bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative Efficacy and Safety of Intramedullary Lengthening Nails vs. Alternative Techniques for Femoral Limb Lengthening
Authors: Azimi Amirali , Herzenberg John E. , Roshdi Dizaji Shayan , McClure Philip K. , Tabatabaei Fatemeh-sadat , Azimi Amir Farbod 
Published: October 2024

Background:
Limb lengthening procedures are performed for various indications, including limb length discrepancies (LLDs) and short stature. This systematic review and meta-analysis compares the efficacy and safety of the newer motorized intramedullary lengthening nails (MILNs) with the traditional alternative techniques (ATs) for femoral limb lengthening.

Methods:
We conducted a comprehensive literature search in the Medline, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Scopus databases, inclusive of all dates through July 1, 2023, and without language restrictions. Factors mediating outcomes included problems, obstacles, complications, total adverse events, healing/consolidation index, time to full weight-bearing, lengthening accuracy, percentage of lengthening goal achieved, and duration of hospital stay. Effect sizes were quantified using STATA 17.0. Statistical algorithms employed were random effects model standardized mean differences (SMDs) for continuous outcomes and log risk ratios (RRs) for dichotomous outcomes, both with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results:
Our meta-analysis included 10 studies comparing MILN with AT: 180 femurs in the MILN group and 160 femurs in the AT group. This was exclusively comprised of retrospective cohort studies. When compared with AT, limb lengthening procedures utilizing MILNs had significantly lower problems (log RR, −1.35; 95% CI, −1.93 to −0.77; p < 0.001), complications (log RR, −0.56; 95% CI, −0.90 to −0.22; p = 0.001), and total adverse events (log RR, −0.69; 95% CI, −1.17 to −0.21; p = 0.005), as well as a superior bone healing index (SMD, −0.80; 95% CI, −1.32 to −0.28; p = 0.003). However, no significant differences were found in obstacles, percentage of lengthening goal achieved, lengthening accuracy, time to full weight-bearing, and duration of hospital stay.

Conclusion:
Limb lengthening with MILNs vs. AT may offer more favorable patient outcomes, lowering risk for problems, complications, and total adverse events, while optimizing the bone healing/consolidation index. However, the limitation of nonrandomized retrospective studies and high heterogeneity should be acknowledged.

Level of Evidence:

Level II (meta-analysis of cohort studies). See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Environmental and Health Impacts Resulting From Burning Solid Waste Near Residential Areas in Diyala Governorate, Iraq
Authors: Jbara Abdulwahab Abdulrazaq 
Published: October 2024

General Background: Rapid development, population growth, and improper disposal of municipal solid waste are prevalent issues in developing countries, leading to significant environmental and health challenges. Specific Background: In Iraq’s Diyala Governorate, the absence of integrated waste management exacerbates pollution through waste burning and heavy metal contamination, posing risks to nearby residential areas. Knowledge Gap: While previous studies have addressed waste management in developing countries, there is limited research on how local waste disposal practices impact air, soil, and water quality in specific areas of Diyala. Aims: This study evaluates the air quality and levels of heavy metals in soil and water near five landfill sites in Diyala Governorate: Kanaan, Al-Khalis, Baladruz, Khanaqin, and Hamrin, aiming to assess the pollution levels and the potential health risks to nearby communities. Results: The findings reveal significant differences across the sites, with the highest pollutant concentrations in Kanaan for air (40±445.8), soil (22.18±35.64), and water (3.037±3.146), while Hamrin recorded the lowest concentrations. All sites demonstrated statistically significant differences (P < 0.05). Novelty: This study provides the first comprehensive analysis of the environmental impact of waste disposal practices in Diyala, linking pollutant concentrations with specific landfill sites. Implications: The results underscore the need for improved waste management strategies, including monitoring, waste sorting, and recycling initiatives, to mitigate the negative effects on public health and the environment, particularly in areas near waste dumps.
Highlights:

Pollution levels vary significantly across Diyala's landfill sites.
Kanaan site has the highest air, soil, and water contamination.
Better waste management is needed to reduce environmental and health risks.

Keywords: Municipal waste, environmental pollution, heavy metals, Diyala Governorate, landfill impact
Protection Effect of Soy Isoflavones (Genistein and Daidzein) on Hematologic Parameters in Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Mohammed Hawraa , Abdullah Asia S. , AL‑Mozie'l Muhsin S.G. 
Published: October 2024

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a severe, high-morbidity condition with limited effective preventative and therapeutic strategies despite advancements in understanding and treatment. Specific Background: Rhabdomyolysis-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) presents significant challenges in renal research, but soy isoflavones, particularly GN and DZ, have shown potential in mitigating oxidative stress and inflammation. Knowledge Gap: Soy isoflavones, while potentially providing renal protection, their impact on renal and hematologic parameters in glycerol-induced AKI models has not been thoroughly studied. Aims: The study evaluated the effectiveness of soy isoflavones in regulating renal and hematologic parameters in a glycerol-induced AKI rat model, assessing their potential as therapeutic agents. Results: The study involving adult female Wistar rats showed that pretreatment with glycerol or dihydroxystilbene significantly reduced urinary β2-microglobulin, albumin, BUN, and serum creatinine levels in the AKI-induced group, reversing hematological changes. Novelty: The study explores the protective effects of soy isoflavones on renal function and hematologic parameters in AKI, highlighting GN's superior efficacy over DZ. Implications: Soy isoflavones, particularly GN, may be potential preventive or therapeutic strategies for AKI caused by rhabdomyolysis, warranting further research for clinical applications.
Highlights:

GN and DZ reduce kidney damage in glycerol-induced AKI.
GN is more effective than DZ in kidney and blood parameters.
Soy isoflavones could treat or prevent AKI.

Keywords: Acute kidney injury, soy isoflavones, glycerol-induced AKI, renal protection, hematologic parameters
Magnetic Nanocomposites Revolutionize Heavy Metal Adsorption for Environmental Cleanup
Authors: Waly Zaynah Salih , Merdas Samia Mezhr 
Published: October 2024

General background: Magnetic nanocomposites have garnered significant attention due to their multifunctional properties, particularly in environmental remediation, where they can be used for the removal of heavy metals from aqueous solutions. Specific background: Polypyrrole (PPy) and poly(p-hydroxyaniline) (P(p-OH An)) are conductive polymers known for their adsorption capabilities, while Fe3O4 nanoparticles exhibit magnetic properties, facilitating separation and recovery. Knowledge gap: Despite the potential of Fe3O4-based composites, few studies have systematically explored the synergistic adsorption properties of PPy and P(p-OH An) in Fe3O4-based nanocomposites under varying environmental conditions. Aims: This study aimed to synthesize and characterize Fe3O4/PPy/P(p-OH An) magnetic nanocomposites and evaluate their adsorption performance under different temperatures and isotherm models. Results: The nanocomposite was synthesized through chemical oxidation polymerization and characterized using FTIR, TEM, AFM, and TGA, confirming its successful formation and nanoscale structure. Adsorption studies indicated an exothermic process, with a decrease in adsorption capacity at higher temperatures. The adsorption data fit the Freundlich isotherm better than the Langmuir model, suggesting heterogeneous surface adsorption. Novelty: This study demonstrates a novel Fe3O4/PPy/P(p-OH An) nanocomposite with superior adsorption properties, showing its potential in heavy metal ion removal and offering an improved understanding of temperature effects on adsorption performance. Implications: The findings underscore the composite's promise for environmental remediation applications, particularly in water treatment, and suggest further optimization of the adsorption conditions and evaluation of the composite's reusability for industrial-scale applications.
Highlights:

Enhanced Adsorption: Fe3O4/PPy nanocomposites offer combined magnetic and polymer adsorption properties.
Temperature Sensitivity: Adsorption decreases as temperature rises, indicating exothermic behavior.
Surface Interaction: Freundlich isotherm shows adsorption occurs on heterogeneous surfaces.

Keywords: Magnetic nanocomposite, Fe3O4, Polypyrrole, Adsorption, Environmental remediation.
Development of Tetracycline by AgO Nanoparticles and Studying its Activity on Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria
Authors: Majeed Wafaa , Ahmed Hiba Shihab , Hamed Zaineb Abd_Alkhalq 
Published: October 2024

General background: Antibiotic resistance in bacteria has become a critical global health issue, necessitating the development of new strategies to enhance antibiotic efficacy. Specific background: Nanoparticles, particularly silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), have emerged as potential enhancers of antibiotics due to their unique properties and interactions with bacterial cells. Knowledge gap: However, the combination of nanoparticles with existing antibiotics, such as tetracycline, and their impact on bacterial inhibition and safety has not been fully explored. Aims: This study aims to investigate the antibacterial activity of silver oxide nanoparticles (AgO NPs) combined with tetracycline (TCS) and evaluate their effectiveness against resistant bacterial strains. Results: AgO NPs were synthesized using a photodeposition method, yielding nanoparticles with an average diameter of 2.24 nm. The AgO NPs + TCS combination demonstrated superior antibacterial activity, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 16 μg/mL against Staphylococci and 32 μg/mL against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, significantly outperforming standard tetracycline. Hemolysis assays confirmed the safety of the synthesized compound at all concentrations. Novelty: Silver oxide nanoparticles and tetracycline exhibit a unique synergistic interaction, enhancing antimicrobial effects by increasing bacterial membrane permeability, facilitating greater antibiotic infiltration. Implications: These findings suggest that AgO NPs combined with tetracycline offer a promising solution to overcome bacterial resistance, providing a potent and safe alternative to conventional antibiotic treatments.
Highlights:

AgO NPs and tetracycline show enhanced antibacterial effects.
More effective than standard tetracycline against resistant bacteria.
Safe with no toxicity observed in hemolysis tests.

Keywords: Antibiotic resistance, silver nanoparticles, tetracycline, photodeposition, antibacterial activity
Quality of Life in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Cross-Sectional Study in Baaquba City
Authors: Najim Akram Abd Alsalam , Faleh Ali Husain , Noaman Aqeel Abbas 
Published: October 2024

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common degenerative joint disease that significantly impacts the quality of life (QoL) of elderly individuals, often leading to severe disability. Specific Background: KOA, a prevalent condition primarily affecting middle-aged women, is exacerbated by risk factors like obesity, genetics, and reduced physical activity. Knowledge Gap: Despite existing studies on KOA, there is limited research on its impact on QoL in the Iraqi context, particularly in Baqubah City. Aims: The study evaluated the quality of life (QoL) of KOA patients in Baqubah, Iraq, considering physical, psychological, social, and functional aspects, and identifying influencing factors. Results: Data were collected from 374 patients at Baqubah Teaching Hospital, using a structured and validated HRQOL questionnaire. The study revealed that KOA patients experienced a significantly reduced QoL, especially in the physical and functional domains. Females and those with a longer illness duration reported worse outcomes. Obesity and overweight were found to be common among patients, further exacerbating the disease. Novelty: This study evaluates KOA's impact on QoL in Baqubah, revealing high prevalence and significant negative effects on daily activities. Implications: The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to enhance the quality of life for KOA patients in Baqubah, focusing on weight management, physiotherapy, and improved public health strategies.
Highlights:

KOA severely impairs physical and functional quality of life in patients.
Obesity and inactivity are key modifiable risk factors for KOA.
Women and long-term sufferers face greater QoL challenges.

Keywords: Knee Osteoarthritis, Quality of Life, Risk Factors, Obesity, Baqubah
Preventive Measures of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia among Intensive Care Unit Nurses
Authors: Jassim Saja Kareem 
Published: October 2024

General Background: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) significantly prolongs intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalizations, elevating healthcare costs and increasing mortality risk. Specific Background: Despite existing knowledge of VAP's impact, there is limited research on the preventative practices of ICU nurses, a critical factor in mitigating this condition. Knowledge Gap: This study explores ICU nurses' preventive measures for VAP and their correlation with demographic characteristics, highlighting a gap in literature. Results: Conducted from November 1, 2023, to April 10, 2024, at Basrah hospitals, the study involved 93 purposively sampled ICU nurses. The findings revealed that 48.4% of participants exhibited moderate preventive behavior, while 39.8% displayed poor preventive behavior. Notably, a significant relationship was found between the preventative behavior scores and the education level, as well as years of service in the ICU. Novelty: The study provides valuable insights into the current VAP prevention practices among ICU nurses, highlighting demographic factors that influence these behaviors. Implications: The study highlights the need for educational interventions to improve ICU nurses' preventative practices, potentially reducing VAP incidence and improving patient outcomes in intensive care settings.
Higlights:

Moderate Preventive Behavior: 48.4% of ICU nurses showed moderate VAP prevention practices.
Demographic Relationships: Education level and service years influence preventive behavior scores.
Training Necessity: Targeted education needed to improve VAP prevention among ICU nurses.

Keywords: Ventilator-associated pneumonia, ICU nurses, preventive practices, demographic characteristics, patient outcomes.
Engineered Bacteria Achieve Breakthrough 91% Lead Removal in Bioremediation
Authors: Muslim Ola Abdulwahhab , Bakr Hayder Mohammed , Jwaziri Abdulhussain Kadhim , Ali Kawther Mohammed Radah 
Published: October 2024

Background: Heavy metal pollutants pose a significant environmental and public health threat, necessitating effective remediation strategies. Genetically modified microorganisms, Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 and Cupriavidus metallidurans CH34, show promise in mitigating contamination. Specific Background: Engineered bacteria have been designed to improve metal absorption, specifically lead, mercury, cadmium, and zinc, but further research is needed to understand their effectiveness in different pH levels and water conditions. Knowledge Gap: Few studies have investigated the pH-dependent efficiency of genetically engineered microbes in heavy metal absorption or their performance under wastewater conditions, despite numerous studies on microbial bioremediation. Aims: The study evaluates the efficacy of genetically modified Shewanella oneidensis and Cupriavidus metallidurans in removing heavy metals from contaminated water at various pH levels. Results: The study found that both bacterial strains effectively removed 91% of lead at pH 7, with optimal levels for lead and cadmium absorption depending on the specific pH. Novelty: CRISPR/Cas9 technology is used for genetic modification of strains, enhancing microbial engineering for environmental remediation. Study provides new data on pH-specific absorption rates.. Implications: These findings can be applied to enhance the design of bioreactors and biofiltration systems, offering a sustainable solution to heavy metal contamination in wastewater, with broad potential for industrial and environmental applications.
Highlights:

Modified bacteria remove 91% of lead at neutral pH.
CRISPR/Cas9 enhances bacteria for efficient heavy metal removal.
pH optimization is key for effective heavy metal absorption.

Keywords: Heavy metals, Bioremediation, Genetically modified bacteria, Shewanella oneidensis, Cupriavidus metallidurans
Immunological Changes and Complement Proteins in Major Thalassemia Patients Proteins Post-Splenectomy
Authors: Mizher Eman A. 
Published: October 2024

Background: Thalassemia is one of the most prevalent genetic disorders worldwide, with infections being a leading cause of mortality due to compromised immune function. Specific Background: Prior studies suggest that major thalassemia patients are highly susceptible to microbial infections, possibly due to altered immunological profiles, particularly immunoglobulin (IgG, IgM) and complement (C3, C4) levels. Knowledge Gap: However, the specific immunological changes pre- and post-splenectomy in these patients remain underexplored. Aims: This study aims to assess the levels of immunoglobulins (IgG and IgM) and complement proteins (C3 and C4) in major thalassemia patients both before and after splenectomy compared to healthy controls. Results: Our analysis of 50 thalassemia patients (34 males, 16 females) and 30 healthy individuals revealed that thalassemia patients exhibited significantly lower levels of C3 and C4 (88.52±24.49, 21.20±6.66) compared to healthy controls (123.50±19.04, 32.87±9.77). IgG and IgM were elevated in patients (1288.12±467.87, 153.46±51.29) compared to controls (1129.93±295.96, 148.67±50.17). Post-splenectomy, patients showed a significant decline in IgG (1001.56±154.14) and IgM (110.08±25.83) levels, along with further decreases in C3 (83.28±24.13) and C4 (17.48±4.86). Novelty: This study provides novel evidence of the immunological shifts in thalassemia patients post-splenectomy, demonstrating significant reductions in both immunoglobulins and complement proteins, thereby elevating the risk of infection. Implications: These findings highlight the spleen's crucial role in maintaining immune competence and suggest that splenectomy in thalassemia patients requires careful post-operative immune monitoring to mitigate infection risks.
Highlights:

Splenectomy lowers IgG, IgM, C3, and C4 levels in thalassemia patients.
Post-splenectomy patients face higher infection risk due to immune weakening.
Highlights spleen's crucial role in immune defense for thalassemia patients.

Keywords: Thalassemia, Splenectomy, Immunoglobulins, Complement Proteins, Immune Competence
Enhancing Global Poliomyelitis Surveillance Performance is Crucial for Eradication Efforts
Authors: Ibrahim Arkan Hashim , Abdullah Mazin Khalid , Salman Marwah Q. 
Published: October 2024

Background: Poliomyelitis remains a significant public health challenge, with global efforts focused on its eradication. One critical strategy in this endeavor is the implementation of an acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance system, which is essential for early detection and response to poliovirus transmission. Specific Background: Despite the system's importance, there is limited evaluation of its performance, particularly in regions like Diyala province, Iraq. Knowledge Gap: Previous studies have not adequately assessed the AFP surveillance performance indicators specific to this region, necessitating a comprehensive analysis. Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the performance indicators of the AFP surveillance system in Diyala province during 2021, utilizing established World Health Organization (WHO) standards. Results: The cross-sectional study analyzed data from seven primary health care centers. Key findings revealed a Non-Polio Acute Flaccid Paralysis rate of 5.11 per 100,000 children under 15 years. Performance indicators included 100% reporting completeness, 95% timeliness of notification and investigation, and 97% stool quality for laboratory analysis. Furthermore, 97.3% of specimens reached the national laboratory within three days, demonstrating high operational efficiency. Novelty: This study is one of the first to provide a detailed evaluation of the AFP surveillance system in Diyala province, highlighting areas of strength and compliance with WHO targets. Implications: The findings underscore the effectiveness of the AFP surveillance system in this region, suggesting that its continued implementation can significantly contribute to the global eradication efforts of poliomyelitis while also serving as a model for similar evaluations in other regions.
Highlights:

High reporting completeness and timeliness in AFP surveillance.
Non-Polio AFP rate exceeds WHO targets, indicating effective monitoring.
Study supports global efforts toward poliomyelitis eradication.

Keywords: Poliomyelitis, Acute Flaccid Paralysis, Surveillance System, Performance Indicators, Iraq
Evaluation of Some Hematological Parameters for Patients Infected with Entamoeba Histolytica in Najaf Governorate
Authors: Al-Azawe Ibtesam Mohsen , Al-ali Hawraa Mohammed , Al-Mosawi Rabab Ali 
Published: October 2024

General background: Amoebic dysentery caused by Entamoeba histolytica is a significant public health concern, particularly in regions with poor sanitation. It can lead to various complications, including changes in blood parameters. Specific background: Identifying changes in blood indicators during amoebic infections can aid early diagnosis and improve patient outcomes. Knowledge gap: There is limited research exploring gender-based differences in blood parameters of patients with amoebiasis. Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of E. histolytica infection on specific blood parameters in male and female patients and to assess gender-based variations in these parameters. Results: A total of 45 patients (20 males, 25 females) diagnosed with amoebiasis were included, with samples collected between May 2023 and January 2024. Significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) were observed between male and female patients in RBC, HB, HCT, and MCH, while no significant differences were noted for MCV, MCHC, RDW, PLT, WBC, or LYM. Male patients showed higher mean values of RBC (5.01 ± 0.65) and HB (14.6 ± 1.61) compared to females (RBC: 4.5 ± 0.54; HB: 12.28 ± 1.24). Novelty: This study highlights gender-specific alterations in blood parameters during amoebiasis, providing new insights into how gender affects physiological responses to E. histolytica infection. Implications: Regular monitoring of blood parameters, particularly RBC and HB, in patients with amoebiasis is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment. The findings also underscore the importance of gender considerations in clinical management and suggest the need for larger studies to confirm these results and explore their diagnostic and therapeutic implications.
Highlights:

Gender impacts blood parameters in amoebiasis patients.
Males show higher RBC and HB than females.
Regular monitoring aids early E. histolytica diagnosis.

Keywords: Amoebic dysentery, Entamoeba histolytica, blood parameters, gender differences, early diagnosis