bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationship between Heightened Level of Aggression and Lower Digit Ratio in a Cohort of Children in Conflict with the Law
Authors: Mukhtar Isyaku Gwarzo , Umar Hassan Sani , Umar Safiyyu Mujitapha 
Published: September 2024

Background and Aim:
Digit ratio (2D:4D) has been linked to prenatal exposure to androgen and by implication, aggression, however, results have been inconsistent. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between 2D:4D and family income with measures of aggression among children in conflict with the law in Northern Nigeria.

Materials and Methods:
One hundred and twenty participants aged 12–17 years (median = 15) consisting of 60 male children in conflict with the law at a remand home in Northern Nigeria and 60 age-matched normal controls were randomly recruited. Buss–Perry Aggression Questionnaire was used to assess aggression, whereas 2D:4D was measured directly on the second and fourth fingers. Data were analyzed on SPSS version 23.0. P ≤ 0.05 was set as significance.

Results:
Of the 60 children in conflict with the law, 10% had a history of substance abuse; 50% were first-time offenders; 70% were involved in theft, 22% in fight, and 8% in physical assault. Children in conflict with the law had significantly lower years of education (P ≤ 0.001), r2D:4D (P = 0.003), and l2D:4D (P = 0.047) but higher family income (P ≤ 0.001) and aggression scores (P ≤ 0.001). Among the participants as a whole, education was negatively (P < 0.001), whereas family income was positively (P < 0.001), correlated with aggression; r2D:4D was positively correlated with physical (P = 0.023), verbal (P < 0.001), total aggression (P = 0.002), and anger (P < 0.001); l2D:4D was negatively correlated with physical aggression (P = 0.050) and hostility (P = 0.037). Among children in conflict with the law, l2D:4D was positively correlated with anger (P < 0.001), whereas education was negatively correlated with hostility (P = 0.015).

Conclusion:
Children in conflict with the law are associated with a heightened level of aggression and shorter 2D:4D. Aggression is influenced by education and family income, whereas the relationship between aggression and 2D:4D is unclear.
AGTR1 A1166C gene polymorphism is associated with the effectiveness of valsartan monotherapy in Chinese patients with essential hypertension: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Yu Hanzhong , Li Lei , Wei Shuyao , Kong Qianqian , Nu Wei , Dong Bo , Zhao Yuewu , Wang Li 
Published: September 2024

Objective:
To investigate whether angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AGTR1 A1166C) gene polymorphism was associated with the effectiveness of valsartan monotherapy in Chinese patients with essential hypertension.

Methods:
This retrospective analysis included 198 patients (⩾18 years of age) who received valsartan monotherapy (80 mg/day) for newly developed essential hypertension at the authors’ center between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2023. Genotyping for AGTR1 A1166C gene polymorphism was done by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-melting curve analysis of genomic DNA from peripheral blood samples. A dominant genetic model for AGTR1 A1166C (AA genotype versus AC + CC genotype) was used. Multivariate regression analysis of baseline variables and AGTR1 polymorphism was conducted to identify predictors of target blood pressure attainment (<140/90 mmHg) at the 4-week follow-up.

Results:
The median age of the 198 patients was (53.7±13.5) years, and 58% were men. Genotyping assays showed that 164 patients had the AA genotype, and 34 patients were of the AC/CC genotype, including 30 with the AC genotype and 4 with the CC genotype. Allele distribution was consistent with Hardy Weinberg equilibrium. 109 Patients (55.1%) attained the blood pressure target. Multivariate analysis showed that smoking (versus no smoking, HR 0.314, 95% CI 0.159-0.619, P=0.001) and AGTR1 A1166C AA genotype (versus AC/CC, HR 2.927, 95% CI 1.296-6.611, P=0.023) were significant and independent predictors of target attainment. 25 Patients (73.5%) with AGTR1 A1166C AC/CC genotype attained the target versus 51.2% (51/164) of patients with AGTR1 A1166C AA genotype (P=0.017). Patients with AGTR1 A1166C AC/CC genotype had a significantly greater reduction in systolic blood pressure [(33.1±10.8) mmHg versus (29.2±11.7) mmHg in AA carriers; P=0.029)].

Conclusions:
Hypertensive patients carrying one or two C alleles of the AGTR1 A1166C gene were more responsive to valsartan treatment.
Risk factors for hypertension in pregnant women in Indonesia: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Oktarina Oktarina , Nantabah Zainul Khaqiqi , Nyoman Juliasih , Ristrini Ristrini , Hakim Lukman , Ridwan Wawan , Rachmat Basuki , Wardhani Yurika Fauzia , Rukmini Rukmini 
Published: September 2024

Objective:
To determine the risk factors for hypertension in pregnant women, which is a significant cause of maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality in Indonesia.

Methods:
This was a cross-sectional study used secondary data from the 2018 Indonesian Basic Health Research. Pregnant women aged 15-54 years in the second and third trimesters were eligible. The history of hypertension in pregnant women was the dependent variable. The independent variables consisted of the demographic characteristics of pregnant women including pregnancy age, gestational age, education, occupation, place of residence, and region of residence. This study used multivariate logistic regression to determine the risk factors for hypertension in pregnant women in Indonesia.

Results:
Among 6479 respondents included in this study, 11 (7.0%) had a history of diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension compared to pregnant women who did not have a history of DM (0.1%). The dominant risk factors for hypertension in pregnant women in Indonesia include maternal age above 35 years (OR 3.67, 95% CI 2.54-5.32), third-trimester pregnancy (OR 2.40, 95% CI 1.72-3.35), primigravida (OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.19-2.68), excessive consumption of salty foods (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.03-2.03), and diabetes mellitus (OR 10.20, 95% CI 3.04-32.23).

Conclusions:
Great efforts must be made to increase public awareness about the dangers of hypertension in pregnant women through early diagnosis and treatment, education on sodium intake, and appropriate care for pregnant women with DM.
Prevalence and outcomes of neonates with severe COVID-19: An observational study at Children’s Hospital 1 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Authors: Phung Nguyen The Nguyen , Tran Thanh Thuc , Nguyen Thanh Hung , Ngo Ngoc Quang Minh , Dang Quoc Duy , Tran Minh Nhut , Nguyen Hoang Dung , Tran Nguyen Ai Nuong , Dinh Nguyen Cam Tu 
Published: September 2024

Objective:
To evaluate the impact of the severe COVID-19 pandemic on neonates and develop strategies to improve their outcomes.

Methods:
We conducted an observational cross-sectional study at Children's Hospital 1 (CH1) from July 25, 2021, to May 31, 2022. All neonates who had fever or respiratory symptoms or were born from mothers with COVID-19 and had a positive RT-PCR SARS-CoV-2 result would be included. We classified neonates with COVID-19 into 2 groups: mild/moderate and severe for analysis. Differences between groups were analyzed using Fisher's exact test/Chi-square test for categorical variables and Student's t-test/Wilcoxon Rank Sum test for continuous variables.

Results:
This study included 88 newborns who had positive RT-PCR SARS-CoV-2 results. The severity COVID-19 rate among neonatal cases was found to be 13.6% (12/88), with a corresponding mortality rate of 1.1% (1/88). All severe cases showed lung abnormalities as evident on chest X-ray images. In addition to respiratory symptoms, a higher incidence of gastrointestinal manifestations, such as vomiting and diarrhea, was observed in the severe group, indicating a compelling association. The administration of anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory drugs in the study group resulted in a satisfactory outcome with no significant complications.

Conclusions:
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a substantial impact on the well-being of neonates. The management of COVID-19 in this population presents significant challenges.
Endocrinopathies in Thalassemia – A Hospital-based Study in Bangladesh
Authors: Haq Tahniyah , Ferdousi Tahmina , Ayub Tohfa E. , Hasanat Muhammad Abul 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
Thalassemia is the most common congenital anomaly in Bangladesh, and 14,000 children are born with thalassemia each year. The risk of developing an endocrine complication in thalassemia is 9.7% in 5 years. Despite the high prevalence, data on the rate of endocrinopathies in thalassemia are limited in this country.

Aim:
This study was done to see the frequency of endocrinopathies in thalassemia in Bangladesh.

Materials and Methods:
This retrospective cross-sectional study included all patients with thalassemia in the Department of Endocrinology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University between September 2021 and December 2022. Data were collected from patient records retrospectively. Endocrine disorders were diagnosed as per standard definitions and criteria.

Results:
Patients had either hemoglobin E beta-thalassemia (59.34%) or beta-thalassemia major (40.66%). The mean age of 91 patients with transfusion-dependent thalassemia was 18.30 ± 5.27 years. About 53.3% were female. The mean hemoglobin level was 7.70 ± 1.57 g/dL. About 76.92% had any one type of endocrine disorder. Short stature was the most common endocrine presentation, occurring in 45.83% of patients under 20 years of age. One-third had glucose intolerance (34.9%), hypothyroidism (32.9%), and hypogonadism (30.8%). There was a positive relation between hemoglobin level and height (r = 0.406, R
2 = 16.48%, P = 0.017, n = 72).

Conclusion:
There was a high rate of endocrine disorders in patients with transfusion-dependent thalassemia. The most common disorder was growth retardation and height decreased with decreasing hemoglobin.
Evaluating the effect of amalgam fillings on caries detection in cone-beam computed tomography images
Authors: Abdinian Mehrdad , Hranadi Mohammad Amin Tavakoli , Naeini Mohammad Hossein Manouchehri 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
Dental caries stands as one of the most prevalent dental concerns, with early diagnosis being pivotal in clinical dentistry. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) emerges as a widely utilized modality for dental caries identification, owing to its significant advantages. However, there remains a considerable knowledge gap regarding the efficacy of CBCT scans in detecting dental caries. In line with the as low as reasonably achievable principle, this study endeavors to evaluate the impact of amalgam fillings on the precision of occlusal caries detection in CBCT.

Materials and Methods
This in vitro study employed a set of 102 extracted human teeth samples. Among these, six molar teeth were used to create mesial-occlusal-distal amalgam restorations. The remaining teeth were placed in the dental sockets of a dry human skull to restore proximal contacts. CBCT images were obtained and examined by two observers, while histopathological examination was conducted using a stereomicroscope. Comparative analysis of CBCT images and histopathological data was performed using the McNemar test in SPSS software (α = 0.05).

Results:
The McNemar test results indicated that the nonrestoration group showed greater sensitivity and lower specificity in CBCT imaging than the amalgam-restored tooth group.

Conclusion:
The findings suggested that the CBCT technique did not demonstrate effectiveness in diagnosing dental caries around amalgam restorations.
Scorpion Bite Mimicking Acute Coronary Syndrome/Myocarditis Later Detected to Have Preexcitation Syndrome—A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Kumar Ankit , Pathania Sunny , Desai Arusha , Kapoor Suraj 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Scorpion sting-induced myocarditis is a strange and potentially life-threatening problem that merits careful clinical consideration and management.

Case Details:
Our case, a young male presented with history of scorpion bite over left foot sole associated with local burning an itching with subsequent development of systemic symptoms. The patient received supportive care, including pain management, fluid resuscitation, and close cardiac monitoring. Given the severity of the myocardial involvement, specific interventions targeting the venom’s impact on the heart were initiated. The patient showed significant improvement in symptoms and cardiac function with the implemented management strategies. We present a case report of a patient who suffered myocarditis following a scorpion sting, emphasizing the distinctive clinical features, diagnostic dilemma, and successful management. This case highlights the importance of heightened awareness among healthcare providers when faced with scorpion envenomation, particularly in regions where such encounters are prevalent.

Conclusion:
This case report contributes to the limited literature on scorpion bite-induced myocarditis, shedding light on the diagnostic intricacies and successful management.
Challenges in Obstetric Anesthesia for a Parturient With Asherson’s Syndrome
Authors: Hariharan Uma , Nagpal Vijay Kumar 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Ashersons’ syndrome is a rare and serious form of coagulation disorder with thrombo-embolic complications. The combination of a dysfunctional protein C and protein S along with anti-phospholipid antibody syndrome, is known as the catastrophic anti-phospholipid antibody syndrome (CAPS) or Asherson’s syndrome. Their deficiency predisposes the patient to thrombotic events involving multi-organ vasculature. Obstetric anaesthesia in a patient with Asherson’s syndrome can be quite challenging, as we are dealing with two lives simultaneously. We hereby describe an uneventful case of operative delivery for a pregnant women with Asherson’s syndrome under subarachnoid block, with no veto-maternal complications. Literature is sparse focusing on the peri-operative care of this rare syndrome.
Evaluation of different activated irrigation protocols on debridement quality in various access cavity designs
Authors: Ujariya Urvashi M. , Gangani Mitul Lallubhai , Bharatiya Rajendra P. , Kothari Anjali K. 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Aim:
This study aimed to evaluate the debridement quality of various activated irrigation (AI) protocols in the mesial root canal system of mandibular molars prepared with three different access cavity designs.

Methods:
Fifty-four freshly extracted mandibular molars were selected as per the inclusion criteria using preoperative cone-beam computer tomography. The teeth were randomly divided into three groups for three different access designs – Traditional Access Cavity (TradAC), Conservative Access Cavity, and Truss Access Cavity. Each group was further divided into three subgroups for three different irrigation protocols – Side Vent needle irrigation (SNI), sonic AI, and laser-AI. Each subgroup contained six samples. They were subjected to biomechanical preparation with different irrigation protocols using the standardized technique. Then samples were processed for histological evaluation after sectioning for measurement of remaining pulp tissues (RPT).

Results:
There was a statistically significant reduction in RPT using AI protocols (P < 0.05) in the pulp chamber, and all areas of the mesial root canal system in minimally invasive access cavity designs (MIAD) as compared to SNI protocol. However, in the TradAC design, a statistically significant reduction in RPT was found only in the isthmus area using AI protocols (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:
AI protocols efficiently removed RPT from the pulp chamber and the root canal system of MIAD.
Iatrogenic Tube Ileostomy Complicating Blind Percutaneous Cystostomy Managed in Prostate Cancer Patient: A Case Report
Authors: Khalid Abdullahi , Umar Ahmed Mohammed , Jesini Gamdu , Muhammad Abubakar Sadiq , Agwu Ngwobia Peter , Abdullahi Abdulwahab-Ahmed 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Herein is a case of an 80-year-old retiree who presented to our facility with a 2-week history of recurrent blockage of the percutaneous suprapubic cystostomy catheter, drainage of feculent fluid through the catheter, overflow urinary incontinence, fever, and vomiting. He had blind percutaneous suprapubic cystostomy (SPC) to relieve acute urinary retention due to failed urethral catheterization at a secondary health facility two weeks before referral to our facility. The investigative findings at our facility confirmed full urinary bladder on transabdominal ultrasound scan, incomplete bulbar stricture with the Ileostogram showing contrast opacification of the small bowel sparing the bladder cavity and urethral and vesical calculi. He was diagnosed with iatrogenic tube ileostomy, complicating blind percutaneous cystostomy with urosepsis. He had urethrocystoscopy, urethrotomy, cystolithotomy, and ileostomy repair. The blind percutaneous cystostomy should be discouraged in the present era of imaging and minimally invasive diagnosis and treatment to avoid major complications like iatrogenic tube ileostomy.
Prevalence, and Biosocial Associations, of Malaria Parasitemia in Pregnant Women from Southeastern Nigeria
Authors: Ogamba Stella Ekene , Adinma Joseph Ifeanyi Brian-D , Adinma-Obiajulu Nneoma Dolores , Nwankwo Edith Nonye , Edet Mark Matthew , Okpala Nneoma Victoria , Aribodor Dennis N. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background:
Malaria in pregnancy is a globally recognized cause of feto-maternal morbidity and mortality. Certain bio-social characteristics may be associated with malaria in pregnancy.

Objective:
To determine the prevalence, and some bio-social associations, of malaria parasitemia in pregnant women from southeastern Nigeria.

Subjects and Methods:
This is a prospective cross-sectional study of 330 pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in health facilities in Nnewi, southeastern Nigeria. Thick and thin blood films were stained with Giemsa to identify malaria parasites; a pro-formal questionnaire was employed to elicit some bio-social variables. Data analysis was made using SPSS version 25 to relate bio-social variables to malaria parasitemia. Test of significance was made using Chi-square test with significant levels put at P less than 0.05 at 95% confidence interval.

Results:
The prevalence of malaria parasitemia was 18.5%. Malaria parasitemia mostly occurred in women aged 20–24 years 9 (24.3%) and least among those aged 35–39 years 2 (4.2%)). The relationship was not significant (P = 0.58). Malaria parasitemia occurred significantly higher in the secundigravida 15 (25.0%) compared to multigravida 38 (16.9%), (P = 0.01); and women in the first trimester 15 (30.0%) compared to second 28 (21.2%) and third 18 (12.2%) trimesters (P = 0.005). Malaria parasitemia showed no significant difference in the pregnant women with respect to the type of health facility.

Conclusion:
Malaria parasitemia in pregnancy has a prevalence rate of 18.5% in this study. Malaria preventive measures should mostly target paucigravidae women in the first trimester; emphasis should be placed on malaria preventive education as part of pre-conception care.
Radiological findings of February 2023 twin earthquakes-related spine injuries
Authors: Bolukçu Ayşenur , Erdemir Ahmet Gürkan , İdilman İlkay Sedakat , Yildiz Adalet Elçin , Çoban Çifçi Gökçen , Onur Mehmet Ruhi , Akpinar Erhan 
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND
The February 6, 2023, twin earthquakes in Türkiye caused significant structural damage and a high number of injuries, particularly affecting the spine, which underscores the importance of understanding the distribution and nature of vertebral injuries in disaster victims.
AIM
To investigate the distribution of radiological findings of vertebral injuries in patients referred to a major tertiary center during the February 6, 2023 twin earthquakes in Türkiye.
METHODS
With the approval of the institutional ethics committee, 1216 examinations of 238 patients transferred from the region to a tertiary major hospital after the twin earthquakes of February 6, 2023, were retrospectively analyzed for spine injuries.
RESULTS
Spine computed tomography (CT) scans were performed in 192 of 238 patients with a suspected spinal injury, 42 of whom also had an magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In 86 of 192 patients (44.79%; M:F = 33:53) a spinal fracture was detected on CT and in 33 of 42 patients (78.57%; M:F = 20:13) a spinal injury was found on MRI. Of the 86 patients in whom vertebral injury was detected, fractures were detected in the Denis-B group in 33, Denis-C in 4, Denis-D in 20 and Denis-E in 11 patients. Among the vertebral bodies: 40 "compression fractures", 17 "burst fractures", 5 "translational dislocation fractures", 5 "flexion-distraction fractures" and 58 "prolonged forced fetal posture fractures" were detected. In addition, isolated transverse or spinous process fractures were found in eighteen vertebrae.
CONCLUSION
Our study highlights the prevalence and diverse spectrum of spinal injuries following the February 6, 2023 twin earthquakes in Turkey underscoring the urgent need for effective management strategies in similar disaster scenarios, and emphasizing the "prolonged forced fetal posture" damage we encountered in earthquake victims who remained under the collapse for a long time.
Retinal microcirculation changes in prediabetic patients with short-term increased blood glucose using optical coherence tomography angiography
Authors: Hu Ke , Lv Bing-Jing , Zuo Hang-Jia , Li Qi-Fu , Huang Fan-Fan , Zhang Tong , Huang Rong-Xi , Zheng Shi-Jie , Wan Wen-Juan 
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND
Retinal microcirculation alterations are early indicators of diabetic microvascular complications. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) is a noninvasive method to assess these changes. This study analyzes changes in retinal microcirculation in prediabetic patients during short-term increases in blood glucose using OCTA.
AIM
To investigate the changes in retinal microcirculation in prediabetic patients experiencing short-term increases in blood glucose levels using OCTA.
METHODS
Fifty volunteers were divided into three groups: Group 1 [impaired fasting glucose (IFG) or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT)], Group 2 (both IFG and IGT), and a control group. Retinal microcirculation parameters, including vessel density (VD), perfusion density (PD), and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) metrics, were measured using OCTA. Correlations between these parameters and blood glucose levels were analyzed in both the fasting and postprandial states.
RESULTS
One hour after glucose intake, the central VD (P = 0.023), central PD (P = 0.026), and parafoveal PD (P < 0.001) were significantly greater in the control group than in the fasting group. In Group 1, parafoveal PD (P < 0.001) and FAZ circularity (P = 0.023) also increased one hour after glucose intake. However, no significant changes were observed in the retinal microcirculation parameters of Group 2 before or after glucose intake (P > 0.05). Compared with the control group, Group 1 had a larger FAZ area (P = 0.032) and perimeter (P = 0.018), whereas Group 2 had no significant differences in retinal microcirculation parameters compared with the control group (P > 0.05). Compared with Group 1, Group 2 had greater central VD (P = 0.013) and PD (P = 0.008) and a smaller FAZ area (P = 0.012) and perimeter (P = 0.010). One hour after glucose intake, Group 1 had a larger FAZ area (P = 0.044) and perimeter (P = 0.038) than did the control group, whereas Group 2 showed no significant differences in retinal microcirculation parameters compared with the control group (P > 0.05). Group 2 had greater central VD (P = 0.042) and PD (P = 0.022) and a smaller FAZ area (P = 0.015) and perimeter (P = 0.016) than Group 1. At fasting, central PD was significantly positively correlated with blood glucose levels (P = 0.044), whereas no significant correlations were found between blood glucose levels and OCTA parameters one hour after glucose intake.
CONCLUSION
A short-term increase in blood glucose has a more pronounced effect on retinal microcirculation in prediabetic patients with either IFG or IGT.