bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Monocyte-to-HDL-cholesterol ratio is associated with Ascending Aorta Dilatation in Patients with Bicuspid Aortic Valve
Authors: Acar Burak , Yayla Cagrı , Gul Murat , Karanfil Mustafa , Unal Sefa , Uçar Fatih , Mevlut Kuyumcu Serdar , Goktug Ertem Ahmet , Ozen Yasin , Bilal Ozbay Mustafa , Ozeke Ozcan , Aydogdu Sinan 
Published: April 2021

Background: The importance of monocyte count-to-HDL-cholesterol ratio (MHR) in cardio- vascular diseases has been shown in various studies. Ascending aortic dilatation (AAD) is a common complication in the patients with bicuspid aortic valve. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between MHR and the presence of aortic dilatation in the pa- tients with bicuspid aortic valve.
Methods: The study population included totally 347 patients with bicuspid aortic valve.169 patients with aortic dilatation (ascending aorta diameter ≥ 4.0 cm) and 178 patients with no aortic dilatation. Echocardiographic and laboratory measure- ment was done and compared between groups.
Results: The mean age of the participants was 44.7 ± 15.4 years and average ascending aorta diameter was 3.2 ± 0.3 cm in dilatation negative group and 4.4 ± 0.4 cm in positive group. MHR was significantly increased in in patients with aortic dilatation. MHR and uric acid level was independently associated with the presence of aortic dilatation in the patients with bicuspid aortic valve.
Conclusion: We found a significant relationship between MHR and aortic dilatation in the patients with bicuspid aortic valve.
Keywords: Bicuspid aorta; aorta aneurysm; monocyte HDL ratio; inflammation.
What differs former, light and heavy smokers? Evidence from a post-conflict setting
Authors: Gazibara Tatjana , Milic Marija , Parlic Milan , Stevanovic Jasmina , Mitic Nebojsa , Maric Gorica , Kisic Tepavcevic Darija , Pekmezovic Tatjana 
Published: April 2021

Background: Evidence suggests that people who live in regions affected by the armed conflict are more likely to smoke.
Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess factors associated with smoking status in a sample of students in the northern Kosovo province.
Materials and methods: A total of 514 students enrolled in University in Kosovska Mitrovica, Kosovo, were recruited be- tween April to June 2015 at Student Public Health Center during mandatory health checks. Participants filled in socio-demo- graphic and behavioral questionnaire and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Based on responses about smoking, students were categorized in non-smokers, former smokers, light smokers (1-13 cigarettes/day) and heavy smokers (> 13 cigarettes/ day).
Results: Of 514 students, 116 (22.6%) classified themselves as smokers. Higher education level of fathers (Odds ra- tio [OR]=2.89, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.30-6.44, p=0.009), not living with smokers (OR=0.42, 95%CI 0.15-0.97, p=0.017) and longer exposure to second hand smoke (OR=1.07, 95%CI 1.01-1.13, p=0.036) was associated with former smoking. Studying medical and natural sciences (OR=2.07, 95%CI 1.05-4.18, p=0.040), consuming alcohol (OR=2.98, 95%CI 1.19-10.03, p=0.020), living with smokers (OR=2.88, 95%CI 1.49-5.56, p=0.002), longer exposure to second hand smoke (OR=1.06, 95%CI 1.01-1.11, p=0.019) and having a more intense depressive symptoms (OR=1.08, 95%CI 1.03-1.13, p=0.002) was associated with light smoking. Being male (OR=0.22, 95%CI 0.07-0.41, p=0.001), older (OR=1.47, 95%CI 1.21-1.78, p=0.001), living with smokers (OR=3.78, 95%CI 1.69-8.07, p=0.001), longer daily exposure to second-hand smoke (OR=1.10, 95%CI 1.04-1.16, p=0.001), and having more severe depressive symptoms (OR=1.12, 95%CI 1.07-1.18, p=0.001) were associated with heavy smoking.
Conclusion: Smoking prevention and cessation programs should include the entire community, because exposure to en- vironmental second hand smoke may facilitate initiation and more intense smoking. Screening of student smokers for depression should be prioritized in the process of rebuilding the framework for primary and secondary prevention in the post-conflict period.
Keywords: Students; smoking; tobacco; prevention.
Indian scenario of IgA nephropathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Khairwa Anju 
Published: April 2021

Background: IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is most common primary glomerulopathy. There are variations in prevalence of IgAN and its clinical features in different studies from India.
Aim: To summarize overall scenario of IgAN in India.
Methods: In this systematic review, studies related to IgAN and related renal disease were included. Data searched were PubMed, EMBASE, Google scholar, and Cochrane Database from inception to 31st January 2019.
Results: Total 49 studies (N=2480) were included: 21studies (N=2309) of primary IgAN; 19 studies (N=21) of Secondary IgAN; four studies (N=133) of IgA vasculitis nephropathy (IgAVN); and five studies (N=17) of IgA dominant nephropathy (IgADN). Prevalence of IgAN was 16.5% in India. Age of affected persons was ranging from 27.2±16.7 to 48.6±21.3 years . Male female ratio was 1.8:1. Clinical features of Primary IgAN, IgAVN, IgADN & Secondary IgAN were microscopic hematuria (49.6%, 44.4%, 15.6% & 59.5%), macroscopic hematuria (5.1%, 0.4%,40.9%,& 35.7%), Subnephrotic proteinuria (42.1%, 29.4%, 23.2%, & 52.3%), nephrotic proteinuria (16.0%, 4.4%, 76.8%,& 47.6%), and hypertension (25.8%,18.3%, 35.5%,& 47.6%).. The 24 hours proteinuria was ranging from 2.6±1.5 to 4.7±2.3 gm/day and serum creatinine (mg/dl) was ranging from 0.9±0 to 3.5±3.9 mg/dl. Histolomorphologically, all type of IgAN showed mesangial hypercellularity and Immunofluorescence revealed IgA deposition.
Conclusion: The overall prevalence of primary IgAN in India was 16.5%. The subnephrotic proteinuria and microscopic hematuria were common clinical features.
Keywords: IgA Nephropathy; histomorphology; prevalence; India.
COVID-19 mortality rate prediction for India using statistical neural networks and gaussian process regression model
Authors: Dhamodharavadhani S , Rathipriya R 
Published: April 2021

The primary purpose of this research is to identify the best COVID-19 mortality model for India using regression models and is to estimate the future COVID-19 mortality rate for India. Specifically, Statistical Neural Networks ( Radial Basis Function Neural Network (RBFNN), Generalized Regression Neural Network (GRNN)), and Gaussian Process Regression (GPR) are applied to develop the COVID-19 Mortality Rate Prediction (MRP) model for India. For that purpose, there are two types of dataset used in this study: One is COVID-19 Death cases, a Time Series Data and the other is COVID-19 Confirmed Case and Death Cases where Death case is dependent variable and the Confirmed case is an independent varia- ble. Hyperparameter optimization or tuning is used in these regression models, which is the process of identifying a set of optimal hyperparameters for any learning process with minimal error. Here, sigma (σ) is a hyperparameter whose value is used to constrain the learning process of the above models with minimum Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE). The perfor- mance of the models is evaluated using the RMSE and 'R2 values, which shows that the GRP model performs better than the GRNN and RBFNN.
Keywords: Covid-19; India; mortality rate; mortality prediction; regression model; hyperparameter tuning; GPR; GRNN; RBFNN.
Risk factors for wound infection caused by Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus among hospitalized patients: a case control study from a tertiary care hospital in India
Authors: Thimmappa Latha , Bhat Anil , Hande Manjunatha , Mukhopadhyay Chiranjay , Devi Elsa , Nayak Baby , George Anice 
Published: April 2021

Background: Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) causes infection in hospitals and communities. The preva- lence and risk factors of MRSA infection is not homogenous across the globe.
Objective: To find the risk factors of MRSA infection among hospitalized patients.
Methods: Cross-sectional case control study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in India. The risk factors were collected using checklist from 130 MRSA and 130 Methicillin sensitive staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) infected patients. The pathogens were isolated from the wound swabs according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines.
Results: Both the groups were comparable in terms of age, gender, diabetic status, undergoing invasive procedures, urinary catheterization and smoking (p>0.05). Multivariate logistic regression revealed surgical treatment (OR 4.355; CI 1.03, 18.328; p=0.045), prolonged hospitalization (OR 0.307; CI 0.11, 0.832; p=0.020), tracheostomy (OR 5.298, CI 1.16, 24.298; p=0.032), pressure/venous ulcer (OR 7.205; CI 1.75, 29.606; p=0.006) and previous hospitalization (OR 2.883; CI 1.25, 6.631; p=0.013) as significant risk factors for MRSA infection.
Conclusion: Surgical treatment, prolonged and history of hospitalization, having tracheostomy for ventilation and pressure/venous ulcer were the key risk factors. Therefore, special attention has to be given to the preventable risk factors while caring for hospitalized patients to prevent MRSA infection.
Keywords: MRSA; infection; India.
Quality of life of adult individuals with intestinal stomas in Uganda: a cross sectional study
Authors: Ssewanyana Yasin , Ssekitooleko Badru , Suuna Bashir , Bua Emmanuel , Wadeya Joseph , K Makumbi Timothy , Ocen William , Omona Kizito 
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Intestinal stomas remain important life-saving surgical options in a wide range of gastrointestinal pathologies globally. Living with a stoma has potential to impair the patient’s quality of life, often with associated negative psychological effects.
Objective: To evaluate the quality of life among intestinal stoma patients under Mulago National Referral Hospital (MNRH), with emphasis on psychological effects and effects on family-social interactions.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study carried out at surgical outpatient clinics of MNRH between January and June 2018. Data was collected using Stoma-QOL questionnaire, PHQ-9 and GAD-7 from 51 participants who had lived with intestinal stomas for at least a month.
Results: Of the 51 participants, male: female ratio was 4:1 and aged 18-84 years (mean age 44.04+18.47 years). 76.5% had colostomy; 23.5% had ileostomy. Majority (88.2%) had temporary stomas. The overall mean Stoma-QOL score was 55.12+ 17.04. Only about a quarter (24%) of participants had Stoma-QOL scores >70 (best). Most patients exhibited negative psy- chological effects (anxiety-100%, concerns about changed body image - 96.1% and depression - 88.4%).
Conclusion: Most participants had low levels of stoma-related quality of life, suffered negative psychological effects and exhibited limited social interactions. This calls for efforts to support Stoma patients adapt beter life.
Keywords: Stoma; Quality of Life (Stoma-QOL); Psychological effects; Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9); General- ized Anxiety Questionnaire (GAD-7).
Visual function, spectacle independence, and patients’ satisfaction after cataract surgery- a study in the Central Region of Ghana
Authors: Kyei Samuel , Kwadwo Amponsah Bio , Asiedu Kofi , Osei Akoto Yaw 
Published: April 2021

Background: Reduced visual function is associated with diminished quality of life as well as decreased physical and mental health. Poor visual function related to cataracts is also a risk factor for falls and traffic accidents, which may lead to hospital admissions and limit independence.
Objective: To evaluate patients’ satisfaction, visual functions and spectacle independence among patients in the Central Region of Ghana who had cataract surgery in one eye.
Methods: A hospital-based prospective cohort study was carried out on 146 patients booked for cataract surgery: 16 were lost through follow-ups whilst 130 completed the study. Visual functions including visual acuity, contrast sen- sitivity, stereopsis and colour vision were assessed before and after a month of cataract surgery. Objective and subjective refractions were performed to determine the post-surgery refractive status of the participants. Participants completed the NEI-VFQ 25 questionnaire and the scores obtained were used as a construct of their satisfaction.
Results: The NEI-VFQ 25 questionnaire scores indicated patients’ satisfaction was high with an average quality of life score of 77.46. Patients satisfaction was strongly correlated with contrast sensitivity (r=0.653, p<0.001) but moderately correlated with visual acuity (r=-0.554, p<0.001), stereopsis (r=0.490, p<0.001) and colour vision (r=0.466, p<0.001). Contrast sensitivity was a better predictor of patients’ satisfaction than visual acuity and stereopsis. Spectacle independence at distance was achieved in only 44.6% of the participants and 5.4% at near. There was a significant (p>0.001) association between spectacle independence and the two types of cataract surgery performed which included Small Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS) and Extracapsular Cataract Extraction (ECCE). Among those who were spectacle independent, 53.4% of them were low vision patients.
Conclusion: Satisfaction of patients after cataract surgery was high but was greatly influenced by visual functions with contrast sensitivity being a better predictor of satisfaction than visual acuity and stereopsis. Spectacle independence after cataract surgery was low at distance and extremely low at near. The type of cataract surgery performed influenced thespec- tacle independence.
Keywords: TNO; contrast sensitivity; spectacle independence; cataract surgery; intraocular lens.
Effects of think-pair-share on senior school students’ performance in mathematics in Ilorin, Nigeria
Authors: Akanmu Morenikeji Alex 
Published: April 2021

The performance of Nigerian students in the Senior School Certificate Mathematics Examinations over the years has not been encouraging. Studies have indicated that this is partly due to students’ lack of in-depth knowledge of some selected topics in mathematics. Pieces of evidence abound in literature and WAEC Chief examiner’s reports indicating that students performed poorly in set theory with Venn diagram. Therefore, this study examined the effects of think-pair-share on senior school students’ performance in mathematics in Ilorin, Nigeria. The objectives of this study were to examine: (i) the performance of students’ taught set theory using think-pair-share cooperative instructional strategy; (ii) the difference in the performance of students taught using think-pair-share instructional strategy based on gender and score level; (iii) the influence of think-pair-share instructional strategy on students’ retention in set theory. The researcher employed a quasi-experimental design for the study. The sample consisted of 118 SS II students. The instruments used for the study was Mathematics Performance Test (MPT). The instruments yielded reliability values of 0.78 using Pearson Product Moment Correlation procedure. The data collected were analyzed using independent sample t-test, and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). Findings of the study showed: (i) a statistically significant difference in the performance of students taught set theory using think-pair-share compared with their counterparts in the control group in favour of think-pair-share group, (ii) no statistically significant difference in the performance of male and female students taught set theory in Mathematics using think-pair-share; (iii) no statistically significant difference in the performance of students taught set theory in Mathematics using think-pair-share based on scoring levels; and (iv) a statistically significant difference in the knowledge retained by students taught set theory in Mathematics using think-pair-share compared with their counterparts in the control group in favour of think-pair-share group. The study concluded that the use of think-pair-share improved students’ performance in Mathematics, gender of a student does not affect his or her performance in Mathematics, and the use of think-pair-share improved the retention ability of the students. It was recommended among others that the use of think-pair-share be encouraged for teaching and learning of Mathematics at all levels of education.
The thermal dehydroxylation of kaolinite using thermogravimetric analysis and Controlled rate thermal analysis
Authors: Mbey Jean Aimé , Ngally Sabouang Cyrill Joël , Makon Thomas Beauregard , Coulibaly Sandotin Lassina , Kong Sakéo 
Published: April 2021

The aim of this work was to identify parameters that could influence the conversion of kaolinite into metakaolinite. To this end, the dehydroxylation of four kaolinites, using controlled rate thermal analysis (CRTA) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), was investigated. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) were used to confirm the kaolinitic nature of the samples. Their crystallinity was evaluated using the Hinckley index from the XRD patterns and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used for morphological observation of the clay platelets. The thermal analyses of the samples indicate, for all samples, low defects as revealed by the low amount of adsorbed water on the clay surface. The dehydroxylation temperature from both techniques was influenced by the sample crystallinity and particle size. It was observed from both techniques that increase crystallinity resulted in highdehydroxylation temperature. Also, the influence of the clay platelets size on the dehydroxylation temperature, is proposed. All the results indicate that crystallinity and particle size are parameters that could be used to control the temperature for the conversion of kaolinite to metakaolinite.
Keywords: Kaolinite; Crystallinity, Dehydroxylation; Thermal analysis
Subtitling as a Vector for the Promotion of Bilingualism and Patriotism
Authors: Ayonghe Lum Suzanne , Besong Godson Enowmbi 
Published: April 2021

This paper is aimed at showing that subtitling can be used to foster bilingualism and patriotism in Cameroon. The objectives are to investigate how deeply rooted the practice of audiovisual translation is in local media outlets, focusing on how it can help in promoting bilingualism; promote the use of subtitling in the Cameroonian audiovisual media landscape; and assess the pivotal role of the audiovisual translator in this sector. A sample of 151 persons was used. Questionnaires were administered to respondents and stakeholders were interviewed in two media houses: Hi TV and CRTV. Hi TV is based in an English-speaking region, and CRTV is a State-owned media house and believed to have the widest audience in the country. Findings revealed that subtitling does not only provide TV viewers with information in their second official language, but also enables them to improve on their reading and writing skills, as well as their bilingualism, among others. Subtitling is not advanced in media houses in Cameroon. Recommendations were made to improve on the practice of subtitling in media houses in Cameroon. These include increasing the level of subtitled programmes broadcast on TV stations, raising awareness on the importance of media information access by the hearing impaired; creating an audiovisual translation unit in each TV broadcasting house and recruiting audiovisual translators; voting of laws to make the subtitling of some, if not, all TV programmes broadcast by Cameroonian TV channels mandatory; educating the public on the importance of subtitling by gradually introducing them to viewers through TV programmes, so that their eyes and mind could progressively get used to watching subtitled material and thus avoid total rejection of the subtitles; and training more audiovisual translators in Cameroon.
Key words: Translation, Bilingualism, Patriotism, Vector, Subtitling
The Pathology of Vaccination of Chickens with Varying Doses of Lentogenic LaSota Strain of Newcastle Disease Virus
Authors: Igwe A.O. , Sanda M.E. , Nnsewo U.E.I. , Okonkwo C.J. , Onyebgula O. 
Published: April 2021

Recently, it was demonstrated under laboratory conditions that increased doses of LaSota vaccine increased ND antibody response significantly in chickens. In this study, we have used the same model to investigate whether vaccination with increased doses of lentogenic LaSota strain of Newcastle disease virus are associated with pathological changes in chickens. Four-week-old broiler chickens (n=100) were randomly assigned into four groups of 25 each: ZD, each drenched with phosphate-buffered saline, SD, DD and TD broilers were each drenched with single, double and triple dose of LaSota vaccine, respectively. The chickens were observed for clinical signs and lesions. Serum samples were collected from the chickens in all the groups at weekly intervals post inoculation (PV) and assayed for haemagglutination inhibition (HI) antibodies. The vaccinated broilers showed no morbidity and mortality. Only the bursa of all the vaccinated groups appeared slightly reduced in size on day 10 PV. The histopathological changes were lymphoid hyperplasia and formation of germinal centres in the spleen and caecal tonsils from days 3 to 6 PV and mild depletion of bursal lymphocytes on day 10 PV. Generally, the integrity of the lymphoid organs was intact. Groups DD and TD antibody titres were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that of the SD on day 21 PV. This suggests that increased doses of LaSota vaccine does not cause pathologic impairment and may be considered in improving the performance of the vaccine in the control of velogenic ND.
Key words: Newcastle disease, LaSota vaccine, pathology, broiler chickens
Effects of N-Butanol and Aqueous Fractions of Khaya senegalensis, Guiera senegalensis and Tamarindus Indica Leaves Extracts on Eimeria tenella Oocyst Sporulation in Vitro
Authors: Otu M.O. , Lawal I.A. , George B.D. , Abubakar M.S. , Adeyinka I.A. , Abeke F.O. , Sekoni A.A. , Nwagu B.I. , Adejoh-Ubani E.O. , Oluntunmogun A.K. , Umar A.U. , Abdullahi I. , Haruna H.M. 
Published: April 2021

The in vitro anti coccidial activities of n-butanol and aqueous fractions of Khaya senegalensis, Gueira senegalensis and Tamarindus indica leaves extracts on Eimeria tenella parasite was studied by observing the effects of the plant extracts on the sporulation of the Eimeria tenella oocysts. Drug resistance and consumer demanding decrease in the use of drugs in animals have generated interest in alternative strategies to control the avian disease one of which is herbal intervention studies. Fresh faecal samples were collected from infected birds and their oocysts load determined. Dilutions of the extracts (100mg, 250mg, 400mg, 550mg, 700mg and 850mg per ml) in distilled water were prepared and placed in separate well labelled petri dishes. 100 oocysts were added to each petri dish and the set up was left at ambient temperature on the laboratory table and monitored twice daily (9.00am and 3.00pm) to observe the sporulation of the oocysts over a 72 hours period. Laboratory sporulation medium (2.5% Potassium dichromate) and Amprolium were used for comparison. The phytochemical result implied that the active ingredients were present mainly in the n-butanol and crude extract fractions with the nbutanol fraction of the Khaya senegalensis extract containing phenols and flavonoids which have antioxidant effects. The in vitro study showed that the n-butanol fraction of K senegalensis (100mg/ml) and the aqueous fraction of Tamarindus indica (100mg/ml) extracts had similar effects to those obtained using Amprolium which was considered as the standard by inhibiting the sporulation of Eimeria tenella oocysts. It is therefore recommended that more work needs to be done to determine the anti coccidial activities of these extracts in vivo.
Key words: Eimeria tenella, sporulation, in vitro, extracts