bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantitative assessment of crural closure for laparoscopic anti-reflux surgeries
Authors: Mandovra Pranav , Kalikar Vishakha , Patankar Roy V. 
Published: September 2020

Background:
Long-term dysphagia is a known complication of laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery (LARS). Of the several factors, inadequate hiatal closure is one of the major reasons for its occurrence. The aim of this study is to develop a technique for the quantitative assessment of crural closure during LARS to reduce dysphagia.

Materials and Methods:
It is an analysis of prospectively collected data of 109 patients who underwent LARS at a tertiary healthcare centre in India. To identify the adequacy of hiatal closure intraoperatively, a 7 French Fogarty catheter was used, and its balloon was inflated with 1 cc air at the repaired hiatus. This inflated balloon in the repaired hiatus following cruroplasty gives an accurate quantitative assessment of the adequate closure and adequate space for food bolus to pass without causing mechanical obstruction after hiatus repair. Pre- and post-operative 12 months’ DeMeester scores and lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) pressures were calculated.

Results:
The patients had a significant reduction in DeMeester scores postoperatively from a mean of 68.5–12.3 (P < 0.0001). None of the patients had long-term dysphagia or the need for long-term proton-pump inhibitors. The mean LES pressures on post-operative manometry showed increase to 15.1 mmHg from a mean of 6.4 mmHg, which was statistically significant (P = 0.0001). None of the patients had a recurrence of hiatus hernia.

Conclusion:
Quantitative assessment of adequacy for crural closure during LARS using a 7 French Fogarty catheter balloon is a novel technique which may decrease the incidence of post-operative dysphagia or intrathoracic wrap migration or recurrence of hiatus hernia.
The Predictive Role of Social Intelligence in Successful Aging in the Elderly
Authors: Soleimani Mohammad Ali , Mohammadi Fatemeh , Mafi Maryam , Zakani Akram 
Published: September 2020

Introduction:
Successful aging is a concept that seemingly provides a good approach to increase an individual's success in old age. The results of studies have shown that various factors can predict a successful aging. Social intelligence is one of the parameters that can predict a person's success in life.

Methods:
This study is a cross-sectional descriptive study. The sample consisted of 288 elderly people in the city of Karaj who were selected at first by cluster sampling method and then by convenience sampling method. In order to evaluate successful aging (based on Rowe and Kahn's theory), the following questionnaires were used in addition to emphasizing the absence of chronic disease: World Health Organization's mental well-being questionnaire, Katz physical functioning questionnaire, and Duke social support and interaction questionnaire. To investigate the social intelligence, the Tromso social intelligence questionnaire was used. The data were analyzed by a descriptive test and also logistic regression in SPSS software version 22.

Results:
The mean age of the elderly was 65.24 ± 5.10. The successful aging rate was 7.3%. In logistic regression analysis, social intelligence significantly predicted successful aging. Moreover, variables of body mass index, previous job, level of religious beliefs, marital status, education level, the person they were living with and the use of assistive devices had a significant correlation with successful aging.

Conclusion:
Due to the high predictive power of social intelligence in successful aging and since this variable can be taught and learned, by emphasizing this variable and other predictor variables, this period can be enriched for the elderly along with a better quality of life.
Determinants of Teenage Marital Pregnancy Among Bangladeshi Women
Authors: Sarder Md. Alamgir , Alauddin Sharlene , Ahammed Benojir 
Published: September 2020

Introduction:
Teenage marital pregnancy is a critical issue responsible for complex and life threatening health problems of both mother and children. This study aimed to determine various demographic, socioeconomic, and spatial factors responsible for teenage pregnancy in Bangladesh.

Methods:
This study used Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2014 data. A sample of 4,608 teenage (age<20years) married women were included in the analysis. Kaplan Meier Product Limit approach was used to estimate the mean and median teenage pregnancy, and the log-rank test was used to test whether two (or more) groups were equal or not. Finally, Cox proportional hazard model was used to determine the risk factors of teenage pregnancy.

Results:
Among participants, approximately 90% had experienced teenage pregnancy. The mean (±standard deviation) age of the teenage pregnancy was 17.7 (±2.79) years. Among the demographic and socioeconomic factors, women's and their husband's lower education, lowest wealth index, Islamic faith, unemployment, and no access to mass media were the risk factors associated with the teenage pregnancy. Furthermore, spatial variables, residence in Rangpur division, and rural areas also had higher odds of getting pregnant at teenage.

Conclusion:
Government should initiate different protective and preventive measures to minimize early marriage and pregnancy, including improvement of female enrolment and completion rate of education, encouragement of female employment opportunities to increase wealth index for women through financial support and technical skill development, and reinforcement family planning utilization using religious texts and knowledge among people at individual and community levels.
Short communication: expanding the range of services to the survivors of Ebola virus disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: RamBihariLal Shrivastava Saurabh , Saurabh Shrivastava Prateek 
Published: September 2020

Objectives: The objectives of the article are to assess the role of a strategic response in the prevention and control of the dis- ease and the need for extending supports to the survivors of disease.
Introduction: Since the start of the August last year, a new outbreak of Ebola virus disease has been reported in provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Methods: As of now, close to 1170 cases and 740 deaths have been attributed to the diseases due to the associated complications in the region.
Results: In order to effectively respond to the outbreak, a wide range of strategies have been proposed. It is a fact that the survivors of the disease outbreak face multiple challenges, the task of organizing eye clinics to promote early detection of the problems among the survivors has been initiated.
Conclusion: In conclusion, Ebola virus disease is a life threatening disease and is linked with a wide range of complications, including those involving eyes. Thus, the need of the hour is to formulate a strategic response comprising of different strategies which not only aim to reduce the incidence of the disease, but also to extend quality assured care to the survivors.
Keywords: Ebola virus disease; Democratic Republic of Congo; eye; survivors.
Missed antenatal care follow-up and associated factors in Eastern Zone of Tigray, Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Mulat Amlaku , Kassa Simachew , Belay Getahun , Emishaw Solomon , Yekoye Abere , Bayu Hinsermu , Kebede Seifu 
Published: September 2020

Introduction: Focused antenatal care improves the survival and health of the mother as well as the babies. However, there are real challenges in keeping the subsequent antenatal care follow up in Ethiopia. Hence, the aim of this study was to assess missed antenatal care follow up and associated factors in the Eastern zone of Tigray.
Methods: Hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted among systematically selected 548 women who came for de- livery services from March to April 2016. The data were collected using pre-tested and structured questionnaire through face to face exit interview. Data entry and analysis were made using EPI info version 7 software and SPSS version 20 respectively. Both binary and multiple logistic regression was performed.
Results: This study revealed that 33.4% of participants were missing their Antenatal care follow-up. Having no formal ed- ucation [AOR=1.778 (1.102, 2.869)], attending primary education [AOR= 1.756 (1.040, 2.964)], self-employee [AOR=1.589 (1.030, 2.452)], government employee [AOR=0.503 (0.503, 0.953)], being unmarried [AOR=2.36 (1.11, 5.04)], didn’t in- formed about institutional delivery [AOR=3.34 (1.44, 7.78)], and travel distance more than two hours to hospital [AOR=1.93 (1.08, 3.44)] were factors significantly associated with missed Antenatal care follow-up.
Conclusion: The proportion of missed antenatal care follow-up was lessened as compared to local and national evidences. Nevertheless, still a coordinated effort on tracking of pregnant women who missed their antenatal care appointment is re- quired by health policy implementers so as to increase the uptake of four complete visits.
Keywords: Antenatal care follow-up; missed antenatal care; Tigray region; Ethiopia.
Anti-retro viral therapy adverse drug reaction and associated factors among human immuno deficiency virus infected adult patients at Nigist Eleni Mohammed Memorial hospital, South Ethiopia
Authors: Tamirat Temesgen , Woldemichael Kifle , Tewelde Tsegaye , Laelago Tariku 
Published: September 2020

Background: Recent increases in access to HAART have made the management of drug toxicities an increasingly crucial component of HIV care in developing countries. The aim of this study was to determine prevalence of antiretroviral ther- apy adverse drug reactions and associated factors among HIV-infected adult patients at Nigist Eleni Mohammed memorial hospital.
Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted by retrospective review of patients’ medical records. From a total 721 adult patient records, 231 patients record were selected by simple random sampling technique. The study was conducted April15-25, 2015.The association between dependent and independent variables was measured by using OR at 95% CI. P-value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant.
Result: About 53(22.9%) patients developed ADRs (adverse drug reactions). Female (AOR=2.72, CI=1.177-6.30), patients with WHO stage III and IV (AOR= 13.06, CI=4.17- 40.90) were found more likely to develop ADRs. Commonly identified ADRs were fatigue (18.1%), diarrhea (7.7%), nausea (6.5%), headache (3.6%) and anemia (2%).
Conclusion: Nearly one in five patients develop ADRs. Sex of respondents, WHO stage and functional status were asso- ciated with ADRs. The health care providers should give due attention to ambulatory, bedridden, and WHO stage III and IV patients.
Keywords: ART; HIV; AIDS; Ethiopia.
Epidemiology and visual outcomes of ocular injuries in a low resource country
Authors: K Abu Emmanuel , Ocansey Stephen , A Gyamfi Jennifer , Ntodie Michael , KA Morny Enyam 
Published: September 2020

Background: Ocular injury is a major cause of ocular morbidity and unilateral visual impairment and represents a consid- erable public health concern especially in low resource societies.
Objective: To evaluate the epidemiology and visual outcomes of ocular injuries in southern Ghana.
Methods: A retrospective hospital-based case series was conducted. Information on new cases of ocular injuries were re- trieved and parameters including time between injury occurrence and reporting to the clinic, presenting visual acuity (VA), and the best corrected final VA were investigated and visual outcomes were assessed.
Results: Most (50.2%) of the patients reported to the hospital after a day of sustaining an ocular injury; workplace injuries, older patients and farm-related injuries were most likely to report after a day of sustaining an injury. A significant proportion (40.4%) of patients reported with good presenting vision (6/6-6/18) which increased to 56.7% after treatment; 45.3% of patients reported with visual impairment (<6/18) and reduced to 42.4% after treatment. Farming (AOR = 4.5, p = 0.02), reporting after a day of sustaining injury (AOR = 78, p< 0.001), workplace injuries (AOR = 3.1, p = 0.007) and roadside injuries (AOR = 3.1, p = 0.02) were associated with poor visual outcomes. Initial VA 6/18 or better was the highest predictor of good visual outcome.
Conclusion: There is a shift in the pattern of ocular injury occurrence from work-related to home- related.
Keywords: Epidemiology; visual outcome; ocular injuries; incidence; Ghana.
Effect of interleukins (IL-2, IL-15, IL-18) on receptors activation and cytotoxic activity of natural killer cells in breast cancer cell
Authors: Widowati Wahyu , K Jasaputra Diana , B Sumitro Sutiman , A Widodo Mochammad , Mozef Tjandrawati , Rizal Rizal , Sari W Kusuma Hanna , R Laksmitawati Dian , Murti Harry , Bachtiar Indra , Faried Ahmad 
Published: September 2020

Introduction: Breast cancer is one of the leading cause of cancer deaths in women. Metastasis in BC is caused by immuno- surveillance deficiency, such NK cell maturation, low NK activity and decreasing cytotoxicity. This study was performed to improve activating receptors and cytotoxicity of NK cells using interleukins (ILs).
Methods: Human recombinant IL-2, -15, and -18 were used to induce NK cells. We measured the activating and inhibiting receptors, proliferation activity of NK cells, and the cytotoxicity of NK cells on BC cells (MCF7). The effects of ILs were tested on the NK cell receptors CD314, CD158a and CD107a with flowcytometry, proliferation at various incubation times with 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxy methoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS) assay and concen- trations of TNF-α and IFN-γ by NK cells with ELISA.
Results: ILs increased NK cell receptor levels (CD314, CD158a, and CD107a) at 24 hours of incubation. ILs increased NK cell viability, which increased with longer incubation. Moreover, ILs-induced NK cells inhibited proliferation in MCF7 cells, as well as increased TNF-α, IFN-γ, PRF1 and GzmB secretion.
Conclusion: IL-2, IL-15, and IL-18 improved activating receptors and proliferation of NK cells. IL-induced NK cells in- creased TNF-α, IFN-γ, PRF1 and GzmB secretion and cytotoxic activity on BC cells. High NK cell numbers increased BC cell growth inhibition.
Keywords: Activator; breast cancer; interleukins; natural killer; receptor.
Evaluating HIV/Aids prevalence and sustainable development in sub-Saharan Africa: the role of health expenditure
Authors: Adetola Odugbesan Jamiu , Rjoub Husam 
Published: September 2020

Background: The sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) present the highest prevalence of HIV/AIDS worldwide; resulting to a signif- icant development challenges at country, region and global level. The previous studies explain at least in part, the impact of the epidemic, however the impact of HIV/AIDS in long-term economic behavior were not yet clear. There is clearly few or absence of studies on the impact of the impact of the epidemic on sustainable development.
Objective: This study focused on macroeconomic analysis of the HIV/AIDS impact on sustainable development in SSA.
Method: The study utilized a panel dataset covering 23 countries from 1993 until 2016, and employed Panel ARDL/PMG.
Results: Our findings reveals a stable long-run relationship between sustainable development and HIV/AIDS prevalence. The error correction coefficient was statistically significant and conclude that HIV/AIDS prevalence has long-run impact on sustainable development.
Conclusion: The main implication of our study is that, achieving a sustainable development in the presence of high preva- lence of HIV/AIDS in SSA is very challenging and as such, the responsiveness of HIV/AIDS to sustainable development should be maintained at minimum which would require more efforts on HIV/AIDS control programs and increase health expenditure.
Keywords: HIV/AIDS; macroeconomics; sustainable development; health expenditure; SSA.
Efficacy and safety of rituximab for systemic lupus erythematosus treatment: a meta-analysis
Authors: Wu Shanshan , Wang Yanhai , Zhang Jiaojiao , Han Bo , Wang Baishan , Gao Wanli , Zhang Ning , Zhang Cheng , Yan Feng , Li Zhijing 
Published: September 2020

Background: Given the inconsistency of previous studies and the newly emerging evidence, we decided to conduct a me- ta-analysis.
Methods: The meta-analysis included 2 randomized controlled trials and 13 observational studies 742 patients in total. Qualified studies were properly searched from databases . Data were analyzed by the RevMan 5.3 software. Results were demonstrated as WMD , SMD and RR with 95% CIs, I2 and P value.
Results: We observed that a remarkable increase of complement C3 in the rituximab group than placebo group (WMD- fixed=7.67mg/dL, 95%CIs=-0.16~15.50, I2=0%, P=0.05). A significant increase of complement C4 was observed in the rituximab group than placebo group (WMDfixed=3.14mg/dL, 95%CIs=1.06~5.22, I2=0%, P=0.003). Notably decreased peripheral CD19+B cells in rituximab group than placebo group (WMDfixed=-117.93n/μl, 95%CIs=-172.94~-62.91, I2=0%, P<0.0001) in RCTs. Patients with severe or refractory SLE got more satisfactory efficacy results after receiving rituximab in observational studies, such as British Isles Lupus Assessment Group index score, SLE Disease Activity Index score, complement C3/C4, anti-dsDNA antibodies, peripheral CD19+B cells and so on. Safety profiles were no difference between rituximab and placebo groups.
Conclusion: although the efficacy of rituximab is highly controversial for SLE, our study shows that rituximab presents a satisfying efficacy and safety for SLE.
Keywords: Efficacy; safety; rituximab; systemic lupus erythematosus; meta-analysis.
An audit tool for relicensing inspection for private hospitals in eThekwini district, South Africa
Authors: Chellan Jamila , Nokuthula Sibiya Maureen 
Published: September 2020

Background: South Africa is moving towards National Health Insurance (NHI), which aims to provide access to universal health coverage for all South Africans. The NHI will only accredit and contract eligible health facilities that meet nationally approved quality standards in the public and private sector. Detailed tools for measuring compliance with the National Core Standards (NCS) and Batho Pele principles have been developed and implemented in the public sector. To date and since its implementation in the public sector, very little is known about the national audit tool and the method used to evaluate quality and patient safety standards in private hospitals in eThekwini district.
Objective: The aim of the study was to develop an audit tool for relicensing inspection of private hospitals in eThekwini district based on the clinical domains of the NCS and Batho Pele principles.
Methodology: An exploratory sequential mixed method research design was used with a qualitative first phase involving 24 nurse managers through purposive sampling. This was followed by a quantitative phase in which a structured questionnaire was administered to 270 nurses who were randomly sampled for the study from 4 hospitals.
Results: The results revealed that the NCS and the Batho Pele principles are not fully implemented or evaluated in the se- lected hospitals in eThekwini district.
Conclusion: These findings were significant and denoted the need for a standardised clinical audit tool for private hospitals in eThekwini district.
Keywords: Audit tool; best practices; patient care; patient rights;, support services.
Retracted: The effectiveness of basic life support training on nursing students’ knowledge and basic life support practices: a non-randomized quasi-experimental design
Authors: Kose Selmin , Akin Semiha , Mendi Onur , Goktas Sonay 
Published: September 2020

This article has been retracted by the Editor as it has been published in a previous issue.
Background: Provision of up-to-date information and skills training related to basic life support practices is very important for nursing students’ professional development and practitioner and education related roles.
Objective: The purpose of the study was to examine the effectiveness of basic life support training on knowledge and practices among nursing students.
Methods: A non-randomized quasi-experimental design (one group pre-test-post-test) was used in this study. The study was conducted in the laboratory of an undergraduate nursing school. The sample consisted of a convenience sample of 1st-year stu- dents enrolled in the undergraduate nursing class. The study sample consisted of 65 nursing students. Basic life support training included both theoretical and practical components. The students’ knowledge and practices were assessed before basic life sup- port training. Data were collected using the knowledge assessment questionnaire. The practical skills for basic life support were observed and assessed using a checklist. The pre- and post-assessment practice scores were compared.
Results: After basic life support training, level of knowledge and practical skill scores were higher compared to pre-training scores (t= -12.442, p=0.000; t= -22.899, p=0.000). There was a significant and moderate association between the adult basic life support knowledge form scores and the adult basic life support practice assessment form scores obtained after the training (r = 0.39, p<0.01).
Conclusion: The study showed that basic life support training improved knowledge and skills related to basic life support practices in nursing students. Periodic basic life support training is very important for competency in this area among nursing students.
Keywords: Basic life support; training; nursing; students
Psycho-behavioral factors associated with neurocognitive performance among people living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy in Accra, Ghana
Authors: Asiedu Nana , Kretchy Irene , Asampong Emmanuel 
Published: September 2020

Background: It is estimated that almost half of all people living with HIV have some form of neurocognitive impairment, but few studies have looked at the risk of neurocognitive impairment and its associated factors in Ghana, due in part to limited resources for such testing.
Objective: To examine neurocognitive performance in a group of Ghanaians living with HIV and possible factors that contribute to their performance.
Methods: One hundred and four patients were assessed using a selection of brief non-invasive neuropsychological assess- ments as well as the International HIV Dementia Scale. Psycho-behavioural factors (alcohol use, depression, and medication adherence) as well as demographic characteristics and functional daily activities were assessed to determine their association with neurocognitive performance, using linear regression and receiver operating characteristic analyses.
Results: About 48% of the participants met the criteria for risk of neurocognitive impairment. Age, education, and symp- toms of depression were found to be significantly associated with the risk of impairment.
Conclusion: Some people living with HIV showed risk of neurocognitive impairment, which was significantly associated with education, age and depressive symptoms. It is therefore important to consider routine neurocognitive screening in HIV management to recognize any risks for early interventions.
Keywords: ART adherence; depression; neurologic disease.