bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The association between headache presentation, normal examination and neuroimaging findings: a retrospective analysis of patients presenting to a tertiary referral centre
Authors: Moodley Sharania , I Bhigjee Ahmed 
Published: March 2023

Background: There is a high worldwide burden of headaches. Selection of patients with headaches for neuroimaging, in the absence of traditional red flags, is imperative in guiding further management.
Objectives: Determine the yield of neuroimaging findings in patients with headache and normal examination; and potentially identifying additional red flags.
Methods: A retrospective consecutive chart review of patients with a main complaint of headaches and normal clinical examination were assessed at a tertiary hospital, over a 10-year period.
Results: Cohort consisted of 114 patients. Unexpected or normal variants found in 20.2% of patients (23/114) and 11.4% (13/114) required change in management. The absence of nausea and vomiting (p=0.009) and absence of sharp type headaches in unexpected or normal variants group (p=0.03) were statistically significant. There was a higher chance of an abnormal neuroimaging study in men and HIV seropositive patients.
Conclusions: Decision to neuroimage should be determined on an individual basis (demographic factors, history of headache and examination) as normal examination cannot preclude patients from unexpected findings on neuroimaging. Headache with nausea and vomiting in isolation may be associated with normal neuroimaging reflecting primary type headaches. Findings support a lower threshold to neuroimage men and HIV seropositive patients with headaches despite normal clinical examination.
Keywords: Headache; normal clinical examination; neuroimaging; headache red flags.
Self-reported oral hygiene practice and utilization of dental services by dental technology students in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Alade Grace , Bamigboye Sunday 
Published: March 2023

Background: Dental technology students are Dental surgery technicians under training, trained to assist patients maintain good oral health. Hence, their oral hygiene is expected to be optimal.
Objective: To determine the oral self-care practices and pattern of utilization of dental services among dental technology students.
Material and Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study, consisting of 109 participants. The questionnaire had three sections. Section A had questions on sociodemographic, section B was on self-reported oral hygiene practices and section C was on pattern of dental service utilization. Statistical analysis was done using the SPSS version 20.0.
Results: The mean age was 23.66 years; age range was 18 – 42 years. There were 20 males and 89 females, 95.41% of the participants used toothbrushes and paste, while 4.59% used both chewing sticks and toothbrushes. 22% used horizontal/scrub method of toothbrushing, 10.1% used modified bass method, whereas 5.0% do not know which method of toothbrushing they use. 81.3% of the participants had visited the dentist previously for routine dental check-up while 10.71% visited for dental pain.
Conclusion: The self-reported oral hygiene practice of the dental technology students is commendable, however, further education on the importance of scaling and polishing is advocated.
Keywords: Dental technology; Dental utilization; Oral health practices.
Prevalence and correlates of antenatal depression at Chelstone First Level Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Maila Brian , Paul Ravi , Mayimbo Sebean , Kabwita Kelvin 
Published: March 2023

Background: Antenatal depression is associated with long-term disability in both mothers and new-borns. Inadequate data and research can constrain resource allocation and exacerbate the condition's symptoms.Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of prenatal depression and the characteristics associated with it among women receiving prenatal care at Chelstone First Level Hospital in Lusaka.Method: A cross-sectional survey of 281 pregnant women receiving prenatal care at Chelstone First Level Hospital was conducted using systematic random sampling. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to assess participants' depression, and related data were collected using a structured, pretested, and interviewer-administered questionnaire.Results: Prenatal depression was identified in 26.3 percent of pregnant women surveyed (95 CI: 21% -32%), with antenatal depression being significantly more prevalent in women who did not have a satisfactory relationship with their partner/significant other (OR=1.70, 95CI: 1.40-3.10). Unemployment was found to be a risk factor for antenatal depression, with a 1.3 (95 CI:1.04-1.5) fold increased risk compared to employed women.
Conclusion: Depressive symptoms are common among pregnant women seeking antenatal care in primary care, and unemployment, as well as a lack of relationship satisfaction with the spouse/significant other, increases the risk of depression.
Keywords: Antenatal depression; associated factors; depression in pregnancy; depressive symptoms; depression; pregnancy; antenatal care.
Histopathological characterization of lung tumours at the University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia: a pilot study
Authors: Jacqueline Tembo Mizinga , Kayamba Violet , Zulu Ephraim 
Published: March 2023

Background: There are limited data on histological classification of primary lung cancer from sub-Saharan Africa. Furthermore, the time trends of age-truncated incidence rates of lung cancer by histological phenotype in Zambia are also unknown.
Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine histological types of lung tumours at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) in Lusaka, Zambia.
Methods: This was a retrospective pilot study of lung tumour biopsies collected from the histopathology laboratory at the UTH over a period of one year. Tissue sections were stained and when seen, lung cancer was classified using standard histological methods. Data were analysed using IBM SSPS version 23.
Results: A total of 23 lung cancer tissues were retrieved. Histological types included eleven (47.8%) squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), six (26.1%) adenocarcinoma, two (8.7%) small cell carcinoma, two (8.7%) large cell carcinoma, 1 (4.3%) inflammatory myofibroblastic tumours and 1 (4.3%) pleural pulmonary blastoma. The results showed that the most affected age group was 60-69 years with most of the histological subtype in this age group being SCC. There was no statistically significant difference of histological subtypes across age groups, p=0.12.
Conclusion: This study has shown that the most commonly diagnosed type of primary lung cancer is squamous cell carcinoma.More data are needed to further corroborate this observation.
Keywords: Lung cancer; histopathology; Zambia.
Accidents exposing blood to the staff of a hospital and university establishment in Algeria: Assessment and risk factors
Authors: Kheira Derkaoui Dalia , Dali-Ali Abdessamad , Abdelaziz Zouleykha , Midoun Nori , Zina Mohamed 
Published: March 2023

Background: Accidents exposing to blood AEB represent real public health problem in healthcare establishments. The objective of our study was to estimate the frequency of AEB As at our establishment as well as the risk factors that determine their occurrence.
Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted at a hospital university establishment over period from October 16 to December 3, 2018. The survey concerned accident exposing blood to the staff of our establishment. Data entry and analysis was carried out using Epi-Info software.
Results: A clear predominance of women was noted (79.2%) among the study population with a Sex ratio equal to 0.26. The average age was 27.7 ± 6.2 years.The frequency of exposure to AEB among hospital staff was 48.5%. Needlestick injuries were the most common accident (88.3%), followed by splashing blood or body fluids (51.7%), and cutting with a sharp object (10.0%). Among the risk factors significantly associated with the occurrence of AEB, we can cite the medical profession (OR = 3.94; p<0.001), the surgical specialty (OR = 3.3; p <0.01), the male sex (OR = 3.7; p <0.01). Likewise, risk of AEB increased significantly with age (p <0.01) and professional seniority (p <0.02).
Keywords: Accidents exposing blood; hospital staff; Algeria.
Incidence of first attempt peripheral intravenous cannulation failure and its predictors among children admitted to Debre Tabor Referral Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia: institution based cross-sectional clinical study
Authors: Munye Aytenew Tigabu , Mesfin Belay Demeke , Alebachew Bayih Wubet , Minuye Birhane Binyam , Yeshambel Alemu Abebaw 
Published: March 2023

Background: When the first piercing is failed to function, repeated puncturing imposes pain, complications, and delays the timeliness of pediatric care. In spite of the above challenges, incidence and predictors of first attempt peripheral intravenous cannulation failure are under-investigated in the study area and the nation at large.Objective: This study aimed to determine the incidence of first attempt peripheral intravenous cannulation failure and its predictors among children.Methods: Institution-based cross-sectional study design was conducted, and a total of 422 children were included in the study.The study participants were selected using a simple random sampling technique. The data were collected by direct observation and interviewer-administered questionnaire. Stata version 14 was used for analysis, and finally, the association was declared using AOR at a 95% confidence level at p≤0.05.Results: The incidence of first attempt peripheral intravenous cannulation failure rate was found to be 34.83% (132). Besides, self-payment funding, vein visibility with a tourniquet, forearm site, vein scope use, and child age of 24-59 months old were significantly associated with first attempt peripheral intravenous cannulation failure.Conclusion: Generally, self-payment funding, vein visibility with a tourniquet, forearm site, vein scope use, and child age of 24-59 months old were independent predictors of first attempt peripheral intravenous cannulation failure.
Keywords: Peripheral IV cannulation; predictors; cross-sectional study
MicroRNA-186 suppresses cell proliferation and metastasis in bladder cancer
Authors: Feng Liang Jun , Hua Li Pei , Zhu Yong , Shuai Zheng Shuai , Wei Liu Jing , Qiang Song Shi 
Published: March 2023

Purpose: Bladder cancer (BCa) is a common malignancy in the urinary system. This study aims to explore the role of miR-186 in BCa tumorigenesis.
Methods: The expression of miR-186 and ADAMTS12 in clinical BCa tissues and cell lines was detected. BCa cell lines T24, 5637 and EJ were used to transfect miR-186 mimics or inhibitors. Luciferase reporter gene detection confirmed the correlation between miR-186 and ADAMTS12. MTT method and flow cytometry were used to detect cell viability and apoptosis. Cell migration and invasion ability was detected by transwell assay. The protein level of ADAMTS12, β-catenin, GSK-3β and p-GSK-3β was determined using western blot analysis.
Results: MiR-186 was negatively correlated with the expression of ADAMTS12 in BCa tissues. Further research confirmed that ADAMTS12 is the direct target of miR-186. In addition, overexpression of miR-186 down-regulated the expression of ADAMTS12,inhibiting cell viability and apoptosis, while knockout of miR-186 led to the opposite result. miR-186 also inhibits the phosphorylation of GSK-3 β and β-catenin without changing the total GSK-3β level. Our study shows that miR-186 has a negative regulatory effecton the expression of ADAMTS12 in clinical specimens and in vitro. miR-186 can inhibit the proliferation and invasion of BCa cells.
Conclusions: miR-186 has the potential to be used as a biomarker in the early detection of BCa.
Keywords: Purpose: Bladder cancer (BCa) is a common malignancy in the urinary system. This study aims to explore the role of miR-186 in BCatumorigenesis.Methods: The expression of miR-186 and ADAMTS12 in clinical BCa tissues and cell lines was detected. BCa cell lines T24, 5637 andEJ were used to transfect miR-186 mimics or inhibitors. Luciferase reporter gene detection confirmed the correlation between miR-186 and ADAMTS12. MTT method and flow cytometry were used to detect cell viability and apoptosis. Cell migration and invasionability was detected by transwell assay. The protein level of ADAMTS12, β-catenin, GSK-3β and p-GSK-3β was determined usingwestern blot analysis.Results: MiR-186 was negatively correlated with the expression of ADAMTS12 in BCa tissues. Further research confirmed thatADAMTS12 is the direct target of miR-186. In addition, overexpression of miR-186 down-regulated the expression of ADAMTS12,inhibiting cell viability and apoptosis, while knockout of miR-186 led to the opposite result. miR-186 also inhibits the phosphorylationof GSK-3 β and β-catenin without changing the total GSK-3β level. Our study shows that miR-186 has a negative regulatory effecton the expression of ADAMTS12 in clinical specimens and in vitro. miR-186 can inhibit the proliferation and invasion of BCa cells.Conclusions: miR-186 has the potential to be used as a biomarker in the early detection of BCa.Keywords: miR-186; ADAMTS12; bladder cancer; proliferation; metastasis biomarker.
Retroperitoneal pelvic packing for an abdominopelvic gunshot injury
Authors: Akim Koma 
Published: March 2023

The objective of the study is to demonstrate the significance of damage control surgery in saving lives and possibly preventing permanent disability in a resource poor environment. This is because in resource limited settings, advanced treatment modalities such as external fixation and angiography with embolization are not available. Moreover, besides being expensive, these treatment methods for pelvic fractures require training and skills to perform. The retroperitoneal pelvic packing is easy to learn and, thus can be used in an emergency to save lives and prevent long-term problems in patients who have sustained life threatening pelvic injuries and severe haemorrhage. Therefore, specialist surgeons, especially those working in low- and middle income countries, should be encouraged to learn and consider retroperitoneal pelvic packing as a stabilization and definitive treatment in some cases of pelvic fractures.
Effects of long non-coding RNA MALAT1-targeting miR-570-3p and miR-34a on the invasion, proliferation, and apoptosis of human retinoblastoma cells
Authors: Shi Dejing , Feng Xiuhong , Ding Xuchen 
Published: March 2023

Purpose: To investigate the expression of lncRNA MALAT1-targeting miR-570-3p and miR-34a and its effects on the invasion, proliferation, and apoptosis of human retinoblastoma cells.
Methods: MiR-34a, miR-570-3p, and IncRNA MALAT1 in a human normal retinal vascular endothelial cell line (ACBRI-181), human retinoblastoma cell line (SO-Rb50), human normal retinal tissue and human retinoblastoma tissue were determined. Luciferase assay was used to verify the targeting relationship between LncRNA MALAT1 and miR-570-3p and miR-34a. while cell invasion, cell apoptosis and cell proliferation were assessed by Transwell assay, flow cytometry, and tumor pellet-forming assay, respectively.
Results: LncRNA MALAT1 in SO-Rb50 cell line and human retinoblastoma tissue line were significantly up-regulated, while the expression levels of miR-34a and miR-570-3p were significantly down-regulated (p < 0.05). Luciferase assay results showed that lncRNA MALAT1 targeted miR-570-3p and miR-34a. The invasion and proliferation of SO-Rb50 cells in the miR-570-3p inhibitor and miR-34a inhibitor groups were significantly increased, while the apoptosis of SO-Rb50 cells was significantly decreased (p < 0.05). However, the invasion and proliferation of SO-Rb50 cells in sh-MALAT1 group were significantly decreased, while apoptosis significantly increased. However, compared with sh-MALAT1 group alone, the invasion and proliferation of SO-Rb50 cells in co-transfected sh-MALAT1+miR-570-3p inhibitor + miR-34a inhibitor group w significantly increased, but apoptosis significantly decreased (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: LncRNA MALAT1 negatively regulates miR-570-3p and miR-34a to promote the invasion and proliferation of human retinoblastoma SO-Rb50 cells and inhibit apoptosis. These findings may be of significance in developing suitable therapies for human retinoblastoma
Zhao’s Weitiao No 3 inhibits tumor growth in gastric cancer-bearing nude mice
Authors: Pan Qi , Xiang Pei , Chen Yuanyuan , Zhao Jingfang 
Published: March 2023

Purpose: To investigate the effect of Zhao’s Weitiao No. 3 (ZW3) on the progression of gastric cancer (GC) in mice, and to determine its effects on the proliferation and apoptosis of gastric cancer tissues.
Methods: Tumor growth in vivo was used to determine the effect of ZW3 (15, 30, and 60 mg/kg) on GC growth in mice. Immunohistochemical and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling assays were conducted to evaluate the effects of ZW3 on the proliferation and apoptosis of mouse GC tissues, while quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and immunoblot assays were conducted to determine its effects on GC cell apoptosis.
Results: ZW3 inhibited tumor growth in tumor-bearing mice, suppressed the expression of proliferation-related proteins (p < 0.001), increased the apoptosis of tumor cells in tumor-bearing mice (p < 0.001), and suppressed the expression of apoptosis-related proteins in mouse tumor tissues (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Thus, ZW3 is a potential drug for the management of GC. However, further investigations are required to determine its full potential
Comparative evaluation of Polygel Dual and commonly used alginate-antacid formulations (ACIDUAL Study)
Authors: Tshiamala KK Pascal , Oyeleke Ganiyat , Nsokolo Bright , Aninagyei Felix , Sirwani Rajesh , Nair Sunil 
Published: March 2023

Purpose: To compare Polygel Dual (PD) and four marketed alginate-antacid combination products, with respect to raft formation and antacid properties.
Methods: The pharmacopeial tests used were selected based on demonstrable performance of raft-forming potential, including speed and thickness, for all selected products. Evidence-based methods were used to determine the antacid effects in terms of acid-neutralizing capacity and increase in pH.
Results: Raft-forming ability was demonstrated by three products, with AF-4 and PD outperforming in speed and thickness. PD, AF-1 and AF-2 exhibited superior antacid properties. However, PD was the only product that demonstrated superior performance with respect to raft-formation and antacid potential. Raft-forming capacity was exhibited by 3 out of 5 products, viz, PD, AF-1 and AF-4. Raft formation was faster in AF-4 (15 s), followed by in PD (25 s). Similarly, raft thickness (14.79 mm) was highest in AF-4, followed by (4.39 mm) in PD. Preliminary antacid test results showed that AF-4 failed to raise pH above 3.5, but PD raised pH to 5.86, while AF-1 raised pH to 5.88. Similarly, periodic test analysis revealed that PD maintained pH above 7 for the entire test duration of 210 min, whereas AF-4 failed to raise pH to 7 during the test period.
Conclusion: Polygel dual (PD) demonstrates desirable raft-forming potential and antacid properties. Moreover, it effectively raises pH and maintains it for longer duration than any of the other antacid products. Thus, PD may be considered a potentially effective treatment for acid-reflux problems. However, this claim should be validated in suitable clinical trials.
Screening of therapeutic potentials of proprioceptive exercises and topical glucosamine sulfate on pain and functional disability in knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Arif Hifza , Arif Nimra , Kanwal Noshaba , Tahir Humera , Akmal Izhaan , Munawar Shaukat Hussain , Iqbal Muhammad Omer 
Published: March 2023

Purpose: To compare the effects of proprioceptive exercises and topical glucosamine sulfate on knee osteoarthritis in terms of reducing pain and functional disability.
Methods: A single-blinded randomized clinical trial (IRCT20220115053712N1) was conducted at Muhammad Physical Therapy Clinic and Rehabilitation Center, Multan, Pakistan, from November 2021 to April 2022. Eighty-four patients enrolled and were randomized into two groups; patients in Group A were treated with proprioceptive exercises while those in Group B were treated with topical glucosamine sulfate. The Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scale were used to measure pain and functional activities at baseline, 9th and 18th sessions.
Results: The results showed that both interventions were effective, but more in Group A (p < 0.05). Group A also showed highly significant improvement in relieving the pains associated with osteoarthritis when compared to Group B (p ≤ 0.001).
Conclusion: Proprioceptive exercises are more efficient than topical glucosamine sulfate for managing knee osteoarthritis, improving functional outcomes and lowering pain intensity.
Effectiveness of the external application of Jidesheng snake tablets, trehalose glycerin mud, and hydroquinone cream in the treatment of melisma
Authors: Chen Dan , Chen Yili , Zhao Leping , Xiao Zhongxiang , Wang Linze 
Published: March 2023

Purpose: To determine the effectiveness of the external application of Jidesheng snake tablets, trehalose glycerin mud, and hydroquinone cream in the treatment of melasma.
Methods: The study was conducted on 60 patients with melasma who were treated in the Affiliated Yueqing Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University between January 1, 2021, and January 31, 2022. The patients were randomly but equally assigned to two groups (study and control). The study group received Jidesheng snake medicine, glycerin, boiled water, and trehalose medicinal mud at a 10:4:2:1 combination ratio, applied to the affected parts 12 h a day for 2 - 4 weeks. After cleansing the skin, hydroquinone cream was applied to the affected area. On the other hand, the control group was treated with a similar formulation but without trehalose medicinal mud in the ratio of 10:4:2. Changes in facial melasma of the patients were observed, while the satisfaction, clinical efficacy, incidence of adverse reactions, and recurrence rate were monitored.
Results: Patients in the study group were more satisfied with the treatment than those in the control group (90 vs. 73.3 %, p < 0.05). Furthermore, treatment effectiveness was significantly higher in the study group than in the control group (93.3 vs. 70 %, p < 0.05).
Conclusion: The external application of Jidesheng medicine + glycerin + cold boiled water + trehalose is a reliable therapeutic strategy for the management of patients with melasma. It is more cost-effective, less prone to adverse reactions, and is associated with a low recurrence rate and high satisfaction.