bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Headache Incidence and Characteristics in COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Sharma Manisha , Menon Bindu 
Published: November 2021

Background:
Headache is one of the commonly reported symptoms of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) illness. A number of studies have been done so far focusing on headache associated with COVID-19 with variable incidence and characteristics.

Material and Methods:
This study is a prospective study conducted on 120 patients with confirmed COVID-19 illness. Critically ill and ventilated patients were excluded. Demographic data, COVID illness symptom profile, headache characteristics were documented. Patients were followed up at 2 weeks and 4 weeks. For the statistical analysis, Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 24.0 was used.

Results:
120 COVID-19 positive cases were included in the study with a mean age of 54.59 ± 14.89 years (range 21-84 years) with male-to-female ratio of 3:2. 78.33% (94) of patients had various comorbidities. 43.33% (52) cases were diabetic. The presenting symptoms were fever (65%), cough (53.33%), shortness of breath (35%) and myalgia (31.66%). 26 (21.66%) patients reported headache during the COVID illness. 18 (15%) cases had headache attributed as secondary to COVID-19 illness. Out of them, 12 cases were new onset with no past history of headache and 6 cases had a significant change in previous headache episodes. COVID-19 illness precipitated headache episodes similar to past headache type in 8 cases. Headache was the presenting symptom in 8 (6.66%) patients with COVID-19 being detected in the regular hospital screening protocol.

Conclusion:
Headache was a common symptom in COVID-19 patients. New onset headaches or change in past headache type in patients in the setting of ongoing pandemic should be screened for COVID-19.
The Influence of Genetic Syndromes on the Algorithm of Cleft Lip and Palate Repair – A Retrospective Study
Authors: Sándor-Bajusz Kinga Amália , Maros Teodor Barna , Olasz Lajos , Sándor George Kálmán , Hadzsiev Kinga , Vástyán Attila Mihály 
Published: November 2021

Introduction:
This study aimed to determine if the treatment algorithm used for nonsyndromic cleft patients required alteration to manage syndromic cleft lip and/or palate patients.

Methods:
The records of patients managed by the Pécs Cleft Team between January 1999 and December 2015 were analyzed retrospectively. The sources of the data included clinical and genetic records.

Results:
A total of 607 patients were managed by the cleft team during the study. Sixteen patients (2.6%) were noted to be afflicted with a particular identifiable syndrome. Seven different genetic syndromes and one sequence were present in the study. The Pierre Robin sequence occurred most often, comprising 50% of the cohort. The treatment algorithm used in managing nonsyndromic clefts required modification in 13 of the 16 syndromic patients.

Discussion:
The presence of a genetic syndrome may notably affect the treatment algorithm in children born with cleft lip and/or palate. The surgical treatment of certain associated anomalies has by necessity, priority over the timing of the reconstruction of the cleft lip and/or cleft palate in syndromic patients.
Health care reform as perceived by nursing staff in selected hospitals
Authors: Naguib Sara A. , Al-Hamid Magda Abd , Zayed Maaly 
Published: November 2021

Background
The Egyptian healthcare system has challenges in order to promote and maintain Egyptian human health and well-being. Healthcare reform is a program to modernize Egypt’s healthcare system, with a goal of shifting the focus of healthcare away from a high reliance on vertical programs, inpatient care, and toward a more integrated, less expensive, quality, universally accessible, and sustainable healthcare system. The aim of this study was to assess healthcare reform as perceived by nursing staff in three selected hospitals.

Research design
A descriptive comparative research design.

Sample
A convenience sample of total (N=559) staff nurses classified as the following: n=224 at governmental hospital, n=290 at health insurance hospital, and n=45 at a private hospital at El Gharbia governorate.

Results
In terms of healthcare reform as perceived by nursing staff, a highly statistically significance difference was found among the three hospitals. In addition, nursing staff at health insurance hospitals had more positive perceptions toward healthcare reform than nursing staff in other hospitals.

Recommendations
Design workshops and nurses’ training programs on healthcare reform rules, regulations, managerial skills, and duties during the reform process. As healthcare technology progresses, the quality and distribution of resources at practically all levels of care should increase. Finally, new nursing duties should be added to the job description in order for them to be more engaged in the centralized decision throughout healthcare reform.
Nutritional assessment among patients with chronic renal failure undergoing hemodialysis
Authors: Fawzy Mohamed M. , Morsy Nagat E. , El-Moneem Dalia Salah El-Deen Abd 
Published: November 2021

Background
Patients with chronic renal failure on hemodialysis suffered from many nutritional complications such as protein-energy wasting. Nutritional assessment is a basic and necessary process in the nutritional management of those patients. Nutritional assessment includes obtaining specific data to create a metabolic and nutritional profile of the patient.

Aim
The study aimed to assess the nutritional status among patients with chronic renal failure undergoing hemodialysis regimen.

Design
A descriptive research design was utilized in the study.

Sample
A convenient sample of 100 participants undergoing hemodialysis.

Setting
Data were collected from Nephrology, Dialysis, and Transplantation Center at Kaser Al-Ainy Hospital, affiliated to Cairo University hospitals.

Tools
Two tools were utilized to collect data: sociodemographic data sheet and comprehensive nutritional assessment sheets.

Results
Male and female participants nearly equal to 78% urban.

Conclusion
The study results revealed that the majority of study sample has many nutritional disturbances such as anemia, hypocalcemia, and decreased lean body mass.

Recommendations
Raising awareness of nurses who care for hemodialysis patients regarding the importance of nutritional assessment of hemodialysis patients and its application in the protocol of care.
Seroprevalence of Transfusion-Transmitted Infections among Blood Donors in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Puducherry
Authors: Cherukat Jayasree , Kulkarni Rajendra , Basavarajegowda Abhishekh 
Published: November 2021

Introduction:
Although significant strides have happened in making blood transfusions safe, with each transfusion, there is a chance to transmit transfusion-transmitted infections (TTI), namely viral, bacterial, parasitic, and prions. The primary objective of this study was to assess the seroprevalence of the five mandatorily to be tested TTI's in India among blood donors at our center.

Methodology:
This was a cross-sectional observational study conducted in the Department of Transfusion Medicine, a tertiary care hospital in Puducherry, from August 2015 to February 2017. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was done for HIV, HCV, HBsAg/hepatitis B surface antigen, and rapid plasma reagin test was done for syphilis. Rapid card testing was done for malaria.

Results:
There were a total of 28,380 donors during the study period. In the present study, the overall seroprevalence of TTI's was 3.06%. The individual seropositivity rates were 0.30% for HIV, 2.15% for HBsAg, 0.51% for HCV, and 0.08% for syphilis. There was no case of malaria diagnosed in the study period. Conclusion: The seroprevalence of TTI in Puducherry was similar to those reported elsewhere in the country. It was comparable to the national average with regard to HIV and HCV, higher for HBV and much lesser for syphilis.
Prognostic value of inflammatory biomarkers for predicting the extent of lung involvement and final clinical outcome in patients with COVID-19
Authors: Abrishami Alireza , Eslami Vahid , Arab-Ahmadi Mehran , Alahyari Sam , Azhideh Arash , Sanei-Taheri Morteza 
Published: November 2021

Background:
Inflammation plays a major role in coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Factors that convey information about the status of inflammation could predict disease severity and help identify patients prone to clinical deterioration. Here, we aimed to evaluate the predictive value of inflammatory markers on the extent of lung involvement and survival of patients with COVID-19.

Materials and Methods:
Eighty patients with confirmed COVID-19 were enrolled. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected at admission. All patients underwent chest computed tomography (CT); the extent of lung involvement was assessed by a scoring system. Patients were followed up until death or discharge occurred. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association of investigated variables with COVID-19-related death. The association between different variables and CT score was assessed using linear regression model. Receiver operator characteristic curve analysis was applied to identify the predictive value of inflammatory markers and CT score on survival.

Results:
The mean age of patients was 54.2 ± 15.2 years; 65% were male. Increased neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (β =0.69, odds ratio [OR] =1.50), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (β =0.019, OR = 1.01), and decreased lymphocyte to C-reactive protein ratio (LCR) (β = −0.35, OR = 0.62) were significantly associated with a higher CT score and increased odds of death (P < 0.05). Lactate dehydrogenase level was also positively related with extensive lung involvement and death (β =1.15, OR = 1.52, P < 0.05). The LCR threshold for identifying survivors from nonsurvivors was 0.53 (area under curve [AUC] =0.82, 78% sensitivity and 74% specificity). Lung involvement ≥50% on chest CT was an excellent predictor of death (AUC = 0.83, 81% sensitivity and 79% specificity).

Conclusion:
Daily-performed laboratory tests that represent inflammation have great value for predicting the amount of disease burden and risk of mortality. Moreover, their cost-effectiveness and feasibility turn them into ideal prognostic markers.
Did Iranians change their eating behavior following COVID-19 outbreak?
Authors: Akbarzadeh Marzieh , Barati-Boldaji Reza , Mohsenpour Mohammad Ali , Ferns Gordon A. , Jalali Mohammad , Mosallanezhad Zahra , Karamizadeh Malihe 
Published: November 2021

Background:
Significant lifestyle changes have been reported after COVID-19 outbreak. The present study aimed at investigating changes in dietary habits in response to the COVID-19 outbreak in an Iranian population sample.

Materials and Methods:
In this cross-sectional study, the dietary habits of Iranian adults were assessed before and during the COVID-19 outbreak. Consumption of different food groups such as meats, dairy, fruits, vegetables, seeds, and nuts was assessed using a digital questionnaire which was shared on social media platforms. For the statistical analysis, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used.

Results:
In this online survey, 1553 questionnaires were completed. The results showed that the reported consumption of protein-rich foods increased (P < 0.05), but fish and dairy consumption showed a significant reduction (P = 0.006 and <0.001, respectively). There was a significant reduction in reported fast-food consumption (P < 0.001). Fruits and vegetables (P < 0.001), natural fruit juices (P < 0.001), and water (P < 0.001) were consumed more frequently. Individuals also consumed more vitamin and mineral supplements (P < 0.001) including those containing Vitamin D.

Conclusion:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, participants reported a significant change in their dietary habits and intake of supplements. Higher intakes of meats, protein-rich foods, fruits, vegetables, and nutritional supplements and lower intakes of fish, dairy, and fast foods were reported.
Investigation of microRNA-10b values for the discrimination of metastasis due to melanoma
Authors: Mokhtari Mojgan , Rouhanizadeh Noushin , Hajialiasgar Shahla 
Published: November 2021

Background:
Melanoma is one of the most invasive cutaneous cancers with characteristics such as rapid progression and distant metastasis. The early diagnosis and staging of melanoma can help better manage the patients. The current study is aimed to assess the values of microRNA-10b (miRNA-10b) in the discrimination of metastatic melanomas.

Materials and Methods:
The current cross-sectional study has been conducted on forty patients diagnosed with melanoma since 2011. Cell culture of melanoma cell lines derived from the cancerous tissue, including WM115, BLM, K1735, WM793, and A375M, was cultured. In order to assess miRNA-10b levels, the real-time polymerase chain reaction was utilized. The absence (n = 20)/presence (n = 20) of metastasis was diagnosed with chest computed tomography or chest X-ray. The values of miRNA-10b for the discrimination of metastasis incidence were assessed.

Results:
The demographic characteristics, including age and gender of the metastatic and nonmetastatic patients, were similar (P > 0.05). The specimen cultures were positive for miRNA-10b in 14 (35%) of the metastatic cases versus 4 (20%) of the nonmetastatic ones (P = 0.004). The quantitative analysis of miR-2b revealed significantly higher levels in metastatic cases (−1.59 ± 1.13 in metastatic vs. −0.16 ± 0.67 in nonmetastatic cases; P = 0.001). The measured area under the curve for the value of miRNA-10b was 0.923 (P < 0.001; 95% confidence interval: 0.811–1) with sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 94.4%.

Conclusion:
Based on this study, metastatic melanoma was associated with elevated levels of miRNA-10b. This marker had the sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 94.4% for the discrimination of metastatic melanoma from nonmetastatic ones.
Assessing abdominal aortic calcifications before performing colocolic or colorectal anastomoses
Authors: Deguelte Sophie , Besson Romain , Job Louis , Hoeffel Christine , Jolly Damien , Kianmanesh Reza 
Published: November 2021

Background:
Preoperative evaluation needs objective measurement of the risk of anastomotic leakage (AL). This study aimed to determine if cardiovascular disease, evaluated by abdominal aortic calcification (AAC), was associated with AL after colorectal anastomoses. We conducted a retrospective case–control study on patients who underwent colorectal anastomosis between 2012 and 2016 at Reims University Hospital (France). Abdominal aortic calcification was the main variable of measurement.

Materials and Methods:
We reviewed all patients who had a left-sided colocolic or a colorectal anastomosis, all patients with AL were cases; 2 controls, or 3 when possible, without AL were randomly selected and matched by operation type, pathology, and age. For multivariate analysis, 2 logistic regression models were tested, the first one used the calcification rate as a continuous variable and the second one used the calcification rate ≥ 5% as a qualitative variable.

Results:
Forty-five cases and 116 controls were included. In univariate analysis, the calcification rate and the percentage of patients with a calcification rate ≥5% were significantly higher in cases than in control groups (4.4 ± 5.5% vs. 2.5 ± 5.2%, odds ratio [OR] =1.6 95% CI: 1.1–2.5; n = 22, 49% and n = 34.3 3%, OR = 2.8 95% CI: 1.2–6.2). In multivariate models, calcification rate as a continuous variable and calcification rate ≥5% as qualitative variable were independent significant risk factors for AL (respectively, aOR = 1.8; 95% CI: 1.1–3, P = 0.01; aOR = 3.2; 95% CI: 1.4–7.55, P < 0.01).

Conclusion:
AAC ≥5% should alert on a higher risk of AL and should lead to discussion about the decision of performing an anastomosis.
Utility of Morphometry in Breast Carcinoma and its Correlation with Grade and MIB-1 Labelling Index
Authors: Verma Nisha , Baveja Puneet , Mahajan Saurabh 
Published: November 2021

ABSTRACT

Introduction:
Breast cancer is the leading cancer in women worldwide. In breast cancer, measurement of nuclear proliferation can be used in conjunction with other tumor parameters such as grade, lymphovascular invasion, and nodal status for prognosis. Various techniques have been developed to study the proliferation rate using immunohistochemistry (IHC) with Ki67/MIB-1. Employing morphometry has been reported to add accuracy to proliferation counts. The present study was done with an aim to study the pattern of MIB-1 labeling index by morphometry.

Methodology:
This is a descriptive study carried out at a tertiary care center in Western Maharashtra over a period of 18 months wherein 94 cases were studied. Maximum infiltrating tumor was assessed on H and E-stained sections. MIB-1% was determined using IHC and nuclear size was determined using morphometry.

Results:
There was a weak correlation between MIB-1 index (%) of Grade 1 tumors and their average nuclear sizes which were not significant (P = 0.509) whereas the correlation between MIB-1 index of Grade 2 and 3 tumors and their average nuclear sizes had a strong correlation with P < 0.05. Overall, it was seen that MIB-1 (%) index and nuclear sizes had a strong correlation with P < 0.05.

Conclusions:
MIB-1 labeling index significantly correlated with the average nuclear size of the tumor and MIB-1 labeling index can serve as a useful adjunct to histological grading of the tumors. In patients with a low histological Grade but high MIB-1 labeling index suggesting a poorer prognosis, caution may be exercised with an aggressive line of management.
Sexual Practices, Risk Perception and HIV Self-Testing Acceptability Among Long-Distance Truck Drivers in Ekiti State, Nigeria
Authors: Adeoti Adekunle Olatayo , Desalu Olufemi Olumuyiwa , Oluwadiya Kehinde Sunday 
Published: November 2021

Background:
HIV/AIDS is a global health challenge with a high burden in sub-Saharan Africa. Long-distance drivers are a high-risk group whose assessment of HIV status, awareness and willingness to undergo HIV self-testing (HIVST) could help prevent the spread of HIV infections.

Objective:
This study examined the sexual practices, risk perception and HIVST acceptability among long-distance truck drivers in Ekiti State, Nigeria.

Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted among long-distance truck drivers between September 2019 and December 2019. A semi-structured questionnaire was designed to investigate the perceived sexual risk factors and willingness to undergo HIVST.

Results:
Of the 306 drivers that participated in the study, almost half (49.8%) had their first sexual experience before they turned 18 years. About one-third (38.6%) had multiple sex partners and (34.0%) patronised commercial sex workers in the past 6 months. Consistent use of condoms was reported in a negligible percentage (3.0%), while 7.4% used intravenous drugs. Two-thirds of the respondents were interested in HIVST, while 32.2% knew their HIV status. Significant factors associated with multiple sex partners were the duration of working as a long-distance truck driver and patronage of sex workers.

Conclusion:
A significant proportion of the long-distance drivers were engaged in unsafe sexual practices and are at risk for HIV transmission. Considering the mobile nature of the long-distance drivers, the risky practices of these workers require intense advocacy, testing and treatment to reduce HIV transmission. Scaling-up testing using HIVST has the potential to bridge the gap in the diagnosis of HIV among long-distance drivers who are willing to be tested.
Distribution Pattern and Prevalence of Haematological Cancers among Adults in Abakaliki, South-Eastern Nigeria
Authors: Ugwu Ngozi Immaculata , Okoye Augustine Ejike , Ugwu Collins N , Iyare Festus E. , Edegbe Felix Osogu , Ugwu Gabriel Chima , Chukwurah Ejike Felix , Richard Ikeagwulonu Chinaza , John Davidson Okwudili , Nnadozie Ugochukwu Uzodimma , Nwokwu Emmanuel Uchechukwu 
Published: November 2021

Background:
Haematological cancers are clonal diseases of the blood and blood-forming organs, with the distribution pattern not known in our locality. This study aimed to describe the distribution pattern and prevalence of haematological cancers among adults in Abakaliki, Nigeria.

Materials and Methods:
This was an 8-year retrospective study in which the hospital records/case notes of adult patients diagnosed and managed for haematological cancers from May 2012 to April 2020 were reviewed. Data obtained were analysed with the SPSS software, version 20.

Results:
One hundred and thirty-five cases of haematological cancers were included in the study, with 72 (53.4%) males and 63 (46.6%) females and male-to-female ratio of 1.1:1. The age range was 18–82 years, with a mean age of 49 ± 17 years. Lymphoid malignancies predominate more than myeloid (101 [74.8%] vs. 34 [25.2%]). The leukaemias were more predominant than the lymphomas and myeloma accounting for 48.2%, 36.3% and 7.4%, respectively. Chronic leukaemias were more common than the acute leukaemias with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) being the most common accounting for 24.4% of haematological cancers. In general, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) was the most common haematologic cancer accounting for 35 (25.9%), followed by CLL 33 (24.4%), chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) 17 (12.6%), Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) 14 (10.4%) and multiple myeloma (MM) 10 (7.4%). Others include acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) 9 (6.7%) and acute myeloblastic leukaemia (AML) 6 (4.4%). Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and polycythaemia vera (PV), each contributed 3% while myelofibrosis (MF) and essential thrombocythaemia (ET) contributed 1.5% and 0.7%, respectively.

Conclusion:
This study has shown that haematological cancers are not uncommon in our locality with NHL being the most common, followed by CLL, CML, HL, MM, ALL, AML, MDS, PV. MF and ET in that order. The burden of haematological cancers in Ebonyi State, Nigeria is therefore significant and should be prioritised in health-care policy formulation and management.
Prevalence of Malnutrition and its Associated Sociodemographic and Clinical Factors among Adolescents in Selected Schools of Urban Puducherry, India
Authors: Wangaskar Sneha Anil , Sahu Swaroop Kumar , Majella Marie Gilbert , Rajaa Sathish 
Published: November 2021

Background:
In India, adolescents constitute 21% of the total population. Majority of boys and girls in developing countries enter adolescence as undernourished, making them more vulnerable to several diseases.

Objective:
Among adolescents in selected schools of urban Puducherry, we determined the prevalence of malnutrition and also assessed the sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with undernutrition.

Materials and Methods:
A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among adolescents (10–18 years) in selected public schools of Urban Puducherry. Data were collected using semi-structured and pre-tested questionnaires. The data collection period was between September and October 2019. Malnutrition was assessed by the World Health Organisation recommended Height-for-age and body mass index-for-age cut-offs using AnthroPlus software.

Results:
A total of 144 (28.9%) boys and 355 (71.1%) girls were included in the study (N = 499). The prevalence of malnutrition was 46.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 42.5–51.3). The prevalence of undernutrition was 33.3% (Stunting [21.6%] and Thinness [15%]). The prevalence of overweight and obesity were 10.2% and 5.8%, respectively. Male gender was found to be an independent risk factor of undernutrition (annual percentage rate = 1.4; 95% CI: 1.0–1.9); and known risk factors such as socio-economic status, parental education were not significantly associated with undernutrition.

Conclusions:
One in every two school-going adolescents was malnourished. Despite the high prevalence of undernourishment, over nourishment was also commonly observed. Educating parents and students about growth monitoring and dietary habits might help in bringing down the burden of malnutrition.