bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interferon in the treatment of ill adults with Covid-19 in the Republic of Guinea
Authors: Santiago Rodríguez Moya Valentín , Alfonso Águila Ladys , Mangué Camara Nohuou , Ditinn Cisse Sékuo , Mamady Doukure , Keïta Sakoba , Mamady Bakary Kava , Díaz Pérez Lianet , Díaz Casañas Elaine 
Published: October 2023

Background: Effective and safe antiviral treatments are required to refrain the COVID-19.
Objectives: Investigate the efficacy and safety of interferon in the treatment of COVID-19.
Methods: The inclusion criteria were patients who gave their signed consent, with detection confirmed by RT-PCR of SARSCoV- 2, 18 years and older. Patients received therapy as per the Guinea COVID-19 protocol in the group B; the group A received the same treatment including administration of interferon. The outcome measures the time to negative conversion of SARSCoV- 2, mortality, patients transferred to ICU and safety, according to the reports of adverse events.
Results: 345 patients were included, 171 in the group A and 174 in the group B. After the treatments, the RT-PCR negative results were attained in the patients in the group A in 9.15±4.79 days and in those in the group B in 14.83±6.67 days. No patient in the group A had to be transferred to ICU, and they all survived; in the group B, 26 patients were transferred to ICU and six of them died. There were eight adverse events with causality relation with interferon administration.
Conclusions: The interferon resulted effective and safe in contributing to the viral replication conversion to negative results in shorter time and to survival.
Keywords: SARS-Cov-2; COVID 19; zoonosis; human recombinant interferon.
Heart failure in Nigeria: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: S Ogah Okechukwu , A Kushimo Oyewole , Adebiyi Adewole , T Onyema Chuka , C Uchenna Onubogu , E Adebayo Bosede , T Agaja Oyinkansola , A Orimolade Olanike , Durodola Amina , A Makinde Isa , O Akinyemi Rufus , A Adedeji Waheed , J Adekanmi Ademola , O Akinyemi Joshua , Adedokun Babatunde 
Published: October 2023

Background: Heart failure is now a significant contributor to the burden of non-communicable diseases in developing countries like Nigeria which is experiencing epidemiologic and demographic transition. The epidemiology of heart failure in this country is poorly characterized. The aim of the review is to determine the prevalence of heart failure, the associated risk factors, the aetiology, management, and outcomes of the condition in the country.
Methods: Relevant databases such as PubMed /Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science, Google Scholar, African Index Medicus, and African journal online would be searched for articles published in English from January 2000 to December 2021. The analysis will include observational studies conducted among Nigerian adults aged 12 years and above. Article selection shall be conducted by pairs of independent reviewers. Data extraction shall be done by 2 independent reviewers.
Results: The primary outcome would be the pooled prevalence of heart failure while the secondary outcomes would be to identify the risk factors and management of heart failure in Nigeria.
Conclusion: This will be the first systematic review and meta-analysis of heart failure epidemiology in Nigeria which will hopefully identify gaps for future research and guidance for policy interventions.
Keywords: Heart failure; cardiac failure; cardiac dysfunction; heart dysfunction; systematic review; meta-analysis; Nigeria.
Knowledge of non-communicable diseases among adolescents in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya
Authors: Jemutai Kiplagat Sharon , Steyl Tania , Wachira Lucy-Joy , Phillips Joliana 
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Exposure to risk factors of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) begins early especially during adolescence while morbidity and mortality occurs mainly in adulthood.
Objective: To assess the level of knowledge of major NCDs (cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes) and risk factors among adolescents in a semi-urban setting.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was used to collect data. The study targeted students attending mixed secondary schools in Uasin Gishu County in Kenya. An adapted knowledge assessment questionnaire relating to chronic diseases of lifestyle was used for data collection. Data was analysed using SPSS version 25.
Results: A total of 1,281 students participated in the study. The results revealed that most of the participants (62.1%) had low levels of knowledge about NCD risk factors. Very few students in the present study recognized the role of family history and genetic predisposition as potential risk factors of hypertension (18%) and diabetes (24.7%) as well as the normal blood pressure (35.9%) and blood glucose levels (20.5%). Although most of the students identified alcohol and smoking as risk factors for cancer, half (51.6%) of them did not have the knowledge that regular physical activity reduces the risk of getting cancer.
Conclusion: Many of the adolescents in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya had low level of knowledge regarding NCDs and their risk factors. The findings of this study highlight the need for a school-based intervention programme to raise awareness of non-communicable disease risk factors among adolescents.
Keywords: Non-communicable diseases; risk factors; adolescents, knowledge; Kenya.
Observation of the clinical effect of immediate implantation and delayed implantation in the maxillary and maxillary molars
Authors: Yu Jie , Liu Xiaoping , Li Daning , Xu Yiming , Wang Chao 
Published: October 2023

Objective: To study the clinical application effect of two kinds of implants in the upper and lower molars.
Methods: A selection of 120 patients (134 teeth) who underwent implant treatment in the upper and lower molars in the armyhospital of the Chinese people’s liberation army from January 2018 to June 2019 were divided into an immediate group (usingimmediate implantation) and a delayed group (using delayed implantation) using a random number table 60 cases (60 teeth) ineach group; differences in implant success rate, buccal keratinized gingival width before and after treatment, alveolar bone absorption, periodontal pocket depth, and gingival aesthetic indicators were compared between the two groups.
Results: The gingival aesthetics effect of the immediate group was better than that of the delayed group on the whole and thedifference was statistically significant (P<0.05); after 12 months of restoration, the implantation success rate of the immediategroup was 96.67%. The deferred group was 93.33%, and the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant(P>0.05).
Conclusion: Both delayed restoration and immediate implant restoration can achieve good results in implant restoration treatmentin the maxillary and maxillary molars. However, immediate implantation has certain advantages in reducing the amount of alveolar bone absorption and maintaining the aesthetic effect of the gums.
Keywords: Aesthetics; alveolar bone resorption; delayed implantation; immediate implantation; molars.
Oral health delivery in refugee camps in East Region of Cameroon
Authors: Michael Agbor , Bruno Kaptue , Tetu Acha-teku , Tambo Ernest , Mark Keboa , Sudeshni Naidoo 
Published: October 2023

Background: Oral health care affects the quality of life and plays an essential role in the general health of vulnerable populations especially refugees. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the quality of oral health care delivery in the Gado-Badzeré refugee camp in the Eastern region of Cameroon.
Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional study between January and July 2020 using a structured questionnaire in French and translated orally to Fulfulde language.
Results: A total of 716 refugees from the Central African Republic with ages ranging from 6 to 81 years (29.3years ± 14.6 s.d), made up of 61.2% females, 378(52.8%) unemployed, 342(47.8%) married, 701(97.9%) Muslims, and 511(71.4 %) had no formal education participated. Oral health knowledge was significantly poor, 305 (42.6%) that consulted the health post for their oral health needs were not satisfied, 640(89.50%) had experienced toothache, 592(83.0%) needed restorative treatment, 709(99.0%) periodontal treatment and 215(30.0%) urgent needs like tooth extraction. There were no oral health facilities, no oral health personnel, no oral health outreach had ever been carried out in the camp, and oral pathologies were managed by nurses with medications.
Conclusion: The quality of oral health care delivery in this camp was very poor. There is an absence of oral health workforce and basic primary oral health care facilities. Oral health knowledge was very poor and the treatment needs the refugees was very high.
Keywords: Oral health care; periodontal diseases; refugees; refugee camps; Cameroon.
Socio-demographic and behavioural determinants of HIV prevalence among homosexual and bisexual men having sex with men (MSM) in India: Integrated bio-behavioural surveillance
Authors: Santhakumar Aridoss , K David Joseph , Nagaraj Jaganathasamy , Mathiyazhakan Malathi , Ganesh Balasubramanian , Manikandan Natesan , Padmapriya VM , Kumar Pradeep , Rajan Shobini , Elangovan Arumugam 
Published: October 2023

Background: HIV prevalence among men who have sex with men (MSM) is 16.5 times higher than adult HIV prevalence. With a socio cultural context that demands marriage, a considerable proportion of MSM in India have female sexual partners and act as a bridge population. Stratified analysis of HIV risk factors among homosexual and bisexual MSM will be instrumental in identifying the high-risk MSM. We aim to identify the socio-demographic and behavioural factors associated with HIV risk among homosexual and bisexual MSM.
Methods: Overall, 23081 MSM were enrolled in the IBBS conducted across India between October 2014 and November 2015. Data and blood samples were collected. Chi-square test, univariate and multivariable logistic regression methods were used in data analysis.
Results: HIV prevalence was significantly higher among homosexual MSM than bisexual MSM. Older age, lesser education, being a sex worker, being married, living with a male or hijra partner, younger age at initiation of MSM behaviour, duration, injecting drugs, and having STI symptoms were associated with higher prevalence. The prevalence of new homosexual MSM was 11.4%. Nearly 75% of the bisexual MSM reported inconsistent condom usage with female partners.
Conclusion: Interventions for early identification of new MSM and advocacy for safe sex with alternative preventive techniques are recommended.
Keywords: HIV; Men who have sex with men; homosexual; bisexual; India.
Using artificial intelligence on dermatology conditions in Uganda: a case for diversity in training data sets for machine learning
Authors: Kamulegeya Louis , Bwanika John , Okello Mark , Rusoke Davis , Nassiwa Faith , Lubega William , Musinguzi Davis , Börve Alexander 
Published: October 2023

Background: In pursuit of applying universal non-biased Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare, it is essential that data from different geographies are represented.
Objective: To assess the diagnostic performance of an AI-powered dermatological algorithm called Skin Image Search on Fitzpatrick6 skin type (dark skin) dermatological conditions.
Methods: 123 dermatological images selected from a total of 173 images were retrospectively extracted from the electronic database of a Ugandan telehealth company, The Medical Concierge Group (TMCG) after getting their consent. Details of age, gender, and dermatological clinical diagnosis were analysed using R on R studio software to assess the diagnostic accuracy of the AI app along with disease diagnosis and body part. Predictability levels of the AI app were graded on a scale of 0 to 5, where 0- no prediction was made and 1-5 demonstrated a reduction incorrect diagnosis prediction rate of the AI.
Results: 76 (62%) of the dermatological images were from females and 47 (38%) from males. Overall diagnostic accuracy of the AI app on black dermatological conditions was low at 17% (21 out of 123 predictable images) compared to 69.9% performance on Caucasian skin type as reported from the training results. There were varying predictability levels correctness i.e., 1-8.9%, 2-2.4%, 3-2.4%, 4-1.6%, 5-1.6% with performance along individual diagnosis highest with dermatitis (80%).
Conclusion: There is need for diversity of image datasets used to train dermatology algorithms for AI applications to increase accuracy across skin types and geographies.
Keywords: Artificial intelligence; Dermatology; Fitzpatrick 6 skin type; Telehealth; Algorithms.
Aflatoxin exposure in a population of HIV patients at risk of hepatocellular carcinoma North-Central, Nigeria
Authors: Davwar Pantong , David Paul , Imoh Lucius , Duguru Mary , Zawaya Kefas , Tsok Yop , Sagay Atiene , Okeke Edith 
Published: October 2023

Background: Aflatoxin B1causes damage to the DNA by the alkylation of bases and P53 mutation. Exposure to this mycotoxin is associated with the development of liver cancer. Measures to reduce grain and cereal contamination have been a focus however, the effects of these measures are still lagging behind and exposure continues to occur even in populations at risk of developing liver cancer.
Objective: To quantify aflatoxin B1 exposure in a population of HIV infected patients with and without HCC.
Method: This was a cross-sectional study among 196 patients with HIV and or HCC. We evaluated the exposure to aflatoxin B1 using the Aflatoxin M1 metabolite by ELISA on urine samples.
Results: A total of 196 participants consisting of 163 (83.2%) HIV positive and 28 (14.3%) HCC. Mean age is 46.64±10.8 years. The median aflatoxin (IQR) aflatoxin M1level is 177.3(112.5-272) pg/ml. Only 8(4.1%) of the participant had no exposure to aflatoxin B1. The median (IQR) aflatoxin for fibrosis score ≥ 13kpa (178.7(112.9-286.8) pg/ml) VS < 13kpa (173.5(107.9-250.4)), p = 0.046.
Conclusion: There is high prevalence of aflatoxin B1 exposure in this population. Concerted efforts must be put in place to mitigate exposure because of the potential effects of short- and long-term exposure to aflatoxin.
Keywords: Liver Cell Carcinoma; Aflatoxin B1; HIV.
Abdominal obesity, serum estradiol and cardiovascular risk among Nigerian postmenopausal women: a cross-sectional study
Authors: T Lewechi-Uke Omolara , O Ajayi Ikeoluwapo , O Akinyemi Joshua 
Published: October 2023

Background: Rates of cardiovascular (CV) disease mortality is usually higher in men but this equalizes with that of women following menopause.
Objectives: This was to determine the contribution of abdominal obesity and estradiol to cardiovascular risk in postmenopausal women (PMW) as well as estimate their CV risk profile.
Methods: 271 consenting PMW were recruited consecutively into this cross-sectional hospital-based study. Data relating to their socio-demography, blood pressure and anthropometry was obtained and laboratory analysis of lipid profile and serum estradiol was done. Cardiovascular risk of participants was estimated using standardized calculators.
Results: Mean age of participants was 57.8±5.5 years. Significant correlation existed between each of triglyceride (Positive), High Density Lipoprotein (negative) and Waist-Hip-Ratio (WHR) (p=0.001 and 0.000 respectively). Hypertension and dyslipidaemia were significantly associated with WHR (p=0.01 and 0.031 respectively). Significant negative correlation existed between CV risk profile and serum estradiol (rs = -0.140, p = 0.028). Ten-unit increase in WHR was associated with two-fold risk of hypertension (OR> 1.73, C.I.= 1.13-2.66). A unit change in age was associated with 0.61 increase in TC.
Conclusion: Abdominal obesity and serum estradiol significantly influence cardio-metabolic risk. Newer risk calculator which incorporates factors peculiar to women such as serum E2 is hereby recommended.
Keywords: Cardiovascular risk; postmenopausal women; abdominal obesity.
A cross-sectional study of prevalence and predictors of risky sexual behavior among school-going adolescents in Mbarara municipality, Uganda
Authors: U Anyanwu Michael , Tamwesigire Imelda 
Published: October 2023

Background: Adolescents in Sub-Saharan Africa are at a greater risk of experiencing the adverse consequences of risky sexual behavior such as unwanted pregnancy and school drop-out than adolescents from other regions.
Objectives: This study determined the prevalence and identified the demographic, school and social factors associated with risky sexual behavior among secondary school students in Uganda.
Methods: This was a quantitative cross-sectional study conducted in 12 secondary schools in Mbarara Municipality, Uganda. A self-reported questionnaire was used to estimate the prevalence and predictors of risky sexual behavior among the students.
Results: Out of the 910 students, 314 (34.6%) were sexually active and almost two in every ten adolescents had engaged in risky sexual behavior 171 (18.8%). About 27 (8.7%) had been pregnant or impregnated their sexual partner while 143 (45.6%) used condoms consistently. Risky sexual behavior was associated with age, gender of the student as well as alcohol consumption, smoking and substance use.
Conclusion: Most of the participants were not sexually active, however, among the sexually active students, more than half engaged in risky sexual behavior. This finding suggests the need to introduce comprehensive sex education with a focus on safe sex practices in secondary schools in Uganda.
Keywords: Prevalence; risk factors; sexual behavior.
Prevalence and factors associated with neonatal acute respiratory distress syndrome among neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care units of Gurage zone public hospital, South West Ethiopia
Authors: Chekole Bogale , Tamene Fetene Terefe , Shegaw Geze Tenaw , Bitew Tefera Zewudie , Eyesus Fisha Alebel Gebre , Kassaw Amare , Belete Gelaw Walle , Fentahun Tamene Zeleke , Mira Yemsirach , Mulatu Tesfu , Deressa Derartu 
Published: October 2023

Background: Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is the leading cause of respiratory failure and death of a neonate in today's world, especially in developing countries like Ethiopia.
Methods: We used an institutional-based cross-sectional study in the selected hospitals of the Gurage zone admitted from June 2019 to June 2021. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Data were entered into Epi data 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis.
Result: The prevalence of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in the study area was 45.1%. The odds of RDS in neonates from mothers with gestational age between 35 &37 were 3.99 times higher compared to term gestation. The odds of RDS among neonates with jaundice and sepsis are 4.33- and 1.92-times higher odds compared to their counterparts. The odds of RDS in neonates born via Caesarean section were 1.7 times higher compared with those delivered via spontaneous and instrumental delivery. RDS was also higher in neonates born to mothers <20 years of age and >=35 years old.
Conclusion: the prevalence of RDS in the study area was high. Thus, healthcare providers should act on those factors with appropriate follow-up for early detection of the problem and prevent the risk.
Keywords: Respiratory distress syndrome; neonate.
The road to a polio-free Uganda; contribution of the Expanded Program on Immunization Laboratory (EPI-LAB) at Uganda Virus Research Institute
Authors: B Nanteza Mary , Tushabe Phionah , Bukenya Henry , Namuwulya Prossy , Kabaliisa Theopista , Birungi Molly , Tibanagwa Mayi , Ampeire Immaculate , Kakooza Proscovia , Katushabe Edson , Bwogi Josephine , Bakamutumaho Barnabas , Nanyunja Miriam , R Byabamazima Charles 
Published: October 2023

Background: The control of poliomyelitis in Uganda dates back as far as 1950 and acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance has since been used as a criterion for identifying wild polioviruses. Poliovirus isolation was initially pursued through collaborative research however, in 1993, the Expanded Program on Immunization Laboratory (EPI-LAB) was established as a member of the Global Poliovirus Laboratory Network (GPLN) and spearheaded this activity at Uganda Virus Research Institute.
Objectives: The aim of this report is to document the progress and impact of the EPI-LAB on poliovirus eradication in Uganda.
Methods: Poliovirus detection and identification were achieved fundamentally through tissue culture and intra-typic differentiation of the poliovirus based on the real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rRT PCR). The data obtained was entered into the national AFP database and analysed using EpiInfoTM statistical software.
Results: Quantitative and qualitative detection of wild and Sabin polioviruses corresponded with the polio campaigns. The WHO target indicators for AFP surveillance were achieved essentially throughout the study period.
Conclusion: Virological tracking coupled with attaining standard AFP surveillance indicators has been pivotal in achieving and maintaining the national wild polio-free status. Laboratory surveillance remains key in informing the certification process of polio eradication.
Keywords: Poliovirus; eradication; acute flaccid paralysis; laboratory surveillance; Uganda.
Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of 66 Tunisian Sickle cell syndrome patients
Authors: Sahli Ahlem , Ouali Faida , Dabboubi Rym , Hadj Fredj Sondess , Meddeb Nabila , Mzoughi Naila , Messaoud Taieb 
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Sickle cell syndrome (SCS) represent a real health problem. In this work, we propose to study the epidemiological and clinical features of 66 patients with SCS.
Methods: This is a retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study carried out on a population of 66 patients with SCS, (36 S/S, 18 S/β-thalassemia, seven S/C and five S/OArab), over a period of two years.
Results: The average age of our population is 15.5 years ± 8.4. 36 patients (55%) were born to a consanguineous marriage and 35 (53%) had siblings with SCS. The average baseline hemoglobin in our patients is 9.1g/dL±1.51. S/C patients have significantly higher baseline hemoglobin than S/S, S/β-thalassemia and S/OArab with p <0.05. Jaundice, mucosal skin pallor and hepatomegaly have been observed only in S/S, S/β-thalassemia and S/OArab patients. The persistence of splenomegaly is more frequent in S/C than in S/S, and in S/-thalassemia than in S/S. The most common acute complications were vaso-occlusive attacks (69.7%) and worsening of anemia (54.54%). The most common chronic complication was cholelithiasis (36.36%).
Conclusion: S/C patients present the best tolerated form and were the least affected by chronic complications and therefore can lead an almost normal life.
Keywords: Acute complications; chronic complications; sickle cell syndrome; steady state.