bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Open Prostatectomy for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Critical Analysis of Patient Presentation and Surgical Outcomes in a Contemporary Series
Authors: Obi AO , Odo C , Ogolo DE , Okeke CJ , Ulebe AO , Afogu EN 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT

Background:
Open prostatectomy (OP) is still a valid treatment option for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), but it needs to be constantly reevaluated in the context of minimally invasive treatments (MITs).

Aim:
Our purpose is to present contemporary data on patient presentation and surgical outcomes of OP with which other OP series and MITs can be compared.

Methods:
A retrospective study of all OP was carried out in our institution from January 2011 to December 2020. All patients had a thorough preoperative workup and optimization of comorbidities before surgery. Data were collected in a predesigned pro forma and analyzed.

Results:
The mean age of the 148 patients studied was 66.2 (±7.9) yrs. The mean duration of symptoms before surgery was 32.2 (±33.7) mos. The mean preoperative prostate volume was 118.0 (±67.1) cm3. There was a 54.4% comorbidity rate with diabetes mellitus (DM) topping the list (16.0%). An incidental prostate cancer rate of 6.1% was found. The overall complication rate was 45.3%. Perioperative hemorrhage requiring blood transfusion (BT) was the most common complication (26.1%). There was no significant difference in age, duration of surgery, and prostrate volume between subjects with and without BT (P > 0.05). Wound infection was significantly associated with diabetes (P = 0.043, OR = 3.507, 95% CI = 1.042–11.805). The reoperation rate was 1.4%, and mortality rate was 0.7%. The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality-of-life (QOL) score, and post-void residual urine (PVR) volume were significantly improved (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:
OP was found to be a safe and effective procedure for the relief of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) secondary to BPH. However, it was associated with high morbidity and low reoperation rate.
Scalp Reconstruction following Excision of Malignant Tumors in Southeastern Nigeria
Authors: Okwesili Obinna Remigius , Achebe Uchechukwu Johnson , Onumaegbu Okechukwu Oliver , Mezue Wilfred Chukwuemeka , Chikani Mark Chukwunweike , Onyia Ephraim Eziechina 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Background:
Malignant scalp tumors are not common and constitute a small percentage of all scalp tumors. Reconstruction of the scalp defects following oncological resection presents peculiar challenges.

Aim:
The aim of the study is to report our experience in reconstructing scalp defect of varying sizes after the excision of malignant tumours using a variety of techniques.

Materials and Methods:
This was a retrospective review of patients who had scalp reconstruction after oncological resections from June 2010 to May 2014 (four years) at our teaching hospital in the South-east of Nigeria. Data on the demographics, nature of the scalp tumors, site, size of the defects, mode of scalp reconstruction, and outcomes were collected and analyzed.

Results:
Of the 17 patients who had scalp reconstruction, 29.4% of them were men and 70.6% were women (M:F = 5:2). The mean age of the patients was 41.2 ± 4.98 years (range: 19–85 years). The majority of the patients (47.1%) were young adults between 20 and 40 years, and the least involved age group (11.8%) was 13–19 years. The most common etiology of malignant scalp tumors was squamous cell carcinoma (52.9%). The temporal region was the most common site (41.2%) affected. Most of the defects were between 6.1 and 9.0 cm in diameter, followed by defects that were <3 cm in diameter. Neurosurgical assistance was required in 5 (29.4%) patients where the tumor had involved the skull bone. Tumor recurrence was noted in 3 (17.6%) patients within one year of follow-up.

Conclusion:
Scalp reconstruction after oncological resection presents a peculiar esthetic challenge due to the hair-bearing skin of the scalp and the need to maintain the hairline. The use of local flaps from the scalp remains the first and the best option. For very large scalp defects, free flap through microvascular surgery is the preferred option.
Patient’s Perceived Satisfaction and Quality of Life with Fixed Partial Denture: A 10-Year Retrospective Assessment in a Tertiary Institution, South-West, Nigeria
Authors: Gbadebo Shakeerah Olaide , Okeaya-Inneh Osaro Charles , Adeosun Olayinka David , Ajayi Deborah Mojirade 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Background:
Tooth loss is a disease of public health concern and defines the oral health status and quality of life of an individual.

Aim:
This study assessed the level of satisfaction and the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of patients that received fixed partial denture (FPD), for the replacement of teeth, at a Nigerian tertiary health facility.

Materials and Methods:
A cross-sectional retrospective evaluation of the clinical records of patients who received FPD within a period of 10 years was done. The eligible participants (44) were contacted by telephone and data on satisfaction and OHRQoL (using Oral Health Impact Profile [OHIP]-14 questionnaire) were collected. Descriptive analysis was used to report satisfaction and OHRQoL. The association between categorical variables was tested with Chi-square. P value was set at ≤ 0.05.

Results:
The conventional fixed–fixed prostheses supported mostly with porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns were the most used. High satisfaction with the appearance was reported by 22 (48.9%) at delivery as against 14 (31.1%) after use. Decementation was the most recorded failure, (26, 57.8%) and the total OHIP-14 score was 21.71 ± 9.47, indicating poor quality of life. Forty-four participants (18, 40.9% males and 26, 59.1% females) underwent oral rehabilitation with FPD within the study period. The age range and mean age of the participants were 21–72 years and 46.8 ± 13.8 (standard deviation) years, respectively. Significantly higher aesthetic satisfaction was reported at delivery of FPD compared to the present time of assessment (P < 0.001) showing a decline in satisfaction. However, long-term posttreatment satisfaction on aesthetics, masticatory ability, and phonetics was significantly higher compared to their pretreatment satisfaction (P < 0.001, 0.001, and P = 0.003, respectively). Furthermore, OHIP-14 scores showed statistically significant (P < 0.05) improved OHRQoL posttreatment except for OHIP8 and OHIP12 subdomains with P > 0.05.

Conclusion:
A decline in satisfaction with aesthetics of FPD postdelivery was observed and the psychological domains of OHIP-14 were mostly affected showing a better quality of life.
Assessment of Antinuclear Antibodies, Anti-Beta 2-Glycoprotein-1, and Thyroid Peroxidase Autoantibody Levels in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Sero-positive Pregnant Women at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi Nigeria
Authors: Okwara John Ekenedirichukwu , Ahaneku Joseph Eberendu , Onyenekwe Charles Chinedum , Udigwe Gerald Okanandu , Ikechebelu Joseph Ifeanyichukwu , Okwara Emmanuel Chidiebere , Okwara Nuratu Adejumoke , Mujeeb Salaam , Izuchukwu Emeka Callistus Onyeka 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackground:Pregnancy is associated with biochemical alterations and may be compounded by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection potentially affecting pregnancy outcome.Aims:This study evaluated some biochemical parameters that could possibly affect pregnancy outcomes in HIV-infected women.Patients, Materials and Methods:The study involved 136 HIV sero-positive on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and 137 HIV sero-negative pregnant women, recruited from the Antenatal Clinic of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi. Antinuclear antibodies (ANAs), anti-beta 2-glycoprotein-1 (βGP1), and thyroid peroxidase autoantibody (TPOab) were analysed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methods.Results:TPOab in HIV sero-positive subjects (104.9 ± 51.06 IU/mL) was significantly higher (P> 0.05) compared with controls (89.5 ± 33.5 IU/mL). ANA and βGP1 in test group (0.89 ± 0.31; 12.94 ± 8.9, respectively) did not change significantly (P> 0.05) compared with the controls (0.84 ± 0.27; 10.37 ± 9.6, respectively). There were no significant changes in measured biochemical parameters between trimesters (P> 0.05). Furthermore, there were no significant differences in measured biochemical parameters between subjects with different APGAR scores in all subject groups.Conclusion:HIV infection affected TPOab level but had no impact on ANA, bGP1, and APGAR score in HIV pregnancy under HAART.
Management of Metastatic Paratesticular Tumour in a Resource-Poor Setting
Authors: Ayogu Benjamin O. , Amu Okwudili C. , Mbadiwe Okezie M. , Anyimba Solomon Kenechukwu , Ukekwe Francis I. , Nwachukwu Chukwunonso D. , Akporeha Henry N. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Paratesticular tumours are tumours that arise from the testicular tunics, spermatic cord, epididymis, or vestigial remnants. The tumours are rare and account for approximately 5% of intrascrotal neoplasms. About 75% of these tumours arise from the spermatic cord. Paratesticular tumours most commonly manifest as painless scrotal masses. Alternatively, the tumour may be incidentally noticed when a scrotal ultrasound scan is done for another intrascrotal pathology such as hydrocele, inguinoscrotal hernia, epididymo-orchitis, or suspected testicular tumour. We present a case of metastatic paratesticular tumour in a 21-year-old Nigerian male, who presented at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu, in September 2018 at the age of 19 years with a painless right hemiscrotal mass. The patient was clinically evaluated with scrotal ultrasonography, testicular tumour markers, and liver function test. Biopsy specimen obtained was ignorantly discarded by the patient who was subsequently lost to follow-up. Histologic diagnosis of mesenchymal tumour (myxoid liposarcoma) was made two years after his initial presentation when he developed both inguinal and retroperitoneal lymph node metastasis at the age of 21 years. He was evaluated as clinical stage IV disease and then commenced on chemotherapy after baseline investigations. Our objective of presenting this report is to highlight the effect of delayed diagnosis in the management outcome, challenges in the provision of resources in low- and middle-income countries, and to emphasise the rarity of the tumour in our subregion.
Immunobiology of lymphotoxin: role in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Gogoleva V. S. , Drutskaya M. S. , Nedospasov Sergei A. 
Published: September 2023

Complex immunobiology of lymphotoxin (LTα) is due to multiple modalities of signal transduction, involving a soluble homotrimer and membrane-bound heterotrimers that engage at least three different receptors. While LTα is crucial for the formation and maintenance of secondary lymphoid organs, its overproduction is observed in autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. Initially, LTα was considered pathogenic in the development of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a mouse model of multiple sclerosis, as demonstrated by the resistance of mice with genetic LTα inactivation to EAE induction. However, conflicting observations arose when EAE was induced in RAG1-deficient mice that underwent adoptive bone marrow transfer from LTα-deficient mice, thereby calling into question previous conclusions about the role of LTα in EAE development.
This study aimed to investigate the role of LTα in MOG35-55-induced EAE using mice deficient in LTα or its membrane receptor, LTβR. LTα knockout mice used here were designed to avoid the artifact involving TNF gene downregulation in myeloid cells, which occurred in the conventional LTα knockout mice.
Surprisingly, LTα-deficient mice with normal TNF expression developed EAE clinically comparable to wild-type mice. Conversely, genetic inactivation of LTβR delayed EAE onset. However, during the later stages of the disease, LTβR deletion exacerbated clinical symptoms of EAE.
These findings demonstrate that the involvement of LTα in EAE development is more complex than previously estimated, and that LTβR exhibits diverse functions depending on the disease stage: pathogenic at the early stage and protective at the later stages of EAE.
Сytokines as non-hormonal regulators in the pathogenesis of endocrinopathies
Authors: Valikova Olga V. , Zdor V. V. , Sarychev V. A. , Tikhonov Ya. N. , Boroda Andrey V. 
Published: September 2023

Cytokines regulate the activity of hypothalamus – pituitary – adrenal hormonal axis, also affecting thyroid gland and ovaries. However, their exact role in pathogenesis of endocrine diseases is still under study. Altered cytokine secretion in autoimmune thyroid diseases and polycystic ovary syndrome is well known. Meanwhile, the main immunological predictors of severe prognosis in endocrinopathies and biomarkers for administration of targeted immunotherapy have not yet been determined. Therefore, our objective was to study the relationships between the cytokines and hormones in pathogenesis of autoimmune and non-autoimmune endocrinopathies, i.e., autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT), Graves’ disease (GD), nodular and multinodular goiter, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
101 patients with GD and 105 patients with AIT, 110 patients with PCOS were examined; 51 patients with nodular and multinodular euthyroid goiter and 50 healthy individuals; their average age was 34.5±2.9 years old. The study was approved by the Interdisciplinary Ethics Committee of the Pacific State Medical University. Clinical examination included ultrasonography. ELISA technique was applied for determination of thyroid and sex hormones, TSH, autoantibodies to TPO, TSH receptor, cytokines in blood serum, in follicular fluid samples, cell culture media (primary cultures of cumulus cells). Genetic studies were carried out with PCR. Morphological verification was performed by inverted microscopy CKX41 (Olympus) with a phase contrast system, camera AxioCam5 (Carl Zeiss) with software Zen 2, Blue Edition.
IL-6 and TNFα in the blood serum of patients with PCOS were most significantly increased, Sharply decreased IFNγ/IL-10 ratio in blood serum and cumulus cell culture was found in PCOS when compared with controls. Significant changes in the content of thyroid hormones in GD and TSH in AIT have been proven to affect the hyperproduction of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Before treatrment, the direct or reverse corelations were found between the levels of cytokines and thyroid hormones in GD, and TSH in AIT. Subsequently, upon correction of hormonal disorders, these associations became weaker, or faded away. In patients with nodular and multinodular euthyroid goiter, only the IFNγ level was significantly increased, being twice as high as in the control group.
A significant imbalance in the ratio of Th1/Th2 marker cytokines and their hyperproduction in autoimmune thyroid diseases made it possible to characterize the cellular response system in autoimmune thyroid disorders as highly active and directly associated with thyroid dysfunction, performing its effector function under the impaired immunoregulation. The revealed changes in pro-inflammatory cytokines in polycystic ovary syndrome represent new immunological markers of fertility, which may be a promising target for pathogenetic immunotherapy.
Hemangioma cavernoso intramuscular del serratus major: diagnostico diferencial posquirurgico
Authors: Contreras Marcel Leonardo Quintero , Pedroza José Alexander Rubiano 
Published: September 2023

Los tumores primarios de la pared torácica representan aproximadamente el 2% de los tumores donde se encuentran los hemangiomas, que son clasificados como neoplasias benignas no reactivas con un frecuente número de aparición de vasos normales o anormales, siendo los hematomas cavernosos intramusculares el tumor menos común en la edad adulta, el presente caso presenta un paciente masculino de 28 años con diagnostico prequirúrgico de elastofibroma en pared torácica región subescapular derecha con presentación asociada al espacio entre el serrato mayor y el dorsal ancho al cual se le aplican las técnicas estándar de identificación de tumores, posterior al análisis intraoperatorio y con el apoyo del análisis inmunopatologico se confirma diagnostico diferencial de hemangioma cavernoso intramuscular en serrato mayor escasamente descrito en la literatura, se evidencia la importancia del manejo multidisciplinar de este tipo de tumores que brinda un reto diagnostico importante con el uso de las tecnologías medicas actuales, resaltando el diagnóstico inicial preoperatorio y las conclusiones diagnosticas de patología postquirúrgica, el tratamiento, a pesar de no ser maligno, es quirúrgico de elección, sin embargo las complicaciones intraoperatorias probables de acuerdo a las condiciones vasculares de la pieza anatómica conllevan un reto adicional para el cirujano tratante.
Patterns of Religious Magic Customary Law in Traditional Sundanese Wiwitan Marriage in West Java
Authors: Kusmayanti Hazar , Kania Dede , Sulastri Dewi , Suhartini Endeh , Rajamanickam Ramalinggam 
Published: September 2023

Introduction: The marriage law was carried out through a long process, due to, religions, or national interests. Marriages in Indonesia are not only based on the beliefs of official religions in Indonesia, but there are also marriages carried out by the Faith in God Almighty. One of the faith streams in Indonesia is the Sunda Wiwitan school. Purposes of the Research: In this study, researchers were interested in examining magical religious practices in the marriages of the Sunda Wiwitan indigenous people of West Java.Methods of the Research: The approach method used in this study is normative juridical research through legal principles, legal systematics, legal synchronization, and legal comparison. Results of the Research: The results showed that the marriage practice of indigenous peoples who live the Sunda Wiwitan faith is still thick with its customary rituals, this is done as a process in fulfilling the practice of marriage as one of the important life phases for the Sunda Wiwitan community. The characteristics of marriage of indigenous peoples who live in Sunda Wiwitan in West Java, having the concept of marriage containing the meaning of the beginning of the single end so sawaji (initially one, finally so unified), Marriage must be monogamous which is approved by the parents of both parties and the prohibition of marriage for Sunda Wiwitan believers is to marry between nations (marrying people outside Indonesia).
Motivation and Employee Engagement among Employees at Makerere University
Authors: Otyola Wandera , Julie Kasamba , Caro Nakanwagi , Rogers Namwiyiri 
Published: September 2023

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between employee motivation and engagement. A sample of 56 participants was selected using simple random sampling techniques at Makerere University.
Methodology: This study adopted a quantitative study approach that used a correlational survey design. A self-administered questionnaire was used in the data collection. The collected data were further coded and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science.
Findings: Descriptive statistics showed that 64.9% of the respondents were female and 32.1% were male; the majority were between 31 and 41 years old (66.1%). Results from the Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient (r) further indicated that there was a statistically significant positive relationship observed between employee motivation and engagement (r = -.353**p = .000<0.01).
Recommendations: Based on the above findings, it was recommended that organizations also focus on creating high levels of job satisfaction among their employees by providing better working conditions and fringe benefits to keep them engaged in their jobs since they are the focal point for the growth and expansion of any organization.
Experiences of Senior Secondary School siSwati Teachers on Use of Project-Based Learning
Authors: Mkhonta-Khoza Portia P. 
Published: September 2023

Purpose: The 21st century challenges make Project-Based Learning (PBL) “the” language teaching method that develops skills with learners. The study explored experiences of Eswatini senior secondary school siSwati teachers on use of PBL, a case study of schools in the Manzini region, Kwaluseni cluster. The objectives of the study were to; ascertain senior secondary school siSwati teachers’ views on use of PBL and to determine senior secondary school siSwati teachers’ views on the factors that allow for effective use of PBL.
Methodology: The study employed the qualitative design; a six (6) item online interview guide and a focus group discussion guide with four (4) items designed by the researcher were used for data collection. Purposive sampling was used to select five (5) schools and ten (10) teachers as participants from Manzini region, Kwaluseni. Data was analyzed using content analysis.
Findings: Teachers viewed use of PBL as practical; offering opportunity for use of ICT resources and parental/guardian involvement. Teachers’ experiences were that availability of resources; parental support and teacher-knowledge on use of PBL were factors that allow for effective use of PBL.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: The study concluded that PBL is not only a practical but a collaborative approach that engages the learner with human resources; the teacher and the parent and physical resources as well. The recommendations were; provision of resources; revival of teacher-learner-parent relationships and capacitation of teachers on use of PB to teach and assess.
The conceptual substantiation of the terms resilience, hardiness, psychological resilience, vitality in socio-psychological research
Authors: Нotych Victoria 
Published: September 2023

The article provides a theoretical analysis of the terms resilience and hardiness in the English-language literature. The history of formation, definitions of terms and factors that form their basis are highlighted.
The author analyzes the similarities and differences between these concepts and provides their correlation, namely, resilience is a descriptive term and is understood as a process that includes experiencing significant difficulties (misfortune can be realized in many different ways) and a positive outcome despite adversity (e.g., avoiding psychological disorder, positive competence in various life tasks); while hardiness is an explanatory term - an individual psychological quality that contributes to and helps explain resilience.
It has been determined that many factors can contribute to resilience, but when it comes to internal factors of a person, resilience is the key element.The article analyzes the concepts of "psychological resilience", "hardiness ", "vitality" in the Ukrainian-language literature. It is determined how these concepts relate to each other, as well as how these concepts are synonymous with the concepts of resilience and hardiness.The author shows the importance of the internal potential of the individual and external resources for the development of personality resilience which is the basis of the modern resilience approach.The problem of developing the resilience of individuals in extreme conditions of military conflict is considered from the standpoint of the resilience approach, highlighting internal and external resources.