bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Advancing SDGs and performance management strategies for security personnel in higher education
Authors: Shankar Nikkita G. , Ramsaroop Anisha 
Published: September 2024

Orientation: Performance management aligns individual and organisational goals, enhancing employee motivation, sustaining organisational success.Research purpose: The study aimed to investigate challenges experienced by security managers with performance management systems in a tertiary institution in Durban, South Africa.Motivation for the study: Understanding challenges delivers insights to advance organisational effectiveness, support sustainable development, and enhance human resources (HR) practices in the higher education security sector.Research approach/design and method: A qualitative approach was used. Twelve security managers were purposively selected for semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using thematic analysis and NVivo software.Main findings: The study identified three challenges, namely inadequate training, education, development and communication, technological barriers and low computer literacy, limited resource allocation, inconsistent rewards, and a lack of transparency. These challenges were found to hinder performance management system application, reducing employee engagement and productivity.Practical/managerial implications: The study recommends the institution increase adult basic education and training in technological skills and literacy. Enhancing feedback mechanisms, conducting performance needs assessments, and implementing fair reward strategies may improve sustainable development of performance management practices.Contribution/value-add: The study advocates for practical strategies in response to the challenges faced by security managers to enhance performance aligned with sustainable development goals 4 (quality education), 8 (decent work and economic growth), 10 (reduced inequalities) and 16 (peace, justice and strong institutions), contributing to sustainable HR, embracing contextualised performance management application in developing countries.
Reorientation of Basic Medical Education Curriculum to Primary Healthcare: University of Southeastern Philippines School of Medicine
Authors: Guillano Franklin Britan , Guillano Victoria PatiÑo 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The University of Southeastern Philippines School of Medicine is reorienting its curriculum to emphasize primary health care (PHC), in response to the Universal Health Care Act (RA 11223) and the Department of Health-Commission on Higher Education (CHED)-Professional Regulation Commission Joint Administrative Order 2021-0001. This initiative includes embedding PHC principles across all educational levels through new modules, extensive faculty training workshops, and the development of a primary care facility for hands-on training. Educational strategies, such as case-based collaborative learning, promote active, learner-centered education and practical PHC concept application. The curriculum emphasizes community-based education, interdisciplinary collaboration, and preventive medicine. Faculty development features regular training and mentorship programs to ensure educators are well-equipped to teach PHC principles. Success is assessed through academic evaluations, student self-assessments, and stakeholder feedback. Future success can also be measured by the students’ performance in the physician’s licensure examinations and the number of graduates who eventually decide to practice in the community. Despite challenges such as resistance to change and resource limitations, strategic planning and stakeholder engagement support successful integration. The project began in 2022 and will span several years for full implementation and evaluation.
An Audit of Gynecological Surgeries Performed at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria
Authors: Salufu Stephen , Adewumi Bankole A. , Olayemi Oladapo O. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background:
Audit in a clinical setting is the collection of data for the purpose of setting professional standards, assessing clinical performances and modifying the clinical practice which is not routinely done in developing countries, including Nigeria. Audit of gynecologic surgeries in University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, was necessary to provide opportunities for improvement.

Objectives:
To determine the total number of gynecologic surgeries performed at UCH, the commonest surgeries performed at the hospital; and the cadres of surgeons who performed the surgeries especially the lead surgeons.

Materials and Methods:
This was a descriptive retrospective study of gynecologic surgeries carried out at the obstetrics and gynecology department of UCH, Ibadan, over a 5-year period. Data collected from theater records were entered into SPSS 24.0 software, cleaned and analysis performed.

Results:
There were 3790 gynecologic surgeries during the review period, in which outpatient gynecologic surgeries (surgical day or minor cases) accounted for the majority 53% (n = 2007), while major gynecological surgeries accounted for 47% (n = 1783). Cervical biopsy was the commonest surgical day (minor) procedure (541/2007, 27%), while abdominal myomectomy (517/1783, 29%) was the most performed major gynecologic surgery. Resident doctors performed most of the minor procedures, 73.7% (1476/2003), while the consultants led majority of the major procedures, 73.2% (1399/1910).

Conclusion:
A high number of gynecological surgeries were performed at UCH, Ibadan, under the period of review. Cervical biopsy and abdominal myomectomy were the commonest performed minor and major cases, respectively. Most minor cases were performed by Resident doctors while consultants performed most of the major cases. The high number of surgical cases performed could be an indication of the effectiveness of the healthcare delivery and training in the hospital.
Clinical Profile and Histopathological Pattern of Major Salivary Gland Tumors in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital
Authors: Akpeh James O. , Nze Uchechukwu C. , Ezeanolue Basil C. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background:
Varieties of tumors can arise from major salivary glands primarily or secondarily. Over 30 histological subtypes have been documented by the World Health Organization, serving as a guide in diagnosis and management.

Objectives:
To evaluate the clinical and histological pattern of presentation of major salivary gland tumors.

Materials and Methods:
This is a clinical retrospective study, done at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu, Nigeria, assessing records of patients with major salivary gland tumors seen between January 2018 and December 2022. Data obtained were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 26. The results were presented in tables and charts and comparisons were made using the Chi-squared test.

Results:
Out of the 57 patients with major salivary gland tumors studied, 30 (52.6%) were benign tumors, and 27 (47.4%) were malignant tumors. About 63.2% of patients were predominantly females, whereas 36.8% were males with a male-to-female ratio of 1:1.7. The most common presenting symptom was swelling. The average duration of symptoms before presentation was 24 and 12 months for benign and malignant tumors, respectively. The parotid gland (61.4% total) was the most common site of tumor presentation for both benign and malignant tumors followed by the submandibular and sublingual the least. The most common histological variant was pleomorphic adenoma (40.4%) for benign and mucoepidermoid carcinoma (28.1%) for malignant. Surgery was the first line of treatment given.

Conclusion:
The observed pattern of clinical and histological presentation of major salivary gland tumors will guide clinicians on the approach for the management.
Prevalence and Pattern of Urinary Tract Obstruction in Patients with Urolithiasis in Southeast Nigeria
Authors: Onuh Augustine C. , Anyimba Solomon K. , Mbadiwe Okezie M. , Amu Okwudili C. , Nnabugwu Ikenna I. , Mgbor Samuel O. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background:
Urolithiasis is a global problem and its prevalence is steadily increasing. This trend is also true in tropical and sub-Saharan Africa. Urinary tract obstruction is a common complication of untreated urolithiasis. Data on the prevalence and pattern of this obstruction are limited in the literature.

Objectives:
The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence and pattern of urinary tract obstruction in patients with urinary stone disease.

Materials and Methods:
This is a retrospective study carried out over 9 years between April 2013 and June 2022. Records of patients who had abdominopelvic computerized tomography scans done at Hansa Clinics Enugu were retrieved for this study. From the medical records, the age and gender of the patients were extracted. The pattern and degree of obstruction noted on the imaging were recorded. Data were described using frequencies and proportions in tables and graphs. Analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences for Windows, version 26.0.

Results:
Out of 2467 subjects reviewed, urinary tract stones were identified in 356 subjects (14.4%). The mean age of the subjects was 49 ± 15.7 years. The majority were males (57.0%). In those with urinary tract obstruction, the majority had hydronephrosis (67.9%) followed by hydroureter (43.0%) and pelvocaliectasis (37.6%).

Conclusion:
Urinary tract obstruction with stones is common, and often associated with hydronephrosis and hydroureter. Therefore, early detection and management using relevant imaging techniques will go a long way in reducing the burden of renal failure which is a serious possible sequelae.
Alexithymia in Parents of Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorder: A Cross-Sectional Comparative Study
Authors: Alauddin Norah Mohammed , Anbarasu D. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background:
Emotional insight is the distinctive core factor of human characteristics and it is so basic and foundational for every aspect of human understanding, communication, and daily care of life. Recent studies have identified that children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) and their relatives have difficulties in identifying and recognizing their own emotions.

Objectives:
The present study was aimed to investigate the level and comparison of alexithymia scores in parent of autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and typically developing children (TDC).

Study Design:
A cross-sectional comparative study.

Methods:
One hundred and fifty (N = 150) parents were recruited into the study which includes parents of 50 autism, parents of 50 ADHD, and parents of 50 TDC by means of convenience sampling method. Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 was used to measure alexithymia in parents of NDDs.

Results:
The study revealed that there was a statistically significant difference in Alexithymia scores between parents of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attentiondeficit hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and typically developing children (One-Way ANOVA: F = 133.497, P < 0.001). Parents of children with ASD scored significantly higher on Alexithymia (66.26±4.575, t = 6.05172, 95% CI: 64.96 to 67.56) than parents of children with ADHD (59.02±7.116, t = 8.8296, 95% CI: 57.00 to 61.04) and typically developing children (49.36±3.036, 95% CI: 48.50 to 50.22). No significant association was found in Alexithymia scores with respect to gender in children against their parents (P = 0.267). Similarly, no significant association was found in Alexithymia scores with respect to demographic variables of child’s age, child’s gender, and parental age (P = 0.064).

Conclusion:
The results suggest that alexithymia has higher impacts on parents of autism and there is a growing need of necessary focus on alexithymia an important issue in parents of children with NDDs. Thus, it is very essential to treat alexithymia with special focus.
The Status of Access to Medicines and Enrollment in Welfare Schemes by Rural Elderly People of Southerner Rajasthan
Authors: Vasant Jadhav Abhijeet , Shilpa H Bhakare 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Multiple layers of vulnerability pose challenges for rural elderly to access health. Enrollment in government schemes is also limited by this section of society. This study focused on access to medicines and status welfare schemes for rural elderly.

Subjects and Methods:
It was a cross-sectional survey done in 84 villages in six districts of Rajasthan with 1266 elderly participants. The data were captured through a pretested questionnaire which was filled by trained data collectors.

Results:
The knowledge, as well as the actual enrollment of the elderly in various health care and welfare schemes, was very poor. Gender and caste analysis showed that women and lower castes were at the worst end in the enrollment and availing entitlements. Knowledge of health schemes was also less among them. The monthly average expenditure for participants on regular medication was Rs. 1570.35 and the time to procure the same was 6.10 h.

Discussion:
The elderly are vulnerable to the worst health outcomes and gender and cast categories add to it. Access to medicines is an essential component of health accessibility. However, it is largely neglected. Money and time in accessing required medicines seem to be too high to afford for these elderly people. Limited availability of public health facilities, poverty in old age, and the absence of private pharmacies in villages have contributed to the problem significantly. Welfare schemes have the potential to address these issues; however, enrollment and actual reach of benefits still need to be improved in rural areas.
Millennial Generation’s Choice of Contact Lens as the Preference Over Spectacles: A Study of Corneal Endothelial Cell Density
Authors: Mishra Neeta , Prasad Neelam , Chotalia Rekha , Bajare Uday , Madan Veshal V. 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction:
The cornea of the eye is the most vulnerable organ to external insult. Contact lens is no exception. Changes in corneal epithelium, stroma, and loss of hexagonal shape in the endothelium have been taught in contact lens classes. We wanted to understand the cell density of endothelium in prolonged contact lens wear.

Methods:
It was a prospective, observational, cross-sectional study. The volunteers were divided into two groups: group 1 wore their contact lenses for over 5 years and group 2 never wore contact lenses. Specular microscopy was performed using Topcon SP-3000P. Computerized morphometry was used to evaluate the mean cell density of the corneal endothelial cells.

Result:
A statistically significant decrease in corneal endothelial cell density was observed in contact lens wearers.

Conclusion:
The use of contact lenses for a prolonged period significantly decreases corneal endothelial cell density. Suitable intervention may prevent such changes in the cornea.
Effect of smoking on the risk of gastrointestinal cancer after cholecystectomy: A national population-based cohort study
Authors: Kim Minseob , Han Kyung-Do , Ko Seung-Hyun , Woo Yoonkyung , Han Jae Hyun 
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND
The role of smoking in the incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) or gastric cancer (GC) in populations undergoing cholecystectomy has not been investigated.
AIM
To evaluate the effect of smoking on CRC or GC development in cholecystectomy patients.
METHODS
A total of 174874 patients who underwent cholecystectomy between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2017 were identified using the Korean National Health Insurance Service claims database. These patients were matched 1:1 with members of a healthy population according to age and sex. CRC or GC risk after cholecystectomy and the association between smoking and CRC or GC risk in cholecystectomy patients were evaluated using adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95%CIs.
RESULTS
The risks of CRC (adjusted HR: 1.15; 95%CI: 1.06-1.25; P = 0.0013) and GC (adjusted HR: 1.11; 95%CI: 1.01-1.22; P = 0.0027) were significantly higher in cholecystectomy patients. In the population who underwent cholecystectomy, both CRC and GC risk were higher in those who had smoked compared to those who had never smoked. For both cancers, the risk tended to increase in the order of non-smokers, ex-smokers, and current smokers. In addition, a positive correlation was observed between the amount of smoking and the risks of both CRC and GC.
CONCLUSION
Careful follow-up and screening should be performed, focusing on the increased risk of gastrointestinal cancer in the cholecystectomy group, particularly considering the individual smoking habits.
The effect of intraoperative goal-directed fluid therapy in patients under anesthesia for gastrointestinal surgery
Authors: Zhang Jun , Li Xiao-Wen , Xie Bing-Feng 
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND
Intraoperative fluid management is an important aspect of anesthesia management in gastrointestinal surgery. Intraoperative goal-directed fluid therapy (GDFT) is a method for optimizing a patient's physiological state by monitoring and regulating fluid input in real-time.
AIM
To evaluate the efficacy of intraoperative GDFT in patients under anesthesia for gastrointestinal surgery.
METHODS
This study utilized a retrospective comparative study design and included 60 patients who underwent gastrointestinal surgery at a hospital. The experimental group (GDFT group) and the control group, each comprising 30 patients, received intraoperative GDFT and traditional fluid management strategies, respectively. The effect of GDFT was evaluated by comparing postoperative recovery, complication rates, hospitalization time, and other indicators between the two patient groups.
RESULTS
Intraoperative blood loss in the experimental and control groups was 296.64 ± 46.71 mL and 470.05 ± 73.26 mL (P < 0.001), and urine volume was 415.13 ± 96.72 mL and 239.15 ± 94.69 mL (P < 0.001), respectively. The postoperative recovery time was 5.44 ± 1.1 days for the experimental group compared to 7.59 ± 1.45 days (P < 0.001) for the control group. Hospitalization time for the experimental group was 10.87 ± 2.36 days vs 13.65 ± 3 days for the control group (P < 0.001). The visual analogue scale scores of the experimental and control groups at 24 h and 48 h post-surgery were 3.38 ± 0.79 and 4.51 ± 0.86, and 2.05 ± 0.57 and 3.51 ± 0.97 (P < 0.001), respectively. The cardiac output of the experimental and control groups was 5.99 ± 1.04 L/min and 4.88 ± 1.17 L/min, respectively, while the pulse pressure variability for these two groups was 10.87 ± 2.36% and 17.5 ± 3.21%, respectively.
CONCLUSION
The application of GDFT in gastrointestinal surgery can significantly improve postoperative recovery, reduce the incidence of complications, and shorten hospital stays.
Preoperative systemic inflammatory response index as a prognostic marker for distal cholangiocarcinoma after pancreatoduodenectomy
Authors: Zhang Wen-Hui , Zhao Yu , Zhang Cheng-Run , Huang Jin-Can , Lyu Shao-Cheng , Lang Ren 
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND
The relationship between preoperative inflammation status and tumorigenesis as well as tumor progression is widely acknowledged.
AIM
To assess the prognostic significance of preoperative inflammatory biomarkers in patients with distal cholangiocarcinoma (dCCA) who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy (PD).
METHODS
This single-center study included 216 patients with dCCA after PD between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2022. The individuals were categorized into two sets based on their systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI) levels: A low SIRI group (SIRI < 1.5, n = 123) and a high SIRI group (SIRI ≥ 1.5, n = 93). Inflammatory biomarkers were evaluated for predictive accuracy using receiver operating characteristic curves. Both univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards analyses were performed to estimate SIRI for overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS).
RESULTS
The study included a total of 216 patients, with 58.3% being male and a mean age of 65.6 ± 9.6 years. 123 patients were in the low SIRI group and 93 were in the high SIRI group after PD for dCCA. SIRI had an area under the curve value of 0.674 for diagnosing dCCA, showing better performance than other inflammatory biomarkers. Multivariate analysis indicated that having a SIRI greater than 1.5 independently increased the risk of dCCA following PD, leading to lower OS [hazard ratios (HR) = 1.868, P = 0.006] and RFS (HR = 0.949, P < 0.001). Additionally, survival analysis indicated a significantly better prognosis for patients in the low SIRI group (P < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
It is determined that a high SIRI before surgery is a significant risk factor for dCCA after PD.
Diagnostic value of serum vascular endothelial growth factor and interleukin-17 in primary hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Tian Qi , Zeng Hui , Lu Qi-Quan , Xie Hai-Ying , Li Yong 
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND
Despite significant advancements in the medical treatment of primary hepatocellular carcinoma (PHC) in recent years, enhancing therapeutic effects and improving prognosis remain substantial challenges worldwide.
AIM
To investigate the expression levels of serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and interleukin (IL)-17 in patients with PHC and evaluate their diagnostic value while exploring their relationship with patients’ clinical characteristics.
METHODS
The study included 50 patients with confirmed PHC who visited Wuhan Hanyang Hospital from January 2021 to January 2022, and 50 healthy individuals from the same period served as the control group. Serum VEGF and IL-17 levels in both groups were measured by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay, and their diagnostic value was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to examine the relationship between serum VEGF and IL-17 levels. Pathological data of the PHC patients were analyzed to determine the relationship between serum VEGF and IL-17 levels and pathological characteristics.
RESULTS
Serum VEGF and IL-17 levels were significantly higher in the study group compared to the control group (P < 0.05). No significant association was observed between serum VEGF and IL-17 levels and gender, age, combined cirrhosis, tumor diameter, or degree of differentiation (P > 0.05). However, there was a significant relationship between clinical TNM stage, tumor metastasis, and serum VEGF and IL-17 levels (P < 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between serum VEGF and IL-17 (P < 0.05). ROC analysis demonstrated that both serum VEGF and IL-17 had good diagnostic efficacy for PHC.
CONCLUSION
Serum VEGF and IL-17 levels were significantly higher in PHC patients compared to healthy individuals. Their levels were closely related to pathological features such as tumor metastasis and clinical TNM stage, and there was a significant positive correlation between VEGF and IL-17. These biomarkers may serve as valuable reference indicators for the early diagnosis and treatment guidance of PHC.