bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phase Change and Space Travel
Authors: Jennings John H. 
Published: May 2021

Here we discuss the implications of phase change equations and what bearing they might have on interstellar space travel. The phase change equations are derived from either thermodynamics or statistical mechanics and have a similarity. Then, the main equation for limit of superheat is posited to be a solution to the problem of propulsion in space travel. There are two matter-antimatter systems considered: electron – positron and hydrogen – antihydrogen. What is involved in the space travel problem is harvesting of antimatter in magnetic bottles and keeping it separate.
Hesitancy of Covid-19 Vaccination among Health Workers (other than Doctors) in a Tertiary Hospital in South-South, Nigeria
Authors: Oriji P. C. , Allagoa D. O. , Wagio T. J. , Obagah L. , Tekenah E. S. , Ozori S. E. 
Published: May 2021

Background: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a disease of the respiratory system that is caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). It was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation on the 11th of March, 2020.
Objective: To assess the reasons behind the low turnout of health workers (other than doctors) for COVID-19 vaccination in the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
Materials and Methods: This study was carried out at the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa between 1st and 23rd April, 2021. It was a descriptive cross-sectional study. The study population consisted of 182 health workers (excluding doctors) from all departments/units in the hospital. The data were collected with a predesigned questionnaire, and were analysed using IBM SPSS 23.0 version.
Results: About three-quarter were females (74.7%), and close to half were aged ≤35 years (47.8%). The respondents were Nurses, Pharmacists, Medical laboratory scientists, and Non-clinical officers. Only 27.4% took the vaccine. Most of those who refused the vaccine did so because they wanted to see what would happen to those who received the vaccine (70.5%). Others felt the vaccine has not gone through enough clinical trials (62.1%).
Conclusion: In this study, there was very poor turnout of health workers for COVID-19 vaccination. The factors that influenced acceptance of the vaccine were mainly COVID-19 related features. These findings suggest that people who have had personal experiences with the disease have a better understanding of the gravity of the situation, and hence are more likely to accept vaccination against the disease.
Clinical Outcomes of Trans-caesarean and Vaginal Post-placental CuT380A IUCD Insertions: A Comparative Study
Authors: Okoye C. P. , Onwusulu D. N. , Nnamani C. P. 
Published: May 2021

Background: Immediate postpartum CuT380A intrauterine contraceptive device (PPIUCD) insertion provides a novel approach in reducing the unmet contraceptive needs of family planning. The insertion can be trans-caesarean or vaginal following delivery of the placenta. The clinical outcomes of the different routes of insertion have not been adequately studied.
Aim: The study aimed at comparing the clinical outcomes following trans-caesarean and vaginal post-placental insertions of CuT380A IUCD.
Methodology: The study was a prospective cohort study of 81 pregnant mothers managed at a tertiary health institution in southern Nigeria. They were recruited into two groups using a convenient sampling technique; 27 and 54 mothers in the caesarean and vaginal delivery groups respectively. The pregnant mothers were followed up till delivery and at the six weeks postnatal visit. Information on their socio-demographic characteristics, Obstetrics and Gynecology history were obtained with the aid of a proforma. The proforma was updated with the clinical outcomes of immediate PPIUCD insertions in the two groups, at the six weeks visit. Data obtained were analyzed using statistical package of social sciences version 21. Continuous variables were expressed as means and standard deviations. The Chi square test was used for dichotomous or categorical variables. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: The study showed that PPIUCD is a safe practice in both vaginal and caesarean deliveries with no significant differences in clinical outcomes. However, incidence of missing string was higher in the caesarean group compared to vaginal group (81.5% vs 51.9%; p value-0.01); and expulsion rate was also high in the vaginal group but not significant. (13.0% vs 7.4%; p value 0.45).
Conclusion: Immediate postpartum CuT380A contraception, irrespective of route of insertion, is convenient, effective, and safe. Although there is a relatively higher incidence of missing strings, including expulsions after vaginal PPIUCD insertions, immediate post-partum contraception should be encouraged. This will help to reduce high unmet contraceptive needs in our environment and loss to follow up irrespective of route of delivery.
Recommendation: Immediate PPIUCD, irrespective of the route, should be encouraged and integrated into the existing Maternal and Child Health Programme. Awareness should be created to promote acceptance in our environment.
WHO Five Keys to Safer Food Handling: Knowledge and Practice among Food Handlers in Sokoto Metropolis, Sokoto, Nigeria
Authors: Raji Ismail Abdullateef , Oche Oche Mansur , Kaoje Aminu Umar , Mohammed Yahaya , Isah Balarabe Adamu , Raji Mansur Olayinka , Awosan Kehinde Joseph , Abubakar Auwal Usman , Mohmmed Amina 
Published: May 2021

Background: The (WHO) developed the five keys to safer food which was designed to be practical and straightforward for food handlers. In recognition of the role they play in preventing Foodborne Disease (FBD) outbreak. In this study, we aimed to determine the knowledge and practice of the five keys to safer food among food handlers in food establishments in Sokoto Metropolis, Nigeria.
Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study between August and November 2019. We recruited 366 food handlers working in restaurants using a multistage sampling technique. We assessed knowledge and practice of five keys to safer food, and we examined the predictors of knowledge among the participants using chi-square and binary logistic regression at a 5% level of significance.
Results: More than two-thirds, 288 (78.7%) less than 40 years and less than half, 163 (44.5%), were involved in cooking the food. One hundred and twenty-seven (34.7%) have greater than five years’ experience. Overall, less than one-quarter, 87 (23.8%) had good knowledge of the five keys to safer food handling. One hundred and thirty-two (36.1%) wash hands before and during preparation most times. Two hundred and fifty-three (69.1%) never wash their hands after using the toilet, and 144 (39.3%).Age (adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR]: 10.05; 95% CI = 4.0 - 21.04), gender (aOR: 2.70 95CI = 1.44 - 5.09) and Education (aOR: 3.67; 95% CI = 1.92 - 7.01) were significant predictors of knowledge.
Conclusion: There is poor knowledge, and most of the practices of the five keys to safer food were below the required for food safety. Therefore, we recommend that the Sokoto state ministry of health coordinate training interventions on five keys to safer food with particular attention to those older than 40 years and those without formal education.
Levels of Maternal Serum Alpha-fetoprotein and Beta Human Chorionic Gonadotropin in HIV Seropositive Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi, Nigeria
Authors: Udeogu C. H. , Ugwu M. C. , Okwara J. , Ohale A. C. , Ike O. C. , Amadi N. C. , Ugwu O. , Eguogwu F. C. 
Published: May 2021

HIV infection remains a worrisome pandemic especially in developing countries like Nigeria, with an increasing number of infected women becoming pregnant, with added risk of pregnancy complications such as intrauterine fetal death, neural tube defects, and vertical transmissions. Hence this study assessed the levels of maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) and beta human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) in HIV seropositive pregnant women, and their implication for maternal and fetal health. A total of 86 patients were recruited for the study from the Antenatal Clinic of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH) Nnewi. Forty three were HIV seropositive (Test group), and forty three were HIV seronegative (Control group). Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein and beta human chorionic gonadotropin levels were assayed by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay. The results showed that MSAFP levels (3.14±2.80 ng/ml) were significantly lower (P < .05) in HIV infected pregnant women when compared to HIV uninfected pregnant women (4.75±3.68 ng/ml). There was no significant difference in the levels of β-hCG (217.88±63.85mIU/mL) in the test group (P = 0.629) as compared to controls (223.75±47.71 mIU/mL). In the test group, increased CD4 counts were significantly associated with increased MSAFP and β-hCG levels in a positive fashion (P < .05). Increase in Gestational age was also significantly associated with increased β-hCG levels (P < .05).
The measurements of MSAFP and β-hCG levels may be used alongside CD4 count in the assessment of maternal and fetal wellbeing. Human Immunodeficiency Virus by reducing the levels of MSAFP in HIV infected pregnant women increases the likelihood of pregnancy complications such as intrauterine fetal death.
Determinination of the Frequency of Altered Cardiac Repolarization by Measuring the Heart rate Corrected QT Interval in COPD Patients
Authors: Memon Shahla Roshan , Rind Muhammad Aslam , Nazir Maria , Memon Shah Jehan , Rind Muhammad Saleem 
Published: May 2021

Objectives: To determine the frequency of altered cardiac repolarization by measuring the heart rate corrected QT interval in COPD patients.
Setting: Department of Medicine at LUMHS hospital Hyderabad/Jamshoro.
Study Design: Descriptive Cross sectional study.
Duration of Study: 6 months from 01-03-2019 to 31-08-2019.
Methods: A total of 232 patients with severe acute exacerbation of COPD were included in this study. A 12 lead ECG was performed. QT intervals were measured on a resting ECG tracing in lead II. The QT interval was measured manually from the starting point of the QRS complex to the terminal point of the down slope of the T wave.
Results: A total of 232 patients with COPD were included in this study. Most of the cases were above 50 years of age. The average age of the patients was 53.74±4.35 years. There were 92.67% (215/232) male and 7.33% (17/232) female. Out of 232 patients, 21.14% were current smoker and 75.86% were ex-smoker. A QTc interval >0.44 seconds was considered abnormally prolonged. Frequency of altered cardiac repolarization by measuring the heart rate corrected QT interval in COPD patients was 31.47% (73/232). Rate of altered cardiac repolarization was not significant among different age groups (p=0.641). Rate of altered cardiac repolarization was significantly high in male as compare to female (33.5% vs. 5.9%; p=0.018). This was not significant between obese and non-obese groups (p=0.100). Rate of altered cardiac repolarization was significantly high in former smoker (p=0.0005) and those patients whose duration of COPD was above 15 years (p=0.0005).
Conclusion: Patients with hypoxic chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have evidence of a subclinical parasympathetic autonomic neuropathy, with apparent preservation of sympathetic function. Measuring heart rate corrected QT interval (QTc) test is repeatable, easy to perform and a sensitive indicator for autonomic dysfunction in breathlessness individuals with COPD.
To Determine the Mortality and Factors Responsible for Mortality in Patients Presenting with Acute Stroke within 5 Days of Admission at a Tertiary Care Hospital Hyderabad/Jamshoro
Authors: Aslam Muhammad , Jammal Iffat , Nazir Maria , Rind Saleem , Shaikh Shehzad 
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Stroke is the third most common cause of death and the first leading cause of disability in developed and developing countries. Various clinical variables have been implicated as predictors of final outcome of acute stroke. These predictors are demographic characteristics, types of stroke, co-morbidities and therapy. Identification of modifiable predictors of death is of paramount importance for clinicians in resource poor-setting, so that specific therapies and management strategies can be applied to patients at high risk of dying.
Objective: To determine the mortality and factors responsible for mortality in patients presenting with acute stroke within 5 days of admission at a tertiary care Hospital, Hyderabad/Jamshoro.
Setting: Medical Unit-I, Liaquat University Hospital, Hyderabad/Jamshoro.
Duration: Six months from 01-02-2019 to 31-07-2019
Design: prospective, (non -interventional) study.
Subject and Methods: Two hundred and fourteen acute stroke patients confirmed by CT scan brain were included in the study. Patients were assessed through history and examination and brief history was taken about the disease and cigarette smoking. Blood Pressure was measured twice. Patients who died during admission were evaluated for the factors responsible for the mortality. The findings of variables were entered in a Pro forma.
Results: The average age of the patients was 55.65±8.38 years. Frequency of mortality in patients presenting with acute stroke within 5 days of admission in hospital was observed in 29.91% (64/214) cases. Regarding factors leading to mortality, Rate of mortality was 23 times more like in those patients who had dyslipidemia [OR= 23.13 95%CI= 1.86 to 7.98] similarly mortality in patients was 2 to 4 times more likely in diabetic, hypertensive cases and smokers.
Conclusion: Frequency of mortality was high and factors leading to mortality within 5 days were dyslipidemia, diabetic, hypertensive cases. Mortality associated with acute stroke needs prevention and control of risk factors. Treatment and control of diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidemia have contributed to the stroke mortality declines; however, the onset of these interventions is more recent, and thus their impact is less clear.
Predictive Risk Factors for Post Tonsillectomy Hemorrhage in Children
Authors: Kumar Amrat , Mehar Ghulam Shabir , Hussain Junaid , Ali Ahmed , Waheed Abdul , Kumar Dileep 
Published: May 2021

Objective: To assess the risk factors which determine the magnitude of post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage.
Study Design: Prospective cross sectional study.
Setting: A study carried out at otolyrangical unit at a tertiary care Isra University hospital Hyderabad, from June 2018 to April 2019.
Materials and Methods: 110 pediatric patients age 5-17 years were included in this study. We administrated a structured questionnaire to parents of the patients. We selected cases for tonsillectomy as per criteria of the American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS). Those patients with a history of recurrent tonsillitis presented at the otolaryngology department were included. Patients with a history of use of anticoagulant therapy, obstructive sleep apnea, patients with a history of a bleeding disorder, and patients not giving consent were excluded. We diagnosed patients selected for tonsillectomy included with recurrent tonsillitis, peri-tonsillar hypertrophy, and tonsillar hypertrophy. Patients were observed and followed for postoperative hemorrhage. Data were analyzed by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 21 (SPSS 21).
Results: Among 110 children included in the study, 41.8% patients were in the age group of 5-10 years, 30% were in the age group of 11-15 years and 28.2% were over 15 years. Among 110 patients 21.8% underwent tonsillectomy were diagnosed as recurrent tonsillitis, 19% were diagnosed as having tonsillar hypertrophy, 40.0% were suffering from both recurrent tonsillitis and tonsillar hypertrophy and 19.2% had peritonsillar hypertrophy. This shows that 14.5% were admitted to the hospital after 1-5 days, 58.1% developed post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage after 6-10 days and 27.2% developed post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage after 10 days.
Conclusion: We conclude that age >10 years was significant predictive risk factors for post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage among children who undergo tonsillectomy.
Knowledge Regarding Contraceptive Methods among Married Women Attending Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Fatima Kaneez , Kadir Sadia , Neelam . , Batool Kiran , Kalsoom . , Hussain Shahid 
Published: May 2021

Objective: To determine frequency of adequate knowledge of contraceptive methods among married women attending tertiary care hospital for antenatal care.
Study Design: Cross sectional study.
Setting: Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center, Karachi.
Duration: From June to December 2016.
Materials and Methods: Total 118 married women presented for antenatal care were included. Women were evaluated by administering a questionnaire to assess knowledge about contraception methods. Knowledge was labeled as adequate if responders correctly answered >70% of the questions. Descriptive statistics and Stratification were performed. Post-stratification Chi-square test was applied and p-value ≤0.05 was taken as significant.
Results: The mean age was 29.25±5.08 years. Mean gestational age was 11.52±4.54 weeks. Mean duration of marriage was 4.50±2.77 years. 61% study subjects were found with adequate knowledge of contraception. Adequate knowledge had a significant correlation with age, duration of marriage, parity, residence, and education level.
Conclusion: Around 61% of the married females were observed with adequate knowledge regarding contraceptive procedures. The female knowledge was significantly associated with age, duration of marriage, parity, residence, socio-economic status, and education level.
Fish Singgang Extracts as a Potential Anti-Proliferative against Colon Cancer Cell Lines (HT-29, HCT-116, CT-26)
Authors: Jamain Anis Nafisah , Anwar Nur Atikah , Ridzwan Norhaslinda , Jumli Mimie Noratiqah , Hadi Norhayati Abd , Arshad Roslan , Rohin Mohd Adzim Khalili , Bakar Che Abdullah Abu , Latif Ahmad Zubaidi A. 
Published: May 2021

Aim: To investigate anti-proliferative effect of three types of Terengganu singgang extracts on colon cancer cell lines (HT-29, HCT-116, CT-26).
Study Design: Experimental study.
Place and Duration of Study: Central Laboratory, Tissue Culture Laboratory, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Terengganu between April 2019 and July 2019.
Methodology: Samples comprised three types of singgang dish, which were prepared, cooked, and then extracted with distilled water and ethanol (EtOH) in different strengths, 50%, 70%, and 100%.These singgang samples were chub mackerel (ST), Indian mackerel (SK),and a control sample with no fish (SC). Extracts were analyzed for their anti-proliferative effect by MTT-based assay. Then, the morphological of cell apoptotic changes was observed using light inverted microscope.
Results: Experimental assays showed that the SC sample extracted in 100% EtOH produced the highest yield (3.7%).The extract of ST in aqueous (0.27 (0.11)) yielded the most cytotoxic value, followed by extract SK in 100% EtOH (0.28 (0.10)) and extract SC in 50% EtOH (0.20 (0.08)). Then, the anti-proliferative effect was confirmed with morphological changes of cell which were characterized by cell shrinkage, membrane blebbing, and fragmentation of apoptotic bodies after 24, 48 and 72 hours of treatment.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the ST extract showed the best anti-proliferative effect.
Frequency of Involvement of Different Head and Neck Sites in Referred Otalgia
Authors: Hussain Ashfaq , Baig Salman , Bhutta Mohammad Farooq , Iqbal Nasima , Bijarani Ali Nawaz , Muneer Mariam 
Published: May 2021

Aim: To find out the most frequent head and neck sites of origin of referred otalgia.
Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional.
Place and Duration of Study: Study was conducted at the ENT department of Bahawal Victoria hospital Bahawalpur during January 2019 to December 2019.
Methodology: About 500 patients with ear ache were examined and after exclusion 150 were finally analyzed. Detailed history of the patient and clinical examination were done along with radio imaging and endoscopic studies wherever needed. Diagnosis of referred otalgia was made after having normal ear examination along with pathology lying at different head and neck region which share common sensory innervation. For analysis SPSS version-20 was used.
Results: The mean age of the study participants was 28.23 ±13 years. The majority of participants were having otalgia of tonsillar origin followed by dental origin and pharyngitis with 31.3%, 23.3% and 16% respectively. Very few of them having otalgia originating from hypopharyngeal carcinoma and laryngeal carcinoma i.e. 3.3% and 2% respectively. While only 4.7% of otalgia were of unknown origin. Female participants were having higher frequency of otalgia which is originated from diseases of temporomandibular joint, hypopharyngeal carcinoma and otalgia of unknown origin in comparison to male participants but differences were insignificant. Otalgia originated from tonsillar and dental causes and due to pharyngitis were most common among the younger age group but having non-significant p-value.
Conclusion: It has been concluded that the patients presenting with ear pain, have sometimes no underlying ear pathology. If the ear examination is normal then it is important to examine all other sites of head and neck which share sensory innervation with the ear including teeth, tonsils, pharynx, larynx, nose and paranasal sinuses to find out the exact cause of referred otalgia.
Frequency of Haemoglobin Genotype Variants, ABO and Rh ‘D’ Antigen among Madonna Undergraduates of South East Origin, Nigeria
Authors: Eze Richard , Obeagu Emmanuel Ifeanyi , Nwakulite Arvin , Vincent C.C.N. , Ogbodo Sylvester Ogbonna , Ibekwe Adaobi Maryann , Okafor Chukwuma J. , Chukwurah Ejike Felix 
Published: May 2021

Haemoglobin genotype variants, ABO and Rh blood groups are known to vary from one population to another. Standard electrophoretic and haemagglutination techniques were employed in testing the blood samples. Of the 150 test subjects screened, HbAA in the male subjects were 58(48.0%) and 63(52.0%) in the female counterparts. The frequency of distribution of HbAA, HbAS, and HbSS in the subject were 121 (80.7%), 28 (18.7%) and 1 (0.6%). Also HbAS in the female was 16(57.1%) while in male subjects was 12(42.9%). Blood group A (41.7%), group B(21.7%), group AB(28.6%) and group O(57.1%) were results for male subjects as against Group A(58.3%), Group B(78.3%), Group AB (71.4%) and Group O(42.9%) respectively in the female subjects.90% were Rh ‘D’ positive while 10% were Rh ‘D’ negative. Knowledge of the distribution of ABO, Rh ‘D’ blood groups and haemoglobin genotype variants in any population is useful in health care planning, medical diagnosis and targeting the population that need counseling. If such information is well managed it can make a difference in the quality of decisions that individuals will make especially as it concerns marriage, blood transfusion and other medical demands.