bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study on short-term clinical observation of the effect of apically repositioned flap combined with free gingival graft to widen keratinized tissue in implant area
Authors: Jiang HuanHuan , Xiang Liu Lin , Dong Yan , Na Yu Mei , Yuan Yue , Tian Lei 
Published: October 2023

Objective: To analyse the short-term clinical results of the effect of apically repositioned flap combined with free gingival graft to widen keratinized tissue in implant area, so as to provide a basis for its clinical application.
Methods: Fifteen patients with intraoral single or multiple missing teeth, who did not undergo implant restoration or who re-examined after implant restoration completed were included, along with KW less than 1-2 mm on the buccal side of the median line of the alveolar ridge crest in the implant area, or KW less than 1-2 mm on the buccal side of the abutments and dental crown margins. All underwent apically repositioned flap combined with free gingival graft, which were reviewed.
Results: Fifteen patients with missing keratinized gingivae underwent free gingival flap graft, survived with all grafted gingival flaps. Compared with before implantation, significant keratinized tissue widening and area gain were obtained at 1 and 3 months postoperatively.
Conclusion: The free gingival flap graft can significantly widen the buccal keratinized mucosa of the implant, and to some extent maintains the health status of the implant, which is worthy of clinical promotion and application.
Keywords: Apically repositioned flap; free gingival graft; implant; keratinized tissue.
Willingness of college students aged 10 to 24 years to get vaccinated against COVID-19 disease: a cross-sectional study in South-East Nigeria
Authors: T Chinawa Awoere , N Ossai Edmund , Ugwunna Nwachukwu Chinedu , A Uwaezuoke Ndubuisi , E Aronu Ann , M Chinawa Josephat 
Published: October 2023

Background: Willingness to be vaccinated against COVID-19 is a topical issue that may change the course and distribution of the pandemic in the country.
Objectives: This study was aimed to determine the willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine among college adolescents and associated factors.
Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study carried out among one thousand college adolescents in six secondary schools in Enugu from April to August 2021. A pretested, self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Data entry and analysis were done using IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) statistical software version 25. Descriptive statistics were used to describe college adolescents' characteristics. Categorical variables were reported as frequencies and percentages. Predictors of willingness to vaccinate were assessed using binary logistic regression.
Results: A minor proportion of the respondents, 13.2% (153) were willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The respondents who were males were 1.6 times more willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccination when compared with those who were females. (AOR=1.6, 95%CI: 1.1- 2.3). The respondents who were aware they could be infected with COVID-19 were twice more likely to receive COVID-19 vaccination when compared with those who felt they could not be infected. (AOR=2.0, 95%CI: 1.1-3.1). The respondents who had good knowledge of COVID-19 vaccination were 2.2 times more likely to receive COVID-19 vaccination when compared with those who had poor knowledge. (AOR=2.2, 955CI: 1.5-3.3)
Conclusion: A small fraction of college adolescents were willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Male gender, knowledge of vaccine and possibility of transmitting infection are predictors of willingness to receive the vaccination.
Keywords: Willingness; vaccination; college adolescents; COVID-19; knowledge; Enugu.
Clinical features of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in 3146 patients: a 9-year retrospective cohort study in Zanzibar Archipelago, Tanzania
Authors: Qu Li-Shuai , Mohamed Gubi Mariam 
Published: October 2023

Background/objectives: To investigate the demographic features, primary endoscopic findings, and the status of Helicobacter Pylori (H. pylori) infection of the enrolled subjects who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGIE) in the Zanzibar Archipelago, Tanzania.
Methods: Between December 2013 and October 2021, a total of 3146 eligible participants were finally recruited in present retrospective cohort. Demographic information and endoscopic findings of each participant was retrieved. H. pylori infection was confirmed by rapid-urease test of gastric antral and body biopsies at endoscopy.
Results: Among the recruited subjects, 1691 (53.76%) are females, remaining 1455 (46.24%) are males. The median age of this retrospective cohort was 40 years ranging from 8 to 97 years. The common identified endoscopic findings included gastro-duodenitis,normal endoscopic finding, peptic ulcer disease (PUD), esophagitis, esophagogastric varices, esophageal and gastric cancer, respectively. After adjustment for sex and age, a significant risk of gastric and/or duodenal ulcer (OR, 2.51; 95% CI, 1.82–3.48, P<0.001) and gastric cancer (OR, 3.49; 95% CI, 1.27–9.58, P=0.015) in H. pylori positive group was observed. Stratified analysis indicated a significant relationship between duodenal ulcer with younger age (adjusted OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.97–0.99, p = 0.002), and the presence of H. pylori (OR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.12-3.91, p= 0.021).
Conclusions: The present study revealed that gastro-duodenitis, PUD, and normal finding are the most common endoscopic diagnoses in Zanzibar. The presence of H. pylori is significantly associated with duodenal ulcer and gastric cancer.
Keywords: Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy; Helicobacter Pylori; Zanzibar.
Emricasan for the treatment of liver cirrhosis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Jie Yao , Youchun Lei , Jingxiang Chen 
Published: October 2023

Introduction: The efficacy of emricasan for liver cirrhosis remains controversial. We conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the influence of emricasan versus placebo on the treatment of liver cirrhosis.
Methods: We have searched PubMed, EMbase, Web of science, EBSCO, and Cochrane library databases through August 2021 and included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the efficacy of emricasan versus placebo for liver cirrhosis. This meta-analysis was performed using the random-effect model.
Results: Four RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, compared with control group for liver cirrhosis, emricasan treatment had no substantial impact on MELD (SMD=-0.19; 95% CI=-0.44 to 0.06; P=0.14), INR (SMD=0.12; 95% CI=-0.13 to 0.37; P=0.36), total bilirubin (SMD=-0.27; 95% CI=-0.56 to 0.01; P=0.06), serum albumin (SMD=0; 95% CI=-0.25 to 0.25; P=1.00) or adverse events (OR=1.35; 95% CI=0.56 to 3.24; P=0.50).
Conclusions: Emricasan treatment provided no benefit for the treatment of liver cirrhosis.
Keywords: Emricasan; liver cirrhosis; randomized controlled trials; meta-analysis.
Therapeutic outcome of dapagliflozin in patients with type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Hu Changlun , Qu Tianhua , LI Lin , Huang Yi , Liu Huabao , Rao Chunyan 
Published: October 2023

Introduction: The efficacy of dapagliflozin remains controversial for patients with type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. We conduct this meta-analysis to explore the influence of dapagliflozin versus placebo on the treatment efficacy of type 2 diabetes complicated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Methods: We have searched PubMed, EMbase, Web of science, EBSCO, and Cochrane library databases through November 2021 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the efficacy of dapagliflozin versus placebo for type 2 diabetes complicated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. This meta-analysis is performed using the random-effect model.
Results: Four RCTs are included in the meta-analysis. Overall, compared with patients with type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, dapagliflozin treatment is associated with significantly reduced alanine aminotransferase (ALT, standard mean difference [SMD]=-1.27; 95% confidence interval [CI]span style="font-family: ‘Times New Roman'">=-1.60 to -0.95; P<0.00001), aspartate aminotransferase (AST, SMD=-1.37; 95% CI=-2.08 to -0.65; P=0.0002), fasting glucose (SMD=-0.78; 95% CI=-1.28 to -0.27; P=0.003) and HbA1c (SMD=-0.77; 95% CI=-1.21 to -0.34; P=0.0005), but demonstrated no obvious influence on homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR, SMD=-0.36; 95% CI=-0.86 to 0.14; P=0.16).
Conclusions: Dapagliflozin benefits to improve hepatic function and glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, as evidenced by the reduction in ALT, AST, fasting glucose and HbA1c.
Keywords: Dapagliflozin; type 2 diabetes; non-alcoholic fatty liver disease; randomized controlled trials.
The practice of using repurposed medications as chemoprophylaxis for COVID-19 by healthcare workers in a tertiary hospital in Southern Nigeria
Authors: B Udoette Sylvanus , E Onukak Asukwo , A Umoh Victor , A Akpabio Akpabio 
Published: October 2023

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a viral infection that has been reported in virtually every country. Healthcare workers (HCW) are more at risk of COVID-19 than the general population making them a priority group for vaccination. Before the roll out of COVID-19 vaccines in Nigeria, some HCW were using some repurposed, unapproved drugs to possibly prevent the disease. This study evaluated the frequency and pattern of drug use for COVID-19 prevention.
Methods: This was a prospective cross-sectional study of HCW conducted in Southern Nigeria. Data was obtained from the participants using a questionnaire and blood sample was obtained for SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing. Data was analysed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 23.
Results: One hundred and sixty-six participants were enrolled in this study. Thirty-two (19.3%) of them had taken a repurposed medication as prophylaxis for COVID-19. The most used drugs were Vitamin C (9%), Azithromycin (8.4%) and Zinc (6.6%). History of contact with patient with confirmed COVID-19 and being a pharmacist were independent factors associated with the use of COVID-19 prophylaxis.
Conclusion: Several HCW in Nigeria take drugs to possibly prevent COVID-19. These medications may not offer significant protection against COVID-19. There is an urgent need to increase uptake of COVID-19 vaccines in HCW in Nigeria.
Keywords: COVID-19; chemoprophylaxis; healthcare workers.
Factors associated with ocular injuries among adult road traffic accident patients presenting at Mulago National Referral Hospital, Uganda
Authors: Nalukenge Caroline , O Sebabi Francis , Okello Bonny , Ntende Jacob , Nakiyingi Lydia , Nakanjako Damalie , Nakubulwa Faith , Kalinaki Abubakar , Mulinde Ben , A Musika Anne 
Published: October 2023

Background: Ocular trauma is the leading cause of unilateral blindness globally. Road traffic accidents are among the top risk factors for ocular trauma.
Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate factors associated with ocular injuries among adult road traffic accident patients at Mulago Hospital, Uganda.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among adult road traffic accident patients. History taking and ophthalmological examination were performed on consenting participants. Data was analysed using STATA version 14.0.
Results: Overall, 428 road traffic accident cases were enrolled, of which majority (84.3%) were male. Age 30-39years (aOR = 0.58, 0.36 – 0.94, p = 0.027), being male (aOR = 2.64, 1.21 – 5.13, p = 0.004) and being a passenger of motor vehicle/cycle (aOR = 3.85, 1.49 – 9.93, p = 0.005) were the factors associated with ocular injuries among the participants.
Conclusions: Age 30-39 years, male gender and being a passenger of motor vehicle/cycle were the factors associated with ocular injuries among the adult road traffic accident patients. Ocular injuries were more common among the road users who did not use safety measures. Use of safety measure by passengers of motor vehicles and cycles is recommended.
Keywords: Ocular injury; road traffic accident; sub-Saharan Africa.
The epidemiology and characteristics of patients with diabetes with or without NASH: a systematic review
Authors: K Aldossari Khaled 
Published: October 2023

Introduction: NASH or “Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis” is related to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The simultaneous occurrence of NASH and type 2 diabetes is common. However, only a limited number of studies have focused on the characteristics of patients with diabetes with or without NASH.
Objectives: This systematic review summarises epidemiological evidence related to the prevalence and characteristics of NASH in patients with diabetes.
Methods: Different electronic databases PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched for the published articles. Original studies conducted in patients with diabetes published in English were included in this review.
Results: Thirteen studies were eligible for inclusion in this review. In patients with diabetes, increased BMI, overweight/obesity, increased HbA1c, increased serum cholesterol, and elevated liver enzyme levels have been strongly linked with NASH. Other significant characteristics include increasing age, being female, race(white), low HDL, metformin use, increased ferritin, and increased albumin levels. The prevalence of NASH ranged from 12% to 93.8%, the highest percentage was found in studies in Romania (87.1), and lowest in studies in India (12.5).
Conclusion: The incidence of NASH increases with age. Gender differences as a risk factor for NASH still need to be fully understood. This systematic review provides insight and strong indication to all patients with diabetes to visit hepatologists and screen for fatty liver disease. If steatosis is found on baseline ultrasound, a liver biopsy should be performed for timely management. At present, no NAFLD/NASH-specific medication on the market helps in treating the disease. New development of the drugs and ongoing research is important for the cure and treatment of NASH, with specific attention being provided to involve populations at high-risk.
Keywords: NAFLD; NASH; non-alcoholic steatohepatitis; diabetes mellitus; fatty liver; liver disease; systematic review.
The predictive value of eGFR combined with BNP detection in acute kidney injury after acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Geng Chen-Yu , Wang Fang-Ze , Zhang Rui , Liu Yan-Yu , Wang Jian 
Published: October 2023

Objective: The combined detection of eGFR and BNP may provide some value in predicting the occurrence of AKI after AMI, and the study is designed to propose and validate this hypothesis.
Methods: In retrospective research, AMI patients hospitalized at Weifang People's Hospital from January to December 2020 were included. Whether AKI occurred within a week of admission, patients were divided into two groups. Clinical data from two groups of patients were collected, and the Logistic regression model analysed the risk factors for AKI after AMI. The association between eGFR and BNP was analysed using Pearson linear correlation. The predictive value of eGFR and BNP alone and combined detection on AKI after AMI was analysed using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.
Results: Multivariate logistic regression showed that eGFR, BNP, HDLC, UA, and K ions were AKI risk factors (P < 0.05). The eGFR correlates negatively with BNP (R = -0.324, P < 0.05). The area under the curve (AUC) of eGFR and BNP alone and combined prediction for post-AMI AKI were 0.793, 0.826, and 0.831, respectively.
Conclusion: The combined detection of eGFR and BNP has a high predictive value for AKI development in AMI patients.
Keywords: AMI; AKI; eGFR; BNP; predictive value.
Pulmonary artery diameter and NT-proBNP in patients with Covid-19: Predicting prognosis and mortality
Authors: Tastemur Mercan , Olcucuoğlu Esin , Arik Gunes , Ates Ihsan , Silay Kamile 
Published: October 2023

Background: The diverse and complex presentations of COVID-19 continue to impact the world. Factors related to prognosis and mortality are still not fully illuminated.
Objectives: We aimed to asses the relationship of N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and main pulmonary artery diameter (MPAD) with COVID-19 prognosis and mortality.
Methods: 152 COVID-19 patients over the age of 18, were included in the study. Thoracic CT, NT-proBNP values, laboratory and demographic data of these patients were obtained by retrospectively examining the patient files and scanning the results through the patient registry.
Results: According to multivariate logistic regression (LR) analysis, high NT-proBNP level (OR=3.542; 95% CI=1.745-9.463; p=0.021) and MPAD/ascending aortic diameter (AAD) ratio>0.75 (OR=2.692; 95% CI=1.264-9.312; p=0.036) were determined as independent risk factors predicting mortality in COVID-19 patients. A significant positive correlation was observed between NT-proBNP level and MPA diameter (r=0.296, p<0.001). The cut-off value was measured as 27.5 mm for MPA diameter and 742 pg/ml for NT-proBNP.
Conclusions: Accurate and effective interpretation of available radiological and laboratory data is essential to reveal the factors predicting prognosis and mortality in COVID-19. In this study,we evaluated that the thorax CTs and determined that the MPAD/AAD and NT-proBNP level were independent risk factors in predicting mortality.
Keywords: COVID-19; Pulmonary artery diameter; MPAD/AAD ratio; NT-proBNP.
Application of comfort nursing in mother-infant room exerts beneficial effects
Authors: Wang Yan , Li Jingjing 
Published: October 2023

Objective: To analyse the clinical application of comfort care in mother-infant room.
Methods: A total of 150 cases of maternal and infant delivery in the same room were selected for the study, randomly divided into two groups, the experimental group and the control group were 75 cases. The control group took conventional nursing intervention measures, and the experimental group implemented the comfortable nursing intervention mode. Under the guidance of comfort concept, nursing management was carried out from environment, physiology, psychology and other aspects. The postpartum negative emotions, comfortable conditions, the growth and development of newborn babies and the satisfaction of nursing work were compared.
Results: After intervention, experimental group had lower scores of HAMD and HAMA as well as higher GCQ scores than those of control group (P < 0.05). The body length, body weight and head circumference of neonates, as well as nursing technology, professional service and environmental satisfaction in experimental group were higher than those in control group (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: Applying the comfort nursing mode in mother-infant room can help improve the maternal physical and mental states, promote the growth and development of newborn, and markedly improve the quality and efficiency of nursing work.
Keywords: Mother-infant co-living; comfort care; application; growth; development.
Effects of metabolic syndrome on bone mineral density in postmenopausal Turkish women
Authors: T Bahtiyarca Zeynep , Serçe Azize 
Published: October 2023

Objective: In this study, we aimed to determine the potential effects of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components on bone mineral density (BMD) in the lumbar spine and femoral neck in postmenopausal Turkish women.
Patients and methods: 193 postmenopausal women were included in this study. Anthropometric measurements, biochemical blood tests, and T-scores of BMD in the lumbar spine (L1–L4) and femoral neck were recorded. The participants were divided into two groups according to the bone mineral density (BMD) results as osteoporosis group (Group 1, n=109) who had a T-score>−2.5 at the spine or/and femoral neck, and the control group (Group 2, n=84) who had T-score>−2.5 at the spine or/and femoral neck. MetS and its components were screened using the criteria of the Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) and National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP). The effects of the MetS components on T-scores of BMD at the femoral neck and lumbar spine were evaluated by partial correlation test and multiple regression analysis.
Results: MetS was detected in 58 (30.1%) participants. The prevalence of MetS was significantly higher in Group 2 compared to Group 1 (39.3% vs 22.9%, p=0,014). Among the MetS components, especially abdominal obesity showed a significant positive correlation with T-scores of BMD at the femoral neck and spine. A weak but significant correlation was also observed with systolic and diastolic blood pressure, serum triglyceride levels, and fasting blood glucose (FBG). Multiple regression analysis revealed an association between waist circumference and BMD at both femoral neck and spine, and also between serum triglycerides, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and spine BMD.
Conclusion: Our findings support that MetS is associated with increased BMD at the femoral neck and spine in postmenopausal women. A significant positive association was observed among the MetS components, especially with abdominal obesity, and also a weak positive association with serum triglycerides, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
Keywords: Postmenopausal women; bone mineral density; metabolic syndrome; osteoporosis.
The prevalence of sexual violence against African women: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Xianguo Qu , Hui Cao , Xin Shen , Jing Feng , Zijian Wang , Zhenyu Niu , Yong Gan 
Published: October 2023

Background: High rates of sexual violence ratios in low-income countries are recognized as a global public health problem. The incidence of violence against African women has been increasing. However, no study has systematically summarized the global prevalence of sexual violence against African woman.
Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase and Web of Science, databases from their inception through January 2021 for pertinent studies on reporting the prevalence of sexual violence against African women. We included observational studies. The prevalence rate was estimated using a random-effects meta-analysis. The heterogeneity was evaluated using I2 statistic. Differences by study level characteristics were estimated through subgroup analysis and meta-regression.
Results: A total of 9 cross-sectional studies were included (a total of 9,030 participants). The pooled sexual violence rate was 0.33 (95% CI = 0.23–0.42). Subgroup analyses found that there was a higher rates of sexual violence against pregnant woman in east Africa (0.41, 95% CI = 0.24–0.58), pregnant (0.42, 95% CI = 0.05–0.80), and interview (0.40, 95% CI = 0.01–0.78). The analysis found that the major sexual violence types were the physical violence (0.19, 95% CI = 0.07–0.31), psychological violence (0.36, 95% CI = 0.11–0.61), sexual assault (0.25, 95% CI = 0.02–0.47).
Conclusions: Nearly one out of every three (33%) African woman around the world has been a victim of sexual violence in their life. This current study investigated the status and characteristics of sexual violence against women, which could provide an important reference for the African health care provider. Assessing this problem against African women helps government officials, policy makers, program designers and non-governmental organizations to design prevention and controlling strategies.
Keywords: Sexual violence; African women; Meta-analysis.