bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
FMS*CALCIUMFLUOR INCREASES ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE EXPRESSION DURING OSTEOGENESIS IN VITRO OF TIBIA-DERIVED RAT OSTEOBLASTS BY ACTIVATION OF Ga<sub>0</sub>/Ga<sub>i</sub> PROTEINS
Authors: Palermo C. , Manduca P. 
Published: August 2022

FMS*Calciumfluor is a preparation developed with the rationale of resonance homeopathy according to the protocols of the German homeopathic p harmacopoea ( 1, 2) .
We pre; iously reported that treatment with FMS*Calciumfluor of cultured rat tibia derived osteoblasts (ROB) in differentiating conditions stimulates Alkaline Phosphatase (AP) expression via increase of AP mRNA level and increases the incorporation of radiolabeled Ca+2 in the matux while the drug has no effect on cell viability or proliferation ( 3) . [...]
Sero-prevalence of Hepatitis B virus surface antigen and associated factors among women of reproductive age in Bench Maji Zone, Southwest Ethiopia: community based cross-sectional study
Authors: Sayih Belay Alemayehu , Shewasinad Yehualashet Sisay , Derseh Abateneh Dejene , Mitiku Kebede Kindie 
Published: August 2022

Background: Hepatitis B virus infection is one of the leading causes of liver diseases which occurs worldwide particularly in developing countries. It is often caused by prenatal transmission from mother to child or household transmission from a close contact during early childhood. It causes different complications like; jaundice, induces premature labor, and prematurity.
Objective: The aim of this study was to estimate the sero-prevalence of hepatitis B virus surface antigen and associated factors among women of reproductive age in Bench Maji Zone, South West Ethiopia.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from December 15th, 2016 to February 15th, 2017. Multistage sampling technique was applied to select study participants. Logistic regression analysis was applied and p-values < 0.05 was used to see the significant association between dependent and independent variables.
Results: A total of 330 participants were included in this study yielding 98.8% response rate. The sero-prevalence of HBsAg among women of reproductive age was 28(8.5%). Having multiple sexual partners (AOR = 18.73, 95% CI =3.65, 96.21) history of unprotected sex (AOR = 9.39, 95% CI =1.64, 53.77) were found to be significantly associated with sero-prevalence of HBV.Conclusions: The sero-prevalence of HBV infection among women of reproductive age was highly endemic. Hence, behavioral education and communication programs focusing on reduction of risky sexual behaviors should be designed to reduce HBV infection.
Keywords: Ethiopia; Hepatitis B virus; Hepatitis B surface antigen; women; Reproductive age.
Management of Helicobacter pylori among medical doctors working in Khartoum, Sudan 2019: a cross-sectional study
Authors: A Abbas Azza , I Sulieman Bushra , M Malik Elfatih 
Published: August 2022

Background: Various international guidelines have been developed regarding Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) management, as it is infecting more than half of the world's population. Sudan's health system lacks guidelines regarding H. pylori management, leading to a discrepancy in practice. Investigating the current approach could be a step forward in the formulation of a national consensus in the management of H. pylori.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among medical doctors currently working in Khartoum, Sudan. Participants were enrolled from platforms of medical associations through an online questionnaire. The questionnaire was scored out of 25 points, and scoring 13 or above considered a good approach. Data analysis was carried out using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).
Results: A total of 358 medical doctors participated in the study. The mean (±SD) score was 12.9(±4.5). Those who were using textbooks, campaigns, symposiums or general medical information to their primary Source of knowledge significantly scored higher. The most selected indication for both diagnosis (76.8%) and treatment (67.6%) was an active peptic ulcer. Stool antigen test (SAT) was the most preferred test (70.7%). The majority of respondents selected triple therapy (82.1%) as a first-line regimen. Only 37.7% confirmed the eradication after four weeks of stopping the treatment. They ensure eradication mainly through SAT (29%).
Conclusion: A suboptimal approach was noted among medical doctors of Khartoum, Sudan, regarding H. pylori management. Efforts should be invested in forming national guidelines and the implementation of continuous medical education programs.
Keywords: Helicobacter pylori, Medical doctor, Sudan.
Prevalence and factors associated with Helicobacter Pylori infection among children with sickle cell anemia attending Mulago hospital, in Uganda
Authors: Swaleh Mubiru Idris , G Kasirye Phillip , Hume Heather , Ndeezi Grace 
Published: August 2022

Background: Children with sickle cell anemia (SCA) have a high predisposition to a range of infections and gastrointestinal disorders. Studies of children living in low income countries have shown high levels of infection with Helicobacter Pylori (H.pylori), however, there are no reports in Ugandan children with SCA.
Objectives: We aimed to describe the prevalence and factors associated with H. pylori infection among children with SCA at Mulago Hospital.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 340 children with SCA aged 5-18 years. Assessments included recurrent abdominal pain(RAP), dyspeptic symptoms, relevant medical and social histories. Stool samples were collected and an antigen test carried out to determine H. pylori infection. H. pylori prevalence and its associated factors were determined.
Results: Helicobacter pylori infection was detected in 49%(168/340); (95%Confidence interval (CI): 44.1, 54.7) of the study subjects. Having epigastric pain was independently associated with H. pylori infection; (Adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.89; 95%CI: 1.1, 3.6; p= 0.048). Pneumococcal vaccination; (aOR=0.425; 95%CI: 0.2, 0.9; p=0.019) and appetite loss; (aOR=0.588; 95%CI: 0.3, 0.9; p=0.046) were negatively associated with H. pylori infection. RAP was not associated with H.pylori infection.
Conclusions: H. pylori infection was common among children with SCA and independently associated with epigastric pain but not recurrent abdominal pain. Pneumococcal vaccination and appetite loss were protective against the infection. Screening for H. pylori should be carried out in SCA children with epigastric pain.
Keywords: Recurrent abdominal pain; Sickle cell anemia; Dyspeptic symptoms.
Prevalence of extended spectrum Beta-Lactamase producing Klebsiella species from patients’ specimens in a tertiary teaching hospital in Ile-Ife, Southwest Nigeria
Authors: Esther Ajimuda Omolola , Sanmi-Kayode Ikeoluwa , Oyinkansola Adeniyi Oluwagbeminiyi , Olayemi Alaka Olubunmi , Onipede Anthony 
Published: August 2022

Objective: This study determined the prevalence of ESBL genes amongst Klebsiella species isolated from patients’ specimens attending a Tertiary Teaching Hospital, in Ile-Ife, Southwest Nigeria.
Methods: A cross sectional study of presumptive isolates of Klebsiella (n=180) were collected, after ethical approval in the microbiology laboratory. Isolates were identified to species level by conventional biochemical tests and MicrobactTM 24E Identification Kits. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed by the Kirby Bauer’s disk diffusion method. ESBL production was detected by the double disc synergy and ESBL genes by the multiplex PCR protocol.
Results: The Klebsiella species identified were Klebsiella pneumoniae 95.6%, Klebsiella oxytoca 3.3%, Klebsiella ornithinolytica 0.6% and Klebsiella terrigena 0.6%. The prevalence of ESBL genes among the Klebsiella isolates was 47.2% , and the most common ESBL gene was blaSHV (38.9%), also 75% of the study isolates had MAR index greater than 0.2.
Conclusions: The study establishes the prevalence of Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase producing Klebsiella sp in the hospital and identified the most prevalent ESBL genes circulating as blaSHV followed by blaTEM and blaCTX-M in this environment. This underscores the need for regular and continuous surveillance of antimicrobial resistance trend as a strong component of the antibiotics stewardship and infection prevention and control programs in the hospital.
Keywords: Antibiotic Resistance; Klebsiella; ESBL.
Effectiveness and compliance to the use of sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine as a prophylaxis for malaria among pregnant women in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Onoja Helen , O Nduka Florence , E Abah Austin 
Published: August 2022

Background: Malaria during pregnancy escalates the damaging consequence to the mother and neonate. The usage of intermittent preventive treatment of malaria (IPTp) with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) is recommended for averting the deleterious consequences of malaria in pregnancy. This study evaluated the effectiveness of, and compliance with the use of SP for malaria among pregnant women in Port Harcourt Rivers State, Nigeria.
Method: A total of 300 samples of maternal peripheral blood (MPB), 84 neonatal cord blood (NCB) and 84 placental blood (PLB) were collected from consenting mothers. Malaria parasitaemia were analysed using standard parasitological methods, and bio-data of consenting mothers were collected through questionnaires and from ANC records.
Results: Out of the samples examined for MPB, 59(19.7%) tested positive to malaria. Those with only primary education (57.1%) and women of age ≤ 20yrs (25%) had higher prevalence. Women who took SP had significantly lower prevalence (17.6%) than those that took other drugs (36.4%) (p < 0.05). Malaria prevalence was highest among women who had 3 months interval between each dose (39.1%), followed by those of 2months (23.7%) and those of 1 month (7.0%) (p < 0.05). The primigravidaes (22.8%) had an insignificantly higher prevalence than secundigravidae (19.4%) and multigravidae (15.9%). Also, 30.5% of women who registered in their third trimester of pregnancy had a significantly higher malaria parasitaemia than those who registered during their first 8.10%, or second trimesters, 19.4%. Of the 84 MPB-NCB-PLB pairedamples examined, 16.7%, 8.3% and 25% respectively were infected with malaria parasitaemia. On frequency of compliance, mothers who took SP once (37.5%) had a significantly higher MPB parasitaemia than those who took it twice (7.84%) and those of thrice (6.25%). Neonatal cord blood parasitaemia prevalence revealed that those that took SP once, that is, 25%, had a higher prevalence than others like those of twice (5.88%) and thrice (0%) respectively.
Conclusion: The use and compliance of SP reduced the prevalence of malaria among pregnant women and their new-borns.
Keywords: Compliance; Sulphadoxine-Pyrimethamine; Pregnant women; Malaria Parasitaemia.
IL-4 gene polymorphisms and their association with nematodes infection in Pakistani population
Authors: Afshan Kiran , Sarfraz Khola , Kayani Tooba , Firasat Sabika 
Published: August 2022

Background: Interleukin-4 (IL-4) plays a central role in the humoral immune defense against nematode parasite infections, inducing IgE switch and regulation of worm expulsion from the intestines. The present study aimed to investigate the polymorphisms in IL-4 gene and their association with socio-demographic and environmental factors among patients with gastrointestinal complaints.
Method: The screened population comprised 305 patients aged 3-50 years from Rawalpindi and Jhelum districts of Pakistan. A well-prepared questionnaire was administered to collect data on socio-demographic and environmental factors. The data were analyzed by using multiple logistic regression models. Molecular analysis was done on 88 confirmed cases passing worms and eggs in stool by using PCR to amplify IL-4 gene.
Results: The result showed higher GI nematodes prevalence in Rawalpindi 34.87% and Jhelum 23.1% among gastrointestinal patients. The multivariate logistic regression model showed significantly (p<0.05) increased risk of infection in participants who were residing in rural areas (OR=321.94; 22.5), having poor economic status (OR=0.34), consuming raw/unwashed vegetables (OR=1.73; 15.39) and did not practice handwashing (OR=2.77; OR=0.30). Sequence analysis showed three novel polymorphisms at SNP g.704_705 ins T, g.3763_3764 ins AC and g.3792 G >A in patients with acute severe infections. Two known polymorphisms SNPs g.8455A>G and g.8492C>A were found in the intron region.
Conclusion: IL-4 gene polymorphisms showed disease susceptibility and consuming raw/unwashed vegetables, poor handwashing practices and poor economic status were the most associated factors with the disease.
Keywords: Interleukin-4; SNPs; Nematodes; Risk Factors; Pakistan.
Prevalence and determinants of cardiac arrhythmias and conduction anomalies in adults aged ≥ 40 years in Jimma Town, Southwest of Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Tadesse Bukata Iyasu , Tegene Elsa , Gobena Teshome , Markos Woldesenbet Yohannes 
Published: August 2022

Background: The prevalence of cardiac arrhythmia (CA) in the Ethiopian population is unknown. A community study was conducted to assess the magnitude and predictors of CAs in adults aged≥40 years in Jimma Town.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Jimma town from May to July 2017. A total of 634 adults aged 40 years or older were selected using a systematic sampling technique from six kebeles of the Town. Study participants were screened for CA using a 12-lead ECG machine. Face-to-face interviews, anthropometric, important clinical measurements were performed. Data analysis was done using SPSS for windows version 21.0.
Results: A total of 634 study participants, significant CA occurred in 217 individuals (34.2%). Conduction abnormalities and sinus bradycardia were the commonest findings (25.4%). Premature beats (ventricular 1.9%, atrial 1.1%) and atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (2.1%) were the next most frequent arrhythmias. Arrhythmias were independently associated with smoking(AOR=1.9;P=.047), hypertension(AOR=1.5;P=.02), heart failure(AOR=2.06;P=.023), prior stroke(AOR=4.9;P=.001), previous history of MI(AOR=1.78;P=.039), vigorous intensity activities(AOR=0.56;P=.024), solidified vegetable oil consumption (AOR=3.5;P=.004), and occupation(pensioner, none)[AOR=1.7;P=.017].
Conclusions: CA is highly prevalent in Jimma. Hypertension and history of heart diseases are the most potent predictors of cardiac arrhythmia. Large-scale screening for early detection of arrhythmia has important implications for treatment.
Keywords: Cardiac arrhythmia; prevalence; pisk-factors; 12-lead ECG; Jimma Town.
Central laboratory and point-of-care cardiac marker testing capacity of tertiary hospitals in Nigeria – a multicenter study
Authors: Angela Meka Ijeoma , Otokunefor Ochuko , Ene Asuquo , Olalekan Ojo Olugbenga , Manu Mohammed , Chidiebere Okwara Emmanuel , Oshi Daniel , Chukwuka Ugonabo Martin , Adagiri Yahaya Isah 
Published: August 2022

Background: Cardiovascular diseases are major contributors to morbidity and mortality. It is generally recognized that cardiac markers are of particular benefit in the evaluation of patients with suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS). Tertiary hospitals, mainly teaching hospitals, are expected to be optimally equipped to offer these services. The study therefore aimed at determining the central laboratory and point-of-care cardiac marker testing capacity of tertiary hospitals in Nigeria.
Method: A cross-sectional survey was carried out in government-owned tertiary hospitals in Nigeria. Data were collected using semi-structured self-administered questionnaires, and analyzed using Stata version 13 (Stata Corp., USA).
Results: A total of 34 hospitals participated in the study. The mean (SD) age of respondents was 43.68 (5.2) years. A total of 19 (55.88%) hospitals were found to have a functional cardiac marker testing facility, either in the form of point-of-care, central laboratory testing or both. Of those without a facility, lack of funds to procure equipment was the major reason given. In hospitals with a testing facility, most testing devices were located in the Central laboratory.
Conclusion: Cardiac marker testing capacity of tertiary hospitals in Nigeria, both in the form of point-of-care and central laboratory testing, was found to be barely adequate. Improvement is needed in this area for better diagnosis and evaluation of patients who need the tests.
Keywords: Cardiac marker; tertiary hospital; testing capacity; Nigeria.
Ultrasonographically detected hepatosteatosis independently predicts the presence and severity of coronary artery disease
Authors: Yılmaz Aykut , Yılmaz Fevzi , Beydilli İnan , Müge Sönmez Bedriye , Duyan Murat , Özdemir Metin , Komut Seval , Aksoy Yüksel 
Published: August 2022

Objectives: The aim of our study was to evaluate the association between the presence and severity of CAD and NAFLD.
Methods: The study group consisted of 153 patients who underwent coronary angiographies. Patients were categorized into CAD and non-CAD groups. CAD severity was determined by the number of CAD-involved arteries and the vessel score multiplied by Gensini score, the latter judging CAD severity. Fatty liver was diagnosed by abdominal ultrasonography (USG), with the patients being categorized by the degree of hepatosteatosis, as Grade 0, Grade 1, and Grade 2-3.
Results: Among the whole study population, 47.1% of patients (n=72) were female and 52.9% of patients (n=81) were male. Forty-three patients had normal coronary arteries; 27 patients had non-critical CAD and side branch disease; and 83 patients had clinically significant CAD (stenosis>50%). The rate of CAD and Gensini score were significantly different between Grade 0, 1 and 2-3 hepatosteatosis groups (p<0.05). Patients with CAD had a significantly higher AST level than those without (p< 0.05).
Conclusion: Ultrasonographically detected hepatosteatosis independently predicts the presence and severity of CAD.
Keywords: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease; gensini score; obesity.
Lack of FLT3-ITD in Tunisian childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Frikha Rim , Abdellaoui Nawel , Kassar Olfa , Rebai Tarek 
Published: August 2022

Background: The fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) gene belong to the class III receptor tyrosine kinases witch is predominantly expressed on hematopoietic progenitor cells, and plays an important role in haematopoiesis. Targeting the FMS-like tyrosine kinase receptor-3 (FLT3) in acute leukemia is mainly important. Therefore, activating mutations in FLT3, primarily the FLT3-internal tandem duplication (FLT3-ITD), was used as a prognostic marker especially in myeloid leukemia; however, in ALL, the prognostic relevance of FLT3 mutations is less clear.
Objectives: This study was conducted to evaluate the frequency of FLT3-ITD mutation in Tunisian childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and to correlate this mutation with prognostic parameters.
Methods: Genomic DNA was extracted from EDTA-anticoagulant blood samples from a total of 25 children suffering from acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). After DNA extraction, the polymerase chain reaction using specific primers was conducted to screen the FLT3-ITD.
Results: In acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), 9 cases with LAL-B were detected and the median age is 13 years. Chromosome abnormalities were detected in 5 with ALL and are correlated with worse prognosis (very high risk and relapse). At molecular lever, never FLT3-ITD was detected.
Conclusions: Our findings suggest that FLT3 mutations are not common in Tunisian childhood ALL and thus do not affect clinical outcome.
Keywords: Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3; internal tandem duplication; acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Risk and protective factors associated with depression in young people: what do Nigerian university students know?
Authors: Anosike Chibueze , O Adibe Maxwell , U Igboeli Nneka , E Onwukwe Uchechukwu , L Okwume Chikaodili 
Published: August 2022

Background: University students appear to experience a significantly higher rate of depression compared to the general population. However, there is limited data showing how much Nigerian university students know about the risk and protective factors related to depression.
Objectives: To assess the knowledge of risk and protective factors associated with depression in young people among students of a Nigerian university.
Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted among simple randomly selected students of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Two validated self-administered questionnaires were used for data collection. Descriptive statistics and multivariate binary logistic regression were used for the data analysis.
Results: Out of 1591 participants, about 47% and 60% had good knowledge of risk and protective factors related to depression, respectively. The course of study, year of study, contact with a depressed person, and personal experience of depression significantly predicted students’ knowledge of risk factors for depression. Similarly, course of study, year of study, and gender were the significant predictors of students’ knowledge of protective factors against depression.
Conclusions: The students had good knowledge of protective factors against depression, but were poor in knowledge of its associated risks. Therefore, provision of mental health services in the universities is recommended.
Keywords: Depression; risk; protective factor; knowledge; university students; Nigeria.
Factors impacting sustainability of community health worker programming in rural Uganda: a qualitative study
Authors: Ashaba Scholastic , Tumuhimbise Manasseh , Beebwa Esther , Oriokot Francis , L Brenner Jennifer , Kabakyenga Jerome 
Published: August 2022

Background: Despite significant global progress towards decreased child mortality in past decades, maternal and child mortality continues to be high, especially in sub Saharan Africa. Most of these deaths are preventable with known interventions. Community health workers (CHWs) are well-positioned to promote these life-saving interventions; however, sustaining CHW programs remains a challenge.
Methods: A sustainability-focused qualitative evaluation, was done between July and August 2018 in 2 rural districts in southwest Uganda. Using semi-structured interview tools, we conducted 6 Focus Group discussions (FGDs) with CHWs and 17 indepth interviews (IDIs) with various district stakeholders to gain insights into factors affecting sustainability of a district-wide maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH)-oriented CHW intervention. Data was managed using NVivo software (version 12) with themes using thematic analysis.
Results: Identified factors impacting CHW program sustainability included ‘health system effectiveness’ (availability of supplies, medicines and services and availability of facility health providers), CHW program-related factors’ (CHW selection and training, CHW recognition), ‘community attitudes and beliefs’ and ‘stakeholder engagement’.
Conclusion: To sustain CHW programs in rural Uganda and globally, planners, policymakers and funders should maximize community engagement in establishing CHW networks and strengthen accountability, supply chains and linkages with communities and health facilities
Keywords: CHWs programs; sustainability; maternal newborn; child health, Uganda.