bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multiple anti-seizure medications use and pattern of seizure control in children with epilepsy at neurology follow up clinic, Tikur Anbessa specialized hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Endayen Deginet , Ayalew Moges , Getahun Mengistu 
Published: October 2023

Background: Antiseizure drug treatment is the mainstay of the management of epilepsies. Thirty percent of individuals with epilepsy experience refractory or drug resistant seizures which often require treatment with combinations of antiseizure drugs.
Methods: This was a cross sectional descriptive study of three hundred fifty-five children with epilepsy attending Tikur Anbessa hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Children with epilepsy who had been on Antiseizure medications for six months and more were consecutively enrolled from October 1 2018 to December 30 2018 to reach the calculated sample size. The history and laboratory result information were extracted from patient’s records and was supplemented by direct inquiry. Data was analyzed using SPSS for windows version 24. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was done for those that had P-value (<0.05) on bivariate analysis and adjusted odds ratio were used to explore the association.
Results: One hundred twenty nine of the 355 children (36.3 %) were on multiple AEDs; 114(32.1%) were on dual therapy while 15(4.1%) were on three anti epileptic drugs.
Conclusion: One third of children with epilepsy attending the pediatric neurology clinics were being managed with multiple Anti-seizure drug therapy. Almost half of the participants had achieved seizure freedom in the past six months.
KeyWords: Multiple antiseizure medications; seizure-control; children; Ethiopia.
Contraceptive use and sexual quality of life of patients with thalassemia in Northern Cyprus: a descriptive cross-sectional study
Authors: Tastan Sevinc , Dogan Ciftci Hafize 
Published: October 2023

Objective: Although contraception methods are an important factor affecting sexual life, no literature has been recorded aboutthe contraceptive methods used and the sexual life of thalassemia patients. The aim of this study is to document the effects ofand preferences of contraception methods used in the sexual lives of patients with thalassemia.
Methods: The descriptive and cross-sectional study took place in Northern Cyprus at a Thalassemia Center in a State Hospital.The study sample consisted of 100 thalassemia major or intermedia patients. The data includes descriptive characteristics, thepreference of contraception methods used by men and women and Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaires.
Results: Participants learned about contraception methods mostly from social media/internet, and 58.3% of the women and46.2% of the men did not use any contraception method within the last year. Women’s sexual quality of life score was 70.3±19.9and men’s Sexual Quality of Life score was 78.9±20.6. Women having knowledge of contraception methods had higher scoresthan man (p<0.05). Male patients not having physical exercise had sexual quality of life scores significantly lower than those whofollowed exercise programs (p<0.05).
Conclusions: Results indicate a significant need to include family planning and sexual health subjects that specifically addressthalassemia patients.
Keywords: Thalassemia; contraceptive; sexual quality of life.
Reproductive health challenges of an African school girl: a case report on non-bulging imperforate hymen with haematocolpometra during Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Bvumbi Raymond , Chibuoke Ngene Nnabuike 
Published: October 2023

Background: Several schoolgirls attain reproductive age with undiagnosed gynaecological problems which pose challenges in their livelihood. These conditions include precocious puberty, congenital reproductive tract abnormalities, and delayed sexual development. Many children with these conditions face additional challenges including physical pain, psychological trauma and delayed diagnosis.
Methods: A 14-year-old girl presented with acute on chronic pelvic pain and haematocolpometra due to imperforate hymen during COVID-19 pandemic. She has not undergone cultural virginity test in her community. The hymenal membrane was unusually non-bulging despite the haematocolpometra. A partial hymenotomy with a narrow margin of excision was performed.
Results: The hymenal orifice later obliterated and resulted in a repeat partial hymenectomy where a wide surgical margin of the hymen was excised.
Conclusions: A wide rather than narrow partial hymenectomy prevents obliteration of the hymenal orifice after surgery for imperforate hymen. There is a need for timely interventions such as counselling and community awareness that prevent undue consequences of an imperforate hymen and its treatment including pain and possible inability to pass cultural virginity test in some African communities.
Keywords: African schoolgirl; cryptomenorrhea; haematocolpometra; hydrometrocolpos; impact of COVID-19; non-bulging imperforate hymen.
Neonatal factors associated with immediate low Apgar score in newborn babies in an intermediate hospital in Namibia: a case control study
Authors: Lungameni Justina , Maano Nghitanwa Emma , Uusiku Laura 
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Apgar score is conducted to a baby immediately after birth checking how the baby tolerated the birth processand outside the uterus.
Objectives: To describe the neonatal factors associated with immediate low Apgar score and analysing the associations amongfactors associated with low Apgar score in new-born babies.
Methods: A quantitative, case-control, descriptive research design was used. Study population were all maternal records ofdeliveries conducted between 01 January 2019 and 31 December 2019. Simple random sampling was used to select the samplesize for 194 cases and 194 controls using a 1:1 case-control ratio. Records indicating low Apgar scores were the cases while normalApgar scores were the controls. A total of 388 maternal files were reviewed. Data were collected using a document reviewchecklist and analysed using SPSS version 26.
Results: The study found that, neonatal factors associated with immediate low Apgar score are; gestational age, foetal presentation,cord prolapse, cord around the neck and the importance of cardiotocography interpretation as they had a P-value > 0.005.
Conclusion: Gestational age, birth weight, foetal presentation, cord around the neck and lack of cardiotocography assessmentwere found to be associated with immediate low Apgar score.
Keywords: Neonatal; factors; immediate low Apgar score; newborn; babies.
Prevalence and factors associated with low birth weight among newborns in South Sudan
Authors: Lat Chol , Murila Florence , Wamalwa Dalton 
Published: October 2023

Background: WHO estimates that that 13% of babies are delivered low birth weight in Sub-Saharan Africa. Infants with LBWhave a twenty times greater risk of dying than infants weighing more than 2500 grams. The neonatal mortality rates in SouthSudan is 40 per 1000 live births. LBW significantly contributes to neonatal mortality rates.
Objectives: The study aimed at determining the prevalence and factors associated with LBW among newborns.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted at three hospitals. Completed data on all live births was collectedusing a structured questionnaire. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was applied for factors associated withLBW. Adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was applied and a P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: We retrieved records of 11845 birth cohorts. The prevalence of LBW among newborns was 11.4%. The prevalenceof LBW at Aweil, Juba and Bor was 13.3%, 9.8% and 8.8% respectively. Maternal age less than 20 years and 35 years and above,multigravidity, GA < 37 weeks, male sex and multiple pregnancy were significantly associated with LBW.
Conclusion: The prevalence of LBW in infants was 11.4%. Associated factors were, maternal age, GA < 37 weeks, multigravidity,male sex and multiple pregnancy.
Keywords: Low birth weight; improve birth outcomes; multivariate logistic regression analysis.
Spatio-temporal modelling of under-five mortality in Lesotho using demographic and health survey data
Authors: Mxolisi Zondi Mthobisi , G Mwambi Henry , Fanta Melesse Sileshi 
Published: October 2023

Background: Lesotho is in the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) region which aims to reduce the under-five mortality (U5M) to the average of 25 deaths per 1000 live births by the end of 2030 under the sustainable development goals (SDGs) initiative by the United Nations
Methodology: This paper makes use of the Lesotho Demographic and Health Survey (LDHS dataset, which focuses on female reproductive ages 15-49 and male reproductive ages 15-54 The spatio-temporal models were used in this study to investigate how the proposed covariates change over time.
Results: The results showed that children who were breastfed had a lower odd of death compared to children who were not breastfed, children from more educated mothers had significantly lower odds of U5M compared to those from less educated mothers. Having a larger number of children under the age of five also contributed significantly to an increased risk of U5M. The likelihood of U5M increased with age.
Conclusion: The study recommends that mothers of under-five children be educated about breastfeeding and encouraged to use contraception in order to postpone birth and reduce parity. Rural development should be prioritized through improved primary health care; and public health services should be made more accessible to rural residents.
Keywords: Spatio-temporal modelling; under-five mortality; Integrated Laplace nested approximation; Lesotho demographic and health survey data.
Comparison of iron isomaltoside ferumoxytol with iron sucrose for iron deficiency anemia: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Shi Lunbo , Zhao Yan , Rao Aihua 
Published: October 2023

Introduction: The efficacy of iron isomaltoside ferumoxytol versus iron sucrose to treat iron deficiency anemia remains controversial. We conduct this meta-analysis to explore the influence of iron isomaltoside ferumoxytol versus iron sucrose on iron deficiency anemia.
Methods: We have searched PubMed, EMbase, Web of science, EBSCO, and Cochrane library databases through March 2021 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effect of iron isomaltoside ferumoxytol versus iron sucrose on iron deficiency anemia. Meta-analysis was performed using the random-effect model.
Results: Four RCTs involving 3892 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, compared with iron sucrose for iron deficiency anemia, iron isomaltoside showed similar change of Hb (SMD=0.14; 95% CI=-0.07 to 0.35; P=0.18), Hb responder (SMD=1.41; 95% CI=0.71 to 2.81; P=0.33), serum ferritin (SMD=15.13; 95% CI=-23.45 to 53.71; P=0.44), and transferrin saturation (SMD=1.20; 95% CI=-1.08 to 3.47; P=0.30). However, iron isomaltoside further improved serum-ferritin at week 2 than iron sucrose (SMD=204.79; 95% CI=38.23 to 371.35; P=0.02).
Conclusions: Iron isomaltoside ferumoxytol showed comparable efficacy to iron sucrose for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia.
Keywords: Iron isomaltoside ferumoxytol; iron sucrose; iron deficiency anemia; randomized controlled trials.
Preliminary efficacy, feasibility and safety of intra-umbilical oxytocin to reduce the time to placental delivery at caesarean section: an exploratory randomized trial
Authors: Middleton Katrin , Mbengo Fungai , Redford Mavundla Thandisizwe , Justus Hofmeyr George 
Published: October 2023

Background: Delayed placental separation either after vaginal birth or caesarean birth is an important cause of postpartum haemorrhage, among other causes such as uterine atony. Intra-umbilical oxytocin has been shown to reduce the time to placental delivery after vaginal birth. However, the efficacy of intra-umbilical oxytocin to reduce the time to placental delivery following caesarean section birth is not known.
Objectives: To explore the preliminary efficacy, feasibility and safety of intra-umbilical oxytocin to reduce the time to placental delivery at caesarean section.
Methods: A double-blind, placebo-controlled, exploratory randomized clinical trial was conducted at a tertiary hospital in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. A total of 66 women undergoing elective caesarean section were enrolled in the study and randomized into oxytocin group (n = 33) receiving an intra-umbilical infusion of 20 units of oxytocin in 30ml saline, and placebo group (n = 33) receiving an intra-umbilical infusion of 30ml saline. Data were analysed using Epi Info and RevMan software. Preliminary efficacy was assessed by examining the time elapsed from birth of the baby to complete delivery of the placenta; blood loss more than 500 ml; the need for manual removal of the placenta; and the completeness of the placenta. Feasibility was determined by observing the successful insertion of the catheter and injection of the solution. Safety was evaluated by investigating adverse effects of the procedure.
Results: Four women (12%) in the placebo group had a delayed placental delivery compared to one (3%) in the oxytocin group. The mean time from birth to placental delivery was 159 (SD 61) seconds in the placebo group and 143 (SD 45) seconds in the oxytocin group. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. Feasibility of the procedure was confirmed by successful insertion of the catheter and injection of the majority of the solution in all 66 cases. No adverse effects of the procedure were identified.
Conclusion: Administration of intra-umbilical oxytocin is feasible, safe and has potential to reduce the time of placental delivery at caesarean section. Further studies involving larger sample sizes are justified.
Keywords: Caesarean section; intra-umbilical oxytocin; postpartum haemorrhage.
Malignancy-related mir-210, mir-373 and let-7 levels are affected in iron deficiency anemia
Authors: Sak Ruveyda , Ozbalci Demircan , Guchan Alanoglu Emine , Hekimler Ozturk Kuyas 
Published: October 2023

Background: Hypoxia is the hallmark of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and in hypoxic environment, significant changes are observed in malignancy-related microRNAs (miRNA). Our aim is to examine whether there is any difference in the levels of miR-210, miR-373 and let-7, which are directly related to malignancies in patients with IDA.
Methods: Thirty-five female patients with IDA between the ages of 18-65 and 10 healthy controls were included in the study. Patients who received oral iron therapy, who had inflammatory disease, and who were pregnant were excluded from the study. Student t Test was used for comparing variables with normal distribution in two independent groups, and Mann-Whitney U Test was used for variables without normal distribution. Comparison of categorical data was made using the chi-square test.
Results: The mean hemoglobin and ferritin level were 10,78±0,93 and 6.28±5,76 respectively. Plasma miR-210 expression were found as -7.27±2.23 and -6.15±0,88 in IDA and control group respectively (p = 0.022). Plasma miRNA-373 were -7.36±2,58 and -6,96±1,93 and let-7 expression were 2.14±2,15 and 3,57±2,21 in IDA and control group. (p = 0.65 and p = 0.20, respectively).
Conclusions: Plasma miR-210 expression was significantly up-regulated and miR-373 and let-7 expression was down-regulated, though insignificantly, in IDA group.
Keywords: miRNA; iron deficiency anemia; malignancy.
Assessment of the relationship between miR-499C/T (rs3746444) polymorphism and lung carcinoma in Iranian population; a case-control study
Authors: Torabi Mehdi , Khafaei Mostafa , Jahanbin Behnaz , Sadeghi Morteza 
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Lung carcinoma is characterized by uncontrollable division of respiratory system cells with detrimental and lethalconsequences on human health. Critical roles of microRNAs (miR) are scientifically approved in biological and pathologicalpathways, such as the role of miR-499 (rs3746444) in lung carcinomas. Thus, in this case-control investigation, we aimed toassess the probable relationship between miR-499C/T variant and the occurrence of lung carcinoma in Iranian population forthe first time.
Methods: Genotype of miR-499 polymorphism was described by the Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment LengthPolymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assay in patients and healthy individuals. Following definite diagnosis of lung carcinoma, the bloodsamples were collected, and the DNA extraction was performed by Salting-Out method. Finally, data were analysed by SPSS (v.20) and the significant level was considered p-value<0.05.
Results: Statistically, the frequency of combined genotypes of CC+CT were 83.33% and 35% and TT+CT were 100% and 92%in case and control individuals, respectively. Also, individuals with genotypes of TC (OR: 3.08, CI95%: 3.03-3.17, p<0.0001),TC+CC (OR: 0.10, CI95%: 0.05-0.23, p<0.0001), CC (OR: 0, CI95%: 0.00-0.60, p=0.0214), and TC (OR: 0.07, CI95%: 0.03-0.15, p<0.0001) represented statistically significant (p<0.05) differences lung carcinoma than those with TT, TT, TT+TC, andTT+CC genotypes, respectively. The frequency of miR-499C (78.5%) and miR-499T (21.5%) alleles were also statistically significantly(p<0.05) difference associated with lung carcinoma in patients than controls.
Conclusion: In this study, a possible relationship among miR-499C/T polymorphism and lung carcinoma was detected in Iranianpopulation. Since this study was conducted for the first time, thus other supplementary assessments are needed for definiteconclusion.
Keywords: Lung, neoplasm; carcinoma; rs3746444; miR-499C/T; miR-499A/G; RFLP-PCR; Polymorphism; Iran.
Physical inactivity and barriers to physical activity among Type-2 diabetics in Kumasi, Ghana
Authors: Kumah Taylor Linda , Adjatey Nyakotey David , Kwarteng Alexander 
Published: October 2023

Background: Although the benefits of physical activity (PA) in diabetes management are well documented, there insufficientdata on physical activity levels and barriers to physical activity among Type-2 diabetics in Ghana. This study assessed physicalactivity and barriers to physical activity among Type-2 diabetics at Manhyia Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana.
Methods: The study recruited 97 participants (32% men, 68% women). Physical activity was assessed using the Global physicalactivity questionnaire and barriers to PA were assessed using the Barriers to being active Quiz. Anthropometry and sociodemographicdata were also collected.
Results: Prevalence of overweight/ obesity was 63.9%. About 60% of participants were inactive. Social influence (60.8%)was the most prevalent PA barrier followed by lack of energy (59.8%) and lack of willpower (58.8%). Majority of participants(57.7%) reported at least 4 barriers to being active. There was a significant negative correlation between age and number of PAbarriers (r = -0.214, p = 0.035). A significantly higher proportion of employed participants were active compared to the unemployed/retired participants (p = 0.035).
Conclusion: This population of Type-2 diabetics needs urgent lifestyle interventions to improve physical activity and weight,considering that the main physical activity barriers were personal motivation related.
Keywords: Physical activity barriers; Type 2 diabetics; Ghana; physical activity.
Influence of feedforward control-based health education intervention on compliance, visual function and self-perceived burden among patients with diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Wang Jia , Tang Huanyu 
Published: October 2023

Objective: To assess the influence of feedforward control-based health education intervention on the compliance, visual functionand self-perceived burden (SPB) among patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR).
Methods: Eighty-six DR patients were divided into feedforward control and control groups (n=43). The control group wasgiven routine nursing intervention, based on which the feedforward control group received feedforward control-based healtheducation intervention. The health behavior indices were compared after intervention. The correlations of QOL score with SPBscore and health behavior indices were analysed using Pearson’s and Spearman’s coefficients.
Results: After intervention, the total QOL score and scores of symptoms and visual function, physical function, social activity,and mentality and psychology were significantly improved compared with those before intervention, which were significantlyhigher in the feedforward control group (P<0.05). SPB score was significantly lower in the two groups after intervention thanthat before intervention, particularly in the feedforward control group (P<0.05). The QOL score of DR patients was significantlynegatively correlated with SPB score but positively correlated with health behavior indices (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The feedforward control-based health education intervention mode is beneficial for guiding DR patients to promotevisual function recovery and to reduce SPB.
Keywords: Correlation; diabetic retinopathy; feedforward control; health education; self-perceived burden; visual function.
Assessment of gender differences in some inflammatory cytokines of tuberculosis patients before and during treatment
Authors: Okeke Chizoba , Okonkwo Robert , Ibeh Nancy , Chukwuma Oluchukwu , Okeke Chisom 
Published: October 2023

Background: Gender variation is a feature of many physiological parameters including inflammatory cytokines. Inflammation is an obvious feature of Tuberculosis (TB) infection with changes in pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines.
Objective: To compare the levels of inflammatory cytokines between male and female TB patients before treatment, after 2-months and after 6-months anti-tuberculosis treatment.
Materials and methods: A total of 35 males and 25 females TB subjects were enlisted before initiation of therapy and followed up after 2-months and 6 months treatment and samples collected and analysed. Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), Interleukin 10 (IL-10, Interleukin -6 (IL-6), Interleukin-2 (IL-2), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) were assayed by ELISA method.
Results: Before treatment, the median level of IL-6 (pg/ml) was significantly higher in males compared to female TB patients (P=0.046). While after 2-months treatment, TNF-α (pg/ml) and IL-10 (pg/ml) was significantly higher in males compared with females (P=0.008 and 0.045 respectively). Conversely, the median IL-6 (pg/ml) was significantly higher in female TB patients compared to the males (P=0.042). No significant differences were observed after 6-months treatment.
Conclusion: Gender differences exist in IL-6 before treatment and in IL-6, TNF-α and IL-10 at two months treatment. Thus, TB treatment contributes differentially to levels of inflammatory cytokines in male and female TB patients.
Keywords: Tuberculosis; anti-tuberculosis drugs; cytokines; inflammation.