bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Appendicitis in Children: Does Age Really Matter?
Authors: El Haissoufi Kamal , Hadi El Hassan , Habib Salaheddine , Aissaoui Hanane , Atassi Mariam , Ammor Abdelouhab , Benhaddou Houssain 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background:
Acute appendicitis (AA) is a frequent and emergent surgical abdominal condition that presents some particularities and challenges in young children.

Patients and Methods:
Data of 402 children aged <16 years with a confirmed diagnosis of AA were retrospectively reviewed. Included patients were divided into two groups: Group A (preschool children aged ≤5 years, n = 44) and Group B (school children aged >5 years, n = 358). Clinical presentation, biological findings, calculated diagnosis scores (paediatric appendicitis score [PAS] and Alvarado score), intraoperative findings and outcomes were comparatively analysed between the two groups.

Results:
Children of Group A had more likely fever, bowel disorders, diffuse abdominal pain and diffuse tenderness than those of Group B (P = 0.001, P = 0.005, P = 0.006 and P = 0.001, respectively). Regarding biomarkers, the mean of white blood cell count and C-reactive protein levels was higher in Group A than in Group B (18,849 cell/mm3 and 162.8 mg/L in Group A versus 15,938 cell/mm3 and 86.7 mg/L in Group B, P = 0.003 and < 0.001, respectively). The mean of calculated PAS and Alvarado scores was higher in Group A than in Group B (8.2 ± 1.1 and 8.2 ± 1 vs. 7.5 ± 1.4 and 7.4 ± 1.5, P = 0.003 and P = 0.001, respectively). Most children with a calculated PAS and Alvarado score equal to or higher than 8 belonged to Group A (PAS: 84.1% vs. 58.4%, P = 0.001, Alvarado score: 84.1% vs. 55.6%, P < 0.001). The perforation of the appendix was seen in 77.3% of Group A patients and only in 41.5% of children in Group B (P < 0.0001). The mean length of stay was 5.1 ± 1.9 days in Group A and 4.3 ± 2.8 days in Group B but without any statistical difference between the two groups (P = 0.094).

Conclusion:
AA in preschool children is associated with atypical presentation and rapid progression of the disease making the early diagnosis mostly challenging in our settings.
Recent advances in treatment of prurigo nodularis
Authors: Chen Chieh-Hsun , Hu Stephen Chu-Sung 
Published: September 2024

AbstractPrurigo nodularis is a chronic skin condition which has significant negative impacts on the psychosocial function and quality of life of affected patients. It is a heterogeneous disease with complex underlying pathogenic mechanisms, and the clinical efficacy of traditional treatment options is often limited. Recently, great advances have been made in the pathogenesis of prurigo nodularis, which have enabled the development of novel targeted therapies for this disease. Various clinical trials have investigated the therapeutic efficacy of biologics which target the Th2 pathway. Dupilumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting interleukin 4 (IL-4) receptor α, has shown clinical efficacy and obtained United States Food and Drug Administration approval for prurigo nodularis. In addition, nemolizumab (IL-31 receptor A antagonist) and vixarelimab (oncostatin M receptor β antagonist) have shown therapeutic efficacy in clinical trials for prurigo nodularis. Small-molecule inhibitors with clinical promise which are currently under investigation include nalbuphine (opioid receptor modulator), Janus kinase inhibitors, and aprepitant and serlopitant (neurokinin-1 receptor antagonists). The recent development of new biologics and small-molecule inhibitors targeting various immunological and neurological signaling pathways have provided great hope that we are entering a new era of targeted therapies for this challenging clinical condition. In addition, recent advances in RNA sequencing technology may enable the identification of unique signaling pathways and the development of novel treatments for this disease in the future. In this review article, we summarize the current knowledge of the pathogenesis of prurigo nodularis, and discuss recent advances in treatment for this challenging clinical condition.
Awareness of oral health status among parents and caretakers of adults with intellectual disabilities: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Reddy R. Naveen , Vempalli Swetha , Murali P. S. , Mulla Mushir , Sahoo Kajal Kiran , Mulla Munaz 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Intellectual disability or mental retardation is general systemic disorder characterized by significant impairment in cognitive functions as well as deficits in adaptation-related behaviors. It affects the mind and body along with skills related to day-to-day life such as thought processes, speaking, and self-care. Individuals with any form of disability need extra assistance for attaining and preserving their health including oral health.

Materials and Methods:
This cross-sectional prospective study was conducted on 100 parents and caretakers of adults with intellectual disabilities. Ethical approval was obtained from the institutional ethical committee. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants. Inclusion criteria for disabled subjects were (a) individuals older than 12 years of age, (b) individuals with intellectual and cognitive disabilities, (c) disabled individuals who were under the care of full-term persons, and (d) subjects who provided complete cooperation during intraoral examinations. The inclusion criterion for caregivers and parents was that they provided assistance on a daily basis. A questionnaire was circulated among all the participants that contained questions on demographics, knowledge, and perception regarding oral health. Statistical analysis: Statistical tools paired “t” and Pearson’s correlation tests were used for performing statistical analysis using SPSS version 21.0 software.

Results:
Statistically significant knowledge levels and perceptions were obtained from all the study participants regarding the importance of maintaining sound oral health in persons with disabilities, i.e., intellectual disabilities.

Conclusion:
It is important to educate and reinforce the importance of oral health among caretakers and parents of intellectually disabled adults.

The following core competencies are addressed in this article: Medical knowledge, Patient care, Practice-based learning and improvement, and Systems-based practice.
Effect of training program on the performance of orthopedic nurses regarding upper femoral fracture management by using the proximal femoral nailing technique
Authors: Ali Mohammed Tariq , Hachain Feten , Jasim Bashar 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Hip fractures pose a significant global health-care challenge due to the increasing number of older adults, necessitating accurate and comprehensive nursing care.

Materials and Methods:
Quasi-experimental design, purposive study was carried out at three teaching Hospitals in Mosul City in Iraq from the period of January 2022 to December 2022, forty nurses from orthopedic wards were the subject to this study, all nurses were evaluated according specialized checklist “Iraqi Ministry of Health guide for organizing nursing operations and practices inside the hospitals and medical departments” then they attended the training program.

Results:
Approximately 50% of the study sample had a poor level of performance in the initial evaluation preintervention of the program, then after implementing the training program, the performance and practices of the nursing staff have improved significantly.

Conclusion:
The study concluded that there is a significant and poor performance and practices of the nursing staff toward upper femoral fractures in the orthopedic wards, and that the training program greatly and successfully improve their performance and practices.

The following core competencies are addressed in this article: Practice-based learning and improvement, Patient care and procedural skills, Interpersonal and communication skills.
A Large Cardiac Hydatid Cyst in the Interventricular Septum with Hepatic Involvement in Young Male: A Rare Case Presentation
Authors: Goyal Amit , Bansal Ashish 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Hydatid disease is a parasitic infestation caused by larvae of the Echinococcus tapeworm. It mainly affects the liver and lungs. Cardiac hydatid cyst is uncommon and involvement of the interventricular septum is even rarer. It may lead to various complications because of rupture and embolization. We report the case of a 24-year-old man who was diagnosed to have a large interventricular hydatid cyst associated with cysts in the liver which mimics like acute coronary syndrome. This case is of particular interest because of the rarity of septal localization of a hydatid cyst, and concurrent involvement of the liver and cardiac is uncommon.
Right Ventricular Thrombosis in a Young Female with Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Alizadehasl Azin , Yalameh Azam , Bahramnejad Alia , Dousti Amir , Bagheri Yaghoob , Afsari Yasamin , Shemshadi Sara 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
This case report presents the clinical findings and management of an 18-year-old female patient with a known history of Crohn’s disease who developed right ventricular (RV) thrombosis. Despite presenting with prolonged fever and inconclusive initial evaluations, subsequent cardiac imaging confirmed the presence of a mobile RV mass. The patient’s complex medical history, including a history of gastrointestinal bleeding, necessitated a multidisciplinary approach to treatment. This case underscores the importance of considering atypical cardiac complications in patients with chronic inflammatory conditions like Crohn’s disease and highlights the challenges and choices in managing RV thrombosis in such cases.
Post chemoembolization of hepatocellular carcinoma: a role of computed tomography and MRI in prediction of treatment response
Authors: Khamis Eman R.H. , Sherif Mohamed F. , Teama Atef H. , Abd-Elhalim Kareem M. 
Published: September 2024

Background
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most prevalent and lethal form of primary liver cancer on a global scale.

Aim
To assess the tumor response to transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) by comparing computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in patients with HCC.

Patients and methods
This prospective cohort research included 30 patients, aged from 40 to 77 years, with HCC, had TACE, good renal and liver functions, and were divided into two groups: the responders’ group and the nonresponders’ group. Patients had pre- and post-TACE examinations.

Results
There was a significant difference regarding the lesion criteria such as multiplicity, size, margins, involvement of both hepatic lobes, and pattern of arterial phase enhancement in both triphasic CT and dynamic MRI. Agreement between triphasic CT results and MRI results was in 26 patients. Disagreement as: two patients were categorized as complete response by triphasic CT versus partial response (PR) by MRI, one was categorized as PR by triphasic CT versus stable disease by MRI, and one was categorized as PR by triphasic CT versus PD by MRI. MRI was considered as the gold standard. Regarding the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of Triphasic CT in the studied patients, it was 89, 91, 90, 80, and 95%, respectively.

Conclusion
Triphasic CT is considered as the most used imaging techniques for predicting and evaluating the therapeutic response in HCC patients after TACE as referenced to dynamic MRI which is considered as the best imaging modality with high diagnostic standard in assessment of HCC before and after TACE.
Correlation between allergic rhinitis and otitis media with effusion in children
Authors: El Anany Amal F. A. , Ammar Mostafa E. , Rahman Amer Mohamed A. A. , Hegazy Hassan M. 
Published: September 2024

Background
One of the most prevalent disorders in children is allergic rhinitis (AR), which can provoke other linked illnesses as asthma, rhinosinusitis, conjunctivitis, and otitis media. The most frequent ear condition in pediatrics and the leading cause of hearing loss in them is otitis media with effusion.

Aim
The aim of this work was to assess the correlation between AR and otitis media with effusion in a specific pediatric age group.

Patients and methods
This prospective, cohort observational work was performed on 60 cases divided into two groups equally: the patient group: diagnosed with otitis media with effusion based on clinical and tympanometry data (type B) and the control group: children who were recruited from the out-patient clinic from the same age group if they are not complaining of any otological diseases.

Results
Higher prevalence of AR symptoms in the patient group with otitis media with effusion than control group. Immunoglobulin E level was significantly greater in the patient group compared with control group. There was also a statistically major correlation between serum immunoglobulin E level, age and AR symptoms in patient group such as rhinorrhea and nasal obstruction.

Conclusions
AR may have a strong role in the pathogenesis and development of otitis media with effusion in children.
Ultrasonographic evaluation of fetal thymus size in normal and in diabetic pregnant women
Authors: Naga Diaa A. , Howidy Medhat S. , Mahfouz Amal E. , Omar Mona K. 
Published: September 2024

Background
In the 12 week of gestation, the thymus moves to its ventral location, which is between the aortic arch and the bottom of the heart.

Aim
This study aimed to compare the fetal thymus diameters of two groups of pregnant women: one with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and another without the condition, using ultrasonography as the method of measurement. There was also an attempt to establish a correlation between maternal blood glucose levels and the size of the fetal thymus.

Patients and methods
This case-control study included 110 pregnant women, aged from 20 to 35 years, who were experiencing singleton pregnancies from 24 to 28 weeks of gestation. The participants were separated into two groups of equal size. The study group consisted of pregnant women diagnosed with GDM, whereas the control group included healthy pregnant women.

Results
The study group had considerably decreased thymus diameter and TT ratio compared with the control group (P <0.001). A substantial negative association exists between fetal thymus size and maternal blood glucose levels (r= –0.253, P =0.007) and postprandial blood glucose (r= –0.565, P <0.001). Fetal thymus diameter predicts GDM (area under the curve=0.856, P <0.001) with 80% sensitivity and 74.55% specificity. TT ratio predicts GDM with 78.18% sensitivity and 67.27% specificity (area under the curve=0.836, P <0.001). Fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels were considerably higher in the study group compared with the control group (P<0.001).

Conclusions
Fetal thymus size measured ultrasonographically may serve as a potential indicator for the presence of GDM.
Intestinal Protozoa, Helminth Infection, and Associated Factors among Tuberculosis Patients and Nontuberculosis Persons in Bobo-Dioulasso City, Burkina Faso
Authors: Djibougou Diakourga Arthur , Mensah Gloria Ivy , Cissé Mamoudou , Inoussa Toé , Sawadogo Leon Tinnoga , Combary Adjima , Sanou Adama , Bonfoh Bassirou , Addo Kennedy Kwasi , Belem Adrien Marie Gaston , Meda Clément Ziemlé , Dabiré Roch Konbobr , Kaboré Achille , Diagbouga Potiandi Serge 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT.
We report the frequency and associated factors of tuberculosis (TB) and parasite coinfection from newly diagnosed pulmonary TB patients (TB+) and non-TB participants (TB−) from the Regional Tuberculosis Control Center, households, and health facilities in Bobo-Dioulasso from 2019 to 2021. Biological samples were examined for parasite infection using direct microscopy, concentration techniques, and the immunochromatographic rapid test. Data were analyzed using STATA 14. Of a total of 192 participants involved, 95 were TB+ and 97 were non-TB. There was no statistically significant difference in parasitic infections between the two groups, although it was higher in TB+ than TB− (69.5% [66/95] versus 55.7% [54/97]; P = 0.07). Protozoal infection prevalence was significantly higher in patients with TB+ than in those TB− (61.1% versus 37.1%; P = 0.001). Specifically, Entamoeba spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. followed this pattern with 35.8% versus 19.6% (P = 0.01) and 22.1% versus 8.3% (P = 0.007), respectively. Although higher in TB+ patients, helminthiasis frequency was not significantly different between the two groups (23.2% versus 15.5%; P = 0.2). Helminth species were Schistosomia mansoni (17.9% versus 12.4%), Dicrocoelium dendriticum (3.2% versus 1.0%), Enterobius vermicularis (2.1% versus 2.1%), Wuchereria bancrofti (1.1% versus 0.0%), and Hymenolepis nana (1.1% versus 0.0%). Illiteracy (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.5; 95% CI: 1.0–6.1), smoking (aOR: 2.4; 95% CI: 1.1–5.3), and handwashing after defecation (aOR: 2.4; 95% CI: 1.2–4.7) were associated with parasites. This study reported a high frequency of parasite coinfection in TB patients. These findings suggest the need for adequate health education for behavioral change and systematic diagnosing of parasites in TB patients for better coinfection management.
Creencias culturales sobre las enfermedades neurodegenerativas en la población geriátrica del área rural de Guatemala
Authors: Mes Guitz Lea Elizabeth , Chán Tesucún Marleny Esmeralda 
Published: September 2024

PROBLEMA: ¿cuál es el punto de vista de la población rural de Guatemala acerca de los padecimientos neurodegenerativos de las personas de la tercera edad? OBJETIVO: conocer la cosmovisión de la población del área rural con respecto a las enfermedades neurodegenerativas, su progreso y cómo estas son tratadas en el adulto mayor. MÉTODO: se eligieron comunidades rurales y familias integradas por adultos mayores entre 60-80 años. RESULTADOS: la mayoría de la población rural no identifica las enfermedades neurodegenerativas. Los tipos de asistencia que más buscan es la del médico general, curandero y enfermero comunitario. La preferencia en llevar un tratamiento son los fármacos y las plantas medicinales combinadas. CONCLUSIÓN: la escolaridad es importante para todos, sin embargo, no es un factor concluyente que afecta la cognición en la población geriátrica rural en Guatemala. Otro hallazgo importante es que la población femenina no manifiesta más enfermedades neurodegenerativas como lo argumentan algunos autores. Se verifica que el trabajo de campo evita las enfermedades neurocognitivas. Por lo tanto, es importante que los adultos mayores se mantengan activos en el trabajo doméstico, de campo y otros para evitar demencias. Por consiguiente, la neurociencia constituye el fin primordial con enfoque para el bienestar de la vida humana.
Factors Influencing Intention to Accept Digital Banks Among Generation Z in Malaysia
Authors: Hoo Wong Chee , Marthyna Audrey , Wolor Christian Wiradendi , Tan Gary Peng Liang , Prompanyo Manoch 
Published: September 2024

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the behavioral of Malaysians to embrace digital banking.

Theoretical Framework: The research primarily relies on the Diffusion of Innovation Theory (DOI), which considers aspects such as complexity, compatibility, and relative advantage, as well as the confidence garnered from external sources.

Method: The study focuses on surveying individuals from Malaysia, namely those between the ages of 18 and 64. A total of 385 replies were gathered and employed for the purpose of data analysis. This study utilizes the research methodology of Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) with the assistance of SmartPLS 4.0 software. The analysis covers several factors, such as outer loading, Cronbach's alpha, composite reliability, average variance extracted (AVE), discriminant validity, collinearity, importance of path coefficients, predictive modelling, and effect size.

Results and Discussion: The research findings suggest that the desire of Malaysians to adopt digital banking is significantly influenced by compatibility, relative benefit, and trust. Nevertheless, the level of complexity has a negligible effect on their willingness to embrace digital banking.

Research Implications: This report covers an analysis of the interconnections among variables and the consequences of the investigation. It tackles constraints and offers suggestions by providing a more extensive and meticulous perspective for future study and utilization by holders of digital bank licenses.
Pakistan and the US-China confrontation
Authors: Замараева Н.А. 
Published: September 2024

Агрессивная позиция президента США Дж. Байдена, как и его предшественника Д. Трампа, по отношению к Пекину и курс на сдерживание КНР отражают политический консенсус в США относительно допустимости такого “поведения” в американо-китайских отношениях. В формировании военных блоков, например AUKUS, Китай видит риск обострения гонки вооружений в Азиатско-Тихоокеанском регионе и подрыва мира и стабильности, против чего выступает не только Китай, но и Пакистан и другие страны региона. Начиная с 2017 г. США объявили торговую войну Поднебесной, вводя повышенные тарифы на импорт китайских товаров. Пекин выступает против политизации и милитаризации экономических, торговых и технологических проблем. Злоупотребление санкциями и подавление китайских предприятий серьезно нарушили глобальные производственные цепочки и цепочки поставок; давление Вашингтона на торговлю и технологии не ослабевает. Китай неоднократно призывал США “...не вмешиваться во внутренние дела, не сдерживать развитие Китая и не наступать на красную линию Китая в отношении суверенитета, безопасности и интересов развития Китая”. Пакистан имеет тесные экономические связи как с Соединенными Штатами, так и с Китаем, что поставило его в сложное положение, поскольку США и Китай вступили между собой в дорогостоящую торговую войну. США — крупнейший торговый партнер Пакистана, и они поддерживали получение Пакистаном займов в МВФ. В целом Исламабаду удается балансировать между двумя крупнейшими экономиками мира.
The aggressive position of US President Joe Biden, like his predecessor Donald Trump, towards Beijing and the policy of containing China reflected the political consensus in the United States. In the formation of military blocs, for example, AUKUS, China sees the risk of exacerbating the arms race in the Asia-Pacific region, undermining peace and stability. China, Pakistan and other countries in the region oppose this. Since 2017, the United States declared a trade war on China, imposing increased tariffs on Chinese goods. Beijing opposed the politicization and weaponization of economic, trade and technological issues. Abuse by sanctions and suppression of Chinese enterprises have seriously disrupted global production and supply chains; Washington's pressure on trade and technology remains unrelenting. China has repeatedly “...urge the United States not to interfere in China’s internal affairs, not to hold China’s development back, and not to step on China’s red lines on China’s sovereignty, security, and development interests”. Pakistan has close economic ties with both the United States and China, what has put Islamabad in a difficult position as the two countries engage in a costly trade war. The US is Pakistan's largest trading partner; they supported Pakistan in obtaining loans from the IMF. On the whole, Islamabad manages to balance between two of the world's largest economies.