bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Knowledge and practice of preparticipation physical evaluation of Saudi primary care physicians in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Bahamdan Ahmed S. , Amghais Sadiq A. , Shafey Marwa M. , Althunyan Abdullatif K. 
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND:
The preparticipation physical evaluation (PPE) monograph is a vital resource for medical providers aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of athletes during sports participation by screening for injuries and disease risk factors. However, the concept of PPE is relatively new in Saudi Arabia, where primary care physicians (PCPs) often lack the proper training for it. This study’s aim was to assess PCPs’ knowledge and practice of PPE and identify associated factors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
A self-administrated web-based questionnaire was distributed to PCPs in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire covered the various aspects of PPE knowledge (including general principles, components, contraindications of sports participation, concerning history and physical findings, electrocardiography interpretations, and ethical considerations) as well as PPE practice. Initial treatment of data included descriptive statistics.; Chi-square tes or Fisher's exact test as, as appropriate, were used to determine association of knowledge and practices with various independent variables.

RESULTS:
Of the 240 contacted PCPs, 192 responded yielding a response rate of 80%; 50.5% had no prior PPE training. About 43% of the PCPs had not encountered PPE during their examination, but the remainder performed monthly PPE. Notably, 82.8% demonstrated a poor level of knowledge regarding PPE and only 43% had a satisfactory level of practice.

CONCLUSION:
This study revealed that a significant proportion of PCPs displayed poor knowledge of PPE and <½ of our sample showed satisfactory practice levels. Recommendations to establish the local guidelines regarding PPE for PCPs to follow should be emphasized and PPE training integrated into both undergraduate and postgraduate family medicine curricula. These measures are crucial for the enhancement of the safety of athletes in Saudi Arabia.
Health coaching for hypertension control in primary care patients with uncontrolled hypertension in Egypt
Authors: Abbas Samar M. , Salama Hend M. , Nour-Eldein Hebatallah , Ahmed Hazem A. Sayed 
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND:
Health coaching effectively improves hypertension self-care activities and the control of blood pressure (BP) in hypertensive patients. Studies on the effects of health coaching on patients in primary care with uncontrolled hypertension in developing countries are limited. In this study, the effectiveness of health coaching on hypertension self-care and BP control was assessed in patients who have uncontrolled hypertension compared to standard care in Egypt.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
Our quasi-experimental study included control and intervention groups. The intervention group included 70 participants who received health coaching sessions (face-to-face and by telephone) besides the standard care, whereas the control group included 71 participants who only received the standard care. The study was conducted between July 2020 and November 2021. The participants were recruited from three primary healthcare settings in the Port Said Governorate. Personal and medical history, BP measurements, and hypertension self-care activity level effects (H-SCALE) were obtained. Paired-t-test was used to assess the changes in BP measurement, and H-SCALE score before and after receiving the health coaching. McNemar’s test was used to assess changes in controlled BP and optimal hypertension self-care activities between control and health coached groups. Multiple logistic regression analysis assessed the predictors of better BP control.

RESULTS:
Health coaching resulted in more controlled BP (51.4%, P < 0.001) compared to the delivery of only usual care (11.3%, P = 0.008). The intervention showed a significant promotion in hypertension self-care activities, including medication usage (P < 0.001), low-salt diet (P < 0.001), and weight management (P < 0.001). The H-SCALE score mean change was the only predictor for BP control (odds ratio 1.057, P = 0.048) in the intervention group after 6 months.

CONCLUSION:
Intervention including traditional health coaching and phone calls is a beneficial modality for the promotion of hypertension self-care and improvement of BP control in primary care patients with uncontrolled hypertension.
Knowledge and barriers to screening for colorectal cancer among individuals aged 40 years or older visiting primary healthcare clinics in Al-Khobar, Eastern Province
Authors: Alabdulkader Assim M. , Mustafa Tajammal , Almutailiq Danah A. , Al-Maghrabi Razan A. , Alzanadi Rabab H. , Almohsen Danyah S. , Alkaltham Nourah K. 
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND:
Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks third as the most common cancer in the world and the 4th most common cause of deaths from cancer. In Saudi Arabia, CRC is the most common cancer in males and the third most common in females. Early screening reduces the risk of CRC and death. However, there is a lack of awareness of CRC screening in Saudi Arabia. The objective of this study was to determine the knowledge, practices, and barriers to CRC screening using the Health Belief Model (HBM).

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
This study enrolled Saudis aged 40 years or older visiting PHCCs in Al-Khobar. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire or a direct interview of the selected participants. Information sought included sociodemographics, past CRC screening, CRC knowledge, and HBM items. Data analysis was done using SPSS; the Chi-squared test and ANOVA were used to determine statistical significance.

RESULTS:
A total of 206 of the individuals approached completed the questionnaire. The average age was 51.1 years, and 51% were males. Only 10% reported that a physician had provided information on CRC prevention or discussed/recommended screening for CRC, and 10% had undergone screening for CRC. Seventy-five percent of respondents had heard of CRC, and 74% said that CRC was preventable. Regarding the HBM, no significant difference in the mean scores for perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, self-efficacy, and benefits of CRC screening was found by age groups. The mean score for perceived severity was higher for females than males. About 60% of participants were extremely likely to have a screening test for CRC done on the day if recommended by the doctor.

CONCLUSION:
The knowledge and awareness of CRC screening of the targeted sample is inadequate. Individuals with higher perceived susceptibility, severity of CRC, and perceived benefit of the screening tests were more willing to undergo the test. The highest perceived barrier was having no symptoms, and the lowest was “getting a stool test is too much of a hassle.” These findings underline the importance of having a national screening program and campaigns to deal with the concerns of people and raise awareness of CRC.
Neuromorphological and Biochemical Effects of Co-exposure to Bisphenol A and Cadmium in Insulin-resistant Rats
Authors: Lawal Abdulwasiu Taiwo , Sharafadeen Ahmed Olamilekan , Akinola Oluwole Busayo 
Published: January 2024

Background:
Cadmium (Cd) and bisphenol A (BPA) are known industrial additives and environmental toxicants that have been extensively reported for their various deleterious effects on biological systems, particularly endocrine disruption and neurotoxicity. In high-fat diet-induced insulin-resistant model rats, we studied the neurotoxicity and oxidative stress effects of co-exposure to Cd and BPA.

Aims:
This study aims to look at prefrontal microarchitecture and antioxidant profiles in insulin-resistant rats.

Materials and Methods:
Twenty-five adult Wistar rats were randomly assigned into five groups (A– E; n = 5). With A receiving normal saline; B: 40 mg/kg. bw CdCl2 + high-fat diet (HFD) + Suc; C: 40 mg/kg. bw BPA + HFD + Suc; D: 40 mg/kg. bw BPA + 40 mg/kg. bw CdCl2 + HFD + Suc; and E: HFD + Suc orally for 56 days. Finally, brains were excised from each group and the medial prefrontal cortex was dissected from both hemispheres with right hemisphere samples processed for hematoxylin and eosin histology and left hemisphere samples homogenized for biochemical evaluation of oxidative stress markers. One-way analysis of variance and Tukey’s post hoc test were used for data analysis with P < 0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results:
From our findings, prefrontal glutathione levels were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the insulin-resistant rats (Cd + BPA + HFD + Suc: 120.9 ± 21.89, HFD + Suc: 93.27 ± 17.29) compared with control rats (244.0 ± 11.57), while prefrontal glutathione reductase activity was significantly elevated (Cd + BPA + HFD + Suc: 41.02 ± 5.5, HFD + Suc: 41.09 ± 1.68, P < 0.05) compared to the control rats (20.17 ± 3.27). Prefrontal neurons showed nuclear condensation, cytoplasmic vacuolations, and clumping of cells.

Conclusion:
Morphological and biochemical evidence from the present study suggests that environmental and metabolic factors do combine to induce profound adverse effects on prefrontal microanatomy and antioxidant system.
Femoral neck system as a safe alternative to cannulated compression screw and dynamic hip screw in femoral neck fractures: an early comparative study
Authors: Lim Zhe Zheng Clyde , Tan Cheryl Marise Peilin , Antony Xavier Rex Premchand , Yam Michael Gui Jie , Chua Ivan Tjun Huat 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
The femoral neck system (FNS) is a safe alternative to cannulated compression screw (CCS) and dynamic hip screw (DHS) in femoral neck fractures.

Methods:
A dual-centre retrospective cohort study was performed on femoral neck fractures (AO type 31-B) treated with closed reduction and internal fixation using FNS, DHS or CCS between April 2016 and April 2020. Exclusion criteria were as follows: patients aged below 16 years; chronic fractures beyond 7 days; pathological fractures; fracture extension to the intertrochanteric region or ipsilateral neck and shaft fractures; and open fractures. A total of 85 patients were identified: FNS (n = 28), DHS (n = 29) and CCS (n = 28).

Results:
The FNS and CCS groups had a lower Garden and Pauwels classification compared to the DHS group (both P < 0.001). Both FNS and CCS groups were comparable in postoperative orthopaedic complications (10.7% [n = 3] vs. 3.6% [n = 1], adjusted P = 0.321). The DHS group had more postoperative orthopaedic complications than the FNS group, but this was not statistically significant (27.6% [n = 8] vs. 10.7% [n = 3], adjusted P = 0.321). There were no significant differences in median time to radiological union or median femoral neck shortening at union (both P > 0.05) among the three groups.

Conclusion:
The new DePuy Synthes FNS is a safe alternative to CCS with comparable complication rates for femoral neck fractures that are less displaced and more stable. The FNS also appears to be a safe alternative to DHS in the fixation of femoral neck fractures for the few cases of high-energy femoral neck fractures.
Safety and efficacy of dupilumab in adult atopic dermatitis in Singapore
Authors: Yew Yik Weng , Zhao Xiahong , Yong Adeline Mei Yan 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Dupilumab, a biologic approved for treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD), has been reported to be largely effective with minimal adverse effects. However, being a targeted therapy, its effectiveness and side effects are expected to be varied in a heterogeneous ethnic population. Currently, the majority of studies on dupilumab are based on Western populations.

Methods:
A retrospective cohort of 51 patients with moderate-to-severe AD treated with dupilumab at a tertiary skin institute from January 2018 to February 2020 was included. Outcome measures such as Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD), Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) and Dermatology Quality of Life Index (DLQI) were analysed at baseline and after 16 weeks of treatment. Laboratory tests at the respective time points were also measured.

Results:
Patients treated with dupilumab showed consistent reduction in body surface area (BSA) involved, SCORAD, EASI and DLQI scores. Concurrently, serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) and absolute eosinophil count showed a downward trend at 4 months of treatment. There was a transient increase in mean serum IgE at 1 month of dupilumab treatment. Also, 42.0% and 35.3% of patients developed eye symptoms, and head and neck dermatitis, respectively, but there were no major adverse events reported. Childhood-onset AD was more likely to have improved BSA scores compared to adult-onset AD.

Conclusions:
Our study confirms the efficacy of dupilumab with real-world data in an adult Asian population. Higher proportions of eye symptoms, and head and neck dermatitis were observed in our cohort compared to other Asian clinical cohort studies. Further studies are needed to evaluate these differences.
Physiological pacing: just a lot of buzz or the next paradigm shift in bradycardia pacing?
Authors: Tan Kenny , Ng Shonda , Foo David , Tan Li Wei , Teoh Xuyan , Chia Pow-Li 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Cardiac pacing has been an established therapy for bradyarrhythmia due to sinus or atrioventricular nodal disease since the 1950s. However, contemporary studies have shown that conventional right ventricular pacing (RVP) causes electromechanical dyssynchrony, which can lead to atrial fibrillation, heart failure and even death. Recently, the push for a more physiological cardiac pacing has seen a revival in the utilisation and development of conduction system pacing (CSP). There has been a shift towards adopting His bundle pacing (HBP) or left bundle branch area pacing (LBBaP) in bradycardia patients worldwide and in Singapore. This review serves to outline the electrophysiological concepts behind CSP and illustrate the different paced electrocardiogram characteristics of HBP, LBBaP and RVP to aid understanding of this revolutionary pacing approach among medical practitioners in Singapore.
Comparative evaluation of “closed posterior levator advancement” in simple congenital and aponeurotic ptosis
Authors: Goel Ruchi , Singh Sonam , Shah Shalin , Khanam Samreen , Golhait Priyanka , Gaonker Tanvi 
Published: January 2024

Abstract:

PURPOSE:
The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of “closed posterior levator advancement” (CPLA) in acquired aponeurotic and simple congenital ptosis with good levator function (LF).

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
A prospective interventional study was conducted on 20 adult patients, 10 simple congenital ptosis, and 10 acquired aponeurotic ptosis with LF ≥8 mm. Complicated, posttraumatic, neurogenic ptosis and previous lid surgery were excluded. A detailed history and assessment of visual acuity, upper eyelid margin reflex distance (MRD1), margin-crease distance, LF, Bell’s phenomenon, ocular surface disease index (OSDI), and phenylephrine test were undertaken. CPLA was performed in the 20 eyes and were followed up for 3 months.

RESULTS:
The ages of the study participants ranged from 18 to 64 years, and the male: female ratio was 11:9. There were nine aponeurotic and one congenital severe ptosis, the remaining 10 being mild–moderate ptosis. The etiologies in the aponeurotic group were involutional (2), contact lens wear (1), allergic conjunctivitis (3), and idiopathic in four eyes. The success rates were 90% in both groups. The amount of ptosis correction showed a positive relation with LF (r
s = 0.6, P = 0.004) and phenylephrine test (r
s = 0.7, P < 0.001). The complications in the aponeurotic group were lagophthalmos (2/10), subjective dry eye (2/10), subconjunctival hemorrhage (1/10), symblepharon (1/10), temporal flare (1/10), and overcorrection (1/10). The congenital group showed only undercorrection (1/10).

CONCLUSION:
CPLA is an effective procedure for the treatment of mild–moderate simple congenital and all grades of aponeurotic ptosis with good LF. Response to phenylephrine test serves as a useful guide to the amount of ptosis correction.
Angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia in the eyelid: A case series and literature review
Authors: Ahmed H. Shafeeq , Thrishulamurthy Chinmayee J. , Biligi Dayananda S. , Nagaraju G. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract:
Angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia (ALHE) is a rare vascular disorder characterized by the proliferation of blood vessels and lymphoid tissue. While it can occur in various regions of the body, ALHE presenting in the eyelid is relatively uncommon, leading to diagnostic and management challenges. In this case series from South India, we present three unique cases of ALHE specifically affecting the eyelids. Each case illustrates different clinical manifestations, diagnostic workups, and treatment approaches. Tissue biopsies typically reveal nodules comprising immature and mature vascular structures, including capillaries, arterioles, and venules, which are lined by plump endothelial cells with an epithelioid appearance. The surrounding stroma contains a dense infiltrate of inflammatory cells, predominantly eosinophils, histiocytes, lymphocytes, and mast cells. Increased awareness of ALHE in the eyelid will aid ophthalmologists in early recognition, accurate diagnosis, and appropriate management, resulting in improved patient outcomes.
Acquired spermatic cord hydrocoele of the cord in a Ghanaian Adult: a case report
Authors: Kanyiri John Kanyiri Yambah , Fenella Avoke Kafui , Opoku Victor , Annan Richardson 
Published: January 2024

Les hydrocèles du cordon spermatique (HCS) sont des tumeurs testiculaires bénignes rares. Il y a peu de littérature sur sa présentation parmi les Ghanéens et les Africains. Nous rapportons ici, le cas d’un Ghanéen de 27 ans qui s’est présenté avec une masse indolore à l’aine qu’il a décrite comme une sensation de « troisième testicule plus mou » qui s’est révélée être une hydrocèle enkystée après exploration chirurgicale. La littérature actuelle sur l’hydrocèle enkystée est revue et discutée.
Spermatic cord hydrocoeles (SCH) are rare benign testicular tumors. There is a paucity of literature on its presentation among Ghanaian and Africans. We contribute by reporting a case a 27-year-old Ghanaian who presented with a painless groin mass he described as feeling like a “softer third testicle’ that turned out to be an encysted hydrocoele after surgical exploration. The current literature on encysted hydrocoele is reviewed with a discussion.
Rafael Cervera (c. 1563-1633). Aproximación a la trayectoria social desde el discurso de un erudito de la primera Edad Moderna
Authors: Solias Huélamo Quim 
Published: January 2024

Por la importancia de sus escritos y su erudición, Rafael Cervera (c. 1563-1633) fue uno de los mayores intelectuales catalanes del siglo XVII, situándose como uno de los autores de referencia para la historia de Barcelona y Cataluña para muchos autores posteriores. En este artículo voy a analizar la trayectoria vital del autor y los discursos que emitió en sus obras con el fin de indagar en sus contactos políticos y culturales a fin de aportar un ejemplo de trayectoria social y de pensamiento de un autor de la Barcelona de la primera Edad Moderna, respondiendo también a otras diversas cuestiones que surgen de esta lectura del autor.

English title: Rafael Cervera (c. 1563-1633). An Approach to the Social Trajectory from the Discourse of a Scholar of the Early Modern Age
Due to the importance of his writings and his erudition, Rafael Cervera (c.1563-1633) was one of the greatest Catalan intellectuals of the seventeenth century, becoming one of the authors of reference for the history of Barcelona and Catalonia for many later authors. In this article I will analyse the author's life trajectory and the speeches he made in his works with the aim of exploring his political and cultural contacts in order to provide an example of the social trajectory and thought of an author from Barcelona in the early Modern Age, while also answering a number of other questions that arise from this reading of the author.
Seed tuber cutting improves tuber yield of potato (Solanum tuberosum L,) varieties under irrigation conditions in Dangla district of Amhara Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Negash Addisu Muluken , Melak Tesfaye , Kolech Semagn Asredie 
Published: January 2024

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is an important cash and food crop in Ethiopia. However, lack of planting material and improved varieties are among the major factors affecting its productivity. Therefore, an experiment was conducted at Gayeta Kebele of Dangla district, Awi Zone, Northwestern Ethiopia to study the effect of seed tuber cutting on yield and yield components of potato varieties under irrigated conditions. The experiment consisted of two improved varieties (‘Belete’ and ‘Jalenie’) along with one local variety and two tuber size categories and their half cuttings (whole large tuber (>75g), whole-medium tuber (39-75g), half cuttings of large tuber and half cuttings medium tuber. It was arranged with a factorial combination in RCBD with three replications. Phenological, growth, yield and quality parameters were significantly affected by the main factors (cutting and variety). Whole-large and half-large tuber sizes and Belete variety showed superior performance on marketable (38.24 t ha-1) and total tuber yield (40.26 tha-1) over the rest of the tuber sizes and varieties. The combination of Belete variety with whole-large seed tubers recorded the highest net benefit 261,516 ETB ha-1 with an acceptable marginal rate of return (113.6%). The second highest net benefit (247,001.3 ETB ha-1) with an acceptable marginal rate of return (2566.67%) was recorded when Beltete variety was planted using half-large cut tubers. Hence, Belete variety with whole-large seed tubers, and half-large cut tubers could be recommended for resource-rich and poor farmers, respectively, for the production of potatoes under irrigated conditions in Gayeta kebele and areas with similar agro-ecology. Repeating the research in different seasons and locations is also recommended.
Participation and inclusion of people with disability in trade and employment
Authors: Musa Christian Mgaya  
Published: January 2024

Gender and inclusion has been a talk of town. We have always been hearing about women and trade, the role of women in trade, women and employment. However, currently inclusion is a crosscutting issue that looks at a number of variables that unfortunately are used to distinguish one person from another. These include disability, age, race, gender, social status (marginalized vs the well-off) and other factors. Inclusion for people with disability in different areas of life such as in trade and employment has a new wave. Inclusion is geared to do away with every sort of “inequality” in human life in particular with all conducts that negatively affect people with disability and the marginalized ones. The inequality that we are fighting today embraces many different dimensions, as testified by current debates on social, political, economic, gender, educational, race, and health inequality. This inequality in human life dates back to industrial revolutions with the raise in trade and commerce. In ordinary thinking, one may say trade makes employment but may wonder why has growth in trade led to inequality. The most intriguing question remains why inequality in trade and employment?

How to cite this article using ASWNet style
Mgaya, M. C. (2023). Participation and inclusion of people with disability in trade and employment. People centred – The Journal of Development Administration (JDA), 8(2), 44-46. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/jda.v8i2.4
This article was based on a presentation at the Epilepsy Alliance Africa Day Indaba on 25 May 2023.
Visit journal website: https://jda.africasocialwork.net