bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Presentation, clinical outcome, and quality of life of patients treated for head and neck skin cancer at the University College Hospital, Ibadan
Authors: Michael Afieharo I. , Ugwu Ebere O. , Olawoye Olayinka A. , Ademola Samuel A. , Oluwatosin Odunayo M. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Introduction:
Patients with head and neck skin cancer experience adverse functional, psychosocial, and financial impacts as a result of the disease and/or its treatment. This study aimed at evaluating the pattern of presentation, clinical outcomes, and quality of life of patients with head and neck skin cancer.

Materials and Methods:
A retrospective cross-sectional study of patients with head and neck skin cancer presenting to the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, from January 2017 to December 2021. Data obtained from the clinical records included sociodemographic characteristics, clinical and surgical details, as well as clinical outcomes. Quality of life was assessed using EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaires. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics.

Results:
Nineteen patients were reviewed with a median age of 38 years (ranging from 18 to 85 years) and a male-to-female ratio of 1:1.4. Eight (42.1%) of the patients were albinos. Squamous cell carcinoma was the predominant histologic type (63.2%), while the scalp was the commonest location (42.1%). Only one patient (5.3%) presented with metastatic disease. A greater percentage of treated patients, eight (61.5%), had surgery as the only treatment modality. After a mean follow-up period of 33 months, a recurrence rate of 10.5% (two patients) and a mortality rate of 15.8% (three patients) were recorded. Quality of life assessment revealed an adverse financial impact of the disease on our patients.

Conclusion:
Although albinism is a recognized risk factor for skin cancers, head and neck skin cancers can occur in the dark-skinned.
Thermographic mapping of arterial perforators in the leg
Authors: Obadan Izegaegbe O. , Michael Afieharo I. , Iyun Ayodele O. , Ademola Samuel A. , Olawoye Olayinka A. , Aderibigbe Rotimi O. , Oluwatosin Odunayo M. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background:
Preoperative localisation of perforators aids in easy intraoperative dissection. Infrared thermography is a simple, safe, and effective tool with a short learning curve that is useful in identifying perforators. It has been found to have a high concordance rate when compared with computed tomography angiography and is useful in identifying arterial perforators in the leg.

Objectives:
To create a thermographic map of arterial perforators in the leg and to determine the correlation between the number of perforators identified and the length of the leg.

Materials and Methods:
This was a cross-sectional study. The length of the leg was measured and the location of perforators corresponding to the distribution of the anterior tibial, posterior tibial, and peroneal arteries was identified using thermography. The mean number of perforators corresponding to the different surfaces of the leg was noted, this was then correlated with the length of the leg using the Pearson correlation coefficient.

Results:
Using thermography, perforators were identified along a line drawn from the medial malleolus to the medial tibia plateau and from the lateral malleolus to the head of the fibula and within 2 cm of these lines. More perforators were found in the middle third of the leg and there was no significant correlation between the number of perforators and the length of the leg.

Conclusion:
A useful surface marking to aid the identification of perforators in the leg using infrared thermography was found. There was no significant correlation between the length of the leg and the number of perforators.
Analysis, treatment modality and demographic characteristics of urolithiasis patients visiting Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Ghana
Authors: Akpakli Evans Ametefe , Asante Emmanuel , Kyei Matthew Yamoah , Klufio Kenneth , Toboh Bernard , Mensah James Edward 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background:
Globally urolithiasis is on the rise and gradually becoming a public health concern due to the associated complications. This study reviewed the demographic characteristics, the chemical composition of stones, treatment modality and duration of hospitalisation of urolithiasis patients at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana.

Materials and Methods:
This was a retrospective study conducted between March 2019 and April 2022. Data from consecutive patients treated for urolithiasis were used for this study. Data on demographic characteristics, stones chemical composition, urine factors, urolithiasis treatment modality and duration of hospital stay after therapy were collated and analysed using descriptive and inferential approaches.

Results:
The age of the patients ranged from 2 to 75 years with a mean of 45 (±13.4). The predominant age group for stone formation was 30–39 years – 52(26.3%). Urolithiasis was common among patients in the formal employment sector: 81(40.9%). All stones had two or more chemical compositions, with the combination of calcium oxalate monohydrate, calcium oxalate dihydrate and uric acid being the predominant stone type: 88(57.5%). Ureteroscopy with semi-rigid and Percutaneous nephrolithotomy were the predominant treatment modalities: 105(53.0%) and 74(37.4%), respectively. Escherichia coli was responsible for most urinary tract infections in urolithiasis patients 8(4.0%) and the least duration of hospital stay after the procedure was associated with the use of semi-rigid ureteroscope as the treatment modality with a median duration of 2 days (1–2 days) with P < 0.0001.

Conclusions:
Urolithiasis was predominant among professionals in the formal sector. All stones were mixed with Calcium oxalate monohydrate, calcium oxalate dihydrate, and uric acid combination being the majority. Ureteroscopy with semi-rigid and percutaneous nephrolithotomy were the common treatment modality.
Prevention of equinus deformity after external fixation for open tibia fractures: A comparison between plaster of Paris backslab and passive ankle physiotherapy
Authors: Lartey Samuel Quarshie , Holdbrook-Smith Henry , Baddoo Daniel Tettey , Ocloo Agbeko , Gudugbe Senyo 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background:
Ankle equinus deformity is a common complication of prolonged external fixator use in tibia fractures with an incidence of 15%–16%. It affects gait and may lead to foot, leg, and back problems. Treatment of equinus deformity increases the cost of treatment of open tibia fractures and increases the time spent off work. Several preventive modalities have been suggested in literature with variable success, but no standard protocol exists.

Objectives:
The aim of this study was to determine the most appropriate method of preventing equinus deformity of the ankle joint during the management of open tibia fractures with unilateral uniplanar external fixators by comparing plaster of paris (POP) backslab application with passive ankle physiotherapy using strips of car tyre inner tubing.

Materials and Methods:
The study was a prospective randomised study involving patients with open tibia fractures who were managed with external fixators at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital between April 2020 and February 2021. Patients were randomised into two groups; one group had below knee POP backslab and the other group did passive ankle physiotherapy using a strip of car tyre inner tubing. The passive ankle range of motion was measured at the beginning and after 6 weeks using a goniometer.

Results:
Fifty-six participants were recruited with 29 in the POP backslab group and 27 in the ankle physiotherapy group. The median age was 35.0 years. Male-to-female ratio was 4.6:1. Motor vehicle crash contributed to over 90% with 42.9% being motorbike riders. Initial and final mean ankle measurements for the POP backslab group were 6.79° and 10.14° for dorsiflexion and 29.93° and 34.52° for plantarflexion, respectively. The ankle physiotherapy group had initial and final dorsiflexion of 7.19° and 12.85° and plantarflexion of 30.44° and 34.52°, respectively. The ankle physiotherapy group had a better range of motion (47.37°) than the POP group (40.66°) with a P value of 0.008. One participant (3.7%) from the ankle physiotherapy group had equinus deformity compared with seven (24%) from the POP backslab group, a difference which gives a P value of 0.029.

Conclusions:
Passive ankle physiotherapy with car tyre inner tube is a better and cheaper modality of preventing ankle equinus deformity and maintaining ankle range of motion.
A rare case of hematometrocolpos due to transverse vaginal septum along with distal vaginal atresia in an adolescent girl
Authors: Pipal Vibha Rani , Seth Shikha , Pipal Dharmendra Kumar 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Primary amenorrhoea due to Müllerian malformations is rare, with 1 in 4500 cases and 2%–8% of cases presenting as infertility. Obstructive Müllerian anomalies present as hematometra and hematocolpos during puberty. Timely surgical intervention is required to relieve acute pelvic pain and restore functional anatomy. A 15-year-old girl presented to OPD with complaints of severe pain in her lower abdomen and lower back for the last 2–3 weeks, not relieving on medication. She has not attained menarche and has been having cyclical pain and low backache for 7–8 days every month for the last year. Physical examination showed a suprapubic lump with vaginal agenesis. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed hematometrocolpos due to transverse vaginal septum and distal vaginal atresia. Pull-through vaginoplasty along with complete excision of transverse vaginal septum was performed. Vaginal dilator therapy was done after the healing of the sutures. In follow-up, the patient attained menstruation with a patent vagina. Obstructive Müllerian anomalies should be identified early by detailed clinical examination and targeted investigations to prevent long-term morbidity and infertility.
Correlation of serum 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol with the incidence of primary open-angle glaucoma: A cross-sectional study on patients with chronic illnesses
Authors: Abass Ibrahim A. , Saleh Ahmed T. , Badi Athmar D. , Mohammad Bassim I. , Hamied Furkaan M. , Al-Aubaidy Hayder A. 
Published: December 2023

PURPOSE:
Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is a clinical progressive neuropathy which can lead to irreversible blindness if left untreated. A low level of serum Vitamin D3 is a major risk factor for glaucoma, and hence, represents a second target for glaucoma therapy following intraocular pressure (IOP). However, there is still controversy about whether there is a direct correlation between Vitamin D3 deficiency and the risk of increased IOP. This study aims to investigate the correlation between low serum levels of 1,24-dihydroxycholecalciferol and the development of open-angle glaucoma.

METHODS:
The study included a total of forty-one patients with POAG. Patients were classified into whether they have chronic illnesses such as type 2 diabetes and hypertension. Matching control subjects of 20 healthy controls were also included in the study. Anthropometric measures and venous blood samples were taken from all participants for serum analysis of various biochemical markers including serum 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (1,25(OH)2D) levels.

RESULTS:
Overall, serum Vitamin D3 levels were 15% significantly lower in the patient’s cohort with open-angle glaucoma as compared to the healthy participants (P < 0.05). Among those, 63% of type 2 diabetic participants had significantly low levels of Vitamin D3 (P < 0.01). There was also a significant 70% reduction in serum Vitamin D3 levels among the hypertensive participants, (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION:
We concluded that lower serum 1,25(OH) 2D levels were significantly associated with an increased risk of open-angle glaucoma in patients with chronic illnesses.
Cosmetic outcomes of epicanthoplasty for epicanthus tarsalis
Authors: Fatani Dalal R. , Alsuhaibani Omar S. , Alsuhaibani Adel H. 
Published: December 2023

PURPOSE:
Epicanthus is a term that refers to the semilunar eyelid skin fold over the medial aspect covering the medial canthal angle. Epicanthus tarsalis is the most common type and is most evident in the Asian population with a prevalence of 40% as opposed to 2%–5% in the non-Asian population. Epicanthoplasty has not been studied in patients of a population of heavier skin pigmentation.

METHODS:
A retrospective review of patients that underwent Park’s modified Z-epicanthoplasty from January 2018 to August 2020. They were categorized based on their Fitzpatrick skin type. Their preoperative and postoperative pictures were analyzed for epicanthal fold correction with focus on scar visibility, pigmentation, and elevation. The patients were contacted over the phone for a questionnaire about their subjective scar assessment and satisfaction rate.

RESULTS:
A total of 35 patients with mild epicanthus tarsalis were included in this study. Twenty-two patients had Fitzpatrick skin type 3, seven patients had type 4, and six had type 5. Normal postoperative scar pigmentation was reported 37.1% (n = 13) of patients. Scar hypopigmentation was reported in 28.6% (n = 10) and scar hyperpigmentation was reported in 34.3% (n = 12). The final cosmetic satisfaction rate score was a median of 9/10 on the 1–10 scale with 40% recording 10/10 satisfaction. On the scar visibility scale, the median was 3/10. About 82.9% (n = 29) had no scar elevation or hypertrophy. Only one patient had scar hypertrophy and elevation and three patients had a vertical depression scar. No clinical or statistical significance was found when correlating scar visibility and pigmentation with Fitzpatrick skin type.

CONCLUSION:
Epicanthoplasty is a commonly performed surgery, especially in China and South Korea. In our population, Z-epicanthoplasty has proven to be effective in epicanthus tarsalis with high cosmetic satisfaction rate, low scar visibility, and acceptable scar pigmentation.
Detection of graft failure in post-keratoplasty patients by automated deep learning
Authors: Mangana Carlos Méndez , Barraquer Anton , Ferragut-Alegre Álvaro , Santolaria Gil , Olivera Maximiliano , Barraquer Rafael 
Published: December 2023

PURPOSE:
Detection of graft failure of post-penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) patients from the proprietary dataset using algorithms trained in Automated Deep Learning (AutoML).

METHODS:
This was an observational cross-sectional study, for which AutoML algorithms were trained following the success/failure labeling strategy based on clinical notes, on a cohort corresponding to 220 images of post-keratoplasty anterior pole eyes. Once the image quality criteria were analyzed and the dataset was pseudo-anonymized, it was transferred to the Google Cloud Platform, where using the Vertex AI-AutoML API, cloud- and edge-based algorithms were trained, following expert recommendations on dataset splitting (80% training, 10% test, and 10% validation).

RESULTS:
The metrics obtained in the cloud-based and edge-based models have been similar, but we chose to analyze the edge model as it is an exportable model, lighter and cheaper to train. The initial results of the model presented an accuracy of 95.83%, with a specificity of 91.67% and a sensitivity of 100%, obtaining an F1SCORE of 95.996% and a precision of 92.30%. Other metrics, such as the area under the curve, confusion matrix, and activation map development, were contemplated.

CONCLUSION:
Initial results indicate the possibility of training algorithms in an automated fashion for the detection of graft failure in patients who underwent PKP. These algorithms are very lightweight tools easily integrated into mobile or desktop applications, potentially allowing every corneal transplant patient to have access to the best knowledge to enable the correct and timely diagnosis and treatment of graft failure. Although the results were good, because of the relatively small dataset, it is possible the data have some tendency to overfitting. AutoML opens the possibility of working in the field of artificial intelligence by computer vision to professionals with little experience and knowledge of programming.
Case Report: Melioidosis-Related Severe Cutaneous Features of Erythema Nodosum in a Thai Child
Authors: Tantawarak Nattakarn , Techasatian Leelawadee , Ungarreevittaya Piti , Kosalaraksa Pope , Lumbiganon Pagakrong 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT.
Erythema nodosum (EN) is characterized by rapidly developing, painful, erythematous subcutaneous nodules, most of which are located in the pretibial areas. This cutaneous finding can be caused by a variety of conditions, however Burkholderia pseudomallei is rarely the cause. This particular patient presented with a high-grade fever with characteristic EN on both pretibial areas. All of the typical EN causes were investigated, but the findings were all negative. The lesions progressed to severe hemorrhagic bleb features, and because the patient resided in Northeast Thailand, a melioidosis-endemic region, testing for B. pseudomallei was performed. Because a high level of melioidosis serology of more than 1:10,240 was detected, melioidosis therapy was started. At the 12-week follow-up after melioidosis therapy, the titer had declined to 1:1,280, indicating that melioidosis-related severe, cutaneous EN symptoms were the most likely diagnosis in this patient. We discovered a case of EN with severe hemorrhagic bleb features as a unique clinical manifestation of melioidosis. When a patient resides in an endemic area, B. pseudomallei should always be considered as a possible causative organism.
Decreased Weight-for-Age Associated with Mass Deworming among Young Ethiopian Schoolchildren in Jimma Town, Southwest Ethiopia: A School-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Geer Kylie , Mekonnen Zeleke , Taye Bineyam 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT.
School-based mass deworming programs are implemented to reduce soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infection prevalence and intensity among school-aged children. However, previous studies debate the impact of deworming beyond the removal of worms. Hence, this study aimed to examine the effect of mass deworming on nutritional indicators in young Ethiopian schoolchildren. A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,036 participants from April to May 2020 in Jimma Town, Ethiopia. An interviewer-based questionnaire was administered to the children to gather data on sociodemographic, lifestyle variables, and deworming status. Anthropometric measurements were taken for the height and weight of the children. Stool samples were collected and analyzed for STH infection using direct wet mount microscopy and the Kato-Katz technique. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, deworming within the past 6 months or 1 year was not significantly associated with underweight, stunting, and thinning. However, deworming within the past year was significantly associated with decreased weight-for-age z-score (adjusted mean difference = −0.245; 95% CI: −0.413 to −0.076; P = 0.004). Deworming in the past 6 months demonstrated a nonsignificant trend toward increased stunting (adjusted odds ratio = 1.258; 95% CI: 0.923–1.714; P = 0.145). This study provides evidence that deworming in the past 6 months or 1 year was not significantly associated with underweight, stunting, and thinning. However, deworming within the past year was associated with a significantly decreased weight-for-age z-score in young Ethiopian schoolchildren of Jimma Town after adjustment for confounding variables.
Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission of Hepatitis B Virus in Gulf Cooperation Council Countries: Current Status and Future Prospects
Authors: Al Awaidy Salah , Tohme Rania A. , Al Romaihi Hamad E. , Ezzikouri Sayeh , Mahomed Ozayr 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT.
The WHO member states endorsed the goal to eliminate mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of hepatitis B virus (HBV) by 2030, which requires achievement of ≥ 90% coverage with timely hepatitis B birth dose (HepB-BD), three doses of the hepatitis B vaccine (HepB3), and a hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroprevalence ≤ 0.1% in children. We assessed the progress made to achieve EMTCT of HBV in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Data was extracted from National Viral Hepatitis Strategic Frameworks and WHO hepatitis B vaccination coverage estimates during 2018–2022 for all GCC countries. We also reviewed the literature to summarize the prevalence of HBsAg in children. During 2018–2022, coverage with timely HepB-BD and HepB3 was > 90% in all countries. All newborns irrespective of whether parents are nationals or immigrants/expatriates receive HepB-BD and other routine immunization vaccines. Prevalence of HBsAg among children was available in three of six GCC countries; it ranged from 0% in Qatar and Saudi Arabia to 0.4% in Oman. Five countries reported screening pregnant women for HBsAg, and three provided antiviral treatment of those eligible, and hepatitis B immunoglobulin to exposed newborns. In conclusion, all GCC countries achieved hepatitis B vaccination targets and countries with available data have either achieved or are close to achieving EMTCT of HBV. Remaining countries need to implement hepatitis B serosurveys to track progress to EMTCT of HBV.
Egypt under El-Sisi
Authors: Mandour Maged 
Published: December 2023

Since the coup of 2013 ended Egypt’s brief democratic experiment and retired army chief, Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, became president of Egypt, his regime has unleashed mass repression and severe restrictions on an unprecedented scale. This has been characterized by arbitrary arrests, forced disappearances, and the torture of real – or suspected – political activists and dissidents. The Sisi regime has not only entangled the country in political violence, but has also mired Egypt in a deep economic crisis.
This book follows President Sisi’s regime in the aftermath of the coup that brought him to power. It is a chronology of the devastating political, economic and social consequences of direct military rule. Written by Egyptian political analyst and Egypt pundit, Maged Mandour, it is a compelling account built on years of writing and research. This includes analysis of primary sources, such as laws, constitutional amendment issued by the regime, statements made by regime officials, and local media, as well as official economic data from state sources and international organisations.
Mandour explains exactly how Sisi operates and what makes his regime so different, and so dangerous, compared to those that came before. It shows, for the first time, how Egypt has been pushed to the brink of the abyss and why this will change the country for decades to come.
Eliminativism in Ancient Philosophy
Authors: Zilioli Ugo 
Published: December 2023

A comparative investigation in the metaphysics of material objects in ancient philosophy, this book provides radically new insights into key themes and areas of ancient thought by drawing on Greek and Buddhist philosophies.
Ugo Zilioli explicates the neglected tradition of philosophers who in different ways made material objects either redundant or ontologically dispensable in the ancient world. Chapters cover concepts such as nihilism, indeterminacy, solipsism and tropes, demonstrating how the philosophy of major thinkers Protagoras, Vasubandhu, Gorgias, Nagarjuna, Pyrrho, and the Cyrenaics advance our understanding of eliminativism.
Zilioli’s historical and philosophical reconstruction challenges traditional readings of key moments and figures in the history of thought, both Eastern and Western, as well as providing conceptual tools that are of interest not only to historians of philosophy but also to contemporary metaphysicians.