bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Laboratory analysis of 124 chronic lymphocytic leukemia cases: Single center study
Authors: Mahdi Shams Salah , Al-Sarai Nuha Abd Ali 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

BACKGROUND:
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a disease characterized by an uncontrolled proliferation of malfunctioning mature B-lymphocytes. It represents a variable range of clinical presentation and prognoses. Understanding the demographic and cellular characteristics of CLL patients can aid in better disease management and treatment outcomes.

OBJECTIVES:
To identifying hematological parameters and patterns and potential markers that could assist in better diagnosis and of CLL in the local population.

PATIENTS, MATERIALS AND METHODS:
A retrospective analysis of 124 cases of newly diagnosed CLL was conducted. Data were collected from reports over 2 years (April 2022-April2024), including demographics, Hb levels, WBC counts, platelet counts and expression of CD markers (5, 19, 20, 23, 200, FMC7, LAIR1 and others) using flow cytometry on peripheral blood specimens. Based on FC findings, patients were categorized into two groups for better assessment; definite diagnosis CLL and possible diagnosis CLL; then further subdivided into poor prognosis CLL and good prognosis CLL.

RESULTS:
Male patients represented 59.5% of cases and females were 40.5% with a median age of 61 years at diagnosis. The mean Hb level was 109 ± 2 g/L, the mean WBC count was 58.0 ± 25.0 × 109/L, and the mean platelet count was 190 ± 40 × 109/L. CD5 was positive in 97.6% of cases, with CD23 in 96%.

CONCLUSION:
This study provides an overview of the demographic and cellular marker characteristics of CLL patients in FC unit. The findings underscore the heterogeneity of CLL immunophenotype and the importance of detailed characterization in improving patient management protocols; however, further research is warranted to correlate these findings with other parameters of disease burden and prognosis to optimize the therapeutic approaches for CLL patients.
Does Real-time Feedback Guide Devices Improve the Quality of Chest Compressions in the Bystander (Naves) Provider?
Authors: AlSayed Thamir , Haliq Samer Al , Katbi Faisal , Alghamdi Mohannad , Almulhim Mohammed 
Published: November 2024

Introduction:
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an important lifesaving technique that must taught to everyone. As most cardiac arrests occur outside of the hospital, training the general population in the recognition of cardiac arrest and performing high-quality CPR is vital. Thus, this study aimed to compare the chest compression quality data (rate, depth, and fraction) with and without the use of feedback devices during CPR.

Methods:
A crossover observational study was carried out at a tertiary hospital in September 2021. Five hundred and seventeen 1st-year university students were recruited, and the response rate was 90% (465). A feedback device was used to collect data. The data were numerically coded and statistical software (SPSS 21) was used to perform descriptive and inferential statistical analysis, including a paired t-test.

Results:
The mean compression rate with feedback was statistically significantly lower after performing one cycle of CPR (mean difference: −5.610; 95% confidence interval [CI]= −7.987–−3.233; P < 0.001), the difference between mean compression depth with and without feedback was not statistically significant (mean difference: = −0.006; 95% CI = −0.190–0.177; P = 0.944), and the mean compression target (%) with feedback was statistically significantly higher (mean difference: −15.951; 95% CI = −17.894–−14.009; P < 0.001).

Conclusions:
We found that the use of feedback devices during layperson-simulated CPR scenarios significantly improved the quality of chest compression in terms of depth and rate and resulted in more guidelines adherence. Moreover, national programs for CPR education should be implemented.
Ovarian Masses in Children: Surgical Experience and Outcomes
Authors: Kapoor Rohit , Mandelia Ankur , Kumar Basant , Upadhyaya Vijai Datta , Verma Anju , Kanneganti Pujana , Kumar Tarun , Agarwal Nishant , Goel Rahul , Prajapati Pooja 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

Aims:
This study aims to review our experience of treating ovarian masses in children with an emphasis on clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome.

Methods:
We retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical records of all patients below 18 years of age who underwent surgical treatment for ovarian masses at our institute between 2009 and 2023. Study variables included demography, clinical presentation, physical findings, tumor markers, radiologic features, operative details, histopathology, follow-up status, and overall survival.

Results:
During the study period, 30 patients with a mean age of 10.07 years (range: 15 days–18 years) underwent surgical treatment for ovarian masses. Nonneoplastic ovarian masses were seen in 5 (16.7%) patients, whereas 25 (83.3%) patients had benign (10 [33.3%], borderline 3 [10%], or malignant 12 [40%]) ovarian neoplasms. The most common clinical presentation in the benign group was abdominal pain (n = 6), whereas painless abdominal mass (n = 6) was the predominant complaint in children with malignant tumors. A functional ovarian mass presenting with precocious puberty or virilization was seen in 5 (16.7%) patients. On imaging, nonneoplastic and benign lesions had a mean size of 4.33 (range: 3.1–6) cm and 12.63 (range: 2.8–28) cm, respectively, whereas borderline and malignant masses had a mean tumor size of 22.5 (range: 6.5–32) cm and 12.55 (range: 3.5–18.7) cm, respectively (P < 0.05). The cystic component was identified in all nonneoplastic and benign tumors, whereas the solid component was present in all borderline and malignant lesions (P < 0.05). Tumor markers such as serum alpha-fetoprotein and beta-human chorionic gonadotropin were raised in 8 (66.67%) of malignant tumors, whereas markers were normal in all benign lesions and borderline malignant lesions and 4 (33.33%) of malignant tumors. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was also raised in all malignant masses (n = 12), whereas it was normal in all benign and borderline malignant masses (n = 18). In 6 (20%) patients with nonneoplastic and benign masses with maximum tumor size <6 cm, the laparoscopic approach was adopted, whereas open surgery was preferred in the rest of the patients. At a mean follow-up of 53.5 (range: 4–117) months, all patients are alive and disease free.

Conclusions:
Preoperative imaging characteristics (tumor size and solid component) and raised tumor markers may help us to differentiate between benign and malignant ovarian pathologies. The overall prognosis of pediatric ovarian tumors seems to be favorable.
Diagnostic value of tissue plasminogen activator-inhibitor complex in sepsis-induced liver injury: A single-center retrospective case-control study
Authors: Zhou Ye , He Long-Ping , Qi Ying-Han , Huang Yu , Hu Bing-Qin , Liu Jia-Ling , Zeng Qing-Bo , Song Jing-Chun 
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND
Sepsis often causes severe liver injury and leads to poor patient outcomes. Early detection of sepsis-induced liver injury (SILI) and early treatment are key to improving outcomes.
AIM
To investigate the clinical characteristics of SILI patients and analyze the associated risk factors, to identify potential sensitive biomarkers.
METHODS
Retrospective analysis of clinical data from 546 patients with sepsis treated in the intensive care unit of the 908th Hospital of Chinese People’s Liberation Army Joint Logistic Support Force between May 2018 and December 2022. The patients were divided into the sepsis group (n = 373) and SILI group (n = 173) based on the presence of acute liver injury within 2 hours of admission. We used the random forest algorithm to analyze risk factors and assessed potential diagnostic markers of SILI using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, Kaplan-Meier survival curves, subgroup analysis and correlation analysis.
RESULTS
Compared with the sepsis group, tissue plasminogen activator-inhibitor complex (t-PAIC) levels in serum were significantly higher in the SILI group (P < 0.05). Random forest results showed that t-PAIC was an independent risk factor for SILI, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.862 (95% confidence interval: 0.832-0.892). Based on the optimal cut-off value of 11.9 ng/mL, patients at or above this threshold had significantly higher levels of lactate and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score. The survival rate of these patients was also significantly worse (hazard ratio = 2.2, 95% confidence interval: 1.584-3.119, P < 0.001). Spearman’s correlation coefficients were 0.42 between t-PAIC and lactate, and 0.41 between t-PAIC and aspartate transaminase. Subgroup analysis showed significant differences in t-PAIC levels between patients with different severity of liver dysfunction.
CONCLUSION
T-PAIC can serve as a diagnostic indicator for SILI, with its elevation correlated with the severity of SILI.
Sensitivity of diagnosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis is higher with the automated cell count method
Authors: Acevedo-Haro Juan G , Mohamed Waddah , Moodley Prebashan , Bendall Oliver , Bennett Kris , Keelty Nigel , Chan Sally , Waddy Sam , Hosking Joanne , Thomas Wayne , Tilley Robert 
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND
Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is one of the most important complications of patients with liver cirrhosis entailing high morbidity and mortality. Making an accurate early diagnosis of this infection is key in the outcome of these patients. The current definition of SBP is based on studies performed more than 40 years ago using a manual technique to count the number of polymorphs in ascitic fluid (AF). There is a lack of data comparing the traditional cell count method with a current automated cell counter. Moreover, current international guidelines do not mention the type of cell count method to be employed and around half of the centers still rely on the traditional manual method.
AIM
To compare the accuracy of polymorph count on AF to diagnose SBP between the traditional manual cell count method and a modern automated cell counter against SBP cases fulfilling gold standard criteria: Positive AF culture and signs/symptoms of peritonitis.
METHODS
Retrospective analysis including two cohorts: Cross-sectional (cohort 1) and case-control (cohort 2), of patients with decompensated cirrhosis and ascites. Both cell count methods were conducted simultaneously. Positive SBP cases had a pathogenic bacteria isolated on AF and signs/symptoms of peritonitis.
RESULTS
A total of 137 cases with 5 positive-SBP, and 85 cases with 33 positive-SBP were included in cohort 1 and 2, respectively. Positive-SBP cases had worse liver function in both cohorts. The automated method showed higher sensitivity than the manual cell count: 80% vs 52%, P = 0.02, in cohort 2. Both methods showed very good specificity (> 95%). The best cutoff using the automated cell counter was polymorph ≥ 0.2 cells × 109/L (equivalent to 200 cells/mm3) in AF as it has the higher sensitivity keeping a good specificity.
CONCLUSION
The automated cell count method should be preferred over the manual method to diagnose SBP because of its higher sensitivity. SBP definition, using the automated method, as polymorph cell count ≥ 0.2 cells × 109/L in AF would need to be considered in patients admitted with decompensated cirrhosis.
Liver failure after Bacillus cereus food poisoning, an under-recognized entity: A case report
Authors: Chatelanat Olivier , de Lorenzi-Tognon Mikaël , Spahr Laurent , Cherkaoui Abdessalam , Stephan Roger , Ongaro Marie , Kaiser Laurent , Goossens Nicolas 
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND
Bacillus cereus (B. cereus ) is known to cause 2 types of foodborne diseases; the diarrheal and emetic syndromes. They are largely underreported due to their usually self-limiting course. Rare and sometimes fatal cases of liver failure, pulmonary hemorrhage and cerebral oedema have been reported mainly in children and young adults. We present here a case of liver failure associated with B. cereus food poisoning in a middle-aged patient.
CASE SUMMARY
A 48-year-old female patient presented to the emergency department for emesis, diarrhea, chills without fever, asthenia and diffuse abdominal cramps that started less than 30 minutes after eating a rice salad. Her past medical history was relevant for cholecystectomy and a cured Hashimoto’s disease. She did not take any medication, drugs and declared a consumption of one glass of wine per week. In the emergency department, she was treated with acetaminophen, metoclopramide, ondansetron, and an intravenous normal saline infusion. Blood gas analysis revealed a metabolic acidosis with hyperlactatemia, coagulation revealed a low prothrombin activity [32 %; normal values (N): 70-140] and a low Factor V activity (15%; N: > 70). Transaminases were elevated with hyperbilirubinemia, elevated lipase and rhabdomyolysis. N-acetylcysteine treatment was introduced. Abdominal echography revealed no signs of chronic hepatopathy or hepatomegaly. Day after the admission, psychomotor activity improved, transaminases and lipase started decreasing. Rhabdomyolysis gradually worsened to peak on day 3. Screening tests for liver disease were negative for viral and autoimmune cause of liver failure. Stools cultures were positive for colonies of the B. cereus group which were also identified in the rice salad samples processed whereas blood cultures were negative. The patient’s condition improved gradually including her liver function parameters and psychomotor activity which allowed her discharged home on day 9.
CONCLUSION
We describe a rare case of hepatocellular dysfunction due to a foodborne B. cereus intoxication in an adult patient. Even if it is uncommon, the severity of liver dysfunction reported and mechanism of the cereulide toxin toxicity on liver suggest that acetaminophen should be avoided in case of a foodborne intoxication and n-acetylcysteine could be a potential therapy helping to prevent hepatocytes necrosis due to the oxidative stress induced by mitochondrial dysfunction.
THE EFFECT OF EXPLICIT STRATEGY-BASED INSTRUCTION ON MOROCCAN EFL UNIVERSITY LEARNERS’ USE OF METACOGNITIVE EVALUATING STRATEGIES (RECALLING AND SUMMARIZING) IN READING ENGLISH (L3) WRITTEN TEXTS
Authors: Msaddek Mohammed 
Published: November 2024

This study, derived from one of the major sections of my unpublished doctoral dissertation tackling the correlation between explicit training in cognitive and metacognitive reading strategies (CMRSs) and EFL reading achievement in tertiary education (Defended in 2015), is an endeavor to reveal the perceived effect of metacognitive evaluating strategies (MESs) instruction on Moroccan English Department learners’ strategic reading behavior. Targeting 113 EFL university learners (experimental group: n=63; control group: n=50), the study explores the impact of explicit metacognitive intervention on the learners’ recourse to recalling and summarizing, as metacognitive reading strategies (MRSs) tapped for assessing their understanding of the EFL textual input. To collect the relevant data, explicit reading strategy instruction (ERSI), reading comprehension texts (i.e., narrative, expository), narrative and expository reading tests, and a retrospective questionnaire (RQ) were relied upon. The results evince that, whilst the experimental group (n=63) advanced at the level of both metacognitive evaluating strategies use and text summary-related scores, its counterpart (control group) in the control condition did not reveal any marked increase in the application of the targeted metacognitive evaluating strategies (MESs) and the scores pertinent to text-based summary performance across the pre-post-test stages. Accordingly, a corpus of relevant recommendations and implications are discussed, and a few limitations are set forth.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0799/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>
A STUDY ON THE PERCEPTIONS AND PRACTICES OF ENGLISH-MAJOR STUDENTS ON AFFRICATE AND NASAL SOUNDS AT A UNIVERSITY IN THE MEKONG DELTA, VIETNAM
Authors: Nguyen Nguyen Khoi , Vy Ha Thao , Thu Tran Minh , Doan Nguyen Ngoc Thien , Thao Le Hong , Dan Thai Cong 
Published: November 2024

This study investigates the pronunciation challenges faced by first-year English major students at the School of Foreign Languages, Can Tho University, Vietnam, specifically focusing on affricate sounds (/dʒ/ and /tʃ/) and nasal sounds (/n/, /m/, and /ŋ/). Utilizing pronunciation recordings analyzed through the Elsa Speak Application, the research involved 31 proficient EFL students. They provided insights into their difficulties with 20 selected English words from their learning materials that included these phonetic elements. The findings reveal widespread mispronunciations, with many students struggling significantly with both affricate and nasal sounds. Based on the data, the study presents targeted recommendations for EFL students, teachers, and curriculum developers to enhance pronunciation instruction and address these specific challenges. This research contributes to understanding the phonetic obstacles faced by EFL learners and emphasizes the need for improved teaching strategies that focus on sound production. By identifying specific difficulties and offering actionable solutions, the study aims to facilitate better pronunciation outcomes for students, ultimately enhancing their overall language proficiency, particularly in listening and speaking English effectively.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0723/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>
RETENTION OF TEACHERS ON STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN KAKAMEGA COUNTY, KENYA
Authors: Angote Omulama Aston , Onyango Yambo John M. , Sika James Ochieng 
Published: November 2024

Teachers’ retention in schools has been necessary because it enhances academic attainment. The gist of this study was to evaluate the effect of teachers' retention on students’ academic achievement in public secondary schools in Kakamega County. The study was guided by Education Production Function Theory (EPFT), Theory of Constraint (TOC) and Social Exchange Theory (SET). The target population was 268 public secondary Schools, 1500 teachers, 268 principals and one (1) County staffing officer. The sample size of 30% of the population was deemed to be adequate. The sampling techniques were simple random sampling, stratified sampling and systematic sampling. Data collection procedures were done with the help of administering questionnaires to respondents, document analysis and interview schedules were the major principal instruments used. The validity of the research instruments was assessed with the help of two research supervisors from Kisii University. The reliability of the index of 0.7 for teachers and 0.89 for principals was obtained using a test-retest approach. Data presentation was done with the help of tables, graphs and pie charts. A mixed research method was used. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23 was used for data analysis. Findings revealed that 38 (9.3%) teachers had left on promotion, 240 (59%) voluntarily and 129 involuntarily (31.7%). The study revealed, therefore, that most teachers (over 66%) either left voluntarily or on promotion. The study recommended that since most teachers either left voluntarily or on promotion, this was their right, while others were retained to ensure stability without interference through uncalled-for transfers, which enhanced students’ academic achievement. The study was undertaken by ensuring that ethical considerations for research were put into perspective, such as informed consent from participants and non-usage of unethical language as a means to obtain data from respondents.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0764/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>
PERCEPTION DES ÉTUDIANTS VIETNAMIENS DE FLE SUR L’USAGE DES OUTILS DE TRADUCTION AUTOMATIQUE / PERCEPTION OF VIETNAMESE FLE STUDENTS ON THE USE OF AUTOMATIC TRANSLATION TOOLS
Authors: Le Thi Ngoc Ha 
Published: November 2024

<p>À l'ère du développement technologique numérique, les outils de traduction automatique se sont imposés comme des instruments indispensables tant pour les apprenants en langues étrangères que pour les professionnels de la traduction. Toutefois, une utilisation optimale de ces outils requiert une évaluation minutieuse de leurs atouts et de leurs limites. Le présent article propose une analyse des résultats d'une enquête menée auprès de 101 étudiants vietnamiens de Français Langue Étrangère (FLE) à l'Ecole de Langues Étrangères de l'Université de Đà Nẵng, Vietnam. Cette enquête porte sur l'usage des outils de traduction automatique dans le cadre de la traduction du français vers le vietnamien et inversement. Les aspects explorés incluent la fréquence d'utilisation, les finalités, les modalités d'utilisation, ainsi que les perceptions des apprenants vis-à-vis de ces outils.</p><p>In the digital age, automatic translation tools have become essential instruments for both foreign language learners and translation professionals. However, optimal use of these tools requires careful consideration of their advantages and limitations. This article presents an analysis of the results of a survey conducted with 101 students of French as a Foreign Language (FLE) at University of Foreign Languages Studies, The University of Đà Nẵng, Vietnam. The survey focuses on the use of automatic translation tools in the process of translating from French to Vietnamese and vice versa. The study explores various aspects, including the frequency of use, purposes, usage methods, and students' perceptions of these tools.</p><p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0355/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>