bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy in Bulgarian pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease – an 8-year experience of a referral center
Authors: Shentova-Eneva Rayna R. , Kofinova Denitza R. , Baycheva Mila Zh. , Hadzhiyski Petyo G. , Naydenov Hristo B. , Yaneva Penka G. , Lazarova Elena A. 
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) therapy has become a mainstay in the treatment of patients with inflammatory bowel disease over the past few decades.
Aim: The aim of this study was to present our 8-year experience with anti-TNF treatment in pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
Materials and methods: We reviewed retrospectively the medical records of all children with inflammatory bowel disease who received anti-TNF drugs between September 2013 and September 2021.
Results: The study included 48 patients in total, with a median age of 15 years (range: 11 months to 17 years). All but one of them were receiving combination therapy, which included both an immunomodulator and a biologic agent, for moderate-to-severe disease. Infliximab was administered to only half of the study participants, adalimumab was only received by 22.9%, and 27.1% were treated with more than one biologic agent. Clinical remission at 6 months was achieved by 72.9% of them and 47.9% achieved a deep remission at 12 months. A quarter of the patients required therapy escalation and 27.1% switched to another biologic agent due to adverse events, primary non-response, or secondary loss of response (18.8% switched to a second anti-TNF and 8.3% switched to an anti-integrin agent). During the study period, the following serious adverse drug reactions were observed: 3 cases of anaphylactic reactions, 1 case of allergic rash, 1 case of disseminated tuberculosis, 1 case of severe herpes simplex infection, 1 case of herpes zoster infection, and 2 cases of drug-induced psoriasis.
Conclusions: Anti-TNF agents are an effective and safe treatment option in Bulgarian pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
Twelve-month clinical evaluation of retention of resin-based sealant on first permanent molars
Authors: Shtereva Lilyana , Kondeva Veselina 
Published: August 2023

Introduction: The majority of researchers agree that sealants need to be monitored and kept in good condition because even a small amount of sealant loss raises the possibility of developing caries lesions. The first year after application is when sealant loss is reported to be at its highest. This motivated us to monitor silanized patients who received resin-based sealant for a full year.
Aim: The aim of this study was to monitor the retention of resin-based sealant on fully erupted first permanent molars in children aged 7-8 years.
Materials and methods: Prior to sealant application, all first permanent molars included in the study were subjected to visual diagnostics using the ICDAS II system and diagnostics with VistaCamiX Macro using the same system. Silanization was performed according to the indications. The follow-up checks were performed at 3, 6, and 12 months in accordance with the accepted methodology.
Results: At the end of the first year, completely lost sealant was reported in approximately 8%-9% of the monitored surfaces using various diagnostic methods.
Conclusions: Resin-based sealants are suitable for application on occlusal surfaces of teeth when it is possible to properly isolate the field of work. They provide both an excellent prophylactic effect of caries and very good retention.
CT perfusion – an up-to-date element of the contemporary multimodal diagnostic approach to acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Halil Eray 
Published: August 2023

Acute ischemic stroke is of great clinical and societal importance due to its high incidence and mortality rates, as well as the fact that those who are affected suffer from permanent acquired disability. Modern trends explicitly state that the disease’s diagnostic plan should use a multidisciplinary approach. The therapeutic steps that ultimately determine the clinical outcome are defined by an accurate diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke. Highly specialized facilities for the diagnosis and treatment of acute ischemic stroke (Stroke Units) are in operation in countries that make significant investments in healthcare. Imaging the brain parenchyma at risk, or the so-called ischemic penumbra, in acute ischemic stroke is one of the main tasks of the multimodal computed tomography approach. The most rapid method for imaging the ischemic penumbra is computed tomography perfusion (CTP). This modality provides information about the anatomy and the physiologic state of the brain parenchyma.
The current literature review offers a comprehensive overview of the various aspects of computed tomography perfusion in acute ischemic stroke and, more specifically, about the differential diagnosis of acute ischemic strokes and diseases that mimic strokes, predicting the risk of hemorrhagic transformation, the computed tomography perfusion used in intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) beyond the therapeutic window, wake-up strokes (WUS) and strokes of unknown onset (SUKO), and the reported predictive parameters of CTP in correlation with the clinical outcome in acute ischemic stroke.
Determinants of sun exposure time among Sri Lankan pregnant women
Authors: Kaneshapillai Anusha , Hettiaratchi Usha , Prathapan Shamini , Liyanage Guwani 
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Sun exposure becomes extremely important for primary prevention of vitamin D deficiency (VDD) for high-risk populations who do not receive supplemental vitamin D. The present study investigated the determinants of sun exposure time and its association to vitamin D among Sri Lankan pregnant women in a primary health care population from the Colombo District.Methods: This is part of a cross-sectional study of 383 third trimester pregnant mothers from primary healthcare (PHC) units in the Colombo District in Western Sri Lanka. A newly developed interviewer-administrated questionnaire was used as the main study instrument. In addition, a venous blood sample was collected for 25(OH)D levels. The univariate and multivariate analysis examined the determinants of sun exposure time. One-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc test described the association between sun exposure time and vitamin D level.Results: Most (56.9%) had <30 minutes of sun exposure per day. Low sun exposure time observed with Moor ethnicity (OR:7.45, 95% CI: 3.764, 14.741, p<0.001), lower parity (OR:0.53, 95%CI: 0.369, 0.753, p<0.001) and higher educational level (OR: 3.10, 95% CI: 1.606, 5.976, p=0.001). Women who spent ≥30 minutes exposed to sun between 9am to 3pm [F(3,373)=10.1, p<0.001] had higher vitamin D levels.Conclusions: Educational level, parity, and ethnicity are important determinants of sun exposure time. A significantly lower serum vitamin D is demonstrated in pregnant women with exposure time <30 minutes. This evidence will allow health personnel to individualize the advice to improve vitamin D-related sun exposure behaviour in this population who are not routinely supplemented with vitamin D.
Medication transcription errors at a tertiary healthcare facility in Uva province, Sri Lanka: A retrospective study
Authors: Ratnapala Udana Subodhika , Wijesekara Hiranya , Illanganthilaka Anuradha , Dissanayaka Duminda , Hanwellage Kapila , Liyanage Chaminda , Halahakoon Dhammika , Hameed Shazar , Pathirathna Hirantha , Siriwardhana Ranjith 
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Medication transcription is an error-prone process in healthcare settings with paper-based documentation. However, it is often preventable. In Sri Lanka, a uniform medication chart is not currently in use.Objectives: To describe transcription errors with the aim of designing a standardized drug chart to minimize the transcription errors at a tertiary care facility in Uva province, Sri LankaMethods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in selected units at Provincial General Hospital, Badulla. All discharged patients after a minimum of 72 hours hospital stay were included. The drug charts of bedhead tickets were scrutinized for transcription errors.Results: At the time of study, four types of charts were in use. In total 272 drug charts, the median number of drugs was 9 (Interquartile range - IQR 6-12). Median length of patient’s stay was 4 days (IQR 3-6). We encountered at least one transcription error of medication details in 88.6% charts. Amongst, medication name transcription error was the most common (220, 80.9%) followed by route (114, 41.9%) and frequency errors (70, 25.7%). During transcribing drug names, majority of charts had spelling errors (203, 74.6%). Although there was a statistically significant association between number of prescribed drugs and presence of at least one medication transcription error (p<.001), there was no significant association to number of days of patient stay (p=.99).Conclusion: The selected center has a significantly high prevalence of medication transcription errors. Hence, introducing a uniform medication administration chart is encouraged to minimize the opportunities for adverse patient outcomes.
Deceleration Profiles Between the Penultimate and Final Steps of Planned and Reactive Side-Step Cutting
Authors: Mulligan Colin M.S. , Johnson Samuel T. , Pollard Christine D. , Hannigan Kim S. , Athanasiadis Dimitrios , Norcross Marc F. 
Published: August 2023

Context
Noncontact anterior cruciate ligament injury often occurs during rapid deceleration and change-of-direction maneuvers. These activities require an athlete to generate braking forces to slow down the center of mass and change direction in a dynamic environment. During preplanned cutting, athletes can use the penultimate step for braking before changing direction, resulting in less braking demand during the final step. During reactive cutting, athletes use different preparatory movement strategies during the penultimate step when planning time is limited. However, possible differences in the deceleration profile between the penultimate and final steps of preplanned and reactive side-step cuts remain unknown.

Objective
To comprehensively evaluate deceleration during the penultimate and final steps of preplanned and reactive cutting.

Design
Cross-sectional study.

Setting
Laboratory.

Patients or Other Participants
Thirty-six women (age = 20.9 ± 1.7 years, height = 1.66 ± 0.07 m, mass = 62.4 ± 8.7 kg).

Intervention
Participants completed 90° side-step cutting maneuvers under preplanned and reactive conditions.

Main Outcome Measure(s)
Approach velocity, velocity at initial contact, and cutting angle were compared between conditions. Stance time, deceleration time, and biomechanical indicators of deceleration were assessed during the penultimate and final steps of preplanned and reactive 90° cuts. Separate repeated-measures analysis-of-variance models were used to assess the influence of step, condition, and their interaction on the biomechanical indicators of deceleration.

Results
Approach velocity (P = .69) and velocity at initial contact of the penultimate step (P = .33) did not differ between conditions. During reactive cutting, participants achieved a smaller cutting angle (P &lt; .001). We identified a significant step-by-condition interaction for all biomechanical indicators of deceleration (P values &lt; .05).

Conclusions
A lack of planning time resulted in less penultimate step braking and greater final step braking during reactive cutting. As a result, participants exhibited a decreased cutting angle and longer stance time during the final step of reactive cutting. Improving an athlete’s ability to respond to an external stimulus may facilitate a more effective penultimate step braking strategy that decreases the braking demand during the final step of reactive cutting.
Prevalence and risk factors for hepatitis C virus infection among HIV positive patients at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria
Authors: Oshun P. O. , Salu O. B. , Omilabu S. A. 
Published: August 2023

Background: Worldwide, an estimated 58 million people have chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, with about 1.5 million new infections occurring per year. About 2.3 million people living with HIV globally have serological evidence of past or present HCV infection. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of active HCV infection and associated risk factors among HIV positive patients attending the HIV clinic, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, Lagos, Nigeria.
Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of and risk factors for HCV infection among randomly selected HIV positive patients at the LUTH HIV clinic. Socio-demographic, clinical and laboratory data were collected from the participants using a structured questionnaire. Blood samples were collected and tested for HCV antibodies with an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (CTK Biotech USA) and HCV RNA was detected using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction assay.
Results: One hundred and ninety-five HIV infected participants were recruited into the study of which 134 (68.7%) were females and 61 (31.3%) were males. The mean age of participants was 40.1±7.8 years. Of the 195 participants, 5 tested positive for antibody to HCV, giving a seroprevalence rate of 2.6% (95% CI = 0.8-5.9%). Of the 5 seropositive participants, HCV RNA was detected in 1 (20.0%), giving a prevalence of 0.5% (1/195) for active HCV infection. The seroprevalence of HCV in males of 4.9% (3/61) and females of 1.5% (2/134) was not significantly different (OR=3.41, 95% CI=0.56-20.98%, p=0.18). The mean log10 HIV viral load was significantly higher among participants seropositive for HCV (5.1±0.9 log copies/ml) than those seronegative (2.7±1.2 log copies/ml) (p < 0.001). The mean duration of antiretroviral therapy was significantly lower among participants seropositive for HCV (2.6±1.3 years) than those seronegative (5.6±3.1 years) (p=0.004). The seroprevalence of HCV was significantly higher in those with CD4 count <350 cells/mm3 (8.5%) than those with CD4 count >350cells/mm3 (p=0.02). The seroprevalence of HCV in the HIV-positive participants was significantly associated with sexual partners (p=0.0473), with highest seroprevalence in those with ≥ 3 sexual partners (OR=11.625, 95% CI=1.049-128.83). Other risk factors were not significantly associated with seroprevalence of HCV (p>0.05), while risk factors associated with active HCV infection could not be evaluated with the only one HCV RNA positive participant
Conclusion: Although the prevalence of active HCV infection in HIV infected individuals in this study was apparently low (0.5%), screening with HCV antibody test and confirmation with HCV RNA PCR assay are recommended.
Transmission pattern and the role of DOTS clinic in the control strategies of Tuberculosis in Kano, Nigeria
Authors: Takalmawa H.U. , Mukhtar M.D. , Taura D.W. , Iliyasu Z. , Mohammad Y. , Sadisu N. , Adamu A.Y. 
Published: August 2023

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major public health concern not only in developing nations but globally and the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated 10.4 million incident cases of TB and 1.67 million TB deaths in 2017. The study was conducted in Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH), Kano, a reference health facility for infectious disease of public health importance. The aim of the study was to determine the transmission pattern of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) strains and the role played by Directly Observed Therapy Short course (DOTS) clinic in the control of TB. Of the 945 case-patients enrolled, 625 (66.1%) were males and 320 (33.9%) were females. The mean age of patients in years was 32.8 ± 13.8 SD and the median age was 30 years (range 3-95 years). Incidence of TB among presumptive cases was 15.0%. There was a fairly consistent increase in TB prevalence from 2015 (11.0%), 2016 (11.5%), 2017 (10.0%) and 2018 (36%). Pulmonary TB was diagnosed in 884 (93.5%) while Extra-Pulmonary TB accounted for 6.5%. New cases of TB within the study period were 819 (86.7%) and while 126 (13.3%) were relapse TB cases. Treatment outcome that included patients described as cured or have completed treatment successfully (smear negative) were recorded in 811 (85.8%) cases. DOTS clinic has improved TB detection rate through the years and consequently played a big supervisory role in TB treatment and control strategy in the state.
Bacterial Assessment of Retailed Smoked Edible Frog (<i>Hoplobatrachus occipitalis</i>)
Authors: Daramola J.A. , Kester C.T. , Kehinde A.A. 
Published: August 2023

This research work evaluated the bacteriological safety of smoked edible frog (Hoplobatrachus occipitalis) retailed in three selected markets in Ota metropolis, Ogun State, Nigeria. Three different markets namely Iju-Ota, Sango and Ijoko markets were visited and smoked edible frogs were procured. The study was conducted to determine if there is any potential risk of foodborne infection from consuming these smoked edible frogs by the populace. Microbiological analyses were carried out using nutrient Agar, mannitol salt agar, mac conkey agar, Salmonella shigella agar and eosin methylene blue agar (EMBA) and conventional methods were used to identify the bacteria isolated. The results revealed that samples from Sango market had the highest heterotrophic bacterial counts and ranged from 2.57 x 107 cfu/g to 3.47 x 107 cfu/g among the three markets. Total coliform counts ranged from 1.23 x 105 cfu/g to 2.04 x 105 cfu/g, total enterobacteriaceae counts ranged from 8.91 x 102 cfu/g to 1.29 x 103 cfu/g, total staphylococcal counts ranged from 1.82 x 105 cfu/g to 2.63 x 105 cfu/g and that of Salmonella shigella counts ranged from 8.71 x 102 cfu/g to 1.15 x 103 cfu/g. The bacterial isolates in this study belong to six genera. Presence of these bacterial isolates is highly suggestive that these products were prepared and sold under condition that would permit the survival and multiplication of various microorganisms. Proper processing and cooking of the smoked edible frog meat will get rid of these pathogens, thereby preventing foodborne infections.
Knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of University students regarding antimicrobial use (AMU) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Ethiopia
Authors: Abunna Fufa , Gebresenbet Girma , Megersa Bekele 
Published: August 2023

A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study on 1252 University students was conducted in Ethiopia to assess their knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) towards antimicrobial usage (AMU) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Verbal consent was obtained from randomly selected students to participate in this study. A logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between the socio- demographic profiles of the students against their knowledge, attitude, and practices toward antimicrobial resistance and antimicrobial usage. The Kruskal-Wallis and chi-square tests were used to examine how the median scores in each of the knowledge, attitude, and practice categories varied across study participants. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. The overall median AMR and AMU knowledge score was 13 (IQR=11, 14). The median AMR and AMU attitude score was 15 (IQR: 13, 15). The median score of AMU and AMR practice was 10 (IQR: 10, 11). Logistic regression analysis revealed that the students’ birthplace was found to be a significant factor (p <0.01) regarding the knowledge of students. The analysis further revealed that students’ birthplace, field of studies, and good knowledge were significant factors (p<0.01) affecting their attitudes. Students with good knowledge had 3.9 times more positive attitudes than those with poor knowledge (OR = 3.9, CI = 3.0 -5.2, p < 0.01). Students from VM had 1.6 times better attitudes than students from HS and NHS (OR = 1.6, CI=1.2- 2.1, p = 0.002). Finally, students in the field of veterinary medicine and those having good knowledge had 1.4 and 0.5 times better practice than their counterparts (OR=1.4; CI=1.2, 2.1, p<0.01 and OR= 0.5, CI=0.4, 0.6, p<0.01, respectively). In conclusion, there were critical gaps in knowledge, attitudes, and practices among University students regarding antimicrobial usage and antimicrobial resistance. Hence, students are encouraged to exhaustively utilize the digital era to advance their knowledge. Interventions to raise awareness should also target students majoring in fields other than health sciences.
Contributing factors to repeat breeding and postpartum anestrus and pregnancy rate subsequent to hormonal intervention in crossbred dairy cows
Authors: Befekadu Kirubel , Eshete Tewodros , Demissie Tilaye , Yilma Tefera 
Published: August 2023

A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to July 2021 to determine the prevalence and contributing factors to repeat breeding (RB) and postpartum anestrus (PPA) in crossbred dairy cattle in the central highland of Ethiopia. Furthermore; a retrospective study was used to collect data on the occurrence of RB and PPA and the associated risk factors. The pregnancy rate was determined by rectal palpation on day 60 after hormonal therapy using double PGF2α and GnRH in combination with PGF2α. (Ovsynch). The prevalence of RB and PPA was 33.85% and 30.73%, respectively. Body condition score, parity, milk yield, herd size, abortion, and mastitis all revealed a statistically significant association (p < 0.05) with the prevalence of RB and PPA. Cows with a previous history of abortion were 2.58 times at risk of repeat breeding than those without. Similarly, cows with a previous history of mastitis were 2.63 times more at risk of RB than cows that didn’t encounter the disease. Previously aborted and older cows with greater parity numbers were 2.89 and 1.23 times more affected by PPA, respectively. Moreover, endometritis and retained fetal membrane showed significant association (p<0.05) with postpartum anestrus. The pregnancy rates in cows treated with double PGF2α and GnRH + PGF2α (Ovsynch) were 41.46% and 29.17%, respectively. It is concluded that the occurrence of RB and PPA in the research area was influenced by parity, body condition, and daily milk yield of the cow. Reproductive health problems including abortion retained fetal membranes, endometritis, and mastitis affected the prevalence of RB and PPA. Although the use of double PGF2α or in combination with GnRH has resumed cyclicity in RB and PPA dairy cows, the pregnancy rates are yet low. Hence, a study that utilizes detailed hormonal assay profiles and reproductive-related blood metabolites should be done.