 (33.6%) of the households had open refuse dumps and overgrown vegetation around their houses, respectively.Conclusion: The study revealed a knowledge gap with majority of the respondents having low risk of LF. Repeated risk communication messages concerning LF should be delivered by the state and local government to households in the community.
Factors associated with participation in Research by Very Early Career Doctors in a Lower Middle-Income Country in Africa: A Multi-Centre Study
Authors: Adebayo O  , Ogechukwu MI  , Tolani MA  , Igbokwe MC  , Enebeli UU  , Babalola RN  , Monye HI  , Francis UW  , Kpuduwei SPK  , Uyilawa O  , Sokomba A  , Olaopa O  , Duromola M  , Oiwoh S  , Ogunsuji OO  , Umar SS  , Salihu O  , Soneye OY  , Omolawal O  , Williams A  , Obazenu L
Published: September 2023

Background: Research is beneficial for the professional growth of a doctor, and forms the bedrock of evidence-based medical practice. Very Early Career Doctors (VECDs) face peculiar personal, work and time constraints which have the potential to affect their research performance. This study described the research engagement of VECDs in Nigeria and investigated its potential associations.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study from the quantitative research arm of the Challenges Among Residency Training and Early Career Doctors in Nigeria (CHARTING) Study was conducted between May and December, 2019. Data on socio-demographics, work-related practices, research engagement and training were collected and summarised using frequencies and proportions (categorical variables) and means and standard deviations (for normally distributed continuous variables). Chi-square analysis was used in determining associations between variables and research engagement outcomes; and potential predictors investigated using logistic regression. A p-value < 0.05 was considered significant.Results: A total of 476 VECDs from nine tertiary hospitals in Nigeria were recruited. They comprised of 305 (65.1%) males and 163 (34.9%) females with a mean age of 31.2 +/- 5.0 years. Three hundred and seventy-four (81.5%) and 187 (40.7%) respondents had participated in research and presented their research work, respectively. The proportion of respondents who received research grants, were first authors, and were involved in local & international publications were 8 (1.7%), 32 (6.9%), 42 (9.2%) and 37 (8.0%) respectively.Age ≤ 40 years (P=0.038), graduating within the last 5 years (P=0.016), ≤ 4 years on current job (P=0.001), working in a university affiliated centre (P=0.011), previous undergraduate research methodology training (P<0.0001), and agreeing with the statement that research will enhance their career (P=0.038); were significantly associated with ever having done any research work on bivariate chi-square analysis. Only having had a research methodology training significantly predicted ever participating in any research work (OR=4.49 (95% C.I 2.39-8.45); p<0.0001).Conclusion: VECDs had a high research participation, but low research presentation in scholastic gathering, funding, authorship and publication rates. Research methodology training significantly predicted research participation.
Moderate sedation for complex oral surgical procedures in the dental clinic
Authors: Osaguona AO  , Osaiyuwu O
Published: September 2023

Context: Intravenous sedation has become vastly employed in dental offices to manage anxiety and pain during surgical procedures. Several guidelines have focused on patient evaluation, safety of agents used, credentialling of operators, acquisition of resuscitative skills.Objective: To assess the safety and application of the principles of moderate sedation in the management of complex maxillofacial surgical procedures in the dental office setting.Study design: Jaw resection was carried out in six patients who are ASA I and II with histologically intramuscular benign jaw lesions in the dental office under a combination of intravenous diazepam, intramuscular pentazocine and lidocaine containing epinephrine infiltration and nerve block. Serial measurements of blood pressure, pulse rate, respiratory rate and pulse oximetry was done at baseline and every 15 minutes until wound closure. Blood loss and patients pain recall after the procedure was measured.Results: Male and female were of equal proportion with a mean age of 29.3 ± 5.8 years. Four had mandibular surgery while two had maxillary procedures. The mean blood loss was 208.3 ± 115.8ml. Although there were variations in the SBP, DBP, PR, RR and SpO2 during the surgery, they all were within the physiologic range. There was no association between SBP, DBP, PR, RR and SpO2 and perioperative time (p>0.05)Conclusion: Moderate sedation by the administration of diazepam and pentazocine is safe for invasive jaw procedures in the dental office in patients ASA I and II. We however suggest accreditation of dental anaesthesiology in the postgraduate medical colleges for proper credentialling of dentists.
Socio-economic, educational and environmental health correlates of intestinal worm infestation of pupils attending a public primary school in Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Ogbondah BO  , Owhonda G
Published: September 2023

Background: Worm infestation is a public health problem of global concern, which causes devastating health challenges in school age children. Infestation causes health, educational and developmental challenges in these children.Objectives: The objective of the study is to evaluate the socio-economic, educational and environmental hygiene factors which may influence intestinal worm infestation of pupils in a public primary school.Materials and method: The study is a descriptive cross–sectional study, conducted among primary school pupils aged 6-12 years in government primary school, Ubima, Rivers State. A multi stage sampling technique was used to select one functional public primary school from one of the 23 local government areas in the state. Two hundred and eighteen eligible respondents were chosen from the list of all pupils in the school using systematic sampling technique. Data was obtained using pretested interviewer administered questionnaires. Also stool sample were collected from pupils to analyze presence or absence of ova of helminths. Results were analyzed using statistical package for social sciences version 22.0. Association between categorical data was done using chi-square test with statistical significance set at p< 0.05. Ethical clearance was obtained from the ethical review committee of Rivers State Hospital management board.Result: Results revealed statistically significant association between personal hygiene, (p<0.05) environmental health status of pupils (p<0.05) and socio-economic/educational attainment of parents of pupils(p<0.05) with intestinal worm infestation.Conclusion: Worm infestations affects pupils of school age and are significantly influenced by personal, environmental hygiene of pupils and socio-economic/educational attainment of parents.
Outcomes of audit on blood requisition and utilization in obstetrics and gynaecology setting: Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria
Authors: Rabiu A  , Kure FI  , Sagagi SM
Published: September 2023

Background: Indications for transfusion in obstetrics may be emergent as well as non-emergent: the keystone of transfusion practice is that it should be appropriate, that is, not given when not required and not missed when requiredObjectives: To identify key areas where there is a need to change policy so as to prevent unnecessary blood transfusion, to formulate strategies for appropriate preoperative blood requisition and to change clinicians’ approach regarding blood component utilization.Results: The mean age was 30.04 years (SD ± 8.08) and ranged from 16 to 70 years. The incidence of blood transfusion among all admissions was 418 out of 3078 (13.6%). The mean pre-transfusion PCV for patients who received blood transfusion was 23.06 ± 6.1% compared to 34.2 ± 4.54% obtained in the non-transfused patients. Only 59.8% of blood was utilized while 40.2% of blood was not needed.Conclusion: Current practice at O&G department, AKTH appears to be generally inconsistent with the guidelines. This indicates inefficient transfusion practice when comparing with the standard.
Maternal predictors of mode of delivery: A retrospective study
Authors: Ogbondah BO  , Okagua K  , Owhondah G  , Okoh DA  , Oris-Onyiri V
Published: September 2023

Background: Mode of delivery (MOD) which could be via caesarean section or vaginal have been associated with maternal predictors such as age, mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), weight, height, marital and employment status. It is imperative to study these maternal variables as to establish a comprehensive ante natal care (ANC) surveillance system to assist in reduction of risk associated with delivery. The objective of the study is to determine effects of maternal variables such as age, height, weight, mean arterial blood pressure, marital and employment status on MOD by a pregnant woman.Material and method: The study was a descriptive retrospective study conducted at general hospital Bonny, in Bonny Island Rivers State Nigeria. The study involved retrospective data collection from the records of participants kept at the records department. Study population included all eligible pregnant women who presented for antenatal care (ANC) and also had their babies delivered at the hospital from 1st January 2015 to 31st December 2020. Results were presented in simple frequency distribution table while multivariate logistics regression analysis was done to determine continuous variables which were significant at p value less than or equal 0.05 level. Also, bivariate analysis with chi-square test was done for categorical data with level of statistical significance set at less than or equal 0.05.Results: Results revealed statistically significant association between maternal MAP, age, marital and employment status with CS as MOD.Conclusion: Maternal variables such as age, MAP, marital and employment status can be used as predictors of MOD.
Pattern of Haematological Indices Among Pregnant Women at Booking in Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, Kano
Authors: Yusuf M  , Darma BA
Published: September 2023

Background: Haematological changes are some of the physiological events that occur in pregnancy. A proportion of women die each year as a result of pregnancy complications related to hematological profile alterations. This study observed the haemoglobin level, white blood cell and platelets counts of pregnant women and their association with sociodemographic factors.Objectives: To determine the pattern of haematological indices of pregnant women at booking in Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital and to determine the sociodemographic characteristics that affect haematological indices among the women.Methodology: The study was a cross sectional study of 256 pregnant women who booked for antenatal care at Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital Kano. The sociodemographic information of the women was obtained using an interviewer administered questionnaire. About 3mls of venous blood was collected from each of the clients and put into an ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) bottle; a full blood count analysis was then run on the samples. Results: The mean values for the different indices were: WBC 5.31 ± 2.68 x109/L, Haemoglobin level was 10.59 ± 1.13 g/dl and Platelet count was 208.4 ± 6.07 x109/ L. Majority of the clients were anaemic (68.35%), thrombocytopenia was found in 27.3%, and 40.63% had leucocytopenia. Statistical test of association using one –way ANOVA found no association between haemoglobin level and gestational age and no association between haemoglobin level and parity. However there were associations between haemoglobin level and age of the clients, and haemoglobin level and educational status. Conclusion: Significant proportion of women in this study were anaemic at booking and had no formal education; this demonstrates the need for awareness of the general public for the girl child education and women empowerment.