bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Relevance of Martin Buber’s Theory of Dialogue in Contemporary Religious Organization Leadership in Tanzania
Authors: Mkumbata Geoffrey C. , Nyangau Dynesius
Published: August 2022

In intention of this paper is to outline Martin Buber’s ontological turning to the other through the development of his dialogical theory. This outline substantiates dialogue as an important element of religious leadership. Dialogue fosters the development of genuine relationships with others and with the world. It is the uncovering and creation of meaning through awareness of what is sacred in us, others, and the world. Buber’s theory provides us with the specific details of the art of turning to the other which can help us navigate our ways into dialogue. Human being must accept the fact of the existence of broken leadership which is caused by human beings themselves. Hence, the solution goes back to human being’s relationship. Since, society is grounded through relationships; therefore, human relationship must be restored to heal the broken religious leadership. I-Thou or subject to subject is the kind of relationship which can restore unity in an organization. The crisis of organization is caused by I-It or subject to object relationship, in which another person is treated as an object, and hence conflicts, mistrust, self-centred are caused to the organization. The peace of an advice which Martin Buber gives to all leaders is that the dignity of human person should be respected by being open to one another and by being treated equally as human being. Therefore, honest and sincere dialogue between man and man is a prerequisite to build an organization or society for the common good.
Cross Sectional Study on Estimation of Stature from Index, Middle and Ring Finger in Adult Population of Hyderabad Telangana.
Authors: K Srinivasulu  , Ankit Sunil Kulkarni  , Uday Sankar Akash Vankayala  , Akkalashetty Uday Shree  , Doddikindiwad Madhulata ravindra Reddy
Published: August 2022

Cross sectional study on estimation of stature from length of fingers (Index, Middle and Ring finger of both the hands) was conducted on 150 individuals in the region of Hyderabad, Telangana. Study results showed that there is a significant correlation between length of fingers and stature, Index and middle finger lengths are more reliable than a ring finger length was observed in our study. The height of the individual is approximately 23 times the length of the ring finger, 21 times the length of the middle finger and 22 times the length of the index finger. Standard error of 1.34 to 1.60, R square less than 0.5 and P value less than 0.001 shows statistical significance of our study. The data was statistically analyzed by using SPSS (version-25) software. The formula for linear regression for estimating the height is y = a + (b x).Regression formulae for total population for right index finger is y = 69.75 + (13.75 x), left index finger is y = 66.05 + (14.15 x), right middle finger is y = 63.75 + (13.21 x), left middle finger is y = 62.79 + (13.25 x), right ring finger is y = 71.88 + (13.24 x) and left ring finger is y = 71.84 + (13.22 x). A separate linear regression equation for male and female found more accuracy than equation for total population was observed in our study. Calculated statures from these equations are close to the actual height, only ±5cm difference was observed in most of the individuals.
Analysis of Medicolegal Awareness Among Fresh Indian Medical Graduates
Authors: Umesh Kumar Choudhary  , Biyabani Naushad Husain  , Ajit Malani  , Vinod Rathod  , Neha Choudhary
Published: August 2022

Introduction: Recent escalating trend in litigation against doctors is an issue of top concern, one important reason for it ispoor handling of medico-legal cases.Aims & Objective: To evaluate the status of knowledge about common medico- legal terminologies/cases among freshIndian Medical Graduates(IMG) and problems if any in teaching medicolegal aspects in the medical curriculum.Material & Methods: Observational analytical study involving 150 fresh IMG’s working in medical colleges as interns orfaculty with experience less than 1 year, using questionnaire of 30 pre-validated questions based on Likert’s scale.Results: In our study we observed that 99% IMG’s are not able to handle medicolegal cases independently. Most ofIMG’s have poor knowledge of certification of death(60%), injury(87%) etc. and important medicolegal concepts likevicarious liability(62%) and ethical aspects of artificial insemination(75%). 58 to 91% IMG’s have fair knowledge ofdifferent acts. 53% and 44% IMG’s have fair knowledge of rights of patients and record keeping respectively . More than90% participants didn’t have any experience with investigating authorities or court. 64% IMG’s would prefer to consultforensic medicine expert in medicolegal complications. No participant had attended any workshop or training session onmedicolegal cases. More than 90% IMG’s believe that UG teaching for medicolegal concepts and exposure to medicolegalcases is not sufficient.Conclusion: Medicolegal awareness among IMG’s is poor leading to inability of IMG to handle medicolegal casesindependently.
The ARX and ARMAX Models for Thermoelectric Cooling on Glass Windows: A Comparative Study
Authors: Mohd Saifizi Saidon  , Nasrul Amri Mohd Amin  , ‘Aqilah Che Sulaiman  , Mohd Rizal Manan  , Siti Marhainis Othman  , Wan Azani Mustafa  , Norfariza Ab Wahab
Published: August 2022

Thermoelectric cooling (TEC), in particular, can be combined with a heat sink for local cooling, but they can also be integrated into electronic chips for point-to-point cooling. The study aims to develop a dynamic model of a cooling system integrated with TEC for glass window. The main target of this study is to develop a dynamic model of a cooling system integrated with TEC. The black box modelling approach in producing a mathematical model was selected based on the ARMAX and ARX model that corresponds to the actual dynamic state of the cooling system. The best model was finalized based on the best match on curve patterns when comparing the real and estimated models using the system identification tools in MATLAB, and also having the least error. The accuracy of the models was compared and analysed. The results showed that the 4th order of the ARMAX model produced a higher best fitting and standard deviation values of 80.23% and 0.027592 compared to the 4th order of the ARX model of 78.14% and 0.030769 respectively. This system accuracy is almost within the acceptable range for most error calculations in the validation method. Yet, this cooling system integrated with TEC is found more suitable for the 4th order of the ARMAX model when compared to the ARX model due to the noise parameter in the ARMAX model. Nevertheless, the noise order in this system is not dominant, therefore, whenever the noise order of the system in the ARMAX model is high than the second structure (nb), the number of errors is also high. In addition, the ARMAX model is found incapable of achieving the highest fitting due to the losses from the dynamic environment and losses from the TEC itself. Still, the use of this black box model used in this study is a significant variation where system parameters can be identified even offline.
My Path to L2 Identity
Authors: Al-Hawamdeh Imad
Published: August 2022

Through autoethnography, the author narrates and reflects on episodes from his bilingual life as an English language learner and itinerant teacher in Jordan, the author's home country, as well as in the U.S. and Canada. This chapter aims to emphasize how access to the second language culture and media during childhood and adulthood has shaped the author's L2 identity and teaching practices. The reflection on the author's past experiences points to the influence of emotions and emotional investment in the L2 culture and media, such as song lyrics, literature, and digital games, on the author's motivation as a learner and teaching philosophy as a professional educator. Understanding the links between bilingual learning experiences and identity formation can promote a stronger understanding of how L2 identities are shaped, thus underlining the necessity of developing professional identities with perceptions that go beyond ordinary practices in second language teaching.
Crossing the Borders of Four Countries
Authors: Yoo Juyeon
Published: August 2022

This autoethnographic study shares the author's journey as a multilingual speaker in South Korea, Singapore, the United Kingdom (UK), and the United States (US) over a 15-year period. In each of these settings, she faced unique challenges and was afforded different allowances depending on her social power, which was mediated by her sociocultural background. These social dynamics also produced different patterns of identity negotiation depending on how she positioned herself and how others positioned her. The key findings suggest that language learning in an English as a second language (ESL) context is not only linked to linguistic challenges but also tied to ongoing identity negotiation. By sharing her autoethnographic critical reflections, she hopes to connect her personal accounts with larger social issues such as the marginalizing experiences that minoritized students may undergo. Ultimately, this chapter illustrates how she has developed as a multilingual language learner, academic student, and researcher, which she hopes will resonate with her fellow multilingual speakers.
COVID-19 Test Report and Vaccine Certificate Verification Through Blockchain and E-Commerce
Authors: Banerjee Puja , Bilgaiyan Saurabh , Tikmani Adarsh
Published: August 2022

COVID-19 was first reported in December 2019 and has spread since then. Different vaccines are under development and digital technologies are used for contact tracing, vaccine monitoring, screening of infection, etc. But the healthcare providers are dealing with many challenges, such as cases of fake documents (i.e., test reports and vaccine certificates). Blockchain can help mitigate the challenges with its features, such as data transparency, accuracy, and decentralization. Even in general day purpose, the verification of the documents is required for booking of airline ticket, hotel room, etc. E-commerce deals with online selling and buying of products, which together with blockchain can fulfill the requirement. This chapter proposes a framework for verification of COVID-19 test reports and vaccine certificates with the help of blockchain technology and e-commerce. The aim of the proposed framework is to validate the details online so that the proper treatment and medication can be provided to the patient. IPFS is used to store the data.
Humans and Digital Technologies in the Omnichannel Post-COVID-19 Era
Authors: Vrechopoulos Adam , Lazaris Chris , Doukidis Georgios
Published: August 2022

Consumer behavioral patterns radically changed during the last decades, as well as during the COVID-19 pandemic. In parallel, digital technologies continuously substitute traditional business practices in the context of digital transformation attempts that were also significantly accelerated due to the pandemic. However, since technology cannot totally replace all human aspects in the retailer-consumer interaction process, an optimum blending of technical and human resources is crucial. This chapter reviews the latest developments and key aspects of this blending and emphasizes the consumers' needs for the provision of value-added services by retailers in the post-COVID-19 era. It advocates that retailing remains a retailer-consumer affair, where both humans and technologies take part in diversified interactions. It develops an integrated framework of human and technology components and channels between retailer-consumer interactions, aiming to provide a holistic view of the available capabilities and trends from both the retailer and the consumer perspective in the post-COVID-19 era.
Economic Crisis in Colombia Due to COVID-19
Authors: Lombana-Coy Jahir , Ovalle María Carolina , Santiago Alberto Elías Muñoz
Published: August 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a social, economic, and political impact, with companies particularly affected. Policymakers and managers had to make strategic decisions to continue operations. Therefore, this chapter focuses on evaluating the economic impact of the crisis in Colombia from the government, and companies' perspectives, and how they established some strategies to achieve economic sustainability. This analysis is composed of macroeconomic aspects, businesses´ role for economic reactivation, decisions to face the pandemic, and finally, actions that ensure their sustainability. There are issues on fiscal and monetary policies to ensure employment and keep inflation through direct support and rules to improve companies' conditions. Companies themselves should learn about risk management, digital transformation, and the relocation of providers and customers. There is no single recipe to guarantee success, but there is a need for an integrated plan that includes government, central bank, and companies to shorten the economic effects of this kind of crisis.
Systematizing Body of Knowledge on Business Challenges and Strategizing Post COVID-19
Authors: Mendy John
Published: August 2022

The COVID-19 crisis ushered in a multitude of challenges for SMEs. While these challenges are mainly financial and non-financial constraints, the ability to access markets and resilience capability building also exist for SMEs. The researcher conducted a review of 101 articles to analyze the pandemic's effects on SME businesses and found six thematic clusters: 1) operational costs, (2) resource losses, (3) business activity disruptions, (4) team performance disruptions, (5) individual and collective wellbeing disruptions, and (6) organizational survival threats. Based on these, the researcher identified six crucial emergent strategies to practically address the challenges around marketization and digitalization. These involve SME management, owners, and staff working more collaboratively to develop and adapt to new marketization regulations, policies, economic structuration, digital technologies, open innovation, and an overarching global network for local and international resilience. The implications of the results and an agenda for future research are presented and discussed.
Mitigation Plan for the Post-Pandemic on Supply Chain Disruptions Among Buyers and Distributors
Authors: Verma Amitabh
Published: August 2022

In recent decades, global supply chains have grown in size and complexity, emphasizing efficiency, cost, and closeness to markets. The coronavirus pandemic disrupted activity worldwide, with supply chain (SC) disruptions being particularly severe. A pandemic of this size has caught corporations and whole industries off guard, sending a cascade of rippling effects across their supply networks and enterprises. The COVID-19 outbreak has impacted the economic climate for many organizations worldwide, underlining the importance of responding to, adjusting to, and implementing crisis management strategies to weather difficult times. This study investigates the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on SCs in terms of disruptions, problems, and trends. As a result, the goal is to investigate such difficulties and propose mitigation methods based on IoT (internet of things) for sustainability and viability of the supply chain management disruptions among buyers and distributors.
Synthesis Bioplastic Fertilizer of Carboxymethyl Cellulose/N-P-K/Zeolite Using Twin-Screw Extruder as a Model Slow-Release
Authors: Wahyuni Silvia , Suyanta Suyanta , Sedayu Bakti Berlyanto , Nafisyah Wini , Kartini Indriana
Published: August 2022

A bioplastic fertilizer (BpF) from carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)/N-P-K/Zeolite composite has been successfully synthesized at the various amounts of zeolite using extrusion techniques (Twin-screw Extruder). The zeolites content was varied at 0.01, 0.1, 0.5, and 1 (wt.% to CMC). The temperature and screw speed were kept at 100 °C and 600 rpm. The ingredients of the composite are mixed with 100% water added to the total mass. A BpF composites and prepared materials were characterized by FT-IR, XRD, and UTM (Universal testing machine). Also, the swelling ratio and stability in water behavior of the composites was evaluated. The result showed that the addition of zeolite increased their tensile strength, decreased the swelling ratio, and has a good stability in water for 30 days. The release of N and P nutrients form composite followed the pseudo second-order kinetic models, while the release K followed the Korsmeyer-Peppas kinetic models. The release of N-P-K from CMC/N-P-K/Zeolite (1 wt.%) composite has followed the standards of the Committee of European Normalization (CEN) and this formulation is potentially to be used in agriculture as a slow-release fertilizer.
Micropulse transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation as a treatment modality for glaucoma patients
Authors: Youssef Gehad H.A. , Sharawy Amr I. , Saeed Ahmed M. , Elsayed Mohamed A. , Abdel Latif Ahmed A.M.
Published: August 2022

Aim

To evaluate how micropulse transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation (MP-TSCPC) is a safe and effective procedure, in reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) in different glaucoma patients among the Egyptian population.

Study design

Prospective, noncomparative interventional study.

Patients and methods

This study assessed the effect of MP-TSCPC laser on patients with different types of glaucoma. Forty eyes of 40 patients were included in our study. Patients were recruited from Benha University Hospital and Egyptian Eye Academy, and the procedure was done during the period between January 2020 and July 2021.

Results

The mean±SD baseline IOP was 27.72±8.6 mmHg, which showed significant reduction at postsurgical month 6, becoming 16.28±6.38 mmHg (P=0.001). The mean number of IOP-lowering agents was 2.35±1.03 preoperatively, which dropped significantly to 1.50±1.24 at 6 months. Postoperative logMAR best-corrected visual acuity was not significantly reduced from baseline. There was no development of significant postoperative complications.

Conclusion

MP-TSCPC is an efficient, safe, and simple technique with promising results in lowering IOP and can be used in patients with different types of glaucoma.
How ophthalmology practice changed over 2 years of coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic
Authors: Eissa Mohamed G. , Abdullatif Abdussalam M. , Attya Mohamed , El-Saied Heba , Makled Hebatalla S.
Published: August 2022

Objectives

To investigate the changes in ophthalmological practice between the first and current waves of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic as well as to evaluate the pattern of ophthalmology practice following COVID-19 vaccination.

Patients and methods

This is a cross-sectional observational analytical study of ophthalmologists working in different hospitals in Cairo, Egypt. The data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire that included separate sections about (a) demographic data, (b) experience with COVID-19 infection, (c) current ophthalmologists’ and patients’ concerns, (d) experience with COVID-19 vaccination, (e) current changes of practice, (f) current safety measures, and (g) current flow of cases.

Results

The questionnaire was sent to 200 ophthalmologists, with a 77% response rate. Since the onset of the pandemic in Egypt, ∼60% of the participants (83% were below 45 years of age) have been infected with COVID-19. When compared with the first wave, more than two-thirds of respondents expressed less psychic concern but the same economic concern about the pandemic. Although 90% of the participants have been vaccinated against COVID-19, more than 50% still feel unsafe regarding new infection. In comparison with the first wave, 45% of participants have reduced clinical safety measures. Participants also found that their patients’ psychological concern was significantly lower compared with the first wave and patients’ flow increased to approach prepandemic levels.

Conclusion

Concerns among ophthalmologists and patients have decreased significantly since the first COVID-19 wave, but economic concerns remain high.
COVID-19 Vaccine-Related Immunological Adverse Event Presented as Reversible Autoimmune Disease with Rheumatological Feature and Pulmonary Infiltrates
Authors: Patil Shital , Narwade Ganesh
Published: August 2022

Rheumatological manifestation with acute febrile respiratory illness known to occur after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia and presenting as long COVID disease, its occurrence with COVID vaccination is not very well associated or described in the literature. In this case report, a 45-year-old female presented with constitutional symptoms, persistent fever, and lung parenchymal infiltrates, without mycobacterial microscopic or genome documentation, received empirical antituberculosis (TB) treatment with the progression of disease with little clinical or radiological response. Bronchoscopy workup was inconclusive and tropical screen for bacterial, fungal, TB, and malignancy was negative. Vasculitis workup was inconclusive and rheumatological workup documented highly raised antinuclear antibodies titers. We have started her on steroid and hydroxychloroquine and clinical response documented with near-complete resolution of shadows in 12 weeks. Rheumatological syndrome which is a rare vaccine-related adverse event, reversible and easily treatable with routinely available medicines and importantly it is having excellent prognosis. Minimal systemic adverse events are known to occur with all viral vector vaccines, but its occurrence is rare and it should not impact on routine vaccinations as vaccination is a key step in this pandemic to protect humankind.
Nonbacterial Thrombotic Endocarditis with Multiple Systemic Emboli in a Patient with Primary Lung Cancer
Authors: Benedetti Martina , Morroni Sara , Fiaschini Paola , Coiro Stefano , Savino Ketty
Published: August 2022

Nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis (NBTE) is a rare condition that refers to a spectrum of noninfectious lesions of cardiac valves that is most commonly seen in advanced malignancy. We describe a case report of a 63-year-old male with NBTE and multiple embolizations (encephalic, coronary, splenic, and renal). The patient was admitted to the emergency department for stroke. During hospitalization, the patient complained of left leg pain and a venous echo color Doppler of the lower limbs was performed, showing bilateral distal deep-vein thrombosis. A thoracoabdominal computed tomography scan, which was performed to rule out pulmonary embolism, revealed a primary lung cancer and subcarinal lymphadenopathy. As collateral findings, multiple ischemic lesions in the spleen and in both kidneys were identified. In addition, areas of subendocardial hypodensity compatible with ischemia were also highlighted. An electrocardiogram showed acute myocardial infarction and focused echocardiographic evaluation displayed hypokinesis of the lateral and posterior in the mid- and distal segments and aortic and mitral valve vegetations, confirmed by a transesophageal echocardiography. Empiric antimicrobial therapy was started; all blood culture sets were negative and the patient was apyretic throughout the hospitalization. These findings supported the hypothesis of NBTE with multiple embolizations during a hypercoagulable state associated with advanced lung cancer.
Huge Chiari Network in the Right Atrium Diagnosed as Thrombosis – Case Report and a Brief Review
Authors: Renani Sajjad Ahmadi , Badalabadi Reza Mohseni , Abbasi Zahra , Gharebaghi Milad
Published: August 2022

The Chiari network is a common benign finding usually found incidentally in the right atrium (RA). This lesion frequently coexists with patent foramen ovale (PFO). Although the Chiari network is diagnosed easily and has no clinical importance, sometimes, the accurate diagnosis becomes hard and the lesion itself, or with PFO, can lead to clinical events. Accordingly, cardiologists should consider the Chiari network and its differential diagnosis in the evaluation of RA masses.
An Unusual Cause of Recurrent Syncope – A Large Free-Floating Left Atrial Thrombus
Authors: Reddy S. Sreenivas , Baryah Harkant Singh , Kaur Jaspreet , Rao K Raghavendra
Published: August 2022

Rheumatic heart disease is the most common valvular heart disease in developing countries. Recurrent syncope due to a large, free-floating left atrial thrombus is a rare presentation of rheumatic mitral stenosis. We report this uncommon finding on echocardiogram in an elderly woman presenting to the emergency department with giddiness for the past few months.
Bleeding Events in the Emergency Department with Warfarin Versus Novel Oral Anticoagulants
Authors: Dogan Y , Az A , Sogut O , Akdemir T , Kaplan O
Published: August 2022

Background:

Although warfarin is the most effective treatment approved to prevent atrial fibrillation-associated stroke, it remains underused in clinical practice due to patient noncompliance. Therefore, novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) have been developed.

Aims:

This study aimed to identify bleeding complications in patients who were taking oral anticoagulants and compare the rates of major and minor bleeding events between NOACs and warfarin groups.

Patients and Methods:

We conducted a retrospective, observational study of warfarin- and NOAC-treated patients who presented to an emergency department between January 2015 and December 2019 with bleeding events. We compared patients with major and minor bleeding in terms of age, gender, comorbid diseases, type of anticoagulant, and site of bleeding.

Results:

An electronic search yielded 95 (21.9%) cases of patients taking a NOAC (i.e., dabigatran [19], rivaroxaban [45], apixaban [29], or edoxaban [6]) and 354 taking warfarin. There were no significant differences between the warfarin and NOACs groups in the frequency of minor bleeding complications. Similarly, there were no significant differences between the groups in the frequency of major bleeding complications. No significant difference in intracranial bleeding was seen between the NOACs- and warfarin-treated patients, although the incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding was significantly higher in the NOACs (P = 0.102 and P = 0.021, respectively).

Conclusion:

Our findings indicate that rates of major and minor bleeding complications in patients taking NOACs are similar to those in patients taking warfarin. While warfarin was associated with fewer complications than NOACs in terms of gastrointestinal bleeding, the risk of intracranial bleeding, was similar between the groups.
Prevalence of Visual Impairment Among the Destitute in Onitsha, Southern Nigeria
Authors: Akudinobi C U , Nwosu S N N
Published: August 2022

Background:

Visual impairment is a global problem. The World Health Organization (WHO) in 2017 estimated that 36 million people were blind and 217 million people had moderate or severe visual impairment. An untreated or undetected eye problem becomes a threat to the general health of the individual, particularly the health of those that lack the basic needs of life. Most blind people live in low-income countries where increasing poverty perpetuates destitution.

Aim:

This study aimed at determining the prevalence of visual impairment among the destitute in Onitsha metropolis, which would provide a solid database for designing an effective eye care delivery system for them in the state.

Subjects and Methods:

This was a cross-sectional study of 168 destitute individuals in Onitsha. The study was carried out between June and July 2011. Destitute clusters were randomly selected, and all of the eligible participants were interviewed. Presenting visual acuity (VA) at 6 m, refraction, and anterior and posterior segment evaluation were done. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.

Results:

One hundred sixty-eight destitute individuals—consisting of 93 males (55.4%) and 75 females (44.6%)—were studied, and the age range was 11–78 years with a median age of 45 years. One hundred twenty-nine participants (76.8%) did not have any formal education, all were unemployed, and none had any personal assets or property. Fifty-six participants (33.3%) had ocular disorder. The prevalence of blindness was 12.5% and that of visual impairment was 10.2%. The causes of blindness were glaucoma (6, 28.6%), cataract (5, 23.8%), corneal acuity (5, 23.8%), and empty socket from tumor nucleation and trauma (2, 9.5%).

Conclusion:

Ocular findings in all eyes of the destitute are similar to that in the eyes of normal individuals. Destitution is an offshoot of health, social, and economic frustration, and therefore requires a comprehensive approach.
Antibiotic Susceptibility Profiles and Detection of Genes Mediating Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase (Esbl) Production in Escherichia Coli Isolates from National Hospital, Abuja
Authors: Enyinnaya S O , Iregbu K C , Jamal W Y , Rotimi V O
Published: August 2022

Background:

Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) are the most widespread of the new beta-lactamases and are a significant threat to patient care in the hospital and the community. Aim: The study assessed the prevalence, antibiotic susceptibility profile, and major ESBL encoding genes among Escherichia coli isolated from clinical specimens of patients in the National Hospital, Abuja (NHA).

Materials and Methods:

E. coli isolated from diverse clinical specimens obtained from clinically proven cases of infection managed at the NHA were included in the study. The antimicrobial susceptibility was performed by the Kirby–Bauer method and E-test was used to confirm the ESBL phenotype. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect the genes mediating ESBL production.

Results:

Meropenem, fosfomycin, and tigecycline demonstrated excellent activities against all isolates: of the 400 isolates, 392 (98%), 386 (96.5%), and 362 (90.5%) were susceptible, respectively. Similarly, 358 (89.5%) were susceptible to amikacin, 323 (80.3%) nitrofurantoin, 281 (70.3%) ceftazidime, and 279 (69.8%) cefotaxime. A total of 271 (67.8%), 219 (54.8%), and 208 (52.0%) were resistant to amoxicillin–clavulanate, ciprofloxacillin, and gentamicin, respectively. However, all the isolates were resistant to ampicillin. There was a significantly higher proportion of multidrug resistance among ESBL-producing isolates compared to non-ESBL-producing isolates (P = 0.0001). Of the 121 phenotypically detected ESBL isolates, 119 (98.3%) harbored genes mediating the production of Cefotaximase– Munich (CTX-M), Temoniera (TEM) or Sulfhydryl Variable (SHV) enzymes.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of ESBLs among E. coli was relatively high, at 30.2%. About 81% of all blood isolates were ESBL-producers. bla
CTX-M is the predominant type of ESBL gene among E. coli. A high proportion of the ESBL-producing isolates expressed a combination of two or three genes together.
Prevalence of Rotavirus Isolates in the Stools of Under-5 Children Presenting with Diarrhoea at University Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Borno State
Authors: Bukar Ali Kellu , Galadima B G , Zailani S B , Yahaya M , Daggash B B , Yakubu M Y , Baba A S , Shettima A B , Kadaura M U
Published: August 2022

Background:

Diarrhoea is a major cause of childhood morbidity and mortality in developing countries including Nigeria. Rotavirus is a leading cause of acute watery diarrhoea in children under 5 years of age.

Aims:

The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence of rotavirus diarrhoea in children less than 5 years old presenting with watery diarrhoea at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. The cross-sectional study was carried out at University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), a referral tertiary centre for northeast Nigeria and neighbouring Cameroon, Chad, and Niger Republic. Study population were children under five presenting to UMTH with acute diarrhoea. Freshly passed stool was collected from each participant in a universal sterile container and transported to the department of medical microbiology laboratory UMTH, Rotavirus antigen was detected using Rota – dipstick an immunochromatographic test. The positive samples were subjected to RT-PCR to detect the VP 7 gene of the dsRNA.

Patients and Methods:

SPSS Version 25.

Results:

The prevalence was found to be 14.5% in the population studied and was highest among children below 1 year of age.

Conclusions:

This study has confirmed that rotavirus is an important cause of childhood diarrhoea. The burden of childhood diarrhoea can be reduced by introduction of vaccines, and children of 1 year old and younger will benefit from this vaccine as most study participants have not been vaccinated. Creating awareness on prevention and control of this infection with mass vaccination will go a long way in reducing the prevalence and mortality rate of rotavirus diarrhoea.
The PrognostıC Significance of Blood Counts in Patients with Hodgkin Lymphoma
Authors: Aras M R , Albayrak M , Yildiz A , Maral S , Ozturk HB A , Tiglioglu P , Tiglioglu M , Saglam B , Yilmaz F
Published: August 2022

Background and Aim:

The aim of the study was to examine the demographic, clinical features, treatment responses, and outcomes of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) patients and to investigate the factors affecting their survival.

Patients and Methods:

A retrospective analysis was made of patients diagnosed with HL in our department between 2009 and 2019. Treatment regimen, treatment response, and follow-up times were recorded for all patients. Using these data, complete response (CR) rates, overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS) were calculated. The effects of parameters on survival were investigated with Cox regression analysis.

Results:

Evaluation was made of 60 patients with a median age of 33.5 years [18.0–80.0] and mean follow-up duration of 29.34 ± 23.64 months. Median OS and PFS could not be reached with a mean OS of 85.6 months, and PFS of 71.7 months at the final visit. Only initial leukocyte and neurophil count were determined to have a statistically significant impact on survival (OR = 1.004; P = 0.031 vs OR = 0.996; P = 0.036).

Conclusion:

In HL patients, in addition to the many prognostic scoring systems, leukocyte and neutrophil count can be used as an independent prognostic parameter. Patients with higher leukocyte and lower neutrophil counts at the time of diagnosis should be managed more carefully.
Coloboma of the Retina, Choroid and Iris Co-Existing with Cardiac & Skeletal Anomalies in a Male Nigerian
Authors: Babalola Y O
Published: August 2022

A 19-year-old male undergraduate presented to the eye clinic with a history of poor vision in the left eye since childhood. The best-corrected visual acuity was 6/6 in the right eye and hand movement in the left eye respectively. Examination of the anterior segment of the right eye was essentially normal, whereas the anterior segment examination of the left eye revealed a small globe, microcornea, and an iris coloboma inferiorly at the 6 o'clock position. Binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy of the right eye revealed a pink disc, normal vessels and macula, lattice degeneration with retinal holes, and a flat retina. The left eye had a pink disc, normal macula and vessels with an inferior arc-shaped excavation with exposure of the sclera, which involved both the disc and macula and was in keeping with a retinochoroidal coloboma. Systemic examination revealed low-set ears with a left atrophic pinna, mild kyphoscoliosis, pectus excavatum, and an atrophic left lower limb with anomalies of the toes and talipes equinovarus. A pan-systolic murmur was present on cardiovascular examination.
Mortality in Magnet Hospitals
Authors: Bilgin N , Özmen D
Published: August 2022

Magnet hospitals are recognized for quality patient outcomes and nursing excellence. It was aimed to examine the effects of Magnet hospitals on mortality rate. Searches for this review were carried out using the PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL databases without any year limitation. Search terms included Magnet hospitals, non-Magnet hospitals, and mortality. Inclusion criteria were: The identified 58 articles published in international journals, and 13 of those articles that met the inclusion criteria were included in this review. This systematic review adhered to the PRISMA guideline. Articles meeting the research criteria were evaluated for methodological quality with the Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI-MAStARI) Critical Appraisal Tool. The research types used of the included studies were descriptive comparative research (n = 8), cohort study (n = 4), and retrospective, two-stage panel design (n = 1). Three descriptive comparative studies found that there was no difference in the mortality rates of Magnet hospitals and non-Magnet hospitals. By contrast, five descriptive comparative studies and five longitudinal studies determined that mortality rates were lower in Magnet hospitals. Overall, the findings of this systematic review indicated that Magnet hospitals are associated with lower rates of mortality. Considering the organizational consequences of mortality such as quality and cost savings, this systematic review provides significant contributions to hospital executives, as well as the nurse-clinicians, whether or not to obtain magnet status.
Outpatient Burden of Adult Respiratory Diseases in University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria
Authors: Ojuawo O B , Desalu O O , Aladesanmi A O , Opeyemi C M , Azeez A T , Fawibe A E , Salami A K
Published: August 2022

Background:

Respiratory diseases constitute a significant cause of morbidity globally. There is limited information on the epidemiology of respiratory diseases in North Central Nigeria particularly with the changing trend in risk factors.

Aim:

This study aimed at evaluating the pattern and morbidity related to respiratory diseases among adult outpatients attending a chest clinic in a tertiary healthcare facility, especially with increasing environmental pollution and biomass exposure globally.

Patients And Methods:

This was a retrospective review of the case records of 338 newly referred patients seen in the chest clinic of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) with respiratory illnesses over a 2-year period (January 2017–December 2018).

Results:

The mean age of the recruited patients was 47.6 ± 19.8 years with a male to female ratio of 1.1:1. Microbiologically confirmed tuberculosis (30.2%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (24.3%), and bronchial asthma (17.8%) were the commonest conditions managed in the clinic. Overall, noncommunicable respiratory diseases (61.2%) constituted a larger proportion of cases when compared to infective respiratory conditions. Almost 90% of the patients were never smokers. Systemic hypertension (15.1%) and human immunodeficiency virus infection (3.6%) were the commonest comorbid illnesses.

Conclusion:

Although tuberculosis constituted the most observed single condition, noncommunicable respiratory diseases predominated cumulatively among the new cases seen in the chest clinic of UITH, Ilorin. This raises the need for significant attention in terms of prevention and management of noncommunicable respiratory diseases, which appear to be on the uprising.
A Histopathological Profile of Gestational Trophoblastic Disease in the Madinah Region of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Almohammadi N H
Published: August 2022

Background:

Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) is a rare and often curable group of diseases that has a large range of morphological features, sometimes making the diagnosis difficult.

Aim:

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the pathological frequency and histopathological profile of GTD diagnoses in the Madinah region of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

Materials and Methods:

The computerized record of the pathology department of the Maternity and Children's Hospital (MCH) in Madinah, KSA, was reviewed from July 2015 to June 2021. During the study period, all the pathology reports with diagnosis of GTD were included in the study for the following parameters: age, nationality, year of diagnosis, type of GTD, and total annual number of pregnancies. Simple statistical analysis was performed, utilizing the SPSS-19 software.

Results:

A total of 289 cases of GTD were diagnosed during the study period. The mean age was 33.47 ± 9.3, and most of the patients (n = 106, 36.2%) were in the fourth decade [31-40 age group]. Histologically, the most common type diagnosed was Hydatidiform mole [HM] (n = 284, 98.6%), followed by three cases of trophoblastic neoplasm (1.0%) and one case of tumor-like condition called exaggerated placental site (0.3%). Complete HM (n = 53, 50%) was common in the fourth decade, whereas partial HM (n = 50, 53.8%) was common in the third decade.

Conclusion:

In the Al Madinah region of KSA, the most common type of GTD in women was HM. Most GTD cases were found in women between the ages of 31 to 40 years. The frequency of GTD, its histopathological subtypes are consistent with most of the studies on GTD; however, larger studies involving multiple centers are recommended, for confirmation of present study's findings.
Depression Among Patient with Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Alsalman M , Alhabrati A , Alkuwaiti A , Alramadhan N , AlMurayhil N , Althafar A , Alsaad A
Published: August 2022

Background:

Depression is a widespread disorder with either an independent or interrelated relationship with chronic disease.

Aim:

This study aims to assess depression prevalence and its predictors among patients with sickle cell disease (SCD).

Patients and Methods:

This is a cross-sectional study conducted in Saudi Arabia where patients with SCD assessed for having depression through Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ9).

Results:

Depression was evaluated among 88 patients with SCD with a median age of 32.6 ± 11.8. Out of 88 patients, 44 (50%) participants had some form of depression. Out of those with depression, 25 (56.8%) had mild depression and 18 (40.9%) had moderate depression. However, there was a significant relationship between depression and the number of annual emergency visits, intensive care unit admissions, and frequency of blood transfusion (P-value < 0.05). There was no significant relationship between depression with neither hemoglobin nor HbS (P-value > 0.05). However, depression score found to be inversely proportional to the HbF level. Both gender and annual emergency visits were significantly related to depression (P-value = 0.01, 0.001. respectively).

Conclusion:

Depression is quite prevalent in patients with SCD though it is still being overlooked. Several clinical and laboratory indices found to be closely linked to depression. Constellations of these factors may help early recognition of depression and disease severity modulation.
Different Training Sessions Impact on Serum Protein Profile of Saudi Professional Soccer Players
Authors: Alshuwaier G O , Ghazzawi H A , Alaqil A I , Alsharif Y R , Bursais A K , Amawi A T
Published: August 2022

Background:

Serum proteins serve as biomarkers for athletes and recreationally active individuals; they reflect the positive nitrogen growth balance alongside the onset of fatigue.

Aim:

To investigate the impact of training sessions on serum proteins is crucial to monitor their impact on athletes' future performance.

Patients and Methods:

A cross-sectional study to compare serum blood protein biomarker (albumin blood, blood urea nitrogen, total protein, uric acid, and creatinine), in 43 young Saudi professional soccer players in Riyadh, levels were measured pre- and post-training sessions across a 3-day period.

Results:

Significant differences were found between training sessions from day 1 to day 3 in addition to the significant differences between post- and pre-training sessions with P > 0.05. Creatinine levels increased significantly in the players' blood samples post-training on all 3 days of training (P = 0.01). Albumin was the only serum protein biomarker that showed no significant changes pre- and post-training, while albumin levels varied by a statistically significant amount (P = 0.02) between pre-training (day 1 and day 2) and post-training (day 1 and day 3) periods.

Conclusion:

As biomarkers, serum proteins may provide good indicators that can be used to organize training schedules to achieve optimal outcomes. In this study, creatinine was the most sensitive biomarker measured post-training; it can be considered a critical biomarker while blood urea was the least sensitive.
Performance du système de santé camerounais dans la protection financière des ménages
Authors: Chomssem Defo Charles Michel
Published: August 2022

Pour contribuer à la performance du système de santé, l’objectif de l’article est d’analyser sur le long terme sa capacité à protéger les ménages  contre les risques financiers liés à la santé. Les deux principales variables étudiées sont l’incidence de la catastrophe financière et l’appauvrissement  des ménages dus aux dépenses de santé, mesurés à partir des données des trois dernières Enquêtes Camerounaises Auprès des Ménages (2001,  2007 et 2014) et selon plusieurs approches pour assurer la robustesse des estimations. Une nette amélioration de la protection financière s’observe  entre 2001-2007 sous la mise en oeuvre des politiques engageant de fortes dépenses sociales. Tandis qu’entre 2007-2014, la situation s’est plutôt  dégradée sous les politiques de croissance inclusives engagées. L’analyse au Cameroun et ailleurs montre que la meilleure performance en matière  de protection financière en santé est plus liée à la gouvernance et à la structure économique qu’à une politique de financement de la santé. Une  bonne combinaison de politiques de financement ciblées est suggérée. Ainsi que le développement d’une économie peu extravertie devant soutenir  un système de santé autonome, doté d’une offre suffisante et de qualité, et avec un système efficient et transparent de mise en oeuvre et  suivi-évaluation.

To contribute to the performance of the health system, the objective of the article is to analyse over the long term its ability to protect households  against financial risks related to health. The two main variables studied are the incidence of the financial catastrophe and the impoverishment of  households due to health expenditure. They are measured from data from the last three Cameroonian Household Surveys (2001, 2007 and 2014)  and according to several approaches to ensure the robustness of the estimates. A marked improvement in financial protection can be observed  between 2001-2007 under the implementation of policies involving high social expenditure. While between 2007-2014, the situation rather  deteriorated under the inclusive growth policies undertaken. Analysis in Cameroon and elsewhere shows that the best performance in health  financial protection is more related to governance and economic structure than to health financing policy. A good combination of targeted financing  policies is suggested.  As well as the development of a less extroverted economy to support an autonomous health system, endowed with sufficient and quality supply. The said health system should also have an efficient and transparent system of implementation and monitoring- evaluation.