bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in pulmonary and extrapulmonary samples in a hospital-based study
Authors: Iravathy Goud Kalal , Kavitha Matam , Mahalakshmi Adi , Vempati Ravi , A Alodhayani Abdulaziz , A Mohammed Arif , Ali Khan Imran 
Published: December 2020

Objective: Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), remains a deadly infectious disease. India contributes to one-third of the global TB burden. However, no studies have been carried out in the Telangana (Hyderabad) population using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Therefore, the current study evaluated the role of RT-PCR as a rapid and non-invasive test to diagnose TB by testing for pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and extrapulmonary tubercu- losis (EPTB).
Materials and methods: This hospital-based study examined 1670 samples (900 EPTB; 770 PTB) comprising tissue (n = 537), peritoneal fluid (n = 420), sputum (n = 166), bronchial fluid (n = 126), cerebrospinal fluid (n = 145), ascetic fluid (n = 76), sputum pus (n = 78), urine (n = 79), and bronchoalveolar fluid (n = 43) samples. DNA from samples was separated using specific isolation kits and subjected to RT-PCR.
Results: In this study, we enrolled 1670 subjects and categorized 54.4% as females and 45.6% as males. The collected sam- ples were categorized as 48.5% of fluid samples, followed by tissue (32.2%), sputum (9.9%), urine (4.7%), and pus-swab (4.6%). RT-PCR analysis revealed that 4.7% patients were positive for Mtb. Our results revealed that 61% of the affected patients were male and 39% were female. Among the specimen types, tissue samples gave the highest proportion of positive results (36.3%).
Conclusion: The results showed that RT-PCR should be implemented and given top priority in TB diagnosis to save time and facilitate a definitive diagnosis. Tissue samples are highly recommended to screen the Mtb through the technique RT- PCR. Future studies should extend the technique to the global population and exome sequencing analysis should be per- formed to identify TB risk markers.
Keywords: Tuberculosis (TB); EPTB; PTB; Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb).
Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis and Toxoplasma gondii detection in fresh vegetables consumed in Marrakech, Morocco
Authors: Berrouch Salma , Escotte-Binet Sandie , Amraouza Yassine , Flori Pierre , Aubert Dominique , Villena Isabelle , Hafid Jamaleddine 
Published: December 2020

Background: Protozoan parasites such as Toxoplasma gondii, Giardia duodenalis, and Cryptosporidium spp., can be transmitted to humans via accidental consumption of contaminated water, fresh produce and foodstuffs. There is a lack of epidemiological data about these pathogens in Morocco. Hence the aim of this study, which is the determination of their prevalence in some leafy greens and root vegetables sold in Marrakech.
Methods: A total of 132 vegetable samples including carrot, coriander, lettuce, parsley and radish were purchased monthly from three different markets in Marrakech from March 2017 to January 2018, pre-treated and subjected to microscopic and molecular analyses.
Results: Of the 132 samples of vegetables analyzed by qPCR, the overall rate of protozoan was 21.21% (28/132); 22 samples were found to be contaminated with T. gondii, 6 with G. duodenalis, and none was positive for C. parvum/hominis. Whereas, modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining allowed the detection of Cryptosporidium spp. in 3% (4/132) of examined samples.
Conclusion: This survey on the presence of protozoan parasites in fresh vegetables revealed that vegetables sold in Marrakech are contaminated by these protozoan parasites, as it showed that leafy green vegetables were more susceptible for parasitic contamination than root ones.
Keywords: Fresh vegetables; protozoan parasites; Marrakech; qPCR.
Developmental outcomes of HIV-exposed infants in a low-income South African context
Authors: Cornelia de Beer Carmen , Krüger Esedra , Van der Linde Jeannie , Eccles Renata , Alet Graham Marien 
Published: December 2020

Background: Effective HIV transmission prevention strategies have led to a growing population of vulnerable HIV- and antiretroviral-exposed infants in sub-Saharan Africa, however uncertainty exists regarding their development.
Objective: To determine the developmental outcomes of HIV-exposed (HE) infants in a low-income South African con- text, when compared to HIV-unexposed (HU) counterparts.
Methods: In this prospective cross-sectional, group comparison study, the development of 41 HE and 40 HU infants (mean age=8.4 months, SD=2.1 months) from a low-income context was assessed. Caregivers were interviewed using the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Third Edition (Vineland-3) to evaluate infants’ development.
Results: Most HE participants had age-appropriate overall development (90.2%;n=37). Some HE participants, however, presented with delays in domains of communication (9.8%;n=4), daily living skills (2.4%;n=1), socialisation (19.5%;n=8), and motor development (7.3%;n=3). HU participants also demonstrated some domain-specific delays, thus delays were present in both groups. No statistically significant between-group differences regarding development were found.
Conclusion: Findings were reassuring and suggested that HE and HU participants had similar development. Developmen- tal differences may, however, only emerge with age, therefore large-scale longitudinal research is recommended. It is suggest- ed that the entire sample was vulnerable, highlighting the importance of developmental surveillance in low-income contexts, irrespective of HIV and antiretroviral exposure status.
Keywords: Developmental outcomes; HIV-exposed infants; low-income context.
ECG abnormalities among HIV infected children placed on ART at Enugu, South East of Nigeria
Authors: Spiff Eleazar Emeka , Idara Eleazar Clara , Chukwu Nwachukwu Daniel , Ifeanyi Nwagha Uchenna 
Published: December 2020

Background: Cardiovascular abnormalities are not much reported among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected children especially in Africa where there is high HIV disease. In addition, the use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in such children may have a protective effect on the cardiovascular system.
Methods: Cross-sectional study of randomly selected eighty HIV infected and 80 aged matched non- HIV-infected chil- dren were used. HIV-infected children were on HAART for more than 5years and had steadily received the treatment for 6 months prior to the time of the tests. Heights and weights were measured and body mass index calculated. Cardiac indi- ces evaluated were heart rate (HR), PR interval, QRS duration, QT/QTC Interval, P/QRS/T Axis, RV5/SV1 voltage and RV5+SV1 voltage.
Results: The average heart rate was significantly higher among HIV infected children on HAART than their non-infected counterparts (P= 0.019). At 0.05 significance level, their PR interval was significantly higher than those in the control group (P=0.050). The average QRS duration result also showed a significant difference between that of test and control subjects (P = 0.022)
Conclusion: The HAART usage possibly improved the cardiovascular functioning in the infected children but the protective effects diminish with increase age and longer exposure.
Keywords: HIV; cardiovascular; children; HAART.
Association of FADS2 rs174575 gene polymorphism and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: S Shetty Shilpa , Kumari N Suchetha , Devi Harshini , KP Sharmila , Rai Srinidhi 
Published: December 2020

Background: Many risk factors contribute to the pathogenesis of diabetes. Gene and lifestyle factors are considered to be the major contributors. A dietary pattern is attributed to be one of the lifestyle risk factors favoring diabetes. The present study aims to find an association between fatty acid desaturase (FADS) gene polymorphism and glycemic profile in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
Methodology: A total of 429 subjects were included in the study on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria, of which 213 and 216 subjects were diabetic and control, respectively. Body mass index was calculated. Fasting plasma glucose, gly- cated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and insulin were measured using commercially available kits. rs174575 of FADS2 was selected based on previous publications and identified using the dbSNP database. To compare the biochemical parameters with the genotype, the following three models were used: additive model (CC vs CG vs GG), dominant model (CC + CG vs GG), and recessive model (CC vs CG + GG).
Results and Discussion: FBS, HbA1c, insulin, HOMA-IR, and HOMA-B exhibited a high and statistically significant difference between subjects and controls. The three models exhibited a statistically significant difference between FBS, HO- MA-IR, and HOMA- B (p<0.05).
Conclusion: The distribution of rs174575 genotype differed significantly between the subjects and controls in the present study. The study revealed that genetic variation in FADS2 is an additional facet to consider while studying the risk factors of T2DM.
Keywords: Fatty acid desaturase; gene polymorphism; type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Association between APOC3 polymorphisms and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease risk: a meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Jun , Ye Chuncui , Fei Sujuan 
Published: December 2020

Background and Aim: The apolipoprotein C3 (APOC3) polymorphism has been reported to predispose to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the results remain inconclusive. This meta-analysis aimed to provide insights into the association between APOC3 polymorphisms and NAFLD risk.
Methods: Studies with terms “NALFD” and “APOC3” were retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI and Wan- fang databases up to August 1, 2019. Pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) for the association of APOC3 polymorphisms and NAFLD risk were calculated using fixed and random-effects models.
Results: A total of twelve studies from eleven articles were included. Of them, eight studies (1750 cases and 2181 controls) reported the strong association of variant rs2854116 with NAFLD and six studies (1523 cases and 1568 controls) found the association of rs2854117 polymorphism with NAFLD. Overall, a statistically significant association between rs2854116 pol- ymorphism of APOC3 gene and NAFLD risk was found only under dominant model. However, association of rs2854117 polymorphism with NAFLD risk was not detected under all four genetic models. In sub-group analysis of NAFLD subjects based on country, no association among them in China was detected. Besides, four studies analyze the association between the two polymorphisms and clinical characteristics in all subjects or NAFLD patients, and we also failed detect any associa- tion between the wild carriers and variant carriers.
Conclusion: The meta-analyses suggests that the rs2854116 polymorphism but not rs2854117 polymorphism in APOC3 gene might be a risk factor for NAFLD among Asians. That is, individuals with CT+CC genotype have higher risk of devel- oping NAFLD. However, studies with sufficient sample size are needed for the further validation.
Keywords: Apolipoprotein C3; polymorphism; non-alcoholic fatty liver disease; meta-analysis.
Non- pancreatic neuroendocrine tumour presenting with hypoglycemia in an elderly patient
Authors: Eren Merve , Bostan Feyzi 
Published: December 2020

Background: Hypoglycemia is a common, symptom seen in individuals. Hypoglycemia in the elderly is both under-recog- nized and misdiagnosed due to nonspesific hypoglycemic symptoms and accompanying comorbidities in this population. In diabetic individuals, hypoglycemia is most commonly caused by administering insulin or sulphonylureas and insulin secretagogues. Other drugs, such as antibiotics or beta-blockers, have been reported to reduce blood glucose to abnormally low levels. Hypoglycemia in non-diabetic patients is considered a rare event, and the possible reasons may be reactive hypo- glycemia, insulin-secreting tumours and other malignancies, hypopituitarism, hypocortisolism, alcohol abuse, inappropriate insulin self-administration, malnutrition, renal failure and sepsis.
Case: An 86- year- old male was admitted to the emergency department with hypoglycemia diagnosed with non-pancreatic neuroendocrine tumour (NET) on lung secreting insulin. No surgical intervention or chemotherapy was planned due to patients age and comorbidities so best supportive care was planned. We used prednisone for symptomatic treatment of hy- poglycemia and the patient has been followed up periodically. In this period he had no hypoglycemic attack.
Conclusion: For patients with hypoglycemia who are unable/decline to receive any further treatment, low dose glucocorti- coid is a good choice to achieve normoglycemia. It seems to be more cost effective compared to other treatment options. Furthermore hospitalisation rates may decrease due to decreased hypogylcemic attacks.
Keywords: Neuroendocrine tumour; hypoglycaemia; prednisone; non-islet cell tumour.
The relationship between Vitamin D deficiency and polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Gokosmanoglu Feyzi , Onmez Attila , Ergenç Hasan 
Published: December 2020

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is frequently seen in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and has been shown to exhibit multiple effects on the disease process. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of vitamin D deficiency in complex PCOS pathophysiological pathways. Methods: Two hundred sixty-seven patients with PCOS were divided into two groups Group 1 with 25(OH)D3 deficiency, and Group 2 with normal 25(OH)D3. Biochemical and hormonal parameters (androgen hormones, gonadotropins, and thyroid function tests) were compared between the two groups. Results: Eighty-six percent of the patients (n=231) were in Group 1 and 14% (n=36) in Group 2. Statistically signifi- cantly higher concentrations of serum testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate and LH were determined in Group 1 (p<0.05). 25(OH)D3 concentrations were negatively correlated with body mass index (r=−0.459), serum testosterone (r =−0.374) and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate levels (r=−0.418); (all; p< 0.05). Conclusion: The study findings show that low 25(OH)D3 levels are associated with high androgen levels in women with PCOS. Vitamin D deficiency should be considered as an additional risk factor in the development of PCOS. We think that providing vitamin D supplementation for women from identified deficiency areas can reduce the risk of PCOS development.
Keywords: Polycystic ovarian syndrome; vitamin D deficiency; androgen hormones; testosterone.
The epidemiology of seasonal influenza after the 2009 influenza pandemic in Africa: a systematic review
Authors: Lagare Adamou , Rajatonirina Soatiana , Testa Jean , Mamadou Saidou 
Published: December 2020

Background: Influenza infection is a serious public health problem that causes an estimated 3 to 5 million cases and 250,000 deaths worldwide every year. The epidemiology of influenza is well-documented in high- and middle-income countries, however minimal effort had been made to understand the epidemiology, burden and seasonality of influenza in Africa. This study aims to assess the state of knowledge of seasonal influenza epidemiology in Africa and identify potential data gaps for policy formulation following the 2009 pandemic.
Method: We reviewed articles from Africa published into four databases namely: MEDLINE (PubMed), Google Scholar, Cochrane Library and Scientific Research Publishing from 2010 to 2019.
Results: We screened titles and abstracts of 2070 studies of which 311 were selected for full content evaluation and 199 studies were considered. Selected articles varied substantially on the basis of the topics they addressed covering the field of influenza surveillance (n=80); influenza risk factors and co-morbidities (n=15); influenza burden (n=37); influenza vaccina- tion (n=40); influenza and other respiratory pathogens (n=22) and influenza diagnosis (n=5).
Conclusion: Significant progress has been made since the last pandemic in understanding the influenza epidemiology in Africa. However, efforts still remain for most countries to have sufficient data to allow countries to prioritize strategies for influenza prevention and control.
Keywords: Influenza; epidemiology; review; Africa; post pandemic.
Self-reported halitosis and oral health related quality of life in adolescent students from a suburban community in Nigeria
Authors: Alade Omolola , Ajoloko Ebenezer , Dedeke Aderonke , Uti Omolara , Sofola Oyinkansola 
Published: December 2020

Background: Halitosis is an important cause of impaired quality of life in adolescents. Little is known about the prevalence of self-reported halitosis in adolescents in Nigeria and the extent to which self-reported halitosis impairs their oral health related quality of life.
Objectives: To determine the prevalence and impact of self-reported halitosis on the oral health related quality of life of adolescent students in a suburban community in Nigeria.
Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study. Pre-tested self-administered pro-forma was used to obtain the adolescents’ demographic data and their self-perception of halitosis. The Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) was used to assess the adolescents’ OHRQoL. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the median OHIP-14 scores between adolescents who reported halitosis and those who did not. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Ethics approval for this study was obtained from the Health Research and Ethics Committee of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital.
Results: A total of 361 adolescents aged 10 – 19 years (mean age 14.1 ± 1.79 years) took part in the study. Of these, 32.7% (n=118) had self-reported halitosis. The median OHIP-14 score among adolescents with self-reported halitosis was 3 (0-9) while those who did not report halitosis had a median OHIP-14 score of 0 (0 – 5). This difference was statistically significant (p < 0.0001).
Conclusion: Self-reported halitosis significantly impaired the oral health related quality of life of the adolescents.
Keywords: Halitosis; oral health; quality of life; adolescent.
Trace metal toxicity in some food items in three major markets in Ado-Odo/Ota LGA, Ogun State, Nigeria and associated health implications
Authors: Isaac Ayanda Opeyemi , Adetutu Bello Oluwakemi , Ifeanyichukwu Nwabuisi Oluwatosin 
Published: December 2020

Background: Many of the markets in Nigeria are open, where foodstuffs are laid bare on flat trays and open baskets, direct- ly exposing them to environmental contaminants. This study aimed at determining whether some food items on sale around an industrialized area of Ogun State are contaminated with trace metals.
Methods: Seven different food items – Clarias gariepinus (roasted, fresh and smoked) Bos taurus (dried and fresh beef), zobo leaf (Hibiscus sabdariffa) and crayfish (Astacus leptodactylus) were sampled from three major markets, namely: Lusada, Atan and Ota in Ado-Odo/Ota LGA of Ogun State. They were analyzed for Lead, Cadmium, Nickel, Manganese and Zinc using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy.
Results: Cd was not detected in most of the food items across the markets. Pb, Ni and Mn were detected in very high con- centrations above the maximum allowable limits by international regulatory agencies. Zn was the only metal that was gen- erally below regulatory limits in food items across the three markets. The Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) and Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) values were generally higher than values acceptable in food.
Conclusion: Some of the food items consumed in this area are not entirely safe from metal toxicity and this may have se- rious health consequences.
Keywords: Cadmium; food items; lead; Manganese; nickel; zinc.
VMMC clients’ perception of increased risk of HIV infection, circumcision preferred choice of method, providers’ socio-demographics and mode of service delivery
Authors: M Nanteza Barbara , H Gray Ronald , Serwadda David , Kennedy C , Makumbi Fredrick 
Published: December 2020

Introduction: Voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) is a scientifically proven HIV prevention intervention. Uganda, like many countries has been implementing VMMC for over 10 years but uptake is still low especially in northern Uganda. To attain 80% needed for public health impact, scale-up was recommended with many innovations implemented with sub-optimal results. This study therefore wanted to find out some of the correlates of VMMC uptake in Gulu district, northern Uganda.
Methods: Two studies were conducted separately but data was analyzed for this study. For the quantitative study, propor- tions and frequencies were used to measure perception of increased risk of HIV infection using age, gender, occupation, marital and circumcision status. Qualitative study provided data from FGDs, IDIs and KIIs were first transcribed in Acholi and then translated in English. Transcripts were uploaded in MAXDQA software for data management. A code book for emerging themes was developed.
Results: A total of 548 respondents were interviewed for the quantitative study, where two thirds (66%) of the participants perceived themselves to be at increased risk of HIV infection. For the qualitative study, 149 participants from 19 FGDs, 11 KIIs and 9 IDIs were interviewed. Data were analyzed thematically using both inductive and deductive approaches. Devices were preferred to conventional surgery while mobile services were preferred to static services. However, there were diver- gent views regarding circumcision service providers’ socio-demographics and these were influenced mainly by age, level of education and location.
Conclusion: People in Northern Uganda perceived themselves to be at an increased risk of HIV infection. They preferred devices to conventional surgery, mobile services to static services but had varying views about the socio-demographics of the service providers.
Keywords: Male circumcision; challenges; HIV prevention.
The THE INDONESIAN STUDENTS’ WILLINGNESS TO COMMUNICATE IN VIRTUAL CLASS: A CASE STUDY
Authors: Sesriyani Lodya 
Published: December 2020

As one of the keys to quality instructional process, students’ willingness to communicate deserves a place to observe especially when it was done by non-English department students when conducting instructional practices virtually during the Covid-19 outbreak. The present study aimed at investigating the students’ willingness to communicate during TOEFL preparation classes. The object of this study was 30 students of Economics Education Study Program in their second semester learning in a South-Tangerang based university, Indonesia. The students’ patterns in their willingness to communicate were examined using close observation within 3 consecutive meetings. Due to the pandemic outbreak of Covid-19, the instructional process was conducted virtually via Zoom platform. One lecturer acted as the instructor and one passive observant was given an access to record and observe the instructional practices. This study revealed that the students’ willingness to communicate depends on the task type given by the lecturer. It indicated the significance of intelligible and feasible instruction in order that the students’ willingness to communicate improved.