bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neutralising antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 give important information on Covid-19 epidemic evolution in Rabat, Morocco, March 2020-February 2021
Authors: Touil Nadia , Drissi Touzani Charifa , Benaissa El Mostafa , Kasouati Jalal , Rhazzar Zineb , El Annaz Hicham , El Mrimar Nadia , Neffah Lamiae , Abi Rachid , Rida Tagajdid Rida Tagajdid , El Kochri Safae , Ducatez Mariette , Akhouad Youssouf , Reggad Ahmed , El Kassimi Zouhour , Zrara Abdelhamid , Bssaibis Fatna , El Fahime ElMostapha , Lahlou Amine Idriss , Belmekki Abdelkader , Singh Malik Yashpal , Elouennass Mostafa , Ennibi Khalid 
Published: October 2023

Background: The SARS-CoV-2 is an extremely contagious and acute viral disease mainly affecting humans.
Objective: To estimate seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) for illegible armed force individuals living in Rabat, Morocco
Method: A convenience sample (N = 2662) was conducted from May 2020 to February 2021. We used the standard neutralization assay to quantify the NAbs titers. A serum was positive when the titer was 1:4. High positive NAbs titers were defined when ≥ 1:32.
Results: Demographic and socioeconomic status did not affect seroprevalence data. An overall seroprevalence of 24,9% was found. Sera from blood donors, young recruits and auto-immune population had lower NAbs titers. However, titers were above 1:16 in 9% of the population with high risk of SARS-CoV-2 exposure. Seropositivity increased over time with values reaching peaks after the epidemic waves (2.4% in May 2020; 16.2% in August 2020; 22.7% in December 2020 and 37% in February 2021).
Conclusion: And increase of NAbs was observed over time and correlated with the post-epidemic waves of COVID-19 in Morocco.
Keywords: SARS-CoV-2; Serum neutralizing assay; Seroprevalence; Rabat; Morocco.
Covid-19 and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Africa: a narrative review
Authors: Azeez Olanrewaju Yusuff , Abimbola Oladunni Amos , Bitrus David Kenneth , Olalekan Babatunde Yusuf , Abdulmumin Damilola Ibrahim , Adedeji Oluwakorede , Chidozie Ahamefula Colette 
Published: October 2023

Coronavirus disease 2019 popularly known as COVID-19 is the current pandemic ravaging the world. It has disrupted so many aspects of humans’ life including the healthcare systems of all countries. While governments have instituted preventive measures such as social distancing, self-isolation and lockdown in a bid to control the spread of the virus, the absence of vaccine can lead to poor management of key risk factors (including unhealthy diets and physical inactivity) associated with NCDs and limited access to preventive health services can further contribute to development and progression of NCDs. This study provides a review of available evidences from PubMed, google scholar, online databases, and papers from other sources on the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on NCDs in Africa and emphasizes lessons from past pandemics that can be adopted to reduce the burden of the disease.
Keywords: COVID-19; Pandemics; Africa; Non-Communicable Diseases.
Decision to delivery interval, maternal and fetal outcomes in emergency caesarean sections in a tertiary teaching hospital, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Wangwe Peter , Kibwana Mfaume , August Furaha , I Kikula Aman 
Published: October 2023

Background: Emergency caesarean section (CS) answers the question on how soon the procedure should be performed. Maternal and fetal outcomes deteriorate when decision to delivery interval (DDI) exceeds 75 min. This study aimed at determining the DDI, Maternal and fetal outcomes in CS categories at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH).
Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study involving 427 emergency CS at MNH was conducted from September to November, 2017. Data was extracted and analysed using SPSS version 23.0 where frequency, means, chi-square test and DDI were calculated to determine its association with categories of CS.
Results: The mean DDI for category one, two and three CS were 126.73, 133.57 and 160.08 min respectively. Only two (0.5%) and 54 (12.6%) of category one and two emergency CS met the recommended DDI of 30 and 75 min respectively. Maternal and fetal adverse outcome were increasing with increase in DDI. There was no significant association between DDI and adverse maternal outcome (OR: 1.2; 95% CI 0.49-2.83) and fetal outcome (OR: 1.7; 95% CI 0.91-3.38).
Conclusion: The proportions of adverse maternal and fetal outcome were high when DDI was ≥ 75 min. Improving triage of the patients according to their urgency is crucial in reducing prolonged DDI.
Keywords: Caesarean section category; maternal and fetal outcome; decision to delivery interval.
Correlations of intestinal microorganisms with liver and immune functions of patients with human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis B virus coinfection
Authors: Deng Yong , Yang Ke , Zhou Guoqiang , Wang Ning , Liu Chun , Chen Zhong 
Published: October 2023

Objective: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) coinfection has threatened the survival ofHIV-infected people. To explore the correlations of intestinal microorganisms with liver and immune functions of patients withHIV/HBV coinfection.
Methods: Eighty-six patients positive for HIV antibody and HBV surface antigen diagnosed from January 2018 to June 2020were selected as HIV/HBV coinfection group. Another 86 patients positive for HBV surface antigen and 86 healthy people wereselected as HBV infection and control groups, respectively. The correlations of intestinal flora with liver function, inflammatoryindices and immune cells were explored through Pearson’s analysis.
Results: Compared with control group, the proportions and numbers of T lymphocytes (CD3+), helper T lymphocytes (CD4+),cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CD8+), CD4+/CD8+ and natural killer (NK) cells decreased in HIV/HBV coinfection group (P<0.05).IL-2, IL-6, IL-17, ALT, AST, GGT, DBiL and TDBi levels were correlated negatively with Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus and Bacteroidesnumbers, but positively with Enterobacter and Enterococcus numbers (P<0.05). IL-10 level and proportions of CD3+, CD4+,CD8+, CD4+/CD8+ and NK cells were correlated positively with Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus and Bacteroides numbers, but negativelywith Enterobacter and Enterococcus numbers (P<0.05).
Conclusion: HIV aggravates the liver damage and immuno-inflammatory response in HBV patients.
Keywords: Intestinal flora; liver function; inflammatory factor; immune; human immunodeficiency virus; hepatitis B virus.
Relationship between antimicrobial resistance and virulence factors in uropathogenic Escherichia coli isolates from Ramadi, Iraq: phenotype and genotype identification
Authors: Dhahir Abed Ahmed , Y Mutter Thamer 
Published: October 2023

Background: Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is the most predominant pathogen that causes severe urinary tract infections (UTIs). Their therapeutic options are limited due to the rising of antibiotic resistance.
Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the level of antibiotic resistance profile, redundancy of virulence genes, and their correlation.
Methods: 41 UPEC isolates were collected from patients diagnosed with UTI, identified by the standard microbiological analysis, and tested for susceptibility to 12 antibiotic agents using the Kirby-Bauer method. The ability of UPEC isolates to produce biofilm, hemolyze and cause clumping of blood was determined. Virulence genes were detected by PCR analysis.
Results: The percentage of UPEC isolates was higher in females (78.1%) than in males (21.9%). UPEC isolates showed a high degree of resistance towards Ceftriaxone (90.2%), Cefepime (90.2%), Ciprofloxacin (82.9%), Levofloxacin (82.9%), and Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole (80.4%). Biofilm formation (87.8%) and hemagglutinin activity (80.4%) were the most predominant virulence markers expressed in UPEC and showed a high degree of correlation with the antibiotic resistance profile. PCR analysis showed that fimH (85.3%) was the most prevalent gene detected in UPEC isolates, followed by aac3-II (80.4%) among the five genes tested, blaTEM, aac3-II, sul2, hlyA, and fimH. The correlation between antibiotic resistant patterns and the presence aac3-II gene was significantly high. The resistance to the sulfonamides’ combined antibiotic was highly correlated with the presence of sulf2 gene.
Conclusion: Antimicrobial resistance was significantly linked to phenotypic and genotypic virulence factors. These results will aid in elucidating the pathogenicity of UTIs and guiding treatment decisions.
Keywords: UPEC resistance profile; virulence factor; Biofilm formation; hemagglutinin; hemolysin.
Values of serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and cystatin C after percutaneous coronary intervention for early diagnosis of contrast-induced nephropathy
Authors: Luo Ping , Ao Wei , Xiang Dikai , Wang Jian , Liu Jia 
Published: October 2023

Objective: Serum creatinine (SCr) is not a sensitive and reliable index for the early diagnosis of acute kidney injury caused bycontrast-induced nephropathy (CIN). The aim of this study was to explore the values of serum neutrophil gelatinase-associatedlipocalin (NGAL) and cystatin C (Cys-C) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for the early diagnosis of CIN.
Methods: Three hundred patients receiving PCI from January 2018 to December 2020 were assigned to a CIN group (n=25)and a non-CIN group (n=275), respectively. SCr, Cys-C and NGAL levels were measured, and their sensitivities for early CINdiagnosis were evaluated by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) values.
Results: The NGAL and Cys-C levels of the CIN group began to rise 6 and 12 h after operation, respectively (P<0.05). TheCIN group had higher NGAL and Cys-C levels than those of the non-CIN group 12, 24 and 48 h after operation (P<0.05). TheAUC values of NGAL, Cys-C and SCr 24 h after operation were 0.885, 0.874 and 0.856, respectively.
Conclusion: The serum NGAL and Cys-C levels of patients after PCI reflect the early changes of renal function, which arevaluable for early CIN diagnosis.
Keywords: Contrast; cystatin C; nephropathy; neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin; percutaneous coronary intervention.
Perception and level of satisfaction with the quality of antenatal care services among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at plateau state specialist hospital, Jos, Nigeria
Authors: Titilayo Olaoye , Oyewole Oyerinde , Chidera Aguiyi , Omosuzi Mercy 
Published: October 2023

Objective: This study evaluated pregnant women’s perception and level of satisfaction with quality of antenatal care receivedat Plateau State Specialist Hospital.
Materials and Methods: The study employed a hospital-based cross-sectional design. Convenience sampling was used toselect two hundred and thirty-eight (238) women attending antenatal clinic at the Plateau State Specialist Hospital. A validatedsemi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire with a Cronbach’s Alpha score of 0.83 was used for data collection. Respondent’s perception was measured on a 36-point rating scale and the level of satisfaction on a 9-point rating scale. Data wassubjected to descriptive analysis and Pearson’s correlation was used to test for hypothesis.
Results: The mean age was 28.79 years. Most of the respondents were married (81.9%), twenty-eight percent of the respondentshad two children. The respondent’s perception of quality of antenatal care shows a mean score of 25.0± 4.61 whichindicates that the respondents had positive perception of the quality of antenatal care (69.4%). Also, the respondent’s level ofsatisfaction with the quality of antenatal care received shows a mean score of 6.50 ± 1.8 indicating that they were very satisfied(72.2%) with quality of antenatal care. There was a significant relationship between the respondent’s perception of the qualityof antenatal care and level of satisfaction of the quality of antenatal care service (r= 0.43; p< 0.003).
Conclusion: The respondents had positive perception and are satisfied with the quality of antenatal care services received. APeriodic patient satisfaction survey should be established as part of the antenatal evaluation to provide feedback for continuousquality improvement.
Keywords: Antenatal care; perception; level of satisfaction; Plateau.
The balance between CD4+ T helper 17 and T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 3 is involved in the pathogenesis and development of atrial fibrillation
Authors: Dai Wenjing , Zhang Jun , Wang Yang , Zhou Jingqun , Dai Qiuting , Lv Jianfeng 
Published: October 2023

Background: To investigate the expression of Th17, T lymphocyte immunoglobulin mucin 3 (TIM-3+) cells and their relatedcytokines in atrial fibrillation (AF) and their clinical significance.
Methodology: A total of 90 patients with AF were divided into paroxysmal group (n=45) and chronic group (n=45), and 45healthy volunteers were selected as the control group. The proportion of Th17 cells and Tim-3 + cells in the peripheral bloodwere detected. The concentrations of related cytokines in peripheral blood serum were determined. The correlation betweenTh17 / Tim-3+ cells and related cytokines was analysed.
Results: Compared with the control group, the proportion of Th17 cells and the concentration of related cytokines (IL-17, IL-6and Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP9)) in peripheral blood of patients with paroxysmal and chronic AF increased significantly,while the proportion of tim3 + cells and the concentration of related cytokines decreased significantly. Compared with theparoxysmal group, the proportion of Th17 cells and the concentration of related cytokines in the peripheral blood of patientsin the chronic group increased significantly, while the proportion of tim3 + cells and the concentration of related cytokinesdecreased significantly.
Conclusion: Th17 / Tim-3 + cell balance is involved in AF, and can be used as a target for AF treatment.
Keywords: Atrial fibrillation; Th17 cells; Tim-3; Cytokines; IL-17; Gal-9.
Outcome of preventive nursing intervention, prophylactic anticoagulation and the use of the Caprini score on venous thromboembolism after varicose vein surgery
Authors: Zheng Ting , Zheng Xiaofei 
Published: October 2023

Objective: This research was devoted to estimate the outcome of preventive nursing intervention on venous thromboembolism (VTE) after varicose vein surgery in lower extremities.
Methods: A total of 516 subjects with varicose veins of lower extremities (from January 2020 to January 2022) treated in our hospital were separated into observation subgroup (n = 258) and control subgroup (n = 258) at random. The conventional nursing intervention was applied in the control subgroup, preventive nursing intervention, prophylactic anticoagulation and the use of Caprini score was applied in the observation subgroup. The levels of blood indexes [hemoglobin (Hb), platelet (PLT) and D-dimer (D-D)] were compared between the two subgroups before operation and 7 days postoperative, the occurrence of subcutaneous congestion, lower limb swelling and pain, VTE and nursing satisfaction of the subject 4 (four) weeks after discharge.
Results: After intervention, the levels of PLT and D-D in the observation subgroup were notably lower than those in the control subgroup. Four weeks after discharge, the incidence of subcutaneous congestion, lower limb swelling and pain, there had no notable difference in two subgroups Versus the control subgroup, VTE in the observation subgroup was notably lower and nursing satisfaction was higher.
Conclusion: Preventive nursing intervention can reduce the level of PLT and D-D, restrain in the incidence of VTE and improve the nursing satisfaction of subjects with varicose veins of lower extremities after varicose vein surgery of lower limb.
Keywords: Varicose vein surgery; nursing intervention; Caprini score.
Lipid and nutritional profiles of Caribbean patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Idris Saleh 
Published: October 2023

Aim: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is marked by the deterioration of kidney function and derangement in lipid metabolism.Thus, we aim at evaluating the lipid and nutritional parameters of Caribbean patients with CKD.
Methods: The study recruited 88 CKD patients and 105 apparently healthy subjects. Blood glucose, urea, creatinine, albumin,uric acid, total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, VLDL, and LDL were measured in duplicate on the Vitros 4600Multi-Channel Chemistry Auto-Analyzer (Johnson & Johnson Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics Inc., Rochester NY, USA) in our laboratory.The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS, version 20) was used for statistical analysis.
Results: Mean levels of diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.05), age, and systolic blood pressure between the patients and thehealthy controls (p < 0.001) were different. In addition, mean levels of BUN (p < 0.05), serum creatinine, and uric acid werehigher and eGFR lower in the patients compared with the healthy controls (p < 0.001). The mean levels of albumin, glucose,triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, and VLDL (p < 0.001) also differed between patients and healthy controls. Negative correlationbetween eGFR and triglycerides and a positive correlation between eGFR and total cholesterol, HDL-c and LDL were observed.The prevalence of hypoalbuminemia, hypercholesterolemia and underweight were 27.27%, 57.95% and 4.55% respectively inpatients, compared with 10.48%, 44.74% and 2.86% respectively in healthy controls.
Conclusion: Dyslipidemia is common in CKD patients and is therefore, imperative that, routine lipid profile analysis be detailedin order to check any trend towards the development of CVD.
Keywords: Cardiovascular diseases; chronic kidney disease; dyslipidemia; estimated glomerular filtration rate; kidney; malnutrition;parameter; risk factor.
Factors associated with poor asthma symptom control in adult Angolan regularly seen at an outpatient respiratory clinic
Authors: L T Arrais Margarete , J P Maricoto Tiago , M Lulua Ofélia , G S Quifica Francisca , M R Gama Jorge , D Brito Miguel , Taborda-Barata Luis 
Published: October 2023

Background: Asthma is one of the most common chronic respiratory diseases and one of the most frequent causes of hospitalcare.
Objectives: To describe the clinical characteristics of asthma and factors associated with its control.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Military Hospital in Luanda, from April 2018 to March 2019. Data collectionwas performed using questionnaires on asthma symptoms and treatment, socio-demographic and environmental questions,and a Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) questionnaire to assess the level of asthma control. Ordinal logistic regressionanalyses were performed. We estimated odds ratios, for higher categories of asthma control. P<0.05 was considered significant.
Results: The sample consisted of 305 asthmatics ≥18-years-old, 56% women, with a mean age of 41.3 years. About 28% ofpatients had controlled asthma, 36% partially controlled and 35% uncontrolled. Poor asthma control was associated with frequentuse of short-acting beta-2 agonists [OR 5.70 (95%CI 2.37;13.7)], oral corticosteroids [OR 3.68 (95%CI 2.24;6.04)], andincorrect inhaler technique [OR 4.08 (95%CI 1.25;13.3)].
Conclusions: A significant number of adults living in Luanda have uncontrolled asthma due to the under-use of inhaled corticosteroidtherapy. It is necessary to develop strategic management and prevention plans to improve Angolan asthmatics' medicalcare.
Keywords: Asthma; Angola; symptom control; inhalers.
Spectrum of substance use precipitating rehabilitative services among adult patients in the university of Port Harcourt teaching hospital
Authors: Ugochukwu Okeafor Chukwuma , Esu Irene 
Published: October 2023

Background: World Health Organization ranks substance abuse as one of the top twenty health risk factors. It poses a seriouspublic health crisis with a significant burden for affected individuals, families and health systems. This study aimed to identifythe spectrum and pattern of substance use among patients receiving rehabilitative services.
Methods: The study was a cross-sectional design involving 190 patients receiving rehabilitative care for substance use in theUniversity of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital. The Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST), avalidated and reliable tool was employed to obtain data on substance use. Statistical analyses were performed at P<0.05.
Results: The male to female ratio was 4:1. A higher proportion of the patients were within 18-35years category (81.6%; n=155).The commonly used substances were alcohol (90.5%; n=172), cannabis/marijuana (43.7%; n=83), prescription opioids (28.9%;n=55). cigarette (25.8%; n=49), and street opioids (15.8%; n=30). The prevalence of poly substance use was 68.4%(n=130).Age(p=0.033) and sex (being male) (p=0.002) were predictors for number of substances used.
Conclusion: Almost all the patients receiving drug rehabilitative service used alcohol, and approximately 7 in 10 used more thanone substance. The need to inculcate harm reduction in the management protocol is therefore paramount.
Keywords: Substance use; alcohol; cannabis; substance use; rehabilitative care.
Service delivery inaccessibility as a predictor of teenage pregnancy in South Africa
Authors: Sibusiso Mkwanazi 
Published: October 2023

Background: With the onset of the South African democracy in 1994 it was hoped that many social inequalities would beaddressed urgently. However, studies have shown that service delivery inaccessibility remains a challenge and investigating thesocial implications of such injustices remains important.
Objective: This study determined to establish the association between service delivery inaccessibility and adolescent pregnancyin South Africa.
Methods: Using data from 2019 and 2021 general household surveys, 7 737 teenage females were included. The study applieddescriptive statistics, chi-squared testing as well as multilevel binary logistic regression.
Results: Random-intercept multilevel binary logistic regression revealed that the risk of adolescent pregnancy independently increased as the level of service inaccessibility increased at household level (no services: OR=1.73, 1 service: OR=1.40, 2 services:OR=1.28) and community level (medium: OR=1.22, high: OR=1.38) at a P-value of 0.05.
Conclusion: Findings highlight the need to guarantee universal service delivery urgently not only for development, but also toprevent adolescent pregnancy. Furthermore, the findings present evidence of structural factors driving adolescent pregnancy inSouth Africa, which renders continued cycles of poverty, injustice and early pregnancy amongst the majority of Blacks.
Keywords: Teenage pregnancy; service inaccessibility; multilevel modelling; South Africa; structural inequality; teenagers.