bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cold Agglutinin Disease Unfurled in Laboratory and Blood Bank: A Little Poignant Observation Can Speak a Lot!
Authors: Shetty Archana , Murthy Gurudatta , Golithadka Bharadwaj 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Autoimmune hemolytic anemias (AIHAs) are hemolytic anemias characterized by the production of autoantibodies against surface antigens on red blood cells. Cold agglutinin disease (CAD) is a relatively rare subcategory of AIHA, affecting mainly the middle-aged with anemia often being the presenting symptom. We present a case of a middle-aged female who was admitted for severe anemia under evaluation. A discrepancy in blood grouping was noted when request for blood transfusion was received in a blood bank, owing to autoantibodies interfering in testing. Routine complete blood counts showed temperature-based variations. A detailed workup confirmed a diagnosis of CA type of AIHA. The case reiterates the importance of good interdepartmental coordination between clinicians, laboratory, and blood bank, which helped clinch the diagnosis of CAD through the correlation of clinical findings, blood counts, and immunological and biochemical parameters.
Screening of positive dysphotopsia before multifocal intraocular lens implantation
Authors: Fernández Joaquín , Burguera Noemí , Rocha-de-Lossada Carlos , Zamorano-Martín Francisco , Rodríguez-Vallejo Manuel 
Published: January 2024

Purpose:
To assess the photic phenomena (PP) and positive dysphotopsia in candidates for presbyopia or cataract surgery and to evaluate their relationship with cataract grading systems.

Design:
Retrospective observational.

Methods:
Monocular data for 82 subjects measured during the preoperative screening were retrospectively retrieved from our database. The evaluated variables consisted of two methods for PP measurement: light distortion index (LDI) and parameters obtained from a simulator, both of which were combined with subjective bother related to PP. The cutoff for LDI that better predicted patients passing from slightly to moderately bothersome was estimated. The relationships between LDI and the following objective cataract grading methods were also assessed: objective scatter index (OSI), dysfunctional lens index (DLI), and Pentacam Nucleus Staging (PNS).

Results:
LDI was the best method for measuring PP, which showed a significant correlation with the bothersome question (rho = 0.34, P = 0.002) and also with OSI (rho = 0.67, P < 0.0005), DLI (rho = −0.29, P = 0.007), and PNS (rho = 0.48, P < 0.0005). The number/percentage of patients who found it bothersome was as follows: “Not at all” (18/22%), “Slightly” (41/50%), “Moderately” (15/18.3%), and “Very” (8/9.7%). The cutoff value that predicted the transition from slightly to moderately bothersome was ≥15.20% according to LDI, which could be estimated with the following values for grading: ≥2.8 for OSI, ≤7.6 for DLI, and ≥2 for PNS.

Conclusions:
Patients reporting moderately or higher bothersome levels in the preoperative period and with LDI <15.20%, <2.8 for OSI, >7.6 for DLI, and <2 for PNS might deserve special attention in the multifocal intraocular lens selection.
Trifocal versus monofocal intraocular lens implantation in eyes previously treated with laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for myopia
Authors: Bilbao-Calabuig Rafael , Ortega-Usobiaga Julio , Mayordomo-Cerdá Fernando , Beltrán-Sanz Jaime , Fernández-García Javier , Cobo-Soriano Rosario 
Published: January 2024

Purpose:
To assess visual and refractive outcomes of trifocal intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in eyes that had previously undergone laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for myopia and to compare them with those recorded after implantation of a monofocal IOL.

Design:
Retrospective comparative cases series.

Methods:
This study evaluated uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), uncorrected near visual acuity (UNVA), safety, and efficacy after the implantation of two comparable trifocal IOL models and one monofocal IOL model in patients who had previously undergone myopic LASIK. Patients were classified according to the implanted IOL (monofocal or trifocal).

Results:
A total of 211 eyes from 170 patients received a monofocal IOL, and 211 eyes from 161 patients received a trifocal IOL. At the end of the study, after lensectomy, there was a higher myopic residual spherical equivalent in the monofocal group because some eyes had been targeted for slight myopia to achieve monovision; therefore, UDVA was better in the trifocal group. CDVA was comparable in both groups. As expected, both monocular and binocular UNVA were significantly better in the trifocal group. Although the percentage of eyes that lost ≥1 line of CDVA did not differ between the groups, the safety index was slightly better in the monofocal group.

Conclusion:
Although implantation of monofocal and trifocal IOLs after myopic LASIK yielded excellent distance visual outcomes, UNVA was significantly better for the trifocal IOL, with a minimally worse safety profile. Trifocal IOLs can be considered after previous LASIK for myopia, with an appropriate patient selection.
Comparison of pars plana vitrectomy and combined pars plana vitrectomy with phacoemulsification for proliferative diabetic retinopathy: A retrospective study about 120 eyes
Authors: Ben Addou Idrissi Sara , Bengebara Omar , Filali Sadouk Mohammed , Himmich Mohamed , Lahlou Lina , El Ouazzani Taybi Habiba , Moutei Hassan , Bennis Ahmed , Chraibi Fouad , Abdellaoui Meriem , Benatiya Andaloussi Idriss 
Published: January 2024

Purpose:
To compare the outcomes of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and combined PPV with phacoemulsification (PPVCE) surgeries for proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and cataract treatment.

Methods:
Retrospective analysis of 120 diabetic patients who underwent PPV or PPVCE.

Results:
The key outcome indicators were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and post-operative complications. The PPVCE group had an average age of 53 years, with 50% females and 50% males. The initial visual acuity (VA) was 1.84 log MAR. In this group, BCVA remained stable or increased in 61 eyes (74%). Regarding the PPV group, the average age was 43 years; 65% were men while 34% were women. The initial VA was 1.83 log MAR; in this group, the VA increased or remained stable in 28 eyes (73%). The evolution of the VA was rather symmetric in the two groups without a significant difference (P = 0.9). Similarly, the occurrence of postoperative complications was comparable for the main complications studied, namely the inflammatory reaction (P = 0.809), ocular hypertension (P = 0.344), corneal edema (P = 0.07), and neovascular glaucoma (P = 0.413). However, there was a decrease in BCVA (three lines) in the PPV group after 6 months of follow-up (P = 0.05) in patients with a clear lens preoperatively and who developed a clinically evident cataract.

Conclusion:
According to this study, for diabetic patients with severe cataracts and vitreoretinal disease requiring vitrectomy, combining vitrectomy with phacoemulsification as a single surgical intervention may be a suitable therapeutic choice. This approach does not significantly increase the risk of visual impairment or retinopathy development.
Aspirin intake is not associated with diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema: A report from the Fushun diabetic retinopathy cohort study
Authors: Lin Wei , Li Dong , Wen Liang , Moonasar Nived , Wang Yu , Lin Zhong 
Published: January 2024

Purpose:
We aimed to study the effects of aspirin intake for diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic macular edema (DME) in a cohort from northeastern China.

Methods:
Participants in the Fushun Diabetic Retinopathy Cohort Study were enrolled between July 2012 and May 2013. Fundus photographs of six fields were graded according to the modified Airlie House Classification system. The prevalence, incidence, progression, and regression of DR, as well as the prevalence/incidence of DME, were evaluated at baseline and during follow-up examinations after at least 1 year.

Results:
In total, 1370 patients were enrolled in the study, and 270 (19.7%) were taking aspirin. The prevalence of any DR in participants with and without aspirin intake was 47.4% and 44.9%, respectively (P = 0.46). The incidence of any DR in patients with and without aspirin intake was 9.2% and 8.3%, respectively (P = 0.74). In univariate regression, there was no association between aspirin intake and the prevalence of any DR and DME (odds ratios (OR), 95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.93, 0.68–1.27 and 1.22, 0.79–1.88, respectively). Aspirin intake was not significantly associated with the prevalence and incidence of DME (OR, 95% CI: 1.22, 0.79–1.88 and 1.79, 0.62–5.17, respectively). Furthermore, aspirin intake was not significantly associated with DR progression or regression (OR, 95% CI: 1.04, 0.66–1.66 and 0.75, 0.52–1.09, respectively).

Conclusion:
Aspirin intake was not associated with the prevalence and incidence of any DR or DME in a northeastern Chinese population. Neither progression nor regression of DR revealed a significant association with aspirin intake.
The Impact of Serum Albumin on the Mortality Prediction in COVID Patients at a Private Hospital in Madurai
Authors: Prabhakar P. Niranjan , Anand R. , Rajkumar K. , Andaal V. Sri 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background:
The objective of the study was to identify the serum albumin levels and their correlation with the length of hospital stay and mortality in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. To achieve this, we studied the correlation between serum albumin levels to the length of hospital stay and mortality outcomes.

Materials and Methods:
It is a retrospective observational study in which information about COVID-19 patients admitted to a private hospital in Madurai was collected between March 2021 and August 2021. The time from admission to discharge of patients and mortality outcomes was taken into account.

Results:
A total of 176 COVID-19 patients were included, of which 150 patients (85%) recovered and 26 patients (15%) died during the hospital admission. The median length of hospital stays of COVID-19 patients who were hospitalized and discharged alive was found to be 8.5 ± 4.6 days by the Kaplan–Meier curve. The mean albumin levels in alive patients were found to be 3.5 ± 0.37 g/dl compared to expired COVID-19 patients with low albumin levels of 3.3 ± 043 g/dl. Hence, we conclude that serum albumin levels had an impact on the outcome and hospital stay.

Conclusion:
Serum albumin levels at admission might reflect the severity of infection and thus can serve as a predictive factor for COVID-19 outcomes.
Knowledge and attitude on epilepsy among neurology patients and their attendants: Mixed methods research at a tertiary hospital
Authors: Kannan S. Ramesh , Rajalakshmi R. , Babu Varun , Ravichandran Kandasamy 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background:
Epilepsy is a recurrent and common neurological disorder with less awareness about epilepsy among the public. Sociocultural attitudes have a role to play in epilepsy management. This could be due to misconceptions of the public on witnessing an epileptic seizure. Hence, the current study evaluated knowledge, attitude, and perception of neurology outpatient department and inpatients and their caregivers, at the tertiary care hospital in South India.

Materials and Methods:
A mixed methods research with a single hospital-based, cross-sectional, quantitative study and the phenomenological type of qualitative study with focused group discussion were performed. A purposive sampling technique was used to select a total of 140 participants for the quantitative study using the Public Attitudes toward Epilepsy questionnaire.

Results:
Among 140 participants, although 80% have heard of epilepsy through witnessing the episode or mass media, 42% were unaware of it. Seventy percent do not know about triggering factors, or measures to prevent injury during epilepsy and 55% do not know the first aid measures. Forty-nine percent had an unfavorable attitude about epilepsy. Thirty-eight percent of the participants still believe that epilepsy is a kind of insanity. Only 48% believe that person with epilepsy can have a normal life like others.

Conclusion:
Knowledge and attitude toward epilepsy have improved, however, it is found to be low despite increased literacy rate and access to technology. Community-based health educational campaigns by medical fraternities will be beneficial to alleviate negative attitudes and improve knowledge about epilepsy among the public.
Approach to primary immunodeficiency disorders
Authors: Patra Pratap Kumar , Priyanka Priyanka , Singh Pallavi , Reddy Pakkiresh , Sharma Nutan , Yagavan P. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract:
Primary immunodeficiency disorder also known as Inborn errors of immunityare potentially life threatning disorders, frequently remain undiagnosed in both developing and underdeveloped nations. A systematic and thorugh evaluation is required to attain a definitive diagnosis. This review outline the standardised approach essential for unravelling the diagnosis of such clinical condition during childhood.
Year in review on osteoarthritis (2023)
Authors: Dhanekula Phanidhar , Maikap Debashis 
Published: January 2024

Abstract:
Significant strides persist in advancing our comprehension of the diverse dimensions of osteoarthritis (OA) biology. In this overview, we delineate the notable breakthroughs in this domain and the headway achieved in the pursuit of therapeutic development over the preceding year. This examination spotlights pertinent publications identified through a PubMed search, encompassing the timeframe from late November 2022 to late November 2023. Advancements in unraveling the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying various facets of OA biology are uncovering innovative therapeutic targets for modifying the course of the disease.
Assessing the effect of piezoelectric ultrasonic scaler tip wear on root surface roughness under influence of various working parameters: A profilometric and atomic force microscopic study
Authors: Parashar Atul , Bhavsar Neeta 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background:
Assessing the effect of scaler tip wear on the root surface roughness using piezoelectric ultrasonic scaling device under influence of various working parameters, i.e. power setting, lateral force, and instrumentation time.

Materials and Methods:
An experimental study was conducted using 160 single-rooted tooth samples divided into two groups of new (n = 80) and worn tips (n = 80). Samples were prepared to examine the root surface roughness after being instrumented by new and worn piezoelectric ultrasonic tips (8 new/8 worn) at different parameters. The erosion ratio (ER) of the new/worn tip was examined under an atomic force microscope and roughness over root surface was measured by a contact surface profilometer. One-way analysis of variance test, post hoc Tukey’s test, and independent t-test were used for intragroup, pair-wise multiple comparisons and intergroup comparison of average roughness (Ra) value.

Results:
A statistically significant difference was found between the ER of new and worn scaler tips (P < 0.001). Intragroup comparison between subgroups 1 and 8 showed a higher Ra value in both the groups (P < 0.005). There was a significantly higher Ra value of worn tips compared to new tips (P < 0.05). Significantly higher mean Ra value was shown when lateral force changed from 50 g to 100 g (P < 0.005).

Conclusions:
Increasing value of power setting, lateral force, and instrumentation time caused more surface roughness in worn-out scaler tips compared to new scaler tips. Lateral force and instrumentation time proved to be a major factor influencing surface roughness.
In vivo efficacy of 2% povidone iodine, chlorhexidine gluconate, and herbal extract mouthwash on SARS-CoV-2 viral load in saliva: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Nazrine Sayana , Kulal Ritesh , Shivaprasad BM , Janardhanan Nimmi 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background:
One of the major techniques to reduce the transmission rate of COVID-19 would be to decrease the viral titers of SARS-CoV-2 in the saliva of infected patients and it is particularly useful in a dental setting. The present study evaluated the change in salivary viral load of COVID-19 patients using povidone iodine (PI), chlorhexidine (CHX), and an herbal extract (RightSure®) oral antiviral herbal mouthwash (HM) at clinically recommended duration and concentrations.

Materials and Methods:
Thirty individuals with SARS-CoV-2 were randomly allocated to three groups: (1) Group 1, PI mouthwash; (2) Group 2, CHX mouthwash; and (3) Group 3, HM mouthwash. A baseline salivary throat sample was collected from all the participants who were later instructed to rinse with their respective mouthwash for 30 s. A second salivary sample was collected 30 min after rinsing. The SARS-CoV-2 viral load was analyzed using real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction wherein the cyclic threshold (Ct) values were evaluated.

Results:
Independent t-test analysis reported a statistically significant difference concerning the PI group (before-after comparison) (P < 0.05). The rest of the two study groups failed to report any significant difference in the nucleocapsid gene and open reading frame 1a gene levels.

Conclusion:
While all three types of mouthwash increased the Ct values, a statistically significant difference was observed with PI mouthwash, indicating that it might potentially reduce the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, especially via aerosol but further studies with larger sample size and longer follow-up periods are required to investigate this relationship.
Zimmermann–Laband syndrome-associated hereditary gingival fibromatosis
Authors: Kshirsagar Jaishree Tukaram , Dharani Kalaiselvan , Thangavel Priyangha 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Hereditary gingival fibromatosis (HGF) is an uncommon slow-growing fibrous overgrowth characterized by connective tissue accumulation. It presents as an isolated feature or as a manifestation of any syndrome. Various syndromes associated with HGF are inherited by autosomal dominant/recessive/X-linked traits. Zimmermann–Laband syndrome (ZLS) is a rare, autosomal dominant inherited disease manifested with gingival fibromatosis (GF), nose and ears abnormalities, and hypoplastic/dysplastic nails or terminal phalanges of hand and feet. Although the pattern of inheritance was found to be both autosomal dominant and recessive traits, the molecular basis is still unclear. This report presents a possible case of ZLS-associated HGF in a 25-year-old female patient who presents with GF, hypertrichosis, and other syndrome-related features. Her father was similarly affected whereas her mother and sibling were asymptomatic. The patient and her family members were explained about the condition and surgical periodontal therapy was carried out for the patient to improve esthetics and was followed up regularly. Esthetics was significantly improved and no recurrence was noted at the end of 6 months.
Climate change and vulnerabilities of children in rural Zimbabwe: The case of ward 14 of Bikita District, Zimbabwe
Authors: Chikoko Witness , Chihiya Philemon 
Published: January 2024

The paper interrogates the impact of climate change towards the vulnerabilities of children in rural Zimbabwe. The paper utilised qualitative case study research design so as to generate the empirical evidence for this paper and the Ubuntu or Hunhu philosophy was used as a theory for analysing and, interpreting the lives of these vulnerable children. Research findings suggest that the impact of climate change has been unprecedented on the lives of children in rural Zimbabwe. Some of the impact included; hunger and food insecurity, decrease in school attendance, early or forced marriages, sexual exploitation, gold panning, child labour and abuse, child prostitution, drug use and abuse, the spread of climate change related diseases among others. The paper concludes by lobbying and advocating the Government of Zimbabwe and other key stakeholders to invest more resources on climate proof and adaptation strategies particularly in rural areas.
How to reference using ASWNet style:
Chikoko W. and Chihiya P. (2023). Climate change and vulnerabilities of children in rural Zimbabwe: The case of ward 14 of Bikita District, Zimbabwe. African Journal of Social Work, 13(2), 78-86. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajsw.v13i2.4
Visit journal website: https://ajsw.africasocialwork.net
Simultaneous removal of methylene blue dye and waterborne pathogens from wastewater using extract of Embelia schimperi fruits
Authors: Tewabe Gebeyehu Belete , Gashu Tadesse Minbale , Tedla Abebe 
Published: January 2024

In this study, we report the use of Embelia schimperi fruits’extract to simultaneously remove methylene blue dye and pathogens from wastewater. The extract of Embelia schimperi fruits was characterized by Atomic force Microscopy and Fourier Transform Infra-Red spectroscopy. The adsorption properties of the crude extracts of the fruits were explored as a function of dosage, contact time, pH, initial methylene blue concentrations, and temperature. As a result, the highest removal efficiency of methylene blue was found to be 99.2% at optimum conditions. The adsorption data demonstrated that the adsorption of Embelia schimperi followed the Langmuir isotherm model (R2 = 0.94899) and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model (R2 = 0.99326). Besides, crude extracts of the fruits showed significant antibacterial properties against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Agar diffusion tests confirmed that Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus were highly sensitive to the crude extracts of Embelia schimperi fruits, followed by Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi. Thus, the findings of this study confirm the promising potential of Embelia schimperi fruits as a natural adsorbent used to remove methylene blue dye and pathogenic bacteria at the same time from wastewater.
KEY WORDS: Embelia schimperi, Adsorption, Isotherm, Kinetic, Methylene blue, Waterborne pathogens

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2024, 38(2), 281-296.
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v38i2.1
Capturing of the copper(II) ions by several 4-aminoantipyrine Schiff bases: Synthesis, spectroscopic analysis, and decompsition of the resulted complexes into copper(II) oxide
Authors: O. Aljazzar Samar 
Published: January 2024

Here we describe the synthesis and characterization of three Schiff bases based on 4-aminoantipyrine, ligand A, ligand B, and ligand C. Ligand A was synthesized by reacting 4-aminoantipyrine with hydrazine, ligand B by reacting 4-aminoantipyrine with ethylenediamine, and ligand C by reacting 4-aminoantipyrine with benzaldehyde and hydrazine. The synthesis of the desired Schiff base derivatives was successfully achieved, as confirmed by elemental analysis, Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance (1H and 13C NMR) spectroscopy. The obtained experimental results exhibited excellent agreement with previously published data. To evaluate the reactivity of the synthesized Schiff bases in forming stable metal complexes, their reaction with copper(II) ions was examined. The results indicated that ligand A and ligand B effectively utilized the four nitrogen atoms (NNNN) from the 4-aminoantipyrine-N and azomethine-N groups to coordinate with copper(II) ions, while ligand C coordinated with the copper(II) ions using its four azomethine nitrogen atoms. Furthermore, the manufactured copper(II) complexes were subjected to thermal treatment in the air at 600 °C for 3 h, resulting in the successful generation of copper(II) oxide. Scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive X-ray analysis data demonstrated that the produced copper(II) oxide exhibited high purity and possessed a uniform and well-structured morphology.
KEY WORDS: Schiff bases, 4-Aminoantipyrine, Copper(II) ion, Thermal decomposition, SEM/EDX, Morphology
Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2024, 38(2), 431-443.
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v38i2.11