bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Etiology and treatment response of macrocytic anemia among patients admitted at a tertiary care setup: A prospective study
Authors: Modak Dolanchampa , Chatterjee Rupak , Mukherjee Shatavisa 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background:
Macrocytic anemia is a prevalent hematologic disorder characterized by the presence of larger than normal red blood cells in the peripheral blood. Overall, about 40% of patients also have associated anemia, macrocytosis often precedes anemia, it may be the early sign of Vitamin B12 deficiency, and mild macrocytic anemia is maintained for a long period before a rapid worsening occurs.

Objective:
The objective of this study was to investigate the etiology and treatment response of macrocytic anemia among patients admitted at a tertiary care setup.

Materials and Methods:
Adult patients admitted at the facility having macrocytic anemia were included and their demographic, clinical history, and physical examination were noted. All patients were investigated for peripheral blood smear, complete blood count, liver function test, Vitamin B12, folate, and thyroid profile. Bone marrow examination and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were done among Vitamin B12 deficient subjects.

Results:
At baseline, severe anemia was noted in 31.48% of patients, and moderate anemia was noted in 68.51%. Bilirubin was raised in 51.85% of patients. The etiological profile suggested the majority of the cases were due to nutritional causes (22.23%), followed by 20.37% (n = 11) cases of drug-induced and 16.66% (n = 9) cases owing to chronic alcoholism. The mean baseline hemoglobin was 8.83, which raised to 10.92 after 6 months of treatment (P < 0.001). Mean corpuscular volume at baseline was 108.85 which reduced to 97.32 after treatment of 6 months (P < 0.001). About 18.52% of patients were deficient in only Vitamin B12, 35.17% in only folate, and 18.52% in both Vitamin B12 and folate. No significant association was observed between deficiency and severity of anemia (P = 0.642).

Conclusion:
Macrocytic anemia poses a significant health burden among patients admitted to tertiary care facilities. Understanding the diverse etiological factors and treatment responses is crucial for effective management and improved patient outcomes.
Increased Sperm DNA Damage in Sprague-Dawley Rats Exposed to Dextromethorphan as an Antitussive
Authors: Adebajo Oluwaseye A. , Gbotolorun Chinwe S. , Oremosu Ademola A. , Adebajo Perpetual K , Ojo Joshua H 
Published: June 2024

Introduction:
Male reproductive functions have been observed to be negatively impacted by the antitussive dextromethorphan (DM). It was also discovered that DM has an impact on micronutrients (such as zinc, calcium, and selenium) which are crucial for both capacitation and the acrosome reaction, which can result in infertility. Using Sprague-Dawley rats as models, we investigated the effects of quercetin and rutin on DM-induced toxicity in males in relation to apoptotic protein markers.

Methodology:
For a period of 16 weeks, 80 male rats, weighing 150 ± 30 g, were utilized and split into four groups. Twenty animals were employed in each group. For a period of 16 weeks, Group B received 20 mg/kg, Group C received 40 mg/kg, and Group D received 80 mg/kg of DM. Group A acted as the control group and received 1 ml of distilled water (DW). Five randomly chosen animals from each group were put to sleep at the end of the DM treatment period, and their testes were taken out to measure DNA fragmentation using comet assay. To ascertain the pace of recovery, the animals were then split into three groups, E–G, and kept for a total of 16 weeks. Group G received 1 ml of DW, Group F was given rutin (25 mg/kg), and Group E was given quercetin (50 mg/kg).

Results:
Comparing DM-treated groups to control revealed a significant dose-dependent decrease in DNA fragmentation. When DM-treated and recovery-alone groups were contrasted with rutin and quercetin groups, an improvement in DNA was seen.

Conclusion:
Significant improvements in the parameters were observed when rutin and quercetin supplements were used, which may lessen the harmful effects of DM and enhance male fertility.
Morphometric and Histological Analysis of the Ligamentum Mucosum of the Knee Joint: A Descriptive Study
Authors: Dhakshnamoorthy Nithya , Sakthivel Sulochana 
Published: June 2024

Background:
The ligamentum mucosum (LM), or the infrapatellar plica, is a synovial fold of the knee joint that extends between the infrapatellar pad of fat and the intercondylar notch of the femur. LM has been implicated in plica syndrome, a painful knee condition caused by thickened, fibrotic, and edematous synovial plicae. LM can be used to reconstruct an anterior cruciate ligament tear. The present cadaveric study aims to describe the gross and histological features of LM.

Methodology:
In 20 adult cadavers, the intra-articular structures of the knee joint were exposed by reflecting the patella. LM and its type were identified. The length, width, and thickness were measured. The structure of LM was studied using hematoxylin and eosin stains.

Results:
LM was present in all the knees. Type 1 was predominant with a single band and was observed in 85%. Type 2a and type 2b were presented with double bands and triple bands, respectively. Type 3 LM was a vertical septum dividing the joint cavity into two compartments. The length of the ligament was 28.16 ± 2.35 mm. The thickness of LM at the proximal and distal end was higher on the left side, which was statistically significant. LM was composed of dense connective tissue and had rich vascularization.

Conclusion:
LM was initially thought to be incidental, but recent studies have changed the view, and the present study confirms its presence and describes its anatomical features. Knowledge about the LM is necessary to evaluate anterior knee pain when no other pathology is detected.
Investigating Body Image and Self-Esteem in Kidney Transplant Patients: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Akıncı N , Varışoğlu Y 
Published: June 2024

Background:
Kidney transplantation is one of the life-saving therapies for patients with end-stage renal disease, which affects a person’s psychological, social, and physical well-being. How transplanted patients perceive their illness and their body can affect their physical and psychological recovery.

Aim:
This qualitative study was designed to evaluate self-esteem and body image in kidney transplant patients.

Methods:
The study involved 16 female renal transplanted patients. Data were collected using a two-part interview form developed by the investigators in accordance with the literature. We used Lundman’s method to transcribe the interviews and coded the data from the interviews. The results of the study were discussed using the themes. The first three interviews were entered into MAXQDA, and then, additional interviews were analyzed.

Results:
Six main themes and 15 subthemes were generated based on the thematic analysis of the interviews with participants about body image and self-esteem. Themes included body acceptance, changes in body image, deterioration of social relationships, changes in self-esteem, spousal concerns, and organ perceptions. This study collected detailed data on body image, self-esteem, social relationships, and spouse/partner relationships after kidney transplantation.

Conclusion:
The change in participants’ body image and self-esteem after kidney transplantation caused having negative feelings regarding sexual life, relationships, and social life and feeling unfamiliar with the transplanted organ.
Evaluation of Myocardial Injury Using Serum Cardiac Troponin-I in Asphyxiated Neonates at Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Enugu, South-East Nigeria
Authors: Nwankwo O , Adiele DK , Ekwochi U , Idoko CA , Obidike EK 
Published: June 2024

Background:
The burden of perinatal asphyxia remains high in our environment and when asphyxia is severe, vital organs are affected, with resultant multiorgan hypoxic-iscahemic injury to the heart, the brain, adrenals and other organs.

Study Aim:
To evaluate for myocardial injury in asphyxiated term neonates with hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy using serum cardiac troponin-I (cTnI).

Methods:
The study was a hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study involving sixty term asphyxiated neonates and sixty gestational age-and sex-matched controls. The subjects were term neonates with five-minute Apgar score ≤ 6 and HIE while the controls were healthy term neonates with five-minute Apgar score > 6. Five-minute Apgar score was utilized to classify asphyxia into mild, moderate and severe asphyxia. The degree of encephalopathy was determined by modified Sarnat and Sarnat criteria. The serum cTnI was measured in subjects and controls at 12-24 hours of life using Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. The serum bilirubin levels were also measured in participants to exclude hyperbilirubinemia.

Results:
The median serum cTnI levels was significantly higher in the subjects (0.56ng/mL; 0.25-0.94ng/mL) than in the controls (0.50ng/mL; 0.00-0.67ng/mL), respectively; p=0.001. Similarly, the median serum cTnI level in HIE stage II (0.56ng/mL; 0.38-0.72ng/mL) or III (0.56ng/ml; 0.50-0.94ng/mL) was also significantly higher than the median value in HIE stage I (0.38ng/mL;0.25-0.72ng/mL) or in controls (0.50ng/mL; 0.00-0.67ng/mL); p<0.001. There was significant positive correlation between serum cTnI levels and severity of HIE in asphyxiated neonates (rs = 0.505, p < 0.001).

Conclusion:
serum cTnI levels were elevated in severely asphyxiated neonates with HIE. The concentration of serum cTnI demonstrated significant positive correlation with HIE severity. Hence, the presence of HIE in asphyxiated neonates should prompt an evaluation for myocardial injury using serum cTnI. Any derangement noted should warrant instituting cardiovascular support in order to improve outcome and reduce asphyxia-related mortality.
The Effect of Informing Patient Relatives with a Short Message on Anxiety Levels during Cardiovascular Surgery in Türkiye: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Şişman Ç , Diğin F 
Published: June 2024

Background:
Surgical procedures cause a certain level of anxiety in the relatives of the patients, it has been observed that heart surgeries cause more anxiety.

Aim:
To determine the effects of informing patients’ relatives with short messages on anxiety levels during cardiovascular surgery.

Methods:
The study was conducted as a randomized controlled research investigation from October 1, 2015, to December 31, 2022, at the cardiovascular surgery operating room of a university hospital and included 84 patient relatives (42 experimental and 42 control group). The Patient Relatives Information Form and the State and Trait Anxiety Inventory were used to collect the study data. The patients’ relatives in the experimental group were informed by short messages (preparations for surgery have begun, your relative’s surgery has started, your relative’s surgery is still ongoing, and your relative’s surgery is completed) during the surgery. State Anxiety Inventory was re-administered to all patients’ relatives after cardiovascular surgery. The study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05157789).

Results:
It was found that the postoperative State Anxiety Inventory score of the experimental group was significantly lower than that of the control group (P < 0.001). The difference between preoperative and postoperative state anxiety scores was significantly higher in the experimental group (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:
Informing the patients’ relatives with a short message during cardiovascular surgery significantly reduced the level of anxiety.
The Role of Total Oxidant and Antioxidant Levels in Follicular Fluid in Unexplained İnfertility
Authors: Topdagi SK , Topdagi YE , Ozdemir I , Borekci B 
Published: June 2024

Background:
Unexplained infertility is defined as the absence of any pathology in the basic evaluation performed in couples who cannot achieve pregnancy after 1 year of unprotected sexual intercourse. The results of tests examining the causes of infertility show no identifiable cause in almost 15% of couples.

Aim:
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) on pregnancy and embryos.

Methods:
This study included 200 patients, aged between 20–44 years, with unexplained infertility, who had recurrent intrauterine inseminations failures and hence started in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment. Some amounts of waste follicular fluid samples were collected by embryologists from the oocytes of these patients during the ovum pick-up procedure. Next, total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) values were calculated in the biochemistry laboratory.

Results:
In terms of pregnancy status, both follicular TOS and OSI values were not significantly different in patients with biochemical and clinical pregnancy, whereas TAS values were significantly higher in patients with pregnancy (P < 0.05). In terms of embryo quality, no significant difference was observed in TAS, TOS, and OSI values between grade 1 and 2 embryos, whereas pregnancy rates were significantly higher in patients who received grade 1 embryo transfer (P < 0.05). However, the follicular fluid TAS levels were significantly lower in smoking patients than in those who did not smoke; TOS and OSI levels were significantly higher.

Conclusion:
This study showed that exposure to oxidative stress might be a causative factor for infertility. In addition, ROS decreased the level of TAS by increasing OSI in the follicular fluid; thus, antioxidant supplementation might be a necessity.
Effect of the Combination of Exercise and Metformin on Osteocalcin, Insülin, Interleukin-6, Glucose Levels, and Body Weights in Rats
Authors: Beyazcicek O , Beyazcicek E , Kubur UB , Gok A 
Published: June 2024

Background:
Exercise or exercise capacity is a vital physiological function. It is known that certain cytokines support muscle function during exercise and, as a result, increase exercise capacity.

Aims:
In this study, the effect of metformin administered in combination with exercise on osteocalcin (OCN), insulin, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in rats was investigated.

Methods:
Forty-two male Wistar rats were used in this study. The animals were randomly divided into six groups: control (CONT), only exercise (EXE), metformin_100 mg/kg (Met100), metformin_200 mg/kg (Met200), metformin_100 mg/kg+exercise (Met100+EXE), and metformin_200 mg/kg+exercise (Met200+EXE). A 10-week intervention was conducted, excluding exercise training. During the experiment, the groups receiving metformin application (100 or 200 mg/kg) were administered with metformin. At the end of the study, serum samples were collected from the rats to determine the levels of osteocalcin, insulin, and IL-6 using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. In addition, glucose levels and body weights were evaluated. GraphPad Prism was used for the analyses.

Results:
The OCN and insulin levels of the Met100+EXE and Met200+EXE groups were found to be higher compared to the CONT, Met100, and Met200 groups (P < 0.05). The IL-6 level of the EXE group was determined to be higher than that of the CONT, Met100, and Met200 groups (P < 0.01). It was observed that both exercise and the individual or combined application of metformin resulted in lower blood glucose levels compared to the CONT group. The mean body weight of the EXE group was higher than that of the other groups.

Conclusion:
The combined application of metformin and exercise has increased osteocalcin and insulin levels compared to metformin application alone.
Hepatic fibrosis among chronic hepatitis B virus-infected patients: North-Western Nigeria experience
Authors: Musa Yusuf , Abdulkadir Yussuf Maisuna , Ibrahim Yusuf , Maiyaki Abubakar Sadiq , Yakubu Abdulmumini , Ijeoma Ifeorah M. , Samaila Adamu Alhaji , Muhammad Musa Borodo 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background:
Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) virus infection is a global health problem, affecting two billion individuals worldwide, with 257 million suffering from chronic infection. This condition can lead to severe complications, including fulminant hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Fibrosis serves as the common pathway through which CHB infection progresses to cirrhosis and HCC. Liver biopsy is considered the gold standard assessment method, although it is a procedure that is often avoided. However, the feared complications associated with it can be averted with preventive measures. In this study, we aim to assess the fibrosis pattern among CHB patients using liver biopsy, as well as its tolerability and histological outcome within our locality.

Materials and Methods:
This was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), Kano, Nigeria. Sixty-eight patients with CHB infection were consecutively recruited over a period of 7 months. Following a focused history and physical examination, various tests including complete blood count, liver enzymes, serum proteins, prothrombin time, and international normalized ratio were conducted. A liver biopsy was performed on all eligible consenting subjects without contraindications. The histological findings and results of investigations were recorded and analyzed accordingly.

Results:
The mean age of the study subjects was 32.43 ± 10.50 years with a male-to-female ratio of 2:1. More than 80% of the patients were negative for HBe antigen (envelope antigen). Out of the 68 patients successfully biopsied, 42 (61.7%) had histological evidence of necroinflammation, with 22% exhibiting significant inflammation. Additionally, 35 patients (56.5%) displayed evidence of fibrosis, with 46.5% of them having significant fibrosis.

Conclusion:
More than half of the CHB patients examined exhibited evidence of fibrosis and necroinflammation.
Zenker’s diverticulum co-existing with a duodenal ulcer: A case report
Authors: Bojuwoye Matthew Olumuyiwa , Akinloye Tayewo Adebisi , Adedokun Stephen Ishola , Olokoba Abdulfatai Bamidele 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Oesophageal diverticula are relatively rare, with Zenker’s diverticulum (ZD) being the most common type. ZD is a relatively rare disease in the pharyngoesophageal area. It is a pulsion diverticulum, or false diverticulum, located dorsally at the wall between the pharynx and esophagus. We present a case of an incidental finding of a ZD in an elderly woman who presented with upper gastrointestinal bleeding from a co-existing duodenal ulcer.
Investigation on self-medication among outpatients consulting in the Hepato-Gastroenterology Department at the Campus University Hospital of Lome-Togo
Authors: Lawson-Ananissoh Laté Mawuli , Gbolou Mawunyo Henoc , Kanake Yendoukoa Yves , Kogoe Lidawu Roland-Moïse , Redah Debehoma Venceslas , Bagny Aklesso 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Aim:
To evaluate knowledge regarding self-medication and describe hepatic and renal biological disturbances observed in patients practicing self-medication.

Materials and Methods:
This descriptive cross-sectional study with prospective data collection was conducted from February 1, 2022, to July 31, 2022, in the Hepato-Gastroenterology Department of the Lome Campus Teaching Hospital (Togo). It included outpatients who provided written, voluntary, and informed consent to participate in the study.

Results:
A total of 419 patients participated in the study. The mean age of the patients was 39.80 ± 14.93 years. The frequency of self-medication was estimated at 91.65%. The main reasons mentioned were the lack of funds to visit the hospital (45.25%), perceived non-gravity of the condition (30.73%), and time constraints (28.77%). The top three reasons for self-medication were headache (32.56%), flu-like illness (29.5%), and abdominal pain (26.82%). Analgesics (73.31%), antimalarials (28.93%), and anti-inflammatories (24.71%) were the most commonly used therapeutic classes. Hepatic cytolysis syndrome was found in 19.27% of patients, and kidney failure was noted in 5.46% of patients.

Conclusion:
Self-medication poses significant dangers when undertaken recklessly, given the inherent risks associated with drugs and the consequences that such risks entail.
Colorectal polyps risk factors: A case–control study in ABIDJAN (CÔTE D’IVOIRE)
Authors: Anzouan-Kacou Henriette Ya Kissi , Bangoura Aboubacar Demba , Yaogo Abdoulatif , Koffi Olivier Claver Kouassi , Cheping Tuente Olive Carole , Assi Constant , Attia Alain Koffi 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background and Objectives:
Adenomas and certain serrated polyps have the potential to develop into colorectal cancer (CRC). Despite barriers limiting routine screening for CRCs in Côte d’Ivoire, it is important to focus on the risk factors for colorectal (CR) polyps. To facilitate the identification of individuals to prioritize for CRC screening, this study aimed to determine the risk factors of CR polyps in a hospital setting in Abidjan.

Materials and Methods:
From January 1st, 2023, to July 31st, 2023, a prospective analytical multicenter case–control study was conducted in four hospitals in Abidjan. Patients diagnosed with CR polyps (cases) were compared to those without polyps (controls), matched for age and gender at a 1:1 ratio. Logistic regression was employed to determine factors associated with the discovery of CR polyps.

Results:
Thirty-three cases were matched to 33 controls [age (P = 0.97), gender (P = 0.80), recruitment site (P = 1.00), indication for colonoscopy (P = 0.93)]. Adenomatous polyps represented 68.3% (n = 28) of cases. In univariate analysis, factors associated with CR polyps were body mass index (P = 0.004), personal or family history of CRC (P = 0.004) and/or CR polyps (P = 0.007), and consumption of red meat (P < 0.001). After multivariate analysis, only red meat consumption was statistically associated with CR polyps (P = 0.02) [odds ratio (OR) = 17.0 (1.5–189.3)]. Alcohol and tobacco were not statistically associated with the presence of CR polyps either in univariate analysis [alcohol (OR= 0.14) and tobacco (OR= 1.00)] or in multivariate analysis [alcohol (OR= 0.99) and tobacco (OR= 0.99)].

Conclusion:
Our study found that increased consumption of red meat is associated with the presence of CR polyps. However, tobacco and alcohol did not show an association with CR polyps in our study. Larger studies are necessary to validate or challenge our findings.