bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring Knowledge, Safety Practices, and Anxiety Level among Women of Reproductive Age During COVID-19 Outbreak: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Hamdan-Mansour Ayman M. , Alenezi Atallah , Soliman Hanan F. A. , Amasha Hadayat A. , Ali Amira M. , Alhowaymel Fahad M. , Abaoud AbdulAziz F. , Mahadeen Alia I. , Aboushady Reda M. N. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackground:The global outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and its consequences compromise the health of Women of Reproductive Age (WRA). The aim of this study was to assess the level of knowledge, safety practices, and anxiety levels among WRA during COVID-19 outbreaks.Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional, correlational design was used to recruit a convenience sample of 453 WRA in Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using an electronic self-administered questionnaire of Spielberger state-trait anxiety and an adapted authors-developed knowledge and practices scale using an extensive literature review. Data were collected between September and December 2020 targeting all women in the country. Pearson correlation coefficient has been used to test correlation utilizing the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 25.Results:The mean score of anxiety was 46.0 (13.40). Women have a high mean score of knowledge (24.50, standard deviation (SD) = 3.40) while having a low mean score of practices (19.70, SD = 3.10) indicating inappropriate practices. A significant difference was found in anxiety (t479= 2.52,p= .012) and knowledge (t479= −1.98,p= .048) between pregnant and non-pregnant women, while no statistically significant difference was found in relation to practices. The mean score of anxiety was higher among pregnant women than non-pregnant women, while a slightly higher mean score of knowledge was observed for non-pregnant women compared to pregnant ones.Conclusions:Although women had good knowledge about safety precautions, their practices did not indicate that. There is a need to educate women about safety practices and interventions that buffer their anxiety levels.
Performing median arcuate ligament release surgery in celiac artery compression syndrome: Insights from a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Antony Ajil , Ravindran Santhosh Kumar , Jayan N. P. , Yadukrishna S. , Sebastian Robbins , Kumar Akshay , Shyamkumar Shwetha 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background:
Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS), also known as Dunbar syndrome or celiac artery (CA) compression syndrome, is a rare condition characterized by persistent post-meal or post-exercise abdominal discomfort, often more pronounced during expiration. Additional symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and weight loss.

Aims and Objectives:
To document the clinical presentation, diagnostic process, and treatment outcomes of seven patients diagnosed with MALS and to evaluate the effectiveness of surgical release of the median arcuate ligament (MAL) over a follow-up period of at least six months.

Materials and Methods:
The study included seven patients diagnosed with MALS from 2019 to 2021. Diagnosis was based on the presence of chronic abdominal pain and associated symptoms, absence of alternative diagnoses after various clinical assessments, and angiographic evidence of CA compression. The primary treatment involved surgical decompression of the CA by releasing the MAL through either open or laparoscopic techniques.

Results:
All seven patients underwent successful surgical release of the MAL. The patients were followed up for at least six months post-surgery. The study evaluated the persistence of symptoms and the need for additional interventions such as revascularization techniques.

Conclusion:
Surgical release of the MAL is the primary treatment for MALS, providing relief for many patients. However, long-term follow-up is essential as some patients may continue to experience symptoms post-surgery, necessitating further interventions.
Safety and perioperative outcomes of uniportal versus multiportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery
Authors: Alanwar Mohamed , Elsharawy Mamdouh , Brik Alaa , Ahmady Islam , Shemais Dina Said 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (U-VATS) has recently become an alternative approach for many minimally invasive thoracic procedures, but although its surgical effectiveness has been proven, still its feasibility and safety are debated and unclear. the objective of this study was to compare the safety and perioperative outcomes of U-VATS versus multiportal VATS (M-VATS).

Patients and Methods:
This was a comparative follow-up randomised controlled clinical trial, carried out on 36 randomly selected eligible patients, and fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria for VATS, they were assigned randomly into two groups: Study Group I including 18 patients undergoing U-VATS with conventional treatment using standard chest tube drainage and Control Group II including 18 patients undergoing M-VATS) with the same conventional treatment using standard chest tube drainage and served as a comparable control group.

Results:
Patients in the U-VATS Group 1 had faster operation time, and with reduced blood loss, pleural drainage and post-operative hospitalisation, they also experienced lower average post-operative pain score on comparison with those in M-VATS Group II (P < 0.001), respectively. For either group, there were no hospital deaths or infections. There was no noticeable difference between the two groups in terms of the number of resected lymph nodes or the rates of intraoperative or post-operative complications (P > 0.05).

Conclusion:
U-VATS is feasible and safe in eligible selected patients with favourable short-term perioperative outcomes (operative time, duration of pleural drainage, post-operative pain, early ambulation, duration of hospital stay as well as the risk of perioperative complications), and it can be considered the preferred approach in minimally invasive thoracic procedures that open up for the possibility of fast-track thoracic surgeries.
Case Report: Dengue Fever Progressing to Acute Liver Failure and Hepatic Encephalopathy
Authors: Yadav Vaibhav , Pawar Akash , Meena Mahadev , Dandasena Tarini Prasad , Singh Prachi 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT.
Dengue fever is an important arboviral disease that significantly impacts the disease burden among populations residing in tropical regions. Dengue infection is known to have a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations, which range from fatal, life-threatening shock, encephalitis, and myocarditis to asymptomatic illness. Mild hepatic dysfunction with deranged hepatic laboratory parameters is a known entity with dengue fever. However, dengue presenting as acute liver failure associated with hepatic encephalopathy without shock or signs of plasma leakage is rare. Therefore, we are reporting the case of a young male with dengue fever presented as acute liver failure from a tertiary care center in central India to spread awareness among healthcare professionals worldwide regarding unusual presentations of dengue fever and consideration of dengue fever as a differential diagnosis in patients presenting with acute liver failure, especially in endemic regions.
Diagnostic Prediction Model for Tuberculous Meningitis: An Individual Participant Data Meta-Analysis
Authors: Stadelman-Behar Anna M. , Tiffin Nicki , Ellis Jayne , Creswell Fiona V. , Ssebambulidde Kenneth , Nuwagira Edwin , Richards Lauren , Lutje Vittoria , Hristea Adriana , Jipa Raluca Elena , Vidal José E. , Azevedo Renata G. S. , Monteiro de Almeida Sérgio , Kussen Gislene Botão , Nogueira Keite , Gualberto Felipe Augusto Souza , Metcalf Tatiana , Heemskerk Anna Dorothee , Dendane Tarek , Khalid Abidi , Ali Zeggwagh Amine , Bateman Kathleen , Siebert Uwe , Rochau Ursula , van Laarhoven Arjan , van Crevel Reinout , Ganiem Ahmad Rizal , Dian Sofiati , Jarvis Joseph , Donovan Joseph , Nguyen Thuy Thuong Thuong , Thwaites Guy E. , Bahr Nathan C. , Meya David B. , Boulware David R. , Boyles Tom H. 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT.
No accurate and rapid diagnostic test exists for tuberculous meningitis (TBM), leading to delayed diagnosis. We leveraged data from multiple studies to improve the predictive performance of diagnostic models across different populations, settings, and subgroups to develop a new predictive tool for TBM diagnosis. We conducted a systematic review to analyze eligible datasets with individual-level participant data (IPD). We imputed missing data and explored three approaches: stepwise logistic regression, classification and regression tree (CART), and random forest regression. We evaluated performance using calibration plots and C-statistics via internal–external cross-validation. We included 3,761 individual participants from 14 studies and nine countries. A total of 1,240 (33%) participants had “definite” (30%) or “probable” (3%) TBM by case definition. Important predictive variables included cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) glucose, blood glucose, CSF white cell count, CSF differential, cryptococcal antigen, HIV status, and fever presence. Internal validation showed that performance varied considerably between IPD datasets with C-statistic values between 0.60 and 0.89. In external validation, CART performed the worst (C = 0.82), and logistic regression and random forest had the same accuracy (C = 0.91). We developed a mobile app for TBM clinical prediction that accounted for heterogeneity and improved diagnostic performance (https://tbmcalc.github.io/tbmcalc). Further external validation is needed.
Evaluation of the International Task Force for Disease Eradication: A Review of Past Deliberations
Authors: Sadiq Shanze , Kajani Ursula A. , Travers Anyess R. , Hopkins Donald R. , Richards Frank , Ijaz Kashef 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT.
The International Task Force for Disease Eradication (ITFDE) was formed at The Carter Center in 1988. Its primary purpose is to review activities and provide recommendations related to programs focused on eradication. The ITFDE also considers opportunities for disease elimination and improved control. Over the last two decades, the ITFDE has held 33 meetings, discussed 22 diseases, and made 244 recommendations. This report aims to analyze the patterns in recommendations made by the ITFDE between 2001 and 2022 and assess the ITFDE’s role, impacts, and successes in advancing elimination and eradication efforts for selected diseases. Using a thematic analysis, recommendation categories were crafted, followed by a scoping review to determine evidence of implementation for each recommendation. Categories of recommendations included research (24%), leadership (20%), medical (17%), advocacy (11%), collaboration (13%), development (8%), and financial (8%). We determined that 123 (50.4%) ITFDE recommendations were implemented in some form. Notably, the ITFDE has helped raise the profile of neglected tropical diseases. Four salient outcomes include 1) the identification of the potential eradicability of lymphatic filariasis (1993), 2) the recognition of the critical need for improved treatments of human African trypanosomiasis (2002), 3) a recommendation for the elimination of lymphatic filariasis and malaria from Hispaniola (2006), and 4) recommendations for effective and safe ways to avoid disruption of elimination and eradication programs during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020). This review of the ITFDE will help to devise new approaches to monitor its impact in the future.
Etiologies of Infectious Keratitis in Malawi
Authors: Kalua Khumbo , Misanjo Esther S. , Lietman Thomas M. , Ruder Kevin , Zhong Lina , Chen Cindi , Liu YuHeng , Yu Danny , Abraham Thomas , Wu Nathaniel , Yan Daisy , Hinterwirth Armin , Doan Thuy , Seitzman Gerami D. 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT.
Infectious keratitis is a leading cause of corneal blindness worldwide with little information known about causative etiologies in Malawi, Africa. This area is resource-limited with ophthalmologist and microbiology services. The Department of Ophthalmology at the Kamuzu College of Health Sciences in Blantyre, Malawi, is a participating site of an international corneal ulcer consortium, capriCORN (Comprehensive Analysis of Pathogens, Resistomes, and Inflammatory-markers in the CORNea). In this study, 50 patients with corneal ulcers were swabbed for pathogen identification using RNA-sequencing. Corneal trauma was reported in 41% and 19% of the patients worked in agriculture. A pathogen was identified in 58% of the cases. Fungal pathogens predominated, followed by viruses and bacteria. Aspergillus, Fusarium, HSV-1, and Gardnerella were the most common pathogens detected. 50% of patients reported treatment with an antibiotic before presentation. Pathogens unusual for infectious keratitis, such as Subramaniula asteroids, Aureobasidium pullulans, and Gardnerella vaginalis, were also detected.
Trends in Operative Delivery in Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A 5 years’ Retrospective Review
Authors: Yeshiwas Abebaw  , Eskinder Kebede  
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND፡ Operative vaginal delivery refers to the use of measures to accomplish vaginal delivery through the use of instruments, mainly obstetric forceps and vacuum cups. In developed countries, the rate of cesarean section is increasing for fear of vaginal delivery complications, including instrumental delivery. This study was done to explore trends of operative vaginal deliveries and their characteristicsMETHODS: A cross-sectional, facility-based retrospective study was conducted over a period of five years July 1, 2011, to June 30, 2016, using data collected from the labor ward logbook, patient charts. Data were coded, entered, using SPSS version 20 statistical software. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to describe and analyze the data into graphs and tables. RESULTS: The rates of operative vaginal delivery and cesarean section over the five-year study period were 11.9% and 30.4%, respectively. The trend in the operative vaginal delivery rate declined from 15.8% in July 2011 to 9.9% in June 2016, while it shows a noticeable rise in cesarean section rate 25.4% to 33.8%. The trend in the use of vacuum has shown a sharp decrease from 58% in the 1st year to 10.5% in the fifth year of the study period. There is a rise in the use of forceps from 42% of all operative vaginal delivery in the first year to 89.5% in the fifth yearCONCLUSION: This study shows that the rate of operative vaginal delivery has declined. The use of vacuum-assisted delivery has especially decreased compared to that of forceps-assisted delivery.
Antiepileptic Drug Adherence and Its Associated Factors among Epilepsy Patients on Follow-ups at Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia
Authors: Shumet Shegaye , Wondie Mesele , Ayano Getinet , Asfaw Henock , Kassew Tilahun , Mesafint Gebremeskel 
Published: July 2024

Background: Medication adherence is a fundamental determinant of effective treatment. However, people with epilepsy have poor compliance with their treatment because of the chronic nature of the disease. Limited studies have been conducted to address antiepileptic medication adherence in Africa, including Ethiopia. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess antiepileptic drug adherence and its asociated factors among patients with epilepsy attending outpatient department of Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital.
Methods: A cross-sectional study design was conducted on 439 patients with epilepsy in Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital. Medication adherence reporting scale-5 (MARS-5) was used to assess adherence to antiepileptic drugs. The Oslo social support, Jacob perceived stigma scale, and hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) were the instruments used to assess associated factors. Simple and multiple linear regression analysis models were fitted. Then, the adjusted unstandardized beta (β) coefficient at a 95% confidence level was used.
Results: The mean(SD) score of antiepileptic medication adherence was 16.38(±3.76) with 95%CI:(16.03, 16.72). Depressive symptoms (β= -1.35, 95% CI: (-2.04, -0.65)), anxiety symptoms (β=- 1.12,95%CI:(-1,79,-0.44), perceived stigma (β= -1.64, 95% CI:- 2.16,-1.12), being single (β=-0.67, 95%CI:-1.20,- 0.14), presence of seizure per month(β=-2.11,95% CI: (-2.81,-1.41) and antiepileptic drug adverse effect(β=-0.07,95%CI:-0.11,-0.03) were factors associated with anti-epileptic medication adherence.
Conclusion: The results suggest that the mean score of adherence to antiepileptic drugs was poor as compared to other settings. Antiepileptic medication adherence screening tool should be included in the patient’s treatment protocol.
Trachoma Prevention Practice and Associated Factors in Rural Lemo District, Southern Ethiopia, 2021
Authors: Mulunesh Girma Shobiso  , Mohammed Seid Hussen  , Minychil Bantihun   Munaw  , Mikias Mered Tilahun  
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND: Trachoma is a leading cause of preventable blindness. It is more prevalent in areas where there is poor personal and environmental sanitation. Implementing a SAFE strategy will reduce the incidence of trachoma. The purpose of this study was to look into trachoma prevention practices and associated factors in rural Lemo, South Ethiopian communities.
METHODS: We conducted a community-based cross-sectional study in the rural Lemo district of south Ethiopia, covering 552 households, from July 1 - July 30, 2021. We used a multistage sampling technique. Seven Kebeles were selected using a simple random sampling method. Then, a systematic random sampling procedure with a five-interval size was applied to select the households.
Our study assessed the association between the outcome variable and explanatory variables using binary and multivariate logistic regressions. The adjusted odds ratio was calculated, and variables with a p-value below 0.05 at the 95% confidence interval (CI) were considered statistically significant.
RESULTS: The study found that 59.6% (95% CI: 55.5%–63.7%) of participants had good trachoma prevention practices. Having a favorable attitude (odds ratio [AOR]: 1.91, 95% CI: 1.26-2.89), receiving health education (AOR: 2.16, 95% CI: 1.46-3.21), and obtaining water from a public pipe (AOR: 2.48, 95% CI: 1.09-5.66) were significantly associated with good trachoma prevention practice.
CONCLUSION: Fifty-nine percent of the participants had good prevention practices for trachoma. Health education, a favorable attitude, and a water source from public pipes were variables associated with good trachoma prevention practice. Improving water sources and disseminating health information are vital to increasing trachoma prevention practices.
Prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis, Ureaplasma parvum and Mycoplasma genitalium in Infertile Couples and the Effect on Semen Parameters
Authors: Khadijeh Ahmadi  , Mojtaba Moosavian  , Jalal Mardaneh  , Omid Pouresmaeil  , Maryam Afzali  
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND: Chlamydia trachomatis, Ureaplasma parvum, and Mycoplasma genitalium are common sexually transmitted microorganisms. Our study aimed to determine the prevalence of C. trachomatis, U. parvum, and M. genitalium in infertile and fertile couples and the effect of these microorganisms on semen parameters.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this case-control study, samples were collected from 50 infertile couples and 50 fertile couples and were subjected to the routine semen analysis and Polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
RESULTS: C. trachomatis and U. parvum were detected in 5 (10%) and 6 (12%) of semen samples from infertile men. Also, out of 50 endocervical swabs from the infertile women, C. trachomatis and M. genitalium were detected in 7(14%) and 4 (8%) of swab specimens, respectively. In the control groups, all of the semen samples and endocervical swabs were negative. Also, in the group of infertile patients infected with C. trachomatis and U. parvum, sperm motility was lower than uninfected infertile men.
CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that C. trachomatis, U. parvum, and M. genitalium are widespread among the infertile couples in Khuzestan Province (Southwest of Iran). Also, our results showed that these infections can decrease the quality of semen. For the prevention of the consequences of these infections, we suggest a screening program for infertile couples.
Emergency Nurses' Compliance with Standard Precautions during the COVID-19 Pandemic at Governmental Hospitals in Hail City, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Bahia Galal A. Hassan Siam  , Ohoud Awadh Suwaimil ALreshidi  
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to assess nurses' compliance with standard precautions during COVID-19 pandemic at emergency departments, Hail city, Saudi Arabia.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the year 2021, at emergency departments of governmental hospitals in Hail city, Saudi Arabia. A total of 138 emergency nurses were selected using a census sampling method, and included in the current study. Of them, 56(40.6%) were from King Khalid Hospital, 35(25.4%) from King Salman Specialist Hospital, 28(20.3%) from Sharaf Urgent Care Hospital, and 19(13.8%) from Maternity and Child Hospital. The compliance with standard precautions scale was used, and socio-demographic characteristics were assessed using a structured questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 28.
RESULTS: A large percentage (71.0%) of the studied nurses were females, and (78.3%) were Saudi. The mean scores of compliances with standard precautions ranged from 3.1 to 3.9 out of 4. The overall compliance rate with all components of standards precautions was optimal (92.75%). Significant statistical differences were found in the mean scores of the “prevention of cross infection from person to person” with age; and between the mean scores of the “decontamination of spills and used article” with profession carrier P-values = 0.013, and 0.016, respectively.
CONCLUSION: The compliance with standard precautions by emergency nurses was optimal (more than 90%). The mean compliance scores with the standard precautions could be associated with age and professional category. Continuous training program to enhance compliance with standard precautions among emergency nurses with continuous follow up and evaluation are recommended.