bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antichlamydia Antibodies and Sperm Quality among Male Partners of Infertile Couples in Nigeria
Authors: Olibe AO , Udealor PC , Ugwu EO , Iyoke CA , Ugwu AO , Eleje GU , Umeh UA , Iloghalu EI , Agu PU , Obioha KC , Onwuka CI 
Published: April 2023

ABSTRACT

Background:
The impact of Chlamydia trachomatis on semen quality has been studied with varied results.

Aim:
To determine the prevalence of antichlamydial antibodies and their relationship with sperm quality among male partners of infertile couples in Enugu, South-East Nigeria.

Materials and Methods:
It was a cross-sectional study of infertile male partners of couples attending infertility clinics at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu, Nigeria. Their sera were assayed for antichlamydial antibodies, and semen analysis and culture were done for each participant.

Results:
Two hundred and eighty-two (282) male partners of infertile couples were studied. Infertility was commoner among participants aged 40 years or more (45.1%) and was mainly of the “primary type” (62.1%). Antichlamydia antibody was detected in 156 (55.3%) participants and was significantly associated with sperm quality (P = 002; OR = 2.294; 95% CI = 1.36–3.88). Overall, 81 (28.7%) had abnormal sperm quality. The sperm count, progressive motility, and vitality were significantly lower in participants with abnormal sperm quality than those with normal sperm quality (P < 0.001) while morphology, volume, and liquefaction time did not differ significantly (P > 0.05). Staphylococcus aureus was the predominant organism isolated from culture (122/282, 43.3%) while Streptococcus species were the least (4/262, 1.4%). There was significantly more Staphylococcus aureus isolated from the semen of participants that were seropositive to antichlamydial antibodies than those that were seronegative (80/156, 51.3% vs. 42/126, 33.3%; OR = 2.105; 95% CI = 1.30–3.42; P = 0.003).

Conclusion:
The prevalence of antichlamydial antibodies among male partners of infertile couples in Enugu, Nigeria is high and there is a significant association with sperm quality, sperm count, and bacterial isolates in seminal culture. Male partners of infertile couples in Enugu should be screened for antichlamydial antibodies and appropriate treatment offered wherever indicated. There is a need for increased public awareness and advocacy campaigns on the impact of Chlamydia infection on male factor infertility. This primary preventive measure may help in reducing the burden of Chlamydia infection and male factor infertility.
The Effects of Nursing Interventions on the Level of Anxiety and Care Burden of the Caregivers of Bedridden Patients
Authors: Bayrak B , Özkan ÇG , Demirbag BC 
Published: April 2023

ABSTRACT

Background:
Taking care of bedridden patients at home is a very difficult task for caregivers. In this care process, caregivers can be supported with the interventions given by the nurses at home.

Aim:
This study mainly aimed to compare the anxiety and care burden levels of caregivers of bedridden patients at home after nursing interventions which a personal care handbook, regular home visits, and telephone counseling.

Subject and Methods:
To proceed with this study, 51 caregivers have included in this study between January 1 and July 21, 2018. The Barthel Index for Activities of Daily Living (BIADL) was used to measure levels of independence in patient’s activities, State and Trait Anxiety Scale (SAI and TAI) was used to measure the anxiety levels, and Burden Interview (BI) care burden problems of caregivers who participated in the study. Also, Sociodemographic Characteristics Form was used for demographic data of patients and caregivers.

Results:
The analysis of the responses showed the proportions of the caregivers who had lower SAI- TAI and BI scores after taking nursing intervention at home. The state anxiety level of caregivers (pre-test: Mean; 54.06+-7.97; post-test: Mean; 38.43+-6.41) and the trait anxiety level of the caregivers (pre-test: Mean; 51.45+-5.94; post-test: Mean; 41.59+-7.05) and the burden level of caregivers (pre-test: Mean; 75.75+-11.41; post-test: Mean; 57.69+-13.39) was determined. The differences between the pre and post-test mean scores of SAI, TAI, and BI were statistically significant (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:
Our study highlights that the burden and anxiety levels of the caregivers had lower post-test levels than the pre-test levels.
The Effects of Radiotherapy on Arterial Diameters in Patients with High-Grade Glial Tumors Who Have Undergone Adjuvant Radiotherapy
Authors: Karaca F , Menteş S , Boğa Z , Akkaya H , Keskin S , Gülek B 
Published: April 2023

ABSTRACT

Background and Aims:
Our purpose was to evaluate the M2 branch of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) in high-grade glial tumor patients who undergo adjuvant radiotherapy (RT). For this purpose, the diameter of the M2 branch was measured and evaluated by means of contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CE-MRI) before and after RT. Post-radiotherapeutical measurements were made 1, 3, 5, and 7 months after the procedure; and vascular diameter alterations were evaluated.

Materials and Methods:
CE-MRI examinations were performed on the 32 patients enrolled in the study, who had undergone radiotherapy of the temporoparietal region. MRI examinations were performed prior to RT (RT0) and 1 (RT1), 3 (RT2), 5 (RT3), and 7 (RT4) months after RT. The M2 branch of the MCA was evaluated on MRI images, and the vessel diameter was measured in millimeters (mm), and then comparisons were made.

Results:
Statistically significant results were obtained during RT0-RT1, RT0-RT2, RT0-RT3, RT0-RT4, RT1-RT2, RT2-RT4, and RT3-RT4, and comparisons of the diameters of the M2 branch of the right MCA were performed (P < 0.05). When the same measurements and comparisons were made for the M2 branch of the left MCA, statistically significant results were found for the RT1-RT2, RT1-RT3, and RT1-RT4 comparisons (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:
Our study showed that the MCA M2 branch diminished in size following RT. This was demonstrated by means of CE-MRI controls performed up to 7 months after the completion of the RT procedures.
Determinants of Blood Pressure Control among Hypertensive Patients Attending a Rural Teaching Hospital in Southern Nigeria
Authors: Oseni TIA , Emonriken A , Ahmed SD , Dic-Ijiewere M 
Published: April 2023

ABSTRACT

Background:
Hypertension (HTN) is the commonest cardiovascular risk factor in sub-Saharan Africa. It is a global public health threat, often associated with significant morbidities and mortality with rising prevalence both in rural and semi-urban areas of economically disadvantaged countries.

Aim:
This study aimed to assess the determinants of blood pressure control among patients with hypertension receiving care at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital in Southern Nigeria.

Patients and Methods:
A cross-sectional study of 502 consenting hypertensive adults receiving care at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua in Edo State, South-south Nigeria. A pre-tested semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data which was analyzed using SPSS version 21 and the level of significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results:
Five hundred and two participants (226 males, 276 females) completed the study with a mean age of 52.98 ± 12.82 years. Optimal blood pressure control was found in 15.5% of the study participants. Blood pressure control was significantly associated with being married (OR 1.549, CI: 1.040-2.309), having a monthly household income of over N50,000 (OR 1.691, CI: 0.999-2.863), engaging in physical activity (OR = 1.537, CI: 0.989-2.388), and not being obese evidenced by a normal Waist Hip Ratio (OR = 2.276, CI: 1.555-3.332).

Conclusion:
Blood pressure control to target goal was low in the study population and achieved only in less than one-fifth of respondents on antihypertensive therapy. Numerous socio-demographic and lifestyle variables were shown to be associated with blood pressure control. Physicians should emphasize medication adherence and lifestyle modification approaches in hypertensive adults.
Evaluation of Immediate Implant Placement with Osteotome Sinus Floor Elevation without Graft Material
Authors: Tamer Y 
Published: April 2023

ABSTRACT

Background:
Significant difficulties can be encountered when installing posterior maxillary implants. Osteotome sinus floor elevation (OSFE) enables insertion of implants with insufficient bone height at the posterior maxilla using a special instrument known as the “osteotom.”

Aim:
This study aimed to evaluate the implant survival rates and radiographical bone gain data after OSFE with simultaneous implant placement performed without grafting material. Further, we have discussed whether the osteotom tapping distance to sinus floor affects the amount of new bone gain (NBG).

Materials and Methods:
Forty dental implants were inserted in 36 patients (20 women and 16 men) aged between 24 and 80 years (mean = 55.7 years). Residual bone height and NBG were analyzed using a commercially available software program on panoramic films.

Results:
The mean residual bone height at the intended implant sites was 5.4 mm ± 2.2 mm, ranging from 3.5 mm to 6.9 mm. The mean NBG was 1.5 mm ± 0.87 mm, ranging from 0.1 mm to 4 mm. At 64.4 months of follow-up, one implant had been lost in the osseointegration period. The remaining 39 implants were in function, with a survival rate of 97.5%. No significant difference was seen between the osteotome tapping distance to sinus floor and NBG at the implant apex (P = 0.395).

Conclusion:
OSFE without using bone grafts with simultaneous implant installation is a safe and reliable method with successful long-term results for he rehabilitation of edentulous posterior maxillae.
Evaluation of Steroid Therapy in COVID-19 Patients; in the Right Dose at the Right Time to the Right Patients
Authors: Ayyıldız A , Yıldırım ÖT , Uçan A , Ayyıldız FA 
Published: April 2023

ABSTRACT

Background:
Although there is still no universally accepted treatment agent, steroids have been administered chronologically at every dose and at every stage of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Aim:
We aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of high-dose steroid therapy and its effect on mortality in COVID-19 patients with severe pneumonia, severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), and septic shock.

Patients and Methods:
Patients with severe pneumonia, septic shock, and ARDS due to COVID-19 who were followed up in the intensive care unit were retrospectively reviewed.

Results:
The study population was divided into two groups; the methylprednisolone pulse group (MP) (n = 55) and the dexamethasone group (Dex) (n = 39). When the values before and after treatment were compared; there was a statistically significant increase in the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio after treatment in the MP group (p = 0.006). Although it was not statistically significant in the MP group, There was a numerical increase in D-dimer levels (p = 0.28). Thromboembolic complications developed in 2 patients in the MP group. The mortality outcomes of the groups were statistically similar (p = 0.943).

Conclusion:
We recommend steroids use in the condition that it is indicated in the critically ill group with the poor general condition. Since there is no significant difference between high-dose pulse steroid treatment and standard treatment doses, we think that the risk of complications should not be taken into account and high doses should not be used.
Apoptosis in Physiological Root Resorption of Primary Teeth
Authors: Turan Y , Akal N , Yildirim B , Kaymaz F , Baris E 
Published: April 2023

ABSTRACT

Background:
During physiological root resorption of deciduous teeth, apoptotic cell death triggered by physiological processes might play a role in physiological root resorption in addition to collagen destruction. Little information has been obtained about the sequence of events and the mechanism responsible for the physiological death of pulp tissue cells.

Aim:
This study evaluated apoptotic cell death in the pulp tissue of deciduous teeth that showed various levels of physiological root resorption. The role of apoptosis in pulp tissue elimination during the physiological resorption of deciduous teeth was also examined.

Materials and Methods:
For orthodontic reasons, 12 healthy permanent teeth and the pulp of 34 healthy deciduous teeth showing signs of early and advanced root resorption were extracted. To detect apoptotic cells in the pulp tissue, the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) method and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used. The apoptotic index (AI) values of the study groups were determined using the TUNEL method. This technique required calculating the Apoptag positive(+) fibroblast cell ratio in accordance with the total number of cells.

Results:
No statistically significant differences were found for the AI values of each study group (p>0.05). Apoptosis was detected in the vascular endothelial cells, the mononuclear inflammatory cells, and the odontoblasts of the connective pulp tissue. In the pulp tissue, evaluated using TEM, various pulp cells were observed at distinct stages of apoptosis.

Conclusion:
The similarity between the AI values for both study groups suggested that in early and advanced stages of resorption, apoptosis may contribute to the regulation of the pulp cell population in a way that does not relate to the physiological process of deciduous teeth root resorption.
Mask-Associated Dry Eye (MADE) in Healthcare Professionals Working at COVID-19 Pandemic Clinics
Authors: Celik E , Polat E , Gunder EK , Barut E , Gonen T 
Published: April 2023

ABSTRACT

Background:
Healthcare professionals working at COVID-19 pandemic clinics have to work with masks during long hours. After the widespread use of masks in the community, many mask-related side effects were reported to clinics. The increase in the number of applicants with dry eye symptoms due to mask use in ophthalmology clinics has led to the emergence of the concept of mask-associated dry eye (MADE). We think that it would be valuable to evaluate ocular surface tests with a comparative study using healthcare professionals working in pandemic clinics, which we think is the right study group to examine the effects of long-term mask use.

Aims:
We aimed to evaluate the mask-associated dry eye (MADE) symptoms and findings in healthcare professionals who have to work prolonged time with face masks in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic clinics.

Patients and Methods:
In this prospective, observational comparative clinical study, healthcare professionals who use the mask for a long time and work in COVID-19 pandemic clinics were compared with an age and sex-matched control group consisting of short-term masks users, from April 2021 to November 2021. All participants underwent the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, tear film break-up time (T-BUT), Oxford staining score, Schirmer’s test I, and meibography with infrared transillumination.

Results:
The long-term mask user group consisted of 64 people, while the short-term mask user group consisted of 66 people (260 eyes, total). The OSDI score and Schirmer I measurement were not statistically different between the two groups. T-BUT was statistically significantly shorter in the long-term group (P: 0.008); lid parallel-conjunctival fold, Oxford staining score, and upper and lower lid meibography score were found to be significantly higher in the long-term group (P < 0.001, P: 0.004, P: 0.049, P: 0.044, respectively).

Conclusion:
Healthcare professionals with longer mask-wearing times are at greater risk of ocular surface damage. It may be considered to prevent this damage by blocking airflow to the ocular surface, such as by wearing a face mask properly or fitting it over the nose with surgical tape. Those who have to work with a mask for a long time during the COVID-19 pandemic should keep in mind the ophthalmology follow-up for eye comfort and ocular surface health.
Normal Central Foveal Thickness in a Thousand Eyes of Healthy Patients in Sub Saharan Africa Using Fourier Domain Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Oderinlo O , Bogunjoko T , Hassan AO , Idris O , Dalley A , Oshunkoya L , Odubela T 
Published: April 2023

ABSTRACT

Background:
Optical coherence tomography provides high resolution in vivo images of the retina which are essential for diagnosis and follow up of patients with retina disorders like macula edema and exudative age-related macular degeneration. Establishing the normal range of central fovea values in our population provides vital baseline data for comparison.

Aim:
To report the range of normal central fovea thickness measurements in eyes of healthy hospital patients in sub-Saharan Africa using a commercially available Fourier domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan.

Patients and Methods:
A retrospective non-comparative review of case files of a thousand consecutive healthy patients who had retina OCT scans between January 2015 and December 2019 was done.

Results:
Data from 1000 consecutive eyes of 500 healthy patients were used for the study. There were 181 females and 319 males. The mean central foveal thickness was 239.48 microns (μm), with a minimum thickness of 200.0 μm and maximum thickness of 297.0 μm. Males had significantly (P < 0.001) thicker mean CFT (mean CFT = 241.77 μm) compared with females (mean CFT = 235.43 μm). The mean CFT increased with age of participants by 0.139 μm (P < 0.001) for every year of life below 70.

Conclusion:
The mean central foveal thickness (CFT) in eyes of healthy patients in our study was 239.48 μm with a range from 200 μm to 297.0 μm. Males had thicker mean CFT compared with females and there was a significant increase in mean CFT by 0.139 μm (P < 0.001) for every year of life below 70.
IDENTITY AND COOPERATIVE COMPETITIVENESS THROUGH THE ICA GRID MODEL APPROACH (Study on Cooperative of Cattle Farming)
Authors: Irawan Dandan 
Published: April 2023

Cooperatives as a business entity are expected to have a competitive advantage compared to other business entities, thereby providing optimal service to members. In running this business, cooperatives are companies and organizations, so in carrying out their activities they consistently carry out a cooperative identity. For this reason, this study was conducted to find out how the competitive advantages of cooperatives consistently carry out cooperative identity by using the ICA Grid instrument. This research is a case study and was held in Koperasi Pertenak Sapi Bandung Selatan (The Cooperative of Cattle Farmer in South of Bandung) that cooperatives must have a greater role in their business activities.
Translations of English Children’s Literature in the Armenian Periodicals in India
Authors: Baloyan Varduhi 
Published: April 2023

Translations had a significant role both in the popularization of Eastern Armenian and the establishment of literary and cultural ties between the Armenian community and the British. The purpose was to further the international outlook, understanding and emotional experience of foreign environments and cultures, on the one hand, next was to make more literature available to children and to contribute to the development of the readers’ set of values.
It should be noted that literary relations first of all contributed to the emergence of bilingual dictionaries. Shmavonian published an English-Armenian dictionary which was intended “for the entertainment of studious children” (Mkhitaryan 2016:81).
19th century was marked by social political changes and created conditions for the development of new Armenian literature which was so important for shaping the mind set and behavior of the Armenian children. Thus, Armenian translators translated literature in connection with social and economic forces.
The Armenian printing business in India operated for a century and published almost 200 books, booklets and more than ten periodicals. In this article some translations published in Azdarar (The Intelligencer, 1794, Madras), Azgaser (the Patriot, 1845, Calcutta), Azgaser Araratian (Patriot Araratian, 1848. Calcutta), and Hayeli Kalkatian (Mirror of Calcutta, 1820, Calcutta) are examined.
Konsep Perlindungan Hukum Bagi Pengungsi Anak Dari Ukraina Dalam Perspektif Hukum Pengungsi Internasional
Authors: Latuconsina Rachma Rizky Melania , Anwar Arman , Daties Dyah Ridhul Airin 
Published: April 2023

Introduction: The war in Ukraine caused Ukrainian refugees, including children, to be forced to leave their homes to seek protection in areas that were still safe within the country of Ukraine as Internally Displaced Persons or IDPs.Purposes of the Research: This study aims to find out how the concept of legal protection for children who become refugees as a result of armed conflict and how the implementation of legal protection for children who become internally displaced persons in Ukraine.Results of the Research: The concept of humanitarian intervention to protect child refugees is the responsibility of the state as the national authority of Ukraine. but the conditions of war make a country unable to carry out its responsibilities as well as possible to protect internally displaced children as victims of war in their country. Although without intending to ignore the rights of child refugees, a country in a war situation will certainly place more strategic interests on military defense as its top priority, rather than other affairs and interests. the lack of proper livelihood and education for child refugees in Ukraine is one of the proofs showing that the Ukrainian state has not been successful as the main responsibility for protecting child refugees in the country. Therefore, the main responsibility cannot only be placed solely on the national authorities of the Ukrainian state, but must be the responsibility of all nations in the name of humanity, as is the case with international refugees who receive international protection. Children are a vulnerable group, very different from adult refugees. They need special attention so that they require more or different protection and handling measures because of their age. The best principle for the child (best interest of the child) must be the basis of his protection.
Batasan Antara Moderasi dan Toleransi Dalam Pendidikan Islam:
Authors: Nurnaesih Nurnaesih , Hidayat Wahyu , Wasehudin Wasehudin 
Published: April 2023

This research is based on concerns about the phenomena that occur today, becoming an event that strikes our minds. Several incidents cause us to think back and relate these events to the educational process so far.This research will examine moderation and tolerance in Islamic education. So that we can know the limitations that have been stated in the Al-Quran and Al-Hadith. Because Islam has been born with hospitality, Islam is spread in a peaceful way and there is no element of coercion. This research is a literature study that aims to examine moderation and tolerance in the letter Al-Kafirun. Tolerance has existed since the time of the prophet and what is happening now is that violence or radicalism does not come from Islam, but from human understanding in dealing with differences. We live in a country that is large and rich in tribes, religions, customs and languages, so there will be a potential for differences, how can we make those differences a blessing in accordance with the hadith of the prophet, that ikhtilafuummatirahmatun, it is necessary to have values moderation and religious tolerance in carrying out the teachings of the Islamic religion and must be implemented through the world of education. In the context of the ministry of religion, this is related to the implementation of Islamic educational institutions in Indonesia. At various levels, both formal and informal
Keywords: Moderation,Tolerance, The Letter Al-Kafirun, Islamic Education