bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A rare case of isoniazid mono-resistant tuberculosis presenting as cardiac tamponade along with an anterior mediastinal mass in a 15-year-old immunocompetent patient
Authors: Mishra Richa , Jamwal Ashima , Gupta Bishal , Kumar Sudeep , Bharali Abhijeet , Das Parijat , Nath Alok , Jain Manoj , Neyaz Zafar 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT
A 15-year-old boy presented with a sudden onset of breathlessness for 7 days, gradual loss of weight of 17.6 lbs over the last month and progressive hoarseness of voice for 7 months. The contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) scan revealed a heterogeneously enhancing lesion in the anterior mediastinum with multiple discrete lymph nodes in the cervical and mediastinal locations. The GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay performed on the CT-guided biopsy of the mass was negative, but the culture for Mycobacterium tuberculosis was positive at 7 weeks of incubation. There was a suboptimal radiological response after 6 months of treatment. First-line drug susceptibility testing (DST) performed by line probe assay (LPA) on the positive culture detected high-level resistance to isoniazid. The treatment was modified as per DST results to which the patient responded well.
Follow-up study of COVID-19 sequelae (FOSCO study)
Authors: Patro Mahismita , Gothi Dipti , Anand Shweta , Priyadarshini Dweepala P. D. K. , Ojha Umesh C. , Pal Ramesh S. , Malhotra Nipun , Kumar Rahul , Jain Anshul , Kumar Sunil , Agarwal Pranzal 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction:
We undertook the first study from India to evaluate the long-term health effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Methods:
The patients enrolled in our post-COVID-19 clinic were followed up for assessment at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after recovery from acute disease prospectively.

Results:
200 patients with mean age of 50.72 years and 57.5% males were analysed. 42.5% had severe and 17% had moderate disease at the time of diagnosis. The persistence of symptoms beyond 1 month of diagnosis was seen in 72.5% (145/200) patients. 8% (16/200) of the patients had post-COVID-19 complications that required rehospitalisation after discharge or recovery from acute COVID-19. The complications included respiratory failure (2%), lung cavities (3.5%), fungal infection, pericardial effusion, pneumothorax and death. The symptoms were persistent beyond 3 months in 51% (102/200) and beyond 6 months in 17.5% (35/200) of cases. The patients with persistent symptoms beyond 3 months and 6 months had significantly higher intensive care unit (ICU) admission during acute COVID-19, severe disease during acute COVID-19, and higher prevalence of comorbidities compared to the recovered patients. The clinical recovery was attained in 95.5% (91/200) patients, and the radiological recovery was attained in 97.92% patients at 1 year. The mean duration to clinical recovery was 174.2 days.

Conclusions:
COVID-19 recovery takes longer time. However, clinico-radiological recovery is attained in >95% cases by one year.
Validation of the Donabedian Model of Health Service Quality in Selected States in Nigeria
Authors: Opele JK , Adepoju KO 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
Every citizen of a nation has the basic constitutional right to quality health care. However, there is a dearth of literature on the validity and reliability of the Donabedian conceptual model of health service quality in Nigeria.

Aim:
The current paper focused on validating the Donabedian model of quality health service in selected states in Nigeria.

Methods:
This is a prospective study of 479 health workforce consisting of 204 physicians, 180 nurses, and 95 health information management officers in three geopolitical zones in Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was used to select respondents. Data were collected through a semi-structured questionnaire with a response rate of 87%. The overall reliability test of the variables yielded α =0.938. Data gathered was analyzed descriptively for the socio-demographic characteristics and Relative Importance Index (RII) to rank the criteria according to their relative importance.

Results:
Findings from the study reveal that the (RII) of all the items in the study instrument exceeded the universally acceptable threshold of 0.5, indicating a high level of care in Federal Tertiary Hospitals in Nigeria with regards to structure, process, and outcomes.

Conclusion:
The study underscored the need for the adoption of the Donabedian model in the three other geopolitical zones in Nigeria for a generalized conclusion on the validity and reliability of the Donabedian conceptual model of health service quality. We recommended that research studies on health service quality should be anchored on Donabedian conceptual model as a way to increase awareness of the relevance of the model in improving clinical care in Nigeria.
The Effect of Different Obturation Techniques Using Different Root Canal Sealers on the Residual Filling Material After Retreatment Procedures
Authors: Sarı M , Yılmaz K 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
This study aimed to compare the effect of different obturation techniques with root canal sealers on the residual filling material after retreatment using SEM.

Material and Method:
Sixty (60) single rooted mandibular premolars were selected and instrumented with rotary files using the Mtwo system up to file size 30/.05 taper. The samples were randomly divided to two groups based on the type of sealer and three sub-groups (n=10) based on the obturating technique used. The root fillings were removed using the PTUR system files and the specimens were longitudinally sectioned while digital images were obtained from the root canals with SEM. The time required to reach working lenght were recorded.

Results:
There was no difference in terms of the smear score when comparing both sealer and obturation technique groups in the apical third. Smear scores were significantly affected by the type of sealer and obturation technique in the medium and coronal thirds of root canals (p<0.05). Higher smear scores were obtained with GFB than AH Plus (p<0.05). The time required to reach working length with GFB was longer than AH Plus (p<0.05).

Conclusion:
Residual filling material was observed in all samples, regardless of the root canal sealer or the obturation technique used. There was a significantly lower smear scores in the AH Plus groups as compared to the GFB.
Immature Granulocyte Percentage as an Early Predictor of Necrosis in Volvulus
Authors: Çaparlar MA , Durhan A , Süleymanov M , Binarbaşı C , Koşmaz K 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Aim:
Volvulus is a disease characterized by the abnormal twisting of a gaseous distension of the loop of the intestine around itself. Colonic volvulus is the third common cause of colonic obstruction. The study aimed to determine whether the percentage of immature granulocytes is a marker of early necrosis in the volvulus.

Methods:
Demographic characteristics of the cases were collected in the study. In addition, age, gender, white blood cell count, immature granulocyte count, immature granulocyte percentage, platelet lymphocyte ratio, and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio were compared between groups with and without necrosis in terms of treatment.

Results:
The effectiveness of immature granulocyte percentage (IG%) and IG markers were statistically significant in predicting necrosis. The AUC was the highest for IG (0.820, 95% CI: 0.586–1), followed by IG% (0.820, 95% CI: 0.617–1). The optimal cut-off value for the IG was 0.65, with a sensitivity of 76.2% and specificity of 85.7% (P = 0.013). The optimal cut-off value for the IG% was 0.065, with a sensitivity of 85.7% and specificity of 71.4% (0.018).

Conclusion:
IG% and IG count were found to be useful for predicting necrosis in patients with volvulus.
Incidence, Determinants, and Outcomes of Spontaneous Preterm Birth at Tertiary Hospitals in Enugu, Southeast, Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Nnagbo JE , Ugwu GO , Eze MI , Agu PU , Nnagbo CL , Udealor PC , Ezugwu EC , Ugwu EO , Nwagha IU , Ezegwui HU 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
In the past five years, observational evidence suggests that the rates and determinants of preterm birth may have changed due to the effect of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and other humanitarian crises in our environment.

Aim:
This study aimed to determine the incidence, associated factors, and outcomes of preterm birth in tertiary hospitals in Enugu, southeastern Nigeria.

Methods:
This cross-sectional study included 238 pregnant women from the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu State University of Science and Technology Teaching Hospital (ESUT-TH) Parklane, and Mother of Christ Specialist Hospital (MOCSH), Enugu, from April 2022 to March 2023. Eligible and consenting participants were recruited from 28–36 weeks +6 days of gestational age and followed up until delivery. Relevant outcome variables, such as sociodemographic characteristics, gestational age at delivery, and pregnancy outcomes, were recorded in a pro forma. These data were analyzed using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) statistics for Windows, version 22.0, Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.

Results:
The incidence of preterm birth was 16.6% (37/223), with spontaneous preterm birth constituting 24 of 37 (64.5%) cases. The mean age of participants was 30.3 ± 4.8 years. Advanced maternal age (>35 years) (P = 0.01, adjusted odds ratio (AOR) =0.01, confidence interval (CI): 0.00–0.144), low socioeconomic status (P = 0.04, AOR = 0.40, CI: 0.11–1.46), and history of miscarriage (P = 0.02, AOR = 0.06, CI: 0.01–0.59) were the factors associated with spontaneous preterm birth. Neonatal death occurred in 21.6% (8/37) of cases within the first 24 hours. Rates of cesarean section and low birth weight were 73% (27/37) each.

Conclusions:
The incidence of preterm birth is high in Enugu, and associated factors were advanced maternal age, low socioeconomic status, and a history of miscarriage.
Evaluation of the Effect of Vitamin D Treatment on Cardiac Function in Non-Obese Female Adolescents with Vitamin D Deficiency in Türkiye: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Altın H , Şen E , Bozdemir ŞE , Türe E , Aktürk B , Karaca A 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
Vitamin D deficiency may cause adverse effects on the cardiovascular system as well as many other systems. The risk of vitamin D deficiency increases during adolescence, when the growth rate is high, due to reasons such as limited sun exposure, inadequate dietary calcium, and vitamin D intake.

Aim:
To evaluate the effect of daily 2000 IU vitamin D supplementation for 12 weeks on cardiac function in non-obese adolescent girls with vitamin D deficiency.

Methods:
This cross-sectional study was carried out between September 2021 and June 2022. A total of 108 non-obese adolescent girls having 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels below 12 ng/mL were given daily 2000 IU vitamin D orally for 12 weeks. Serum levels of 25(OH)D, alkaline phosphatase, parathormone, calcium, phosphate, and cardiac function were determined before and after treatment.

Results:
After treatment, the 25(OH)D levels were above 20 ng/mL in 90.8% of the adolescents. The parathormone and alkaline phosphatase levels decreased, while the phosphate levels increased. Echocardiographic tissue Doppler studies showed positive changes in some systolic and diastolic function indicators. In addition, the myocardial performance index decreased from 0.42 ± 0.03 to 0.40 ± 0.03 (P < 0.001) in the left ventricle, from 0.43 ± 0.03 to 0.38 ± 0.03 (P < 0.001) in the right ventricle, and from 0.41 ± 0.04 to 0.38 ± 0.02 (P < 0.001) in the interventricular septum after vitamin D treatment as compared to pretreatment.

Conclusion:
It was observed that administration of 2000 IU vitamin D treatment for a period of 12 weeks to non-obese adolescent girls with vitamin D deficiency contributed positively to cardiac systolic and diastolic function.
Theoretical study of a
$\varphi $
-Hilfer fractional differential system in Banach spaces
Authors: Zentar Oualid , Ziane Mohamed , Al Horani Mohammed 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn this work, we study the existence of solutions of nonlinear fractional coupled system of
$\varphi $
-Hilfer type in the frame of Banach spaces. We improve a property of a measure of noncompactness in a suitably selected Banach space. Darbo’s fixed point theorem is applied to obtain a new existence result. Finally, the validity of our result is illustrated through an example.
Yinhuang granule alleviates carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis in mice and its mechanism
Authors: Ouyang Hao , Miao Hui , Li Zhen , Wu Duan , Gao Si-Cheng , Dai Yao-Yao , Gao Xiao-Di , Chai Hai-Sheng , Hu Wei-Ye , Zhu Jun-Feng 
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND
Liver fibrosis is a formidable global medical challenge, with no effective clinical treatment currently available. Yinhuang granule (YHG) is a proprietary Chinese medicine comprising Scutellariae Radix and Lonicerae Japonicae Flos. It is frequently used for upper respiratory tract infections, pharyngitis, as well as acute and chronic tonsillitis.
AIM
To investigate the potential of YHG in alleviating carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis in mice.
METHODS
To induce a hepatic fibrosis model in mice, this study involved intraperitoneal injections of 2 mL/kg of CCl4 twice a week for 4 wk. Meanwhile, liver fibrosis mice in the low dose of YHG (0.4 g/kg) and high dose of YHG (0.8 g/kg) groups were orally administered YHG once a day for 4 wk. Serum alanine/aspartate aminotransferase (ALT/AST) activity and liver hydroxyproline content were detected. Sirius red and Masson's trichrome staining assay were conducted. Real-time polymerase chain reaction, western-blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were conducted. Liver glutathione content, superoxide dismutase activity level, reactive oxygen species and protein carbonylation amount were detected.
RESULTS
The administration of YHG ameliorated hepatocellular injury in CCl4-treated mice, as reflected by decreased serum ALT/AST activity and improved liver histological evaluation. YHG also attenuated liver fibrosis, evident through reduced liver hydroxyproline content, improvements in Sirius red and Masson's trichrome staining, and lowered serum hyaluronic acid levels. Furthermore, YHG hindered the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and ameliorated oxidative stress injury and inflammation in liver from CCl4-treated mice. YHG prompted the nuclear accumulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and upregulated the expression of Nrf2-dependent downstream antioxidant genes. In addition, YHG promoted mitochondrial biogenesis in liver from CCl4-treated mice, as demonstrated by increased liver adenosine triphosphate content, mitochondrial DNA levels, and the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 alpha and nuclear respiratory factor 1.
CONCLUSION
YHG effectively attenuates CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in mice by inhibiting the activation of HSCs, reducing inflammation, alleviating liver oxidative stress damage through Nrf2 activation, and promoting liver mitochondrial biogenesis.
Does Paging Clinicians about Tick-Borne Disease Serological Results Impact Clinical Care? A Retrospective Analysis of 70 Cases in North Carolina
Authors: Mokashi Neha V. , Brown Marusiak Amanda , Giandomenico Dana , Cleinmark Meghan , Schmitz John L. , Boyce Ross M. 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT.
Delayed treatment of Rocky Mountain spotted fever is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Because the diagnosis cannot be established from a single serological test, guidelines recommend empirical antibiotic initiation in suspect patients. We evaluated a policy used by UNC Health of paging clinicians when acute testing for Rickettsia returned with a titer ≥1:256. Our objective was to assess the potential effect of paging on routine treatment practices. Notably, we found that a high proportion of cases (N = 28, 40%) were not prescribed antibiotics until the results were available. The vast majority of these cases did not have evidence of compatible symptoms or disease progression. These findings suggest that paging may have prompted unnecessary treatment. Overall, the policy, which has now been discontinued, appears to have had limited benefit. Efforts are urgently needed to improve adherence to testing and treatment guidelines.
Historical Hot Spots of Dengue and Zika Viruses to Guide Targeted Vector Control in San Juan, Puerto Rico (2010–2022)
Authors: Barrera Roberto , Ruiz Jose , Adams Laura E. , Marzan-Rodriguez Melissa , Paz-Bailey Gabriela 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT.
Dengue viruses (DENV) continue to cause large outbreaks in tropical countries, while chikungunya and Zika (ZIKV) viruses have added complexity to Aedes-borne disease prevention and control efforts. Because these viruses are transmitted by the same vectors in urban areas, it is useful to understand if sequential outbreaks caused by these viruses have commonalities, such as similar seasonal and spatial patterns, that would help anticipate and perhaps prevent future outbreaks. We explored and analyzed the heterogeneity of confirmed cases of DENV (2010–2014 and 2015–2022) and ZIKV (2016–2017) during outbreaks in the San Juan metropolitan area of Puerto Rico to explore their degree of overlap and prioritize areas for Aedes aegypti control. Deidentified, georeferenced case data were aggregated into grid cells (500 × 500 m) within a geographical information system of the study area and analyzed to calculate the degree of overlap between outbreaks. Spatial autocorrelations using local indicators of spatial associations were conducted to identify significant disease case hot spots and correlations between outbreaks. We found that 75% of cases during the three transmission periods were concentrated in 25% of the total number of grid cells covering the study area. We also found significant clustering of cases during each outbreak, enabling identification of consistent disease hot spots. Our results showed 85% spatial overlap between cases of ZIKV in 2015–2017 and DENV in 2010–2014 and 97% overlap between DENV cases in 2010–2014 and 2015–2022. These results reveal urban areas at greater risk of future arbovirus outbreaks that should be prioritized for vector control.
IgG Isotypes Targeting a Recombinant Chimeric Protein of Trypanosoma cruzi in Different Clinical Presentations of Chronic Chagas Disease
Authors: Serrano Isabela Machado , Ribeiro Gilmar , Santos Ronnei Silva , Cruz Jaqueline Silva , Lanza Fernanda Cardoso , Santos Emily Ferreira dos , Almeida Márcio Cerqueira de , Soares Jorgana Fernanda de Souza , Luquetti Alejandro Ostermayer , Celedon Paola Alejandra Fiorani , Zanchin Nilson Ivo Tonin , Santos Fred Luciano Neves , Reis Mitermayer Galvão dos 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT.
Chagas disease (CD) is caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, which leads to a spectrum of clinical presentations that range from asymptomatic to severe cardiac involvement. The host immune response plays a pivotal role in disease progression. Ig isotypes may contribute to disease pathogenesis. Investigating these components can provide insights into the immunopathogenic mechanisms underlying CD. This cross-sectional study aims to establish a correlation between the Ig profile of individuals infected with T. cruzi with the clinical forms of chronic CD. Serum samples were collected from partner institutions in different states of Brazil. Individuals diagnosed with chronic CD were categorized based on the clinical form of the disease. The indirect ELISA method using the recombinant chimeric Molecular Biology Institute of Paraná membrane protein 8.4 as the antigen was used to determine the Ig profile, including total IgG, IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4. Ninety-seven serum samples from patients classified as negative (NEG, n = 38), indeterminate (IND, n = 24), mild cardiac (MC, n = 20), and severe cardiac (SC, n = 15) forms were analyzed. IgG1 exhibited greater levels compared with the other isotypes, showing a significant difference between the MC and IND groups. IgG3 levels were greater in individuals from the MC group compared with the SC group. IgG1 and IgG3 isotypes can serve as biomarkers to evaluate the progression of CD because they exhibit variations across clinical groups. Additional longitudinal studies are necessary to explore the relationship between antibody kinetics and the development of tissue damage.
Effects of n-hexane, Ethyl Acetate and Methanol bark extracts of <i>Entada africana</i> Guill. & Perott. (Fabaceae) on the Snail <i>Bulinus globosus</i>
Authors: Daben M.R. , Asor J.E. , Okon O.E. , Mwansat, G.S. , Dakul D.A. 
Published: February 2024

Cases of schistosomiasis have assumed global public health significance, especially in Africa and sub-Saharan Africa (SSA); ranking second to malaria as a neglected tropical disease (NTD). Control of this disease is majorly by the use of synthetic molluscicides, which are known to cause ecotoxicity, with a long-term effect on human health. Besides, most synthetic molluscicides are often unaffordable by the locals. Many of them do not have the technical knowledge of application, yet are continuously involved in activities that prone them to re-infection by schistosomes. This study aimed to ascertain the molluscicidal effects of Entada africana (E. africana) stems bark solvent extracts on Bulinus globosus. The stem bark of E. africana was obtained by successive cold extraction, using non-polar and polar solvents. After running the phytochemical analysis, B. globosus adult snails were challenged with serialized concentrations of n-hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts, comparable to negative and positive controls. Data were analysed by use of GraphPad® Prism version 8.4. Molluscicidal activities showed that methanol extract had the highest bioactivity (86.67±11.55 – 100.00±0.00), followed by n-hexane (56.67±5.77 – 100.00±0.00) and the least, ethyl acetate (46.67±5.77 – 80.00±10.00). There was a significant difference at p ≤ 0.05, (LSD 8.38), of molluscicidal activities. The LC and LC values were (46.88/128.57; 9.38/93.10; and 50 90 7.89/38.58) for ethyl acetate, n-hexane, and methanol respectively, at 24h post-exposure (PE). Methanol extract had 100% mortality at 50-100mg/L, 95% (CI -20.24 to 0.24), and compared favourably to the positive control, which had 100% mortality. The study concludes that E. africana stem bark methanolic extract had the most bioactive properties and can be used as a molluscicidal agent in combating B. globosusintermediate host of S. haematobium schistosome.