bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Yoga Lifestyle in Patients with Heart Failure
Authors: Jain Ashish Kumar , Subhash C. Manchanda , Bhola S. Vivek , Kushal Madan , Ashwini Mehta , Jitendrapal S. Sawhney
Published: April 2023

Background:

In spite of significant advances in the management of heart failure (HF), morbidity and mortality remain high. Therefore, there is a need for additional strategies. We did a randomized clinical trial to study effect of yoga in patients with HF in terms of quality of life (QOL), left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF), C-reactive protein (CRP), and NTproBNP.

Materials and Methods:

60 patients with stable HF New York Heart Association Class II with LVEF 30%–40% were randomized into control group (CG) and yoga group (YG). CG received the guideline-based therapy and YG in addition practiced the yoga, one hour daily for 3 months. All patients were assessed for QOL, CRP, NTProBNP, and LVEF at baseline and after 3 months.

Results:

A significant difference was observed in all four parameters in the YG as compared to the CG (P < 0.01) after 12 weeks. QOL as assessed by Minnesota living with heart failure questionnaire score improved significantly in YG as compared to CG (10 V/s 14, P < 0.001). There was a significant improvement within YG in terms of LVEF (33.4–36.8, P = 0.001), and the percentage change in LVEF was significant between the groups (10% V/s 5%, P = 0.001). NTproBNP also significantly reduced by 69.8% from 755 to 220 Pmol/l in YG as compared to 39.3% in CG (679-406 Pmol/l). CRP decreased by 49.3% (5.36-2.73 mg/L) in YG and 35.8% (5.39-3.45 mg/L) in CG.

Conclusion:

The result of this pilot study suggests that addition of yoga to guideline-based therapy for HF patients significantly improves QOL, LVEF, and NTProBNP and reduces CRP level. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Ashtanga Yoga Ethics-Based Yoga Versus General Yoga on Anthropometric Indices, Trigunas, and Quality of Life in Abdominal Obesity
Authors: Mewada Aruna , Keswani Jyoti , Sharma Hemanshu , Tewani Gulab Rai , Nair Pradeep M. K.
Published: April 2023

Introduction:

The philosophical tenets of yoga such as Ashtanga yoga (AY) andTrigunasare seldom considered while designing yoga programs for chronic diseases. This randomized control trial explored the impact of AY principle-based yoga on the anthropometric indices, personality traits, and quality of life (QoL) in abdominal obesity (AO).

Materials and Methods:

Sixty-two participants with AO were randomized (n= 31 in each arm) into an AY arm or general yoga (GY) arm. For 12 weeks, both the AY and the GY received the same yoga protocol; however, the AY received an additional AY-based orientation session fortnightly. Changes in waist circumference, hip circumference (HC), height, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist–hip ratio, Vedic Personality Inventory forgunas,and World Health Organization QoL-BREF were measured at baseline and at the end of 12 weeks.

Results:

By the end of 12 weeks, the AY arm significantly differed from the GY arm in HC (P= 0.05) and BMI scores (P= 0.03). The AY arm has shown a significant increase in thesattva guna(P< 0.001) and reduction in therajas(P< 0.001) andtamas gunas(P= 0.03). There was a significant improvement in the physical and social QoL domain, whereas the other variables examined remained insignificant. The increase insattva gunawas negatively correlated with waist circumference (P= −0.489) and BMI (r= −0.553).

Conclusion:

Exposing participants to progressive AY philosophy can change the personality traits which are further associated with melioration in the determiners of AO. Future yoga programs for chronic disorders may consider including AY philosophy for substantive outcomes.
Positioning of Low Alcohol or Alcohol-Free Minoxidil Formulation for the Management of Androgenetic Alopecia
Authors: Udare Satish , Baruah Anita , Mathur Anurag , Dayananda T. R. , Jain Kapil , Puhan Manas Ranjan , Bajaj Pawan , Sharma Richa , Gamit Sanjay Ramanbhai , Ramesh V. , Venugopal V. , Karthik Vignesh , Neena Gala Monil Yogesh , Muchhala Snehal , Mane Amey
Published: April 2023

Topical minoxidil is used for treating different hair disorders. Even though it is an effective therapy, many patients show poor compliance due to the cost, side effects, and duration of treatment. Topical minoxidil is the mainstay treatment for androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Recently, low alcohol or alcohol-free topical minoxidil formulation has proven to be an alternative for patients suffering from AGA, including those with poor compliance with other therapies. Thus, the current article provides the positioning of low alcohol or alcohol-free topical minoxidil to manage AGA in Indian clinical practice.
Active Range of Motion of Bilateral Hip Joint in Young Adults with Chronic Low Back Pain Versus Healthy Controls
Authors: Saraf Amit , Parakh Naman Kumar , Mahipal Vakul , Sandhu Angad Singh , Aggarwal Tarun , Gupta Poonji
Published: April 2023

Background:

Loss of quality of life, increased medical costs, and time away from work are all linked to chronic low back pain (CLBP). CLBP is recognized as a complex problem due to its biopsychosocial character. To remedy the issue of this incapacitating condition, it is critical to pinpoint potential contributing elements. The intersegmental parts of the kinematic chain connecting the lumbopelvic and knee joints are the hip joints. This complex runs in unison during both practical and leisurely physical activity.

Materials and Methods:

This was a single-center, observational study conducted in young adult patients with nonspecific CLBP and healthy controls who were compared for their active range of motion in bilateral hip joints.

Results:

There was no significant difference in the mean ages and gender distribution in both groups. The flexion, extension, internal rotation, external rotation, and abduction range of motions at bilateral hips were significantly reduced in the case group as compared with the healthy control group.

Conclusion:

The lumbopelvic compensation in the patients with CLBP affects the range of motion at the hip joint due to kinematic of the lower body musculature. The restriction in movement increases with the activities involving excessive hip joint motions.
Comparative Prospective Study between Medial and Lateral Distal Tibial Locking Compression Plates for Distal Third Tibial Fractures
Authors: Juneja Johney , Pradhan Mahesh , Prakash Mahendra , Saini Naresh , Talesra Anurag , Sen Ramesh
Published: April 2023

Purpose:

The surgical method of repairing distal tibial fractures remains controversial. Open reduction and plating constitute a popular method that can result in good fixation and retention of the achieved position. The usual approach for open plating is anterior. Although it offers good exposure to the tibia, the medial plating is at high risk of wound problems and nonunions. Also, if fixation of the fibula is required, an additional incision must be made on the lateral side of the shin. Lateral plating using a single lateral approach for treating distal tibial and fibular fractures has been reported to have good results; however, most of these studies were small series.

Materials and Methods:

This prospective clinical study involved 40 patients with distal tibial fractures admitted in Department of Orthopaedics, RNT Medical College and Hospital, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India, from December 2021 to November 2022. Of these, 20 patients were allotted in each group, that is, Group A and Group B. Group A is designated for patients those are operated with distal tibia medial locking compression plate (LCP). Group B is designated for patients those are operated with distal tibia anterolateral LCP.

Results:

All patients achieved union at the end of study. The mean time for fracture union was 24.6 weeks with medial plating group and 24.2 weeks with anterolateral plating group. In medial plating group, callus appeared at an average of 13 weeks and in anterolateral plating group, callus appeared at 12 weeks. Out of 20 patients in medial plating group, 11 patients had excellent Olerud and Molander ankle (OMAS) score and nine had good OMAS score at final follow-up. Out of 20 patients in anterolateral plating group, 13 patients had excellent OMAS score and seven patients had good OMAS score. The average OMAS score for Group A was 88.5 and for Group B, it was 90.

Conclusion:

Lateral plating of distal tibia is safe and feasible, which can provide biological fixation and prevent the soft tissue complications associated with medial plating.
A Functional and Radiological Outcome of Uncemented Total hip Arthroplasty in Young Adults
Authors: Juneja Johney , Jatav Dharmendra , Jain Mahendra Prakash , Saini Naresh , Talesra Anurag , Sharma Anamendra , Sen Ramesh
Published: April 2023

Background:

End-stage arthritis in young patients requires surgical intervention. Total hip arthroplasty (THA) remains the treatment of choice for restoring function and activity in end-stage hip arthritis. The medium-term outcome of uncemented THA in the Indian population is less studied. Hence, this study was taken up with aim to study clinical and radiological outcomes of uncemented THA in patients with age less than 40 years.

Materials and Methods:

This study was a prospective study done on 50 patients admitted to RNT Medical College and M.B. Hospital Udaipur during December 2021 to September 2022 chosen based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients were informed about the study in all respects, and written informed consents were obtained. The follow-up period was at 12th day, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 9 months for functional outcome assessment and radiological evaluation. Patients were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively. Inclusion criteria: (1) adult age group 20–50 years; (2) patients with secondary arthritis of hip (posttraumatic, avascular necrosis of femoral head, or ankylosing spondylitis). Exclusion criteria: (1) active infection of the hip joint or any other active infection in body; (2) patient with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, unstable cardiac disease, and with other grave medical concerns or severe comorbidity; (3) neuropathic joint; (4) not willing to participate; (5) with vascular insufficiency.

Results:

Bony ingrowth with no evidence of loosening was seen consistently both on femoral and acetabular side in all patients on X-ray. No statistically significant association was found between initial alignment of the femoral component and clinical outcome.

Conclusions:

Uncemented THA can be used in young patients with excellent to good functional and radiological outcome at mid-term follow-up, high satisfaction rate, and lower rate of complications.
Four-Dimensional XStrain Echocardiography: Correlation of Aortic Stiffness with Left Ventricular Diastolic, Systolic, and Strain Parameters in Healthy Adults – A Single-center Indian Perspective
Authors: Mehrotra Akhil , Sharma Ajay , Shadab Mohammad , Prakash Om , Kacker Shubham
Published: April 2023

Background:

Interrelationship of arterial stiffness with diastolic impairments of left ventricle (LV) in healthy population has been reported in several studies; however, to the best of our knowledge, no study till date has evaluated the relationship of aortic stiffness, with LV diastolic, systolic, and strain components, in healthy adults, by conventional, tissue Doppler imaging, and speckle-tracking echocardiography.

Materials and Methods:

Fifty-eight healthy participants were recruited (38 males and 20 females), and their mean age was 30.53 ± 12.22 years and 35.25 ± 10.61 years, respectively. A detailed assessment of aortic stiffness and elasticity, LV systolic, diastolic, and strain parameters was performed by the ingenious technology of four-dimensional XStrain echocardiography. Moreover, Pearson’s correlation coefficient was employed to investigate the association of aortic stiffness with LV diastolic, systolic, and strain functions.

Results:

A significant relationship was documented between aortic stiffness and a number of parameters of LV diastolic and systolic functions. On the contrary, there was an insignificant trend of positive or negative correlation of aortic stiffness with LV strain.

Conclusion:

This is the first study to document the correlation between aortic stiffness and various LV functions in healthy adults.
Caregiving in a Tertiary Health Institution in North Central Nigeria: Support Types and Financial Burden
Authors: Akande Oluwatosin Wuraola , Fasiku Mojirola Martina , Bolarinwa Oladimeji Akeem , Akande Tanimola Makanjuola
Published: April 2023

Background:

Caregivers play an important role in informal patient management. Identification of the support types and the financial challenges faced by caregivers will provide information on strategies to ease this burden. This study aimed to describe the support types and financial burden amongst caregivers in a tertiary hospital in North Central Nigeria.

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional study conducted amongst caregivers of inpatients in a tertiary hospital in North Central Nigeria. Data were collected using a pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire and were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences package version 23. Results were reported in frequencies and proportions and presented in prose, tables and charts.

Results:

A total of 400 caregivers were recruited. The mean age was 38.32 ± 12.82 years and most (66.0%) were females. Caregivers supported their patients by running errands (96.3%) and 85.3% reported caregiving as stressful. The reported errands were purchase of medications (92.3%), supply of non-medical needs (63.3%), submission of laboratory samples and collection of results (52.3%) and service payment (47.5%). About two-thirds (63.2%) reported loss of income while caregiving and about half (50.8%) provided financial support to the patients.

Conclusion:

This study suggests that majority of caregivers experience significant physical and financial burden while caregiving. This burden can be eased off by the simplification of payment and laboratory processes and employment of more staff to support patients admitted to the wards. The financial burden experienced by caregivers reinforces the need to encourage more Nigerians to enrol in a health insurance scheme.
Serum Magnesium Levels of Term Neonates with Birth Asphyxia and Relationship to Severity of Asphyxia
Authors: Ugowe Osagie Joseph , Ugowe Olaide Oluwatosin , Afeniforo Olufunke Grace , Adejuyigbe Ebunoluwa Aderonke
Published: April 2023

Background and Aims:

Birth asphyxia is one of the three main causes of neonatal mortality in Nigeria. Hypomagnesaemia has been reported amongst severely asphyxiated babies. Despite this, the prevalence of hypomagnesaemia amongst newborns with birth asphyxia has not been well researched in Nigeria. This study set out to determine the prevalence of hypomagnesaemia in term neonates with birth asphyxia and the relationship (if any) between magnesium levels and the severity of birth asphyxia or encephalopathy.

Methods:

In this cross-sectional analytical study, the serum magnesium levels of consecutive cases of birth asphyxia were compared to that of gestational age-matched healthy term neonates. Babies with Apgar scores <7 in the 5th minute of life were recruited into the study. Blood samples were taken from each baby at birth and 48 h. Serum magnesium was measured using spectrophotometry.

Results:

Hypomagnesaemia was found in 36 (35.3%) babies with birth asphyxia and 14 (13.7%) healthy controls; this difference was statistically significant (χ
2 = 18.098, P = 0.001), with an odds ratio of 3.4 (95% confidence interval = 1.7, 6.9). The median (interquartile range) levels of serum magnesium in babies with mild, moderate and severe asphyxia were 0.7 mmol/L (0.5–1.1), 0.7 mmol/L (0.4–0.9) and 0.7 mmol/L (0.5–1.0), respectively (P = 0.316), while those of babies with mild (stage 1), moderate (stage 2) and severe (stage 3) encephalopathy were 1.2 mmol/L (1.0–1.3), 0.7 mmol/L (0.5–0.8) and 0.8 mmol/L (0.6–1.0), respectively (P = 0.789).

Conclusion:

This study has shown that hypomagnesaemia was more common in babies with birth asphyxia and there was no relationship between magnesium levels and the severity of asphyxia or encephalopathy.
‘Prospective Audit with Intervention and Feedback’ as a Core Antimicrobial Stewardship Strategy in the Paediatrics Department of a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital
Authors: Ola-Bello Olafoyekemi Ibiwunmi , Akintan Patricia Eyanya , Osuagwu Chioma Stella , Oshun Philip Olayiwola , Fajolu Iretiola Bamikeolu , Nwaiwu Obiyo , Olusanya Adedunni , Busari Abdulwasiu Adeniyi , Roberts Alero Ann , Temiye Edamisan Olusoji , Omotayo Oluwafisayo , Oduyebo Oyinlola Omoniyi
Published: April 2023

Introduction:

Inappropriate use of antibiotics for childhood illnesses, especially for non-bacterial infections, contributes to the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Globally, implementation of antimicrobial stewardship programme (ASP) in all healthcare institutions is a strategic intervention to improve the appropriate use of antibiotics, reduce antimicrobial consumption and tackle AMR. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of prospective audit with intervention and feedback as an antimicrobial stewardship strategy on antimicrobial use, evaluate prescribers’ response to recommendations and determine the rate of AMR in the Paediatrics Department of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.

Materials and Methods:

This was an implementation study of the paediatrics Antimicrobial Stewardship Programme (ASP) over a period of 6 months. It was initiated with a point prevalence survey (PPS) to describe the antimicrobial prescribing patterns and followed by prospective audit with interventions and feedback using an antimicrobial checklist and the existing antimicrobial guidelines in the Paediatrics Department.

Results:

The antibiotic prescribing prevalence was high (79.9%) at baseline PPS with 139 patients on admission, of which 111 (79.9%) were treated with 202 antibiotic therapies. Over the 6 months of study, 582 patients on 1146 antimicrobial therapies were audited. Compliance with departmental guidelines was 58.1% of the total 1146 prescriptions audited (n = 666), making the antimicrobial prescription inappropriate in 41.9% (n = 480) of therapies. The most recommended intervention for inappropriateness was ‘change antibiotics’ 48.8% (n = 234), followed by ‘stop antibiotics’ 26% (n = 125), ‘reduce the number of antibiotics’ 19.6% (n = 194) and ‘de-escalate’ 2.4% (n = 11). Agreement with ASP interventions occurred in 193 (40.2%) cases, and the least agreed intervention was ‘stop antibiotics’ (n = 40, 32%). However, there was a steady increase in compliance rates with ASP interventions over the 6 months of period study, which was statically significant (χ2: 30.005; P = 0.001).

Conclusion:

ASP prospective audit with intervention and feedback was of significant benefit in improving compliance with antimicrobial guidelines, thereby improving antimicrobial therapy in the Paediatrics Department of LUTH, Nigeria.
Clinical and Microbiological Profile of Otomycosis in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Asoegwu Chinyere Nkiruka , Oladele Rita Okeoghene , Kanu Okezie Obasi , Peters Rebecca Folake , Nwawolo Clement Chukwuemeka
Published: April 2023

Introduction:

Otomycosis is a global disease, common in the world’s tropical and subtropical regions. The diagnosis is clinical, but mycological examination is required for its confirmation. There is a paucity of published data on otomycosis particularly the aetiologic agents in Nigeria. This study aims to fill in this gap by assessing the clinical presentations, risk factors and aetiologic agents of otomycosis in our setting.

Methods:

This was a prospective study of 126 clinically diagnosed patients and 30 controls. Mycological analysis of debris and swab samples from their external auditory canal was carried out.

Results:

One hundred and twenty-six patients were recruited, with 162 ear samples collected. There was mycological confirmation of otomycosis in 100 (79.4%) patients (subjects) and 127 (78.4%) specimens. The subjects’ age range was 1–80 years, 30.89 ± 21.15 mean age, and 29-year median age. The peak prevalent age of 1–10 years was statistically significant, P = 0.022. The common symptoms in the subjects were itching 86 (86%), ear blockage 84 (84%) and otalgia 73 (73%). Regular ear cleaning 67 (67.0%) was the most common risk factor. Noted aetiologic agents were Aspergillus
species 81 (63.8%), Candida
species 42 (33.1%) and Yeast 4 (3.1%). Aspergillus
flavus (40/127; 31.5%) was the most common fungus isolated. Unilateral otomycosis 73 (73%) was more common than bilateral otomycosis 27 (27%).

Conclusion:

Otomycosis is common in all ages, and is a commonly unilateral disease. Regular ear cleaning is the most common risk factor. A. flavus was the most common aetiologic agent in this study.
On a class of nonlocal obstacle type problems related to the distributional Riesz fractional derivative
Authors: Lo Catharine , Rodrigues José Francisco
Published: April 2023

In this work, we consider the nonlocal obstacle problem with a given obstacle

\psi

in a bounded Lipschitz domain

\Omega

in

\mathbb{R}^{d}

, such that

\mathbb{K}_\psi^s=\{v\in H^s_0(\Omega):v\geq\psi \text{ a.e. in }\Omega\}\neq\emptyset

, given by

u\in\mathbb{K}_\psi^s:\quad\langle\mathcal{L}_au,v-u\rangle\geq\langle F,v-u\rangle\quad\forall v\in\mathbb{K}^s_\psi,

for

F

in

H^{-s}(\Omega)

, the dual space of the fractional Sobolev space

H^s_0(\Omega)

,

0<s<1

. The nonlocal operator

\mathcal{L}_a:H^s_0(\Omega)\to H^{-s}(\Omega)

is defined with a measurable, bounded, strictly positive singular kernel

a(x,y):\mathbb{R}^d\times\mathbb{R}^d\to[0,\infty)

, by the bilinear form

\langle\mathcal{L}_au,v\rangle=\mathrm{P.V.}\int_{\mathbb{R}^d}\int_{\mathbb{R}^d} \tilde{v}(x)(\tilde{u}(x)-\tilde{u}(y))a(x,y) \,dy\,dx=\mathcal{E}_a(u,v),

which is a (not necessarily symmetric) Dirichlet form, where

\tilde{u},\tilde{v}

are the zero extensions of

u

and

v

outside

\Omega

respectively. Furthermore, we show that the fractional operator

\tilde{\mathcal{L}}_A=-D^s\cdot AD^s:H^s_0(\Omega)\to H^{-s}(\Omega)

defined with the distributional Riesz fractional

D^s

and with a measurable, bounded matrix

A(x)

corresponds to a nonlocal integral operator

\mathcal{L}_{k_A}

with a well-defined integral singular kernel

a=k_A

. The corresponding

s

-fractional obstacle problem for

\tilde{\mathcal{L}}_A

is shown to converge as

s\nearrow1

to the obstacle problem in

H^1_0(\Omega)

with the operator

-D\cdot AD

given with the classical gradient

D

.

We mainly consider obstacle type problems involving the bilinear form

\mathcal{E}_a

with one or two obstacles, as well as the

N

-membranes problem, thereby deriving several results, such as the weak maximum principle, comparison properties, approximation by bounded penalization, and also the Lewy–Stampacchia inequalities. This provides regularity of the solutions, including a global estimate in

L^\infty(\Omega)

, local Hölder regularity of the solutions when

a

is symmetric, and local regularity in fractional Sobolev spaces

W^{2s,p}_{\mathrm{loc}}(\Omega)

and in

C^1(\Omega)

when

\mathcal{L}_a=(-\Delta)^s

corresponds to fractional

s

-Laplacian obstacle type problems

u\in\mathbb{K}^s_\psi(\Omega):\quad\int_{\mathbb{R}^d}(D^su-{f})\cdot D^s(v-u)\,dx\geq0\quad\forall v\in\mathbb{K}^s_\psi\text{ for }{f}\in [L^2(\mathbb{R}^d)]^d.

These novel results are complemented with the extension of the Lewy–Stampacchia inequalities to the order dual of

H^s_0(\Omega)

and some remarks on the associated

s

-capacity and the

s

-nonlocal obstacle problem for a general

\mathcal{L}_a

.
Orders of products of elements and nilpotency of terms in the lower central series and the derived series
Authors: Martínez Juan
Published: April 2023

In this paper we prove that if

G

is a finite group, then the

k

-th term of the lower central series is nilpotent if and only if for every

\gamma_{k}

-values

x,y \in G

with coprime orders, either

\pi(o(x)o(y))\subseteq \pi(o(xy))

or

o(x)o(y) \leq o(xy)

. We obtain an analogous version for the derived series of finite solvable groups, but replacing

\gamma_{k}

-values by

\delta_{k}

-values. We will also discuss the existence of normal Sylow subgroups in the derived subgroup in terms of the order of the product of certain elements.
The Particle Size Distribution of Laterite Soil at Ekosodin, Benin City, Nigeria
Authors: Kayode-Ojo N. , Odemerho J. O.
Published: April 2023

The laterite soil particle-size distribution provides a preliminary knowledge of the rate of failure and the strength of soil to resist load pressure and subsequent susceptibility to gully erosion. This study was carried out to determine the particle size distribution of laterite soil at Ekosodin, Benin City, Nigeria using appropriate standard methods. This was achieved by collecting a total of twenty soil samples from the gully zone of Ekosodin and carrying out sieve and hydrometer analyses on the recovered soil. The average percentage weight of fines smaller than the following grain diameters: 1.18mm, 0.425mm, 0.075mm, 0.040mm, 0.010mm, 0.003mm, and 0.001mm, were approximately 96%, 74%, 45%, 35%, 28%, 21%, and 15% respectively. The coefficient of uniformity and coefficient of curvature classified the laterite soil as a well graded soil consisting of a representative of all grain sizes in a good complementary proportion. However, the significant quantity of fine in the soil composition made it susceptible to gully erosion in the presence of intense water movement.
Concentration and Human Health Risk Assessment of Alkylphenols, Bisphenols and Some Heavy Metals in Selected Canned Foods in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Ajayi A. T. , Njoku K. L.
Published: April 2023

The concentrations and human health risk associated with alkylphenols, bisphenols, Pb, Fe, Cd, and Cr were evaluated in samples of eight different canned foods sold in Lagos, Nigeria using standard techniques. The concentrations of Pb ranged from 0.002 to 2.84 mg/kg, Fe values ranged from 1.05 to 140.34 mg/kg, Cd levels ranged from 0.03 to 0.65 mg/kg, Cr levels ranged from 0.35 to 0.77 mg/kg, and bisphenol-A (BPA) values ranged from 33.90 to 70.14 ng/g across the canned foods. The estimated daily intake (EDI) through the consumption of the different canned foods sampled ranged from 3.67x10-6 to 2.33x10-2 mg/kg/day for Pb, 1.02x10-3 to 1.43 mg/kg/day for Fe, 1.50x10-5 to 6.61x10-3 mg/kg/day for Cd, 7.80x10-5 to 7.83x10-3 mg/kg/day for Cr, and 1.70x10-5 to 5.81x10-4 mg/kg/day for BPA. Most canned food groups had EDI values that were lower than the recommended provisional tolerable daily intake for the Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives However, canned peas and canned beans had EDI values that were higher than the recommended limits for Pb, Fe, and Cr. The results from the hazard index (HI) suggest that there is a risk of a non-carcinogenic toxic effect for canned tomatoes, canned fish, canned corn, canned beans, and canned peas as their values were greater than 1. Results from this study can be used to inform regulatory decisions, guide industry standards for the production of these products and used by consumers to make informed decisions about which canned foods to purchase and consume.
Optimal Mixture of Materials and Condition in Producing Flat Glasses for Automobile Windscreens in Nigeria
Authors: Ikegbula S. O. , Nwosu P. C.
Published: April 2023

The selection of materials is an essential element for engineering designers. This study investigated the optimal mixture of materials and condition in producing flat glasses for automobile windscreens in Nigeria. To achieve this, 10 pairs of compositions of material mixtures and cullet (broken glasses) were used. The standard material mixture (80/20 wt. % of material mix/cullet) from the local industry was modified to have batches of up to 60/40 wt. % material mix/cullet. These material mixtures were used to produce flat glasses by adopting procedures of industrial float glass process of Pilkington Brothers in variable conditions of annealing temperature and time. The average density of each pair of flat glass was measured using water displacement method, and each pair was later laminated to produce a total of 10 automobile windscreens. The windscreens were subjected to 2.25kg drop ball impact test from a height of 4m at 900. The study revealed that the density of the flat glass produced was significantly (p< 0.01) related to squared composition (wt. %) of cullet (R2=97.65%). The highest and lowest densities of 2.23g/cm3 and 1.95g/cm3 were obtained at cullet inclusions of 40 wt. % and 20 wt. % respectively at constant annealing temperature (5500C) and time (60 min). The optimal batch obtained composed of 40 wt. % cullet inclusion, annealed at 5000C for 50 minutes. Increased cullet composition was found to reduce the melting temperature of the batch mixture and fractured characteristics of the windscreens produced. Employing this design in the windscreens manufacturing industry saves production cost, facilitates a competitive market, enhance the quality of windscreens, reduce emissions and curb environmental degradation.
Optimization of Furfural Production from Corncobs using p-Toluene Sulphonic Acid
Authors: Awe F. E. , Okunola O. J. , Ibrahim Z. H. , Sule M.
Published: April 2023

Furfural is a promising renewable platform compound derived from lignocellulosic biomass that can be further converted to bio-based industrial chemicals. About 90% of what is used in Nigeria is imported, translating to hundreds of millions of Dollars in foreign exchange. Hence, this research aim was to optimize the production process of furfural from corncobs, a lignocellulosic biomass using a three steps methods which includes; pretreatment of raw materials, acid hydrolysis and distillation according to standard methods. The corncobs were grind to powdered form and then hydrolysed in a stirred reactor using p-toluene sulphonic acid (p-TsOH) by varying parameters which includes; temperature (60, 65 and 70 oC), reaction time (1, 2 and 3hrs) and concentration (30 ml, 40 ml and 50 ml). Analysis using FTIR was conducted to identify the functional group present in the furfural produced. The results showed yield of furfural increased from 23.66 % to 28 %, and the highest yield of furfural production was obtained using 50 ml p-TsOH at 70 oC for 3 h.
Knowledge of senior secondary school students in Nigeria about Head and Neck Cancer: Implications on prevention strategies
Authors: Kanmodi Kehinde Kazeem , Fagbule Omotayo Francis , Ogbeide Mike Eghosa , Ogunniyi Kayode Emmanuel , Isola Taiwo Oyebamiji , Samuel Victor Okpe , Aliemeke Emmanuel Onyemaechi , Adewuyi Habeeb Omoponle
Published: April 2023

Background

The high prevalence of the risk factors of head and neck cancer (HNC) amongst senior secondary (high) school students in Nigeria is an issue of serious public health concern. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the knowledge of HNC among them.

Methods

This cross-sectional study surveyed 2,530 senior secondary school students in Nigeria, assessed their knowledge of HNC, using a self-administered questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed using the SPSS version 25 software.

Results

The mean (±SD) age of the respondents was 16.34 (±2.0) years. More than half (1418; 56.6%) of them were males, 530 (20.9%) were schooling in the north-central geopolitical zone of Nigeria, 1,860 (73.5%) were in public schools, 554 (21.9%) were boarding students, and 817 (33.5%) were in Senior Secondary (SS) 3 class. Only 789 (31.2%) respondents were aware of HNC, out of which: 69.2% of them had below-average scores in their overall assessment on HNC; 256 (32.4%) had ever received education on HNC and 81.2% indicated a positive interest in knowing more about HNC. The factors predicting above-average score on knowledge about HNC among the respondents were: being in SS3 class (OR=1.73; 95% CI=1.17 – 2.56), having been educated about HNC (OR=1.69; 95%CI=1.21 – 2.35) and having the interest to know more about HNC (OR=1.88; 95%CI=1.21 – 2.92). Bivariate analysis showed that these factors had statistically significant association (or relationship) with above-average score on knowledge about HNC (pvalues<0.05).

Conclusion

Majority of the surveyed students were willing to know more about HNC. The use of a properly planned massive school-based HNC education programs may go a long way in educating this population group on HNC.
A complicated pregnancy: Eclampsia or COVID-19?
Authors: Ozcan Ayse , Iren Yusuf Harun , Kizilay Cigdem , Ustun Yusuf , Kaymak Cetin , Basar Hulya
Published: April 2023

Pregnant women may be infected with SARS-CoV-2 virus and develop serious complications of the disease. Covid-19 causes primarilya respiratory system infection but can also affect cardiovascular, renal, gastrointestinal, and neurological systems. Cardiovascularinvolvement includes new onset hypertension, myocarditis, cardiomyopathy, pulmonary embolism, and pre-eclampsia like syndrome.We report a confirmed Covid-19 pregnant case presented with eclampsia to the emergency department and undergone emergentcesarean section. Following surgery, she was admitted to the intensive care unit due to hypoxemia and hypertension. After observinglymphopenia and high CRP level with hypoxemia, radiological imaging revealed typical findings for viral pneumonia and nasopharyngealswab, which was not carried out at admission, was positive for Covid-19. On the 20th hour of follow-up, she became hypotensiverequiring noradrenalin infusion. Echocardiography diagnosed cardiomyopathy with left ventricular ejection fraction of 35-40 % withhigh levels of NT pro-BNP, hs-troponin, and CK-MB in the patient.Covid-19 should be considered in complicated pregnancies. In complicated cases, a chest CT scan upon admission may aid in quicklydetecting the presence of infection and preventing nosocomial spread of the virus. Cardiomyopathy could be found in pregnantpatients with Covid-19 infection. Since cardiomyopathy can be seen in late pregnancy and early postpartum period, it is difficult todistinguish between viral and postpartum cardiomyopathy in these patients. Recognizing the infection earlier will help to anticipate thecomplications that might contribute to deterioration of the patients, perioperatively.
The Effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on emergency service home service calls due to home accidents in children aged 0-6 in Sakarya, Türkiye?
Authors: Suzan Özge Karakaya , Tabakoglu Pınar , Elmas Bahri , Çınar Nursan
Published: April 2023

Background and AimThe contribution of global pandemics to the emergence of home accidents is unknown. The study aims to retrospectively examine theeffect of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Emergency Service Home Service Calls Due to Home Accidents in Children aged 0-6.MethodsData are reported in two sections. The descriptive part is a retrospective analysis of patients admitted to Sakarya Training and ResearchHospital Pediatric Emergency and Adult Emergency Unit between March 16, 2019 and January 31, 2020 (non-COVID-19era) andMarch 16, 2020 and January 31, 2021 (COVID-19era). The second part of the study, the comparative part, presents mean data for2019-2020 (non-COVID-19era) and 2020-2021 (COVID-19era) from the same center and the same period. These data will then becompared.ResultsA total of 9,110 pediatric patients applied to our center during the study period, of which 7,905 patients were in the non-Covid-19era period and 1,205 patients were in the Covid-19 era. While the rate of hospital admissions decreased by 85% in the Covid-19eracompared to the non Covid-19era, when the periods are evaluated within themselves; the forensic report retention rate in the Covid-19era increased by 180% and the rate of hospitalization increased by 75%, The rate of drug overdose increased by 280% and chemicalsubstance use increased by 325% compared to the non-Covid-19era. However The Covid-19 era, the fall rate decreased by 31% andthe burn rate decreased by 17% compared to the non-Covid-19 era.ConclusionsDuring the national lockdown period, our pediatric emergency department experienced significantly reduced volumes of children.Despite the decrease in hospital admission rate during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was still a very high increase in poisoning fromhome accidents. This study can provide a basis for further research on alternative strategies to address the problem of home accidentsduring the COVID-19 pandemic.
Healthcare workers’ experiences in caring for critically ill COVID-19 patients at a tertiary hospital in Malawi
Authors: Gundo Beatrice , Beyamu Joyce , Singo Alice , Chipeta Deliwe , Gundo Rodwell , Kazembe Abigail
Published: April 2023

IntroductionThe coronavirus pandemic overwhelmed the healthcare landscape, placing a strain on healthcare workers worldwide. In addition todirectly causing the deaths of people, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted critical health services in developing countries. The studyaimed to explore the experiences of healthcare workers who cared for critically ill COVID-19 patients at a tertiary hospital in Malawi.MethodsA qualitative descriptive design was used. Data were gathered through in-depth interviews with doctors, clinical officers, nurses, andallied staff (n=25) who were involved in the care of critically ill COVID-19 patients at the hospital’s COVID-19 treatment centres duringthe first and second waves of the pandemic in Malawi. The interviews were conducted in English, audiotaped, and later transcribedverbatim. Conventional content analysis was used to analyse the data following the steps proposed by Hsieh and Shannon1.ResultsThe overall experience of the health workers was negative. However, delivering care to critically ill COVID-19 patients was associatedwith positive and negative experiences. The positive experience was a result of teamwork among staff and support from hospital authoritiesand the community. Negative experiences, on the other hand, were attributed to a lack of knowledge and skills in managing critically illCOVID-19 patients, a lack of resources, and abuse by some patients and members of the community. Furthermore, there was fear ofcontracting the virus from patients and fellow health workers while providing care.ConclusionThe findings point to the need for adequate preparedness within the health sector to support and protect the healthcare workers andindividuals they look after. There is a need for disease awareness strategies for health workers and the general public for future pandemics.
Disease severity and renal function among sickle cell anaemia patients in a tertiary hospital, South-south, Nigeria: a cross sectional study
Authors: K Abiodun Ajeigbe , Oluseyi Adejumo , Temilola Owojuyigbe , Ekiye Ayinbuomwan , Bashiru Okesina A
Published: April 2023

BackgroundRenal disease is a recognized complication of sickle cell anaemia (SCA), especially from the third decade of life and is linked to disease severity. This study assessed the association between disease severity and renal function among SCA patients using routine and newer markers of renal function.MethodsThis cross-sectional study recruited 85 SCA patients. Disease severity was assessed using modified Adegoke criteria which include the frequency of transfusion, painful crises, packed cell volume, and history of complications such as hypertension and chronic leg ulcers. Renal function was assessed using urea, creatinine, and beta-2-microglobulin (β2-M). Association was determined between renal function and disease severity using Pearson’s correlation. P-value < 0.05 was taken as significant. ResultsThe mean age of participants was 27.2 ± 7.6 years with 41(48.2%) males and 44 (51.8%) females. The mean packed cell volume, serum creatinine, serum urea, and β2-M were 24.0± 4.1%,17.6±7.5 mg/dL, 0.7±0.3mg/dL, 3.4±1.2mg/l respectively. A majority (54.1%) of them had a mild disease while 35.3% and 10.6% had moderate and severe diseases, respectively. Forty of the SCA patients had urine specific gravity below 1.010. The mean values of systolic blood pressure (p=0.001) diastolic blood pressure (p=0.001), serum creatinine (p=0.028) and β2M (p=0.019) significantly increased with disease severity. There was a significant positive correlation between SCA disease severity and serum urea (r=0.229; p=0.035), and serum β2-microglobulin (r=0.270; p=0.012).Conclusion Sickle cell anaemia severity is associated with a decline in renal function using both traditional and novel renal markers. Serum β2-M may serve as a useful marker of renal function and disease severity in SCA
The relationship between nurses fear of COVID-19, professional commitment and tendencies to medical errors
Authors: BAKIRHAN Derya ŞİMŞEKLİ , TAN Mehtap
Published: April 2023

AimThis study was conducted to investigate the relationship between nurses’ fear of COVID-19, professional commitment and medical error tendency.MethodsThis study was use correlational research design with 312 nurses in January-April 2021. Data were collected online using a demographic characteristics questionnaire, the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S), the Professional Commitment Scale (PCS), and the Scale of Tendency to Medical Errors (STME). The study was approved by ethics committee. Number, mean, and standard deviation were used for sociodemographic variables. Participants’ FCV-19S, PCS, and STME scores were calculated. The correlations between scale scores were determined using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and Spearman correlation analysis.ResultsParticipants had a mean FCV-19S, PCS, and STME score of 19±8.17, 72.21±13.58, and 4.58±0.51, respectively. FCV-19S scores were weakly and positively correlated with PCS overall score (r=0.200, p<0.001), ‘’willingness to make an effort (r=0.273, p<0.001)’’ and ‘’belief in goals and values (r=0.115, p=0.043)’’ subscale scores. FCV-19S scores were weakly and positively correlated with STME “communication (r=0.119, p=0.036)” subscale score.ConclusionNurses who feared more about COVID-19 were found to have higher professional commitment, greater willingness to make an effort, and stronger belief in goals and values. Nurses who feared more COVID-19 were less likely to make communication-related medical errors.
Formol Gel detection of Leishmanial Antibodies: A Pilot Study for the prevalence of Visceral Leishmaniasis in Ekemkpon Community in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria
Authors: Akpan S.S. , Mbah M.
Published: April 2023

Visceral leishmaniasis is a form of parasitic infection transmitted to human beings by the bites of female sandflies of the genus Phlebotomus in African  countries, including Nigeria. This study was carried out in Ekemkpon community of Cross River State in Southern Nigeria, as a survey for the presence of  leishmanial antibodies in the area. Four millilitres of blood specimens were collected, by venepuncture, from 178 consenting residents of the study  community. One millilitre of cellfree serum from each blood specimen was placed in a plain test tube, to which 2 drops of concentrated formalin (40%)  were added. The preparation was allowed to stand on the bench for 20 minutes. A positive Formol Gel test was indicated by the whitening and gelling of  the serum like the white of an egg within 5 minutes, Chi-Square technique was used for testing the statistical significance of all parameters during  analysis. Atotal of 178 residents, comprising 95 males and 83 females, were enlisted in the study after obtaining their oral consent. Positive formol gel  results were detected in 24 subjects. This finding gave an overall prevalence of 13.5% (24:178) for visceral leishmaniasis in the study area. Among the  residents of the study area, there were no skin manifestations suggestive of cutaneous forms of leishmaniasis. Among those who were positive for the  formol gel test, there were no overt signs of classical illness. Therefore, visceral leishmaniasis exists as an asymptomatic infection in this community. It is  recommended that more sensitive tests, especially molecular techniques, be carried out for a definitive diagnosis to establish the presence or absence of  visceral leishmaniasis in this community.
Isolation of the active ingredients of antimalarial activity of the stem bark of Pseudocedrela kotschyi (Dry zone cedar)
Authors: Dawet A. , Yakubu D.P. , Omagha R. , Gushit J.S.
Published: April 2023

Natural products, either as pure compounds or as standardized extracts provide unlimited opportunities for new drug discoveries because of the  unmatched availability of chemical diversity. This study was carried out to isolate the active ingredients and determine the antimalarial activity of  fractions of Pseudocedrela kotschyi stem bark following a scientific report of the antimalarial activity of crude extract of the plant material. Atotal of seven  different fractions were obtained from 12g of the ethyl acetate crude extract using the flash chromatography method. GC-MS analysis of each of  the seven ethyl acetate fractions was done and the identification of components present was based on a direct a comparison of the similarity index,  retention times and mass spectral data with those for standard compounds. The compound prediction is based on NIST 05 Spectral library search  programme. LD50 of 5 out of 7 fractions obtained was carried out using 45 mice of both sexes  weighing 17-34g. The antimalarial (suppressive and  curative) properties were evaluated in 40 mice in 3 different groups using NK 65 Plasmodium berghei berghei for each fraction. The plant treatments  were compared against chloroquine and dimethyl sulfoxide. Results of GC-MS analysis of the seven ethyl acetate fractions of the plant extract showed the  presence of forty-four different compounds, of which 3, 5-di-tert-butylphenol have been previously reported to have antimalarial properties. Acute  toxicity (LD50 ) of fractions F1-4, F8, F9, F10-11, and F12-19 were 450mg/kg, 200mg/kg, 450mg/kg,  200mg/kg, and 450mg/kg respectively. All 7 fractions  exhibited antimalarial activity. Remarkably, fractions F8 and F6-7 showed significant antimalarial activities for both suppressive and curative tests. These  findings may benefit the antimalarial drug search in the current public health concerns of malaria disease.
Addition of equine chorionic gonadotropin in controlled internal drug-release-based synchronization improves reproductive performance of Nili-Ravi buffalo in the sub-tropics
Authors: Naveed M.I. , Hassan M. , Husnain A. , Riaz U. , Ahmad M. , Yousuf M.R. , Ahmad N.
Published: April 2023

This study evaluated the effect of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) and factors such as body condition score (BCS), cyclicity, and breeding season in a controlled internal drug release (CIDR)-based oestrus synchronization protocol on ovarian follicle dynamics, oestrus expression, ovulation rate, and pregnancy per artificial insemination (AI) (P/AI) in Nili-Ravi buffalo. Adult buffaloes (n = 88), 6.69 ± 1.17 years, parity 3.36 ± 0.97, and BCS 2.76 ± 0.45, were randomly administered eCG or saline, concurrent with prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) treatment on Day 6 in a CIDR synchronization protocol during the breeding season and low breeding season. Follicular dynamics and oestrus expression were recorded from eCG administration until ovulation. Fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) was performed at 48- and 60-hour intervals after CIDR withdrawal. On Day 35 post-AI, pregnancy was diagnosed with ultrasonography. There was no significant difference in the size of the ovulatory follicle between eCG-treated buffaloes (ETB) and saline-treated buffaloes (STB). The growth rate of the dominant follicle, oestrus response and intensity, ovulation, and P/AI were higher (P <0.05) in eCG-treated buffaloes. It was concluded that eCG improved the growth rate of the dominant follicle, oestrus expression, and P/AI in a CIDR-based FTAI programme in Nili-Ravi buffalo. The deleterious effects of poor BCS, acyclicity, and low breeding season could be reduced with a progesterone-based fixed time AI protocol with the addition of eCG.