bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Russian-Japanese relations after Abe: A new stress test?
Authors: Streltsov D. V. 
Published: July 2022

The article addresses qualitative changes in Russian-Japanese relations that occurred after the resignation of Shinzō Abe from the position of Prime Minister in 2020 due to the transformation of the international environment and domestic political developments in both countries. Among the international factors contributing to the deterioration of bilateral relations, the author particularly mentions confrontation between the Kremlin and the U.S after the change of administration in Washington in 2021, as well as a new aggravation of the situation around Ukraine in 2022. Continuing formation of a new system of geopolitical coordinates in Asia, in which only China can be considered by Russia an actual ally, while Japan, along with many of Russia’s Asian partners linked to the U.S., found themselves in the opposing camp, also played a role.The author focuses on the change in the Russian position on the issue of the peace treaty with Japan. The course was taken to demonstrate to Japan the futility of its stance on the issue of border demarcation with Russia. There has also been a transformation of the place and role of Japan in the internal ideological and propaganda discourse of Russia, where the focus on the «crimes of Japanese militarism» in East Asian countries is becoming increasingly evident. At the same time, the author considers Moscow’s critical attitude towards Japan not the result of a conscious ideological campaign directed specifically against Japan, but rather a reflection of the general atmosphere in the socio-political life of Russia.The author believes that the acquisition of a new «unfriendly» state in the face of Japan on the Far Eastern borders will become a military and political risk factor for Russia and will inevitably damage its security. Meanwhile, Russia should rethink its position given that, geostrategically, it is important for it to have strong partnership relations with Japan.
Update on Hand Osteoarthritis: A Neglected Problem
Authors: Daniella Dian , - Marianto 
Published: July 2022

<p>Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common rheumatologic disease and one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. Hand OA is the most common OA types after knee and hip OA. Risk factors include age, obesity, and family history. Abnormal mechanical loads, sex hormones, and inflammatory changes play role in pathogenesis of hand OA. Diagnosis is primarily based on clinical examination according to ACR guidelines. Plain radiography may support the diagnosis. ACR 2019 recommends comprehensive individualized treatment which include single or combination of physical, psychosocial, and/or pharmacological intervention. Topical NSAIDs are conditionally recommended. For initial oral medication, oral NSAIDs are strongly recommended and preferable to other medications. Exercise is also strongly recommended. Hand orthoses are highly recommended for patients with first CMCJ OA and conditionally recommended for patients with OA in other joints of the hand.</p><p>Osteoartritis (OA) adalah penyakit reumatologis paling umum dan salah satu penyebab utama kecacatan di seluruh dunia. Osteoartritis tangan adalah jenis OA yang paling umum setelah OA lutut dan pinggul. Faktor risiko penyakit ini adalah usia, obesitas, dan riwayat keluarga. Beban mekanis abnormal, hormon seks, dan reaksi inflamasi juga berperan pada patogenesis OA tangan. Diagnosis OA tangan dapat ditegakkan klinis sesuai pedoman ACR. Pemeriksaan radiologis dapat membantu diagnosis. Pedoman ACR 2019 merekomendasikan tatalaksana komprehensif tunggal atau gabungan dari intervensi fisik, psikososial, dan/atau farmakologis sesuai kebutuhan pasien. OAINS topikal direkomendasikan untuk OA tangan pada kondisi tertentu. Untuk pengobatan oral awal, OAINS oral direkomendasikan sebagai pilihan utama. Olahraga sangat direkomendasikan termasuk untuk OA tangan. Orthosis tangan sangat dianjurkan untuk pasien CMCJ OA awal dan direkomendasikan pada pasien OA persendian tangan lain dengan kondisi tertentu.</p><p> </p>
The Role of Vitamin D in Enhancing Immunity and Its Recommendations
Authors: Nagara Adianto Jaya , Gonius Andry 
Published: July 2022

<p>Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin with a very important role in regulating the body's calcium balance. It also plays an important role in cell growth, even optimizing the immune system. American Academy of Dermatology recommends supplementation of oral vitamin D to meet daily vitamin D requirements.</p><p>Vitamin D adalah vitamin larut dalam lemak yang penting untuk mengatur kadar kalsium tubuh, juga berperan dalam pertumbuhan sel dan sistem imun. Untuk memenuhi kebutuhan vitamin D dalam tubuh, American Academy of Dermatology menganjurkan suplementasi oral vitamin D.</p><p> </p>
COVID-19 and Pregnancy:
Authors: Alasia D , Maduka O , Oputa V O , Orazulike N , Otokwala J , Osemwegie N , Ozah C , Inya J N , Omietimi S , Ogan S , Ugboma H , Stanley P 
Published: July 2022

Background: It is known that pregnant women are more susceptible to viral infectious diseases, with an attendant risk of adverse foetal and maternal outcomes. The objective of this descriptive study is to evaluate the epidemiologic and clinical pattern, as well as the obstetric and COVID-19 outcome among pregnant women seen at a tertiary hospital in Southern, Nigeria.
Methods: This was a descriptive prospective study of all pregnant women seen and diagnosed with COVID-19 based on positive RT-PCR for SARS-COV-2, at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria from March 2020 to August 2020.
Results: Seven (5.2%) pregnant patients were diagnosed with COVID-19 out of 134 patients. The common presenting symptoms were fever 4(57.1%), Productive cough 3 (42.9%), shortness of breath 3 (42.9%), myalgia 3 (42.9%), rhinorrhoea 3 (42.9%), and anosmia 3 (42.9%). The majority (85.7%) of patients were in the second and third trimesters at diagnosis. All deliveries occurred at term, with a mean gestational age of 38±0.82 weeks. Four patients (57.1%) had caesarean section (CS) deliveries for obstetric indications. No adverse outcomes were recorded for mothers and babies with birth weight ranging from 2.5 to 3.5 Kg. No case fatality was recorded.
Conclusion: In this study, pregnant women with COVID-19 did not have adverse maternal and foetal outcome. The pattern of symptoms and the presence of severe disease also did not differ from what is observed in the general non-pregnant population. The impact of COVID-19 on pregnancy is less severe when compared to other high consequence viral infectious diseases.
Keywords: COVID-19; Obstetrics; Pregnancy; SARS-CoV-2.
Exposure to Anti-Tobacco Messaging and Quit Attempts among Adolescent and Young Adult in Lagos, Nigeria: A Population-based Study
Authors: Oyapero A , Erinoso O , Osoba M , Amure M , Osibogun O , `Wright K , Osibogun A 
Published: July 2022

Background: Health behavior theories suggest that knowledge about the health risks of the behavior precedes behavior change. Tobacco control messages aim to promote knowledge of health risks associated with tobacco use and encourage smoking cessation behaviors such as quit attempts and intention to quit. This study assessed the relationship between exposure to Anti-Tobacco Messaging (ATM) and quit attempts among adolescents and young adults in Lagos, Nigeria.
Methods: This was an online cross-sectional survey of 947 participants aged between 15-35 years. The survey obtained sociodemographic information, smoking status, exposure to ATM, intention to quit and quit attempts in the past 12-months. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the relationship between exposure to ATM and quit attempts; pvalues <0.05 were considered significant. Statistical analysis was done using STATA-15.0 software.
Results: The mean age of respondents was 23.4 years (SD:4.0). Less than one-third of the respondents were smokers (23.4%). The most common source of ATM were digital sources (online and social media - 29.6%). Based on the multivariable logistic regression model, younger age (p:0.03) and an intention to quit (p: <0.001) were significantly associated with a quit attempt. Exposure to ATM in the past 12 months was also significantly associated with higher odds of a quit attempt (OR:5.33; 95% CI: 1.26,22.60; p: 0.02).
Conclusion: Our findings suggest an association between exposure to ATM and quit attempts among adolescent and young adult smokers in Lagos State, Nigeria. Policymakers should consider measures aimed at promoting tobacco control education and improving access to smoking cessation services.
Keywords: Adolescent; Intention to Quit; Quit attempt; youth; Tobacco.
Risk Perception and Factors associated with Compliance to COVID-19 Preventive Measures among Commercial Drivers in Abakaliki Nigeria: An Imperative for Targeted Intervention
Authors: Onah C K , Azuogu B N , Umeokonkwo C D , Akpa C O , Utulu R , Elom P O , Adeke A S , Okoro O O , Michael U 
Published: July 2022

Background: Despite efforts to control COVID-19 pandemic, the outbreak has continued to ravage the world with high morbidity, mortality and economic hardship. The World Health Organisation reported that people are becoming complacent and their risk perceptions are lowering. Commercial drivers play significant role in outbreak control because of their regular mix with commuters from various sources.
Objectives: We investigated risk perception and factors associated with compliance to COVID-19 preventive measures among commercial drivers.
Methods: This study involved 502 commercial drivers in Abakaliki Nigeria using cross-sectional analytic design. Data was collected with interviewer-administered questionnaire and analyzed with IBM-SPSS version 23. Inferential statistics were done using Chi-square and binary logistic regression tests with significance set at p-value of 0.05.
Results: The response rate was 502(98.4%) and mean age was 35.5±10.8 years. Majority of them were married 368(73.3%), had secondary education 279(55.6%) and operated commercial driving for 1-5 years 297(59.2%). There was high awareness, high-risk perception and good compliance with COVID-19 preventive measures in 99.8%, 69.1% and 54.4% of respondents respectively. Attaining tertiary education (aOR=6.5, 95% CI=1.5-28.1, p=0.012) and good knowledge of COVID-19 (aOR=4.3, 95% CI=2.7-6.8, p<0.001) significantly predicted high-risk perception while good knowledge of the disease alone predicted good compliance (aOR=5.5, 95% CI=3.6-8.3; p<0.001).
Conclusion: The awareness of COVID-19 is high but there is relatively lower risk perception and compliance with the preventive measures. We recommend improved public education, sensitization and risk communication as well as review of policies and adoption of new approaches about COVID-19 outbreak control.
Prevalence and Pattern of Thyroid Dysfunction in HAART-Naïve HIV Patients in Enugu, Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Comparative Study
Authors: Ugwueze C V , Young E E , Unachukwu C N , Onyenekwe B M , Nwatu C B , Okafor C I , Ezeude C M , Ezeokpo B C 
Published: July 2022

Background: HIV/AIDS is a multi-system disease that has been associated with several endocrinopathies including thyroid dysfunction. Thyroid dysfunction in patients with HIV/AIDS, among other factors, may arise from the direct cytopathic effects of HIV on the thyroid gland in addition to the adverse effects of highly active anti-retroviral drugs (HAART).
Study objective: The study aimed to determine the prevalence and pattern of thyroid dysfunction in HAART naïve HIV patients in Enugu.
Materials & methods: Study was cross sectional, casecontrol based, involving 250 HAART naïve HIV sero-positive patients and 250 HIV sero-negative subjects. Anthropometric measurements and physical examination were done. Assay for fT3, fT4, TSH (for thyroid function) was done using the Enzyme Linked Immunoassay (ELISA) method. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.
Results: The HAART naïve sero-positive cohorts comprised 112 males and 138 females while the control subjects consisted of 125 males and 125 females. Mean ages (years) of test and control groups were 38.84± 10.60 and 39.58 ±11.68 respectively. Prevalence of thyroid dysfunction among the study subjects was 36.4% and 7.6% in the controls. Subclinical hypothyroidism was the most common prevalent type of thyroid dysfunction in both test and control groups at 17.6% and 7.2% respectively. In the test group, sick euthyroid syndrome (17.2%) ranked second while in the controls, primary hypothyroidism (7.2%) was the second commonest dysfunction.
Conclusion: Thyroid dysfunction was more common in HAART-naïve HIV sero-positive subjects than in the general population with subclinical hypothyroidism emerging as the commonest abnormality.
Clinical Significance of Elevated Levels of Cardiac Troponin T in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease at Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos
Authors: Ajie  
Published: July 2022

Background: This is an observational study of pre-dialysis patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) attending nephrology clinic at Lagos University Teaching Hospital to determine the clinical significance of elevated levels of Cardiac Troponin T (CTT) and possible associated factors.
Methods: One hundred and forty-three (143) patients with CKD and no prior history of myocardial infarction were recruited and their serum levels of CTT were determined within 3 months of sample collection and storage at -80° C. ECG findings and clinical variables were compared. The 99 percentile cut-off value was derived using healthy individuals that met the inclusion criteria.
Results: Mean blood CTT level was significantly higher in CKD patients compared to the general population. The 99th percentile value derived in the reference sample population was 48.02pg/ml. Statistical analysis showed significant association of CTT elevation with left ventricular hypertrophy, decreased renal function and age.
Conclusion: CTT is generally elevated in pre-dialysis patients with CKD and a single elevated blood level of CTT above the 99th percentile may suggest asymptomatic Acute Coronary Syndrome. Serial rising levels of CTT and other clinical features will be of diagnostic significance in the diagnosis and management of asymptomatic acute coronary syndrome in patients with CKD.

Authors
O I Ajie , E C Azinge, B T Bello , T A Oshodi , O O Soriyan, I C Udenze
Etiology and Clinical Evaluation of Patients with Bronchiectasis in a Tertiary Hospital in Nigeria
Authors: Umoh  
Published: July 2022

Background: Bronchiectasis is often considered an orphan disease in developed societies. This may not be the case with low-income countries. Currently there is a paucity of data on the pattern and presentation of this condition in Nigeria.
Objective: This study was undertaken to determine the frequency and pattern of presentation of bronchiectasis in a tertiary healthcare facility in Uyo, South-South, Nigeria.
Methods: We carried out a three-year prospective study of adult patients aged between 15-85 years diagnosed with bronchiectasis in the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital in Uyo, Nigeria between 2016 and 2019.
Results: Eighty-two patients were identified from the clinic register. Out of these, 76 were recruited into the study; made up of 44(57.9%) males and 32 (42.1%) females. The average age of the patients was 49.7 ± 14.1 years. Sixteen (21.1%) of the patients were HIV positive. Forty-four (57.9%) patients had previously been treated for pulmonary tuberculosis. Majority of the patients; 72 (94.7%) had chronic productive cough. Sixty-four (84.2%) had at least one episode of exacerbation within the last 12 months while 36(47.4%) had a severe exacerbation requiring hospitalisation. Hospitalisation was associated with several factors with the strongest contributor being the presence of respiratory distress on physical examination (OR 15.4 p= 0.002).
Conclusion: Bronchiectasis is not an uncommon disease amongst our patients. A previous history of pulmonary tuberculosis is the commonest associated predisposing medical condition. There is a high rate of exacerbation among these patients with respiratory distress as the strongest predictor of hospitalisation.
Authors
V A Umoh 1, D D Alasia 2, E E Akpan 1, U Ekrikpo 1, E E Ekpe 3, M E Ekwere 4, E Peters 1
Vitamin D Level in Patients Receiving Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy in LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso
Authors: Salawu  
Published: July 2022

Background and objective: Hypovitaminosis D is a worldwide disorder, with a high prevalence in the general population. This study aims to assess the serum vitamin D level and its relationship with cluster for differentiation; CD4+T cells among HIV infected individuals on HAART.
Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted among 150 subjects attending the infectious disease Clinic of LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso and presently on antiretroviral treatment. Serum from blood samples collected was analyzed and diagnostic cut-off of (<30ng/ml) and (> 30ng/ml) were used as Deficient and Sufficient vitamin D respectively. Variables such as duration on ART, CD4 count and viral load were extracted from case notes of subjects.
Results: There was disproportionately more female than malesubjects with a male to female ratio of 1:3. Subjects were aged between 16 and 73 years with a mean age of 41.57 ± 10.62. Few subjects (5.3%) were underweight, 23.3% were overweight, and 26% were obese. The median CD4 count was 241.5 cells/mm3 and 72% of subjects were immunosuppressed. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 45.3% (n=68). CD4 count was associated with the level of serum vitamin D, p-value < 0.05.
Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency was prevalent among the studied HIV population. Our study found a significant correlation between serum vitamin D level and CD4 counts. It may be concluded that highly antiretroviral therapy HAART, improves CD4 level when there is sufficient vitamin D level, however, this merits further extensive exploration.
Authors
A A Salawu 1, T W Oloyede 2, E O Oke 3, O T Oladibu 4, S A Ojedokun 5, S O Oiwoh 6, K I Oreagba 7
Efficacy of Hexetidine, Thymol and Hydrogen Peroxide-Containing Oral Antiseptics in Reducing Sars-Cov-2 Virus in the Oral Cavity: A Pilot Study
Authors: Ogun  
Published: July 2022

Background: Studies have demonstrated the role of sputum as a site of severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARSCoV-2) transmission. However, there is limited literature on the virucidal efficacy of oral antiseptics against SARS-CoV-2 virus. This study investigated the virucidal efficacy of three oral-antiseptics compared to a placebo-control in the sputum of SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals.
Methodology: A pilot study of adults with SARS-CoV-2 positive results, as determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of <7 days. The oral antiseptics investigated were: Hexetidine (0.1% w/v); Thymol (0.063% w/v) and H2O2(1.5%) compared to de-mineralized sterile water (Placebo-control). The primary outcome measure was the proportion of negative RT-PCR results at 15-mins, 30-mins, 1-hour, 2-hours and 4-hours After Oral antiseptics Interventions (AOI) compared to the placebo-control. Statistical analysis was done using STATA 15.0 software with p-values of <0.05 considered statistically significant.
Results: Data from a total of 66 participants that were RT-PCR SARS-CoV-2 positive at baseline (0-min) was analysed. At 15-mins AOI, the highest proportion of negativation from sputum samples was observed in the Hexedine group, with 69.2% of the baseline PCR positive cases converting to negative compared to 46.7% in the placebo-control group. In addition, H2O2 demonstrated efficacy at 2-hours AOI compared to placebo-control (62.5% vs 37.5% respectively) and other oral-antiseptics. Across all time-points, the oral-antiseptic groups compared to the placebo-control group, there was no statistically significant difference in the proportion of sputum samples which converted to a negative status (p>0.05).
Conclusion: The findings in this study suggest there was no significant difference in the proportion of participants who converted to a negative sputum status across the treatment groups at various time points. Future studies could compare the cycle threshold (ct) viral titre values of sputum samples to determine quantitative differences.
Authors
S A Ogun 1, O Erinoso 2, O O Aina 3, O I Ojo 2, O Adejumo 4, A Adeniran 2, A Bowale 4, C A Olaniyi 2, B M Adedoyin 5, B Mutiu 6, B Saka 6, O Oshinaike 2, W Arabambi 1, F Adejumo 4, O Shuaib 2, A O Salmon 2, H Abdur-Razzaq 7, O F Njokanma 2, O Ojini 8, O Ogboye 7, O Lajide 7, K O Wright 2, A Osibogun 8, A Abayomi 7
A Comparative Study of Uterine Artery Doppler Parameters and Endometrial Characteristics in Women with Unexplained Infertility and Fertile Women at a Nigerian Teaching Hospital
Authors: Smart  
Published: July 2022

Objectives: To investigate the uterine artery Doppler parameters and endometrial characteristics in women with unexplained infertility.
Methods: A prospective case-control study of 42 women with unexplained infertility and 42 fertile controls. Their mid-luteal phase transvaginal Doppler parameters of both uterine arteries and endometrial characteristics (endometrial blood flow, thickness and volume) were investigated and analysed. P values < 0.05 was statistically significant.
Results: The mean uterine artery pulsatility index (PI) and resistivity index (RI) of the cases (women with unexplained infertility) were significantly higher compared to the values in the fertile controls (PI = 2.81±0.61 vs 2.15±0.65; p=0.001) (RI= 0.87±0.08 vs 0.82±0.07; p=0.003). In addition, the end-diastolic volume (EDV) (6.12±4.17 vs 9.37±5.14; p=0.007) and endometrial-subendometrial blood flow (p=0.036) were significantly lower in the cases compared to the controls. Multivariate logistics analysis showed that PI was independently associated with infertile status (p=0.006). There was no significant difference in the mean PSV (48.69±10.9 vs 50.58±11.30; p=0.602), endometrial thickness (10.30+3.13 vs 10.72+3.10; p=0.544), endometrial volume (7.82+1.56 vs 8.23+1.71; p=0.323), mean age (32.28±4.062 vs 31.91±3.58 years; p=0.502), body mass index (26.15±2.71kg/m2 vs 25.24±2.85 kg/m2; p=0.18) menstrual bleeding days (4.07±0.89 days vs 4.02±0.95 days; p=0.481) duration of menstrual cycle (28.02±1.09 days vs 27.64±1.36 days; p= 0.162), smoking history (p=0.909) and alcohol intake (p=0.507) of the infertile women compared with the fertile controls, respectively.
Conclusion: Women with unexplained infertility have increased uterine artery Doppler PI and RI and reduced endometrial-subendometrial perfusion compared with fertile controls.
Authors
A E Smart 1, G O Obajimi 2, A J Adekanmi 3 4, M O Obajimi 3