bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Accuracy of Narrow-Band Imaging-Guided Histopathology and Ki-67 Index in Head and Neck Carcinoma
Authors: Debnath Asim , Choudhury Mrinmoy M. , Sarma Mridul K. , Sharma Moitrayee , Missong Ajit K. , Deka Muktanjalee 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

As per Globocan 2012, every year the incidence of head and neck cancer is 683235/1000000 with a mortality of around 375665/1000000 thus being the sixth cause of cancer death throughout the world. Head and neck cancer includes cancer of the nasopharynx, oropharynx, hypopharynx, larynx, and oral cavity. Early diagnosis of head and neck cancer is very challenging, hence detecting mucosal lesions at an early stage decreases mortality thereby improving overall survival, disease-free survival, and quality of life. Out of different diagnostic modalities, narrow-band imaging (NBI) combined with endoscopic techniques can provide a promising diagnostic tool in detecting early lesions of head and neck cancer. Numerous studies have shown that Ki-67 is a good prognostic marker in oral cancers. Our study aims to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of NBI and combine the Ki-67 index to diagnose head and neck cancer.

Materials and Methods:
All patients were first examined under white light and then under NBI endoscopy, and a biopsy was obtained from suspected lesions and sent for histopathological examination (HPE) and Ki-67 index.

Results:
Eighty patients were examined out of which, 68 patients having lesions in the oral cavity, oropharynx, larynx, and hypopharynx were examined. The rate of detecting cancerous lesion by white light and NBI were respectively 92% and 100% for oral cavity lesions, 69% and 100% for oropharyngeal lesions, 38% and 100% for hypopharyngeal lesions, and 37% and 100% for laryngeal carcinoma. However, we have found no significant difference in detecting T2-T4 tumors. Hence, we concluded that NBI mode can be a significantly better diagnostic tool than white light mode in detecting early mucosal cancer in head and neck cancer.

Conclusion:
We have concluded that NBI combined with Ki-67 estimation is a very promising tool that helps in the early diagnosis of mucosal lesions in head and and neck cancer.
Evaluation of the Role of Oral Microbes in Pathogenesis of Oral Lichen Planus
Authors: Mehta Tarang , Ashem Albert , Giri Debanti , Jethlia Ankur , Gupta Bharti , Lunkad Honey , Makkad Ramanpal Singh 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
The pathophysiology and etiology of oral lichen planus (OLP) are still unknown, despite the fact that the condition’s progression has been connected to a T-cell-based immune response. Research has focused on variables, such as oral bacteria, that may cause an autoimmune reaction with conflicting results.

Aim:
This study was conducted to evaluate the role of oral microorganisms in the pathogenesis of OLP.

Materials and Methods:
In this study, 82 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens of histopathologically confirmed cases of OLP and 20 such specimens of normal healthy subjects were obtained. Immunohistochemistry was carried out for the identification of microorganisms.

Results:

Candida albicans was observed in 47.12% of OLP cases and 9.43% of healthy controls. Helicobacter pylori was discovered in 45.21% of OLP cases and 13.46% of healthy controls. Periodontopathogenic bacteria was found in 33.14% of OLP cases and 13.45% of healthy controls. Human papillomavirus (HPV)-16 was noticed in 38.12% of OLP cases and 11.24% in the control group. HPV-18 was found in 32.43% of OLP patients and 11.43% in the control group. Mycoplasma salivarium was found in 46.47% of OLP patients and 6.45% in control.

Conclusion:
It was observed that several microorganisms like H. pylori, C. albicans, M. salivarium, periodontopathogenic bacteria, HPV-16, and HPV-18 were found to be related to OLP.
A Study on Clinico Radiological Profile and Treatment Pattern of Patients Admitted with Mucormycosis in a Teaching Institution
Authors: Vinayakumar Vishnu , Faizal C. K. Mohammed , Wilfred Manu 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objectives:
(1) Primary objective: To study the selected risk factors and clinical and radiological profiles of patients admitted with mucormycosis. (2) Secondary objective: To study the treatment pattern of patients admitted with mucormycosis.

Materials and Methods:
A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted, which included the data of all patients admitted with the histopathological diagnosis of mucormycosis after undergoing surgery in the Otorhinolaryngology Department, Government Medical College, Thrissur, from January 2020 to September 2021. The risk factors, clinical and radiological profiles along with the treatment pattern of patients admitted with mucormycosis were analyzed.

Results:
Most of the cases belonged to the 40–50 age group, although the mean age was 52.24 with patients ranging from the age of 32–76. The male: female ratio was 2:1. All patients had diabetes mellitus. 89.7% had hypertension, and 76.9% had chronic kidney disease.

Conclusion:
Diabetes mellitus and COVID-19 cause a predilection for mucor to invade the paranasal sinuses and beyond. Aggressive treatment with amphotericin B along with surgical clearance aided by radiological investigation will help in decreasing the morbidity of the disease.
An Epidemiological Study to Assess Essential Life Skills and its Predictors Among Adolescents in an Urban Slum Area
Authors: Bose Kritanjali Sahu , Lavangare Sujata , Bose Aritra Kumar 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background:
Essential life skills are a vast range of psychological and interpersonal abilities that can help people lead healthy and productive lives, make informed decisions, communicate effectively, and build coping and self-management skills. Adolescence is the building block for these skills, and the current study was planned to estimate these life skills among school-going children in a slum area.

Methodology:
The study was conducted in a slum area of Mumbai, where 158 adolescents (10–19 years) were selected by systematic random sampling. The assessment of sociodemographic profile and life skills based on five domains: time management, communication, leadership, goal setting, and coping skills, was done for 1.5 years.

Results:
The study involved participants with a mean age of 15 ± 2.3 years, primarily in early (40.5%) and mid (39.2%) adolescence. Females constituted 51.3%, with 57.6% from UP and 18.4% from Bihar. Most families had male heads, mostly educated till middle school or illiterate. Mothers were often illiterate or had a primary school certificate. Participants typically had 3–5 siblings and stayed with their parents. The mean global life skills score was 212.9.

Conclusions:
The study will act as a road map for curriculum planning and designing of extracurricular activities for adolescents so that their life skill scores increase and they grow up as better human beings.
Global Health Inequity and Disparity: Beyond Talk, Toward Action
Authors: Kumar Pratyush 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Global health inequity remains a major challenge despite ambitious goals. Disparities exist between rural and urban areas, high-income countries, and low-and middle-income countries (LMICs), and in representation at conferences and leadership positions. These gaps lead to delayed diagnoses, untreated illnesses, and preventable deaths in LMICs and rural communities. Addressing this issue requires financial inclusivity, deconstructing power imbalances, investing in rural health care, strengthening LMIC health systems, and promoting global health equity. Only through concrete actions can we bridge the gap and ensure health care for all.
Choithram’s Modified Hanging Limb Preparation for Limb Surgeries
Authors: Singh Rajpal , Chamania Shobha , Jaswanth Appikonda Naga , Singh Saumya 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
In an extensive lower limb burn surgery, where we need to operate circumferentially, we need to have a hanging limb preparation to have exposure to all sides of the leg. Here, we describe a modified method of limb holding described by authors from a paper published by Farroha et al. in EJPS, 2013. In our setup, we hang the lower limb using sharp towel clips, fixed to the patient’s great toe at distal phalanx (DP). These towel clips are elevated by a sterile bandage to the hook of intravenous stand, which is stabilized using weights on the other end. We are using this method for lower limb burn surgery to perform tangential excision or debridement and skin graft application/harvesting. There is no potential or residual damage to the great toe, nail, or bone of the DP. This method is very convenient, easy 360° access to operate, most impressive, needs lesser assistance and workforce and decreases chances of contamination.
Charge Transport Enhancement in Some Acene-Based Molecular Junctions
Authors: Ibrahim Kassim L. , Babaji G. , Galadanchi G.S.M. 
Published: April 2024

The field of single molecule electronics research has been spurred by the need to add functionality to next-generation electronic circuits and the desire to miniaturize devices. We focused on some acenebased molecular junctions, in which molecules are connected to Au electrodes via anchor groups. The frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs) and charge transport nature of the junction were examined by employing the density functional theory (DFT) in conjunction with the non-equilibrium Green's functional (NEGF) formalism. Particular attention was paid to the anchoring groups (NH2, S, CN, and SH), chemical impurity doping (B, N, and NB), and side groups (-CH3, -NH2, and –NO2). The findings demonstrate that the FMOs can change depending on the dopants or substituents employed. Additionally, it is noted that depending on the materials employed, charge transfer may be p-type or ntype. It is discovered that the molecular junctions have the highest conductivity when cyanides are used as anchor groups. It is therefore the ideal anchor material to utilize with tetracene and pentacene molecules. Understanding and creating n-type or p-typed high conductivity single molecule electronic components can be greatly aided by these discoveries.
Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Ethanolic Leaves Extract of <i>Sansevieria trifasciata</i> and <i>Sansevieria liberica</i> in Swiss Mice, (<i>Mus musculus</i>)
Authors: Oboho Diligent , Asuquo Essien , Edeke Affiong , Nelson Akwaowo , Aina Sulaimon , Ogbuke Ebere , Udoukpo Finnian 
Published: April 2024

The aim of this study was to examine the anti-inflammatory properties of Sansevieria trifasciata, also known as mother-in-law tongue, and Sansevieria liberica ethanolic leaf extract on mice, (Mus musculus). In a scientific setting, plant powder was extracted using 70% ethanol over a 72-hour period. Using the test animals, the extracts’ median lethal dose (LD50) was established. The soluble portion of the extracts was given at working doses of 10, 20, and 30% of the LD50 to the corresponding experimental animal groups (i.e low, middle, and high dosages accordingly). Findings from Sansevieria trifasciata and S. liberica’s phytochemical screening indicated the existence of secondary metabolites like terpenes, alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, and tannins. When given intraperitoneally, the LD50 of S. trifasciata and S. liberica were 387.30 and 353.55 mg/kg, respectively. The plant extracts’ soluble fraction was given intraperitoneally (i.p.) by injection as well as orally. The phlogistic egg-albumin-induced inflammation significantly decreased (p<0.05) according to the results. However, the development of a strong anti-inflammatory drug with low toxicity and an improved therapeutic index may come from the isolation of these bioactive components.
Physico-Chemical Properties of Locally Processed Shea Butter (<i>Vitellaria paradoxa</i>) from Parts of Niger State, Nigeria
Authors: Abdulmumeen Abubakar , Oladunni Hafsat Muhammad , Muhammed Habiba Maikudi , Dadi-Mamud Naomi John 
Published: April 2024

The suitability of shea butter as a dietary fat is greatly influenced by its physicochemical parameters as well as fatty acid composition. Thus, the present study was conducted to assess the physicochemical and fatty acid composition of shea butter sampled from three vegetational zones; Zone A (Agaie and Lapai Local Government Areas Coordinates) Zone B (Suleja and Gurara Local Government Areas) Zone C (Kontagora and Magama Local Government Areas in Niger State. The physicochemical parameters which include; colour, moisture, pH, oil yield, acid value, peroxide and saponification were analyzed according to standard methods. Results obtained showed that the colour of the shea butter from the 3 zones were orange/yellow. Moisture content ranged between 2.07±0.21 and 2.40±0.21; pH values ranged between 5.27±0.14 and 5.34±0.14; Oil yield ranged from 52.76±4.27 and 56.12±4.27; Acid values ranged from 2.47±2.61 to 3.77±2.61. Saponification ranged between 183.51±0.09 and 193.57±0.09; Peroxide values ranged between 0.54±0.38 and 1.04±0.38 respectively. There were significant and non-significant differences in the values of all the physicochemical parameters sampled from the 3 zones (p<0.05). Fatty acid composition revealed that the values of Oleic, linoleic, palmitic and arachidic ranged between 48.65±1.23 and 52.78±0.74; 7.24±1.21 and 8.30±1.30; 6.43±0.24 and 7.35±1.26; 0.63±0.11 and 0.84±0.08 respectively. The parameters assessed compared favourably with the reports from previous studies, indicating that the shea butter could serve as a source of food to the rural dwellers.
Concern over Orthodox and First Aids Treatments of Snakebite Victims in Kaltungo L.G.A, Gombe State, Nigeria
Authors: Tokdung M. , Sagir A. , Mohammed N. 
Published: April 2024

Snakebite by venomous snake causes multi-dimensional fast adverse clinical and non-clinical effects; including mortality and morbidity. Hence, the need for urgent first aid and treatments always in such conditions. Unfortunately, most of the bites occur in very remote rural areas with no health facilities at all or poor health facilities where available for proper treatment. So, the alternative as a matter of necessity is self-help by means of traditional methods of “first aid or treatment”. Unfortunately, the disadvantage of such methods far out-weigh the advantages in many ways for many reasons such as toxicity, none efficacy, lack of hygiene, unknown dosage and delay in going for proper health care early, due to hopeful confidence. The Tropical and Sub-Saharan regions of the globe are more affected; Nigeria is inclusive with the high burden in 12 States. This study was aimed at evaluating the level of dependence on some of these traditional methods of first and treatment of snakebite victims in Kaltungo, Gombe State. After getting ethical clearance from the State Ministry of Health and consent of the victims; a simple questionnaire was used to collect relevant information regarding first aids and treatments from 200 snakebite victims. The study showed that 167 (83.5%) of the victims took at least one form of first aid and/or treatment or the other before visiting the health centre for proper care. The first aids/treatments methods include at least one traditional methods – 27 (13.5%), orthodox only – 4 victims (2%), spiritual method only – 3 (1.5%), tourniquet method only – 7 (3.5%) combinations of two or more methods – 126 (63.0%), while 33 (16.5%) only did not take any first aid/treatment at all before getting to the treatment centre.
Urinary Schistosomiasis Amongst Children in Some Selected Primary Schools in Bagwai Local Government Area of Kano State – Nigeria
Authors: Sule H. , Muhammad A.B. , Ali A.B. 
Published: April 2024

Urinary schistosomiasis is one of the neglected tropical diseases that mostly affect children of the poor in resource limited settings of developing countries especially in Africa. It evolves when children come in contact with stagnant water and those of school age are among the most vulnerable. The research aimed to assess the burden of schistosomiasis among school children in the study area. Samples were collected in universal bottles and analysed by microscopy. From the research, overall prevalence of 25.3% was recorded. The result indicated variable disease prevalence amongst the selected villages, which revealed 45(47.3%) for Daddauda, 31(13.1%) for Kiyawa, 29(2.63%) for Jarumawa, 22(13.1%) from Sare-Sare and Kauyen Adam with 23(23.6%). Daddauda recorded the highest prevalence (47.3%) followed by Kauyen Adam (23.6%), Kiyawa and Sare-Sare with 13.1% respectively and the least was Jarumawa with 2.63%. There is statistically significant difference in infection among the different villages from which the children came from (P-value = 0.0001. According to the results, males had higher prevalence 71.0% compared to their females counterpart, 28.9%. Based on age group, the age bracket with the highest prevalence was 15-18 years of age 68.4% while the least infection rate was recorded in 5-7 years age group with 10.5%.
Kinetics of antibacterial activities of cellulose nanocrystals and their silver-zinc oxide nanocomposites: Application as potential disinfectants
Authors: Agunbiade F.O. , Allen E.E. , Oyetibo G.O. 
Published: April 2024

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) were produced from corncob and used as reducing agent in the formation of ZnO/CNCs, Ag/CNCs, and ZnO-Ag/CNCs composites and applied as antibacterial agents for both grampositive and gram-negative bacteria and the kinetics of microbial growth inhibition studied. The CNCs and composites were characterized by UV-visible and Fourier transform-infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The characterization results revealed that the functional groups of CNCs were affected by their interactions with Ag+ and Zn2+ ions. The composites at 100 mg/mL displayed activities against Gram-positive bacteria - Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermis, Bacillus coagulans and Enterococcus faecalis and Gram-negative bacteria - Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Salmonella typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecium and Acinetobacter baumanii) bacteria with inhibitory zones ranged between 9-46 mm. The kinetics of inhibition showed that the composites treated water had 4 to 28 times lower rate constants compared to the untreated water. This implied that the composites inhibit growth rates and have the potential of disinfecting for between 4 to 28 h depending on the bacteria. The materials showed better growth inhibition rate on gram-positive bacteria than on gram-negative. These composites may have potential applications as disinfectants in personal care products and serve as more eco-friendly alternative disinfectants to chlorophenols.
Physical quality and antibiotic susceptibility profile of <i>Escherichia coli</i> isolates from roof-harvested rainwater: A microcosm study
Authors: Titilawo M.A. , Josiah C.G. , Simeon O.N. , Ali C.M. , Ugwuocha C.S. , Ojediran G.O. , Titilawo O.Y. , Olaitan J.O. 
Published: April 2024

Owing to the inadequate supply of potable water in rural settlements in developing countries, roof-harvested rainwater (RHRW) has been favoured as an alternative source of water supply. The present study investigated the physical characteristics and microbial quality of 10 RHRW samples collected from storage tanks in Ikwo community of Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Triplicate water sampling was performed over a 3-month sampling regime. Onsite determination of odour, colour, pH and temperature, and isolation and enumeration of Escherichia coli were done using standard procedures. The identity of the isolates was confirmed using molecular techniques, and the susceptibility of the isolates to 11 antibiotics was determined following the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion assay. Multiple antibiotic resistance phenotypes and indices (MARPs and MARI) were equally determined. Our findings revealed that the RHRWs had unobjectionable odour and were colourless. Across the 3-month o sampling, the pH ranged from 6.9 to 7.8 while the temperature was between 24 °C and 29 C. While E. coli was absent in samples E (September), H (August and October) and J (August, September, and October), the highest E. coli count in August, September, and October was 37, 32, and 38 cfu/100 mL, respectively. The antibiotic susceptibility test on 40 E. coli isolates showed high resistance to ampicillin (100%), aztreonam (98%), cefotetan (97%), nitrofurantoin (90%), imipenem (83%), streptomycin (72%), and ertapenem (69%). Interestingly, the ighest MARP, 11 (AK/S/ETP/IMI/OFX/NOR/AMP/CTT/ATM/F/TE) (sample B), and the least, 4 (IMI/AMP/CTT/ATM) were recorded in samples B and D, respectively in September. MARI was from 0.42 to 1.00. The physical parameters conform with WHO standards, on the other hand, detection of E. coli poses risks of water-borne illness(es) and transmission of antimicrobial resistance. Hence stringent measures including proper treatment, sanitation and hygiene are advocated to safeguard the health of dwellers who depend on this water source for daily life activities.
Hepatoprotective Effect of Ethanolic Extract of Cnestis ferruginea Roots on Carbon tetrachloride-Induced Liver Damage in Male Rats
Authors: Okoro E. O. 
Published: April 2024

Hepatoprotection or antihepatotoxicity is the ability of an agent or chemical to prevent damage to the liver. These hepatoprotective agents mitigate the liver injury caused by the hepatotoxic agents. Therefore, the objective of this paper was to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of ethanolic extract of Cnestis ferruginea roots on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver damage in male rats using appropriate standard methods. A single dose of CCl4 administration significantly (p<0.05) increased the levels of ALT and AST in the positive control group, compared to the negative control group. Also, a significant (p<0.05) increase in the level of ALP and TB was seen in the positive control group relative to the negative control group. While, pre-treatment with either the extract or the standard drug significantly (p<0.05) reduced the levels of hepatic enzymes of serum (ALT, AST and ALP) and TB, when compared with the positive control group. Similarly, the activity of Glutathione-s-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in the liver of untreated rats (induced with CCl4)was significantly decreased (p<0.05) in comparison with the rats treated with the extracts and the standard drug. Thus, treatment of the CCl4 -induced rats with the extracts for fourteen days resulted in the reversal of the CCl4- induced liver damage in the rats with the high dose (200 mg/kg) giving the best result which was comparable with the standard drug. Therefore the ethanolic extract of C. ferruginea roots protects the liver against CCl4 -induced oxidative stress.