bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlation of Palpation Anterior Fontanometry and Cerebrospinal Fluid Opening Pressure in Early Childhood Hydrocephalus
Authors: Mathew Mesi , Jimoh Abdullahi Onimisi , Mezue Wilfred Chukwuemeka , Uche Enoch Ogbonnaya , Chikani Mark Chukwunweike 
Published: April 2023

Background:
The anterior fontanelle (AF) tension has been a traditional clinical method of indirect assessment of intracranial pressure (ICP). How does this time-tested bedside assessment technique compare with an objective ventricular cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) opening pressure?

Objective:
To determine the correlation of palpation anterior fontanometry and CSF opening pressure in early childhood hydrocephalus.

Materials and Methods:
Children diagnosed with hydrocephalus who were planned for CSF diversion using ventriculo-peritoneal (V-P) shunt were prospectively studied over 18 months. The AF tension was assessed by palpation preoperatively and graded. The CSF opening pressure was measured using sterile disposable plastic manometers after ventricular cannulation intraoperatively.

Statistical Analysis:
Data obtained were analysed using SPSS version 21. Student's t-test, Mann–Whitney U test and ANOVA were used to determine associations based on normality tests. A P < 0.05 was considered significant for associations.

Results:
Fifty-two children were operated on with AF patency rate of 88.5%. Their age ranged between 2 weeks and 18 months with a mean age of 7.1 ± 5.1 months. The fontanelle tension was tense, full and normal in 63.0%, 26.1% and 10.9% of patients, respectively. The mean CSF opening pressure of 20.5 ± 8.5 cm of H2O was higher than the expected ICP for the age group (t-test 4.754,P= 0.000). All 28 patients with CSF opening pressure >15 cm of H2O had a tense fontanelle, but 10.9% of children with raised ICP have normal AF tension.

Conclusion:
The mean ICP increases as palpation AF tension increases, but a normal AF tension does not rule out raised ICP.
Assessment of the Utility of a Screening Tool for COVID-19 Diagnosis in an Accident and Emergency Department in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Otrofanowei Erereoghor , Akase Iorhen Ephraim , Olopade Bolaji Oluwarotimi , Akintan Patricia E. , Ima-Edomwonyi Uyiekpen E. , Akinbolagbe Yeside Olubunmi , Agabi Osigwe Paul , Nmadu Danladi Abraham , Akinbode Gbemileke O. , Opawoye Adefolarin , Olasope C. Aramide , Ogundare Adewale , Bolarinwa B. Abiola , Awojumobi-Otokiti Oluwakemi Elizabeth , Enajeroh Precious J. , Karami Moses , Esezobor Christopher Imokhuede , Olorunfemi Gbenga , Oshodi Yewande O. , Oluwole Ayotunde Ayodeji , Adeyemo Wasiu Lanre , Bode Christopher O. 
Published: April 2023

The use of reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is the gold standard laboratory test for diagnosing SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, it has the disadvantage of a long turnaround time and cost. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) formulated a case definition for COVID-19. We sought to determine the utility of a 14-item, point-weighted clinical screening questionnaire adapted from the NCDC case definition in identifying patients more likely to have the disease. This was to aid prompt clinical decision-making.

Methods:
We retrospectively reviewed the data of 113 non-surgical patients presenting to the Accident and Emergency Department (A and E) of Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria. Patients were stratified based on screening scores into low (0–2), moderate (3–5) and high (6) pre-test categories. Patients with low and high scores ≥6 were admitted to the A and E and the COVID-19 holding ward, respectively, while the moderate group had chest computed tomography scans to aid further decision-making, pending the outcome of their RT-PCR results. The validity of the triage score as compared to the RT-PCR test result was calculated and the kappa score of agreement was utilised to evaluate the concordance between two triage scores. The optimum cut-off score was also obtained based on the maximal Younden's index.

Results:
The frequencies of low, moderate and high pre-test scores were 34 (30%), 43 (38.1%) and 36 (31.9%), respectively. Overall, 38.1% (43/113) were RT-PCR positive. RT-PCR was positive in 26.5% (9/34) with low screening scores, 55.8% (24/43) with moderate scores and 27.8% (10/36) with high scores. The sensitivity and specificity of a high score of 6 were 25% and 92.86%, while the lower score of 3 had sensitivity and specificity of 62.5% and 58.6%, respectively.

Conclusion:
The screening tool showed a high specificity in its initial design, which suggests that anyone with a low score using this tool has a high probability of testing negative. We recommend a cut-off score of 4 (score A) or 6 (score B) of the current screening tool be used to increase the chances of identifying persons with COVID-19 for RT-PCR testing.
Clinicopathological, immunohistochemical, molecular-genetic and risk profiles of gastrointestinal stromal tumors in a cohort of Sudanese patients
Authors: Elmalaika Husain Nazik , Mohamed Osman Ihsan , Khalid Ahmed , Abdel Satir Ali , Stoehr Robert , Agaimy Abbas 
Published: April 2023

Background: Determining the risk of malignant behaviour and mutational status of gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) guide the management decision and allow optimal individualized patient treatment.
Objectives: To determine clinicopathological, immunohistochemical (IHC), risk and KIT mutational findings of GISTs in Sudanese patients.
Methods: Histological slides were reviewed, IHC for DOG-1 and CD117 performed and hotspot KIT mutations examined. The risk group was assigned using combined risk criteria.
Results: 21 of the 36 patients (58.3%) were males (mean age, 54.83 ±12.57; range, 26-71). Abdominal pain and mass were the most frequent symptoms. Mean tumor size (±SD) was 11.6(±5.82) cm. Either CD117, DOG1 or both were positive in all cases. Using risk criteria, 33.3% (n=12) were clinically malignant at presentation, 13.9% (n=5) high risk, 16.7% (n=6) intermediate, 27.8% (n=10) low risk and 2.8% (n=1) very low risk. Sixteen of 23 (70%) tested cases had KIT (14 exon 11 and two exon 9) mutations. Six tumors were wild type. Exon 11 deletions (p.I563-L576 del and p.V559-N566delinsD) significantly correlate withdisease recurrence (p-value: 0.028).
Conclusions: Sudanese patients with GIST tend to present late. Nearly half of them correspond to the malignant/high-risk category. The frequency of KIT mutations (79.31%) is in line with the literature.
Keywords: Gastrointestinal stromal tumour; GIST; risk stratification; malignant behaviour; risk assessment; tumour rupture; metastasis; Imatinib; genotyping; KIT; DOG1.
Factors associated with intention to smoke cigarettes among never smoker school going adolescents in Zambia
Authors: Syapiila Paul , Mulenga David , Mazaba Mazyanga , Njunju Erick , Zyambo Cosmas , Chongwe Gershom , Siziya Seter 
Published: April 2023

Background: Cigarette smoking intention is a strong predictor of cigarette smoking initiation. There is limited data on predictors of cigarette smoking intentions among adolescents in developing countries.
Objective: To determine factors associated with cigarettes smoking intentions among never-smoked adolescents.
Methods: The study utilized the Zambia 2011 Global Youth Tobacco Survey dataset on adolescents.
Results: Being in grade nine compared to grade seven (AOR 0.43, 95%CI 0.23-0.82). Having a smoking father (AOR 2.38, 95%CI 1.25-453) mother (AOR 11.77, 95%CI 4.16-33.33), or both parents (AOR 7.05, 95%CI 2.91-17.10) showed significantly higher chance of having smoking intentions than having non-smoker parents. Also, having some (AOR 1.97, 95%CI 1.12-3.47), most (AOR 5.37, 95%CI 2.82-10.25), or all (AOR 3.75, 95%CI 1.64-8.56) smoker close friend was significantly associated with smoking intention compared to having none-smoker friends. Being around others who smoked in out-door places 1-2 days(AOR 2.16, 95%CI 1.19-3.93), 5-6 days (AOR 3.21, 95%CI 1.51-6.83) and 7 days/week (AOR 2.73, 95%CI 1.41-5.30) were also associated with one’s intention to smoke cigarettes compared to not being around smokers in outdoor public places 7 days/week.
Conclusion: Having smoking parents, smoking friends or around people who smoke in public places were associated with cigarette smoking intentions among adolescents.
Keywords: Intention; smoke; cigarettes.
The role of clinical and sonographic assessments in pre-operative evaluation of patients with splenic injuries in a resource-limited economy
Authors: U Ogbuanya Aloysius , Nnamdi Chinedu Anyanwu Stanley 
Published: April 2023

Background: Splenic trauma has been recognized as the most common cause of preventable deaths amongst trauma patients. Due to paucity of modern diagnostic imaging facilities in our setting, determination of the error rates and role of the simple, available diagnostic approaches are worthwhile and relevant to the practice of general surgery.
Objectives: The aim was to determine the role and diagnostic accuracy of clinical and sonographic assessments of splenic injuries.
Methods: This was a prospective study of the value of pre-operative clinical and sonographic assessments of patients with splenic injuries in our setting.
Results: A total of 111 patients with abdominal trauma were evaluated. Of these, splenic injuries were confirmed in 75 patients intra-operatively, mainly from blunt trauma. Of the 97 cases diagnosed by clinical method, 66(68.0%) were confirmed by intraoperative findings. Similarly, of 86 sonographic diagnoses of splenic injuries, 61 (70.9%) truly had splenic trauma. Sensitivity for sonographic and clinical assessments was 84.7% and 78.9% respectively. False positive and negative rates for clinical (27.3% versus 44.1%) and ultrasonographic (29.1% versus 40.0%) assessments were high.
Conclusions: Majority of splenic injuries were due to blunt abdominal trauma. The two diagnostic methods showed high sensitivity, but performed poorly for other validity tests.
Keywords: Preoperative evaluation; laparotomy; spleen.
Leadership Styles and Employees’ Job Performance at Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria
Authors: Bolarinwa Kolade Kamilu , Ajayi Iyanuoluwa Simeon , Adenuga Olufunmilola Oyinade , Obayelu Abiodun Elijah 
Published: April 2023

The study examined leadership styles and employees’ job performance in the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN). A total of 120 employees were chosen at random from among the 900 FRIN employees. Percentages, means, standard deviation and regression were used for the analysis. Results showed that the majority (89.2%) of the employees displayed transformational leadership styles while 87.5% of the employees were democratic in their leadership styles. Indicators of autocratic leadership style include: superiors telling subordinates what to do, how to do it, and when they want it done (x̄ =3.6). Indicators of laissez-faire leadership style include employees responsible for defining his or her own job ( x̄ = 3.01). Aspects of job performance influenced by the leadership styles of employees include: efficiently managing information and data ( x̄ = 4.10) and achieving deadlines ( x̄ = 4.10). Transformational (78.5%) and democratic styles (54.3%) caused (variations in employee job performance. The organization made used of transformational and democratic leadership styles more than other leadership styles. The organisation should encourage the use of the two styles and mix it with other leadership styles where necessary in order to improve the administrative strength and achievement of organisational goals
Prominence of Agricultural Information in Print Media: A Content Analysis of Selected Nigerian Newspapers
Authors: Arigbo Precious Obinna , Adeogun Taiwo Foluke , Agwu Ekwe Agwu 
Published: April 2023

This study adopted a content analysis to describe the prominence given to agricultural information in print media using four selected Newspapers. Specifically, the study determined the space allotted; the number; and prominence given to agricultural information in Nigerian newspapers. Stratified and purposive sampling procedures were used to select a sample of 384 editions of newspapers for analysis. Data were collected from hard copies of the selected Newspapers and were analysed using percentages, Kruskal Wallis (H) test and Pearson Product Moment correlation. Findings revealed that a total of 102,317.57cm2 space was allotted to agricultural information out of which 41% was used by the Guardian Newspaper. Only 398 pieces of agricultural information were reported out of a total of 29,666 pieces of information reported. There were significant differences across the newspapers in the number and space allotted to agricultural information and there was a positive and significant correlation (r=0.794) between the space allotted to agricultural information and the number of agricultural information reported. The majority (86.6%) of the agricultural information were reported on other pages of Newspapers. The study recommended that agricultural information should be reported at prominent pages and Ministries and Agencies should advertise their products and services in the newspapers.
Factors Associated with Severe Malaria among Patients under Reference to District Hospitals: A Cross-Sectional Study in Rusizi District, Rwanda
Authors: Uwamahoro Bibiane , Munyanshongore Cyprien , Ndagijimana Albert , Benemariya Noella , Habtu Michael , Ntaganira Joseph 
Published: April 2023

BackgroundSevere malaria is a key global public health issue, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, which accounts for over 80% of global malaria deaths. Rwanda has experienced about 11-fold annual increase in reported malaria cases since 2012 to 2016. Severe malaria accounted for 13,092 cases in 2015 to 17,248 cases in 2016.Objective
To determine factors associated with severe malaria among patients under reference to Gihundwe and Mibilizi Hospitals.MethodsA cross-sectional study that included 228 febrile patients diagnosed with malaria at Gihundwe and Mibilizi Hospitals was conducted. Data were collected from patients’ files. Logistic regressions were computed to establish determinants of severe anemia. Odds ratio (OR), 95% confidence level (CI) and p-value were reported.ResultsThe proportion of severe malaria was 64.03%. The multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that patients under five years (aOR = 8.169; 95%CI = 3.646-18.304); being males (aOR = 2.539; 95%CI = 1.299-4.965); farmers (aOR = 2.757; 95%CI = 1.339-5.678) and limited access to health facilities (aOR = 2.740: 95%CI = 1.038-7.232) were the main factors associated with severe malaria.ConclusionSevere malaria was high with various associated factors. There is a need to strengthen malaria control and prevention interventions for young children, men and farmers. Furthermore, beside public health interventions, health facilities should be accessible to people residing in malaria endemic areas.Rwanda J Med Health Sci 2023;6(1):36-42
Association of PTEN Gene Polymorphisms, Protein Levels and Endometrial Cancer: A Hospital-Based Case-Control Study
Authors: YAĞCI Emine , ÖZTÜRK Hikmet Melike , ÖGE Tufan , OZBAYER Cansu , KURT Hülyam 
Published: April 2023

Association of PTEN Gene Polymorphisms, Protein Levels and Endometrial Cancer: A Hospital-Based Case-Control Study

Emine Yagci1, Hikmet Melike Ozturk1, Tufan Oge2, Cansu Ozbayer3, Hulyam Kurt1
0000-0003-2179-1318, 0000-0002-1951-9713,0000-0002-1120-1874, 0000-0003-2433-9925

1Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Biology, Eskisehir, Turkey.
2 Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Gynecology, Eskisehir, Turkey.
3 Kutahya Health Sciences University, Medical Faculty, Department of Medical Biology, Kutahya, Turkey.

Corresponding Author: Emine Yagci, Telephone: +90 (222) 2392979/4598, e-mail adress: eminetsci@gmail.com
Abstract
Endometrial cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the inner lining of the uterus, called the endometrium. After breast, lung, and colon cancer, endometrial cancer is the most prevalent malignancy of the female genital system in industrialized nations like North America and Europe.
Phosphatase and Tensin homolog (PTEN), deleted on chromosome 10, is a tumor suppressor gene located on chromosome 10q23.31, which encodes a 403 amino acid protein with both lipid and protein phosphatase activities. One of the most common genetic abnormalities identified in human malignancies are somatic mutations in the PTEN gene. The tumor suppressor activity of the PTEN enzyme is reduced or completely lost as a result of PTEN gene mutations. Considering this information, it is thought that PTEN gene polymorphisms may be associated with the pathogenesis of the disease. The purpose of our study is to determine the relationship between functional PTEN polymorphisms IVS4 (–/+) and -9 C/G and endometrial cancer.
DNAs belonging to 63 endometrial cancer patients and 63 control individuals were genotyped by PCR-RFLP method for 2 genetic variants of PTEN IVS4 (–/+) and -9 C/G gene. The expression level of PTEN protein was measured by the Elisa method from serum samples. Our results were evaluated with appropriate statistical methods.
As a result of our study, no statistically significant difference was found in the risk of endometrial cancer and genotype frequencies of –9 C/G and IVS4 (-/+) variants (p> 0.05). It was detected that the serum level of PTEN lessened significantly in patients with endometrial cancer in comparison to the control (p
From the history of the organization and activities of the Red Guard of the Lower Volga Region (1917–1918)
Authors: Епифанов А.Е. 
Published: April 2023

В статье с историко-правовых позиций анализируются организационные и правовые основы деятельности Красной гвардии на примере Нижнего Поволжья в 1917–1918 гг. С использованием архивных материалов, многие из которых вводятся в научный оборот впервые, рассматриваются история и правовое положение Красной гвардии на этапе ее становления, накануне и в период Октябрьской революции 1917 г., а также в годы Гражданской войны. Автором исследуются правовые основы и практика формирования Красной гвардии, органы ее управления, состав, структура, компетенция и основные направления деятельности. В статье раскрываются вопросы, связанные с участием красногвардейских отрядов в борьбе с контрреволюцией, обеспечением охраны общественного порядка и противодействием преступности. При этом уделяется внимание их взаимодействию с органами советской власти, военного управления и милиции.
The article analyzes organizational and legal foundations of the activities of the Red Guard from a historical and legal standpoint on the example of the Lower Volga Region in 1917–1918. Using archival materials, many of which are being introduced into scientific circulation for the first time, the history and legal status of the Red Guard at the stage of its formation, on the eve and during the October Revolution of 1917, as well as during the Civil War are considered. The author discloses legal foundations and practice of the formation of the Red Guard, its governing bodies, composition, structure, competence and main areas of activity. The article reveals issues related to the participation of Red Guard detachments in the fight against counterrevolution, ensuring protection of public order and countering crime. At the same time, attention is paid to their interaction with the bodies of Soviet power, military administration and militia.
Correlation between managerial functions and competences of executive authorities
Authors: Нагорных Р.В. , Попова Д.В. 
Published: April 2023

В статье раскрываются проблемы соотношения понятий «управленческая функция» и «компетенция органов исполнительной власти». Обосновывается позиция о необходимости совершенствования законодательства в данной области путем внесения изменений и дополнений в ст. 3 Федерального закона от 28.06.2014 № 172-ФЗ (ред. от 31.07.2020) «О стратегическом планировании в Российской Федерации» в части закрепления понятия компетенции органа исполнительной власти как системы полномочий органа исполнительной власти по осуществлению государственной власти в определенной сфере или отрасли публичного управления.
The article reveals problems of correlation between the concepts “managerial function” and “competence of executive authorities”. The position on the need to improve legislation in this area by making amendments and additions to Article 3 of the Federal Law No. 172-FZ of June 28, 2014 (as amended of July 31, 2020) “On strategic planning in the Russian Federation” regarding fixing the concept of executive authority competence as “a system of powers of an executive authority to exercise state power in a certain sphere or branch of public administration”.
Effectiveness of certain methods of criminal prosecution in relation to smuggling
Authors: Бормотова Л.В. 
Published: April 2023

В статье исследованы практические результаты деятельности правоохранительных органов, осуществляющих уголовное преследование, выявление и пресечение контрабанды, в 2022 г. Данные сопоставлены с имеющейся проблематикой в теории и правовой неопределенностью в законодательстве. Резюмировано, что мерам уголовного преследования, фактически применяемым на практике и имеющим правовые предпосылки в виде фрагментарного регулирования, должно быть придано достаточное законодательное регулирование как эффективным инструментам выявления и пресечения преступлений в таможенной сфере. В связи с этим предложено расширить сферу применения и более подробного нормативного регулирования гласной части контролируемой поставки как основного эффективного инструмента борьбы в 2022 г. с контрабандой наркотических средств и веществ, их аналогов и прекурсоров. Также предлагается внести соответствующие изменения в ряд статей об оперативных мерах в оперативно-розыскное законодательство, дополнив их такими, как оперативное задержание, засада, блокирование, прочесывание местности.
The article examines practical results of the activities of law enforcement agencies engaged in criminal prosecution, detection and suppression of smuggling in 2022. The data are compared with the existing problems in theory and legal uncertainty in legislation. It is summarized that criminal prosecution measures actually applied in practice and having legal prerequisites in the form of fragmentary regulation should be given sufficient legislative regulation as effective tools for detecting and suppressing crimes in the customs sphere. In this regard, it is proposed to expand the scope of application and more detailed normative regulation of the public part of controlled delivery as the main effective tool for combating smuggling of narcotic drugs and substances, their analogues and precursors in 2022. It is also proposed to make appropriate amendments to a number of articles on law enforcement intelligence in the operational search legislation, supplementing them operational detention, ambush, blocking, combing the area.