bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Awareness and Knowledge of Scabies and Ringworm among Parents of School-age Children in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria: Implications for Prevention of Superficial Skin Infestations
Authors: Emanghe Ubleni Ettah , Imalele Edema Enogiomwan , Ogban Godwin Ibitham , Owai Promise Akugom , Abraka Bode Akashie 
Published: February 2024

Context:
Risk factors for the persistence of superficial skin infestations are prevalent in humid tropical environments, which are favorable for breeding of the causative vector mite Sarcoptes scabiei (ectoparasite) and dermatophyte fungi.

Aim:
This study aimed at assessing the awareness and knowledge of childhood scabies and ringworm infestations among parents in Calabar, a highly humid rainforest tropical environment.

Settings and Design:
Cross-sectional study design and systematic random sampling were used to recruit school-age children in selected primary schools in Calabar.

Materials and Methods:
Researcher-driven administration of a structured questionnaire was conducted to obtain quantitative data from parents of recruited children.

Statistical Analysis Used:
Chi-square was used to assess factors associated with ever hearing or seeing scabies and ringworm infestations. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results:
One hundred and eighty-two (56.7%) and 218 (67.9%) of the respondents had heard of or seen scabies and ringworm infestation. Among respondents that were aware of scabies, 53.3% knew of the cause, 50.5% were aware of the risk factors while 68.1% and 78.0% knew their treatment and prevention, respectively; 98.6%, 60.6%, 76.6%, and 80.7% of respondents knew the cause, risk factors, treatment, and prevention of ringworm infestation, respectively. Fathers with at least secondary school literacy level and sharing beds were significantly associated with awareness of scabies.

Conclusion:
There is a suboptimal level of awareness and knowledge of two of the most common superficial skin infestations among parents of primary school children in the study setting. There is a need to redouble our effort at sensitization of parents toward improved awareness of these common infestations.
Morphological Cardiac Alterations in Liver Cirrhosis
Authors: Srinivasamurthy Banushree Chandrasekhar , Saravanan Sanjay P. , Marak Fremingston K. , Manivel Prakash , Bhat Ramachandra V. , Mathiyazhagan Dharanya 
Published: February 2024

Background:
Cirrhosis can cause various cardiac complications and severely affect the prognosis of the patient suffering from cirrhosis. Anatomical, morphological variations in the heart of patients with liver cirrhosis in the absence of known cardiac disease has not been well described. There is a paucity of studies in the literature on cardiac alterations in cirrhosis. Early detection of known cardiac alterations can further help in improving the quality of life.

Materials and Methods:
A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in the departments of pathology and forensic medicine of our institution. An autopsy-based prospective study of forty consecutive patients with final diagnosis of liver cirrhosis were included. Patients with a known history of cardiac disease/anomaly were excluded from the study. Macroscopic and microscopic changes in the heart and coronaries were noted and statistically analyzed.

Results:
Analysis of the hearts on gross examination showed cardiomegaly in 31 patients (77.5%). All cases had left ventricular hypertrophy. Endocardial thickening was seen in 22 patients (55%). Calcified mitral valve was seen in 9 patients (22.5%).
On microscopy, apart from hypertrophy, the pathological changes like interstitial oedema (47.5%), fibrosis (45%), cardiac muscle disarray (87.5%), fatty infiltrate (10%), pericarditis (5%), and severe coronary artery atherosclerosis (17.5%) were seen in the patients.

Conclusion:
Knowledge about the involvement of the heart in liver cirrhosis is essential for both the physician and the surgeons to prevent adverse outcomes during liver transplantation and can further help in improving the quality of life of the patient.
Impact of COVID-19 on Workload and Workflow in Echocardiography Unit in a Tertiary Care University Hospital
Authors: Kossaify Mikhael , Kanj Hazar , Tarabay Christina , Kossaify Antoine 
Published: February 2024

Background:
The COVID-19 pandemic is a new unexpected worldwide condition with a heavy burden on health-care institutions and health-care workers.

Objective:
We sought to examine the impact of COVID-19 on workload and workflow in the echocardiography unit in a tertiary care university hospital.

Methods:
We conducted a monocentric observational study, evaluating workload and workflow during the COVID-19 year relative to the previous year.

Results:
The findings show a substantial reduction in workload (55.20%) along with significant changes in workflow in the echocardiography unit during the pandemic. Changes in workflow involved measures implemented for protection, changes in echo indications which became more selective, changes in echo pattern, reduction in human flow in echocardiography laboratory, delays in reporting and archiving, and changes in training and teaching.

Conclusion:
COVID-19 pandemic had a substantial impact on the echocardiography unit, with a significant reduction in workload and considerable changes in workflow. In the future, it is essential to be better prepared as individuals, health-care workers, health-care institutions, and the general community, to deal better with any potential “invisible enemy.”
Clinical Characteristics and Outcome of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Yemeni Patients
Authors: AL-Maimoony Taha , AL-Sageer Nora , Alnajjar Mervat , Ali Kaid Mohammed Ghaleb , Rajeh Mohammed , Al-Motarreb Ahmed Lutf 
Published: February 2024

Background:
Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is increasingly used in the management of acute coronary syndromes (ACSs). PCI has decreased the demand for coronary artery bypass grafting, and more patients with ACS are now undergoing PCI. No previous data about the characteristics and outcome of patients performing PCI in Yemen. This study aimed to assess the patient presentation, characteristics, and outcome among Yemeni patients having PCI in the Military Cardiac Center.

Methods:
All patients who underwent PCI either primary or elective in the Military Cardiac Center in Sanaa City were included over 6 months. Clinical, demographic, procedural, and outcome data were extracted and analyzed.

Results:
During the study period, 250 patients underwent PCI. The mean ± standard deviation age was 57 ± 11 years, with 84% being male. Of all the patients, 61.6% (156) smoked tobacco, 56% (140) had hypertension, 37% (93) had Type 2 diabetes, 48.4% (121) had hyperlipidemia, and 8% (20) had a family history of ischemic heart disease. Coronary artery presentation was in the form of acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction at 41% (102), non-STEMI at 5.2% (58), stable angina at 31% (77), and unstable angina at 5.2% (13). Coronary artery interventions were elective PCI in 81% (203), emergency in 11% (27), and urgent in 8% (20) with only 3% radial artery access and 97% femoral access. PCI was mainly in the left anterior descending artery in 82% (179), right coronary artery in 41% (89), left circumflex artery in 23% (54), and left main in 1.25% (3). All stents were drug-eluting stents during the registry time. Complication occurred in 17.6% (44) and case fatality was 2% (5).

Conclusions:
Despite the current situation in Yemen, PCI was performed with success in a large number of patients with a low incidence of inhospital complications and mortality that is comparable to high- or middle-income settings.
Clinical-Epidemiological Profile and Factors Related to the Mortality of Patients with Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Isolated at a Reference Hospital in Ceará, Northeastern Brazil
Authors: De Lima Mota Matheus Alves , De Melo David Mendes , Christyan Nunes Beserra Francisca Lillyan , Filho Gerardo Albino Nogueira , Pinto Lílian Macambira , De Jesus Souza Raabe , Da Silva Sousa Sandrirla , Mota Rosa Salani , Da Justa Pires Neto Roberto , Do Jesus Silva Leit Terezinha 
Published: February 2024

Background:
There is a significant shortage of official records that enable estimating the real prevalence of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections in Brazil. The study aims to investigate the clinical, laboratory, and epidemiological aspects of patients with NTM isolation at an infectious diseases reference hospital, and to identify factors associated with mortality.

Methods:
This was an observational study in which clinical, epidemiological, and laboratory aspects were evaluated in patients with NTM isolated at care in Hospital São José, located in Northeastern Brazil, from 2005 to 2016. The records of the reference laboratory for NTM isolates were searched from the culture results of patients. Afterward, the medical records of the patients were reviewed. The analytical assessment was conducted by the Mann–Whitney and Fisher's exact test. The adopted level of significance was 5%.

Results:
A total of 69 patients were described, with a predominance of males (73.9%). The main clinical forms identified were: pulmonary (60.9%) and disseminated (27.5%). The most frequently NTM identified were Mycobacterium avium (24.6%) and Mycobacterium fortuitum (10.1%). Forty-eight (69.6%) patients had HIV infection. The mortality was 24.6%, and the risk factors for deaths identified were: origin from outside the metropolitan region; weight loss; HIV infection; anemia; hyperbilirubinemia; increased serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase; and impaired renal function. Among the patients with HIV, the main changes related to death were: lower counts of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes.

Conclusion:
Maintaining constant vigilance regarding the possibility of NTM infection is required, namely in patients co-infected with HIV/AIDS.
Targeting Bedaquiline Mycobacterial Efflux Pump to Potentially Enhance Therapy in Mycobacterium Abscessus
Authors: Martin Anandi , Bouyakoub Yasmine , Soumillion Kate , Mantu Eléonore Ngyuvula , Colmant Alexandre , Rodriguez-Villalobos Hector 
Published: February 2024

Background:

Mycobacterium abscessus is notorious for being intrinsically resistant to most antibiotics. Antibiotic efflux is one of the mechanisms used by M. abscessus to pump out antibiotics from their cells. Inhibiting efflux pumps (EPs) can be an attractive strategy to enhance the activity of drugs. The objective of this study is to determine the activity of EP inhibitors (EPIs) to enhance the efficacy of the new drug bedaquiline against M. abscessus clinical isolates.

Methods:
A total of 31 phenotypically and genotypically identified M. abscessus subsp. abscessus, M. abscesss subsp. massiliense, and M. abscessus subsp. bolletii clinical isolates were studied. The contribution of EPs was determined by investigating the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) levels of bedaquiline reduction in the absence and presence of EPIs verapamil and reserpine using the resazurin microtiter assay.

Results:
The observed bedaquiline MIC reduction by verapamil was observed in 100% isolates and by reserpine in 54.8% isolates. Bedaquiline MIC was 4–32-fold using verapamil with M. abscessus subsp. bolletii showing the highest fold change and between 2- and 4-fold using reserpine.

Conclusions:
The results obtained in this study confirm that bedaquiline MIC decreased in the presence of EPIs verapamil and reserpine in clinical isolates of M. abscessus. Verapamil was the most effective EPI. As shown in previous studies, verapamil may have clinical potential as adjunctive therapy to enhance the effect of bedaquiline.
Structural Modification of a Novel Inhibitor for Mycobacterium Enoyl-Acyl Carrier Protein Reductase Assisted by In Silico Structure-Based Drug Screening
Authors: Taira Junichi , Nagano Toshiki , Kitamura Mitsuru , Yamaguchi Miho , Sakamoto Hiroshi , Aoki Shunsuke 
Published: February 2024

Background:

Mycobacterium tuberculosis enoyl-acyl carrier protein reductase (mtInhA) is involved in the biosynthesis of mycolic acids, a major component of mycobacterial cell walls, and has been targeted in the development of anti-tuberculosis (TB) drugs. In our previous in silico structure-based drug screening study, we identified KES4, a novel class of mtInhA inhibitor. KES4 is composed of four ring structures (A–D-rings) and molecular dynamic simulation predicted that the D-ring is essential for the interaction with mtInhA.

Methods:
The structure–activity relationship study of the D-ring was attempted and aided by in silico docking simulations to improve the mtInhA inhibitory activity of KES4. A virtual chemical library of the D-ring-modified KES4 was then constructed and subjected to in silico docking simulation against mtInhA using the GOLD program. The candidate compound showing the highest GOLD score, referred to as KEN1, was synthesized, and its biological properties were compared with those of the lead compound KES4.

Results:
We achieved the synthesis of KEN1 and evaluated its effects on InhA activity, mycobacterial growth, and cytotoxicity. The antimycobacterial activity of KEN1 was comparable to that of the lead compound (KES4), although it exhibited superior activity in mtInhA inhibition. \

Conclusions:
We obtained a KES4 derivative with high mtInhA inhibitory activity by in silico docking simulation with a chemical library consisting of a series of D-ring-modified KES4.
Epidemiological Profile and Surveillance Activity of Tuberculosis in South Batinah, Oman, 2017 and 2018
Authors: Al Mayahi Zayid K. , AlAufi Ibtisam , Al Ghufaili Badriya , Al Balushi Zawan , Al Mughazwi Zakiya , Mohammed Emad , Essa Rahmdil , Yousif Haga M. , Al Mayahi Adhraa K. , Hattali Azza Al , Ghafri Fakhriyah Al , Shaqsi Nasser Al , Salim Khalid , Elmutashi1 Hamid A , Yaquobi Fatma Al 
Published: February 2024

Background:
Understanding the current surveillance activity and the challenges is important to ensure a continuous success toward the elimination goal for tuberculosis (TB). South Batinah Governorate (SBG) ranked the fourth on the top reporting governorates in the period 2010–2016 in Oman. The objective of this study is to describe the epidemiological profile and activities of the surveillance program of TB in the SBG in the years 2017 and 2018.

Methods:
A retrospective quantitative analysis and a qualitative review were performed to the surveillance data present in the department of disease surveillance and control in the SBG in the years 2017 and 2018.

Results:
A total of 39 pulmonary TB (PTB) and 21 extrapulmonary TB (EPTB) cases were diagnosed in 2017 and 2018. More Omanis (22, 56.4%) were diagnosed with PTB compared to non-Omanis; however, the EPTB was solely diagnosed among Omanis (P < 0.001). Majority of the TB patients (35%) were between 30 and 49 years. More than 50% of the TB cases of both the types were diagnosed in <3 months, and the median of diagnosis delay was 33.5 (standard deviation = 95.5). Bacillus Calmette–Guérin vaccine scar was present in only 20.5% of the PTB patients, compared to 57.1% of EPTB (P = 0.004). Patients with PTB presented mainly with cough (31, 79.5%), loss of weight and appetite (25, 64.1%), and fever (22, 56.4%). Enlarged lymph nodes and loss of weight and appetite were the common symptoms among EPTB patients, 38.1 for each (P < 0.001). Staffing, incomplete notifications, difficulty in tracing the results, and absence of regular feedbacks are the major existing challenges.

Conclusion:
SBG continues to sustain low incidence rate of tuberculosis; however, additional strategies are urgently required for further reduction. Hence, the priority is to enhance all essential components of the surveillance system at this stage.
Performance of Mali's Biosafety Level 3 Laboratory in the External Quality Assessment in Preparedness of Laboratory Accreditation and Support to Clinical Trials
Authors: Coulibaly N , Kone B , Sanogo M , Togo ACG , Diarra B , Sarro YS , Cisse AB , Kodio O , Coulibaly G , Kone M , Baya B , Maiga M , Dabitao D , Belson M , Dao S , Diallo S , Diakite M , Babana AH , Doumbia S 
Published: February 2024

Background:
The external quality assessment (EQA) or external quality control is an evaluation conducted by a certified external organization to inquire about the quality of the results provided by a laboratory. The primary role of EQA is to verify the accuracy of laboratory results. This is essential in research because research data should be published in international peer-reviewed journals, and laboratory results must be repeatable. In 2007, the University Clinical Research Center (UCRC's) biosafety level 3 (BSL-3) laboratory joined the EQA program with the College of American Pathologists in acid-fast staining and culture and identification of mycobacteria as per laboratory accreditation preparedness. Thus, after 11 years of participation, the goal of our study was to evaluate the performance of our laboratory during the different interlaboratory surveys.

Methods:
We conducted a descriptive retrospective study to evaluate the results of UCRC mycobacteriology laboratory from surveys conducted during 2007 and 2017.

Results:
Of the 22 evaluations, the laboratory had satisfactory (100% of concordance results) in 18 (81.8%) and good (80% of concordance results) in 4 (18.2%). Overall, the laboratory was above the commended/accepted limits of 75%.

Conclusion:
So far, UCRC's BSL-3 performed well during the first 11 years of survey participation, and efforts should be deployed to maintain this high quality in the preparedness for laboratory accreditation and support to clinical trials.
The Activity-Based Cost of Drug-Susceptibility Test of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Through Kit SIRE Nitratase® Plastlabor
Authors: de Almeida Isabela Neves , da Silva Suely Conceição Alves , de Oliveira Junior Haliton Alves , de Assis Figueredo Lida Jouca , Soares Valéria Martins , da Silva Carvalho Wânia , Kritski Afrânio , da Silva Vater da Costa Fiori Maria Cláudia , de Miranda Silvana Spíndola 
Published: February 2024

Background:
Drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) is an ongoing health threat, and the greatest challenge to adequate control of TB in many countries lies in the lack of proper laboratory drug-susceptibility test. The aim of this study was to evaluate the activity-based costs (ABC) of Kit SIRE Nitratase® (Kit SIRE) and compare its values with the conventional drug-susceptibility test.

Methods:
The ABC was calculated for three different approaches: Kit SIRE (clinical samples and cultures), proportion methods in Lowenstein Jensen (PM-LJ), and the Bactec™ MGIT™ 960 system based on Mycobacterial Research Laboratory's routine.

Results:
The ABC of Kit SIRE from cultures was US$ 148.54, while from clinical samples was US$ 136.12. In the case of conventional tests, the ABC of Bactec™ MGIT™ 960 was US$ 227.63 and of the PM-LJ was US$ 132.64. The Kit SIRE has a lower ABC when clinical samples are used instead of cultures. Compared to conventional tests, the ABC is similar to the PM-LJ and lower the Bactec™ MGIT™ 960.

Conclusion:
The Kit SIRE should be used as a screening method in clinical specimens and in culture for laboratories that do not have Bactec™ MGIT™ 960. Therefore, it can be incorporated into the routine of laboratories in countries with low resources and a high burden of TB and drug-resistant TB.
Primary invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the nipple in an adult male: A case report and brief review of literature
Authors: Jain Priyansh , Acharya Prapti , Sultania Mahesh , Muduly Dillip K. , Sable Mukund N. 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT
This is a case report of a rare and uncommon primary invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the nipple in a male patient. The patient presented with an ulcerated growth over the left nipple for the last 20 years, which progressed over the last 6 months. He underwent wide local excision with level II axillary lymph node dissection, and one out of 42 lymph nodes harvested showed metastatic deposit. The patient was planned for follow-up with no adjuvant treatment, and had no evidence of local-regional or distant recurrence at 24 months follow-up. The primary invasive SCC of male nipple is very rare, and its diagnosis is challenging as it can be confused with other clinical conditions. However, a histopathological examination with immunohistochemistry can differentiate primary SCC nipple from other differential diagnoses. The treatment options for cutaneous SCC include surgical excision, cryotherapy, electrosurgery, topical ointments, definitive radiation therapy, and photodynamic therapy. Regional lymph node dissection in SCC nipple could potentially have therapeutic and prognostic significance.
Sirka: An alternative to the formalin fixative
Authors: Gotur Suhasini P. , Kamarthi Nagaraju , Wadhwan Vijay 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT
Formalin fixation is the most essential step of routine histopathology practice. During the last few years, various fixatives have been developed for use in histopathology practice as an alternative to formalin, to overcome its side effects on health. Here we have demonstrated an interesting and novel idea of using sirka or sugar cane vinegar as an alternative to the formalin with the adequate result.
“At-Job” Exercise Program versus Ergonomic Brochure on Pain and Disability in Preprimary School Teachers with Low Back Pain
Authors: Agre Sharayu , Agrawal Ronika 
Published: February 2024

Context:
The incidence and prevalence of work-related low back pain (LBP) in preprimary teachers are high due to job profile. Interventions that will address this multifaceted problem are strength training, mobility, and preventive measures. These interventions should be admissible during work. Hence, the objective of this study was to compare the effect of “At-Job” exercises and ergonomic brochures on pain and disability in preprimary school teachers suffering from LBP, since both can be administered at work.

Subjects and Methods:
An interventional study was conducted in schools of Pune on 120 preprimary school teachers with mechanical LBP. The participants were allocated randomly to the Group A “At-Job” exercise group and the Group B ergonomic brochure group. The intervention was given for 6 weeks. Outcome measures Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were recorded at the beginning and the end of the intervention.

Results:
Both “At-Job” exercises and ergonomic groups demonstrated statistically significant reductions in the VAS and ODI scores (P < 0.05). When a comparison was done between the groups, Group A (“At-Job” exercise) was significantly better than Group B in terms of the VAS as well as ODI (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:
Although both the “At-Job” exercise and ergonomic brochure groups were effective in reducing chronic LBP, the “At-Job” exercise group showed better improvement than the ergonomic brochure intervention.