bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study the Effect of Tobacco Smoking (Cigarette and Hookah) on Some Blood Parameters in the Samples of Iraqi People in Al-Najaf Governorate
Authors: Al-Hadrawi Maysoon Khudair , Jabar Zainab Salah Abdul , Hasan Ahmed Abdul , Hammadi Kareem A. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background:
The study of effective smoking is considered one of the challenges in sustainable development, where tobacco smoking (cigarettes and hookah) is one of the main etiology of cardiovascular and cancer diseases causing millions of deaths annually.

Objectives:
The current study aims to identify the effect of cigarettes and hookah on blood parameters in the population of Al-Najaf Governorate.

Materials and Methods:
The present study included 120 males and they were divided into cigarette smokers (n = 30), hookah smokers (n = 30), cigarettes and hookah smokers (n = 30), and nonsmokers (n = 30). They were distributed according to their age categories ranging from 15 to 74 years. Specimens of blood from all groups were collected to identify the hemoglobin (Hb), white blood cells (WBCs) count, red blood cells (RBCs), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular Hb (MCH), and mean corpuscular Hb concentration (MCHC) in the blood.

Results:
The results revealed that the current study proved tobacco smoking has a significant effect on most blood parameters, as it had a significant effect on the level of Hb, WBCs, RBCs, MCH, and MCV (P < 0.05) in tobacco smokers (15.2458 ± 1.5 g/dL, 12.35 × 103µL, 5.326 ± 0.775 × 106 µL, 29.721 ± 0.432 pg, 87.7312 ± 0.692 fL), respectively, compared with nonsmokers as a control group (13.5 ± 1 g/dL, 7.450 ± 0.398 × 103 µL, 4.847 ± 0.081 × 106 µL, 27.416 ± 0.915 pg, 79.6343 ± 3.623 fL). However, the effect was not significant on the level of MCHC (34.336 ± 0.599 g/dL) compared with a control group (33.99 ± 0.307 g/dL).

Conclusion:
The current study concludes that cigarettes and hookah smoking or both change the blood parameters, which are harmful to health. Therefore, smokers must be aware to measure their blood parameters continuously to keep their health healthy.
Interleukin-6 and Biomarkers Predict Outcomes in People with Diabetes and COVID-19 Infection
Authors: Jawad Dhuhah Hayder Abdul , Mezher Musa Nima 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Objective:
The study aimed to evaluate the association between interleukin-(IL-6) and other inflammatory markers (ferritin, D-dimer, and C-reactive protein [CRP]) in severe and critical coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection severing from diabetic mellitus (DM).

Materials and Methods:
A total of 130 patients confirmed with COVID-19 infection in a Laboratory of the Ministry of Health/Department of Public Health and Al-Amal Specialized Hospital for Communicable Diseases from January 1, 2022, to May 1, 2022, were included in the study. Demographic and clinical data, signs and symptoms, diabetics history, laboratory diagnosis (reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction), as well chest computed tomography were collected and analyzed. The patients were divided according to the severity of the disease into three groups: mild cases (39%), severe cases (33%), and critical cases (28%).

Results:
The results revealed that 70 of the 130 severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 infected patients had diabetes and were at a high risk of a severe and critical outcome. Furthermore, the level of proinflammatory biomarkers, such as IL-6 and other inflammatory biomarkers, such as CRP, serum ferritin, and D-dimer, were significantly higher (P < 0.01) in patients with diabetes compared with those without diabetes and the control group.

Conclusion:
This study concludes that according to COVID-19, DM must be a consideration of high-risk factor for the rapid progression of COVID-19 and an increased mortality rate. A recent study suggests that COVID-19 patients with diabetes are more susceptible to cytokine storms, eventually leading to rapid deterioration of patients’ health.
Evaluation of Bradykinin and Leukotriene B4 and D4 in Serum of Patients with COVID-19: A Case Control Study
Authors: Al-Kufaishi Ali M. A. , Al-Hasnawi Maryam A. J. , Al-Musawi Noor J. T. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has emerged as one of the global threats, infecting millions of people and causing the mortality of several million around the world.

Objectives:
This study aims to assess levels of bradykinin, leukotriene B4, and leukotriene D4 in patients with COVID-19 and people enjoying good health as a control group, explaining the results scientifically.

Materials and Methods:
Medical information was collected from 90 participants at Merjin Medical Hospital in Iraq, at the respiratory care unit according to specific criteria. The people were separated into two groups: controls and patients. The study demographic included sex, age, disease severity, oxygen saturation rate (SPO2), and body mass index (BMI), and excluded patients with diabetes, asthma, pulmonary obstructive tract disease, and other chronic diseases. The bradykinin, leukotriene B4, and leukotriene D4 levels were assessed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique (ELISA).

Results:
The results revealed significant variations in bradykinin, leukotriene B4, and D4 levels between the COVID-19 and control groups, with a P value of 0.036, 0.001, and 0.031, respectively. Bradykinin level in the COVID-19 group was 49.36 ± 11.24, whereas the control group showed 34.78 ± 7.15. LTB4 level in the COVID-19 patients was 401.96 ± 89.23, whereas the control group showed 316.40 ± 78.56. LTD4 level in the COVID-19 group was 11.50 ± 1.65, whereas the control group showed 8.33 ± 1.37.

Conclusion:
Bradykinin, leukotriene D4, and B4 can be considered good indicators to provide knowledge about the severity of COVID-19 and help physicians give appropriate medications.
Sp110 Gene Polymorphisms Associated with Increased Susceptibility to COVID-19 Severity among the Hillah Population
Authors: Ali Zahraa Hamza , Al-Marzoqi Ali H. , Rahmaan Naeem , Al-Taee Zahraa M. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background:
The new coronavirus causes many respiratory illnesses in Wuhan, China, under the name severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), from December 2019. The illness of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was brought on by this virus. At least three isoforms of the SP110 nuclear body protein are encoded by the SP110 gene. These include the SP110a, b, and c isoforms, which are the most abundant and are thought to come from alternative mRNA splicing.

Aim:
This study attempted to evaluate the impact of Sp110 gene variation on COVID-19 susceptibility in the province of Babylon.

Materials and Methods:
In this study, of 113 cases, 63 cases have clinical symptoms of COVID-19 patients and 50 blood samples were collected from healthy people as a control group in this study from November 2021 to February 2022 at Al-Morgan Hospital. There were many demographic data included in the present study such as age distribution, sex distribution, and geographic distribution of COVID patients. Samples (63) from suspected COVID-19 patients from different age groups ranging from 20 to 80 years old were considered.

Results:
The Sp110 rs7580900 AA genotype was the most frequent in both COVID-19 (28.32%) and control (21.24%) groups. This indicates that the Sp110 Rs7580900 single-nucleotide polymorphisms are not related to susceptibility to COVID-19 in patients (P ≤ 0.05).

Conclusion:
Significant results were seen in SP110 gene polymorphism between COVID patients and vaccinated persons at P ≤ 0.05. This may be the of Sp110in mediating SARS-CoV-2 infection as a novel route for SARS-CoV-2 entry.
The surgical outcome of sutureless skin closures using Octyl-2-cyanoacrylate (Dermabond™) versus Steri-Strip™
Authors: Sah Neha , Punga Rohit , Kumar Ajay , Shivhare Peeyush , Singh Akhilesh Kumar , Sah Sonam , Shekhar Amlendu 
Published: July 2024

Introduction:
Cosmesis is the primary concern for the patient undergoing facial surgery and there are numbers of well proven materials that are available such as adhesive tapes, subcuticular suture, skin adhesive or glue to achieve better cosmesis. The objective of our study was to assess the surgical outcome of sutureless skin closures using Octyl-2-cyanoacrylate (Dermabond™) versus Steri-Strip™.

Method:
The present prospective study was conducted in 20 patients. Patients were divided into two groups. After subcutaneous closure of wounds, either Dermabond™ or Steri-Strip™ was placed. The patients were assessed for wound complication (erythema, tenderness, dehiscence or any discharge), scar hypertrophy and cosmetic appearance also time consumed in surgical skin closure was evaluated. Wound assessment, scar hypertrophy and cosmetic appearance were assessed by using Chi-square test. Time closure was assessed by using Mann-whitney U test.

Result:
Twenty patients belonging to all age group were included in study. Ten patients undergone closure with Dermabond™ and ten with Steri-Strips™. Assessment of wound complications, cosmetic appearance and scar hypertrophy was done. There was no significant difference found between both the groups, but 2 patients had fair cosmetic outcomes at one month and 1 patient had fair scar hypertrophy at 6 month. However, excellent cosmetic outcome in terms of scar hypertrophy at 6 month was significantly more among group II.

Conclusion:
Octyl-2-cyanoacrylate (Dermabond™) and Steri-Strip™ provide similar outcomes in terms of wound complications. Cosmetic outcomes in terms of scar hypertrophy with steri-strip wound closure seem to be better and more economical.
Volumetric analysis of mastoid air cells in orthodontic malocclusions in 3D cone beam computed tomography (CBCT)
Authors: Singh Navin , Chaurasia Akhilanand , Singh Akhilesh Kumar , Agarwal Anshul , Abd Rahman Aida Nur Ashikin Binti , Tiwari Rini 
Published: July 2024

Objectives:
To determine age- and sex-related changes in mastoid air cells volume in orthodontic malocclusions (class 1, class 2, class 3) in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), morphometric analysis, and age prediction on the basis of mastoid air cells.

Methods:
In total, 150 3D CBCT scans of study subjects having class 1, class 2, and class 3 malocclusions have been analyzed retrospectively for the estimation of volume of mastoid air cells by Dolphin imaging software V11.9, and measurement data of volumes have been recorded and analyzed using SPSS software 24.v.

Results:
The volume of mastoid air cells was highest in age group of 14–28 years which was statistically not significant (P value >.05). The volume of mastoid air cells in the right side of cranium is greater than mastoid air cells in the left side. The mastoid air cell volume was higher in males than females. The volume of mastoid air cells (right side) was highest in class II malocclusion (2404.53 ± 1737.50 mm3) followed by class III and was least in class I malocclusion (1842.09 ± 1263.78 mm3). However, the volume of mastoid air cells in the left side was highest in class III malocclusion (2368.03 ± 1853.00 mm3) followed by class II and was least in class I (1920.52 ± 1285.34 mm3).

Conclusions:
The volume of mastoid air cells varies in different class of orthodontic malocclusions. The mastoid air cells volume is higher in males than females. On the basis of mastoid air cells volume, we are able to predict the age, sex, and class of orthodontic malocclusion.
Management of trigeminal neuralgia by peripheral neurectomy
Authors: Tandon Sapna , Srivastava Saurabh , Mishra Madan , Fry Ramesh R. , Sohail Sanober , Sidhwa Anusha 
Published: July 2024

Background:
Peripheral neurectomy(PN)is a minimally invasive procedure, for the management of trigeminal neuralgi (TN)consisting of surgical avulsion of terminal branches of the trigeminal nerve.

Aim:
To assess the efficacy of PN in the treatment of refractory TN and their recurrences in a follow up of 18 months.

Materials and Methodology:
Retro-prospective and prospective study was conducted on randomly selected 30 TN patients irrespective of age, gender and socio-economic status. The branch of trigeminal nerve involved was identified according to the site of pain. Then the PN procedure was performed under local or general aesthesia. The follow up of each patient was done for next 18 months.

Results:
Mean age of the TN patients 53.17 ± 13.84 years, with 66.7% of patients were within 60 years of age. Male to female ratio was 1:1.5. All patients showed unilateral TN. Mostly 26.7% trigger point was located in lower lip followed by 13.3% in upper lip. After 3,6 and 9 months follow-up, none of the TN patients treated with PN had pain and none had any effect on general activity. However, from 12 months till 18 months’ follow up, 2 (6.7%) patients reported of pain.

Conclusion:
PNs are viable treatment alternative for TN, although peripheral neurectomy has chances of reoccurrence but still offer better quality of life in patients for many years without relaps.
Presence of antilingula and its relationship to mandibular foramen—An anatomical study
Authors: Jolly Satnam S. , Lata Jeevan , Sharma Ravi K. , Vashist Ruchi 
Published: July 2024

Aim:
Aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of antilingula and its relationship with mandibular foramen.

Materials and Methods:
In this study, a total of 50 specimens of dry human hemi-mandibles were studied to analyze the presence and relationship of antilingula to mandibular foramen. A 1-mm fissure bur was used to drill a hole perpendicular to bone from the deepest aspect of the concavity at the center of the mandibular foramen from the medial to lateral side, the drill perforated both the medial and lateral cortex of the mandible. The distance from the antilingula to hole was measured and recorded in both antero-posterior and supero-inferior planes. The data were collected and put to statistical analysis.

Results:
From this study, it was concluded that the antilingula was present in 90% (n = 45) of mandibles and was absent in 10% (n = 5) of mandibles. Antero-posteriorly, the antilingula was present anterior to mandibular foramen in 22.2% (n = 10) of mandibles, posteriorly in 57.7% (n = 26) of mandibles, and there was complete concordance in 20% (n = 9) of mandibles. The supero-inferior relation shows that antilingula was present superior to mandibular foramen in 97.8% (n = 44) of mandibles, and it was present inferiorly in 2.20 (n = 1) of mandibles.

Conclusion:
Although vertical ramus osteotomy is not a commonly used procedure in these days. From our study, it was concluded that antilingula was present as an elevation in 90% of cases on the lateral ramus border and the mandibular foramen is present inferior and anterior to the antilingula.
To assess and compare the outcomes of the cutaneous neck dissection incision taken by colorado microdissection needle, surgical blade and cutting electrocautery in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma: A prospective study
Authors: Mishra Priyatam , Bhola Nitin , Agarwal Anchal , Mathur Mrinalini , Pillai Saurabh , Chakraborty Raj K. , Kangloo Shubhanshi 
Published: July 2024

Aim:
To assess and compare the outcomes of the cutaneous neck dissection incisions taken by Colorado microdissection needle, surgical blade and cutting electrocautery in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Materials and Methods:
A prospective, randomized control, comparative study was carried out on 21 patients. These patients were divided into 3 groups containing 7 patients in each group. The intra operative and post operative outcomes were evaluated. Statistical analysis was done by using descriptive and inferential statistics using Chisquare test, Fisher’s Exact Test, one way ANOVA and multiple comparison Tukey Test and software used in the analysis were SPSS 27.0 version and GraphPad Prism 7.0 version and P < 0.05 is considered as level of significance.

Results:
The time taken for placing cutaneous skin incision and blood loss was more in the surgical blade group as compared to the Colorado microdissection needle and electrocautery. Statistically no significant difference between the three group while comparing the cutaneous neck incision healing and post operative scar formation.

Conclusion:
This study proves the superiority of the Colorado microdissection needle in terms of time taken and blood loss with similar aesthetic outcome in terms of cutaneous wound healing and post operative scar formation when compared to surgical blade and cutting electrocautery.
Status of Surgical Research and Publication in Africa
Authors: Vaishya Raju , Vaish Abhishek , Kigera James 
Published: July 2024

Introduction: The research output in surgical branches such as orthopedics and sports medicine (OSM) is meager from Africa, considering the population and the high burden of health-related problems. We conducted this study to analyze the trend of publications in OSM from African countries and compared it with other surgical specialities.
Methods: We used the SCOPUS data from the Scimago Journal & Country Rank website, as it allows us to draw substantial journal metrics for research.
Results: During the past three decades (between 1996 and 2022), Africa’s global contribution to all surgical specialities has increased. In OSM, this was only 0.65% in 1996 and had risen to 1.79% in 2022. The total publications in OSM were 8297 from 49 countries during this period. The number of publications has risen from 61 (in 1996) to 931 (in 2022), with the maximum surge seen during the past decade. South Africa, Egypt, and Tunisia are the leading African nations in OSM publications and have contributed 77% of the total publications from Africa in 2022. There were only three orthopedic and four other surgical specialities indexed journals listed in the SCImago, arising from Africa.
Conclusions: There was an increased research output from Africa in OSM during 1996–2022, especially in the past decade. However, only three nations have contributed more than three-fourth of these publications. There is a scarcity of indexed journals in the surgical disciplines arising from Africa.
Adjunctive Uterine Incision Compression Versus Tourniquet Alone for Reduction of Blood Loss During Abdominal Myomectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Imaralu John Osaigbovoh , Loto Olabisi Morebise , Oguntade Adebisi Florence , Jagun Olusoji Edward , Ogunfunmilayo Taofeek , Akadri Adebayo Adekunle , Walker Oladapo 
Published: July 2024

Introduction: The effectiveness of the uterine tourniquet alone for securing hemostasis during abdominal myomectomy remains debatable; however, its combination with uterine compression though popular has very scanty documented evidence of hemostatic efficacy.
Aim: To determine the effect of uterine incision compression (UIC) combined with tourniquet on operative blood loss associated with abdominal myomectomy.
Materials and Methods: A multicenter randomized double blind, controlled trial involving 184 participants randomized into two groups: 92 in the UIC and 92 in the control arm. UIC was administered in the interval from release of the uterine tourniquet to palpation of contraction. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 21.
Results: The mean intraoperative blood loss was lower in the UIC group (951.41 ± 362.32 mL) than in the control group (1051.30 ± 427.77 mL), but did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.125). The observed mean duration of myomectomy was, however, longer among the controls (152.95 ± 32.67 min, compared with 119.70 ± 23.96 min, p = 0.001). The control group also had significantly higher rates of deployment of additional hemostatic measures (OR = 4.68, 95% CI = 2.304–12.784, p = 0.001), occurrence of postoperative pyrexia (OR = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.256–2.154, p = 0.002), and greater mean postoperative blood loss (p = 0.003).
Conclusion: Although no statistically significant difference occurred in intraoperative blood loss, adjunctive UIC was useful in reducing operating time and postoperative blood loss
Female education for social development and Re-cultivating academic integrity among undergraduates of tertiary institutions in southern cross river state, nigeria
Authors: Glory Eteng Bassey , Patrick Archibong Esther , Obue Eyang Brian , Nkpoyen Festus 
Published: July 2024

Female is a strategic development priority. Better educated women tend to be healthier than uneducated women, participate more in the formal labor market, earn more income, give birth to fewer children, marry at a later age, and provide better health care and education to their children. The paper posits that academic integrity is very crucial for the female pursuit of academic knowledge in realizing their potentials. This makes the connection between female education and academic integrity significant. The values of academic integrity are expected to be promoted or re-cultivated in the school. Three research questions and three hypotheses were formulated and tested in the study. Relevant and related literature was reviewed. The study adopted the survey research design. The sample for this study consisted of 750 female undergraduate students selected from three tertiary institutions in the study areas. In analyzing the obtained data, the Chi-square inferential statistics was adopted. The findings revealed that female education for social development is significantly moderated and modulated by academic integrity and reduced academic dishonesty in terms of cheating, plagiarism, unethical behavior, purchase of research papers and falsification of research data among lecturers and students. It was concluded that education is an engine of growth and key to the development of every society based on its quality. Hence the paper recommended that in view of the unique role of our women in facilitating social development through political participation, fertility regulation and labour force engagement, academic integrity should be re- cultivated in the tertiary education system.
Knowledge and prevalence of substance abuse among undergraduate students of a Nigerian university
Authors: Obi Andrew , Udume II , Adayonfo E , Obi JN , Obi RU , Nkwagu DI 
Published: July 2024

Background: Substance abuse among university students is an evolving concern among young person’s today with grave consequences on health and well-being. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and prevalence of substance abuse among university students in order to identify appropriate preventive measures.
Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 771 undergraduate students of the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, using pretested self-administered questionnaire. Respondents were selected by a multistage sampling technique, data collected were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25.0. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.050 at 95% confidence interval.
Results: The mean age of respondents studied was 23.2 ± 2.3 years. Six hundred and sixty-four (97.2%) of the respondents had good knowledge of substance abuse. The life time prevalence of substance use was 44.4% (n=342) while recent prevalence of substance use was 68.1% (n= 233). Faculty of students (OR=2.320; CI=1.379 - 2.434; p<0.001), religion (OR: 0.452; CI: 0.048-0.282; p<0.001), family type (OR: 0.240; CI: 1.215-3.118; p=0.006), monthly allowance (OR: 0.375; CI: 1.541-6.707; p=0.002) and knowledge of substance use (OR: 0.235; CI: 0.075-0.740; p=0.013) were identified as significant predictors of substance use.
Conclusion: Despite good knowledge of substance abuse and health implications a little less than half of the respondents used substances. There is need to reduce the prevalence of substance use through targeted health educational interventions among this target population.