bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of depression in people with tuberculosis in East Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Getinet Alemu Wondale , Amare Zeleke Tadele
Published: April 2023

Background: Depression is one of the most common mental health problems comorbid with tuberculosis. However, a consolidated picture of the prevalence of depression among tuberculosis patients in East Africa remains unknown. This systematic review and meta-analysis provide new understandings by systematically examining evidence concerning the prevalence of depression among tuberculosis patients in East Africa.

Methods: Literature was found in a database of HINARI, SCOPUS, PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. The Newcastle- Ottawa quality assessment scale was used to appraise the quality of the selected studies. Then, the DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model was applied because of the presence of heterogeneity among studies.

Results: A total of 409 studies were accessed. However, only 29 qualified for a full-text review, and 9 studies with a population of 2838 were included in the qualitative description and quantitative analysis. The pooled prevalence estimate of depression amongst tuberculosis patients was 43.03 % (34.93, 51.13). The highest prevalence was observed in Kenya, with 45.71% (29.26, 62.16); a similar rate was observed in Ethiopia, with 45.11 % (34.60, 55.62). Subgroup analysis based on screening tool was used: 45.71% with BDI and 41.53% with PHQ.

Keywords: Depression; East Africa; meta-analysis; systematic review; TB patients.
Community knowledge and practice of malaria prevention in Ghindae, Eritrea, a Cross-sectional study
Authors: Kidane Andegiorgish Amanuel , Goitom Semhar , Mesfun Kidane , Hagos Michael , Tesfaldet Mussie , Habte Eyasu , Azeria Eyob , Zeng Lingxia
Published: April 2023

Background: Little is known about community knowledge and practice towards malaria prevention in Ghindae, Eritrea.

Methodology: A community based cross-sectional study design was employed among 380 households. Participants were selected systematically.

Result: More than eight-tenth (86.5%) of the respondents had heard information about malaria preceding the survey; health facilities (54.1%), television (23.7%). Majority (94.2%) mentioned mosquito bite as the main mode of malaria transmission. Fever was the predominantly (89.2%) identified sign/symptoms of malaria. ITN (84.4%) and environmental sanitation (67.3%) were well recognized preventive measures for malaria. Though most households (91%) possess bed nets, but only 37% were ragged on observation. Overall, 64% of the respondents have satisfactory knowledge and 57.3% had adequate practice towards malaria prevention. Malaria knowledge was significantly associated with increased age (p=0.001) and district areas (p=0.022). Malaria prevention practice was significantly associated with Tigrigna and Saho ethnic group (p=0.013), and districts (p=0.02). Districts showed significant difference with an OR=4.56 (95%CI, 1.29-16.09) on knowledge for district 04 and OR=1.98(95%- CI, 1.21-3.26) on practice for district 03 compared to district 01. Knowledge was associated with prevention (OR=1.99, 95%CI, 1.28-3.09).

Conclusion: Overall community knowledge and practice towards malaria prevention were satisfactory. Furthermore, comprehensive community interventions are paramount for effective sustainable control.

Keywords: Malaria; knowledge; practice; prevention; Ghindae; Eritrea.
Low frequency of knockdown resistance mutation (L1014F) and the efficacy of PBO synergist in multiple insecticide-resistant populations of Anopheles gambiae in Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria
Authors: Ifeoluwa Kayode Fagbohun , Emmanuel Taiwo Idowu , Adedapo O Adeogun , Olalekan Olagundoye , Precious Chimdalu Ikebaku , Iyanuoluwa Olayilola Orisaheyi , Tolulope Amos Oyeniyi , Chinenye Lynda Nkemeh , Olubunmi Adetoro Otubanjo , Oladosu Otubanjo Yusuf , Adetoro Olubunmi
Published: April 2023

Objective: We evaluated the susceptibility status of Anopheles gambiae in two communities of Ikorodu, Lagos, Nigeria to DDT, deltamethrin, lambda cyhalothrin and bendiocarb.

Methods: Anopheles immature stages were collected from their habitats in the surveyed community and allowed to emerge before exposure adult females to discriminating doses of WHO insecticides including DDT, deltamethrin, lambda cyhalothrin, bendiocarb and malathion. PBO synergistic bioassay was conducted for insecticides where the mosquito samples showed resistance. PCR assay was used for the detection of kdr mutation in the mosquitoes.

Results: Resistance to DDT (40% and 86%) and lambda cyhalothrin (75% and 84%) in Oke-Ota and Majidun respectively. Suspected resistance to deltamethrin (94.9%) and bendiocarb (93.5%) was recorded in Oke-Ota community and the mosquitoes were susceptible to malathion in both communities. KDR mutation (L1014F) from resistance samples from both locations though with a low frequency that significantly departs from Hardy-Weinberg’s probability (P> 0.01). PBO synergized bioassay was able to increase knockdown, percentage mortality and restore full susceptibility to deltamethrin and bendiocarb.

Conclusion: Results from this study indicates that the metabolic resistance mechanism is highly implicated in the resistance to different classes of insecticide in Ikorodu and this should be taken into consideration when implementing vector control activities in this area.

Keywords: Malaria; Anopheles gambiae; insecticide resistance; knockdown resistance; metabolic resistance.
Association between educational attainment and risky sexual behaviour among Ghanaian female youth
Authors: Jackson Frederica , T Haile Zelalem
Published: April 2023

Background: Ghanaian female youth aged 15-24 years are especially vulnerable to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) compared to their male counterparts.Objectives: This study examined the association between educational attainment and risky sexual behavior among Ghanaian female youth.

Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a nationally representative sample of youth from the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (n=1702). The outcome of interest was risky sexual behavior, defined as having last intercourse with a non-marital partner without condoms. Descriptive and inferential statistical tests were utilized.

Results: Overall, the prevalence of risky sexual behavior was 66.9%. In the bivariate analysis, risky sexual behavior differed by level of education. Compared to women with a college-level education, a significantly higher proportion of women with secondary education reported risky sexual behavior (72.9%), followed by those with primary education (65.7%) (p<0.001). In the multivariable-adjusted model, there was a significant interaction between education and household wealth index (P =0.030) and between education and the type of place of residence (P =0.045) on risky sexual behavior.

Conclusion: Culturally appropriate and targeted interventions are warranted to increase condom use among these subgroups and curb the rising rates of STIs among Ghanaian female youth.

Keywords: Ghanaian youth; risky sexual behavior; educational attainment.
Association of pro-fibrinolytic receptor AnnexinA2 with tissue plasminogen activator/Inhibitor-1 in pre-eclampsia
Authors: Ruikar Komal , Khode Vitthal , S Shetty Shilpa , E Sarathkumar , Patil Prakash , Patil Satish , Bargale Anil , Sadashiv Roshni , Shetty Praveenkumar
Published: April 2023

Background: The clinical manifestations of pre-eclampsia are related to placental anti-angiogenic factor alteration. These variations are mainly due to the alteration of plasminolytic components. The study aims to compare the expression of plasminolytic components in the placenta of women with and without pre-eclampsia.

Material and Methods: The study included pregnant women with pre-eclampsia as PE group (n = 30) and without pre-eclampsia as a control group (n = 30). Placental bed biopsy tissues were collected. AnxA2, tPA, PAI-1 expression in the placental villous tissue was quantitatively evaluated using immunohistochemistry, western blot, and real time-PCR analysis.

Results: The results of the study showed a significant decrease in the expression of ANXA2 and increased expression of tPA and PAI-1 in PE group compared to control group (p<0.005). AnxA2 expression showed positive correlation with tPA (r=+0.895, p=0.002) and negative correlation with PAI-1(r=-0.905, p=0.020) in control group whereas in the PE group AnxA2 expression was negatively correlated with tPA ((r=-0.801, p=0.016) and PAI-1 (R=-0.831, P=0.010).

Conclusion: Decreased AnxA2 with increased expression of PAI-1 and tPA may be responsible for the altered fibrinolytic activity and play a significant role in pre-eclampsia pathogenesis.

Keywords: Pre-eclampsia; fibrinolysis; AnxA2; tPA; PAI-1.
Evaluation of sexual function and sexual quality of life in women during the COVID-19 Pandemic: the Turkish case
Authors: Mamuk Rojjin , Yurtsever Çelik Sultan , Temizkan Sekizler Emine
Published: April 2023

Background: Sexual health is an important component of general health.

Objective: To evaluate sexual function and sexual quality of life (SQOL) in women during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in Turkey. Data were collected via a Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and Sexual Quality of Life–Female (SQOL-F) questionnaire.

Results: The mean FSFI score was 26.91±5.62, and 39.1% of the women had an FSFI score of 26.55 or lower. The mean SQOL-F score was 79.08±20.90. FSFI score was significantly associated with employment status (β=-0.661), partner education (β=1.698), sexual compatibility between partners (β=0.518), sexual satisfaction (β=0.230), fatigue level (β= -0.120), and frequency of sexual intercourse (β=0.160). In addition, SQOL-F score was significantly associated with sexual desire (β=2.625), satisfaction (β=1.338), pain or discomfort (β=1.274), age (β= -0.356), sexual compatibility between partners (β=1.984), and fatiguelevel (β=-0.981) (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Less than half of the women participating in this study had sexual dysfunction, and overall SQOL was moderate to high. These results were associated with some descriptive characteristics of the women and were similar to those reported in pre-pandemic studies conducted in Turkey.

Keywords: COVID-19; quality of sex life; sexuality; sexual function; women.
Mothers’ cord care practices in an academic hospital in Kenya
Authors: M Kyololo O’Brien , J Kipkoech Maculater
Published: April 2023

Background: Nearly 99% of neonatal deaths globally occur in low- and middle-income countries with about three-quarters of the neonatal deaths resulting from sepsis including those arising from cord infections. Thus, good cord care practices have the potential to reduce the neonatal deaths in low and middle-income countries such as Kenya.

Objective: Describe cord care practices of mothers in an academic hospital in Kenya.

Methods: A questionnaire was administered to 114 mothers attending child welfare clinic at 6 weeks in an academic hospital in Western Kenya. Descriptive statistics were computed for continuous variables while frequencies were computed for categorical variables. Parametric and non-parametric tests were used to check for association between maternal variables and cord care practices.

Results: Most mothers applied chlorhexidine (n =73, 64%) or practiced dry cord care (n = 17, 14.9%). Some mothers (12.9%) applied potentially harmful substances including saliva, ash and soil. Mothers who attended at least three antenatal clinic visits practiced the recommended cord care (χ 2 =16.02, p. = 0.03).Conclusions: Although mothers predominantly practiced the recommended cord care, some potentially deleterious practices were reported. There is need to encourage attendance to antenatal clinic in order to optimize umbilical cord care practices.

Keywords: Cord care; practices; neonates; mothers; Kenya.
Analysis of the proportion of university teaching hospital gastric cancer data included in the Zambia national cancer registry
Authors: Shumba Samson , Kayamba Violet
Published: April 2023

Background: The exact prevalence of gastric cancer in Zambia is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the proportion of gastric cancer cases seen at the largest hospital in Zambia, whose records were included in the Zambia National Cancer Registry (ZNCR).

Methods: We reviewed gastric cancer records between January 2015 and December 2017 from the University Teaching Hospital, Cancer Diseases Hospital and ZNCR. Statistical analysis was done using Stata version 15.

Results: We reviewed 94 patient records (42 were females) with a mean age of 59 years (standard deviation, 14.9). Histologically, the majority of the cases were adenocarcinoma (84%). Of the reviewed records, only 39/94 (42%) had their data included in the ZNCR. Median time to from endoscopic diagnosis to histopathological confirmation was 11 days (inter-quartile range; 7-20). Median time from histological confirmation to the Cancer Diseases Hospital for therapy was 8 days (IQR 2-19). Overall median survival time for gastric cancer patients was 290 days (CI 95%, 112 – 1225).

Conclusions: Data on gastric cancer reported in the ZNCR are an underestimate of the true disease burden and there is need to strengthen data collection strategies for gastric cancer in Zambia.

Keywords: Gastric cancer; survival; Zambia; outcomes.
Histopathologic patterns of intracranial neoplasms at Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. A ten-year hospital-based retrospective study
Authors: E Uchime Kasiemobi , A Adebayo Luqman , A Odukoya Lateef , O Ajayi Olugbende , C Anunobi Charles
Published: April 2023

Background: The most common intracranial neoplasm worldwide is meningioma, followed by gliomas, and then pituitary adenomas. There are geographical differences in the pattern of occurrence of intracranial neoplasms. The purpose of this study is to establish the pattern of occurrence of different histological types of intracranial neoplasms with their age and sex distributions in our environment – Lagos, Nigeria.The histological patterns, age, and gender distributions of all the intracranial neoplasms diagnosed within the study period at the Department of Anatomic and Molecular Pathology, LUTH, Lagos, Nigeria were noted and analysed with SPSS version 23.

Result: There were 296 patients (165 females, 131 males; mean age of 37.0 years) diagnosed with an intracranial neoplasm within the study period. The most frequently diagnosed intracranial neoplasm was meningioma (105 cases; 35%, median age of 42 years, male to female ratio of 1:2.2), followed by pituitary adenoma (78 cases; 26%, median age of 47 years, male to female ratio of 1.3:1), and then gliomas (71 cases; 24%, median age of 28, male to female ratio of 1:1.39).

Conclusion: The result of the study shows pituitary adenoma to be more common than gliomas, unlike what is seen in Caucasians where the reverse is the case.

Keywords: INTRACRANIAL; Neoplasms; Central Nervous System.
The effect of short-term vitamin D on the antioxidant capacity following exhaustive aerobic exercise
Authors: Parvizi Mastali Vahid , Hoseini Rastegar , Azizi Mohammad
Published: April 2023

Background: Exhaustive Aerobic Exercise (EAE) increases the production of free radicals and oxidative stress in the body. One of the most effective approaches to reduce EAE-induced oxidative stress is antioxidant supplementation.

Objectives: Therefore, the present study investigated the effect of short-term Vitamin D (Vit D) supplementation on antioxidant capacity in inactive men following an EAE session.

Methods: In this clinical trial, 24 non-athlete men were randomly divided into Experimental (Exp; n = 12) and Control (C; n =12) groups. Exp received 2,000 IU of Vit D daily for six weeks (42 days), while C received a lactose placebo daily with the same color, shape, and warmth percentage. EAE sessions were performed on a treadmill before and after six weeks of supplementation.

Results: The results showed that EAE increased antioxidant capacity and Vit D (P<0.05). Compared with C, six weeks of Vit D supplementation significantly increased superoxide dismutase (P=0.001), glutathione peroxidase (P=0.011), catalase (P=0.018), peroxidase (P=0.001), and Vit D (P=0.001), in the Exp at the Post 2 stage.

Conclusion: Finally, short-term Vit D supplementation could be recommended to non-athlete men deciding to participate in EAE to prevent oxidative damage.

Keywords: Exhaustive Aerobic Exercise; Overweight; Vitamin D; Antioxidant Capacity.
Clopidogrel-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: a case report
Authors: N Ndulue Chidozie , N Jisieike-Onuigbo Nonyelum , J Okwesa Nwabueze , Anyanor Arinze , C Ozuemba Bartholomew , Osakwe Nwamaka , Oguejiofor Fidelis , Eze Hyacinth , Ofia Kalu Anya , U Odenigbo Charles
Published: April 2023

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare variant of thrombotic microangiopathy. We report a case of TTP in a Nigerian chronic kidney disease (CKD) patient who was previously on clopidogrel. The features of TTP resolved soon after clopidogrel was withdrawn. Clopidogrel is a cardio-protective anti-platelet drug used in CKD patients at risk of dyspepsia. However, its potential to cause TTP should be recognized and considered in acute kidney injury (AKI) patients previously on clopidogrel.

Keywords: Clopidogrel; Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura; CKD; AKI; uremic encephalopathy.
Attitudes and usage of visual-aids in graduate student learning of gross anatomy at Makerere University
Authors: Nabirye Peruth , B Paul Lukiza , S Mwaka Erisa
Published: April 2023

Background: The increasing numbers of students studying human anatomy at Makerere University are beginning to overwhelm available resources, which presents challenges in learning and necessitates an evaluation of alternative ways to enhance anatomy learning.The increasing numbers of students overwhelm resources available and presents challenges in learning. This necessitates an evaluation of alternatives to enhance gross anatomy learning at Makerere University College of Health Sciences. The study aimed to assess the usage of visual aids and generate necessary information to enhance learning.

Methods: A cross-sectional study employing a concurrent triangulation mixed method design was conducted among 44 graduate students actively participating in cadaveric dissection. Data was collected using self-administered questionnaires and two focus group discussions. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to summarize data.

Results: Most participants were male (77.3%) with a mean age of 31.5 years (SD 3.9, Range, 27-45 years). A majority of graduate students reported using non-traditional methods (online sources) to supplement learning. Students commonly used hard copies of Cunningham Manual of Practical Anatomy (88.6%) supplemented with well-illustrated textbooks (79.5%) and online dissection videos (72.7%). Students expressed most satisfaction with the use of videos and well-illustrated text books in supplementing learning. The availability of these electronic resources was limited by factors such as poor internet connectivity and theneed to pay for online licenses and subscription fees.

Conclusion: Graduate students in the Department of Anatomy at MakCHS are using non-traditional methods to supplement their learning. However, there are several challenges to accessing digital resources. There is a need to support students with accessing visual aids through integrating newer teaching modalities and modern technology to promote interest and retention of anatomical knowledge.

Keywords: Visual aids; usage; gross anatomy learning.
Neonatal pain perception, management and review of practices among medical workers in Nigeria newborn units
Authors: Ikechukwu Okonkwo , Angela Okolo , Augustine Omoigberale
Published: April 2023

Background: Pain is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage. The perception of pain is variable and knowledge may not match practise.

Aims: To ascertain the knowledge, attitude and practice of neonatal pain management (NPM) among HCW in newborn units across Nigeria.

Methods: The validated questionnaire administered to consenting doctors and nurses working in various newborn units in Nigeria was utilised.

Results: There were 256 respondents from tertiary institutions 228 (89.1%) located in 31 states of Nigeria. There were 91% doctors and 8.6% nurses’. The perception of newborn pain was high (≥95%) among doctors and nurses . Up to 67.1% of the doctors and 57.1% of nurses were aware of NPM. One third (37.3%) of doctor respondents knew of NPM from friends and colleagues while half of the nurses knew from course textbooks. Pain definition was in most by sensation (94%), 50% by emotion. Most nurses were aware of the subjective report of potential tissue damage and knew the facial expressions of pain compared to doctors. Crying was equally recognised as an expression of pain. Perception of non-pharmacologic methods of NPM was highest for massaging and KMC; the knowledge of Sucrose analgesia was low. Procedural pain perception was poor and analgesia was for few procedures.

Conclusions: Perception of pain was high but did not match knowledge and practice of NPM. Formal education on NPM was lacking in the training of HCW.

Keywords: Neonatal pain management; Nigerian newborns; health care workers.
Preparation of histology slides and photomicrographs: Indispensable techniques in anatomic education.
Authors: Isaac Ubi Essien , Oyo-Ita Emmanuella , Igwe Nancy Paulina , Ije Eze Lazarus
Published: April 2023

The relevance of histology slides in microscopy cannot be overemphasized. However, a major challenge to many scientists in the field stems from paucity of published data to nearly lack of access to a comprehensive technical guide to prepare tissue samples as needed for practical demonstrations, reviews or diagnostic purposes. The current research project was carried out to produce histology glass slides and photomicrographs, as well as to document the step-by-step procedures for model by concerned practitioners and scientists. The standard procedures for paraffin method of histological preparation were employed. This involves sample fixation, dehydration, clearing, impregnation, embedding, section-cutting, staining and mounting. Harris hematoxylin and eosin were used for section staining. Tissue specimens were sourced from laboratory rats (Rattus norvegicus). Other materials used included reagents- formalin, alcohol, xylene, distyrene plasticizer xylene (DPX) as well as instruments/equipment- embedding mould, water bath, oven and rotary microtome. Photomicrographs were produced using digital camera attached to light microscope that is connected to a computer interface. 500 pieces set of slides comprising 20 different organ specimens was produced as samples, with each specimen mounted on 25 glass slides of either longitudinal or transverse sections. 40 digital images taken at low and high magnifications were also generated from the various specimens and subsequently stored on a disk. This project occupies a special place in practice due to the clarity about the techniques and the good quality of the slide series obtained which both contribute to knowledge.
Cadmium Chloride-induced skin ulceration and inflammation in rats: Anti-inflammatory potentials of Moringa oleifera and Musa sapientium via NF-KB/IL-4/1L-10-mediated pathway.
Authors: Akinlolu Adelaja Abdulazeez , Ebito Gabriel , Ameen Mubarak , Asogwa Nnaemeka , Odubela Kayode , Akindele Raheem , Fagbohunka Bamidele , Ajayi Naomi , Sobande Ifeoluwa , Sikiru Temitope
Published: April 2023

Cadmium-induced toxicity resulted in skin carcinogenesis in rats. The mechanism underlying Cadmium-induced skin carcinogenesis remains poorly understood. Therefore, we evaluated anticancer potentials of Moringa oleifera and Musa sapientum in Cadmium Chloride (CdCl2)-induced skin carcinogenesis, ulceration and inflammation in rats. Twenty-eight adult male wistar rats (average weight of 155 g) were randomly divided into 7 groups (n = 4). Group 1 was control. Groups 2-4 and 7 received single intraperitoneal administration of 1.5 mg/Kg bodyweight of CdCl on Day 1. Thereafter, Groups 3, 4 and 7 were post-treated with 15 mg/Kg bodyweight of MO11, 15 mg/Kg bodyweight of MO11 + 7 mg/Kg bodyweight of MS06 and 3.35 mg/Kg bodyweight of Doxorubicin respectively (Days 1-17). Groups 5 and 6 received only MO11-dose and Olive Oil (vehicle) respectively (Days 1-17). Skin histopathology (Heamatoxyline and Eosin technique) and ELISA concentrations of pro-inflammatory biomarkers (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and NF-kB) and antiinflammatory biomarkers (IL-4 and IL-10) in liver homogenates of rats of Groups 1-7 were evaluated. Computed data were statistically analysed using Mann-Whitney-U test at P ≤ 0.05. Histo-pathological evaluations showed normal skin histology in Groups 1 and 3-5, but skin histoalterations in Groups 2 and 6. Post-treatments of CdCl2-induced skin carcinogenesis with MO11, MO11+MS06 and Doxorubicin resulted in downregulations of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and NF-kB, butupregulations of IL-4 and IL-10 in Groups 3, 4 and 6, compared with Group 2. MO11 and MO11+MS06 achieved better anti-inflammatory potentials than Doxorubicin. Overall, MO11 and MS06 possess anticancer and anti-inflammatory potentials.
Clinical presentation of impacted third molar tooth and its effect on the adjacent tooth, in Lusaka, Zambia
Authors: Saisha Joshua , Kapeshi Christophe , Siame Amon , Sikhanyiso Mutemwa , Kafumukache Eliot , Gupta Kafita , Ngoma Thelma , Mwembenshi Helen , Erzingastian Krikor
Published: April 2023

Impacted tooth is a tooth which is completely or partially unerupted and is positioned against another tooth, bone or soft tissue so that its further eruption is dependent on its anatomical location. The prevalence of third molar impaction ranges from 16.7% to 68.6%. This study aimed at evaluating the clinical presentation of impacted third molar tooth and its effect on adjacent tooth. Objectives of the study were to determine the pathology of second molar and surrounding structures associated with third molar impaction and to determine the type of treatment modalities for impacted third molar and the adjacent tooth. The study revealed 81% of third molar impactions were associated with the mandibular arch and 68% of these were located on the right side of the mandibular arch. Clinical changes identified in this study were, 69% dental caries, while 76% was pain and swelling. Treatment for impacted third molar was surgical extraction, while adjacent molar was treated by supportive care. The diagnostic modality for third molar impaction was found to be intraoral radiology. Right mandibular arch is the commonest site for third molar impaction, and dental caries, pain, and swelling are the clinical presentations. Gum disease, periodontal pocket in the second molar and proximal dental caries in second molar were the pathological changes seen in the second molar adjacent to the impacted third molar in this study. Majority of the participants were diagnosed by an intraoral imaging procedure and surgical extraction was the mainstay treatment modality.
Self-Reported Fall-Related Injury and Its Associated Factors among Adults with Visual Impairment Attending St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Mengste Yingesu Lemma , Belete Gizachew Tilahun , Eticha Biruk Lelisa , Zeleke Tarekegn Cheklie
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND: Falls account for vast majority of fractures and are a significant reason for trauma related hospital admissions. The main aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of selfreported fall, related injuries, and associated factors among adult patients with visual impairment.METHODS: Hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from July to August 2021. Systematic random sampling technique was used. The data were entered into Epi-data version 3.1 and exported to SPPS version 26 for analysis. Frequency, mean, and percentage, were used to summarize the descriptive data. The association between the outcome variable and explanatory variables was assessed using binary and multivariate logistic regressions. The adjusted odds ratio was calculated, and variables with a p-value below 0.05 at the 95% confidence interval (CI) were considered statistically significant.RESULT: A total of 487 study participants were involved in this study with a response rate of 93.83%. The mean age of the study participants was 52 ± 16.26 years. The overall prevalence of selfreported fall was 36.1 %. Being female, being older than 64 years of age, rural residence, fear of falling, and blind stage of visual impairment were significantly associated with falling.CONCLUSION: The prevalence of self-reported fall was high among visually impaired individuals. Female sex, age more than 64 years, rural residence, fear of falling, and blind stage of visual impairment were significantly associated with falling. Reducing patients' chances of suffering from falling-related injuries and consequences requires raising awareness about the burden, danger, and effects of falling on persons who are visually impaired.
Assessment of Treatment Outcome and Its Associated Factors among Adult Epileptic Patients in Public Hospitals in the Southern Ethiopia: A Multi-center Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Ahmed Muluken , Nasir Mohammed , Yalew Solomon , Getahun Firdawek , Getahun Fitsum
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND: Epilepsy accounts for 0.5 % of the world’s disease burden. Around 80 % of these are living in low and middleincome countries. In Ethiopia, the prevalence is 0.6 to 5 per 1000 population. There is a little study in our study area on the treatment and predictors of response of adult epilepsy. The purpose of this study was to determine the treatment outcome and its associated factors among adult epileptic patients in public hospitals in southern Ethiopia.METHODS: Multi-centered, Hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2021 - august 2022. Data were collected by face-to-face interviews and record review. Data was analysed using SPSS. The bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses have been performed between the dependent and the independent variables.RESULT: Of the total 422 participants, 55.9 % were males and 62.6% were below 30 years of age. The most common type of seizure was a generalized tonic-clonic seizure. Most (87.9 %) were treated by immunotherapy. Phenobarbitone is most common medication (77.5). One-quarter reported adverse effects of medication. The majority (78%) had good control (seizure free for at least one year) and 22% had poor control. Poor medication adherence (AOR=4.03) and shorter duration of seizure before treatment (AOR=4.233) were associated with poor control.CONCLUSION: A significant number of patients had poor control of seizures. Early identification of issues on medication adherence and early initiation of treatment will improve treatment outcome.
Effects of Roy's Adaptation Model on Quality of Life in People with Opioid Abuse under Methadone Maintenance Treatment: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Rezazadeh Meysam , Hosseini Seyyed Abbas , Musarezaie Amir
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND፡ Opioid abuse is one of the most obvious problems in today's world and directly affects individuals' quality of life. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of Roy's adaptation model on the quality of life in people with opioid abuse under methadone maintenance treatment.METHODS: This randomized trial study was conducted in 2021 on 72 patients with opioid abuse under methadone maintenance treatment at the Center for Addiction Harm Reduction in Isfahan. The samples were randomly allocated into intervention (n=36) and control groups (n=36) based on the table of random numbers by computer. The intervention was conducted by implementing Roy's adaptation model in the intervention group. To analyze the data, paired t-test, independent sample t-test, chi-square test, and analysis of covariance were used.RESULTS: The mean ± standard deviation of the quality of life score in the intervention group (28.96±4.79) was significantly different than before the intervention (24.02±6.09) (P<0.001). At the same time, it was not significantly different in the control group. The mean ± standard deviation of the quality of life score in the intervention group (24.02±6.09) was not significantly different from the control group (20.55±8.53) before the intervention.CONCLUSION: Roy's adaptation model had positive effects on the quality of life score in patients with opioid abuse. On the other hand, patients' quality of life indicates the effectiveness of methadone maintenance treatment. Therefore, it is suggested to use this model in nursing care programs.
Occupational Exposure to Welding Fumes and Associated Respiratory Morbidities among arc Welders in Ikenne, Nigeria
Authors: Fikayo Bamidele Emmanuel , Chimezie Okebalama Victor , John Sodeinde Kolawole , Omotola Ogunkoya John , Mbon Ivy Chizurum , Eleonu Peace Chioma , Ndinne Kelechi Walter , Atinuke Taiwo Adesola
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND: Few studies have been conducted on the respiratory morbidities of welders in Nigeria, and further research is needed to determine the extent of fume exposure and the implicated metals at workplaces. This study was done to determine whether welding gases are associated with respiratory illness among welders in Ikenne Local Government Area, Ogun State, Nigeria.METHODS: A cross-sectional study comparing 142 welders and 142 controls was carried out. Lung function testing and clinical assessments were done. The Chi-square test & the independent T-tests were used to test for the association between socio-demographic characteristics and respiratory symptoms & the association between differences in means of lung function parameters among welders and controls respectively.RESULTS: Chromium, nickel, manganese, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen dioxide levels were higher than the recommended values. Forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) was significantly lower in welders (2.62±0.7) than in controls (2.81±0.7) (t=2.148, p<0.05). FEV1/FVC was significantly lower among welders (75±13.7) compared to controls (80.7±8.0). (t=4.165, p<0.001).CONCLUSION: The study showed that the welders presented with more respiratory morbidities than the controls, this may be a result of exposure to high levels of welding fumes beyond the recommended values for prolonged periods without using personal protective equipment, which results in significant morbidities. There should be enforcement of basic workplace safety standards by ensuring that the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is enforced and the construction of workshops that are well-ventilated through the welders’ association and relevant law enforcement agencies.
Digital Platforms for Linking Agriculture Investors with Smallholder Farmers in Nigeria
Authors: Akinwale Jonathan Akinsola , Wole-Alo Felicia Itunu , Oluwole Babatunde Oladapo
Published: April 2023

The study assessed digital platforms used to link agriculture investors with smallholder farmers in Nigeria. Content analysis and in-depth interviews were  used for the study. Three digital platforms, namely the ThriveAgric, EZ Farming and Farmcrowdy were purposively chosen for this study. Results  showed that ThriveAgric is user friendly; EZ Farming and Farmcrowdy provide risk assessment scores for easy monitoring. Also, ThriveAgric uses the  Agricultural Operating System (AOS) to track farmers’ activities. EZ Farming uses social media platforms for adverts and campaign while Farmcrowdy  innovatively used the platform to render advisory services to the farmers. ThriveAgric and Farmcrowdy invested in crop and livestock production while EZ  Farming areas of investments were crop, livestock, fisheries, farm equipment and hydroponics. Smallholder farmers’ derived benefits were mainly  observed in the aspect of reduction in post-harvest losses. Untimely delivery of agricultural inputs and cost of running the platforms were identified as  major impediments to the effective deployment of the platform by the farmers and operators of the platforms respectively. Cost sharing mechanism  should be incorporated into the partnership to ensure sustainability and a winwin situation. Also, regular review of the initiative by all the stakeholders is  strongly recommended.
Prevalence and Pattern of Mobile Gaming among Senior Secondary School Students in a Semi-Urban Town in Nigeria
Authors: Aguocha C.M. , Uwakwe K.A.
Published: April 2023

Background: Excessive mobile gaming among young people has become a global public health issue. This paper aimed to determine the prevalence and  pattern of mobile phone gaming among secondary school students.

Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of 401 secondary school students in Orlu, selected using multistage sampling technique. A  structured self-administered questionnaire was used to acquire information on the socio-demographic characteristics and pattern of gaming. The Internet Gaming Disorder Scale–Short-Form (IGDS9-SF) was used to assess problems related to gaming in the last 12 months. Data was entered and  analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 21. Pearson's Chi-square test was used for categorical variables while Students ttest was used for continuous variables. p 0.05 was regarded as significant.

Results: Two (0.6%) of the respondents met the criteria for Internet gaming disorder. Three hundred and fifty-seven (89%) respondents had played  mobile games at least once in their lifetime while three hundred and thirteen (78.1%) had played mobile games at least once in the past 12 months. One  hundred and ten respondents (35.1%) had played mobile games nearly every day in the past 12 months. Most respondents, 132 (42.2%) played games  offline. Two hundred and twentynine respondents (73.2%) have betted with others on the outcome of games played.

Conclusion: Mobile gaming was common among secondary school students in Orlu, but the rate of gaming disorder was low. Measures targeted at  adolescents should be developed to educate them on the potential dangers of mobile gaming.
A Comparative Assessment of Household Flood Disaster Preparedness in Floodprone Rural and Urban Communities in Kaduna State, Nigeria
Authors: Joshua I.A. , Abubakar A.A. , Ibrahim M.S. , Nmadu A.G. , Bashir S.S. , Nwankwo B.
Published: April 2023

Background: Households are important elements in food disaster preparedness and play important role in its management. This study compared  household food disaster preparedness in food-prone rural and urban communities in Kaduna State.

Methods: The comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among households in foodprone rural and urban communities in 2019. The study  population were household heads. The sample size for the study was 202 each for the rural and urban communities. Respondents were selected by multi-  stage sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Community members, community leaders and staff of Kaduna  State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) were also purposively selected for focus group discussions and key informant interviews. The quantitative  data was analyzed using SPSS 23.0 and the qualitative data using content analysis.

Results: The mean ages (+SD) of the household heads in the rural and urban communities were 39.4±12.9 years and 43.7±13.9 years, respectively. Ten  (2.5%) of the households in the urban communities were very prepared against foods but none in the rural communities. The most available household  disaster preparedness elements in the rural communities were radio 150 (74.3%), flashlight 139 (68.8%) while house food insurance was non-existent. For  the urban communities, the most available elements were availability of non-perishable food 147 (72.8%), household evacuation destination 147  (72.8%) while the least was house food insurance 2 (1.0%).

Conclusion: The household food disaster preparedness was poor in both the rural and urban communities. There is need for effective food disaster  education and training by SEMA for both communities.
Understanding the Relative Strength of QBF CDCL Solvers and QBF Resolution
Authors: Beyersdorff Olaf , Böhm Benjamin
Published: April 2023

QBF solvers implementing the QCDCL paradigm are powerful algorithms that
successfully tackle many computationally complex applications. However, our
theoretical understanding of the strength and limitations of these QCDCL
solvers is very limited.
In this paper we suggest to formally model QCDCL solvers as proof systems. We
define different policies that can be used for decision heuristics and unit
propagation and give rise to a number of sound and complete QBF proof systems
(and hence new QCDCL algorithms). With respect to the standard policies used in
practical QCDCL solving, we show that the corresponding QCDCL proof system is
incomparable (via exponential separations) to Q-resolution, the classical QBF
resolution system used in the literature. This is in stark contrast to the
propositional setting where CDCL and resolution are known to be p-equivalent.
This raises the question what formulas are hard for standard QCDCL, since
Q-resolution lower bounds do not necessarily apply to QCDCL as we show here. In
answer to this question we prove several lower bounds for QCDCL, including
exponential lower bounds for a large class of random QBFs.
We also introduce a strengthening of the decision heuristic used in classical
QCDCL, which does not necessarily decide variables in order of the prefix, but
still allows to learn asserting clauses. We show that with this decision
policy, QCDCL can be exponentially faster on some formulas.
We further exhibit a QCDCL proof system that is p-equivalent to Q-resolution.
In comparison to classical QCDCL, this new QCDCL version adapts both decision
and unit propagation policies.
Formal Unit-Based Shared Governance to Improve Nurse Engagement
Authors:   , Larsen Tracey
Published: April 2023

Practice Problem: Nurse engagement is a key driver of nurse satisfaction and nursing retention. Shared governance is an evidence-based practice proven to increase nurse engagement through shared decision-making and results in higher work satisfaction. PICOT: The PICOT question that guided this project was (P) in an ambulatory nursing clinic (I) what is the effect of a shared governance unit-based committee (C) compared to current practice (O) on nurse engagement (T) over 10 weeks? Evidence: An exhaustive literature search resulted in 61 peer-reviewed articles. Eleven studies were included after filtering for duplicates and keywords and evaluating for strength and quality of the evidence. Intervention: The project’s intervention was to implement a unit-based shared governance committee in an ambulatory nursing clinic. The Johns Hopkins Evidence-Based Practice Model for Nursing guided each step, and the ADKAR change model and the three key themes identified in the literature were included in the implementation. Outcome: Two of three measures demonstrated clinical significance including statistically significant results between the pre-and post-intervention Council Health Survey results and a 40% increase in staff engagement on projects implemented. The patient experience survey question “Likelihood of Recommending” score showed improvement at weeks four and eight, however, was not sustained at week twelve and continues to be monitored. Conclusion: This project successfully implemented the evidence-based practice of shared governance by developing a unit-based committee, educating, providing a toolkit of resources, then coaching key stakeholders. As a result, the clinic realized an increase in nurse engagement, patient experience, and ownership of the departments’ process improvement
The Entangled Imagination: W.B. Yeats’ “Moods” and the Psychologization of Magic
Authors: Johannsen Dirk
Published: April 2023

Among modern practitioners of magic, the “psychologization of magic” has become a common strategy to adapt practices such as rituals of invocation to naturalistic thought. In this article, I discuss what was probably the most elaborate attempt to bridge the gap between the magic of the past and magic suited for the present that took place within the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn (1888–1903). Approaching the Order’s teachings through the lens of contemporaneous literary discourse, the Irish poet and magician William Butler Yeats (1865–1939) attempted to consolidate supernaturalist and naturalist understandings of magic throughout the 1890s. In 1892, he made the concept of the “immortal moods” a key to both his poetry and his magical practice. Evoked through symbols in a ritual or a poem, these moods would descend “like a faint sigh into people’s minds” and move them to action, causing “all great changes in the world.” Yeats explored this concept in theoretical writings, poetic experiments, and his ritual practice, finding his own imagination entangled with past imaginations. Serving a brief term as the Golden Dawn’s Imperator and Instructor in Mystical Philosophy in 1901, he condensed the insights gained from this work in the doctrines of the “great mind and great memory.” Presenting a study of Yeats’ psychology of the universal mind, this article shows how his amalgamation of literary and folkloristic theorizing paved the way to connect magical and poetic practice to the emerging psychological discourse.
What's Wrong with Work?
Authors: Pettinger Lynne
Published: April 2023

What's Wrong with Work? shows that how workers are treated has wide implications beyond the lives of workers themselves. Recognising gender, race, class and global differences, the book considers the ways formal work is often dependent on informal work and concludes by considering what might make work better.
The Lies We Were Told
Authors: Wren-Lewis Simon
Published: April 2023

Why did governments adopt austerity policies, and why were they so harmful? Why did the media largely ignore the majority of experts who opposed these policies, and allow politicians to get away with lies? And why did voters choose Brexit when the economic consensus was that it would harm living standards? Simon Wren-Lewis, winner of the SPERI/New Statesman Prize for Political Economy, is one of Britain's most respected economists. Since 2012, his widely-read Mainly Macro blog has been an influential resource for policymakers, academics and social commentators around the world. This book presents some of his most important work, telling the story of how the damaging political and economic events of recent years became inevitable. With new material including a preface by Nobel prize-winner Paul Krugman, these dispatches from the front-line serve as an essential guide to some of the most important economic and political issues facing us today, and as a warning to avert future disasters on this scale.