bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Five-year period evaluation of isolated agents and their resistance profiles in intensive care unit patients with malignancy
Authors: Mert Duygu , Muslu Selda , Merdin Alparslan , Timuroğlu Arif , Dirim Ece , Ünver Süheyla , Ertek Mustafa 
Published: September 2020

Introduction: Patients treated in the intensive care unit (ICU) are usually patients who deteriorated health condition and could have longer hospital stay compared to other patients. Hospital infections are more common in ICU patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the bacteria and treatment resistance profiles isolated from clinical specimens sent for hospital infections in ICU patients between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2018.
Methodology: Bacteria isolated from various clinical samples sent for hospital infections in hospitalized patients in the Anesthesia and Reanimation Intensive Care Unit were retrospectively analyzed.
Results: Culture positivity was detected in 547 of the sent clinical samples. Eighty Gram-positive bacteria, 389 Gram-negative bacteria and 78 fungi infection were identified in a total of 547 positive cultures. In Gram-positive bacteria, 4 MRSA, 6 VRE and 30 MRCoNS were identified as resistant strains. In Gram-negative bacteria, Acinetobacter spp. was the most culture positive strain with the number of 223. Carbapenem resistance was found in 258 of the Gram-negative bacteria and ESBL positivity was found in 44 of the Gram-negative bacteria strains.
Conclusions: Gram-negative bacteria were the most frequently isolated strain in samples. Recently, colistin resistance has been increasing in Acinetobacter spp. and the increase in carbapenemase enzyme in Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas and Klebsiella species has increased resistance to carbapenems. Knowing the microorganisms that grow in ICUs and their antibiotic resistance patterns may help to prevent contamination of resistant microorganisms by both appropriate empirical antibiotic treatment and more isolation as well as general hygiene standard precautions.
Evaluation of Risk Factors for Mortality in Febrile Neutropenia
Authors: Ceken Sabahat , Gedik Habip , Iskender Gulsen , Demirelli Meryem , Mert Duygu , Yapar Toros Goknur , Yigenoglu Tugce  Nur , Altuntas Fevzi , Oksuzoglu Berna , Ertek Mustafa 
Published: September 2020

Introduction: We aimed to evaluate the epidemiology of infections and factors associated with mortality in patients with febrile neutropenia (FEN).
Methodology: The adult patients, who developed FEN after chemotherapy due to a hematologic malignancy or a solid tumor in a training and research hospital were evaluated, retrospectively. The demographic data of the patients, underlying malignancy, administered antimicrobial therapy, microbiological findings, and other risk factors associated with mortality were evaluated.
Results: A total of 135 FEN episodes of 115 patients, who comprised of 72 (63%) patients with 89 FEN episodes due to hematologic malignancies (hemato-group) and 43 (37%) patients with 46 FEN episodes due to solid organ cancers (onco-group), were evaluated in the study. The median age was 47 years (range: 17-75 years) and 66 (57%) patients were male. A total of 12 patients (8.8%) died during 135 episodes of FEN including nine cases from hemato-group and three cases from onco-group. Those factors including a presence of pneumonia, advanced age, persistent fever despite an antimicrobial treatment, and need for mechanical ventilation in intensive care unit (ICU) with were determined as risk factors associated with mortality.
Conclusions: Morbidity and mortality are more common in patients with hematological malignancies compared to patients with solid organ cancers due to prolonged neutropenia. In case of persistent fever, an invasive fungal infection (IFI) should be kept in mind in patients with hematologic malignancies and then antifungal treatment should be initiated. Although a persistent fever is also common in patients with solid tumors, the necessity of antifungal therapy is rare due to the short duration of neutropenia.
Epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 in Shenzhen, China: comparison between imported and local cases
Authors: Li Zhihui , Wang Jin , Huang Jingyi , Lu Jiahai 
Published: September 2020

Introduction: An unprecedented outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has swept across the globe since the end of 2019. Shenzhen confirmed its first imported case from Wuhan on 19 January 2020. However, little is known regarding the epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 in these imported cities.
Methodology: Data of all 417 confirmed cases diagnosed in Shenzhen before 29 February were collected. The epidemiological characteristics of imported and local cases were compared. The resilience to COVID-19 was evaluated by discharge density.
Results: All ten districts reported COVID-19 cases by 29 February, including 331 imported and 86 local cases. The Pearson linear correlation model showed the number of confirmed cases (r = 0.990, p < 0.001) as well as incidence of COVID-19 (r = 0.766, p = 0.010) was positively correlated with the gross domestic product of district. Family clusters were more commonly found in local cases. Imported patients had earlier onset (p < 0.001) and diagnosis (p < 0.001), but longer interval from onset to admission (p = 0.030), diagnosis (p = 0.003) and discharge (p = 0.016). Older and severe cases had lower discharge density (0.024 and 0.018, respectively); while cases with subclinical symptoms exhibited higher discharge density (0.052).
Conclusions: COVID-19 patients were predominantly imported cases in Shenzhen and the spatial distribution was closely related to district GDP. Imported and local cases differed in the intervals from onset to admission, diagnosis and discharge. Moreover, family-based transmission should not be ignored, especially in local cases.
Comparison of clinical characteristics between fecal/perianal swab nucleic acid-positive and -negative patients with COVID-19
Authors: Chen Gong-Qi , Luo Wen-Tao , Zhao Chao-Hui , Li Chun-Na , Hong Zhong-Si , Xia Jin-Yu , Liu Xi 
Published: September 2020

Introduction: We analyzed the clinical characteristics of COVID-19 fecal/perianal swab nucleic acid-positive patients in our hospital and evaluated the effect of SARS-CoV-2 on the gastrointestinal tract.
Methodology: Ninety-seven patients in the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from January 17, 2020 to March 2, 2020 with fecal/perianal swab samples were selected as subjects and the results of real-time fluorescence reverse transcriptase-PCR SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid detection of fecal/perianal swabs were used to divide subjects into positive and negative groups.
Results: Fecal/perianal swabs of 53.61% (52/97) patients were positive including 31 males (59.62%) and 21 females (40.38%). The negative group had more females than males (P = 0.001). The distribution of case classification based on the most severe condition observed after admission was different between groups: five (5.15%) critical type patients were all from the positive group (P = 0.029). There was no statistical difference in clinical manifestations between the groups. In the positive group, the mean nucleic acid-negative conversion time was 14.13 ± 8.61 days, which was significantly later than the negative group (6.98 ± 5.16 days; P < 0.001). In the positive group, 92% (48/52) had nucleic acid-negative conversion with a mean nucleic acid-negative conversion time of 22.58 ± 10.30 days. Among them, 41 (78.85%) cases were delayed compared with pharynx/nasal swab nucleic acid-negative conversion time.
Conclusions: The positive rate of fecal/perianal swab nucleic acid in male patients was higher than that in female patients. Fecal/perianal swab nucleic acid positive may be an indicator of critical conditions in those with COVID-19.
Perception and practice of social distancing among Egyptians in COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Bakry Huny Mohamed , Waly Eman Hassan 
Published: September 2020

Introduction: Social distancing is principally intended to reduce infectious disease transmission by decreasing interactions among people in a broader community. Keeping social distancing is an essential public health measure to resist the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methodology: a cross sectional study was conducted among 1,036 Egyptians using an online questionnaire between 5 and 10 May 2020.
Results: There was significant association between the practice of social distancing and some sociodemographic factors as sex, age, education, working status, and place of residence at p value < 0.001 and with community of residence at p value 0.021.
Conclusions: Egyptians had good perception for social distancing to prevent transmission of COVID 19, but they were not strictly practicing it.
Sortir de l’impasse euro-américaine
Authors: Howorth Jolyon 
Published: September 2020

Les divergences euro-américaines sur la sécurité du Vieux Continent sont tout sauf nouvelles : mais elles s’aggravent avec les tentations d’éloignement américaines, et avec l’impuissance européenne, qui se manifeste devant chaque crise. L’Europe ne pourrait s’affirmer comme puissance stratégique que si ses membres s’accordaient sur une analyse de leurs environnements et de leurs intérêts, et en négociant avec les États-Unis un nouveau partage de compétence dans l’Alliance atlantique.
Short-term outcomes of the conversion of one anastomosis gastric bypass to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in symptomatic reflux patients without revising the size of the gastric pouch
Authors: Kermansaravi Mohammad , Abbas Aamir , Pishgahroudsari Mohadeseh , Pazouki Abdolreza 
Published: September 2020

Background:
Revising the size of the gastric pouch during the conversion of one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB)/mini-gastric bypass to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is an important point. Even in patients undergoing RYGB, marginal ulcer is regarded as a known complication.

Materials and Methods:
In our Centre of Excellence in Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery, 2492 patients underwent OAGB from February 2012 to January 2019. Twelve of 2492 patients were enrolled in this clinical case series because of persistent gastroesophageal reflux-like symptoms which underwent conversional RYGB. All patients regularly received proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) for 6 months after the surgery. After this period, the cases with symptomatic reflux were invited to be visited in the clinic by a bariatric surgeon and a gastroenterologist and received 6 months of PPI therapy until their symptoms disappeared. Twelve refractory reflux cases underwent conversional RYGB after 1 year. An enteroenterostomy was created in all the patients 75 cm distal to the gastrojejunostomy without resizing the gastric pouch, and the jejunal loop was cut just before the gastrojejunostomy.

Results:
Before conversional surgery, mean ± standard deviation (SD) body mass index (BMI) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)-Q score were found to be 26.45 ± 2.34 kg/m2 and 10.08 ± 0.56, respectively. At 1 year after conversion, mean ± SD BMI in the patients was 28.12 ± 4.71, and GERD-Q score was 5.08 ± 1.5.

Conclusion:
It seems that resizing the gastric pouch is not necessary during the conversion of OAGB to RYGB.
Analysis of clinical and virologic features in Hepatitis B e Antigen (HbeAg)-negative and HbeAg-positive Egyptian chronic Hepatitis B patients
Authors: Fouad Rabab , Musa Sherief , Sabry Dina , Salama Ahmad , Abdel Alem Shereen , Atef Mira , Zayed Naglaa 
Published: September 2020

Background: HBeAg–negative chronic hepatitis B infection has a divergent clinical course from that of HBeAg-positive infection.
Objectives: To analyze the frequency and to compare the different features of HBeAg-negative and HBeAg-positive chron- ic hepatitis B patients.
Methods: One hundred and twenty one Egyptian patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), underwent laboratory investiga- tions and transient elastography (TE). Comparisons according to HBeAg status were conducted regarding their demograph- ic, liver biochemical and virologic characters.
Results: 97 patients (80.2%) were HBeAg-negative while 24 patients (19.8%) were HBeAg-positive. HBeAg-negative pa- tients were significantly older in age than CHBeAg-positive patients (p=0.001). ALT levels in HBeAg-negative patients were significantly lower than those in HBeAg-positive patients (p=0.02), whereas serum albumin was lower in the HBeAg-posi- tive group (p=0.03). The percentage of HBV DNA higher than 20000 IU/mL in HBeAg-negative patients was lower than those in HBeAg-positive patients (p=0.24). Stages of fibrosis by TE showed that 30.9% of HBeAg-negative and 41.7% of HBeAg-positive had a fibrosis score >F2. Four patients (3.3%) were diagnosed with HCC; all of whom were HBeAg-neg- ative.
Conclusion: HBeAg-negative patients compared with HBeAg-positive patients had older age, lower ALT and serum HBV- DNA levels, but more incidence of HCC.
Keywords: Hepatitis B; HBeAg; fibrosis; Egypt.
Ultrasonographic and biochemical assessments as early prediction of polycystic ovarian syndrome in obese women
Authors: A Ahmed Alaa , S Moselhy Said , A Kumosani Taha , A Huwait Etimad , A AL-Ghamdi Maryam , A AL-Madani Khalid , H AlToukhi Majdi , T Kumosani Afnan 
Published: September 2020

Backgroud: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is considered as a common cause of hormonal disturbance and obesity. The diagnosis of PCOS was done by different methods including clinical signs as anovulation, hyperandrogenism, biochem- ical markers and ultrasounographic investigation. This study investigated comparative outcomes of ultrasonographic and biochemical markers for early prediction of PCOS in obese women.
Subjects and methods: Seventy-five patients were clinically diagnosed with obese, PCOS and obese with PCOS and twen- ty-five normal age matched subjects were enrolled as control. Abdominal and transvaginal ultrasonographic for assessment of ovarian properties. In addition, BMI, serum free testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), insulin, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and LDL-c levels were evaluated.
Results: In obese patients with PCOs (20%) ovaries revealed normal appearance in morphology while the rest (80%) showed PCOs in the form of cysts of 2–8 mm in diameter peripherally arranged around stroma. A significant elevation of free testosterone, DHEA and insulin in obese with or without PCOS compared with obese group (p<0.001). A positive correlation with hormonal abnormalities of increased HA1c, LDL-c, free testosterone, DHEA and insulin compared with obese only.
Conclusion: According to our study findings, ovarian morphology combined with biochemical markers is more reliable for early prediction and diagnosis of PCOS for interpretation and management.
Keywords: PCOS; ultrasound; diagnosis; hormones.
Fertility characteristics and related factors impacting on Syrian refugee women living in Istanbul
Authors: M Coşkun Anahit , Özerdoğan Nebahat , Karakaya Eylem , Yakıt Eda 
Published: September 2020

Background: Women’s fertility characteristics are affected by many different factors.
Aim: To gain an awareness of fertility characteristics of Syrian refugee women and the influential factors.
Methods: This study was planned as a cross-sectional study to determine the efficiency and related factors of Syrian refugees living in Istanbul. The survey of 300 refugee women applying Arabs who migrated to Turkey, Kurds, Turkmen and Yezidi origin they receive.
Results: Average age of the women studied was 34.26 ± 10.15, 34.6% of the participants had not received any education, 37% had less than two-year inter-pregnancy interval, 58.6% have not received “Safe Motherhood” service, 43.6% have conceived their last child unwillingly. Women in the study group had in average 3±2,4 children and the number of children they wanted was 3±1,59. These values were substantially affected negatively by the women’s education level and positively by the income level. Yezidis had significantly more children than other ethnic groups and did not have a “religious ban” on voluntary abortion.
Conclusion: It has been noted that fertility characteristics of refugee women who migrated to Turkey changed according to their ethnic backgrounds and were sustained in the country they migrated to. Along with harsh living conditions and insufficient access to health services the situation has been observed to pose serious risks on reproductive health.
Keywords: Syrian refugee woman; fertility characteristics; impacting factors.
A retrospective descriptive investigation of adult patients receiving third-line antiretroviral therapy in the North West province, South Africa
Authors: Rudman Christian , Viljoen Michelle , Rheeders Malie 
Published: September 2020

Background: Greater access and prolonged exposure to ART may inevitably lead to more treatment failure and increase the need for third-line ART (TLART) in a resource-limited setting.
Objective: To describe characteristics and resistance patterns of adult patients initiated on TLART in three districts of the North West province.
Method: All-inclusive retrospective descriptive investigation. Demographics and clinical variables were recorded from adult patient health records (2002-2017) and analysed.
Results: 21 Patients (17 females, 4 males) with median (IQR) age of 34 years (30.2-37.8) at HIV diagnosis and 45 years (39.5-47) at TLART initiation were included. Median duration (days) from HIV diagnosis to first-line ART initiation was 101 (37-367), treatment duration on first-line, second-line and between second-line failure and TLART initiation were: 1 269 (765-2 343); 1 512 (706-2096) and 71 (58-126) days respectively. High-level resistance most prevalent were: nelfinavir/r (85.7%), indinavir/r (80.9%), lopinavir/r (76.2%), emtricitabine and lamivudine (95.2%), nevirapine (76.2%) and efavirenz (71.4%). Resistance to 3 major PI mutations in 95% of patients and cross resistance were documented extensively.
Conclusion: This study support the need for earlier resistance testing. It firstly reported on time duration post diagnosis on various ART regimens and secondly resistance patterns of adults before TLART was initiated in these districts.
Keywords: HIV; Human immunodeficiency virus; third-line antiretroviral therapy; drug resistance patterns; salvage therapy.
Determinants of neonatal mortality in Ethiopia: an analysis of the 2016 Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Wakjira Basha Garoma , Abate Woya Ashenafi , Kassa Tekile Abay 
Published: September 2020

Background: The first 28 days of life, the neonatal period, are the most vulnerable time for a child’s survival. Neonatal mortality accounts for about 38% of under-five deaths in low and middle income countries. This study aimed to identify the determinants of neonatal mortality in Ethiopia.
Methods: The study used data from the nationally representative 2016 Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS). Once the data were extracted; editing, coding and cleaning were done by using SAS 9.4.Sampling weights was applied to en- sure the representativeness of the sample in this study. Both bivariate and multivariable logistic regression statistical analysis was used to identify determinants of neonatal mortality in Ethiopia.
Results: A total of 11,023 weighted live-born neonates born within five years preceding the 2016 EDHS were included this in this study. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that multiple birth neonates (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR)=6.38;95%- Confidence Interval (CI):4.42-9.21), large birth size (AOR=1.35; 95% CI: 0.28-1.62), neonates born to mothers who did not utilize ANC (AOR=1.41; 95% CI: 1.11-1.81), neonates from rural area (AOR=1.88; 95% CI: 1.15-3.05) and neonates born in Harari region (AOR=1.45; 95% CI: 0.61-3.45)had higher odds of neonatal mortality. On the other hand, female neonates (AOR=0.60; 95% CI: 0.47-0.75), neonates born within the interval of more than 36 months of the preceding birth (AOR=0.56; 95% CI: 0.43-0.75), neonates born to fathers with secondary and higher education level (AOR=0.51; 95%CI: 0.22-0.88) had lower odds of neonatal mortality in Ethiopia.
Conclusion: To reduce neonatal mortality in Ethiopia, there is a need to implement sex specific public health intervention mainly focusing on male neonate during pregnancy, child birth and postnatal period. A relatively simple and cost-effective public health intervention should be implemented to make sure that all pregnant women are screened for multiple pregnancy and if positive, extra care should be given during pregnancy, child birth and postnatal.
Keywords: Neonatal mortality; logistic regression; odds ratio; Ethiopia.
Glanzmann’s thrombasthenia: a rare bleeding disorder in a Nigerian girl
Authors: U Ezenwosu Osita , F Chukwu Barth , A Uwaezuoke Ndubuisi , L Ezenwosu Ifeyinwa , N Ikefuna Anthony , J Emodi Ifeoma 
Published: September 2020

Introduction: Glanzmann’s Thrombasthenia (GT) is a rare autosomal recessive bleeding disorder due to defective platelet membrane glycoprotein GP IIb/IIIa (integrin αIIbβ3). The prevalence is estimated at 1:1,000,000 and it is commonly seen in areas where consanguinity is high.
Case Presentation: The authors report a 12 year old Nigerian girl of Igbo ethnic group, born of non-consanguineous parents, who presented with prolonged heavy menstrual bleeding which started at menarche 3 months earlier, weakness and dizziness. She had a past history of recurrent episodes of prolonged epistaxis, gastrointestinal bleeding and gum bleeding during early childhood. On examination, she was severely pale with a haemic murmur and vaginal bleeding. The initial diag- nosis was menorrhagia secondary to bleeding diathesis possibly von Willebrand’s Disease. She was on supportive treatment with fresh whole blood, fresh frozen plasma and platelets until diagnosis of GT was made in the USA. Currently, she is on 3 monthly intramuscular Depo-provera with remarkable improvement.
Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first documented report of GT in our environment where consan- guinity is rarely practised. Our health facilities require adequate diagnostic and treatment facilities for rare diseases like GT.
Keywords: Glanzmann’s thrombasthenia; Menorrhagia; Nigerian girl.
Knowledge, attitudes and practices of contact lens use in a South African adolescent population
Authors: Khoza Nduduzo , Moodley Therisha , Sokhulu Sinenhlanhla , O Sotyana Ntombethemba , Suliman Aneesa , Hansraj Rekha , Van Staden Diane 
Published: September 2020

Background: Contact lens usage is becoming increasingly popular amongst young people. Assessing their knowledge, attitudes and practices in relation to contact lens wear is therefore important, so that gaps in understanding or incorrect practices can be rectified to promote continued safety and success of contact lens wear.
Objectives: This study aimed to assess and describe the knowledge, attitudes and practices of contact lens wearers aged 18 to 30 years, in the greater Durban area of South Africa.
Methods: A semi-structured questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practice of the participants.
Results: Two hundred and forty six participants completed the survey. Young contact lens wearers in this sample generally had poor knowledge with regards to appropriate hygiene and contact lens wear complications. Despite wearers exhibiting a positive attitude with satisfactory hand hygiene and lens cleaning practices, important aspects such as lens case hygiene, storage and lens removal practices were found to be unsatisfactory. Compliance with after-care visits was also unsatisfactory.
Conclusion: There is a need for contact lens practitioners to educate young contact lens wearers regarding appropriate contact lens-related care, to promote long term ocular health and contact lens-related safety.
Keywords: Contact lens use; adolescent population; South Africa.