bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
We can and must do something
Authors: Bellone Andrea 
Published: February 2024

The environmental consequences of climate change are well known. The rise in the sea-level, increasing temperatures and more extreme weather events, increased droughts, flooding, and wildfires are impacting human health and lives. Temperature and humidity are the most consistent associations with infectious diseases and respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological outcomes. Temperature is also directly related to mortality and healthcare service use.1-3
The most important cause of global warming is the emissions of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, mainly carbon dioxide (CO2). The last year (2023) the amount of CO2 production in the world (fossil origin), was the largest.4 [...]
Rituximab versus Splenectomy in Chronic Primary ITP: Experience of a Single Hematology Clinic
Authors: Shamoon Rawanda , Yassin Ahmed Khudair , Alnuaimi Sarah Laith 
Published: February 2024

Objective: Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an acquired immune-mediated disease that lacks an underlying etiology. Steroids are the main first-line treatment of ITP, while the second-line treatment consists primarily of splenectomy and rituximab. This study aimed to assess and compare the response to rituximab and splenectomy.
Methods: This retrospective comparative study reviewed ITP patients treated at a single private hematology clinic from 2007 to 2019. Seventy-four ITP patients were recruited, 27 were on rituximab, and 47 had undergone splenectomy. The initial platelet counts and bleeding symptoms were recorded, and initial and long-term responses to treatment were evaluated based on the American Society of Hematology guidelines.
Results: The mean age of the patients was 42.1 years with a male-to-female ratio of 1:1.8. The initial mean platelet count was comparable between the rituximab and splenectomy groups (p = 0.749). The initial complete response (CR) differed significantly between the rituximab and splenectomy groups (44.4% versus 83%, p = 0.002). The five-year response rate was significantly higher in the splenectomy than in the rituximab group (74% versus 52%, log-rank 0.038). Splenectomy was the only significant predictive factor for long-term response (OR = 0.193, p = 0.006).
Conclusion: The overall response revealed that splenectomy appeared superior to rituximab as a second-line treatment of ITP. Splenectomy was the only positive prognostic indicator of sustained response.
Factors affecting Big Data adoption in a government organisation in the Western Cape
Authors: Bruintjies Andre N. , Njenga James 
Published: February 2024

Background: Government organisations have realised the potential to derive value from Big Data (BD) and need to adopt BD. Currently, South African governmental organisations have not fully committed to adopting BD because they are unsure if they are adequately equipped, and additional empirical research is required to understand the salient factors that influence BD adoption.Objectives: This research investigates the factors influencing the adoption of BD at a government organisation in the Western Cape, South Africa.Method: This study adopted a qualitative research approach, using semi-structured interviews and snowball sampling to collect data from 11 participants at a government organisation in the Western Cape. Participants provided informed consent and it uses a thematic analysis approach to analyse the data.Results: The technology-organisation-environment (TOE) framework was used to study the factors influencing BD adoption at government organisations. Seventeen factors were identified, the majority in the organisational context of TOE framework. The salient factors were identified as top management support, finance, and budget, skills and talent and organisational strategy.Conclusion: The study found 17 factors that influence the adoption of BD at this government organisation and provides recommendations on how to address those factors to ensure that BD is adopted successfully.Contribution: This study presents empirical evidence of the factors that influence BD adoption in government organisations. By considering these factors, government organisations can integrate and synergise IT and business to ensure that the core business of government, which is service delivery to the citizens, is achieved competently by harnessing the potential of BD.
Cross-Sectional Study of the Relationship Between Medial Plantar Nerve Conduction Studies and Severity of Diabetic Neuropathy
Authors: Kartheka R , Aghoram Rajeswari , Faith A Joel , Wadwekar Vaibhav 
Published: February 2024

Objective:
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), a complication of diabetes, is detected only in later stages. Medial plantar nerve (MPL) can identify earlier stages of neuropathy. We evaluated the correlation of MPL sensory nerve action potentials (SNAPs) and severity of DPN measured using the Toronto Clinical Neuropathy Score (TCNS).

Methods:
In this hospital-based, cross-sectional study, we recruited diabetic subjects referred for suspected DPN. Neuropathy was graded with TCNS. Sural nerve conduction studies were performed using standard techniques. MPL studies were conducted using the modified Ponsford technique. All evaluations were performed on Nihon Kohden (model MEB 9200K). Averaged MPL SNAP was correlated with TCNS using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. To estimate a correlation of 0.4 with 80% power (P = 0.05), we needed 46 subjects. Linear regression was conducted to adjust for age, duration, and diabetic control. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to obtain the cutoff for MPL SNAP values using the Youden index.

Results:
Fifty-one subjects with a mean age of 53.5 years (8.7) and mean duration of diabetes of 10.2 years (7.2) were included. MPL SNAPs were recordable in 12 patients, and the mean amplitude was 5.15 (2.9) µV. There was correlation between MPL SNAP and TCNS (r = -0.43, P = 0.02). No confounding was seen. Use of MPL SNAP resulted in diagnosis of DPN in an additional six (11.8%) patients. The ROC curve suggested that MPL SNAP cutoff of 1.05 µV had an accuracy of 67% in identifying neuropathy as defined by TCNS.

Conclusions:
MPL SNAP has a moderate correlation with clinical score and identifies more diabetic neuropathy than sural nerve.
Socio-demographic variables for child immunisation among Khatik population of Delhi
Authors: Sharma Kirti , Kumar Naveen , Kshatriya Gautam K. , Deb Roumi 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
In India, the Expanded Programme on Immunization was introduced in 1978 and renamed the Universal Immunization Programme in 1985 with the intention of immunising at least 85% of newborns. To improve infant mortality and health outcomes in India and other low and middle income countries, it is critical to understand the local immunisation barriers.

Methodology:
A community based cross sectional study was conducted amongst the Khatik population of North East Delhi. All childbearing women were included in the study, and data from 387 mothers was collected.

Results:
The illiteracy rate amongst women (18.3%) was found to be higher compared to that amongst men (7.1%). A high proportion of the children were immunised (98.7%). The results of the chisquare test revealed that the influence of socio demographic variables was not statistically associated, with the immunisation status of the children (P > 0.05).

Conclusion:
However, it was also evaluated that both mothers and fathers with high and intermediate school levels of education were more likely to immunise their child compared to those who were illiterate, and with primary and middle levels of education. Increasing mothers’ knowledge could help to reduce the number of children who are not immunised.
Relationship between Different Levels of Luminance and Color Temperature of LED Lamps on Human Error and Work Speed in Laboratory Conditions
Authors: Khajehvarnamkhasti Zahra , Dabaghi Elahe , Dehghan Habibollah , Habibi Ehsanollah 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Aim:
The use of appropriate lighting systems can have a significant impact on improving cognitive performance parameters and reducing workplace accidents. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between different levels of luminance and color temperature of LED lamps on human error and the work speed of individuals in laboratory conditions.

Materials and Methods:
This empirical study was conducted on 12 men and women volunteers. Two LED lamps with two color temperatures of 3000°K and 6000°K were set at angles of 15°, 30°, and 45° and with the same light intensity of 300 lux. Accuracy and work speed parameters were recorded at different time intervals using a target accuracy test. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.

Results:
The mean ± standard deviation age of the participants in this study was 20.9 ± 1.2 years, and 50% (6 individuals) were male. The results showed that human error among people in three different angles of luminance for color temperatures of 6000°K and 3000°K was significant (P < 0.01), and in terms of the work speed, this difference was not significant (P > 0.05). The comparison of error counts and work speed between two color temperatures of 3000°K and 6000°K at all three angles of luminance independently showed a significant difference only in error counts (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:
The results demonstrated that the angle of luminance and color temperature have an impact on human error, with individuals exhibiting fewer errors at higher color temperatures. The findings of this research can be utilized in industries that involve high cognitive performance-sensitive occupations.
Screen Time and Child Behavioral Disorders During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review
Authors: Abdoli Maryam , Khoshgoftar Mohadeseh , Jadidi Hosin , Daniali Seyede Shahrbanoo , Kelishadi Roya 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background:
The extensive use of various electronic games and communication devices, particularly among children and adolescents, has raised concerns, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study investigated the link between screen time and internalizing disorders, such as anxiety and depression, among individuals aged ≤18 during the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods:
This systematic review aims to summarize scientific publications from 2019 to early 2022 by searching databases, including the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and PsycINFO, to identify suitable studies. In each paper, we searched the following keywords and their synonyms: screen, child, high school, middle school, and psychiatric disorders. The quality of the selected papers was evaluated using a checklist recommended by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for observational cohort studies.

Results:
Out of 986 reports identified, we included 12 papers with 14,483 participants. The study revealed a negative correlation between screen time (TV, computer, video games, and mobile phones) and behavioral outcomes. Smartphones were the most frequently used devices, with video games being more prevalent among older participants for education, communication, and entertainment purposes. The prevalence of depression ranged between 10% and 25%. Furthermore, anxiety and depression were identified as predictors of increased screen usage. Some results displayed variation based on the type of screen exposure, the questionnaires used, and the age of the participants.

Conclusions:
The findings imply an indirect association between increased screen time and depression and anxiety. It is crucial to consider limitations on screen time exposure and parental supervision as measures to prevent certain mental disorders.
Management of Infected Femoral Nonunion by Arched External Fixator Augmented by Flexible Intramedullary Nails
Authors: El Gebaly Osama , Nada Abdullah Ahmed , Elforse Elsayed , Hamed Hany 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Purpose:
The aim of this study is to evaluate the functional and radiological outcome of the management of infected femoral nonunion by arched frame augmented by flexible intramedullary nails.

Patients and Methods:
In this retrospective case series study, 20 cases were included. All patients had chronically infected nonunited fracture femur. The mean age of the included patients was 33 years. The site of the femoral fracture was midshaft in 12 patients, proximal third of femur in 6 patients, and distal third in 2 cases. Initially, the fracture was open in 17 patients and closed in 3 patients. Four of the included patients had diabetes mellitus. Ten cases were smokers and six of them were heavy smokers. All cases were managed by arched frames, augmented by flexible intramedullary nails. Functional and radiological evaluation was performed using the Association for the Study and Application of the Methods of Ilizarov (ASAMI) scoring system.

Results:
The mean follow-up was 18.45 months. All cases achieved union except two cases (10%). According to ASAMI bony score, 11 patients (55%) were excellent, 6 (30%) were good, 1 was fair (5%), and 2 (10%) showed poor results. According to ASAMI functional score, 3 patients were excellent, 15 (75%) were good, 3 (15%) were fair, and 2 (10%) showed poor results.

Conclusion:
The management of infected nonunion of the femur by arched frame and intramedullary flexible nails provides a stable fixation, with acceptable functional and radiological results.

Level of Evidence:
Level IV case series study.
Comparison of Various Commonly Used Luting Cements on the Success of Composite Inlays Assessed by the Levels of the Microleakage—An In vitro Study
Authors: Uppalapati Vishwaja , Shivanand Sunita , Agarwal Ishita , Mustafa Mohammed , Dutta Smita D. , Sharma Mayank 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction:
Indirect composite restoration is one of the commonly followed procedures in the posterior teeth. The success of this is dependent on many factors, one being the luting cement. Hence, the current study explores the microleakage of the two luting cements at 2 different times.

Materials and Methods:
Eighty extracted human teeth were taken, and class II cavities were made that were to receive the composite inlays. They were grouped as supragingival and subgingival, which for further divided as were further subdivided to be observed for marginal leakage at cervical and occlusal margins, at the end of a day and 1 month. Each group had ten specimens. The luting cements that were evaluated were Variolink N and RelyX Unicem. After the composite inlay restoration was done for all the specimens, the sections were put on slides, and a stereomicroscope was used to measure the amount of dye penetration. Leakage was evaluated and compared using Mann–Whitney U test.

Results:
At the end of 1 day, there was no significant alteration in the microleakage in the occlusal or cervical regions for either region supragingivally or subgingivally between the two luting cements. Significant difference between the two cements at the cervical borders at the end of a month was seen for both the margins. When compared supragingivally and subgingivally at the end of 1 day or at the end of 1 month, there was not a significant difference for any of the cements.

Conclusion:
Within the constraints of the current investigation, it can be said that there was similar microleakage for both Variolink N and RelyX Unicem at the conclusion of a day’s storage time. After a 1-month storage period, RelyX Unicem showed more cervical microleakage than Variolink N.
Evaluation to Determine Antibiotic Resistance Reduction in Gram-Negative Bacteria from 2019 to 2021 by the Saudi Arabia National Plan
Authors: Alrehaili Jihad Awadallah 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction:
The main objective of this study was to investigate the three-year evaluation of antibiotic resistance (AR) of multi-drug-resistant organisms and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-resistant rate of gram-negative bacteria in one of the largest hospitals by the Saudi Arabia Nation Plan.

Methods:
This study was conducted in the Department of Laboratory Medicine, in a private hospital in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia, from January 2019 to December 2021 in 120-bed private hospitals. A total of 4700 gram-negative isolated organisms were obtained from the various specimens of the patients, and antibiotic sensitivity tests were performed. According to the manufacturer’s instructions, the inoculum prepared was applied to two test cards, one for the identification system VITEK 2 ID-GNB and another for susceptibility testing antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) No. 12.

Result:
The most common gram-negative bacteria isolated was Escherichia coli (2706/4700; 57.57%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (905/4700; 19.25%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (395/4700; 8.40%). Escherichia coli’s highest AR reduction was reported for cefotaxime (CTX) of 29% (295/1018; 29%, 172/818; 21%, 0/870; 0%) for 2019, 2020, and 2021, respectively. Except for Salmonella species, which displayed enhanced AR, the ESBL and multidrug-resistant (MDR) rates decreased significantly (p 0.05) for most bacteria.

Conclusion:
This study helps to understand the maximum number of gram-negative bacteria susceptible to the Saudi National Action Plan (SNAP) to decrease the prevalence of AR, ESBL, and MDR. To comprehensively understand SNAP’s effectiveness, other trials involving gram-positive bacteria should be considered.
Effectiveness of Early Intervention with Palatal Expansion Versus Late Orthodontic Treatment for Correcting Maxillary Crowding
Authors: Alam Mohammad K. , Elbeshbeishy Rana , Abutayyem Huda M. , Sghaireen Mohammed G. 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
Maxillary crowding is a common orthodontic issue that can impact a patient’s oral health and overall well-being. The timing of orthodontic treatment plays a crucial role in achieving optimal results.

Materials and Methods:
Thirty patients who received early intervention with palatal expansion (Group A) and 30 patients who underwent late orthodontic treatment (Group B) were included in this study. The age range for Group A was 8–10 years, while Group B had an age range of 16–18 years. Pretreatment and posttreatment records, including dental models and cephalometric radiographs, were analyzed to assess the effectiveness of the respective treatments.

Results:
In Group A, the mean duration of treatment was 12 months, and the maxillary crowding was corrected by an average of 4.5 mm. In Group B, the mean treatment duration was 24 months, and maxillary crowding was corrected by an average of 3.2 mm. The early intervention group (Group A) exhibited a statistically significant reduction in treatment duration and greater correction of maxillary crowding compared to the late orthodontic treatment group (Group B) (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:
Early intervention with palatal expansion is an effective approach for correcting maxillary crowding, leading to shorter treatment duration and greater improvement compared to late orthodontic treatment.
Assessment of GCS and FOUR Score as Prognostic Indicators for Hospital Stay and Morbidity in Traumatic Brain Injury Patients: An Observational Study
Authors: Anand K. V. , Shahid P. T. , Shameel K. K. 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Aim:
The objective of the present research was to evaluate variations in hospital stay as well as morbidity based on the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and Full Outline of Un-Responsive (FOUR) scores for patients who had traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Materials and Methods:
A total of 107 patients with TBI patients who attended the emergency department of MES Medical College, Perinthalmanna, were enrolled into the study. FOUR and GCS scoring systems were used to assess the patients within 24 hours of the presentation to the emergency department. Both FOUR and GCS scoring systems were assessed at the same time. The outcome was measured in terms of length of hospital stay and morbidity, which was assessed using modified Rankin score. Chi-square test was used to calculate sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value. The area under the curve (AUC) was calculated using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. A P value <0.05 was considered significant.

Results:
We found a strong positive correlation between GCS and FOUR score with a Spearman coefficient of 0.9. Comparison of AUC between GCS score and FOUR score showed a statistically significant difference (P = 0.0044), predicting that FOUR score was a better predictor of hospital stay (>15 days) than GCS score. Comparison of AUC between GCS score and FOUR score showed a significant statistical difference (P = 0.0002), showing that FOUR score was a better predictor of morbidity than GCS.

Conclusion:
FOUR score was a better predictor of hospital stay and morbidity as compared to GCS score.
Comparing the Effectiveness of Traditional Periodontal Surgery Versus Non-Surgical Therapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Vadvadgi Vinay H , Gulati Ruchi , Wankhede Anand , Amrita  , Mehra Parth , Charan Yadav K Shiva 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
Periodontal disease, characterized by inflammation and infection of the supporting structures of teeth, poses a significant oral health challenge. Traditional periodontal surgery and non-surgical therapy, such as scaling and root planing, are established treatment approaches for addressing periodontal disease

Materials and Methods:
The study enrolled 120 adult patients diagnosed with moderate to severe periodontal disease. Participants were randomly allocated to one of two groups: the traditional surgery group (TSG) or the non-surgical therapy group (NSTG). In the TSG, patients underwent traditional periodontal surgery, which included flap surgery and grafts when deemed necessary. The surgical procedures were performed by experienced periodontal surgeons. In contrast, the NSTG received non-surgical therapy in the form of scaling and root planing administered by trained dental hygienists. Outcome measures encompassed clinical parameters and patient-centered outcomes. Periodontal pocket depth and clinical attachment level, both measured in millimeters, were assessed at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Patient-reported outcomes, including pain, discomfort, and satisfaction, were collected through standardized questionnaires at each follow-up visit.

Results:
Patients in the TSG experienced a notable reduction in pocket depth from a baseline of 6.8 mm to 3.7 mm at the 6-month mark, resulting in a change of -3.1 mm. Conversely, the NSTG exhibited a reduction from 6.7 mm to 4.0 mm, with a change of -2.7 mm. In the TSG, the baseline attachment level of 7.2 mm decreased to 5.1 mm at 6 months, indicating a change of -2.1 mm. In the NSTG, the attachment level decreased from 7.1 mm to 5.5 mm, resulting in a change of -1.6 mm. Patients in the TSG reported an average pain score of 3.6 on a 1–10 scale, discomfort of 4.2, and satisfaction of 7.8. In contrast, patients in the NSTG reported lower pain (2.1) and discomfort (2.9) scores but similar satisfaction levels (8.4)

Conclusion:
In this randomized controlled trial (RCT), both traditional periodontal surgery and non-surgical therapy demonstrated improvements in clinical parameters and patient-reported outcomes. Traditional surgery resulted in greater reductions in periodontal pocket depth and clinical attachment loss at the 6-month follow-up.