bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasmosis among HIV infected women of child-bearing age attending care and treatment clinics in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: O Kibwana Upendo , Manyahi Joel , B Nkinda Lilian , S Renatus Dominic , D Kamori Doreen , Majigo Mtebe 
Published: March 2023

Background: Toxoplasmosis in HIV-infected women of child-bearing age (HIV-WCB) increases the risk for congenital toxoplasmosis, leading to many complications. However, its magnitude is unknown in this population.
Objectives: The study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with toxoplasmosis among HIV-WCB.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted from July to August 2020 among HIV- WCB attending care and treatment clinic (CTC) at Muhimbili National Hospital and Mnazi Mmoja hospital. Questionnaire and TORCH rapid test were used to obtain data and serological testing respectively. Data analysis was done using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 20.
Results: Overall, 29.7% of the study participants were positive for anti-T. gondii IgG, whereas none tested positive for IgM. Multivariate analysis showed that the probability of being infected with T. gondii increased by 57.1% for participants who consumed raw vegetables (p=0.005, aOR=0.43, 95%CI = 1.24-8.77). Other common risk factors such as undercooked meat consumption, source of drinking water, and cat ownership at home showed no association.
Conclusion: A high number of HIV-WCB have not developed immunity to T. gondii in the study area. Introduction of routine screening during antenatal visits for pregnant women and further epidemiological studies are warranted in the country.
Keywords: T. gondii; HIV women.
Investigation of the effects of mir-219-1 gene variants on the development of disease in non-small cell lung cancer patients
Authors: Kalkanli Tas Sevgi , Coskunpinar Ender , Yildiz Pinar , Bayraktaroğlu Mesut , Kose Tuba , Altunkanat Derya , Kirkik Duygu , Tukenmez Mustafa 
Published: March 2023

Background: Various variants of the miR-219-1 gene are one of the first genes associated with NSCLC prognosis in the literature.
Objectives: We aimed to genotype two different variants of the miR-219-1 gene and to investigate to using of the result as a biomarker in the diagnosis and treatment of NSCLC.
Materials and Methods: The patients were chosen according to International NSCLC criteria and genomic DNA was isolated from blood (138 patients and 100 healthy individuals). Then qRT-PCR was applied to determine the rs213210 and rs421446 variants of miR-219-1 gene polymorphisms. Allele and genotype frequencies were compared using Pearson’s chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests test.
Results: We found that TT genotype (p=0,381) in rs213210 compared with CC genotype (p=0,165) and CC genotype (p=0,823) in rs421446 compared with TT genotype (p=0,537) did not show a significantly increased risk of NSCLC. There is no relationship between polymorphisms in miR-219-1 and the outcome of NSCLC.
Conclusion: miRNA single nucleotide polymorphisms can be used as genetic biomarkers to predict cancer susceptibility, early diagnosis, and prognosis. Our study has shown that two variants of miR-219-1 were not related to NSCLC in the Turkish population. The reason for this can be differences in ethnicity, regions, and background of population and these differences could lead to various outcomes.
Keywords: NSCLC; miR-219-1 gene; single-nucleotide polymorphisms.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Mediterranean region over 18 months: bridging the health outcomes and sustainable development goals
Authors: Cuschieri Sarah , Grech Elizabeth , Gatt Adrienne , Cutajar Angelica , Vassallo Carine , Zahra Daniel , Farrugia Francesca , Cutajar Karen , Mifsud Leonie , Aldousari Nourah , Baldacchino Raissa , Caruana Rebecca , Camilleri Samuel , Azzopardi Sarah , Cassar Sarah , Miceli Farrugia Sarah , Agius Daniel , Cuschieri Andrea 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic spread across the globe, including across the Mediterranean basin. This region presents diversity in economy, culture, and societal affairs. We attempted to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on the population and on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), our aim being to aid in the development of COVID-19 national plans.
Methods: Epidemiological data was obtained from ‘Our World in Data’ databases (January 2020 – July 2021). Case, mortality, and vaccination incidence comparisons were made across neighbouring countries. The SDG index, universal health coverage (UHC) and health workforce targets were collected for each country. Correlations between SDG targets and COVID-19 outcomes were analysed.
Results: Similarities in morbidity and mortality outcomes were present across neighbouring countries, with a bidirectional relationship between cumulative fully vaccinated population and infectivity fatality rates. Positive relationships were present between SDG indexes, UHC and health workforces and COVID-19 cases, deaths, and vaccinations.
Conclusion: At prima face, high-income countries seem to have sustained worse morbidity and mortality outcomes, despite having had better UHC and a greater health workforce in the pre-COVID-19 era however, one must also consider that factors such as health-seeking behaviour and underdiagnosis may have influenced this. Cross-border infectivity was, however, evident. Pan-Mediterranean action must therefore be taken to ensure COVID-19 transmissibility and mortality are reduced across borders, while ensuring an equitable health outcome across populations.
Keywords: COVID-19; Mediterranean; Morbidity; Mortality; Vaccination; Sustainable Development Goals; Outcome Assessment.
Medication counselling practices amid COVID -19 pandemic and associated factors in drug retail outlets of Jimma town, Southwest Ethiopia: cross-sectional study
Authors: Boche Bekele , Angasu Kebenesa , Alemu Sintayehu , Awoke Mengist 
Published: March 2023

Background: Patients’ good understanding and awareness of drug information received at the drug retail outlet is paramount to gaining expected outcomes. In the COVID-19 pandemic, the routine counselling practice faced multifactorial challenges.Objectives: The study aimed to assess medication counseling practice and associated factors in drug retail outlets of Jimma town, southwest Ethiopia.Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted using an interviewer administered questionnaire. The data were analysed by using SPSS version 23. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with medicationcounselling practice.Results: A total of 180 pharmacy professionals were enrolled in the study, about half (51.1%) of the participants reported good medication counselling provision for their patients. In A multivariable logistic regression analysis, reduced pharmacist’s level of communication (AOR=0.008; CI: 0.001-0.292; p= 0.009) and shortage of personal protective equipment (AOR=0.021; CI: 0.002-0.226; p=0.002) due Covid-19 were factors associated with poor medication counselling practice.
Conclusion: Reduced level of communication and shortage of personal protective equipment due to Covid-19 were factors associated with poor medication counselling practice. In general, Jimma town health offices and Oromia Region Health bureau should struggle in association with other stakeholders to improve the identified bottleneck of pharmacist’s counselling practice.
Keywords: Counseling practice; COVID -19; drug retail outlet; Jimma.
Bacteriological profile of wound infections and antimicrobial resistance in selected gram-negative bacteria
Authors: Bandy Altaf , A Wani Farooq , H Mohammed Abdul , F Dar Umar , R Dar Mushtaq , A Tantry Bilal 
Published: March 2023

Background: Managing wound infections is a challenging task. Understanding their resistance pattern is an essential step at reducing its burden in hospital settings.
Objective: To determine the bacteriological diversity of wound infections and the antimicrobial resistance exhibited by a selected Gram-negative bacterium in the Aljouf region of Saudi Arabia.
Methods: The study retrospectively analysed the antibiograms of wound infections from hospitalized patients for the year 2019. The European Centre for Disease Control guidelines were adopted for the classification of resistant bacteria. Multidrug-, extensive drug-, and carbapenem-resistant isolates are presented as frequencies and percentages.
Results: A total of 295 non-duplicate wound swab antibiograms were retrieved, 64.4% (190) and 35.6% (105) isolates were Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial infections respectively. Predominant pathogens included Staphylococcus species 21.0% (62), E. coli 16.3% (48) and K. pneumoniae 13.5% (40). 148 (77.9%), 42 (22.1%) and 43 (22.6%) of the Gram-negative isolates were multidrug-, extensively drug- and carbapenem-resistant. The antibiotic resistance exhibited by gram-negative bacteria was 43.4% (234/539), 59.1% (224/379) and 53.7% (101/188) towards carbapenems, 3rd - and 4th – generation cephalosporins.
Conclusions: The majority of wound infections are caused by multidrug-, extensively drug- and carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. Further studies should focus on the molecular basis of this resistance.
Keywords: Wound infections; hospital; Gram-negative bacteria; antibiograms; multidrug-resistance; E. coli.
Glycaemic control and associated factors in adult patients with diabetes mellitus, South Sudan, 2021
Authors: Mogga Joseph Lou K. , Loro Stephen , Gai Stephen , Anyit Moses , Awu Robert , Hadija Shaza , Aliti Jorum , Biriwo Lawrence , Ameh David 
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Many patients with diabetes mellitus are not attaining optimal glycaemic control, although the rate is unknown in South Sudan. Maintaining adequate glycaemic control is the most effective means of preventing complications associated with diabetes. This record review assesses the proportion of patients with diabetes on follow-up not adequately controlled using glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and describes associated factors.
Method: This is retrospective cross-sectional review of electronic patient records from a private for-profit health facility in Juba, South Sudan. The study assesses follow-up HbA1c levels of type I (T1DM) and type II (T2DM) patients with diabetes 18 years and older. An HbA1c value of less than 7% was regarded as reflecting adequate control. Logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with inadequate control. From an unadjusted analysis, variables were retained for the adjusted analysis that were significant at the 95% confidence level. Crude and adjusted odds ratios (AOR) were reported.
Results: Of the 291 patients assessed, 62.2% were male, mean age was 54 (SD =12.6) years, and the median body mass index (BMI) was 27.2 (IQR=24.5- 30). Those with hypertension were 28.5% and 35% had medical insurance. Overall, 60 patients (20.6%) achieved target HbA1c levels of <7%. One hundred patients had HbA1c levels between 7-10% and 131 had values of >10%. Independent predictors of non-achievement of target HbA1c were female gender, adjusted prevalence ratio, PR (95% CI) =1.18 (1.01-1.32); normal BMI, adjusted PR (95% CI) =1.41 (1.07-1.83) and having no medical insurance cover, adjusted PR (95%CI) =1.13 (1.10-1.29).
Conclusion: About 80% of patients did not attain target HbA1c levels. Diagnosis of diabetes, care and treatment of patients with diabetes is not well organised in South Sudan leading to poor outcomes even in private clinics. Women and those without medical insurance cover are at greater disadvantage. We recommend better diagnosis and classification of patients with diabetes as well as reorganisation of care and treatment. We also recommend initiatives that will increase coverage of services to women and putting more people on medical insurance cover.
Indications for Caesarean Section for women of low obstetric risk - an audit
Authors: Lukumay Murete Sanare , Muzo Jane Kokushubila , Kikula Amani Idris , Wangwe Peter Joseph , Pembe Andrea Barnabas 
Published: March 2023

Introduction: The Caesarean Section (CS) rate is dramatically increasing across obstetric populations. This study aimed to determine the adherence to criteria for standard diagnosis of the common indications for CS among women of a low-risk group. This group, known as group 3 in the Robson classification, is multiparous, term with singleton pregnancy and have not had a previous CS.
Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study at Muhimbili National Hospital from August to December 2018. The criteria for standard diagnosis of foetal distress, obstructed labour, arrested labour and cephalopelvic disproportion were adopted from peer groups publications based on local expert consensus. Data were analysed using a statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 20.
Results: A total of 1,670 emergency CS’s were performed during the study period, 392 (23.5%) were women of Robson group 3, of these women 101 (25.8%) had foetal distress, 92 (23.5%) obstructed labour, 88 (22.4%) arrested labour and 64 (16.4%) cephalopelvic disproportion. The proportion of CS’s which met the criteria for standard diagnosis of indications for CS were 61.4% foetal distress, 52.2% obstructed labour, 58% arrested labour, and 45.3% CPD with total average of 55.1%.
Conclusion: Generally, the standard criteria for audited indications of CS have been met by 55.1% during the study period. Thus, follow up, on the job training and updating about adherence to standard criteria for best practice are recommended.
Primary cystic echinococcosis presented as prolonged disabling knee osteoarthritis: a case report
Authors: Mohager Samah O. , Nai Abdelsalam M. , Tonga Rayan A. , Abdallah Awad H. , Fadl-Elmula Imad M. 
Published: March 2023

Cystic echinococcosis (hydatid disease) is a neglected tropical disease common in Asia, South America and Sub-Saharan Africa. It is a parasitic disease caused by larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus. The commonest organs affected by hydatidosis are the liver and the lung. Primary bone hydatidosis in humans is a rare disease accounting for 1–2% of echinococcosis cases. To our knowledge secondary hydatidosis of joints is uncommon and few cases of hydatid disease of the knee joint have been reported. We present a case of primary cystic echinococcosis of the knee joint occurring in a 43-year-old female presenting mainly as disabling right knee arthritis in the form of chronic (13 years) painful swelling, which ultimately led to her inability to walk. Imaging and histopathologic examination revealed cystic echinococcosis of the right knee joint. Subsequent pulmonary, liver and bone screening for primary lesions were negative. To our knowledge, this is the first ever report on primary knee hydatid disease. It is possible that pre-existing arthritis modulated the local environment of the knee, rendering it susceptible to hydatidosis. This should be taken into account in the differential diagnosis of arthritis particularly in endemic areas.
Evaluation of potential cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of paclitaxel and docetaxel in human Burkitt lymphoma cell lines
Authors: Altun Ahmet , Karademir Mustafa , Altun Gülşah 
Published: March 2023

Purpose: To study the cytotoxicity of paclitaxel and docetaxel on cell viability and apoptosis in Burkitt lymphoma cell lines.
Methods: The cytotoxic activity of Paclitaxel and Docetaxel against Burkitt lymphoma cells was evaluated using the XTT cell viability test. The cells were exposed to increasing concentrations of paclitaxel and docetaxel ranging from 0.0001 to 10 μM for 48 h. Cell cycle analysis and apoptosis were also assessed using flow cytometry-based experiments.
Results: Both paclitaxel and docetaxel exhibited a concentration-dependent cytotoxic effect with IC50 of 5.32 and 6.58 μM, respectively. Furthermore, paclitaxel and docetaxel were shown to have a significant apoptotic effect on Burkitt lymphoma cells (p < 0.01). Furthermore, paclitaxel and docetaxel arrested Burkitt lymphoma cells at the G2/M phase.
Conclusion: Paclitaxel and docetaxel are potential candidates for the treatment of Burkitt lymphoma. Since both drugs are already licensed for many indications, the addition of Burkitt lymphoma to the list of indications of these drugs would be a much easier and faster process. However, there is a need for further in vitro and in vivo research to fully elucidate their mechanisms of action.
Effects of anti-cyclooxygenases (COX-1 and COX-2), structure activity relationship, molecular docking and in silico ADMET of some synthesized chalcones
Authors: Abdelwahab Siddig Ibrahim , Al-Mamary Mohammed , Hassanein Khaled , Taha Manal Mohamed Elhassan , Farasani Abdullah , Alhazmi Hassan 
Published: March 2023

Purpose: To develop effective cancer chemopreventive and anti-inflammatory agents, a series of chalcones were prepared by reacting suitable aromatic aldehyde with appropriate acetophenones.
Methods: Twenty-four synthesized chalcones (namely, 1 - 24) were assessed for their in vitro anti-cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and anti-cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activity in a COX catalyzed prostaglandin synthesis bioassay. Molecular docking was done to investigate the ligand-protein interactions, and selectivity on both enzymes. ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, toxicity) modeling and software were also used.
Results: The compounds inhibited both COX-1 and COX-2. Two compounds (3 and 19) demonstrated more marked COX-2 inhibition than compound 1. Indomethacin as a standard anti-cyclooxygenase shows unselective inhibition of 81.44 ± 6.5 and 91 ± 9.5, respectively. The in silico data revealed that a chalcone skeleton with C=O at 4-position, C2–C3 double bond and OH at 5-position are necessary properties for anti-cyclooxygenase effects. It was also revealed that the propenone moiety comprises of an appropriate scaffold which proposes a new acyclic 1,3-diphenylprop-2-en-1-ones with selective anti-COX effects. A molecular modeling investigations where these chalcones 1, 3 and 19 were docked in the active site of COX-2 depicted that the p-CH3 substituent on the C-4- phenyl ring A are oriented in the vicinity of the COX-2 secondary pocket Phe381, Gly526, Tyr385 and Val349.
Conclusion: Based on the screening for oral bioavailability, in silico ADMET, and toxicity risk assessment, this study shows that these compounds could be a cornerstone for the development of new pharmaceuticals in the battle against COX-associated inflammatory disorders.
Design and characterization of core scaffold pyrazolone fused thiazolidinone analogues as potent anticancer agents
Authors: Arunachalam Sumathy , Ramalingam Suresh , Lachmanan Gowrishankar Narayanasamy , Nagarajan Srinivasan 
Published: March 2023

Purpose: To synthesize novel pyrazolone fused thiazolidinone analogues and evaluate their efficiency as potent HER2 and EGFR inhibitors in human breast adenocarcinoma cells for anti-cancer activity.
Method: In this study, several pyrazolone fused thiazolidinone analogues were synthesized, and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and mass spectroscopy, as well as tested for their in vitro cytotoxicity against breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) by MTT assay. A correlation study of the cytotoxicity was performed to obtain the Docking score using Schrodinger (Maestro) Version 9.6 Glide XP software.
Result: A total of 10 compounds were synthesised and analysed for their physiochemical, spectral, and cytotoxic activity against breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7). Among the synthesised compounds, compound 4B5 showed significantly higher (p < 0.05) anticancer properties against MCF-7 cell lines with docking score of -6.614, and half-maximal concentration (IC50) value of 001.17 M compared to other synthesized compounds of the same categories.
Conclusion: Novel pyrazolone-fused thiazolidinone analogues have been successfully synthesized. The synthesised compounds possess anti-cancer activity against the MCF-7 cell lines. This could potentially lead to the development of new anti-breast cancer agents.
Determination of amino acids in black garlic using high-performance liquid chromatography after derivatization with 9-fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl chloride
Authors: Nguyen Ngoc-Van Thi , Vuong Lan Hoang , Nguyen Ngan Kim Huynh , Phan Nga Ngoc Thi 
Published: March 2023

Purpose: To quantify the amino acids obtained from black garlic (Allium sativum L.) using high-performance liquid chromatography after derivatization with 9-fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl chloride (FMOC-Cl).
Methods: Homogenized black garlic samples were derivatized with 9-fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl chloride (FMOC-Cl) reagent in borate buffer at 30 °C for 60 min. The black garlic samples were hydrolyzed with 5.0 mL HCl (6 N) and neutralized to pH 5 – 6 by adding 30 mL NaOH (1 N). Amino acids were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a fluorescence detector after hydrolysis and derivatization with FMOC-Cl reagent. Gradient elution mixture consisted of acetonitrile, methanol, and water at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min, 0.2 % ammonium acetate, and 0.1 % formic acid.
Results: The ranges of the limits of detection and quantification were 30 and 100 g/mL, respectively. The overall intra- and inter-day variations (%RSD) for the precision findings were smaller than 3.43 and 4.63 %, respectively. The accuracy of the developed method was good, ranging from 90.9 to 106.8 %. The amino acids of six black garlic products from the market were determined using the suggested approach. The findings indicated that glutamic acid, the main amino acid, is present in the maximum concentration (564.64 – 1333.9 mg/100 g) in black garlic.
Conclusion: The validated method is for the determination of the amino acids in black garlic and would be a helpful tool for the quality control of products containing black garlic.
25-Hydroxyvitamin D: A potential marker of the incidence of osteoporosis and sarcopenia in diabetic mellitus patients
Authors: Shen Haibo , He Xuan 
Published: March 2023

Purpose: To investigate the feasibility of using the 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels in assessing osteoporosis (OP) and sarcopenia in elderly patients with diabetes mellitus (DM).
Methods: One hundred and forty elderly patients with DM were allocated to DM (n = 40), OP (n = 50), and DM + OP (n = 50) groups. Their clinical data were collected, and muscle function assessed. The levels of fasting insulin, glycated hemoglobin (HbAlc), t-P1NP, and 25(OH)D were determined by chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay, high-pressure liquid chromatography, electrochemical immunoassay, and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, respectively.
Results: The 25(OH)D levels were lowest in DM + OP group, followed by the OP group, and highest in the DM group (p < 0.05). The DM + OP group showed significantly lower gait speed and grip strength than the OP and DM groups (p < 0.05). The diagnostic AUC of 25(OH)D for OP and sarcopenia were 0.9733 (95 % CI: 0.9274 - 1.000, p < 0.001) and 0.9866 (95 % CI: 0.9632 - 1.000, p < 0.001). Patients with sarcopenia had significantly lower 25(OH)D and t-PINP levels than patients without sarcopenia (p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that the 25(OH)D level, duration of DM, and age were independent risk factors for sarcopenia (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Patients with DM and OP exhibit increase in the incidence of sarcopenia. Serum 25(OH)D may be used as a potential marker for the incidence of OP and sarcopenia in DM patients.