bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Institutional Support as a Catalyst for Academic Writing and Research Skills among Graduate Students in the Selected Public Universities in Uganda
Authors: Kalule John , Ssali Kizza Francis , Ssebowa Dorothy Kyagaba , Edward Masembe 
Published: December 2024

The study examined the influence of institutional support on graduate students’ academic writing and research in selected public universities in Uganda. It involved the use of an embedded design with a dominant quantitative approach. It involved graduate students, academic staff and academic administrative staff as the study population. These participants/respondents were purposively selected from four public universities in the different regions of Uganda. Each of the four universities was represented by 100 students of which 50 were selected from the science faculties/colleges and 50 from the humanities faculties. The respondents were sampled using stratified random and purposive sampling. Data from graduate students were collected using a self-administered questionnaire (SAQ). A FGD for graduate students was the second data collection tool. Data from academic administrative staff and academic staff were collected using an interview guide. Descriptive quantitative data were analyzed using means and standard deviations while the study hypothesis was analyzed using, Pearson’s Correlation Co-efficient Index and Simple Linear Regression Analysis. Qualitative data was thematically analyzed. Findings from this study revealed a positive significant relationship between institutional support and academic writing and research among graduate students, where r = 0.441**, P - value = 0.000 less than 0.05. The study concluded that institutional support significantly relates to graduate students’ academic writing and research skills. It was further concluded that as graduate students are offered a conducive research environment like high-quality supervisory support, research funds, ICT facilities, library facilities, and mentorship among others, this would cultivate a positive writing behaviour and mentality which would eventually lead to scientific writers and researchers. The study recommended that there should be an emphasis on academic writing development programs as viable strategies to enhance scholarly writing and research. In addition, supervisors should be encouraged to provide proper guidance, feedback and adequate consultation time to individual graduate students especially those struggling at different stages of their research projects
Volumen Plaquetario Medio como Marcador Serológico de Preeclampsia – Eclampsia
Authors: Perez Cordova Christya Estrella , Soberano Almeida José Guadalupe 
Published: December 2024

Objetivo. Identificar si con el VPM se puede diagnosticar preeclampsia. Material y métodos. Estudio prospectivo, observacional, transversal, de casos y controles en la unidad de toco cirugia del Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad “Dr. Gustavo A. Rovirosa Pérez”, del 1 de Enero al 30 de Abril 2024, en mujeres con embarazo > 20 sdg. Se seleccionaran dos grupos: grupo A (sin hipertension), grupo B (con hipertersion). A cada grupo se le determinara el VPM y se hara el analisis al concluir la investigacion, aplicando prueba estadistica de T de Student, para obtener el valor de p. Resultados. El valor del VPM entre pacientes sin preeclampsia cuando se comparo con las de preeclampsia no demostro diferencia significativa. Conclusiones. El VPM como elemento diagnostico de preeclampsia- eclampsia tiene una sensibilidad y especifidad muy baja que no nos permite utilizar como parametro diagnóstico definitivo.
Energy Dissipation in Strong Collisionless Shocks: The Crucial Role of Ion-to-electron Scale Separation in Particle-in-cell Simulations
Authors: Shalaby Mohamad 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Energy dissipation in collisionless shocks is a key mechanism in various astrophysical environments. Its nonlinear nature complicates analytical understanding and necessitates particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations. This study examines the impact of reducing the ion-to-electron mass ratio (m

r
), to decrease computational cost, on energy partitioning in one spatial and three velocity-space dimension PIC simulations of strong, nonrelativistic, parallel electron–ion collisionless shocks using the SHARP code. We compare simulations with a reduced mass ratio (m

r
= 100) to those with a realistic mass ratio (m

r
= 1836) for shocks with high (

M
A

=
21.3

) and low (

M
A

=
5.3

) Alfvén Mach numbers. Our findings show that the mass ratio significantly affects particle acceleration and thermal energy dissipation. At high

M
A

, a reduced mass ratio leads to more efficient electron acceleration and an unrealistically high ion flux at higher momentum. At low

M
A

, it causes complete suppression of electron acceleration, whereas the realistic mass ratio enables efficient electron acceleration. The reduced mass ratio also results in excessive electron heating and lower heating in downstream ions at both Mach numbers, with slightly more magnetic field amplification at low

M
A

. Consequently, the electron-to-ion temperature ratio is high at low

M
A

due to reduced ion heating and remains high at high

M
A

due to increased electron heating. In contrast, simulations with the realistic m

r
show that the ion-to-electron temperature ratio is independent of the upstream magnetic field, a result not observed in reduced m

r
simulations.
L’orientation professionnelle des adultes émergents dans l’Anthropocène : les défis des transformations technologiques et numériques
Authors: Ribeiro Marcelo Afonso , Knabem Andrea , Uvaldo Maria da Conceição Coropos , Lima Francisco Matheus Fontes de , Rodrigues Gabriela de Sá 
Published: December 2024

L’Anthropocène présente des défis importants pour la planification de l’avenir du travail et pour les pratiques qui contribuent à ce processus (par exemple, l’orientation professionnelle). Par le biais d’entretiens semi-structurés avec dix conseiller·ères d’orientation professionnelle au Brésil, nous avons cherché à systématiser les principaux défis générés dans l’Anthropocène par les transformations technologiques et numériques (TTN) et à comprendre les limites et les possibilités de l’orientation professionnelle en ligne synchrone (OPLS) avec les adultes émergents (AE), sur la base d’une approche narrative. Nous avons utilisé la recherche qualitative consensuelle comme méthode d’analyse des données. Trois thèmes principaux et catégories dérivées ont été élaborés : (1) champ d’action professionnel, (2) relation conseiller- client-alliance de travail, et (3) conseiller·ères. Nous concluons que la compréhension de cette nouvelle logique spatio-temporelle de construction subjective et relationnelle est une tâche à approfondir, faisant de l’OPLS une stratégie de confrontation et d’émancipation de la logique TTN dominante. Cependant, il s’agit toujours d’un projet en cours, qui constitue l’un des principaux programmes des futures études sur l’OPLS.
Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Patients with Total Joint Arthroplasty before Dental Procedures: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Alshmari Rawabi Bader , Alharbi Shahad Fawaz , Majrashi Ashwaq Bishi , Alharbi Mariam Raja , Al-Moshiqah Anas Sami , Alsaqami Shahad Ali , Almarshadi Ruqayyah Hatim , Alnashar Nisreen Ibrahim , Alshammari Atheer Khalaf , Aldanyowi Saud Nayef 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background:
Total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is followed by periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). At present, PJI is observed to have a rate of incidence of 1% to 2% in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients and 0.3%–2.9% in total hip arthroplasty (THA) patients. LaPorte et al. in 1999 observed that in individuals who have had THA, PJI may result from temporary bacteraemia that occurs after a dental operation. Bacteraemia from dental procedures has the potential to infect distant areas, especially prosthetic implants. Antibiotic prophylaxis for individuals undergoing dental procedures who have THA or TKA is also controversial because the pathophysiology is unclear. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis due to insufficient evidence regarding the benefits and potential risks of giving prophylactic antibiotics before dental procedures for patients with TJA and a non-infectious oral condition.

Methods:
We systematically checked four databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus and Web of Science) for any relevant studies till 3 March 2024. In the studies that were considered, individuals who had undergone dental procedures after having undergone hip or knee arthroplasty were examined to see whether there was a correlation between dental procedures and PJI. The risk of bias was assessed using two tools. Newcastle–Ottawa Scale for cohort and case–control studies. National Institutes of Health tool for case series.

Results:
Seven included studies, four of which were case series, two were cohort and one was case control. Our analysis of the case series revealed a non-significant relationship between dental procedures and PJI. The proportion was 0.07 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.04; 0.12). These results were supported by analysis of infection among prophylactic and non-prophylactic patients. The odds ratio was 1.1 (95% CI 0.65; 1.85, P = 0.72) indicating a non-significant difference between the two groups.

Conclusion:
We found that antibiotics do not provide infection coverage in patients with TJA. Therefore, there is no need for antibiotics before dental procedures.
Assessing the Efficacy of Trans-septal Suturing versus Nasal Packing Following Septoplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Alrobian Alanood Abdulrahman , Alsulami Fahad Awadh Allah , Shajeri Mohammed Abulghaith Ali , Alharbi Deema Fahad , Humaidan Mohammed Fahad Al , Alabdulaal Maria Raji , Alfagieh Arwa Mohammed , Alawad Fatema Hani , Alarfaj Abdullah Ahmed 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background and Objectives:
Septoplasty is a common procedure aimed at correcting deviated nasal septums to enhance nasal airflow. Post-surgery stabilisation and bleeding control are achieved through either nasal packing or septal stitches. The relative effectiveness and safety of these methods remain a topic of debate. This study aims to compare outcomes and risks, including bleeding, pain, septal issues, nasal obstruction and patient satisfaction, associated with stitches versus nasal packing after septoplasty.

Methods:
A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, SCOPUS, Cochrane and Web of Science, covering the period from 2000 to March 2024. The inclusion criteria encompassed randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the use of stitches through the septum and nasal packing in patients undergoing septoplasty. Study quality was evaluated using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Data synthesis employed a random effects model, computing risk ratios (RRs) or mean differences (MDs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran’s Q test and the I² statistic.

Results:
A total of 25 RCTs were included, with 22 in the meta-analysis. Stitches through the septum were associated with significantly lower rates of adhesions (RR = 2.04, 95% CI: 1.19–3.48), hematomas (RR = 2.32, 95% CI: 1.6–3.42) and nasal crusting (RR = 2.86, 95% CI: 1.17–6.97) compared to nasal packing. Patients with stitches experienced significantly less post-operative pain (MD = 5.43, 95% CI: 4.26–6.61). No significant differences were observed in terms of bleeding, infection, septal perforation or residual septal deviation.

Conclusions:
Trans-septal suturing offers advantages over nasal packing by reducing post-operative morbidities such as adhesions, hematomas, crusting and pain, while being equally effective in controlling bleeding and maintaining septal positioning. However, more high-quality research is needed to further guide clinical practice.
Impact of White Blood Cell Variations on ICU and Hospital Outcomes in COVID-19 Patients: A Prospective Study in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Aleid Ahmed Fadeil , Alharbi Amal Bayen , Alharbi Nada Sulaiman , Almehmadi Abdulaziz Mohammed , Mufti Amara Marwan , Almajed Ruba Abdullah , Alanazy Wateen Bader , Alluqmani Yazeed Ahmed , Mutair Abbas Saleh Al , Kharaba Yman Mohammed 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background:
The purpose of this study was to assess the value of white blood cell (WBC) count fluctuations as a predictor in Saudi Arabian patients with COVID-19 receiving intensive care unit (ICU) treatment.

Methods:
A cross-sectional study using the data from patients’ records targeted major hospitals in Saudi Arabia and was conducted between June and October 2020. In the study, the WBC count changes, especially the WBC subtype, such as lymphocytes and neutrophils, were observed and tested for associations with the patient’s outcomes employing more sophisticated statistical techniques. Results: The present work identified the overall survival rate of the patients with lymphopenia defined as WBC count below 1. 9%, compared to 25 from this 42% of the patient had declined to about 3% if he or she had a normalised WBC count of 7 days or 14 days or even after 28 days. Moreover, it was found out that the mean ICU length of stay (LOS) was 40% lesser on average for the patients whose WBC count came on to a normal level within the first 2 weeks of the admission. Conclusion: I believe these observations stress the utility of WBC counts in guiding healthcare practitioners in handling critical COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU. Periodic haematological screening may likely augment the quality of standard clinical practices and the latter’s impact on the affected patients.

Results:
The results clearly show that changes in WBC count are rather significant in patients admitted to the ICUs, namely and with such an increased mortality of 25% in case of lymphopenia <1. 0 × 109/L and an average of 40% reduction in the LOS in the ICU in patients with WBC normalisation after 14 days. Patients exhibiting significant changes in WBC counts, particularly in lymphocytes and neutrophils, showed higher morbidity and mortality rates. These results underscore the prognostic significance of WBC counts in managing severe COVID-19 cases.

Conclusion:
The study emphasises the importance of WBC count fluctuations and their usefulness in identifying the outcomes of patients in ICU with COVID-19 that in patients with leukopenia, lymphopenia rate is 39%, 9%, compared to 25% similar to patients receiving a higher directed dose of between 150 and 200 cGy, 2.2% for patients on imatinib and 3% for patients with normalised WBC count. It suggests the integration of regular haematological monitoring into ICU treatment protocols, enhancing clinical decision-making and informing public health strategies during the pandemic. This research contributes to the growing knowledge of COVID-19, emphasising the importance of haematological parameters in critical care.
Prevalence and Clinical Profiles of Status Epilepticus in Adult Patients Presenting to the Emergency Room in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Aleid Ahmed Fadeil , Althikrallah Farah Mohammed , Ahbail Ali Ahmad , Alhashem Siraj Fadhel , Alonazi Raghad Harran , Basfar Lena Mohammed , Albotuaiba Azzam Othman , Alomar Hanin Abdullah , Alhodibi Mostafa Habeeb 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Seizure disorders encompass a broad range of neurological conditions. One of the most severe manifestations is status epilepticus (SE), which is characterised by extended seizures or consecutive seizures without the restoration of full consciousness between them. While SE is undeniably a medical emergency, there exists a notable dearth of research on its prevalence and clinical profiles amongst adults frequenting the ER in Saudi Arabia. This study aims to fill this research gap, focusing on the understanding of SE’s prevalence, clinical characteristics, awareness levels and management strategies within this specific demographic.

Methods:
To address the study’s objectives, a cross-sectional survey was designed and implemented. A total of 1848 participants, reflecting a diverse demographic landscape, were chosen. The survey captured various aspects, including participants’ age, gender, educational background, employment status, city of residence and specific details pertaining to SE. This encompassed the frequency of their ER visits, their level of awareness about SE, their knowledge about the condition and their familiarity with the associated emergency management protocols.

Results:
The data revealed that a significant portion of the participants belonged to the younger age bracket, with 39.0% aged between 18 and 24 years. Females made up a substantial 70.1% of the survey pool. Interestingly, despite the potential familiarity with SE, a vast majority, or 63.6%, were unfamiliar with SE’s emergency management protocols. Only a small fraction, 2.6%, had been diagnosed with SE Amongst them, a vast majority, 94.8%, experienced SE episodes that lasted < 5 min. The inclination to seek emergency medical attention for SE was minimal, with only 1.3% indicating such actions. Similarly, just 2.6% required hospitalisation due to SE, received specific treatment for the condition or faced complications linked to SE. Significantly, for the overwhelming 92.2%, SE did not appear to play a detrimental role in their quality of life. Notably, the survey identified hypertension and diabetes as predominant risk factors for SE.

Conclusion:
The study provides a comprehensive exploration of the occurrence and intricacies of SE amongst adult ER visitors in Saudi Arabia. The findings underscore not just a relatively minimal prevalence of diagnosed SE but also an alarming knowledge gap about the requisite emergency protocols. Such disparities, especially when paired with the evident limited access to emergency SE care, accentuate an urgent need. There is a clear call for enhanced awareness initiatives and an augmentation of healthcare infrastructures and protocols to better address SE within this demographic.
Apremilast induced intolerable dizziness: A rare unlisted adverse effect
Authors: Chawla Harsimran Singh , Rafi Mohammad , Varkey Sonny K , Kumarie M Manitha , George Ben 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Apremilast is a small-molecule biologic that has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and Behcet’s disease. It was approved by the European Union in 2015 for psoriatic arthritis. Apremilast is generally well tolerated, with gastrointestinal side effects and headache being the most commonly reported adverse events. We here report an unusual case of an adult male patient who developed progressive nervous system adverse effects namely dizziness and lightheadedness shorly after initiating titration doses of Apremilast for plaque psoriasis. The drug was permanently discontinued on day 4 as the patient could not tolerate vertigo and tiredness. Dechallenge was positive in this case.
Comparison of various protocols and dosage schedules of rituximab used by various researchers in pemphigus: A review article
Authors: Chavda Vruti , Rathod Santoshdev P. , Parmar Pradipsinh , Brahmbhatt Swati , Parmar Hinabahen , Jagati Ashish 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objective:
To compare the effectiveness of various protocols available in literature, dose, schedules, and the side effect profile of rituximab in pemphigus (vulgaris and foliaceus) patients.

Materials and Methods:
Publications related to treatment with rituximab in pemphigus were identified by searches of electronic databases in PubMed from January 2002 to June 2023. A total of 43 papers, which included 35 case series and retrospective studies, four randomized control trials, and four open-label pilot studies, were analyzed, and a narrative review of the studies was presented.

Results:
There are a total of 13 different protocols by which the rituximab infusion has been given. The most common is the rheumatoid arthritis (RA) protocol (53.4%) followed by the lymphoma protocol (15.5%) and low-dose RA protocol (7.4%). Low-dose RA protocol showed complete remission (CR)—82.6%, relapse rate (RR)—20.4%, duration of remission (DOR)—75.95 weeks, and time to relapse—76.35 weeks, while with RA protocol, CR was seen in 78.3% patients with RR being 28.57%, DOR—79.96 weeks and time to relapse—78.38 weeks. In lymphoma protocol, we noticed CR in 66.7% of patients with RR of 32.1% while the time to relapse is 63.3 weeks.

Conclusion:
We have observed good results with RA protocol and low-dose RA protocol than other regimens of rituximab used to treat pemphigus vulgaris and foliaceus. However, there is a need for a multicentric trial on a large scale for detecting the effective dose of rituximab depending upon the severity of the pemphigus and will help to lay down effective protocol for induction and maintenance of disease-free period, as there are no country-specific guidelines available for the Indian subcontinent.
Lichenoid drug reactions: A retrospective clinical, epidemiological, and histopathological study of 55 cases
Authors: Bhoite Ketki Shekhar , Mahajan Sunanda Arun 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background:
Drug-induced lichen planus is a relatively rare cutaneous drug adverse effect of several drugs presenting with pruritic, violaceous to hyperpigmented, and flat-topped papules and plaques with either generalized or localized distribution. Several drugs are known to cause it and have a variable latent period even for the same drug.

Objectives:
1. To study the epidemiology and clinical presentation of lichenoid drug eruption. 2. To study the causative drugs and their latent period. 3. To study the histopathological findings.

Materials and Methods:
We conducted a retrospective study wherein 55 biopsy-proven cases of lichenoid drug eruption from May 2020 to May 2021 were studied for their age and sex distribution, clinical features, examination findings, and causative drugs and their latent period, and the histopathological findings were analyzed.

Results:
Out of the 55 patients, 33 were males and 22 were females, with an average age being 51 years. The most common causative drug was anti-tuberculosis therapy with a latent period ranging from 1 month to 7 months. Others were oral hypoglycemic agents such as gliptins, anti-retroviral therapy drugs, carbamazepine, NSAID, and rare being beta-HCG and chemotherapeutic agents. A total of 25.45% patients had a localized involvement, and the remaining were generalized. A total of 23.63% had mucosal involvement, and 21.81% had palms and soles involved. The most common histopathological findings were parakeratosis and acanthosis with lichenoid band of lymphocytic infiltrate with moderate presence of eosinophils.

Conclusion:
Considering the variable presentations of lichenoid drug eruption and the several drugs causing it, it becomes necessary to diagnose it early, differentiate it from idiopathic lichen planus, and decide about the continuation of the drug depending upon the risk-benefit ratio.