bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Attitude of Previous Blood Donors toward Blood Donation during COVID-19
Authors: Alahwal Hatem M. , Nour Yasmin Mohamed Abbas , Khan Shahida A. , Barefah Ahmed S , Bahashwan Salem M. , Radhwi Osman O. , Alzahrani Atheer Mousa Saeed , Tash Rawan Azizullah Marouf , Bajunaid Weam M , Alkhaldi Afaf Bader Radi , Almohammadi Abdullah T. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

BACKGROUND:
Access of blood donors to blood banks among several other factors affected rates of blood donation in many blood banks during COVID-19. Shortage of blood supply occurred to variable degrees in many countries, including Saudi Arabia. Rather than approaching new donors to donate during the time of crisis, past donors constitute a pool of potential donors that may be approached during these times. The objective of this study was to evaluate the attitude of donors who donated before the pandemic toward donating during the pandemic and to identify any specific donor characteristics that may affect their attitude.

METHODS:
All blood donors who donated during 2019 identified and systematically sampled. The selected donor sample was approached through phone calls and text messages from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2019. Donors were asked to fill up a self-administered web-based survey that contained 30 questions about donor characteristics, variables related to COVID-19 infection and vaccine, and attitude toward blood donation.

RESULTS:
A total of 258 previous donors provided consent and completed the survey. The donor pool was male-dominated, and most donors were aware of their blood group. A significant difference in attitude was observed regarding blood donation and concern about COVID19 between college-educated and lesser educated individuals on certain aspects. Health-care workers displayed more awareness toward the donation and hospital policies.

CONCLUSION:
The academic level was associated with a positive attitude toward blood donation and COVID-19 infection, more awareness of the critical role of blood donation during the pandemic but also more concern about COVID-19 infection. Health-care workers are more aware about the entire condition. Thus, it is deemed essential that blood banks and hospitals design ways to educate and encourage the donors toward blood donation during the pandemic.
Splenic Sequestration and Infarction upon Exposure to High Altitude in Adult Patients with Sickle Cell Anemia
Authors: Alkhaldy Husain , Alsalman Mortadah , Almuhaini Mariyyah , Alshehri Renad , Almusaad Samar , Al-Qahtani Wejdan , Samih Tamer A. , Makkawi Mohammed 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Adult patients with sickle cell disease usually have atrophied spleens due to autosplenectomy, and only rarely have complications related to the spleen, such as splenic sequestration and infarctions. However, some sickle cell haplotypes/genotypes are associated with persistent spleen until adulthood and thus are at risk of splenic complications. In this case report, upon or shortly after arrival at high altitude, three patients with sickle cell anemia were presented with acute splenic sequestration and splenic infarction. This major complication can be the presenting feature of an otherwise benign course of sickle cell anemia. A national travel recommendation is merited to advise patients with sickle cell anemia before traveling to high altitudes, especially those with Arab-Indian haplotype.
Analysis of Thrombophilia Test Ordering Practices at King Fahad Hospital of the University
Authors: Aldawood Fatimah Adel 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

BACKGROUND:
Thrombophilia tests are widely performed but often in a nonjustified and inappropriate manner as patients are not properly selected, or test timing is not considered. This study aims to assess the current practice of thrombophilia testing at our institution by determining the indications and the testing characteristics to start an initiative toward the reduction of inappropriate testing.

METHODOLOGY:
This is a retrospective study of patients who have undergone thrombophilia testing at King Fahad Hospital of the University from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2020. The data were collected from electronic medical records.

RESULTS:
A total of 545 patients were included (the median age was 38, 76.4% were females). Of the ordered analyzed, 36.59% were for inappropriate indications. Tests were done in the acute phase of thrombosis in 55.21% of patients. However, 18.89% of patients had thrombophilia tests requested during anticoagulants therapy. Positive results were found in 32.66% of patients and were confirmed in 52.24% of patients. The positive diagnostic yield of thrombophilia testing at our institution was only 14.6%. Of the screened tests that required confirmation for definitive diagnosis, 52.23% was obtained.

CONCLUSION:
This study highlights the improper practice of thrombophilia testing, which calls for initiatives toward reduction in test request by means of educational intervention, posttest guidance by the laboratory, or restraining ordering to the highly specialized clinicians.
First Observation of Hemoglobin Ypsilanti in Saudi Arabia: A High Oxygen Affinity Hemoglobin Presenting with Extreme Erythrocytosis
Authors: Alkhaldy Husain , Algarni Abdullah , Bakheet Omayma , Qahtani Afaf , Alasiri Lama , Makkawi Mohammed 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
High oxygen affinity hemoglobin (HOAH) variants are rare hemoglobinopathies sometimes associated with congenital erythrocytosis. Patients with HOAH are usually asymptomatic and are incidentally discovered when unexplained erythrocytosis is observed in the complete blood count. Here, we report the first patient with hemoglobin (Hb) Ypsilanti from high-altitude Southern Saudi Arabia, who presented with chronic extreme erythrocytosis (polycythemia) with an Hb concentration of 23 g/dL and hematocrit of 70%. The patient lacked any finding suggestive of secondary erythrocytosis, and the evaluation for acquired polycythemia vera was negative. Hb protein analysis and genetic testing confirmed the presence of a high-affinity Hb variant. Living at high altitude contributed to the presentation of extreme erythrocytosis. Besides highlighting important clinical and diagnostic characteristics, this case illustrates two important diagnostics caveats: high-affinity Hb can be misdiagnosed as another more common qualitative hemoglobinopathy such as Hb S or Hb D carrier state, and it can interfere with HbA1C analysis.
D-dimer and Ferritin Levels in Prediction of COVID-19 Severity
Authors: Alqirbi Hujaz Ismail Abdulrazzaq , Salih Wafaa Hazim , Mahdi Batool Mutar 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

BACKGROUND:
The most common cause of upper respiratory tract infection is coronavirus, which has a crown appearance due to the existence of spikes on its envelope. D-dimer levels in the plasma have been considered a prognostic factor for COVID-19 patients.

AIM OF THE STUDY:
The aim of the study is to demonstrate the role of COVID-19 on coagulation parameters D-dimer and ferritin with their association with COVID-19 severity and disease progression in a single-center study.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:
This study included 200 COVID-19 patients in a private single center from January 01, 2021, to January 01, 2022, in Baghdad-Iraq. D-dimer and ferritin were analyzed in those patients and evaluated their association with the need for oxygen therapy and intensive care unit (ICU) admission.

RESULTS:
Two hundred COVID-19 patients met the criteria for inclusion in this research. The total mean age of all patients was 60.1 ± 11.6 years and the sex distribution was 130 (65%) males and 70 (35%) females. Regarding D-dimer and ferritin, there were significantly higher values in patients in respiratory care units (4748 ± 7.2) (215.7 ± 4.2) (P = 0.0001) in comparison with another group who did not need oxygen or ICU admission (345 ± 3.6) (98.4 ± 1.7), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:
High levels of D-dimer and ferritin may be used as tools to predict unfavorable clinical outcomes of the disease and poor prognosis.
Unique Approach: A Case Report on Modified Conventional FPD Design for Replacing Periodontally Compromised Lower Arteriors
Authors: Jana Anjan , Mukhopadhyay Santanu 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This paper offers a novel method for restoring lower anterior teeth with impaired periodontal tissues. For dental health, appearance, and communication, these teeth are crucial. In this article, three instances involving impaired periodontal conditions are presented. Before beginning any restorative treatments, a thorough assessment of periodontal problems is required. We used modified fixed partial dentures (FPD) with stable canines serving as abutments. The limitations of conventional methods are overcome by this method. The efficacy of this strategy in three different situations is demonstrated. When conventional methods are ineffective, this strategy provides potential answers to reclaim stability, beauty, and functionality. Overall, it emphasizes creative methods for improving patient care.
Prevalence and Characteristics of Supernumerary Teeth in Pediatric Patients: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Goswami Suchetana 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background:
Supernumerary teeth are a dental anomaly that can impact oral health, yet their prevalence and characteristics in pediatric populations remain underexplored. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the occurrence and attributes of supernumerary teeth in children aged 4–14 years.

Methods:
Medical records including panoramic radiographs of 3127 pediatric patients were reviewed. Data included patient demographics and supernumerary tooth characteristics (number, location, eruption status, morphology, primary/permanent, sagittal position, and orientation) and were subjected to statistical analysis using Fisher’s exact and Chi-square tests (P < 0.05).

Results:
Among the 3127 patients, 87 (2.8%) showed supernumerary teeth, with a male predominance (56.3%). Supernumeraries were most common in the mixed dentition (58.6%), followed by permanent dentition (26.5%) and primary dentition (14.9%). The majority had a single supernumerary tooth (83.9%), resulting in a total of 101 supernumeraries. Conical supernumeraries were the most common (65.3%), followed by tuberculate (20.8%) and supplemental (13.9%) types. Palatal placement was predominant (78.2%), whereas 18.8% were on the alveolar arch, and 3% were labial. Most were normally oriented (78.2%), with 13.9% inverted and 7.9% angular. Eruption status indicated that 63.4% were erupted, whereas the rest were impacted.

Conclusion:
This retrospective study revealed a 2.8% prevalence of supernumerary teeth among pediatric patients, with a male predominance.
The effect of different pressures of pneumoperitoneum on the optic nerve sheath diameter – A prospective study
Authors: Ponduru Supraja , Nanda Ananya , Pakhare Vandana Patilbuwa , Gopinath Ramchandran , Sangineni Kalyani Suryadhanalakshmi , Priyanka R. Devi Sai 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background and Aims:
Increased intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) and carbon dioxide gas during pneumoperitoneum leads to various systemic changes involving cardiovascular, respiratory, and cerebral physiology. In our study, we aimed to investigate the effect of standard (13–15 mmHg) and low (6–8 mmHg) pressure pneumoperitoneum on optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) using ultrasound, which is a reflection of intracranial pressure (ICP). Patient hemodynamics, surgery duration and surgeons’ comfort, and ease of performing surgery at low-pressure pneumoperitoneum were studied as secondary objectives.

Materials and Methods:
In this prospective double-blind randomized study, 75 patients of the American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status grades I and II, of both genders undergoing elective laparoscopic surgery, were allocated into two groups – S (standard IAP 13–15 mmHg) and L (low IAP 6–8 mmHg). ONSD acquired at different time points: before induction of anesthesia (T1), 5 min after intubation (T2), 5 min after the creation of pneumoperitoneum (T3), 5 min before desufflation (T4), and 5 min before extubation (T5). ONSD of 5 mm is taken as the cutoff value to correlate raised ICP. Continuous variables were analyzed by the Student’s t-test, and categorical data were assessed by the Chi-square test.

Results:
There was a significant increase in ONSD with insufflation in both the groups; however, T3 is higher than the cutoff value (>5 mm) in Group S. The ONSD values at T1 (baseline) and at T2 (after intubation) were comparable between the groups, with P = 0.1855 and P = 0.8988, respectively. With pneumoperitoneum, the increase in ONSD (T3) is significantly higher in Group S than in Group L with P = 0.0022, attributing to the high IAP in Group S.

Conclusion:
Laparoscopic surgery with low-pressure pneumoperitoneum can be a safe approach, particularly in individuals at risk of raised ICP.
An association between gastric contents and gastric volume with gender and comorbidities: An observational study
Authors: Sojitra Rashesh , Patkar Charushila , Mahadik Shripad , Phalgune Deepak Sadashiv 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background and Aims:
The data regarding fasting gastric contents and gastric volume in patients with comorbidity are lacking. The present study was conducted to determine an association between gender and comorbidities with gastric contents and gastric volume determined by ultrasonography in 8 h fasting patients. It was hypothesized that there is no association between gastric contents and gastric volume with gender and comorbidities.

Materials and Methods:
The present cross-sectional observational study was conducted in patients aged between 18 and 60 years posted for elective surgery. The patients were advised to overnight fast for a minimum of 8 h. Preoperative bedside ultrasonography was done in the right lateral decubitus position. According to the appearance on the ultrasound, the contents were identified as either empty, clear liquids, or solids. Antral cross-section area was measured and gastric volume was estimated. Statistical Package for Social Sciences for Windows, version 22, was used for analysis. Comparison of the distribution of categorical variables was done using the Chi-square test/Fisher’s exact test. Comparison of parametric and nonparametric continuous variables was done using unpaired t-test and Kruskal–Wallis test, respectively.

Results:
The mean gastric volume among males and females was 64.8 mL and 64.2 mL, respectively (P = 0.896). The median gastric volume and the median gastric volume in mL/kg were significantly higher in patients who had chronic kidney disease (4.53 mL/kg and 125.5 mL) as compared to other comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus (1.88 mL/kg and 52.3 mL), hypertension (2.05 mL/kg and 53.9 mL), hypothyroidism (1.69 mL/kg and 48.9 mL), and obesity (2.18 mL/kg and 65.6 mL). The percentage of patients who had no gastric content was significantly higher in males as compared to females. There was no statistically significant difference in the type of gastric contents and comorbidities.

Conclusions:
There was an association between gastric volume and comorbidities, but there was no association between gastric contents and comorbidities. There was an association between gastric contents and gender, but there was an association between gastric volume and gender.
Comparison of efficacy of nalbuphine-levobupivacaine combination with levobupivacaine alone in ultrasound-guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block in upper limb orthopedic surgeries
Authors: Qureshi Sana , Mathur Veena , Singh Maina , Garg Deepak Kumar , Kumar Pradeep , Jonwal Kuldeep 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background and Aims:
Brachial plexus block is a widely used approach for upper limb surgeries as an alternative to general anesthesia to achieve ideal operating conditions by providing adequate muscle relaxation and maintaining intraoperative hemodynamic stability. Ultrasound-guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block provides intraoperative anesthesia and postoperative analgesia. It reduces many complications such as intravascular injection pneumothorax. Levobupivacaine is preferable over bupivacaine due to its lower cardiotoxicity, prolonged sensory block, and shorter duration of motor block.

Materials and Methods:
A prospective, hospital-based, double-blinded, randomized, controlled, comparative study was planned on 80 adult patients of either sex belonging to the American Society of Anesthesiologists Class 1 and 2 undergoing upper limb orthopedic surgeries. Group L – 24 mL levobupivacaine 0.375% (90 mg) + NS (1 mL) (total volume 25 mL) and Group LN – 24 mL levobupivacaine 0.375% (90 mg) +5 mg nalbuphine diluted with NS to 1 mL volume (total volume 25 mL). Duration of analgesia, onset, and duration of sensory block and motor block, hemodynamic changes, and total doses of rescue analgesia in 24 h were noted in both groups.

Results:
The duration of analgesia was significantly longer in Group LN (749.80 ± 9.70 min) as compared to Group L (641.20 ± 12.71 min) (P < 0.001). Onset of sensory block in Group LN (11.15 ± 0.83 min) is faster than in Group L is (13.30 ± 0.52 min) (P < 0.001). Onset of motor block in Group LN (13.68 ± 0.73 min) is faster than in Group L (16.33 ± 0.89 min) (P < 0.001). Hemodynamic parameters were comparable in both groups. There was no significant difference in adverse effects and complications.

Conclusion:
The addition of nalbuphine to levobupivacaine provides a longer duration of analgesia as compared to levobupivacaine alone.
Effectiveness of norepinephrine versus phenylephrine intravenous boluses for the treatment of hypotension in elective lower-segment cesarean section under spinal anesthesia: A randomized controlled, double-blind study
Authors: Jain Neena , Chatterjee Bidisha , Patodi Veena , Kumar Pradeep , Garg Deepak Kumar 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background and Aim:
Hypotension following spinal anesthesia is a common adverse effect during caesarean sections, with potentially harmful consequences for both the mother and the fetus. While phenylephrine is the current first-line treatment for maternal spinal hypotension during obstetric anesthesia, norepinephrine has been proposed as a possible alternative due to its weaker b-agonist-mediated positive chronotropic action. However, there is a lack of comparative data on the safety and efficacy of these two drugs in obstetric anesthesia. This study aimed to compare the number of bolus doses of phenylephrine and norepinephrine required to treat hypotension after spinal anesthesia in lower segment caesarean sections, as well as to evaluate maternal and fetal outcomes in both groups, including complications.

Materials and Method:
A prospective double-blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted, The study included 60 term parturients between the ages of 18 and 40, who had singleton pregnancy and were categorized as American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) physical class II, and who were scheduled for elective caesarean section under spinal anesthesia. the parturients were randomized into two groups: Group N and Group P. Group P patients received an intravenous dose of phenylephrine 100 µg, while Group N patients received an intravenous dose of 8 µg whenever the systolic arterial pressure dropped below 20% of the baseline.primary objective was number of intravenous drugs required to treat spinal hypotension, secondary objective were incidence of maternal and foetal Complications. The data was collected on a form and entered into Excel. Statistical analysis was done using Epi Info 7.2.1.0 for Windows. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to check normality. Mean and standard deviation or median and range were used to present numerical data, while frequency and percentage were used for categorical data. T-tests compared quantitative variables, and Chi-square tests compared categorical data. Two-tailed tests were used, and a P-value of <0.05 was considered significant.

Result:
The patient’s demographic profile was comparable in both groups.T he number of bolus doses of study drug required to treat spinal hypotension was significantly lower in Group N versus P (1.50 ± 0.57 vs. 2.13 ± 0.73, p =0.001)Incidence of bradycardia was more in group P, but not statistically significant. Other maternal complications like bradycardia, hypertension, nausea, vomiting, shivering were comparable in both groups.

Conclusions:
According to our study, Intermittent boluses of norepinephrine were effective in the management of spinal-induced hypotension during caesarean section. Norepinephrine boluses can thus be considered as an alternative to phenylephrine boluses.
Prospective comparative analysis of intraoperative and postoperative anesthetic and analgesic effect of ultrasound-guided pectoral with serratus anterior plane block versus thoracic paravertebral versus erector spinae blocks in breast oncosurgeries
Authors: Kangle Sameer , Dudhedia Ujjwalraj , Pradhan Amol Shashikumar , Nair Abhijit Sukumaran 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAims and Objectives:Different regional anesthetic techniques have been described and are frequently used in breast cancer surgeries to provide efficient pain management and reduce the use of opioids. This study’s main goal was to use pain scores to compare the postoperative analgesic effectiveness of pectoral nerve (PECS 1) block with serratus anterior plane (SAP) block, thoracic paravertebral (TPV) block, and erector spinae plane (ESP) block. Comparing the needs for intraoperative analgesia and postoperative anesthesia was one of the secondary goals.Methods:After institutional ethical committee approval and after prospectively registering this trial with the Clinical Trials Registry of India, 25 patients were randomized and enrolled in each group (Group 1 – PECS 1 and SAP block, Group 2 – TPV group, and Group 3 – ESP group). Standard general anesthesia was administered to all the patients and the blocks, as per randomization were performed before anesthesia induction.Results:The demographic characteristics, intraoperative opioid and sevoflurane consumption, and requirement of rescue analgesia were comparable between the three groups. Pain scores at 0 and 6 h were significantly less in the TPV group when compared to the ESP group and PECS 1 with the SAP group (P= 0.005 andP= 0.006, respectively). Pain scores at 12 and 24 h were comparable between three groups.Conclusion:TPV block provides significantly better pain scores at 0 and 6 h, with comparable pain scores at 12 and 24 h, compared to PECS 1 with SAP block and ESP block with comparable adverse events.