bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sonoelastography in Differentiation Between Metastatic and Tuberculous Lymphadenitis
Authors: Yadav Renu , Malik Amita , Prasad Rajni 
Published: September 2024

Introduction:
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of sonography including Doppler and sonoelastography in differentiation between metastatic and tuberculous cervical lymphadenopathy.

Materials and Methods:
This single-center observational study was undertaken with 86 study subjects after defined inclusion and exclusion criteria as per study needs and imaging limitations. Sonographic and sonoelastographic examinations were done by two examiners, and the diagnosis was reached in consensus. Sonographic features assessed were size, short/long axis ratio, the presence or absence of echogenic hilum, and intranodal necrosis including pattern of vascularity. With ultrasonoelastography, color-coded elastograms and strain ratio (SR) were evaluated. Then, the accuracy of individual sonographic and sonoelastographic parameters as well as combined sonographic and sonoelastographic evaluation was evaluated against HPE diagnosis. Cutoff for all the combined evaluations was determined from receiver observing curve.

Results:
Out of 127 nodes examined, 100 were tuberculous and 27 were metastatic on histopathology. Among all ultrasound features, intranodal necrosis showed maximum sensitivity, i.e., 39% and specificity 96%. SR had highest sensitivity (95.6%) and specificity (96.3%) among all US and elastographic parameters.

Conclusion:
Sonoelastographic assessment has good diagnostic accuracy for differentiation between metastatic and tuberculous cervical lymphadenopathy and adds to sonographic assessment, thereby further increasing the diagnostic confidence.
Reversal of Atracurium-induced Neuromuscular Blockade in Daycare Pediatric Cases – Is it Always Necessary
Authors: Pant Deepanjali , Koul Archna , Rudravaram Swetha , Bhutani Rachna , Sood Jayashree 
Published: September 2024

Context:
The reversal of the neuromuscular blocking drugs (NMBDs) by neostigmine is an integral component of general anesthesia. The requirement of NMBD is minimal in pediatric superficial surgeries supplemented with regional analgesia techniques. The pediatric age group has a rapid metabolism of atracurium, allowing rapid spontaneous recovery. The use of the combination of neostigmine and glycopyrrolate does not come without side effects.

Aims:
The aim of this prospective randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the incidence of residual neuromuscular blockade (RNMB) detected by train-of-four ratio (TOFR) of <0.9 following a single dose of atracurium administration in children undergoing infraumbilical daycare procedures with or without neostigmine for pharmacological reversal of neuromuscular blockade.

Subjects and Methods:
One hundred American Society of Anesthesiologists 1–2 patients of age group 1–12 years undergoing infraumbilical daycare surgery of ≤120 min with ProSeal laryngeal mask airway as airway device were included in the study. The study population was randomized into two groups to receive either neostigmine or normal saline (Group N – neostigmine; Group S – normal saline). Neuromuscular blockade was monitored by acceleromyography (TOF-Watch® SX, Organon). The primary outcome variable was to assess the incidence of RNMB in both the groups. The secondary outcomes observed were to assess any critical respiratory event, hypoxemia (SpO2 < 95%), flushing, nausea, and vomiting in postanesthesia care unit (PACU) for 6 h.

Statistical Analysis Used:
Statistical testing was conducted with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences system version SPSS 17.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Continuous variables are presented as mean ± SD with a mean difference and 95% confidence interval for the comparison between two groups using Student's t-test. Nominal categorical data between the groups were compared using the Chi-squared test or Fisher's exact test as appropriate. P <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:
The demographic parameters, type, and duration of surgery were comparable. No statistically significant difference in TOFR was found between the two groups. None of the participants in either group had RNMB while shifting to PACU. Thirty-four percent in Group N experienced flushing with raised temperature and 2% had nausea with vomiting, whereas none of these was noticed in Group S.

Conclusion:
Our study suggests that omission of routine neostigmine reversal of atracurium in pediatric daycare surgery may be considered without compromising patient safety by using a combination of sound clinical judgment and quantitative neuromuscular monitoring documenting complete spontaneous neuromuscular recovery.
Physicians’ Attitudes Towards Pharmaceutical Promotions and Their Trustworthiness Towards Pharmaceutical Representatives’ Information on New Drugs
Authors: Abdulah Deldar Morad , Perot Karwan Ali 
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND:
The interaction between physicians and the pharmaceutical industry through their sales representatives influences physicians’ attitudes and prescribing behaviors. In this regard, physicians’ attitudes towards pharmaceutical promotions and their trustworthiness towards pharmaceutical representatives’ information on new drugs were explored in this study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
The present study was an analysis of a cross-sectional survey of 183 physicians with different job and education designations and from various clinical settings in Erbil-Iraqi Kurdistan in July 2018. The physicians were invited from the public sector, comprising a general, emergency, and pediatric hospital. The information was collected through a standardized anonymous, self-administered close-ended questionnaire. The questionnaire included exposure to marketing activities, motivations to contact pharmaceutical representatives, attitudes towards promotional practices, and trustworthiness of the pharmaceutical representatives’ information on new drugs.

RESULTS:
The majority of the physicians reported that the information provided by pharmaceutical representatives assisted them in staying up to date or learning about new products (76.5%), but 55.7% of them trusted their medical information. In addition, most of them reported that pharmaceutical representatives prioritized the promotion of their products over patients’ benefits (70.5%). They reported that receiving promotional material and participating in promotional practices affect doctors’ behaviors to prescribe a new drug, including promotional materials (55.2%); medical samples (67.8%); funding of registration costs to conferences (60.1%); participation in industry-funded researches (69.9%); and continuing medical education (69.4%). Receiving promotional materials and participating in promotional activities were considered to be ethical.

CONCLUSIONS:
This study showed that doctors approved that receiving promotional material and participating in promotional practices affect doctors’ behaviors to prescribe a new drug. The present study showed that most of the physicians reported the role of promotional materials and activities on physicians’ behaviors to prescribe new drugs.
Evaluation of Antifungal Activity of MaxilloFacial Silicone Elastomer Reinforced with Chitosan Nanoparticles—An In vitro Study
Authors: Sri Ailneni Nivya , Dev Shruti Vishal , Perti Sonali , Poddar Nirmala , Pati Sourav Kumar , Das Pritam 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
Microbial and fungal growth, particularly Candida albicans, is a major issue with the usage of maxillofacial silicone material, which can lead to chronic infection, inflammation, and silicone material degradation, for which the development of an antimicrobial silicone elastomer has become crucial.

Methodology:
This study was designed to determine the efficacy of adding chitosan nanoparticles (1.5%, 3%, and 5% by weight) to silicone matrix on antifungal activity. Eighty specimens were fabricated with varying concentrations of chitosan and separated into four groups [C1 (control), C2 (1.5%wt chitosan reinforced silicone), C3 (3%wt chitosan/silicone), and C4 (5%wt chitosan/silicone)]. An antifungal test was conducted on each group.

Results:
The inhibition zone was concentration dependent in antifungal tests; as the concentration increased, the inhibition zone grew as well.

Conclusion:
Improvement in the antifungal activity of silicone was demonstrated when chitosan nanoparticles were incorporated.
Chordoma: Site-Wise Predilections and Pathological Tenets
Authors: Singh Anshima , Rao Ram Nawal , Billore Yash , Kumar Raj 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background:
Chordomas are rare tumours of presumptive notochordal origin, mostly occurring in the axial skeleton of the body. These tumours are slow growing but are locally invasive neoplasms. Diagnosis requires qualification of the radiological, histopathological, and immunohistochemical criteria. Management predominantly comprises surgical resection with negative margins.

Objective:
Our study aimed to analyse the clinico-pathological spectrum of these rare chordoma cases visiting our tertiary care institute.

Materials and Methods:
The study was retrospective, comprising chordoma cases reported histopathologically between January 01, 2013, and August 31, 2023 (a total period of 10.5 years). Clinico-radiological data were recorded. Histopathological diagnosis was separately reviewed by two pathologists. All data were statistically analysed.

Results:
In total, 41 chordoma cases were received, with a mean age of 43.2 + 17.4 years (6–72 years). Male:female ratio was 1.2:1. Spheno-occipital region chordomas (27 cases) were most common, followed by sacrococcygeal (8 cases) and vertebral (6 cases) chordomas. Symptoms varied with location. However, the commonest presenting complaint was pain. These region-wise chordoma categories were statistically compared in terms of patients’ age, male:female ratio, symptomatic duration, tumour size, histopathological tumour type, and recurrence on follow-up. Of these, only patients’ age and tumour size were found to be statistically significant (P value was 0.011 and 0.0004, respectively).

Conclusion:
Clinico-pathological parameters vary with the anatomical location of chordoma. We present the experience of this rare tumour in terms of clinico-radiopathological features visiting our tertiary care institute in northern India.
Value of Ultrasonography in Assessment of Screen-Detected Calcified Ductal Carcinoma In Situ: A Clinical Audit
Authors: Itanyi Ukamaka Dorothy , Allen Deborah , Okereke Ivy 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background:
Approximately 80% of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) cases are asymptomatic and manifest as microcalcifications, usually detected on screening mammograms. Stereotactic biopsy is used as the primary modality for histopathologic diagnosis. Ultrasonography has been relied upon as a potentially viable alternative for early breast cancer detection, especially in low- and medium-income countries.

Aim:
Determine the role and reliability of breast ultrasonography in the evaluation of screen-detected microcalcifications using histologically proven calcified DCIS as a case study.

Materials and Methods:
Cross-sectional evaluation of records of patients recalled for M3–M5 (indeterminate to malignant) type microcalcifications on screening mammograms, with a histological diagnosis of pure DCIS, in an NHS Trust Hospital, Kent, England, from March 2021 to April 2023.

Results:
Eighty women included were within the age range of 46–79 years, with mean age of 60 years. Background breast density was predominantly fatty in 51/80 (63.8%), without any correlation with mammographic abnormalities. Microcalcifications were classified as indeterminate (M3) in 42/80 (52.5%), while suspicious (M4) and malignant (M5) types were seen in 38/80 (47.5%). No targeted sonographic abnormalities were noted in 69 (86.2%) of the patients, while 11 (13.8%) had sonographic abnormalities. The predominant sonographic feature was non-mass hypoechogenicity in 6/11(55%). There was a correlation between mammographic code, lesion size, and ultrasonic abnormality, with 9/11 (81.8%) patients with sonographic lesions having suspicious and malignant type calcifications. The mean mammographic lesion size was significantly greater in women with abnormal ultrasound findings, 42 vs. 20 mm. Histological tumour grade was high grade in 10/11 (90.9%) lesions.

Conclusion:
The accuracy of breast ultrasonography as an adjunct in the detection of screen-detected microcalcifications and subsequent guided biopsy is higher when dealing with malignant type microcalcifications >15 mm in size.
A body shape index as a better marker in comparison to body mass index in assessing cardiovascular risk in type 2 diabetes patients
Authors: Maddodi Suhas , Gautam Shri Krishna 
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND:
Body mass index (BMI) has been used widely to categorize obesity and determine cardiovascular (CV) risk, but it lacks ability to assess the deposition of fat like visceral obesity which is highly associated with CV risk. Hence, a body shape index (ABSI) was developed which includes waist circumference, BMI, and height.

AIM AND OBJECTIVES:
To determine ABSI better than BMI in assessing CV risk in Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

METHODS:
The present cross-sectional study consisted a total of 150 patients over 40 years of age, both male (90) and menopaused female (60). Carotid intima medial thickness (CIMT) was measured using carotid Doppler to assess CV risk.

RESULT:
The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for BMI (Kg/m2) predicting CIMT: Increased versus CIMT: Not increased was 0.626 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.53–0.722), thus demonstrating poor diagnostic performance (P = 0.010) compared to ABSI which is 0.72 (95% CI: 0.633–0.806), thus demonstrating fair diagnostic performance (P ≤ 0.001). At a cutoff of BMI (Kg/m2) ≤24, it predicts CIMT: Increased with a sensitivity of 61%, and a specificity of 63%. At a cutoff of ABSI ≥0.087, it predicts CIMT: Increased with a sensitivity of 62%, and a specificity of 78%.

CONCLUSION:
ABSI shows better diagnostic performance than BMI in assessing CV risk, so it can be used along with other markers to determine CV risk in diabetes as well as obese patients.
Influence of physico-chemical and microbiological parameters of mosquito larval habitats on the species composition and insecticide resistance of <i>Anopheles gambiae sensu lacto</i> in the cities of Bohicon and Parakou in Benin
Authors: Hessou-Djossou Donald , Djegbe Innocent , Boukari Massioudou Koto Yerima Gounou , Nonfodji Odilon , Tchigossou Genevieve , Djouaka Rousseau , Cornelie Sylvie , Akogbeto Martin , Djogbenou Luc , Chandre Fabrice 
Published: September 2024

Despite successful of insecticide-treated nets and indoor residual spraying, malaria continues to be a major threat in Benin due to insecticide resistance in its vectors. This study aimed to address knowledge gaps regarding the impact of environmental factors on insecticide resistance in Anopheles gambiae populations in urban areas. Larval surveys in Bohicon and Parakou assessed physicochemical properties and bacterial loads, followed by WHO susceptibility assays on emerging adult mosquitoes. Anopheles species were identified through PCR and Kdr L1014F/S, N1575Y and G119S mutations were investigated using TaqMan assays. Results showed high resistance of Anopheles mosquitoes to pyrethroid insecticides (mortality rate: 16.9% to 87.27%). Additionally, molecular analysis revealed a predominance of A. coluzzii in Bohicon (60.7%) and A. gambiae in Parakou (8.1%), with high frequencies of the kdr L1014F (56% to 88%). Furthermore, physicochemical and microbiological analysis correlated significantly with A. gambiae, particularly regarding pH, turbidity, and fecal coliforms. Moreover, dissolved oxygen positively associated with both A. coluzzii and A. gambiae presence. Kdr L1014F allele showed significant correlations with temperature (r = 0.906; P = 0.039) in Bohicon and salinity (r = -0.924; P = 0.022) in Parakou, underscoring environmental influences on resistance patterns. The study underlined the importance of contextual approaches in in urban vector control efforts.
Urogenital schistosomiasis situation in school-age children after a decade of mass praziquantel treatment in the region of Kayes, Mali
Authors: Dolo Mamadou , Maiga Hamma , Ouologuem Abdoulaye , Maiga Ousmane , Coulibaly Oumar , Dolo Amagoron Mathias , Sanogo Benjamin , Mariko Kalilou , Saye RÃ©nion , Maiga Fatoumata K. , Diawara Fatou , Guindo Ibrehima , Kone Abdoulaye K. , Traore Mahamadou 
Published: September 2024

Praziquantel is the basic drug recommended for Mass Drug Administration (MDA) by the World Health Organization (WHO). However, its impact on the prevalence of infection has not been updated after a decade of MDA in Mali. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and intensity of urogenital schistosomiasis in schoolage children in the Kayes region. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in three health districts of Kayes (Bafoulabe, Diema, and Oussoubidiagnan) from June to August 2022. School-age children ranging from 5 to 14 years were enrolled at home after obtaining parental consent. Urine was filtered and examined for eggs. A total of 2658 children were examined. The prevalence of infection was 37.67%; 40.79% and 34.37% in Bafoulabe, Diema, and Oussoubidiagnan, respectively (p=0.02). There was a significant difference between boys and girls in the district of Bafoulabe (42.6% vs. 33%) and Oussoubidiagnan (38.9% vs. 29.4%). However, in Diema, the percentage of boys and girls respective were comparable (39.9% vs. 41.5%). In addition, the egg excretion rate was 28.95%; 17.81%, and 13.10% in Diema, Bafoulabe, and Oussoubidiagnan, respectively (p<0.001). After a decade of MDA, the prevalence and intensity of infection remain high in the three health districts of Kayes.
Evaluating the effects of water stress and irrigation on three cashew origins at juvenile stage for adaptation of agroforestry systems to drought under climate change in Burkina Faso (West Africa)
Authors: Coulibaly Yacouba Noel , Zombre Gerard 
Published: September 2024

The Drought threatens cashew-based agroforestry systems productivity in Burkina Faso. The objective of this research was to study the effects of water stress and irrigation on 03 cashew origins for recommendations to maintain and/or improve cashew based agroforestry systems productivity. The experiment was conducted in a semi-controlled environment using randomised complete blocks, studying the factors water regime and origin at 03 levels. The number of replication was 4 and the experimental unit was 4 pots. Total dry biomass, height and survival percentage were measured. The effect of water regime, origin and their interaction were highly significant (P<0,0001) on total dry biomass and height. The effect of water regime was highly significant (P<0,0001) while the effect of origin and the interaction were very significant (P=0,004) on survival percentage. Diakadougou origin performed better and the parameters measured were reduced under water stress and increased under irrigation. Diakadougou origin was the most drought tolerant and Ouessa origin the most demanding in water. Irrigation and use of drought tolerant origin Diakadougou could contribute in adaptation to drought of cashew based agroforestry systems. Further research to study drought and irrigation effects on physiological parameters of the cashew origins studied is required.
Complementary and alternative medicines among diabetic patients attending the clinical laboratory of Centre MURAZ, Burkina Faso
Authors: Kam Sami E. , Meda Roland N.T. , Sanou Adama , Segda Abdoulaye , Boni Isaac S. , Thiombiano Cherileila , Kone Amariane , Da Donald S.B. , Moukoro Michel , Sawadogo Rakieta , Koama Benjamin K. , Ouedraogo Abdoul-Salam 
Published: September 2024

The use of complementary and alternative medicine in the management of diabetes is of growing health and economic importance in Africa. This study aimed to determine medicinal practices among diabetic patients attending the clinical laboratory of Centre MURAZ, Burkina Faso. A semi-structured survey was carried out from April to August 2022 among patients. The glycaemia and glycated hemoglobin levels in patients were evaluated respectively by enzymatic colorimetric and turbidimetric immunoassay methods. Fifty diabetic subjects were enrolled. They were mainly illiterate and in 40 to 60 age group. The most pathologies were type II, with common risk factors such as family history (64%) and hypertension (51.06%). The conventional treatment was dominant (68%), followed by the combination of conventional and traditional medicine based on medicinal plants (30%). Sclerocarya birrea (38.46%) and Euphorbia hirta (30.76%) were the most used species. A glycemic imbalance was noted in most of patients, and was significant in patients using a combination of conventional and traditional medicine (P = 0.0134), followed by patients with traditional treatment only (P = 0.0247). Almost all of glycemic balances were not significantly influenced by medicinal practices. This study highlighted various therapies used among diabetic patients attending the clinical laboratory of Centre MURAZ.
Preliminary phytochemical analysis, determination of phenolic contents and evaluation of antioxidant activity of propolis collected in Koumra (Southern Chad)
Authors: Mahamat Ali Abakar , Haroun Heloua , Mahmout Yaya 
Published: September 2024

Propolis is a resinous substance manufactured by bees to protect their hive. It is used in folk medicine in Chad for the treatment of many microbial and inflammatory pathologies. The objective of this study was to determine the chemical composition and the antioxidant activity of different extracts of propolis from Koumra (Southern Chad) obtained by the Soxhlet extractor using solvents with increasing polarity. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, coumarins, flavonoids, polyphenols, saponins, tannins and triterpenes. The total polyphenol content was evaluated using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and gallic acid as standard. The total flavonoid content was assessed by ferric chloride and quercetin standard. The methanolic extract had a higher amount of polyphenolics (6.150±0.008 gEAG/100gMB) and flavonoids (2.143±0.006 gEQc/100gMB). The DPPH free radical assay showed that the methanolic extract exhibited antiradical activity with the lowest IC50 value of 0.0379 g/mL. All extracts revealed a chelating power to iron with a maximum effect at 71.53% for the methanol extract. Significant amounts of antioxidants could justify the use of propolis in the traditional medicine for the treatment of many diseases.