bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison between Fentanyl and Butorphanol as Epidural Adjuvants in Combined Spinal Epidural Anesthesia for Lower Limb Surgeries - A Prospective, Randomized Control Trial
Authors: Govindaswamy Sangeetha Gunasekaran , Chacko Robin Sajan , Thangarasu Krishna Prasad , Kalaiselvan Soundarya Priyadarshini
Published: January 2025

Background and Aim:

Additives are drugs that, when used with local anesthetic which increase the efficacy or potency of the action of other drugs. The purpose of this study was to improve the quality and duration of analgesia along with the dose-sparing effect with local anesthetics. We evaluated the quality, duration of analgesia, sedation, adverse effects, and hemodynamic stability of epidurally administered fentanyl and butorphanol when combined with bupivacaine.

Materials and Methods:

This study was a prospective, randomized control study conducted among 46 patients undergoing elective and emergency lower limb surgery with combined spinal-epidural (CSE) anesthesia with bupivacaine. They were divided into two groups receiving either fentanyl or butorphanolas adjuvants. Hemodynamic parameters were monitored intraoperatively and postoperatively. Sedation score, pain score, and time interval for the rescue analgesia were observed.

Results:

The butorphanol group had better hemodynamic stability (pulse rate, systolic blood pressure (BP), diastolic BP, mean arterial pressure, and respiratory rate), significantly lower pain scores, and significantly higher mean time for the requirement of rescue analgesia while fentanyl provided adequate sedation. Nausea was reported in some cases among the butorphanol group.

Conclusion:

Considering the hemodynamic stability and reduced pain scores, butorphanol can be preferred over fentanyl as an adjuvant to bupivacaine in CSE anesthesia.
Double Perforations in the Gut of a Child Following Magnet Ingestion
Authors: Thandar Paromita , Pal Pradyumna , Majumder Kaustav , Halder Pankaj Kumar
Published: January 2025

Magnet ingestion is a common incidence in the pediatric age group. Patients with single-magnet ingestion are managed conservatively; however, they need careful observation and sometimes endoscopic evaluation or surgical removal, especially for multiple magnets. The surgeons often found themselves on the horns of a dilemma if history contained incomplete or inaccurate information. Moreover, two attached magnets may appear as a single foreign body in an X-ray. Delayed intervention often leads to bowel obstruction, perforation, and peritonitis. Here, we present the management strategy of double perforation of the gut due to the ingestion of two magnets in a 7-year-old boy.
Social Media as a Tool for Oral Health Education in Early Childhood and Adolescents: Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Antala Aishwarya V , Kariya Pratik B.
Published: January 2025

In this modern world, newer generation is always connected to the Internet with social media; they live in their own virtual world and are more comfortable there. To reach them is a difficult task for parents as well as teachers and health-care providers. Without proper guidance, the oral hygiene care and oral health can decrease significantly. In these children, the oral health education can be imparted through social media. Social media has a marked influence among its users. Hence, with its help, the awareness can be delivered to a greater number of individuals than delivering manually. Social media is also a double-edged sword. Its judicious use will certainly help one, but the content of it has to be validated thoroughly. Studies have shown that increased usage of smartphones among kids and teens has contributed to the increased growth of social media usage patterns and rates among older children during the recent years. Most kids using smartphones are always connected to the Internet and are addicted to these social media platforms. Artificial intelligence (AI) and AI-based chatbots are also useful in spreading oral health awareness among people. All these have led to reduced face-to-face communication and more FaceTime communication. The impact of social media is more among children; hence, it can be used as a tool in education and improvement of oral health status in children.
Perception of Clinical Teachers on Workplace-based Assessments in Post-graduate Training in a Tertiary Healthcare Setting: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Shaikh Rizwana Burhanuddin , Andanigoudar Kashavva B. , Joshi Anjana R.
Published: January 2025

Background and Aim:

Workplace-based assessment (WPBA) has become an essential part of postgraduate (PG) evaluation in many countries and India is catching up soon. The objective of the study was to assess the awareness among clinical faculty about WPBA and to assess the perception of clinical teachers on the implementation of WPBA in PG training.

Materials and Methods:

A qualitative study with focus group discussions (FGDs) was conducted among faculty from all clinical subjects at a Government Medical College in Karnataka. A pretest was done on awareness of WPBA among the participants. An orientation session was then conducted on WPBA for clinical teachers. Within 2 weeks, the FGD was conducted using a moderator guide. Data were organized and categorized. Notes and recordings of the discussion were coded, summarized, and grouped into themes and sub-themes. Participant quotes that summarize the key ideas were noted, and the most common responses were also identified.

Results:

The majority of the participants were familiar with log books and case-based discussions and were not familiar with DOPS, mini CEX, clinical encounter cards, and the mini-peer assessment tool. Four major themes that emerged from the FGDs were: weaknesses in the present PG assessments, willingness and ways to adopt WPBA, challenges in implementing WPBA, and feedback.

Conclusions:

Faculty were enthusiastic about adopting WPBA in the PG CBME curriculum, the major challenges observed were insufficient time for assessments, inadequate faculty training, and insufficient institutional commitment. With the competency-based PG curriculum in the anvil, WPBA was identified as the need of the hour.
Reirradiation with or without Bevacizumab for Recurrent or Progressive High-grade Gliomas: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Aleid Abdulsalam Mohammed , Al Omireen Razan Mohammed , Aljohani Ammar Mohammed , Alzahrani Nawaf Jamaan S , Sindi Mase Abdulrahman , Almohiy Nadiyah Hussain , Alzahrani Asayel Matar H , Alharbi Abdullah Ahmed , Alhmeid Sukaina Esmail , Alghamdi Sahar Abdulrahman H , Alsubhi Mohammed Ahmed
Published: January 2025

Background:

High-grade gliomas are amongst the most aggressive primary brain tumours. Despite multimodal treatment, the prognosis remains dismal, highlighting the urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of reirradiation (reRT) alone versus the combination of reRT and bevacizumab (BEV) in the management of recurrent or progressive high-grade gliomas.

Methods:

A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and SCOPUS from 2010 to April 2024. Eligible studies enrolled adult patients with recurrent or progressive high-grade glioma treated with reRT, with or without BEV.

Results:

Eleven studies were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled analysis demonstrated that the combination of reRT and BEV was associated with significantly improved overall survival (hazard ratio [HR] =0.50, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.35–0.72], P = 0.0001) and progression-free survival (HR = 0.42, 95% CI [0.28–0.63], P < 0.0001) compared to reRT alone. The combination therapy also significantly reduced the risk of radiation necrosis (odds ratio = 0.12, 95% CI [0.03–0.44], P = 0.001). No significant difference was found between the two groups regarding grade 3–5 toxicities.

Conclusion:

The combination of reRT and BEV appears to be superior to reRT alone in improving the survival outcomes and reducing the risk of radiation necrosis in patients with recurrent or progressive high-grade gliomas. The reRT-BEV combination should be considered a viable treatment approach for this population. Further research, particularly well-designed prospective trials, is warranted to confirm the optimal treatment protocols and patient selection criteria.
The Role of Surgical Drainage System in Risk Modulation of Infection in Abdominal Surgical Procedures: A Systematic Review Meta-analysis
Authors: Algheffari Jumana Raied , Almukhlifi Ayman Shabab Mohammed , Albeheiri Latifah Abdulrahman , Alahmadi Raghad Abdullah , Almohammedsaleh Montadhar Mohammed , Al Qasim Yousef Yahya Yousef , Alnowaisser Lajeen Nasser , Alresheedi Abdullah Marji , Alshareef Nouf Hassan , Alawad Fatema , Aldanyowi Saud Nayef
Published: January 2025

Background:

Undergoing circumcision, a surgical intervention, frequently leads to distressing pain and discomfort for individuals. Efficient pain management is vital in the context of circumcision, as patients often experience discomfort both before and after the procedure. To alleviate this pain, medical professionals utilise caudal nerve block and dorsal nerve block techniques, which target specific nerves to deliver relief. The primary goal of this study is to assess and compare the efficacy of these two methods in managing circumcision-related pain, thereby assisting healthcare providers in selecting the optimal approach tailored to their patients’ needs.

Materials and Methods:

A thorough search of four electronic databases was conducted (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science) up until April 2024. We focused on identifying studies that assessed and compared the effectiveness of caudal nerve block versus dorsal penile nerve block (DNPB). We used the Risk of Bias 1 tool to evaluate the quality of evidence from these trials. The data from the studies we selected were systematically extracted and compiled into a standardised online spreadsheet, and the analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4.

Results:

The search process revealed relevant nine articles of total sample size (n = 553). Baseline characteristics showed no difference between the arms of each included study. Results of the meta-analysis showed a statistically significant difference favouring DNPB as it showed longer periods until analgesia rescue dose compared to caudal nerve block (mean difference = −58.94, 95% confidence interval [CI] [ −113.82, −4.06]) but with significant unsolved heterogeneity. In addition, regarding the number of analgesics use 24 h post-operative meta-analysis showed no statistically significant difference between both interventions pooled effect (risk ratio = 1.03, 95% CI [0.76, 1.41]) indicated by a P = 0.83. Data showed marked heterogeneity (P = 0.04 and I
2 = 64%) that could be solved by sensitivity analysis.

Conclusions:

This systematic review and meta-analysis provide insights into caudal and DNPBs’ effectiveness in circumcision pain management. Both methods are comparable, but dorsal penile block offers faster analgesia and earlier walking. These findings help clinicians choose the best technique based on patients’ needs and potential benefits.
Arthroscopic Technique versus Mini-open Repair of Rotator Cuff Tears: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Alshammary Alya , Asiri Abdulelah , Fallatah Alaa , Almatrafi Abdullah , Ogran Mohammed , Alismail Rayan , Alsanad Faisal Abdullah , Alawad Fatema Hani , Aldanyowi Saud Nayef
Published: January 2025

Background:

Rotator cuff injuries, which often result in shoulder pain and impaired functionality, are prevalent conditions. In our comprehensive analysis, we intend to compare the outcomes of arthroscopic and open surgical approaches for addressing these rotator cuff injuries.

Materials and Methods:

To examine the efficacy of arthroscopy compared to open surgeries for rotator cuff injuries, we conducted a thorough search within four databases: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, ScienceDirect and Web of Science, up to March 2024. To assess the quality of evidence from the trials, we employed the risk of bias tool. The data obtained from the relevant studies were then meticulously transferred into a uniform online format. Finally, we utilised RevMan 5.4 software for the analysis of this data.

Results:

Our search identified six records with a total number of patients of 532 patients. The analysis showed no statistically significant difference between the arthroscopic and open repair methods in terms of pain reduction and functional outcomes for rotator cuff tears. Heterogeneity was deemed insignificant at 6 months and 12–24 months – P = 0.24, I
2 = 29% and P = 0.47, I
2 = 0%, respectively. Regarding the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) score, meta-analysis of rate of patients achieving excellent/good showed no statistically significant difference between open or arthroscopy (risk ratio [RR] =1.01, 95% CI [0.90–1.14], P = 0.86) with no heterogeneity (P = 0.86, I
2 = 0%). Results of rate of patients achieved fair/poor (RR = 0.85, 95% CI [0.18–3.99], P = 0.84) with no heterogeneity among results (P = 0.87, I
2 = 0%).

Conclusion:

To sum up, this in-depth systematic review and meta-analysis, which included six studies with 532 participants, reveals that arthroscopic and open surgical repair methods show no significant disparities in aspects such as pain management, patient satisfaction, retear rates and the Constant score. Although some initial results pointed to a shorter operation time for open surgery, the overall findings do not prefer one method over the other. This research offers crucial guidance for both medical professionals and patients to choose the best-suited procedure according to their unique requirements and conditions.
Spironolactone for Female Acne: A Meta-analysis of Safety and Efficacy
Authors: Aleid Ali Mohammad , Alrezqi Wafa Ali , Al Mushayt Dana Omar , Altamimi Amal Meshari , Almahfouz Rnda Fahad , Algaidi Yaser , Alonazi Bassam Saleh
Published: January 2025

Background:

Acne vulgaris includes inflammation of the hair follicle and its related structures commonly localized on the face, upper chest and back that affects a significant group of female patients in the world, particularly, the consumption continues during adulthood. Antifungal drugs, in particular, spironolactone, an antagonist of the aldosterone hormone, has been used for testing the effectiveness in treating acne vulgaris.

Objective:

The present SRMA was conducted in an attempt to assess the efficacy and safety of spironolactone when used for the management of acne vulgaris.

Methods:

Data Sources: Electronic search was done in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane Library in order to retrieve all related articles. Study Selection: The trials involving the use of spironolactone in treatment of acne were considered for use in the review. Data Extraction: Potential confounders, dependent variables, and complications were also collected. Quality Assessment: Averagely, the quality of the included sections was evaluated using the risk-of-bias 2 tool. Data Analysis: In this study RevMan software was utilized in making comparisons on side effects, improvement rates and acne severity before and after treatment.

Results:

Study Inclusion: Overall, 12 publications were identified (2 RCTs and 10 cohort studies), encompassing 1,548 total participants in the thirteen distinct studies represented by these publications. Improvement Rates: Mild improvement in acne was observed in 47.22% while moderate improvement in acne was 31.11%, severe improvement in acne was 9.28% and super acute improvement in acne was 4.44% Patient satisfaction in terms of improvement in their acne was 73.3%. Adverse events were noticed in 26.7%. Effectiveness: Acne severity showed statistically significant improvement after spironolactone treatment, with a standardized mean difference of −29.27 (95% CI: −43.7 to −14.8; P < 0.05). Compared to placebo, spironolactone demonstrated a significant association with symptom improvement (odds ratio: 3.79; 95% CI 1.35 to 10.6, P<0.05).

Conclusion:

This review demonstrates that spironolactone, if used as a treatment for acne vulgaris, leads to a substantial improvement in the level of acne compared to baseline and placebo control. The rate of the related adverse event was small, which correlated to its safety factor.
Comparison between Left Atrial Appendage Closure and Direct Oral Anticoagulants in Atrial Fibrillation: A Meta-analysis of 569780 Patients
Authors: Alaraj Wasayef Jameel , Aldhafyan Shahad Omar , Al-Ghamdi Lujain Abdullah , Alotaibi Abdulmajeed Ayidh , Alessa Fatimah Abdullah , Almohammadi Turki Ammash , Alfaqih Mohammed Abdulhamid , Alhodibi Mostafa Habeeb
Published: January 2025

Background:

Percutaneous left atrial appendage closure (LAAC), which lowers bleeding risk and mortality, has been shown in multiple studies to be a safe substitute for oral anticoagulation (OAC) in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. It has been demonstrated that in patients at high risk of bleeding, LAAC reduces bleeding more than OAC. The purpose of the current systematic review and meta-analysis is to compare the two therapy methods regarding bleeding risk as well as other safety and efficacious outcomes, as there is insufficient evidence to support the use of LAAC rather than direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in AF patients.

Methods:

Using the following search strategy: ‘Left atrial’ AND ‘appendage’ AND ‘Atrial fibrillation’ AND ‘Anticoagulant’ OR ‘Anti-coagulant’ OR ‘Anticoagulation’, we searched PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus for eligible articles that should undergo the screening process to determine its ability to be included in our study.

Results:

The use of LAAC in AF patients was associated with lower risk of bleeding compared to patients taking DOAC with OR of 0.67 (95% CI: 0.51, 0.87, P = 0.02), and decreased risk of cardiac mortality compared to DOAC with OR of 0.53 (95% CI: 0.39, 0.73, P < 0.0001). No significant differences were observed between LAAC and DOAC regarding all-cause mortality, stroke incidence and thrombosis or embolism with OR of 2.62 (95% CI: 0.14, 48.18, P = 0.52), 1.2 (95% CI: 0.18, 7.96, P = 0.85) and 1.03 (95% CI: 0.73, 1.46, P = 0.86), respectively.

Conclusion:

The current meta-analysis contrasted various AF patient outcomes following the use of DOAC or LAAC. When compared to DOAC, the usage of LAAC was found to reduce the risk of bleeding and cardiac death. Regarding the incidence of all cause death, stroke risk and thrombosis or embolism risk, however, their findings were similar.
Predictive Factors of Drug-Resistant Epilepsy: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Almutairy Manal Naser , Alqahtani Mohammed Khalid S. , Bajandoh Atheer Khalid , Alhazzaa Alwaleed Abdullah , Alsharif Ali Abdullah N. , Arshad Layan Fahad , Rayes Rida Nabeel A. , Alnazawi Roba Zaid , Alhodibi Mostafa Habeeb
Published: January 2025

Background:

DRE affects one-third of epileptic patients and has adverse effects on their prognosis. The identification of such characteristics can be helpful for management and therapy. The outcome being investigated is what forecasts DRE’s development in children.

Methods:

The trials review was done using a meta-analysis and a systematic evaluation and involved nine trials with 2,566 children. These include the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PubMed and Scopus were used to search the databases. This paper contained data analysis of seizure, brain imaging, etiology, and family history.

Findings:

DRE is strongly associated with brain abnormalities (OR: 6.5, P < 0.01).

Types of Seizures:

Even though FS were not significant independent risk factors, FS, focal, numerous, neonatal, and SE seizures were. Major predictor of symptomatic etiology (OR: 8.07, P < 0.01).

Family History:

This is not highly correlated with DRE however.

Conclusions:

Though, first-degree relatives and febrile seizures are not associated with DRE, some seizure characteristics, cerebral structural alterations and pathological conditions for seizures have. The following conclusions could act as early indications to reduce the risk of DRE.
Pantoprazole in Patients at Risk for Gastrointestinal Bleeding in the Intensive Care Unit: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials
Authors: Al Rathwan Muzun Saeed Ojran , Khadra Sara Ben , Alyaseen Sarah Yousef Mubark , Aljuayl Hajar Adel , Ali Husain Mohamed Maki Hasan , Alruwaili Ghaida Abdullah M. , Mubarak Taif Hussain , Alsamiri Halimah Yaseen , Alhodibi Mostafa Habeeb
Published: January 2025

Background:

Many patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) suffer from gastrointestinal (GIT) bleeding as a result of stress ulcers. This type of injury is common in severely ill patients, especially with factors such as mechanical ventilation and coagulopathy. As a proton pump inhibitor, pantoprazole is frequently employed to avert the possibility of stress ulcers which may cause GIT bleeding. The objective of this study is to systematically review existing literature on the use of pantoprazole in preventing GIT bleeding and stress ulcers among critically ill patients locked in an ICU setting.

Methods:

We conducted a thorough investigation by methodically examining many databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, up to September 2024. The aim of our study was to discover literature assessing the efficacy of pantoprazole in preventing gastrointestinal bleeding and its impact on mortality rates among critically ill patients. We employed the risk-of-bias 2 methodology to assess the quality of the evidence, so ensuring the dependability of the results derived from these studies. The data were systematically organised in a uniform online format and analysed with RevMan 5.4.

Results:

Systematic analysis of five clinical trials comparing pantoprazole to placebo in critically ill patients revealed a significantly lower risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding with pantoprazole (risk ratio = 0.47, P = 0.003). However, no significant differences were observed in hospital mortality or ICU mortality compared to placebo or ranitidine. Pantoprazole also showed no impact on hospital or ICU length of stay, mechanical ventilation duration, or rates of Clostridium difficile infection. Sensitivity analysis for ICU length of stay resolved heterogeneity but did not alter the overall conclusion.

Conclusion:

This meta-analysis demonstrates that the use of pantoprazole is associated with a decrease in the incidence of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in critically ill patients. However, it does not influence mortality or periods of hospitalisation or ICU stay including duration of mechanical ventilation or rates of Clostridium difficile infection. Similarly, when sedentary patients receive pantoprazole for stress ulcer prophylaxis, these benefits are restricted only to preventing GIT bleeding and not improving any of the critical care indices.
The coarse geometry of hexagon decomposition graphs
Authors: Gültepe Funda , Parlier Hugo
Published: January 2025

We define and study graphs associated to hexagon decompositions of surfaces by curves and arcs. One of the variants is shown to be quasi-isometric to the pants graph, whereas the other variant is quasi-isometric to (a Cayley graph of) the mapping class group.
Linear stability of the regular N-gon periodic solutions for the planar N-body problem with quasi-homogeneous potential
Authors: Castillo Alex , Martínez Paulina , Vidal Claudio
Published: January 2025

This paper considers the planar N-body problem with a quasi-homogeneous potential given by

$$ \begin{align*}W = \sum_{1\leq k<j\leq N} \left[ \frac{ m_k m_j}{\|\boldsymbol{r}_k-\boldsymbol{r}_j\|} +\frac{m_k m_j C_{jk}}{\|\boldsymbol{r}_k-\boldsymbol{r}_j\|^p} \right], \end{align*} $$

where

$ m_k>0 $

are the masses and

$C_{jk}= C_{kj}$

are nonzero real constants, and the exponent g being

$ p> $

1. Generalizing techniques of the classical N-body problem, we first characterize the periodic solutions that form a regular polygon (relative equilibria) with equal masses (

$m_k= m$

,

$k=1, \ldots , N$

) and equal constants

$C_{jk}= C$

, for all

$j, k=1, \ldots , N$

(for short, N-gon solutions). Indeed, for

$C>0$

we prove that there exists a unique regular N-gon solution for each fixed positive mass m. In contrast, for the case

$C <0$

, we demonstrate that there can be a maximum of two distinct regular N-gon solutions for a fixed positive mass m. More precisely, there is a range of values for the mass parameter m for which no solutions of the form of an N-gon exist. Furthermore, we examine the linear stability of these solutions, with a particular focus on the special case

$ N=3 $

, which is fully characterized.
Genome-wide association study reveals single nucleotide polymorphisms and candidate genes for resistance of cowpea to aphids
Authors: Kityo R. , Ongom P.O. , Karungi J. , Adjei E.A. , Odoi J.B. , Badji A. , Ozimati A. , Dramadri I.O. , Edema R.
Published: January 2025

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) is a major crop grown mainly in the arid and semi-arid regions for food and nutritional security. Its production, however, is generally hampered by its susceptibility to sap-sacking aphids (Aphis craccivora Koch). Resistance breeding for cowpea improvement against aphids, has been limited by inadequate understanding of genes responsible for resistance to this cosmopolitan pest. The objective of this study was to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and candidate genes, associated with resistance of cowpea to aphids. The study evaluated 209 genotypes of the multi-parent advanced generation intercross (MAGIC) population, together with 5 MAGIC parents, cross three different locations for two seasons in Uganda. Significant genetic variation (P<0.001) for aphid resistance was detected in this germplasm. Results revealed three stable and significant SNPs, including 2_30668, 2_43528 and 2_43747; being associated with resistance to aphids. Eleven candidate genes were detected within the significant loci; including 7 genes on chromosome I (Vu01), 3 on chromosome VII (Vu07) and 1 on chromosome IX (Vu09). These putative genes have functions related to host plant resistance and plant defence responses, possibly against cowpea aphids. The significant SNP markers and genes reported may be deployed in marker-assisted breeding strategy, for faster development of aphid resistant cowpea varieties in Uganda.
African Traditional Medicine (ATM) Day 2022
Authors: Adegboro B. , Imran J.
Published: January 2025

No abstract.
Prevalence of COVID-19 at the Wahgnion-Gold mining site in Burkina Faso and use of RT-PCR initial cycle threshold to monitor the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 load
Authors: Cissé A. , Lingani M. , Tao M. , Nana S. , Kaboré B. , Eric D. A. S. , Nassouri A. , Diagbouga S. , Bamba S. , Tarnagda Z.
Published: January 2025

Background: To control the spread of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), it is necessary to adequately identify and isolate infectious patients particularly at the work place. Real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay is the recommended confirmatory method for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of SARSCoV-2 infection in Burkina Faso and to use the initial cycle threshold (Ct) values of RT-PCR as a tool to monitor the dynamics of the viral load.
Methodology: Between September 2021 and February 2022, oropharyngeal and/or nasopharyngeal swab samples of consecutively selected COVID-19 symptomatic and apparently healthy workers from the Wahgnion mining site in the South-western Burkina Faso who consented to the study were collected according to the two weeks shift program and tested for SARS-CoV-2 using RT-PCR assay. Patients positive for the virus were followed-up weekly until tests were negative. Association of the initial RT-PCR Ct values with disease duration was assessed by adjusted linear regression approach. Two-sided p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: A total of 1506 (92.9% males) participants were recruited into the study, with mean age and age range of 37.1±8.7 and 18-68 years respectively. The overall prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection was 14.3% (216/1506). Of the 82 patients included in the follow-up study, the longest duration of positive RT-PCR test, from the first positive to the first of the two negative RT-PCR tests, was 33 days (mean 11.6 days, median 10 days, interquartile range 8-14 days). The initial Ct values significantly correlated with the duration of RT-PCR positivity (with β=-0.54, standard error=0.09 for N gene, and β=-0.44, standard error=0.09 for ORF1ab gene, p<0.001). Participants with higher Ct values corresponding to lower viral loads had shorter viral clearance time than those of lower Ct values or higher viral loads.
Conclusion: Approximately 1 out of 7 tested miners had SARS-CoV-2 infection and the duration of their RT-PCR tests positivity independently correlated with the initial viral load measured by initial Ct values. As participants with lower initial Ct values tended to have longer disease duration, initial RT-PCR Ct values could be used to guide COVID-19 patient quarantine duration particularly at the work place.
Quality of life of people living with HIV and AIDS attending Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Edo State, Nigeria
Authors: Adewuyi B. T. , Adewuyi G. M.
Published: January 2025

Background: With the use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), life expectancy of HIV-infected persons had increased and the disease is now managed as a chronic one, but the quality of life (QOL) of the patients is now a concern. Social support enhances QOL of patients with chronic illnesses. However, no study has been done to determine the QOL of people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) in our environment. This study therefore assessed the QOL of PLWHA attending antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinic of Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH), Edo State of Nigeria
Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. Two hundred and thirty PLWHA attending the ART clinic of ISTH, Irrua, Edo State, Nigeria, were systematically selected for the study. A structured questionnaire was interviewer-administered to collect data on sociodemographic and clinical profiles of selected participants, and the WHOQOL-HIV BREF questionnaire was used to collect data the QOL of each participant. Data were analyzed with IBM SPSS version 20.0.
Results: The overall mean QOL score for the participants was 89.13±1.18 (95% CI=87.95-90.31). The scores in three of the six life domains in the WHOQOL-HIV BREF instrument were similar and high; spirituality/ religion/personal beliefs (16.33±0.36), physical health (15.83±0.28) and psychological health (15.07±0.24). Lower mean QOL scores were observed in the social relationships (13.49±0.28) and environment (13.45±0.20) domains. Clinical HIV stage, marital status, educational status and gender were significantly associated with mean QOL scores in bivariate analysis while only HIV stage 1 and 2 were significantly associated with good QOL in multivariate logistic regression analysis.
Conclusion: It is pertinent that PLWHA are kept in early stages of HIV disease through combination of efforts such as prompt enrolment, commencement and monitoring compliance of HAART, and treatment of opportunistic infections, as well as public health measures including education, de-stigmatization, early diagnosis by extensive accessible screening/testing of at-risk population, social supports and economic empowerment, psychotherapy and social integration of affected individuals especially in a functional home.
Antimicrobial properties, safety, and probiotic attributes of lactic acid bacteria isolated from Sauerkraut
Authors: Fadare O. S. , Anyadike C. H. , Momoh A. O. , Bello T. K.
Published: January 2025

Background: According to the World Health Organization, probiotics have been defined as live microorganisms that when administered in the right amount provide health benefits to the host. This study aims to isolate lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from Sauerkraut and determine their anti-pathogenic potential and suitability as probiotics.
Methodology: Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated from fermented cabbage obtained from an open market in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria by inoculating the prepared cabbage suspension on triplet plates of Rogosa agar (Lactobacillus selecting agar) and incubating in an anaerobic jar with gaspaks at 37°C for 72 hours. The LAB isolates were presumptively identified phenotypically by colony morphology, Gram stain reaction, and catalase test. The antibacterial activity of the LAB isolates was then carried out using agar overlay and agar-well diffusion methods. The most efficient LAB isolate was selected based on its strong antibacterial activity, confirmed by 16S rRNA sequencing and further evaluated for probiotic activities including bile salt resistance, survival in low pH, hydrophobicity of the cell surface, auto-aggregation, and co-aggregation. The putative probiotic LAB isolate was also evaluated for its safety using in vitro tests (antibiotic susceptibility testing, haemolysis, and DNase tests) and in vivo assays (sub-acute oral toxicity tests in male albino rats).
Results: A total of 5 LAB isolates were preliminarily identified from the cabbage. The LAB isolate that showed strong antibacterial activity was confirmed as Levilactobacillus brevis. The isolate showed 83.3% survival rate in low pH of 3 and 85.9% in 0.3% bile concentration indicating potential tolerance to gastrointestinal conditions. The cell surface hydrophobicity assay showed 51% and auto-aggregation of 60% which represents the adhesion properties of the isolate. The sub-acute oral toxicity evaluation of the putative probiotic strain in Wister albino rats showed no altered health condition.
Conclusion: The findings in this study suggest that Levilactobacillus brevis isolated from Sauerkraut is suitable as probiotics and could be applied in the pharmaceutical and food industry.
Prevalence of asymptomatic significant bacteriuria and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of bacterial isolates in HIV-infected patients in Ilorin, Nigeria
Authors: Bale M.I. , Sinumvayo J.P. , Badmus R.A. , Babatunde S.K. , Aroyehun A.B. , Adeyemo R.O.
Published: January 2025

Background: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common type of infections worldwide, and this is usually preceded by  asymptomatic significant bacteriuria (ASB). The emergence of antibiotic resistance in bacteria responsible for UTI makes this entity of  public challenge, which has been fueled by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. This study determined the prevalence of ASB  and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of bacteria isolated from urine samples of selected HIV-infected patients in Ilorin, Nigeria.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study of 300 randomly selected HIV-positive patients from Sobi Specialist and Civil Service hospitals in  Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria, was conducted from January to March 2019. Clean-catch midstream urine samples were aseptically collected  from each selected participant, cultured on CLED and Blood agar plates, and incubated aerobically at 37oC for 24 hours. The bacterial  growth on the culture plates were identified using standard microbiological techniques. The Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method was used  to determine the antibiotic sensitivity of the bacterial isolates against a panel of antibiotics.
Results: The overall prevalence of ASB among the participants was 22.3%. Staphylococcus aureus (41.8%, 28/67), Escherichia coli (25.4%,  17/67), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (17.9%, 12/67) were the predominant bacterial isolates. Staphylococcus aureus was resistant to  amoxicillin-clavulanate (64.3%), ceftriaxone (53.6%), ciprofloxacin (64.3%), and nalidixic acid (71.4%); E. coli was also resistant to  amoxicillin-clavulanate (70.6%), ceftriaxone (53.6%), ciprofloxacin (52.9%) and nalidixic acid (64.7%); and K. pneumoniae was moderately  resistant to amoxicillinclavulanate (50.0%) and resistant to ciprofloxacin (58.3%) and nalidixic acid (75.0%). Multidrug resistance (MDR) was observed in 40.8% of the isolates.
Conclusion: The isolation rate of high MDR bacteria highlights the growing challenge of ASB and  UTIs that are becoming increasingly difficult to treat with available antibiotics. Health professionals should be aware of regional resistance pattern to consider in the current empirical antimicrobial therapy for ASB and UTIs among HIV-infected patients. Strategies to  mitigate spread of resistance are urgently needed in the study area.
Knowledge, attitude and prevention practice against hospital acquired infections among healthcare workers in National Hospital Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria
Authors: Ilori O. R. , Attama U. C. , Ilori O. S. , Akin-Dosumu V. T. , Anegbe N. E.
Published: January 2025

Background: Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) pose serious challenges to safe and high-quality healthcare delivery. They are associated with prolonged hospital stays, disability, economic burden, and mortality, and are usually consequences of poor infection prevention and control practices. The objective of this study was to assess the level of knowledge, attitude and practice of healthcare workers on infection prevention, and the determining factors at the National Hospital Abuja, Nigeria. Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of 300 participants selected by multi-stage and systematic random sampling techniques at the National Hospital Abuja. Data on knowledge of HAIs, attitude toward HAI prevention, and practice of HAI prevention were collected from each participant using self-administered structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Science, version 25.0. Chi-square test was used to determine the association between categorical variables, and the level of significance was set at p<0.05. Results: Of the 300 questionnaires administered, 286 were duly filled and returned, resulting in a response rate of 95.3%. One hundred and three (53.0%) respondents were within the age group 31-40 years, over half of the respondents were females (58.7%) and 57.0% had work experience of less than 5 years. Based on the cut-off scores of 15.7, 32.2 and 8.5 that characterized respondents’ knowledge, attitude and practice of infection prevention respectively as good or poor, 50.4% of the respondents had good knowledge of HAIs, 71.0% had good attitude towards HAIs prevention and 55.5% had good infection prevention practices. However, good knowledge of HAIs was significantly associated with poor infection prevention practices (p=0.002). Female gender (p=0.029), work experience of less than 5 years (p=0.036), laboratory scientist profession (p=0.010), and no previous training on HAIs (p=0.005) were factors significantly associated with good infection prevention practices among the respondents. Conclusion: In this study, good knowledge of HAIs, and infection prevention practices among the respondents were average, although good attitude towards HAIs prevention was high. These findings highlight the need to continue intensive and in-service trainings of healthcare workers toward HAIs prevention, including behavioral change, using innovative approaches.
Knowledge of antibiotic resistance and habits of antibiotic use among medical students of University of Nigeria Enugu: a descriptive cross-sectional survey
Authors: Nwafia I. , Nwafia S. , Ibeh P. , Ajunwa K. , Obaje O. , Ehimiyen R. , Nwachukwu L. , Promise G. , Eze S. , Igono F. , Okoli N. , Nwadike S.
Published: January 2025

Background: The adverse effects of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are manifesting worldwide. A major contributing factor to AMR is the inappropriate use of antimicrobials in humans and animals. It is imperative to raise awareness among medical students of the current public health challenges of AMR and make them antibiotic guardians because they are the future medical doctors. This survey was designed to assess the knowledge of AMR and habits of antimicrobial use (AMU) among medical students as a means to guide them in their future practice. Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among medical students of the College of Medicine, University of Nigeria (UNN), Enugu State, Nigeria, from July to September 2021. The sample size of 602 was calculated using an online Raosoft sample size calculator. Pretested structured questionnaires, designed to collect information on students’ knowledge of antimicrobials and factors responsible for emergence of AMR as well as the students’ habits of antimicrobial use, were self-administered to consenting students. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Of the 602 questionnaires administered to the students, 550 were filled out, giving a response rate of 91.4%. Out of the 550 respondents, 60.4% were females, majority (51.1%) of the respondents were between the ages of 21 and 25 years. Regarding knowledge, 97.2%, 62.5%, and 54.2% have heard of the terms ‘antibiotic resistance’, ‘multi-drug drug resistance’ and ‘antimicrobial stewardship’ respectively. About 97.3% knew that AMR was a global problem, however only 64.7% felt that it was a problem for medical students. Surprisingly, 20.4% indicated that viruses were sensitive to antibiotics. Regarding the students’ habit of anti-microbial use, only 22.2% always consult a doctor before starting an antibiotic, 13.1% go for laboratory tests, and 90.5% always take antibiotics anytime they have a fever. Above half of the participants (56.5%) do not complete the dosage of the antibiotics while 63.5% keep leftover antibiotics for future use. In assessing the factors responsible for AMR emergence, 88.8% responded not adhering to a doctor's prescription and 92.0% responded poor quality of drugs, while only 42.8% responded that overuse of antibiotics in livestock is a factor. Conclusion: Our study gave an insight into the knowledge gap and the need to increase awareness and education on AMR and AMS among the medical students, especially in the early phase of their academic and professional training.
Phenotypic detection of extended-spectrum β-lactamase Enterobacterales isolated from people living with HIV/AIDS in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Mbusa Vihembo G. , Mbundu Lukukula C. , Ngeleka Ngoie J. , Indeko Lomboto J. , Mpoyo Munanga L. , Nzingula Phasi O. , Bayebila Menanzambi T. , Denis O. , TakaisiKikuni N. B. , Liesse Iyamba J. M. , Mulwahali Wambale J.
Published: January 2025

Background: People living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) are prone to opportunistic bacterial infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms. The aim of this study was to determine the susceptibility of Enterobacterales isolated from urine and stool samples of PLWA attending the BOYAMBI Hospital Center, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo to commonly used antibiotics and to detect extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) producers among the isolates. Methodology: A total of 163 HIV-infected patients attending the BOYAMBI Hospital, Kinshasa, DRC, were randomly selected for this study. Urine samples were collected from 108 patients, while stool samples were collected from 55 of them. Samples were cultured in MacConkey agar and identified using conventional microbiological methods. Antibiotic susceptibility on each isolate to selected antibiotics was performed by the disc diffusion method. Phenotypic detection of ESBL was done by the double-disc synergy test. Results: A total of 120 Enterobacterales were isolated from the samples of the 163 HIV-infected patients with 65 of 108 (60.2%) urine and 55 of 55 (100.0%) stool samples. Escherichia coli was the most frequent bacterial species from both urine and stool with 84 (70.0%), followed by Klebsiella species with 23 (19.2%). Other bacterial pathogens were Citrobacter (n=6, 5.0%), Enterobacter (n=4, 3.3%), Proteus (n=2, 1.7%) and Morganella (n=1, 0.8%) species. Escherichia coli isolates were resistant to amoxicillin (90.5%), sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (81.0%), ciprofloxacin (77.4%), ceftriaxone (77.4%), ceftazidime (73.8%), amoxicillin–clavulanic acid (61.9%), imipenem (60.7%), and cefotaxime (50.0%). Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates were resistant to ceftazidime (95.7%), ceftriaxone (91.3%), imipenem (91.3%), ciprofloxacin (87%), sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (78.3%), cefotaxime (56.5%), and amoxicillin–clavulanic acid (52.2%). Citrobacter, Enterobacter, Morganella and Proteus species were resistant to majority of the antibiotics. The rate of ESBL production was 23.0% (28/120) with Citrobacter spp being the most frequent ESBL-producer, followed Klebsiella spp, Enterobacter spp and E. coli. Conclusion: The results obtained showed a high rate of ESBL-producing Enterobacterales isolates which were multi-drug resistant. Nitrofurantoin, gentamicin, chloramphenicol, cefixime and nalidixic acid were the most active antibiotics against the isolates.
Phenotypic and molecular identification of antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli and Salmonella species isolated from apparently healthy broilers and zoo birds in Cameroon
Authors: Nelly Z. Z. , Oladele O. A. , Djim-Adjim-Ngana K. , Mouliom M. M. M. , Dah I. , Josiane N. M. C.
Published: January 2025

Background: Knowledge of antimicrobial resistance patterns of bacteria in food and pet birds in our environment is a prerequisite to effective control of bacterial diseases in humans and other food animals. Particularly, there is a dearth of information on the prevalence of resistant bacteria in pet and zoo birds in Cameroon. This study was carried out to determine the antibiotic resistance profiles of Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp isolates in apparently healthy poultry and zoo birds in Cameroon and to phenotypically and genotypically identify extended spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) isolates in the poultry and aviary birds. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study of 320 randomly selected birds, which included 172 poultry and 148 zoo birds over a period of nine months, from which a total of 320 different non-repetitive samples were collected. The specimens were processed by standard microbiological culture methods at the National Veterinary Laboratory (LANAVET), Yaoundé annex, Cameroon. All isolated bacteria from cultures were identified as E. coli and Salmonella spp by conventional biochemical test scheme and confirmed with API®20E gallery. Antibiotic susceptibility test (AST) of confirmed isolates was done using the Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion technique, with AST results interpreted according to CLSI guidelines. Isolates with phenotypic characteristics of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase were subjected to molecular identification for blaCTX-M, blaTEM and blaSHV genes. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics.Results: Out of the 320 samples, a total of 88 E. coli and 17 Salmonella species were isolated from both broilers and zoo birds with an overall isolation prevalence of 27.5% and 5.3% respectively. High resistance of E. coli was observed among isolates from broiler, especially to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (96.7%), ampicillin and ticarcillin (88.3%), norfloxacin (81.7%), piperacillin (78.3%) and ceftriaxone (63.3%). However, the resistance pattern among isolates from aviary birds was low with the highest resistance observed for imipenem (39.28%). The isolates had multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) indices between 0.18-0.94 with an average of 0.3. A striking MAR index of 0.94 was observed in an ESBL isolate. Detection of β-lactamase genes in 16 phenotypic ESBL-producing E. coli and Salmonella isolates showed the presence of 75.0%, 6.3% and 12.5% for blaCTX-M, blaTEM, and blaSHV genes respectively. Conclusion: ESBL isolates were widespread among apparently healthy broilers in live-bird markets in Cameroon with ESBL-producing E. coli and Salmonella species showing high resistance to penicillin, quinolones and sulphonamides. In addition, there is evidence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in wild birds which can be transmitted to humans through fecal droppings or by being in close contact with them.