bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Outcomes of Combination Therapy using Aflibercept and Dexamethasone Intravitreal Implant versus Dexamethasone Monotherapy for Macular Edema Secondary to Retinal Vein Occlusion
Authors: Harb Walid , Chidiac Georgio , Harb Georges 
Published: April 2021

PURPOSE:
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the combination therapy of intravitreal aflibercept 2 mg (Eylea®) and a sustained-release dexamethasone 0.7 mg intravitreal implant (Ozurdex®) versus dexamethasone alone in providing better visual acuity in eyes with macular edema (ME) secondary to retinal vein occlusion (RVO).

METHODS:
Seventy-four eyes of 74 patients with treatment-naïve ME secondary to RVO were included in this prospective nonrandomized case series and were studied over a 12-month follow-up period. Patients in the dexamethasone monotherapy group were treated with an initial Ozurdex® injection while patients in the combination therapy group were treated with an Eylea® injection followed 2 weeks later by an Ozurdex® injection. The treatment was repeated as needed. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), and intraocular pressure were evaluated periodically. The primary outcome measure was the BCVA. The secondary outcome measures included CMT, number of retreatments, and safety parameters.

RESULTS:
At 1 year, the primary endpoint was met. Patients receiving combined therapy had better mean visual acuity changes from baseline compared to those receiving monotherapy (0.369 ± 0.221 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [logMAR] vs. 0.218 ± 0.171 logMAR; P = 0.002). The secondary endpoints were not met since there were no significant differences in mean reductions in CMT (272.67 ± 82.35 vs. 248.11 ± 159.73; P = 0.412) and the mean number of retreatments was similar in the two groups (1.75 ± 1.13 vs. 1.42 ± 0.64; P = 0.126).

CONCLUSION:
Aflibercept with dexamethasone implants achieved better visual outcomes compared to dexamethasone monotherapy with no significant differences in intravitreal retreatment rates at the 1st year in eyes with ME secondary to RVO.
Prescription Pattern and Blood Pressure Control among Patients on Antihypertensive Medications Attending a Tertiary Hospital in Lagos
Authors: Ogundele Sunday Oladunjoye , Ajibare Adeola Olubunmi , Amisu Mumuni A. , Dada Akinola Olusola 
Published: May 2021

Context:
Hypertension is a disease of global public health importance affecting an estimated 1 billion people worldwide. Hypertension accounts for about 10.4 million deaths in 2017. Many guidelines are available for the management of hypertension, but despite this, there are wide variations in physicians' choice of antihypertensive medications for blood pressure (BP) control.

Aims:
We reviewed the prescription pattern of antihypertensive medication and the level of BP control in patients with hypertension.

Settings and Design:
This is a cross-sectional study among hypertensive patients attending follow-up clinics of a tertiary hospital.

Methodology:
Structured questionnaires were used to collect information on the antihypertensive medications and clinical profiles of the study participants. Questionnaires were administered to participants during the attendance of the follow-up clinic to capture information relevant to the study. Information retrieved from patients includes details about their baseline demographic characteristics, clinical history, antihypertensive drug history and blood BP recordings. The study protocol was reviewed and approved by the institutional ethics committee.

Statistical Analysis:
Data were analysed using Microsoft Excel 2003 and the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 22.0 software.

Results:
A total of 489 hypertensive patients took part in the study. The study found that the rate of BP control was 44.6% among the participants. Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are the most common antihypertensive medication prescribed in our clinics. There was no significant relationship between how long a patient had been attending the follow-up clinic and the level of BP control in patients who have attended the clinic for a minimum period of 3 months.

Conclusion:
BP control was less than optimal in more than half of the participants, and the most commonly prescribed antihypertensive medication were CCBs.
Prevalence of Electromechanical Dyssynchrony among Heart Failure Patients in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital
Authors: Ahmad Bashir Garba , Mijinyawa Muhammad Sani , Sani Mahmoud Umar 
Published: May 2021

Context:
Heart failure (HF) is among the most important causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Cardiac dyssynchrony, a situation associated with a difference in the timing of contractions in different chambers and/or segments of the heart, is frequently seen in patients with HF and is a poor prognostic marker if left untreated. There is limited information on the prevalence of dyssynchrony among HF patientsin our environment.

Aims:
We set out to assess the prevalence of electromechanical dyssynchrony using electrocardiography and echocardiography among HF patients in a Nigerian tertiary hospital.

Settings and Design:
We conducted a prospective observational study among adult HF patients in our hospital.

Methods and Materials:
One hundred patients were consecutively recruited and detailed history and examination were done. Electrical and mechanical dyssynchrony were measured using electrocardiography and echocardiography, respectively.

Statistical Analysis:
Data were analysed using Microsoft Excel 2003 and the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 16 software.

Results:
A total of 100 participants were recruited, 67% were females. The mean age of the study population was 41.95 ± 16.07 years. Electrical dyssynchrony (QRS ≥120 ms) was found in 11%, interventricular and intraventricular dyssynchrony were seen in 79% and 75%, respectively. There was a significant association between prolonged QRS and intraventricular dyssynchrony, and between inter and intraventricular dyssynchrony.

Conclusion:
Electromechanical dyssynchrony is prevalent among HF patients in our environment. Larger multicentre studies are needed in our country to fully define the burden of dyssynchrony and study the characteristics of patients with it in order to properly manage them.
"Thrombectomy and Back
Authors: Al-Jehani Hosam , AlHamid May Adel , Hudhiah Kawthar , Al-Bakr Aisha , Bunayan Reem , AlAbbas Faisal 
Published: May 2021

Background:
Timely access to comprehensive stroke centers for patients suffering from acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion (LVO) remains a commonly encountered obstacle worldwide, especially in areas with no comprehensive stroke or thrombectomy-capable stroke centers.

Objective:
To present our novel experience with a “thrombectomy-and-back” model implemented in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.

Methods:
King Fahd Hospital of the University (KFHU), a 600-bed hospital located in Al Khobar with an open-access emergency department, was designated as a comprehensive stroke center in the Eastern Province. “Thrombectomy-and-back” was designed such that the neurologist in the referring hospital directly communicates with the attending neurovascular team at KFHU for their anticipation of the case, and subsequently confirms LVO presence through urgent acquisition of a CT and a CT angiogram. Once LVO was confirmed, the patients were timely transferred to KFHU for mechanical thrombectomy. Upon procedure completion, the patients returned to the referring hospital with the same medical and EMS team. The safety of transfer and peri-procedural complications were analyzed.

Results:
From December 2017 to December 2019, 20 thrombectomy-and-back codes were activated, of which 10 were deactivated on negative LVO and 10 remained activated. Of these 10 patients, 2 required admission to our hospital's Neuro-ICU: one was because the middle cerebral artery reoccluded during the procedure and the other was due to hemodynamic instability upon arrival; this first patient passed away 2 months later due to the complications of the malignant left middle cerebral artery stroke.

Conclusions:
The novel Thrombectomy-and-Back model in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia has proved to be a safe and efficient approach for patients presenting with LVO to receive timely interventional therapy and minimizing futile transfers.
Gemcitabine Plus Platinum versus Docetaxel Plus Platinum as First-Line Therapy for Metastatic Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Yang Hui , Lu Ying , Xu Zhuohua , Wei Mingjing , Huang Haixin 
Published: May 2021

Background:
A well-established first-line chemotherapy standard for metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma is yet lacking.

Objectives:
To compare the efficacy and safety of gemcitabine plus platinum versus docetaxel plus platinum regimen as first-line therapies for distal metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Study Design and Participants:
A single center, randomized, open-label, parallel-arm study. The study included 120 patients with metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma who met the study requirements.

Interventions:
Participants were randomized in a 1:1 ratio through a sealed envelope selection. Gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2/d intravenously (IV) for >30 min (days 1 and 8) or docetaxel 75 mg/m2/d IV for 1 h (day 1) were administered to the respective group participants. Nedaplatin 75 mg/m2/d, IV (day 1), cisplatin 75 mg/m2/d IV (day 1) or carboplatin (area under the curve set as 5) IV (day 1) were used in both groups. One cycle duration was 21 days, with 4–6 cycles for all participants.

Outcomes:
The primary assessed outcomes were progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), and the secondary outcomes were short-term efficacy [i.e., response rate (RR) and disease control rate (DCR)] and safety.

Results:
Seven patients withdrew from the study, and efficacy and adverse reactions were obtained for 113 patients (gemcitabine: 56; docetaxel: 57). Compared with the docetaxel plus platinum group, the gemcitabine plus platinum group had significantly higher RR (71.4% vs. 52.6%, P < 0.05); mPFS (9.7 vs. 7.8 months, P < 0.05), and mOS (20.6 vs. 16.8 months, P < 0.01). The significance was not associated with increased adverse reactions, as both groups showed similar Grades 3 and 4 adverse reactions (P > 0.05). DCR was non-significantly higher in the gemcitabine group (85.7% vs. 75.4%, P > 0.05). Multivariable analysis revealed that time to disease progression, number of involved organs, liver metastasis, and grouping were associated with mPFS and mOS (all P < 0.05).

Conclusion:
The combination of gemcitabine with platinum is likely superior to that of docetaxel with platinum as first-line treatment for metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
Immunoblot for the Diagnosis of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in French Guiana
Authors: Menu Estelle , Blaizot Romain , Mary Charles , Simon Stéphane , Adenis Antoine , Blanchet Denis , L’Ollivier Coralie , Ranque Stéphane , Demar Magalie 
Published: May 2021

Abstract.Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is firmly established in South America. We aimed to assess the detection of IgG antibodies against 14 and/or 16 kDa antigens by immunoblot (IB) for CL serological diagnosis in French Guiana, an area where many endemic pathogens could interfere with it. This study was performed retrospectively on sera from 141 patients at the Cayenne tertiary hospital: 30 were patients with confirmed CL, 71 were diagnosed with various other endemic pathogens, 11 were diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, and 29 controls had no history of CL. Antibodies bound to the 14 and/or 16 kDa antigens in 27 of the 30 CL patients’ sera and in 39 of the 111 non-CL patients’ sera (26 from the infectious diseases group, four from the autoimmune diseases group, and nine from the dermatology department). The method tested showed a high sensitivity (90%) and a low specificity (66%), and a diagnosis odds ratio of 17.5 (95% CI [4.6–78.0]). This IB may be helpful to exclude the diagnosis of CL, prompting physicians to look for another diagnosis in the case of a negative IB.
Epidemiology, Ecology and Prevention of Plague in the West Nile Region of Uganda: The Value of Long-Term Field Studies
Authors: Eisen Rebecca J. , Atiku Linda A. , Enscore Russell E. , Mpanga Joseph T. , Acayo Sarah , Mead Paul S. , Apangu Titus , Yockey Brook M. , Borchert Jeff N. , Beard Charles B. , Gage Kenneth L. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract.Plague, a fleaborne rodent-associated zoonosis, is a neglected disease with most recent cases reported from east and central Africa and Madagascar. Because of its low incidence and sporadic occurrence, most of our knowledge of plague ecology, prevention, and control derives from investigations conducted in response to human cases. Long-term studies (which are uncommon) are required to generate data to support plague surveillance, prevention, and control recommendations. Here we describe a 15-year, multidisciplinary commitment to plague in the West Nile region of Uganda that led to significant advances in our understanding of where and when persons are at risk for plague infection and how to reduce morbidity and mortality. These findings provide data-driven support for several existing recommendations on plague surveillance and prevention and may be generalizable to other plague foci.
Management and Complications of Nasal Septal Collections
Authors: Sogebi Olusola Ayodele , Oyewole Emmanuel Abayomi 
Published: May 2021

Background: Nasal septum collections (hematoma and abscess) can lead to structural and functional abnormalities. Our objective was to assess the clinical characteristics, management and complications of nasal septal collections, and document factors associated withtheir complications. Methods: This was a retrospective study of patients managed for nasal septal collections. Socio-demographic and clinical information was recorded, and the main investigations and results noted. Follow-up and complications of septal collections were documented and the clinical factors associated with the complications explored. Results: Twenty-four patients records were studied: male: female ratio=2:1, mean age 40.1±13.1years,62.5% presented with complaints of nasal obstruction, 66.7% had antecedent nasal trauma, presentation was from 2 to 13 days,25%had co-morbid disease(s). All patients had incision and drainage of the septal collection within 1–7 h; 41.2% of the aspirated collections cultured microorganisms, 20.8% developed complications. Increased age above 45 years, co-morbidity, delayed presentation, culture-positive aspirate was all significantly associated with development of complications. Conclusion: Nasal septal collections were more common in adult males with antecedent nasal trauma; 20% developedcomplications associated with the presence of culturepositive abscesses, increased age, and duration of septal collection.
Keywords: Nasal trauma, Septal hematoma, Septal abscess, Complications
Petrography and Geochemistry of some Granitoids associated with Gold Mineralisation at Mpohor area in southeastern Ashanti Belt of the Birimian, Ghana
Authors: Tetteh G. M. , Effisah-Otoo E. 
Published: April 2021

Mpohor area in Western Region of Ghana is located within the Birimian at the southeastern corridor of Ashanti belt. Diamond drilling in the area which encloses Father Brown concession intersected steeply dipping igneous rocks on which petrographic and whole rock XRF analyses were conducted to describe the rock types according to mineralogy, texture, alteration and mode of mineralisation. The study showed that gabbro and diorite are weakly deformed, partially altered and of greenschist facies metamorphism. These rocks intruded into belt granitoids which accompanied metavolcanic rocks (well exposed at a coastal region to the southeast). Subsequent tonalite and granodiorite intrusives into sheared areas of gabbro are deformed with foliation being parallel to the major foliation in the host rock. This ductile deformation was accompanied by brittle deformation and infiltrated by hydrothermal fluids leading to silicification, carbonatisation, sericitisation, pyritisation of second and third generations and gold mineralisation. On the contrary, chloritisation with fine chalcopyrite together with pyrite of first generation characterise host gabbro and diorite. Hence deformed pyrite porphyroblast of second generation is found in tonalite and partly in contact with magnetite and also associated with gold. The ore zone (Au grade between 1.78 to 48.80 g/t) in tonalite is characterised with lower TiO2 content (<0.73 wt %) in addition to Fe/Mg ratio above 2.4 and Zr values less than 100 ppm which may suggest that mineralised fluid was depleted of Ti and Zr and Mg/Fe ratio above 2.4. These probably show that hydrothermal fluid which has the potential for high sulphide-Au mineralisation accompanied more mafic host rocks. Keywords: Petrography, Geochemistry, Granitoids, Gold Mineralisation, Southeastern Ashanti belt
Preg-robbing of Gold by Carbonaceous Materials Encountered in Gold Processing
Authors: Amanya F. , Ofori-Sarpong G. , Anni V. , Amankwah R. K. 
Published: April 2021

Processing of gold from refractory ores containing carbonaceous materials (CM) poses challenges due to the ability of the CM to preg-rob dissolved gold. Depending on the type and maturity of CM encountered, preg-robbing of aurocyanide ion can lead to reduction in gold recovery ranging from a few percentages to more than 50%. Knowledge on the type of CM present, and its capacity for gold adsorption is important in predicting pre-treatment methods that can deactivate the CM and reduce its ability to preg-rob. This paper, as part of an on-going work, presents results on the degree of adsorption by the various carbonaceous materials encountered in gold processing, and estimates the amount of aurocyanide complex preg-robbed by them. To do this, various weights of carbonaceous materials (wood chips, charcoal, barren carbon and fresh activated carbon) were contacted with gold solution for a given period of time. The percentages of gold adsorbed on the various carbons were determined, and the results showed an increasing trend of preg-robbing in favour of wood chips < charcoal < barren carbon < activated carbon. Of all the CMs, wood chips have not undergone any carbonisation and/or activation, and thus exhibited the lowest affinity. The adsorption capacities in grams of gold per tonne of carbon over a 24-hr period were 30-65 for wood chips, 320-370 for charcoal, 410-420 for barren carbon and 580-650 for activated carbon. The trend shows direct correlation with the activities and the degrees of graphitisation and maturity of the various carbonaceous materials. It is thus important to characterise carbonaceous gold ores to know the maturity of the CM present, which will inform on the pre-treatment processes required. Keywords: Preg-Robbing, Wood Chips, Charcoal, Activated Carbon
Teneurs en phénols totaux, activités antioxydantes des macérés et décocté des feuilles de Uvaria chamae P. Beauv. (Annonaceae)
Authors: Bamba Bourahima , Benie Comoé Koffi Donatien , Ouattara Abou , Doukourou Dahiro Noël , Kamou Richard Kamou , Ouattara Karamoko 
Published: May 2021

Uvaria chamae est une plante de la biodiversité Ivoirienne utilisée en médecine traditionnelle. Malgré les vertus biologiques et thérapeutiques de cette plante, peu d’informations sur la teneur en phénols totaux et l’activité antioxydante existent. L’objectif de cette étude était d’évaluer la teneur en phénols totaux, l’activité antioxydante de macéré aqueux, de macéré éthanolique et de décocté aqueux des feuilles de Uvaria chamae. La teneur en phénols totaux a été effectuée par la méthode de Folin-Ciocalteu. L’activité antioxydante a été évaluée par la méthode de piégeage du DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyle) et d’ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity). La teneur en phénols totaux était respectivement de 110,51 ± 7,18 µg GAE/mg d’extraits, de 86,34 ± 1,38 µg GAE/mg d’extrait et de 65,80 ± 0,13 µg GAE/mg d’extrait pour le macéré éthanolique, le décocté aqueux et le macéré aqueux de Uvaria chamae. Les différents macérés et décocté ont présenté une activité de piégeage des deux radicaux libres. S’agissant du radical DPPH, le macéré éthanolique de U. chamae exerce une forte activité antiradicalaire significative avec un CI50 de l’ordre de 0,08 ± 0,02 mg/ml. Avec la méthode ORAC, le macéré éthanolique de U. chamae (3,51 ± 0,15 µmol TE/µg d’extrait) et le décocté aqueux de U. chamae (3,36± 0,18 µmol TE/µg d’extrait) présentent des valeurs d’activités antioxydantes significatives. Par contre, les valeurs de l’activité antioxydante du macéré aqueux de U. chamae (3,04 ± 0,20 µmol TE/µg d’extrait) et du témoin positif : extrait éthanolique de R. officinalis (2,54 ± 0,06 µmol TE/µg d’extrait) ne sont pas significativement différentes (P ˃ 0,05). Ces résultats montrent l’existence d’une bonne corrélation linéaire entre la teneur en phénols totaux et le pouvoir antioxydant des différents macérés et décocté de cette plante. Cette plante Ivoirienne pourrait donc être considérée comme une source d’antioxydant naturel à des fins médicinales.Mots clés : Uvaria chamae, teneur en phénols totaux, antioxydant, Côte d’Ivoire
Diversité floristique, structure et distribution des groupements végétaux des parcours d’accueil des transhumants dans la Basse et Moyenne Vallée de l’Ouémé au Bénin
Authors: Honvou Sylvanus Hanania Sèton , Aboh Boya André , Sewade Clément , Teka Oscar , Gandonou Bernard Christophe , Oumorou Madjidou , Sinsin Brice 
Published: May 2021

La perte de la biodiversité végétale, liée à la dégradation des parcours est l’un des défis pour les pays d’accueil des transhumants. La présente étude visait à analyser les caractéristiques structurales et la diversité floristique des groupements végétaux dans la Basse et Moyenne Vallée de l’Ouémé (BMVO). Les données phytosociologiques, collectées dans 113 relevés selon la méthode de Braun-Blanquet (1932), ont été soumises à une DCA avec le logiciel R 3.3.2. Ainsi, 173 espèces regroupées dans 127 genres et 45 familles ont été recensées. Au total, 4 groupements végétaux ont été identifiés : les groupements GI à Andropogon gayanus var squamulatus et Mitragyna inermis ; GII à Paspalum notatum et Aeollanthus pubescens ; GIII à Panicum maximum et Calopogonium mucunoides et le groupement végétal GIV à Tridax procumbens et Daniellia oliveri. La diversité floristique est liée à la topographie, la nature du sol et son humidité, et l’intensité d’exploitation des terres. Les thérophytes et les phanérophytes ont été les plus abondants dans tous les groupements. Par contre, les hémicryptophytes ont été plus dominants dans le groupement GI. Les espèces à large distribution et à distribution continentale ont été plus abondantes et dominantes dans tous les groupements. Cette recherche servira de base pour l’analyse de la dynamique de la végétation des terres de parcours de la BMVO.
Mots clés : Parcours, facteurs écologiques, types biologiques, types phytogéographiques, Bénin.