bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of rhabdomyolysis in acutely intoxicated patients with psychotropic and chemical substances
Authors: Babulovska Aleksandra , Caparovska Daniela , Velikj Stefanovska Vesna , Simonovska Natasha , Pereska Zanina , Petkovska Lidija , Kostadinoski Kristin , Naumoski Kiril 
Published: June 2023

Introduction: Rhabdomyolysis is characterized by a muscle injury that leads to the release of intracellular muscle contents/constituents into the systemic circulation.
Aim: We examined the association between the severity of the clinical presentation and creatinine phosphokinase values in patients with rhabdomyolysis acutely intoxicated with psychotropic and chemical substances.
Materials and methods: This clinically controlled prospective study included 140 patients with rhabdomyolysis hospitalized at the University Clinic of Toxicology in 2019. They were divided into two groups by the substance used for intoxication (psychotropic or chemical).
Results: On the third day of hospitalization, we found a significant association between the type of intoxication and the degree of rhabdomyolysis according to the poisoning severity score (p=0.0256). The significance was due to intoxications with neuroleptics – 50% (n=6), anticonvulsants – 20% (n=1), antidepressants – 16.67% (n=2), heroin – 25% (n=1), and methadone – 54% (n=6). According to the poisoning severity score, the majority of intoxicated patients with chemical substances – other gases 100% (n=1), and those intoxicated with psychotropic substances – methadone 46.67% (n=7), neuroleptics 42.67% (n=5), heroin 40% (n=2), antidepressants 8.33% (n=1), had severe rhabdomyolysis. In psychotropic intoxications, creatine kinase had a significant linear positive weak correlation with mortality (p=0.0234).
Conclusions: Rhabdomyolysis and its clinical symptoms and signs were significantly more common in patients intoxicated with psychotropic substances compared to chemical intoxications. Intoxicated patients with psychotropic substances had more severe rhabdomyolysis on the third day of hospitalization. In psychotropic intoxication, with increasing creatine kinase level on the first day there was a significant increase in mortality.
Short-term outcome of treatment of elderly patients with epidural hematomas
Authors: Angelova Polina , Kitov Borislav , Davarski Atanas , Kitova Tanya , Kehayov Ivo 
Published: June 2023

Introduction: There is substantial literature data dedicated to intracranial epidural hematomas affecting young and middle-aged individuals, but studies focusing on their characteristics in elderly patients are scarce, assuming that old age is a poor prognostic factor.
Aim: The aim of the current study was to review the typical features of the etiology, clinical presentation, disease course, and outcome in a series of cases with epidural hematomas in elderly patients.
Materials and methods: The etiology, clinical presentation, neuroimaging findings, treatment, and outcome in elderly patients operated for traumatic epidural hematomas were investigated in the Clinic of Neurosurgery at St George University Hospital, Plovdiv between January 2015 and December 2020.
The study included patients with isolated traumatic epidural hematoma, as well as those with epidural hematoma in combination with other traumatic intracranial lesions (cerebral contusion, subarachnoid hemorrhage, subdural and intracerebral hematoma). Postoperative epidural hematomas were not included in the study.
The neurological status of patients at admission was assessed using the Glasgow Coma Scale. The Glasgow Outcome Scale was used to monitor their condition during the first month after discharge.
Results: 121 patients with epidural hematomas underwent surgery during the study period in the Clinic of Neurosurgery at St George University Hospital, Plovdiv. Of these patients, 13 (10.7%) were people aged over 65 years (8 women and 5 men, mean age - 69 years). The most common cause of injury was a fall. Twelve patients (92.3%) had associated craniocerebral lesions and only one had an isolated epidural hematoma. Upon admission, 6 patients (46.2%) were neurologically intact. Ten patients were treated surgically, two – conservatively. Good outcome (GOS=4–5) was achieved in 8 patients (61.5%), poor outcome – in one patient, and four patients (30.8%) died.
Conclusions: Good outcome in elderly patients with epidural hematoma can be achieved in two-thirds of the cases, despite the negative influence of the age as a prognostic factor.
Expression of Snail and Twist compared with clinical and pathological parameters in patients with gastric cancer
Authors: Poryazova Elena , Serteva Denitsa , Markov Daniel , Chonov Veselin , Markov Galabin 
Published: June 2023

Introduction: Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process of change in the cellular phenotype from epithelial to mesenchymal morphology. The changes at the cellular level can explain the great heterogeneity and plasticity in the different histological subtypes of gastric carcinomas, which causes difficulties in therapy. In it, epithelial cells reduce intercellular adhesion, which is crucial in the process of invasion and metastasis of gastric carcinomas. Inhibition of cell adhesion molecules such as E-cadherin is known to be influenced by a number of transcription factors, such as Snail and Twist.
Materials and methods: Our study aims to examine immunohistochemically the expression of the transcription factors Snail and Twist in 69 patients with gastric cancer and to look for a link between their expression and clinical and pathological characteristics.
Results: Positive expression of Snail and Twist was observed in all cases studied by us. We observed heterogeneity and different intensity of immunohistochemical expression. There is a correlation between the immunohistochemical expression and the degree of differentiation of tumor cells and the tumor stage. The cells of poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas show diffuse and strong nuclear staining. No correlation was found between the expression of the two markers, age, and sex of the patients.
Conclusions: Evaluating the expression of the two markers studied may help to assess tumor progression and prognosis. They can be used for more accurate and effective diagnosis in precancerous lesions and in early gastric cancer because they are not expressed in the normal gastric mucosa.
Modified trapdoor procedure versus complete nail removal for subungual glomus tumor excision at minimum 2 years follow-up
Authors: Sallam Asser , Rakha Mohamed 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Objectives
Various surgical approaches were described for excision of the subungual glomus tumors of the nail bed, including transungual, periungual, and nail-plate-preserving or nail plate non-preserving approaches. This study aims to assess the clinical outcomes, recurrence rate, and postoperative complications of our modified trapdoor technique, compared with complete nail removal approach.

Patients and methods
A retrospective study was conducted on 42 patients with subungual glomus tumor of the nail bed of the hand with a minimum follow-up period of 24 months. Twenty-two patients underwent modified trapdoor excision of the tumor. Twenty patients underwent excision of the tumor through complete nail-plate removal. Outcome measures included the 100-mm visual analog scale, cold sensitivity, nail discoloration, nail regrowth rate, infection, and local recurrence.

Results
A significant reduction in pain and cold intolerance was observed postoperatively for all patients. The mean postoperative visual analog scale was similar in both groups. Two patients with postoperative split nail deformity were noted in the nail removal group. Other two patients with severe nail deformation due to recurrence were observed, one in each group, in addition to other two patients with nail plate deformity due to infection, one in each group. Three patients with recurrence were reported in the nail removal group, and two patients in the trapdoor group.

Conclusions
Both techniques are safe and effective. The modified trapdoor procedure is better reserved for patients with small tumors, while complete nail removal is indicated for those with larger and aggressive tumors, especially in the presence of preoperative nail deformity.

Level of evidence
Therapeutic level III.
Civil Society and Peace Transformation in Sudan’s Darfur Region
Authors: Cocodia Jude K. , Abari Joshua 
Published: June 2023

Scholars increasingly agree that civil society is needed if peace operations are to succeed, and conflicts resolved. However, they disagree on the impact and influence of civil society on conflict transformation. The three international peace operations in Darfur from 2004 to 2018 experienced very limited successes, but the situation changed rapidly from 2018 onwards as the crisis transitioned from high to low-intensity conflict. How was this achieved? What factors were responsible for this conflict transformation process? This study contends that the involvement of civil society that facilitated the removal of Al-Bashir set this transformation toward positive peace in motion. Relying on descriptive design, secondary data and critical analysis, this study argues that civil society has navigated Darfur’s complex conflict terrain and contributed in good measure to the peace progress. This paper further examines the role of Darfur’s warlords as peace influencers and how their leadership styles can be utilised to bolster Darfur’s peace.
Democratic Ethos The Bane of Communal Conflicts in Nigeria
Authors: Adeleke Gbadebo Fatai , Lawal Musediq Olufemi , Lanre-Bablola Folake Olubunmi , Akinpelu Temitayo Oluwakemi 
Published: June 2023

Previous studies have established traditional causes of communal conflicts. Conversely, this study established a link between democratic processes and communal conflicts in Nigeria. Through a three-component model focusing on various democratic processes, several democratic flaws were identified as root causes of communal conflicts. Specifically, we found a misalignment of democratic equity principles among warring communities, which surfaced because of differences in community hierarchies, structures, and personalities. A biased distribution of democratic dividends, unequal access to competent electoral staff, and extreme bias towards opposing communities in electoral/political institutions were observed. Moreover, some aggressive- frustrated residents were easily provoked because of a lack of confidence in democratic institutions and processes. It is therefore essential to focus on fairness in democratic processes to reduce tension in areas of communal conflict.
Musicking ubuntu/unhu Sustainability Human Rights and Social Justice Activism in the Chimurenga Music of Thomas Mapfumo
Authors: Gwerevende Solomon 
Published: June 2023

During the Second Chimurenga – Zimbabwe Liberation War – music was used to promote social justice and fight the oppressive colonial system. The struggle for justice for all was driven by the spirit of ubuntu/unhu, which embraces the capacity of indigenous African cultures to express humanity, respect, solidarity, and justice relevant to building an inclusive community. Chimurenga music, performed and popularised by Thomas Mapfumo who coined the term in the 1960s, played an important role during the liberation struggle, delivering messages on socio-political concerns, and engaging Zimbabweans on the issues of human rights, corruption, democracy, resistance, and economic transformation. This article discusses the use of Mapfumo’s Chimurenga music in post-colonial Zimbabwe as socio-political discourse and a dialogue generator for sustainability
Unrecognised in African History African Women and their Fight for Liberation in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Bahati Ibrahim 
Published: June 2023

Women’s contribution to Africa’s decolonisation and independence struggle has not always received recognition equal to that of men in today’s African political history studies. Their influence on African politics today is also usually silenced. This article thus goes on a historical journey to show that women in Sub-Saharan Africa have been at the forefront of subverting colonial patriarchal politics, which persist in many African states to this day. Through the conceptual thinking of Afro-feminism, the article gives examples of women across Africa and in African history who fought at the frontlines of liberation and decolonisation battles to create equal, equitable, culturally-conscious, and gender-aware political systems on the continent.
Factors associated with patient preference of optical low vision devices in North West Nigeria.
Authors: Edemeraro Ekeoma Adure , Ejukonemu Barbie Oghene-Monday , Emereuwa Innocent Chinweizu , Abdulrahaman Umar Aminu 
Published: June 2023

Purpose: The study was conducted to identify factors associated with patients’ preferences with optical low vision devices in North West Nigeria.
Methods: A mixed method study approach was adopted for this study. The study sample consisted of 219 patients seen over a 5-year period (2010-2015) who received optical low vision devices at the Low Vision Clinic of Health and Development Support Programme (HANDS), Jigawa State, Nigeria. In-depth interviews with 9 Low vision optometrists practicing in North Western Nigeria were also conducted. Data were summarized and presented in tables and figures. Chi square test statistics was used to test for association between categorical variables @ 95% confidence interval.
Results: The mean age of the 219 records of low vision patients reviewed was 45.28 20.22 and 162 (74%) were males. Age and occupation had statistically significant association with use of magnifiers (χ2=15.201,P=0.004 and χ2=29.261, P=0.001, respectively). Patients between 30 and 59 years preferred spectacle magnifiers while younger patients (<30 years) preferred stand magnifiers. A statistically significant association was found between the younger age group (χ2=12.127, P=0.002), students (χ2=13.517, P= 0.004) and telescope use. Results from the key informant interview showed that age, cosmetic appeal and ease of use were considered major factors to patient preference of optical low vision devices.
Conclusion: Age and occupation were the only demographic factors significantly associated with patient preference with optical low vision devices. Information from this study would be of benefit to low vision practitioners in the stocking and cost effective management of low vision patients.
Stevens-Johnson syndrome in an 18-year-old Nigerian female: A case report
Authors: Musa Mutali Junior , Okoye Stanley Godwin , Enaholo Ehimare , Ogwumu Kingsley Ekekwo , Iyami Nathan Godwin 
Published: June 2023

Purpose: This is a Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) case with an atypical presentation. Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a hypersensitivity reaction distinguished by necrosis of skin tissue and mucosal linings including the genitals and eyes. It usually occurs as a reaction to certain medications. The condition is regarded as a medical emergency and management is tailored according to presenting symptoms with emphasis on airway and hemodynamic stability, lesion treatment, and prevention of opportunistic infection. While the condition is not hereditary, genetic codes passed on may increase the risk of similar immune-mediated hypersensitivity responses among progenies of affected individuals. Cyclosporine and other immunomodulatory therapeutics have shown promise in managing this condition.
Case Report: This patient presented with severely reduced vision. The patient also had a recent history of bilateral ocular adnexal surgery and a family (father) history of kidney disease. An extensive case history, ocular workup, and microbial sensitivity testing were carried out to reach a diagnosis. The patient was initially placed doxycycline, Vitamin C, Moxifloxacin and Fluconazole. These were later adjusted when culture results returned. Unfortunately, due to the delay in presentation, the condition had progressed significantly, and management was palliative rather than restorative.
Conclusion: A knowledge of SJS and quick intervention is key to minimizing morbidity and possible mortality from this condition. Management of this condition is multi-disciplinary and eye care providers should examine sufferers for ocular involvement so as to mitigate visual morbidity.
Isolation of plasmid genes in eye swabs of babies delivered through spontaneous vaginal deliveries and caesarian section
Authors: Muoneke Hypolytus Chinonso , Ebisike Philips Ifeanyichukwu , Ajayi Bosede Olajire , Hassan Sadiq , Habib Saudat Garba , Atuanya George , Okpo Eme , Lekan Pedro Shamsudeen , Umar Dorayi Sani 
Published: June 2023

Purpose: A number of eye disorders arising from bacterial infection of an altered normal flora can affect new born babies. The study aimed to investigate the presence of plasmid genes in eye swabs of babies delivered through spontaneous vaginal deliveries (SVD) and caesarean Section (CS).
Materials and Methods: This was a three-month prospective cross-sectional experimental study. Eye swabs of new born babies delivered in the maternity ward of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital were taken. Samples were collected within 30 minutes of delivery from 82 neonates (50 SVD and 32 CS). They were evacuated to the microbiology laboratory for culturing, characterisation and sensitivity. Isolates that were resistant to 3 or more antibiotics were tested for the presence of plasmid genes. Those that contain plasmid genes were subjected to curing using standard procedures..
Results: The result showed that 16(32%) of E. coli, P. aeruginosa, 14(28%), and S. aureus, 11(22%) was isolated in the SVD group samples as compared with 10(31.3%) of S. aureus, E. coli, 9(28.1%), and P. aeruginosa, 8(25.0%) among the CS group samples. There were 47(77.0%) SVD and 14(23.0%) CS samples that were resistant to three (3) or more antibiotics but this difference was not statistically significant (p=0.157). Only 9(14.7%) isolates carried plasmid genes.
Conclusion: Plasmids genes were responsible for the resistance and promethazine is a good anti-plasmid agent. We recommend further research on the medical importance of anti – plasmid effect of promethazine working in synergism with other common antibiotic treatment to reduce treatment cost of plasmid-induced drug resistance.
Age related changes in external anatomy, and song-based gender identification in local guinea fowls (Numida meleagris)
Authors: Abdul-Rahman I.I. , Weseh A. 
Published: June 2023

There is hardly any research data on the external anatomy of guinea fowls. Three hundred and sixty local guinea fowls, involving 180 each of males and females were studied, and documented the developmental variations in the external anatomy of these birds from hatching until adulthood. The study also explored the call-based approach as an alternative sexing method in these birds. Externally, all the birds changed from brownish black-stripped down feathers at hatching to white regular spotted or pearl feathers by 8th week of age (WOA). Both sexes began to emit their respective calls from 8 WOA, while moulting of the neck feathers started between the 4th and 6th WOA and completed between 12 and 16 WOA. All external biometric traits increased significantly (P<0.0001) from first WOA and plateaued at different ages. Wing span and tail length plateaued at 16 WOA, abdominal and pelvic inlet widths stabilized at 20 WOA, head-bill length, width, neck and body lengths stabilized from 24 WOA, cere and wattle lengths, as well as body weight continued to increase until the end of the study. Significant development in most external biometric traits was accomplished from 24 WOA, while the type of call emitted could be used to discriminate between the two sexes at 100% level of accuracy from 8 WOA.
Effects of repeated injections of cloprostenol sodium during the early luteal phase on luteolysis and hormonal changes in Large White X Pietrain sows in Otukpo, Nigeria
Authors: Oke E.B. , Nwannenna A.I. , Bawa E.K. , Dawuda P.M. , Hassan Rahilah 
Published: June 2023

This study was carried out to determine the effect of repeated injections of cloprostenol sodium during the early luteal phase on luteolytic capacity and hormonal changes of Large white x Pietrain in Otukpo. A total of ten (n = 10) oestrus Large white x Pietrain sows were randomly divided into two groups. experiment and a control. Group I (n = 5) no synchronizing agent was administered Group II (n = 5) received 6 doses of 500 µg of cloprostenol sodium at days 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 of the oestrous cycle and was monitored for natural oestrus twice daily from 0700 – 1000 and 1500 – 1800h. The fertility parameters determined in this study were: Time to onset of oestrus (TOO), duration of oestrus (DOO), total litter size (TLS), total born alive (TBA) average body weight (Av. BW). Five (5) milliliters of blood was collected via the posterior vena cava before PGF2α injections on at day 1 and 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and every other day afterwards till next observed oestrus. The extracted serum from the collected blood was assayed using competitive ELISA for Oestradiol (E2) progesterone (P4) concentrations. Variables such as TOO, DOO, TLS, TBA, Av. BW and data on E2 and P4 profile were expressed as mean ± SEM. Student ttest and Tukey’s post-hoc test were used to compare the percentages and mean values between the groups. A value of P ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. Results TOO was 484.80 ± 13.99 h, and 484.80 ± 15.92 h; DOO was 86.40 ± 5.88 h and 76.80 ± 4.80 h; TLS was 10.00 ± 0.84 and 10.20 ± 0.66; TBA was 10.00 ± 0.84 and 10.00 ± 0.55 and Av. BW was 1.26 ± 0.09 kg and 1.06 ± 0.05 kg in groups I and II respectively. However, the fertility parameters showed no statistically (P ≤ 0.05) significant differences between the control and the treated groups. The serum E2 concentrations of the samples collected from the first day which is the first day oestrus, fifth day which is the first day of cloprostenol sodium (PGF2α) to 23rd day
Radiologic evaluation of thoracic size in the Nigerian indigenous dog by vertebral, haller and frontosagittal indices
Authors: Ukaha R.O. , Agwu K.K. , Kene R.O. 
Published: June 2023

Reproducible and easily applied measurements for radiologic evaluation are needed in the day-to-day clinical practice for diagnosis and treatment or management of thoracic disorders in the Nigerian Indigenous Dog. The objective of this prospective cross-sectional study was to document measurement indices used for the evaluation of canine thoracic silhouette. Thirty healthy Nigerian Indigenous Dogs, 10 puppies and 20 adults of average body weight 8.19±2.45 kg and comprising equal number of both sexes. Ninety survey dorsoventral, right lateral and left lateral thoracic radiographs of the animals were obtained. The shape of the thoracic silhouette in each radiograph was objectively evaluated and adequately described. In the right and left lateral views, sternovertebral distance and sagittal vertebral diameter of the tenth vertebra were measured and recorded; while the dimension measured in the dorsoventral view was costocostal distance. In the lateral radiographs, mean values of vertebral indices (VI) for right/left lateral radiographs were 0.10±0.00/0.10±0.00, respectively. Results of normal thoracic silhouette determined in dorsoventral versus right lateral orthogonal radiographs were: frontosagittal index (FSI) 1.06±0.05 and Haller index (HI) 0.95±0.04. The clinical relevance of this investigation is that it provides measurement indices for the morphological evaluation of the thoracic silhouette in the Nigerian Indigenous Dog. These indices are reproducible, objective and easy to apply in small animal clinical practice.