bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of cases of puerperal sepsis, its socio-demographic factors, bacterial isolates, and antibiotic sensitivity pattern
Authors: Singh Preeti , Tirkey Sarita , Trivedi Kiran , Hansda Rani , Prakash Jay
Published: October 2022

Objective:

Due to the lack of resources for culture and antibiotic susceptibility testing in most underdeveloped countries, puerperal sepsis is treated empirically with a wide range of antibiotics. Empirical treatment, on the other hand, does not ensure treatment effectiveness and may even contribute to antibiotic resistance. So, we studied cases of puerperal sepsis, its socio-demographic factors, bacterial isolates, and antibiotic sensitivity in a tertiary health center.

Material and Methods:

This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the obstetrics and gynecology department of a tertiary health center in India from April 2019 to September 2020. During this time, all patients with sepsis who met the criteria for inclusion were included. After granting an informed written consent, the subjects were registered on a pre-designed proforma.

Results:

There were 2,049 obstetrical admissions throughout this period, with 106 (5.1%) of these having puerperal sepsis. The majority of these women (58.7%) were between the ages of 21 and 30, were multiparous (96.5%), and unbooked. Fever 104 (98.1%) was the most prevalent clinical characteristic, whereas wound gape was the most common consequence (47.1%). Klebsiella aerogens was the most common organism found in various cultures. Many organisms were shown to be multidrug-resistant and sensitive to gentamycin and amikacin.

Conclusion:

Klebsiella aerogens wasthe most common cause of puerperal sepsis in this investigation. Because the causal agents of puerperal sepsis and their antibiotic sensitivity patterns change over time, positive blood culture and antibiotic susceptibility of the isolates are the best guides for selecting the optimum antimicrobial therapy for treating sepsis.
Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV 2 antibodies & its determinants in children of 5-to-18-year age group in an urban setting, Kerala
Authors: Mini S. S , Abraham Anitha , Gopakumar Soumya , Rajahamsan Jyothi
Published: October 2022

Background:

There were limited data on the true burden of COVID 19 infection in children since the majority of the infections are asymptomatic or paucisymptomatic. This study aimed to measure the prevalence of SARS CoV2 antibodies in children of the 5-to-18 years age group.

Methods:

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the field practice area attached to a tertiary care hospital in Kerala. Two hundred four children of the 5-to-18 year age group were enrolled in our study. The data regarding sociodemographic details, symptoms suggestive of COVID 19, exposure to confirmed COVID 19 cases and history of COVID 19 positivity were collected from the study participants. 2 ml venous blood was collected from each participant, and the seroprevalence of SARS CoV2 combined antibodies was assessed using WANTAI antibody test kit.

Results:

The seroprevalence of SARS Cov2 antibodies in children of 5-to-18 years age group was 41.7% (95% CI,34.9% to 48.43%). The seroprevalence was high in the 13-to-15 year age group, almost similar in both gender and socio-economic groups. The seropositivity was significantly associated with history of confirmed COVID 19 positivity, children with a history of symptoms suggestive of COVID 19 and the presence of positive contact in the household (P < 0.05). Seroprevalence was also significantly high in children whose mothers were health care workers.

Conclusion:

Approximately 41.7% of children showed seropositivity to COVID 19 infection. More than 50% of the children remain susceptible. Among seropositive, 56.5% were asymptomatic. Thus there is a need to test even asymptomatic children in COVID 19 positive households.
Recurrent heart failure in a child with underlying dilated cardiomyopathy associated with celiac disease: An unusual presentation
Authors: Mehra Shuchi , Gupta Ashish , Bhalla Kapil , Nanda Sanjiv
Published: October 2022

Many previous studies have shown that certain cardiovascular conditions (including myocarditis, arrhythmias, and cardiomyopathy) are more prevalent in individuals with celiac disease compared to individuals without the disease. Association of celiac disease with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCMP) is a rare occurrence and a few cases have been reported and even fewer in children. Here, we report an interesting case of a 10-year-old male child who presented to the pediatric emergency in a life-threatening condition with congestive cardiac failure manifested by dyspnea, hepatomegaly, pedal edema, and raised JVP with underlying severe anemia. The diagnosis of DCMP associated with celiac disease was made. The child was advised for strict gluten-free diet and hematinics, and ivabradine was started for managing DCMP. Early diagnosis with screening tests may prevent serious complications and also are essential to prevent progression of the disease.
Mirena: Just a contraceptive device? or A modality with diverse clinical applications !
Authors: Agarwal Neha , Chopra Seema
Published: October 2022

Abnormal uterine bleeding is the most frequently encountered complaint of the reproductive-age women. Heavy menstrual blood loss is responsible for interfering with women’s physical, emotional, social, and quality of life. Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device (LNG-IUS) is a highly effective reversible form of contraception. Besides this, its role in the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB), endometrial hyperplasia, early-stage endometrial cancers, and endometrial protection as a part of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is very well studied. This review will revisit the role of LNG-IUS as a nonsurgical option in the management of HMB.
Predictors of hypertension among current smokeless tobacco users in India; analysis from the fourth round of National Family Health Survey (2015–2016)
Authors: Vidya G. S , Bhatt Garima , Kathiresan Jeyashree , Rai Shreyans , Verma Madhur , Goel Sonu
Published: October 2022

Background:

Hypertension is a major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. The association between different risk factors including smoking and hypertension is studied extensively; however, there is a paucity of literature with respect to association between smokeless tobacco use and hypertension in India. In the current study, the relationship between smokeless forms of tobacco use and hypertension is being investigated.

Methodology:

This study analyzed the data from fourth round of National Family Health Survey conducted during 2015–2016. Socio-demographic variables such as age, sex, education, wealth index, body mass index, smoked forms of tobacco use, and smokeless forms of tobacco like paan, gutkha, Khaini, etc., presence of co-morbidities were the independent variables. Hypertension was the dependent variable.

Results:

It was observed from the present analysis that, smokeless tobacco use is a risk factor for hypertension both in the case of females OR-1.1**(1.08-1.13) as well as males OR-1.07**(1.03-1.1). The other predictors observed were overweight, consumption of alcohol, and diabetes.

Conclusion:

It was concluded from the present study, that consumption of smokeless tobacco use acts as an independent risk factor for hypertension.
Amphotericin B induced pancytopenia
Authors: Vaish Esha , Gupta Kamlesh K. , Ansari Shahnawaz A. , Singh Kaushal K.
Published: October 2022

Amphotericin B (AMB) has been the irreplaceable drug of choice for countless fungal and protozoal infections. One of the lesser-known adverse effects of AMB is Pancytopenia - very rare with very few cases reported - most commonly observed following prolonged administration. We report the case of a patient suffering from visceral leishmaniasis, who developed worsening pancytopenia four to five days after being administered a single bolus dose of Liposomal Amphotericin B (L-AMB). The diagnosis was clinical and management involved supportive care, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). AMB is an effective drug, but is also associated with numerous side effects. Physicians are well-versed with the more frequently seen adverse drug reactions and their management. However, pancytopenia, being a rare adverse reaction to AMB, is less known and can be easily overlooked. This case report aims to ensure that the physicians must be aware of such possibilities in the first place to make swift diagnoses and management. The condition itself is seemingly self-limiting, although GM-CSF may be needed in refractory cases. It’s true that few previous case reports have indicated pancytopenia in association with prolonged AMB exposure, but we believe certain conditions may predispose a patient to a more acute presentation - as seen in our case.
Maskne: A side effect of wearing face mask and face mask–wearing attitudes and behavior during 1st, 2nd and 3rd waves of COVID-19 in rural population of Haryana
Authors: Bansal Himanshu , Mittal Riya , Kumar Vijay
Published: October 2022

Introduction:

The term “maskne” originated during the SARS CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic; it is a variant of acne associated with continuous wearing of face mask. Maskne is mainly observational, and the most common cause of maskne is contact irritant dermatitis.

Materials and methods:

The average mask use percentage by OPD cases visiting the hospital for a month in each wave of the COVID -19, that is, in the month of June 2020 during the first wave, in the month of April 2021 during the second wave and in the month of December 2021 during the third wave was calculated. We also included 30 patients with a diagnosis of irritant contact dermatitis aka maskne and 30 patients with diagnosis of acne vulgaris, all >18 years of age from April 2020 to December 2021.

Results:

66% of people wore masks coming to hospital in the month of June 2020 (first wave) which increased to 74% during the second wave in the month of April 2021 and during the third wave only 23% of people wore masks in the month of December 2021.

Conclusion:

Maskne and worsening of acne vulgaris can be due to wearing of dirty face masks for longer duration. Use of moisturizers and regular “mask breaks” are important aspects in management of maskne.
Estimating short-term and long-term survival in rectal cancer patients using cure model
Authors: Beiranvand Behrouz , Kamian Shaghayegh , Ghodssi-Ghassemabadi Robabeh
Published: October 2022

Background:

A large number of rectal cancer patients are cured after treatment. In such cases, cure models are used for survival analysis. This study aims to investigate factors that affect survival in rectal cancer using the Cox mixture cure model.

Methods:

Following a retrospective design, medical documents and pathological findings of newly diagnosed rectal cancer cases hospitalized at Imam Hossein Hospital, Tehran, Iran, from 2005 to 2013 were reviewed. The patients were followed up with until May 2018. The Cox mixture cure model was used. Data analysis was carried out using Statistical Analysis System (SAS) version 9.4. The statistical significance level was considered to be 0.05.

Results:

Four hundred nine patients were included in this study. The mean of disease-free survival was 87.08 ± 3.2 months. The hazard of the event for the patients who were drug abusers was 2.37 (95% CI: 1.30–4.31) times more than the other cases (P = 0.005). The odds ratio of the event for patients of stage III was 3.04 (95% CI: 1.51–6.12) times more than the cases of stage I (P = 0.002), and for the patients of stage IV, it was 12.42 (95% CI: 4.17–37.01) times more than patients of stage I (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

The results of this cure model indicate that the tumor stage, tumor grade, and history of drug abuse are the risk factors for the survival of patients with rectal cancer. These results can attract the attention of doctors and patients who want to be aware of their physical status and prognosis.
Liver stiffness and liver function index in liver fibrosis patients afflicted with electrocardiographic abnormalities
Authors: Hajiani Eskandar , Alavinejad Pezhman , Hashemi Seyed J. , Parsi Abazar , Kardooni Ali , Dargahi Ahmad S.
Published: October 2022

Introduction:

Heart disorders are one of the causes of death in cirrhotic patients.

Objectives:

This study aimed to investigate liver stiffness and liver function indices in liver fibrosis patients afflicted with electrocardiographic abnormalities.

Patients and Methods:

wo hundred patients entered this cross-sectional study. First, all of the patients underwent liver elastography. They were then divided into four groups based on the results obtained. Patients in three of the total groups (I–III) had fibrosis and those in the fourth group (IV) had cirrhosis. Afterward, electrocardiograms were taken from the patients, and based on the existence of electrocardiographic abnormalities, the patients were divided into two groups (group 1, consisting of liver fibrosis patients with a heart disease and group 2, consisting of those without a heart disease). Finally, liver function index, liver stiffness, frequency of variables, and their relationship with the presence or absence of electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities were analyzed.

Results:

Forty-eight percent of the patients were afflicted with ECG abnormalities. The majority of the patients in each of the two groups were male. The differences between patients with and without electrocardiographic abnormalities as regards to liver stiffness, liver function index, and platelet count were found to be statistically significant (P < 0.05). However, the differences between the two groups with regard to serum transaminase levels did not appear to be statistically significant (P > 0.05).

Conclusion:

It seems that liver stiffness and liver function index are non-invasive factors for predicting the presence of accompanying heart disorders in patients suffering from liver fibrosis.
A survey on the effect of adding aspirin to anti-migraine drugs on the severity of headache in patients with chronic migraine headaches with lateral venous sinus stenosis in MRV
Authors: Shafiee Mohammad , Habibi Parnian , Sakhabakhsh Mahdi , Mirjani Rohollah , Zahediniya Mohsen , Yousefpour Mitra
Published: October 2022

Introduction:

One of the probable etiologies raised in patients with chronic migraine headaches is stenosis of the lateral venous sinuses of the brain, which is detectable using magnetic resonance venography (MRV). In this study, we decided to observe the effect of adding aspirin to anti-migraine medicines on the severity of headache in patients with chronic migraine headaches with lateral venous sinus stenosis in MRV.

Methods:

The study was a double-blind randomized clinical trial. Patients were included in the study in two groups including 30 people. The first group was treated with propranolol and nortriptyline, and the second group was treated with propranolol, nortriptyline, and aspirin. The severity of headache, number of headaches during one month, and duration of a headache before treatment and one, two, and three months after treatment were examined. Data were analyzed utilizing SPSS software version 19 and statistical tests like t-test, Chi-squared test, Paired t-test, and repeated measure.

Results:

The results showed that the mean severity of headache in the second group was significantly lower than the first group two months after treatment (P = 0.003) and three months after treatment (P = 0.002). Additionally, the number of headaches (P = 0.001) and duration of headache (P = 0.043) were significantly lower in the second group than the first group in the first three months after treatment. No statistically significant difference was observed between the frequency distribution of nausea/vomiting in the two groups.

Conclusion:

The addition of aspirin to anti-migraine medicines is effective in improving the severity of headache in patients with migraine with lateral venous sinus stenosis of the brain.
Oral findings as predictors of obstructive sleep apnea- A case-control study
Authors: Ashraf Asifa , Menon Ipseeta , Gupta Ritu , Arora Vikram , Ahsan Iram , Das Dipshikha
Published: October 2022

Objective:

To evaluate the role of dental parameters that may contribute to increasing apneic activity in patients with or without obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Materials and Method:

The study comprises a total of 120 patients (60 diagnosed with sleep apnea visiting a sleep center at Delhi and 60 controls). Patients were assessed based on body mass index, age, neck circumference, and gender (BANG), which were recorded for both the patients and controls. Oral and general examination was carried out using predetermined criteria for Angle’s class of malocclusion, maxillary arch constriction, facial profile, Mallampati score for uvula, tongue size, depth of palatal vault, mouth breathing, and periodontitis.

Results:

Among 120 study subjects, 92 were males and 28 females, with a mean age of 49.08 + 13.13 years in the study group and 45.28 + 14.78 years in the control group. All the variables except Angle’s class of malocclusion, periodontitis, mouth breathing, and hypertension showed significant differences in the study group. Multivariate analysis for patients with OSA revealed that obese patients were almost 1.5 times more possibly to report OSA symptoms than their non-obese counterparts. It was also found that patients with OSA were 4.12 times more likely to have neck circumference >40 cm, 2.25 times more likely to have maxillary arch constriction, 1.43 times deeper palatal vault, 8.7 times macroglossia, and 1.7 times class III & IV Mallampati score for uvula.

Conclusion:

The oral structural findings appear to be more closely related with OSA.
The association between sociodemographic characteristics and knowledge about oral cancer among Jazan Population, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al Hulaibi Manal , Alhazemi Alhassan , Alshamakhi Atheer , Ageeli Bander , Arishi Mohamed , Zalah Abdulrahman , Abuhadi Hamzah , Hakami Ibrahim , Elmahdy Mona
Published: October 2022

Background:

Oral cancer (OC) is a cancer of the mucosal lip, oral cavity, and tongue and is linked to drinking, smoking, or both. After lymphoma and leukemia, oral cancer is the third most common malignancy in Saudi Arabia.

Materials and methods:

A cross-sectional, descriptive, analytical study was conducted in the Jazan province. We used an online qustionnare and the sample was selected in a random, multistage manner, with a total of 400 members from both genders. A representative subregion was randomly selected from each sector, including Baish, Samtah, Faifa, Sabya, Abu Arish, and Jizan.

Results:

Almost all of the participants in the study appeared to be aware of oral cancer. Oral cancer is not a contagious disease, according to 65% of respondents. Sniffing is a risk factor for oral cancer, according to 85% of respondents; yet, 61.7% believed that it can be healed. Majority of the study participants believed that sun exposure and alcohol consumption are both risk factors for mouth cancer. Chemotherapy, radiation surgery, and mouth augmentation surgery are all options for treating oral cancer. Seventy percent felt that oral self-examination can help detect oral cancer, and that early discovery can speed up treatment.

Conclusion:

We conclude that the research participants lacked sufficient understanding of early clinical signs and treatment options for oral cancer. A community-wide educational initiative might help to increase awareness and knowledge about oral cancer. Furthermore, additional research should be undertaken to determine the efficacy of the intervention.
Prevalence of hypertension and the associated factors among Sabar and Munda tribes of Eastern India
Authors: Giri Prajna Paramita , Mohapatra Bijayeeni , Kar Krishna
Published: October 2022

Background:

Hypertension can be attributable to about 10% of all non-communicable diseases (NCDs). There is a steady rise in the prevalence of hypertension among both the urban as well as the rural population and the tribal communities are no exception to this. The present study was done during 2009–10 among two tribes residing in a more developed eastern district of Odisha, but the results can be compared with the studies done in recent times.

Objective:

1. To find the prevalence of hypertension among the adult tribal population of Tangi-Choudwar block of Cuttack and to trace the associated risk factors of hypertension among them. 2. To assess their perception regarding hypertension.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional study was carried out among the tribals of the Tangi-Chowdwar block of Cuttack district during 2009-2010. Total 832 study subjects aged >/=18 years were selected through multistage stratified random sampling. Anthropometric measurements and blood pressure were taken with standard instruments and methodology. Statistical tests, such as Chi-square, Logistic Regression, Odds Ratio, percentage, were used to analyze the data.

Result:

The overall prevalence of hypertension was 16.7% and 41% were pre-hypertensive. Bivariate analysis showed that the risk of hypertension was significantly associated with the tribe type, age range, tobacco use, marital status, and stress (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that taking extra salt (OR-1.86; 95%CI-1.03-3.35) was significantly associated with hypertension (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

A large number of study participants (16.7%) were found to be hypertensive and in the majority of them, the common risk factors detected were tobacco usage and extra salt intake. Further epidemiological study needs to be conducted among these tribes to know the exact nature and causes of hypertension.
Physicians’ satisfaction with telehealth services among family physicians in Cluster 1 hospitals
Authors: Alqahtani Saad S. , Alraqi Abdullah D. , Alageel Abdulelah A.
Published: October 2022

Background:

Physicians are increasingly applying telehealth services in the hospital. The use of telehealth services helps to ensure that doctors treat patients and write prescriptions remotely without the need to meet physically with the patient.

Methods:

The study used a descriptive survey design, in which collection and sampling of data were standardized to represent the population of all physicians. The target population was all doctors in all private healthcare systems, King Saud Medical City (KSMC), and four hospitals in the southwest area of Saudi Arabia. Data were collected via a simple random sampling system and engaged questionnaires. Microsoft Office Excel was used for data entry and preparation of graphs and charts.

Results:

We collected data from 151 physicians in Cluster 1 hospitals. Most were males (74.8%) with a mean age of 31.14 years. Of these, 57.6% thought that telemedicine saved physicians’ traveling time, 27.8% were satisfied with telemedicine services, 28.5% were not satisfied, and 43.7% were neutral; 61.6% thought that telemedicine was important for them, and 53.6% liked using telemedicine because of the similarity of participants’ values and society values underlying its uses; 59.6% reported that telemedicine improved their job effectiveness and performance, while 58.9% reported that telemedicine enabled them to accomplish tasks more quickly and made them more productive.

Conclusion:

Physicians expressed a high level of satisfaction and a positive attitude toward telemedicine. Future researches are essential to see how attitudes about telemedicine have altered since the pandemic.
Temporal Lobe Abscess – As a Result of COVID Pandemic
Authors: Naga Rahul , Bedi Tejpal Singh
Published: October 2022

Complications of chronic otitis media have reduced substantially in the postantibiotic era. The complications are described as being intracranial and extracranial. Intracranial complications are rarer epidemiologically; however, the recent COVID pandemic has led to widespread delay among the general populace from seeking therapy. We present a case where a 22-year-old male failed to seek timely intervention for otorrhea and developed a temporal lobe abscess. The patient was subsequently managed through an intact canal wall mastoidectomy and tympanoplasty with drainage of pus through the transmastoid approach. On follow-up, there was an adequate resolution of the abscess with a well-healed tympanic cavity.
Can Intrauterine Infusion of Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor or Platelet-Rich Plasma Increase Implantation Rate in Women Undergoing in vitro Fertilization with Normal Endometrium: Boon or Bane?
Authors: Rai Seema , Yasaswi K. , Raj Rishi , Hiremath Ravishekar N. , Singh Smakshi
Published: October 2022

Objective:

The objective of this study was to investigate if intrauterine infusion of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can improve endometrial parameters and the pregnancy rate in patients undergoing fresh embryo transfer with normal endometrial thickness.

Materials and Methods:

We conducted a retrospective observational study, at one of the assisted reproductive technique centers in central India. Data were collected from the institutional record system which was established as per the standard protocols. Data on a total of 225 patients who had an endometrial thickness >7 mm without any adjunct and underwent fresh embryo transfer in their first in vitro fertilization cycle during the past 2 years were collected and were categorized into three groups: Group A who had received intrauterine infusion of G-CSF (n = 75), Group B who received intrauterine infusion of PRP (n = 75), and Group C who (control group) received no intervention (n = 75).

Results:

The implantation rate was significantly higher in Group A (37.24%) than in Groups B and C (21.91% and 21.37%, respectively). No significant difference was found in the clinical pregnancy rate among Groups A, B, and C (50.68%, 40.54%, and 37.84%, respectively). Endometrial thickness increased significantly in Group A by approximately 2.3 mm. No significant change in other endometrial parameters in the three groups. The number of biochemical pregnancies was higher in the G-CSF group compared to the other two groups.

Conclusion:

Intrauterine infusion of G-CSF in women receiving fresh embryo transfer with normal endometrial thickness can increase endometrial thickness and the implantation rate without affecting other endometrial parameters and the cumulative pregnancy rate.
Blood and Blood Products to Support Allogeneic Hematopoietic Progenitor Cell Transplant Recipients at King Abdulaziz Medical City-Riyadh – Transfusion Medicine Services
Authors: Al Harbi Ahmed , Al-Anazi Abdullah , Al Saqri Faisal , Wasel Haya
Published: October 2022

Hematopoietic progenitor cell transplant (HPCT) is found throughout the body. HPCT is a set of undifferentiated cells that are capable of indefinite self-renewal and generation of a functional progeny of highly specialized cells. Allogeneic HPCT presents a distinct set of challenges for blood banks and transfusion services. When considering transfusion for an HPCT recipient, one has to take into account not only the complexities associated with the patient's underlying condition, but also potential problems associated with recipient alloantibodies, donor passenger lymphocytes, and the conversion of blood group substance after successful allogeneic HPCT. For an allogeneic HPCT recipient, it is vital that the blood transfusion service keep a detailed record of the donor and recipient's that include donor blood group and antibody screening results and recipient's pre- and posttransplant blood group and antibody screening results. The management of nonidentical and incompatible HPCT requires a unique strategies when major, minor, and bidirectional differences exist which have the potentiality to improve patient outcomes and allow for effective management of the blood and blood products inventory.
Von Willebrand Factor Level and Activity in Correlation with D-dimer Level among COVID-19 Patients in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Ansari Rehab Yusuf , AL-Yami Fatimah Salim , Al-Jamea Lamiaa Hamad , Osman Abdalla Leena Mohamed , Halawi Abdulrahman Hassan , AlShehri Abdullah Mohammed , Zakary Nawaf , Jebakumar Arulanantham Zechariah , Woodman Alexander
Published: October 2022

BACKGROUND:

Thrombosis and acute respiratory failure are among the leading causes of mortality in COVID-19 patients. The von Willebrand factor (VWF) is one of the main components in the blood coagulation system. It has been hypothesized that the increased VWF level results from vascular damage because VWF is stored in endothelial cells. Infection of endothelial cells with SARS-CoV-2 can stimulate the release of VWF. This study aimed to determine the level of VWF activity among the Saudi population affected by COVID-19 and investigate the correlation between VWF level and D-dimer level.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This is an analytical, retrospective, observational study conducted in a single-center tertiary hospital at King Fahad Military Medical Complex (KFMMC). A study sample of 80 hospitalized patients (aged ≥18 years) diagnosed with COVID-19 confirmed by nasopharyngeal SARS-COV was randomly included in this study. Frozen blood samples were used to measure VWF antigen (Ag) level and activity for all patients. Historical data on hemostasis markers such as platelets (PLTS), fibrinogen, and D-dimer were obtained retrospectively, as well as demographic and clinical data.

RESULTS:

Data of 80 patients were analyzed to assess VWF Ag level and activity in correlation to D-dimer level. The mean age of the patients was 58.3 (standard deviation 16.18), with nearly two-thirds being females (62.6%). The most common comorbidities were arterial hypertension (67.5%), diabetes (56.3%), and dyslipidemia (22.5%). Only 10% of patients were obese. The mean values of were 3.25 for D-dimer, 3.55 for fibrinogen, 226.4 for PLTS, 9.88 for white blood cell, 237.04 for VWF Ag, 253.21 for VWF activity, and 70.45 for C-reactive protein. Pearson's correlation coefficient revealed that the correlation between D-dimer and VWF Ag and D-dimer and VWF activity was statistically insignificant (P > 0.05). Only six patients had overt thrombosis, but this has no significant correlation with VWF Ag, activity, D-dimer, or platelet count. VWF Ag and activity were higher in intensive care unit (ICU) than non-ICU patients. However, it is not significant statistically. VWF Ag and activity were significantly higher in deceased patients than in survivors.

CONCLUSIONS:

The results of this study showed that there was no significant correlation between VWF Ag and activity with D-dimer among Saudi patients with confirmed COVID-19.
GNE – Related Severe Congenital Macrothrombocytopenia
Authors: Alam Muhammad Matloob , Alathaibi Abdulrhman , Kashif Muhammad , Zakaria Mohammed , Attar Ruwayd Adel , Al-Ghamdi Hamdan Saeed , Al Harbi Abdullah Obaid
Published: October 2022

Congenital thrombocytopenia results from genetic mutations in genes implicated in megakaryocyte differentiation and/or platelet formation and clearance. We report the case of an 11-month-old girl who presented with severe macrothrombocytopenia since birth and subsequently developed an intracranial bleed. She was diagnosed to have GNE gene mutation. GNE gene encodes the key enzyme in sialic acid biosynthesis, glucosamine (UDP-N-acetyl)-2-epimerase/N-acetylmannosamine kinase (GNE/MNK). Its mutation is responsible for the reduction in sialic acid biosynthesis and consequently leads to severe congenital thrombocytopenia and/or myopathy. Although no sign of myopathy is observed in our patient; it is possible myopathy can be developed later, thus long-term follow-up with neurology is highly advisable. We recommend the genetic counseling and a segregation analysis of this variant in other affected individuals in the family.
Is the Integration of Lymphocyte/Monocyte Ratio and International Prognostic Score Effective in Predicting Prognosis for Hodgkin's Lymphoma in the Modern Era? A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Khalil Hasan , Hussein Firas , Samra Suzan
Published: October 2022

BACKGROUND:

Determining the prognosis of Hodgkin's Lymphoma (HL) is crucial to avoid overtreatment and undertreatment, both of which have dangerous effects on the patient's health. This justifies the many studies to find prognostic factors, which in turn contribute to making the appropriate therapeutic decision. International Prognostic Score (IPS) and lymphocyte/monocyte ratio (LMR) are the most common prognostic indicator in HL, but they have some limitations in their application at some stages of the disease. The aim of this research was to study the efficiency of combining IPS and LMR to predict prognosis at both stages of the disease (early and advanced).

METHODS:

This study included 84 newly classical HL patients treated by ABVD (adriamycin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine) with radiotherapy.

RESULTS:

IPS showed a poor ability to predict 18-month progression-free survival (PFS) in both early-stage disease (P = 0.162) and advanced-stage disease (P = 0.191); LMR showed high performance in predicting 18-month PFS in early-stage patients treated with ABVD (HR = 5.456, confidence interval [CI] =1.04–28.715, P = 0.045). The combination of IPS and LMR was able to predict 18-month PFS in both early- and advanced-stage disease (HR = 12.21, CI = 1.24–120.1, P = 0.032) (HR = 2.84, CI = 1.04–5.04, P = 0.041), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:

The combination of IPS and LMR defines two important risk groups: the high-risk group (IPS ≥3 and LMR <2.9) and the low-risk group (IPS <3 and LMR ≥2.9); it can therefore be used to predict prognosis and adapt treatment to suit each patient's condition.
Marked Reduction in the Risk of Dementia in Patients with Breast Cancer: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Oh Jooyoung , Lee Hye Sun , Jeon Soyoung , Seok Jeong-Ho , Yoo Tae-Kyung , Park Woo-Chan , Yoon Chang Ik
Published: October 2022

Purpose An inverse relationship between cancer and neurodegenerative disease, which presents the possibility of a reduced risk of dementia in cancer patients, has been suggested previously. However, a nationwide longitudinal population-based study of specific types of cancer with due consideration of treatment effects has not been conducted.Materials and Methods This nationwide population-based cohort study used data obtained in a 12-year period (January 2007- December 2018) in the Korean National Health Insurance claims database. All female breast cancer patients (age ≥ 50 years) diagnosed between 2009 and 2010 were included after excluding those with physician visits for any cancer during a 2-year period (2007-2008). Patients with senile cataract constituted the control group. The main study outcome was the risk of developing dementia.Results From a total of 90,396 and 85,906 patients with breast cancer and cataract, respectively, patients without behavior codes were excluded. Data for 15,407 breast cancer patients and 7,020 controls were analyzed before matching. After matching for comorbidities and age, either group comprised 2,252 patients. The median follow-up time was 104.1±24.0 months after matching. After matching, breast cancer was a predictor of a lower risk of for dementia (hazard ratio, 0.091; 95% confidence interval, 0.075 to 0.111; p < 0.001). In breast cancer patients, receiving chemotherapy and endocrine therapy did not significantly affect the incidence of dementia.Conclusion Breast cancer was associated with a remarkably decreased risk of dementia. The findings strongly suggest an inverse relationship between cancer and neurodegeneration, regardless of the adverse effects of cancer treatment on cognitive function.
Comunicación institucional e infancia en la Junta de Andalucía: El programa Andaluna
Authors: Ramos Fernández Carolina
Published: October 2022

Las instituciones públicas deben tener en cuenta, en sus campañas de comunicación, a todos los públicos posibles. Así, las entidades que desarrollan programas destinados a la infancia deben ser especialmente cuidadosas con las acciones que ponen en marcha. Para ello es importante hacer uso de los nuevos lenguajes que ofrece la sociedad de la información y buscar la fórmula apropiada para hacer efectivo el modelo comunicativo de cada ocasión. Algunas acciones se están desarrollando en este sentido. Uno de ellos es el que se analiza a continuación: el programa Andaluna de la Consejería para la Igualdad y Bienestar Social de la Junta de Andalucía.
Determinants of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and hesitancy among healthcare professionals in the Kintampo North Municipality, Bono East Region, Ghana
Authors: N. Asumah Mubarick , Abubakari Abdulai , Fosu Brian , K. Dzantor Edem , D. Agyapong Prince , B.E. Harrison Samuel , Apio Gavin , Abukari Abdul-Kahar
Published: October 2022

Objectives: To assess the determinants of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and hesitation among Health Care Profes-sionals (HCPs) in the Kintampo North Municipality of Ghana.Design: An analytical cross-sectional study.Setting: The study was carried out in the Kintampo North Municipality.Participants: All health care professionals within the Kintampo North Municipality of Ghana.Main outcome measure: Acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine.Results: In all, 215 HCPs were included in this study. The overall vaccine acceptance was 78.6% among HCPs, while 21.4% were hesitant to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Majority (57.7%) of HCPs believed that COVID-19 vaccines were safe. The following factors were found to influence vaccine acceptance significantly; those who knew someone who has taken the vaccine (adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR]; 14.9, 95% Confidence Interval [95% CI];5.0-45.0, p<0.001), those who think COVID -19 vaccine in Ghana was safe (AOR;9.2, 95%CI;3.3-25.8, P<0.001), those who said vaccines are effective in controlling COVID-19 transmission (aOR=5.0, 95%CI;2.1-12.4, p<0.001), and those who have never refused vaccines in the past (aOR=7.8, 95CI;1.6-37.8, p=0.01).Conclusion: The study indicated high COVID-19 vaccination acceptability among HCPs. However, some HCPs are hesitant to take COVID-19 vaccinations immediately. Increased adoption of COVID-19 vaccinations among HCPs and the broader Ghanaian population requires concerted efforts, including strengthening public health education on the perceived risks and safety of COVID-19 vaccines.
Evaluation of Natural Antifungal Compounds from Artemisia afra and its Effectiveness on Prevention of Aflatoxins
Authors: Kilenga Noela G. , Maeda Daniel , Kibazohi Oscar , Kaale Lilian D.
Published: October 2022

Artemisia afra is a medicinal plant with antimicrobial activities, known to treat tuberculosis, measles, cough, and influenza. In consequence, its applications have increasingly become pivotal to control various microbes which cause different diseases. This study therefore, evaluated the chemical composition and the antifungal activity of A. afra essential oil. The extraction of essential oil was done using steam distillation. The essential oil chemical composition was analysed by GC-MS. The analysis revealed 19 compounds from A. afra. The main compounds were borneol (71.529%), terpinen-4-ol (8.582%), β-thujone (3.283%), β-terpineol (2.590%), α-terpineol (1.791%), chrysanthenone (1.507%), myrtenal (1.393%), eucalyptol (1,8-cineole) (1.263%), cis-sabinene hydrate (1.172%) and trans-carane, 4,5-epoxy (1.088%). The growth and aflatoxin production inhibitions against A. flavus were determined via antifungal and antiaflatoxigenic bioassays of the A. afra essential oil at the concentration range of 10–50 µL/mL using a poisoned-food method. The quantification of the aflatoxins production was carried out using high-performance liquid chromatography. The antifungal activity of A. afra essential oil was effective against A. flavus with growth inhibition of 99.97–99.99% and controlled aflatoxins production by 99.25–99.63%. The results indicated that A. afra essential oil can become an alternative natural fungicide for the control of A. flavus growth and aflatoxins production.

Keywords: Artemisia afra; essential oil; A. flavus; aflatoxins; GC-MS
Efektywność Europejskiej Inicjatywy Obywatelskiej
Authors: Kielin-Maziarz Joanna
Published: October 2022

Effectiveness of the European Citizens’ Initiative

The European Citizens’ Initiative is a means by which two goals could be achieved in the European Union. Firstly, thanks to it, the deficit existing in the EU could be eliminated, and secondly, the citizens of the Union would gain a tool to create an EU-wide public sphere, within which they would have a real possibility of influencing the legislative actions taken by the EU. It formally happened. The European Citizens’ Initiative, adopted over 10 years ago, potentially creates such an opportunity. However, looking at the effectiveness of its functioning, it cannot be concluded that the indicated goals have been achieved. The main problem is the too large role of the European Commission (slightly diminished by the recently introduced changes to the ECI regulation). The low efficiency of the ECI is not conducive to reducing the democratic deficit in the EU. However, the ECI creates an opportunity for discussion and public debate. It provides a basis for EU citizens to express their political positions, and the submitted initiative (albeit rarely successful) allow the conclusion that European public spheres do exist. The ECI creates a space for the citizens of different Member States to engage in a joint debate. However, this potential is not sufficiently exploited. It cannot be said that the EU’s democratic mandate has been strengthened by wider participation of citizens in the public debate. Too broad discretion by the Commission has the effect of reducing the effectiveness of the ECI. Indeed, if the application is not processed further despite the collection of a sufficient number of signatures due to the discretionary decision of the Commission, such a situation cannot be regarded as an effective implementation of the ECI. The application submitted by EU citizens as part of the ECI should not only be treated as a signal from them, and the Commission should treat it as a clear need to regulate a given area.
Comparison study of antibacterial properties of curcumin from Curcuma longa and enrofloxacin against Aeromonas hydrophila
Authors: Zhang Yuanyuan , Yan Jiaren , Song Liping , Zhu Yongan , Xu Peng , Mao Shuquan , Hu Bin , Wu Jun , Wang Bingli
Published: October 2022

Antibacterial properties of curcumin from turmeric (Curcuma longa) and enrofloxacin against Aeromonas hydrophila were assayed. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of curcumin and enrofloxacin against A. hydrophila were found to be 100ug/ml and 9.375ug/ml, respectively. To realize the mechanisms of action of curcumin against A. hydrophila, we researched the antibacterial activity and bacterial membrane permeability of A. hydrophila cells treated with curcumin or enrofloxacin. All results elucidated that curcumin increased membrane permeabilization and caused leakage of intracellular contents, while its role was not as good as enrofloxacin. Moreover, a synergistic effect was shown between curcumin and enrofloxacin. The present study suggests that curcumin extracted from turmeric has the potential to be used as an antimicrobial for the control of A. hydrophila.
The role of vertically integrated medical information system “Obstetrics and gynecology” and “Neonatology” in the digital transformation of maternal and child healthcare
Authors: Sukhikh G. T. , Pugachev P. S. , Artemova O. R. , Plutnitskiy A. N. , Sheshko E. L. , Prialukhin I. A. , Zarubina T. V. , Ashenbrenner I. V. , Goynik T. A. , Kirpa-Ivanov T. A.
Published: October 2022

Prerequisites, creation, place and role of vertically integrated medical information system “Obstetrics and gynecology” and “Neonatoloy” (VIMIS “AKiNEO”, System) the purpose of which is to increase the efficiency of managing the vertical of medical care organization by providing prompt and comprehensive analysis of information, improving the qualifications of medical workers, as well as improving the quality of medical care to patients by improving information support at all levels in the digital transformation are considered in the article. VIMIS “AKiNEO” receives in the form of structured electronic medical documents, processes and aggregates primary data from external medical information systems. Thus, the principle of a single input of information and its further multiple use is observed. Components, working principles and current state of the System are described in details, including the results using the severe maternal morbidity register. Examples of clinical situations in which the registry played a significant role in saving life and health of patients are given. Positive effects of the System influence on the obstetric services both at the regional level and at the level of the whole Russian Federation are shown. The problems encountered during creation and implementation VIMIS “AKiNEO” in Russian digital healthcare system are presented.
Informatization of healthcare in the Russian Federation: history and results of development
Authors: Gusev A. V. , Vladzimirskii A. V. , Golubev N. A. , Zarubina T. V.
Published: October 2022

The first studies and publications devoted to the use of information technologies in the health care of the USSR appeared in the 60s of the last century. Since that time, our country has formed its own scientific school and a market for a wide variety of software products intended for use in medicine and healthcare. Since 2011, a number of major federal projects in the field of healthcare informatization have been implemented, which, in general, made it possible to provide infrastructure and basic equipment, communication channels and software for the lion’s share of medical organizations, connect them into a single secure information network and ensure the exchange and accumulation of data on the work of the health care system of the Russian Federation. The article presents a description of the history of the development of these processes, as well as the current results of informatization of the healthcare industry in Russia.