bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cardiac surgery in East Africa: a profile of cases and referral to physiotherapy
Authors: R Makalla Abdallah , Karachi Farhana , S Phillips Joliana 
Published: October 2023

Background: A significant increase in cardiac surgery has been observed globally, with prolonged length of stay (LOS) still prevalent due to post-operative complications. Physiotherapy pre and post cardiac surgery is known to reduce these complications and LOS, however cases referred for physiotherapy is unknown.
Objective: The study aimed to describe the profile and pre- and post-operative referrals to physiotherapy of patients admittedto the cardiothoracic unit at a selected hospital in Tanzania over a four-year period.
Method: Descriptive, retrospective design. A data extraction sheet was used to capture demographic, cardiac disease, ICU andhospital LOS, post-operative complications and physiotherapy referral data of all patients ≥18 years of age.
Results: 105 cardiac surgeries were performed. Patients’ mean age was 30.6 years (SD=10.48) and 54.3% (n=57/105) were female.Cardiac surgeries performed declined from 48.6% (n=51/105) in 2010 to 10.5% (n=11/105) in 2013. Cardiac arrest (33%, n=7/21), pneumonia (19%, n=4/21) and lung collapse (4.8%, n=1/21) were the notable documented post-operative complications. ICU mortality was highest (72,7%, n=8/11). Only 1% (n=1/105) of cases were referred pre-operatively versus 77.7% (n=80/103) post-operatively for physiotherapy.
Conclusion: Cardiac surgeries were reduced annually but the post-operative complications need to be reduced. Pre-operativephysiotherapy referral may reduce pneumonia and lung collapse following cardiac surgery.
Keywords: Profile; cardiac surgery; cardiac disease; hospital stay; physiotherapy referral.
Appropriateness and diagnostic yield of open access gastroscopy in two tertiary centers in South-western Nigeria
Authors: A Odeghe Emuobor , O Owoseni Opeyemi , S Chukwudike Evaristus , F Adeniyi Oluwafunmilayo , E Adigun Babatunde , K Oyeleke Ganiyat , O Oluyemi Aderemi , A Lesi Olufunmilayo 
Published: October 2023

Background: There is need for the appropriate use of gastroscopy.
Objective: To determine the appropriateness of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, and its association with significant endoscopyfindings in our environment.
Methods: This was a prospective study of subjects who underwent gastroscopy at two centers in south-western Nigeria betweenAugust 2020 and August 2021. Indications were classified as either appropriate or inappropriate according to the ASGE guidelines, gastroscopic findings as either significant or not significant, patients as either elderly (≥ 60 years) or not, inpatients or outpatients, and referrals as either gastroenterologist referral, or not.
Results: There were 227 subjects, 131 (57.7%) females, mean age 45 ± 13.7 years. Fifteen percent were elderly, 65.6% were gastroenterologist referrals, 14.1% were inpatients, while 45.8% had co-morbidities. Endoscopy was appropriately indicated in 81.9%, and significant endoscopy findings were detected in 95.6%. Appropriateness was not associated with significant endoscopy findings. The sensitivity, specificity and AUROC of the ASGE guidelines were 10%, 82%, and 0.46 respectively.
Conclusion: According to our study, most procedures are appropriately indicated. However, appropriateness did not determineendoscopy yield. Larger studies are needed to determine the utility of the ASGE guidelines in our environment.
Keywords: Appropriateness; endoscopy; Nigeria.
Prevalence of late antenatal care booking among pregnant women attending public health facilities of Kigamboni Municipality in Dar es Salaam region, Tanzania
Authors: Ndomba Alana , Ntabaye Moshi , Semali Innocent , Kabalimu Titus , Ndossi Godwin , Mashalla Yohana 
Published: October 2023

Background: Good care during pregnancy is important for the health of mothers and development of the unborn baby. The study determined the prevalence and factors associated with late ANC booking among pregnant women at health facilities in Kigamboni Municipality in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Methods: This was an analytical cross-sectional study among pregnant women attending ANC services during second and third trimester in the selected health facilities. The study recruited 204 through convenient sampling. Multi-stage cluster sampling was used to select health facilities. A Standardised questionnaire was used to collect information through face-to-face interviews. Data was analysed using SPSS version 25.0. Proportions were used to estimate the magnitude of late ANC booking while bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine factors associated with the magnitude of late ANC booking.
Results: Late ANC bookings were high 174 (85.3%) among pregnant women who attended clinic week 13 and later compared to those who attended earlier than 13 weeks 30 (14.7%). Factors associated with likelihood for late ANC booking during the initial visit included tertiary education [AOR= 10.174, 95%CI: 1.002-103.301] and primigravida [AOR=0.101, 95%CI: 0.170-0.605].
Conclusion: Majority of the pregnant women started ANC later than the recommended time. Health education provision at all community levels on the advantages and disadvantages of early and late ANC booking respectively should be strengthened.
Keywords: Pregnant women; ANC; booking; parity; education.
Exclusive breastfeeding knowledge and practice among nursing mothers in selected healthcare facilities in Kaduna Metropolis, Nigeria
Authors: I Yakubu Musa , U Odesanya Rachael , Y Abbas Medinat , K Lawal Basira 
Published: October 2023

Background: Exclusive breast feeding (EBF) in the first six months of life is recognized as an indispensable component of survival, physical and mental development of children. Despite the enormous benefits of EBF, only 39% of infants less than 6 months of age are exclusively breastfed globally.
Objectives: This study assessed EBF knowledge, practice and associated factors among nursing mothers attending health facilitiesin Kaduna metropolis.
Methods: Descriptive and cross-sectional study carried out with the aid of a structured questionnaire at the Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital and Gwamna Awwal General Hospital in Kaduna. The participants were recruited by simple random sampling technique with the assistance of trained research assistants for four consecutive weeks in each of the hospital. Data were analysed using SPSS version 16.
Results: Majority of the participants were in the age range of 21-30 years. Their main source of information on breastfeeding was from ante-natal clinics (78.3%). Most (86.6%) of the participants had a good knowledge and awareness about EBF, 69.1% of them initiated breastfeeding immediately after birth (within an hour) and 70% of the participants practiced EBF. Insufficient milk, belief that infants require extra fluid, fear of alteration in the breast figure, cultural practice and societal beliefs were identified as the most common barriers to the practice of EBF.
Conclusions: Findings from this study showed that most of the participants had a very good knowledge of EBF and are practicing it.
Keywords: Exclusive breastfeeding; knowledge; initiation of breastfeeding; nursing mothers.
Chinese pediatric Tuina can prevent premature infant feeding intolerance and is conducive to weight gain: a prospective randomized controlled study
Authors: Li Shao-Shu , Lin Xiu-Yao , Li Xin , Zhang Ya-Di , Wang Li-Qiong , Lai Su-xian 
Published: October 2023

Objective: Preterm birth is one of the most important health problems in the world. Feeding intolerance is one of the most common and serious complications of premature infant. The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of Chinese pediatric Tuina on the prevention of feeding intolerance in favour of weight gain in premature infants.
Methods: A prospective randomized controlled study was conducted in the Department of Neonatology in our hospital. Premature infants were recruited and randomly assigned to an intervention group or a control group. Premature infants in the intervention group received a Chinese pediatric Tuina intervention by professional chiropractors, while premature infants in the control group received standard care. The incidence of feeding intolerance and weight gain situation were compared between the two groups.
Result: After 1 week of intervention, the body weight (2.5±0.5 vs 2.0±0.4, p=0.038), head circumference (32.8±1.7 vs 29.9±1.4, p=0.041), albumin (34.6±5.8 vs 28.4±6.1, p-0.026) and prealbumin (155.8±35.2 vs 113.6±36.8, p=0.021) of preterm infants in the intervention group were significantly better than those in the control group. The incidence of feeding intolerance (7 vs 15, p=0.032) in the intervention group was significantly lower than that in the control group. Although there were no statistically significant differences (P>0.05), the incidences of gastrointestinal bleeding, necrotizing enterocolitis, and liver insufficiency were lower in the intervention group than in the control group.
Conclusion: Chinese pediatric Tuina can effectively prevent the occurrence of feeding intolerance in premature infants and beconducive to the weight gain and improving nutritional status of premature infants.
Keywords: Chinese pediatric Tuina; wremature infant; feeding intolerance; weight gain; nutritional status.
Predictors of fertility awareness among selected married women of childbearing age in Nigeria: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Uchenna Mosanya Adaobi , Oyine Aluh Deborah , Anosike Chibueze , Ogochukwu Akunne Maureen , Gloria Anene-Okeke Chigozie , Isah Abdulmuminu 
Published: October 2023

Background: Increased fertility awareness can help infertile couples to achieve pregnancy.
Objectives: This study aimed to determine both the predictors and levels of fertility awareness among married Nigerian women of childbearing age.
Methods: A nationwide cross-sectional survey. Data were collected via online and face to face questionnaires. Descriptive and inferential analysis were done with SPSS 25.
Results: Most respondents married between ages 24-29 years old (40%) and just over half had good fertility awareness (53%). The associated factors were age at menarche (X2 = 9.962, p = 0.007), geopolitical zone of residence (X2 = 17.301, p = 0.008), level of education (X2 = 64.843, p < 0.001), employment status (X2 = 9.319 p = 0.025) menstrual cycle charting (X2 = 66.392, p < 0.001), use of internet to increase awareness (X2 = 39.849, p < 0.001) and books (X2 = 58.855, p < 0.001). Fertility awareness was lower for those with secondary education than postgraduates (AOR=0.213, 95% CI 0.116-0.390, p < 0.001). Moreover, the odds of having good fertility awareness were less in those who did not chart their menstrual cycle (AOR=0.363, 95% CI 0.245-0.538, p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Menstrual cycle charting and level of education were predictors of fertility awareness.
Keywords: Nigeria; fertility; educational status; menstrual cycle; internet.
mHealth app usage amongst paediatric department doctors in South Africa
Authors: Mahmood Shahid , Coovadia Ashraf , E Laher Abdullah , Adam Ahmed 
Published: October 2023

Background: Smartphone and mobile health (mHealth) applications (apps) have become an integral part of the day-to-day function of healthcare professionals, allowing quick, comprehensive, and up-to-date access to current clinical guidelines and other reference material.
Objective: To evaluate the extent and nature of use of mHealth apps by paediatric department doctors in South Africa.
Methods: E-mails requesting study participation were sent out to 285 paediatric department doctors employed at six hospitals affiliated to the University of the Witwatersrand. Willing participants were directed to complete the online study questionnaire.
Results: A total of 150 respondents completed the questionnaire. All respondents owned a mobile device and already had one or more mHealth apps, 95.3% were unaware of any regulatory body responsible for regulating the use of mHealth apps, 86.0% did not have access to free Wi-Fi at work and 87.3% used an mHealth app at least once daily. Drug dosing (81.3%), diagnostic (59.3%) and clinical decision-making (44.7%) apps were the most common app categories with Medscape® (62.0%) and EMGuidance® (41.3%) being the most frequently used apps. Peer recommendation (76.0%), app credibility (74.0%) and app functionality (66.0%) were the most common factors that were considered by respondents prior to downloading or using an mHealth app.
Conclusion: Medical apps are frequently used among paediatric medical doctors of all ranks. Drug dosing, diagnostic and clinical decision-making apps are the most common app categories in use. Improved awareness of the regulations pertaining to the use of mHealth apps amongst doctors is required.
Keywords: Medical apps; mHealth; mobile health; smartphone health; information technology; drug dosing app; medical diagnostic app.
Clinicopathological pattern of breast lesions in children and adolescents
Authors: Charles Nwafor Chukwuemeka , Uwaemechi Umeh Kingsley , Benjamin Etuk Emmanuel , Brian Eziagu Uchechukwu , Jonathan Kudamnya Ikwo , Ekwo Esther 
Published: October 2023

Background: Breast lesions are not common in children and adolescents. The aim of this study is to retrospectively survey the clinicopathological pattern of breast lesions in children and adolescents in our setting.
Materials and method: This is a retrospective study of all breast specimens from children and adolescents that were histopathologically diagnosed in University of Uyo Teaching Hospital.
Results: The youngest patients seen were 11 years old, with mean age of 17.1 ± 1.91. The commonest clinical diagnoses were fibroadenoma (n=134, 72.4%). Thirty-five-point seven percent of the patients presented within 6 months of noticing the lump. The mean size of the lumps was 6.2cm ± 3.9. Fibroadenoma was the most common benign diagnosis and the most common histopathologic diagnosis in this study. The mean age of patients with fibroadenoma was 17.15±1.83.
Conclusion: The pattern of breast lesions in adolescents in Uyo is similar to that from other parts of Nigeria.
Keywords: Adolescents; benign; breast lesions; fibroadenoma.
Assessment of risk factors associated with multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in Gulu regional referral hospital
Authors: Omona Kizito , Mucha Opiyo Albert 
Published: October 2023

Background: Multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is increasingly recognized as emerging infectious disease of publichealth concern. Globally, 206030 people were diagnosed with MDR-TB in 2019, representing a 10% increase from 186883peoplewho had it in 2018. In Uganda, the prevalence of MDR among new TB cases is 4.4% and 17.7% among previously treatedTB cases.
Aim: To determine the risk factors associated with MDR-TB among tuberculosis patients in Gulu regional referral hospital.
Material and Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study using both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collectionand analysis was used. Data was collected from 384 TB patients using data extraction form and 6 Key informant interviewsconducted. Analysis using Pearson chi-square test was run.
Results: HIV positive patients were 2.6 times more likely to be infected with MDR-TB than HIV negative patients [AOR=2.6:95% CI 1.34– 5.85: P=0.006]. Previously treated TB patients were 2.8 times more likely to be infected with MDR-TB than newlydiagnosed TB patients [AOR=2.8: 95% CI 1.33– 5.85: P=0.006]. Defaulting TB patients were 3.1 times more likely to be infectedwith MDR-TB than the non-defaulting TB patients [AOR=3.1]
Conclusion: There is high prevalence of drug resistance among patients attending TB treatment at the facility.
Keywords: MDR-TB; tuberculosis; HIV; Gulu Regional Referral Hospital.
Evaluation of socio-demographic profile and basic risk factors of tuberculosis patients in South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, India: a hospital-based study
Authors: Kumar Bhunia Sujay , Dey Sananda , Pal Amitava , Giri Biplab 
Published: October 2023

Aim: To study and analyse the socio-demographic profile and basic risk factors of tuberculosis(TB) patients and their relationwith the current epidemiological status of TB registered under the RNTEP program in the study area.
Subjects and Methods: This prospective study was conducted on 1743 newly registered tuberculosis patients at TB-DOT centerof South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, India from 2011-2014. Socio-demographic variables and baseline characteristics of theparticipants were noted by a semi-structured questionnaire.
Results: Our study results indicate that more than 95% of the TB patients were from lower socioeconomic class, and hadpoor literacy status and tuberculosis was observed highest in non-agricultural labour and cultivators. Among the young adult’smajority of the affected population were females from the lower/upper-lower socioeconomic class. Our analysis revealed that,in successful tuberculosis therapy, men were more defaulters than women.
Conclusion: Our study provides a socioeconomic profile and the risk factors of tuberculosis in patients such as the status oftherapeutic intervention, involvement of other chronic diseases, age, sex and malnutrition. The findings of this study can beused to plan future studies with specific risk factors of the region and also for implementing the intervention and evaluating itseffectiveness.Keywords: Mycobacterium tuberculosis; socio-demographic factors; multi-drug resistance; pulmonary tuberculosis; extra-pulmonarytuberculosis.
Epidemiological features of tuberculosis in the Middle East and North Africa from 1990 to 2019: results from the global burden of disease Study 2019
Authors: Moradinazar Mehdi , Mohseni Afshar Zienab , Ramazani Uosef , Shakiba Mohammad , Shirvani Maria , Darvishi Sara 
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) is a preventable and curable disease, although, it still causes more than one million deaths annually. Therefore, the aim of this study was to measure the epidemiological status and the burden of TB in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries.
Methods: The study population included 21 countries in the MENA region, covering a population of about 400 million. The Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 database was used. The case definition comprises all forms of TB, containing pulmonary and extra pulmonary TB, which are bacteriologically approved or clinically diagnosed. The prevalence, incidence, death, and the disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) rates per 100,000 people for all national locations by standardized age rates (ASR) were measured.
Results: In 2019, Afghanistan had the highest TB-related incidence 85.09 (95% UI, 73.69_98.46), death 21.91 (95% UI, 13.44_29.78), and DALYs rate 695.21 (95% UI, 454.34_939.49). The highest prevalence rates of TB were in Egypt 28935.42 (95% UI, 26125.54_32251.01). The highest TB-related DALYs rate was attributed to alcohol use, high fasting plasma glucose, and smoking were related to Tunisia, Qatar, and Lebanon, respectively. Between 1990 and 2019, TB- related incidence, prevalence, death, and DALYs rate have decreased by 53%, 42.19%, 76.20%, and 75.95% in MENA region, respectively.
Conclusion: TB has continued to decrease in prevalence, incidence, death, and DALYs rates in the MENA region, although, nowadays with the COVID-19 pandemic, societies may face more challenges for TB prevention, detection, treatment, and rehabilitation.
Keywords: Tuberculosis; disability; burden of disease; DALY; MENA.
Comparison of the effects of different blood conservation techniques in elderly patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Cai Yuanxing , He Xin , Cheng Qinghao 
Published: October 2023

Background: To probe into the influences of different blood conservation techniques on the postoperative coagulation function and prognosis of elderly patients receiving Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA).
Methodology: A total of 60 patients were randomly divided into Autologous Blood Transfusion (ABT) group (n=30) and ANH group (n=30). For patients in the ABT group, an autologous blood recovery machine was used to recover, wash and filter the surgical field blood. For those in the Acute Isovolumic Hemodilution (ANH) group, blood was collected preoperatively from the central vein and stored in a citrate anticoagulant blood storage bag, while the same amount of hydroxyethyl starch was injected into the peripheral vein to dilute the blood. After Mai bleeding steps of the operation were completed, the autologous blood of patients was transfused back in both groups. The clinical indicators of patients in each group were observed.
Results: 48 h after operation, the ANH group obtained a higher level of hemoglobin (Hb), shorter Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT), and a lower expression rate of platelet activating factor CD62P than the ABT group.
Conclusion: The ANH group exhibits higher content of hemoglobin and fewer platelet (Plt)activating factors produced than the ABT group, while no significant difference in the shortened length of hospital stays is found.
Keywords: Hip arthroplasty; blood transfusion; autologous; hemodilution; transfusion of red blood cells; platelet activating factors.
Postpartum resolution of hypertension, proteinuria and acute kidney injury among women with preeclampsia and severe features at Mulago National Referral Hospital, Uganda: a cohort study
Authors: Muteke Kasereka , W Musaba Milton , Mukunya David , Beyeza Jolly , N Wandabwa Julius , Kiondo Paul 
Published: October 2023

Background: The resolution of hypertension, proteinuria and AKI postpartum among women with preeclampsia is not well documented in Uganda.
Objective: To determine the time to resolution of hypertension, proteinuria and AKI postpartum until 6 weeks among women with preeclampsia in Mulago Hospital, Uganda.
Methods: Between August 2017 and April 2018, we measured blood pressure, urine protein and serum creatinine on days 1,7,21 and 42 postpartum among 86 women with preeclampsia. The primary outcomes were time to the resolution of hypertension, proteinuria and AKI. We fitted accelerated failure models using Stata 17’s stintreg. command with a log normal distribution and obtained time ratios of selected exposures on time to resolution of hypertension, proteinuria and AKI intervals.
Results: The median time to resolution of hypertension, proteinuria and AKI was seven (7) days (Inter quartile range, IQR 1-21). The time to resolution of hypertension among primiparous women was 3.5 times that of multiparous women [TR 3.5, 95%CI 1.1, 11.3]. No differences were observed in resolution of hypertension, proteinuria and acute kidney injury.
Conclusion: The time to resolution of hypertension, proteinuria and AKI was seven days. We recommend larger studies with longer follow-up beyond six-weeks postpartum to inform revision of our guidelines.
Keywords: Acute kidney injury; preeclampsia with severe features.