bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A cross-sectional study on the incidence of retinal changes and its correlation with variables like blood pressure, liver function tests, kidney function tests, proteinuria, and pedal edema in patients of pregnancy-induced hypertension in a rural setting
Authors: Singh Sonali , Chauhan Shantanu S , Ranjan Ravi 
Published: August 2022

Purpose:
Pregnancy-induced hypertension is a multisystem disorder that occurs after 20 weeks of pregnancy usually in primigravidas and is characterised by proteinuria, pedal edema, hypertension, and abnormal liver and kidney function tests. Since there exists a close relationship between retinal, cerebral, and renal vessels, fundoscopy gives the opportunity of observing the changes in the vascular tree.

Methods:
We conducted a study on 203 pregnant females over a period of 1.5 years in the rural population of North India. We recorded the baseline data from the patient files, including the biochemical investigations, and conducted a fundoscopic examination of all patients included in the study, and correlation of various variables was established.

Results:
Out of 203 patients (403 eyes), 60% were primigravidas of mean age 25.71 ± 4.46 years with the mean duration of pregnancy being 36 weeks. The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure were160 and 101 mmHg, respectively. There was no significant correlation was seen of proteinuria with eclampsia and the fundus findings. But there was a significant correlation between proteinuria and pedal edema and between the fundus findings and deranged LFT and KFT values. Relationship between the variables was calculated by using Chi-square and Fisher’s exact test. A P value < 0.05 was taken as significant.

Conclusion:
Hypertension in pregnancy is the major concern of public health issue worldwide. With proper understanding of the correlating factors such as fundus changes which are directly correlated with whole bo dy vascular changes, which might affect the fetal growth, we can easily predict the outcome and can take appropriate actions as early as possible.
Evaluation of Sensitivity and Specificity of High Fluorescence Lymphocyte Count Percentage of Sysmex XN Analyzer in Diagnosis of Dengue
Authors: Ningombam Aparna , Acharya Shreyam , Sarkar Abhirup , Kumar Kundan , Brijwal Megha , Routray Srimantinee , Sachdev Janya , Srigyan Deepankar , Choudhary Aashish , Subramanian Arulselvi , Dar Lalit 
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND:
The Sysmex XN-series hematology analyzers provide newer parameters including high fluorescence lymphocyte cell percentage (HFLC%) which correlates with the presence of atypical lymphocytes in peripheral blood. We aimed to analyze the sensitivity and specificity of HFLC% as a diagnostic tool and its association with serological status in diagnosed dengue patients and thereby establish a cutoff of HFLC% based on serology. Besides, we also wish to correlate HFLC% with thrombocytopenia in these patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
A total of 1500 serum samples were subjected to serological evaluation for dengue. After excluding hematological malignancies and autoimmune disorders, the same day complete blood count parameters including HFLC% and platelet counts were collected retrospectively for 292 serologically positive dengue cases and 76 seronegative controls.

RESULTS:
Our result shows that in nonstructural 1 antigen-positive cases, a cutoff of >5.2% HFLC can have a sensitivity of 79.5% and specificity of 98.6%. We found a different cut off of HFLC% >3.2% (sensitivity 83.4%, specificity 98.6%) for the cases with only immunoglobulin M positivity and a cut off of HFLC% >2.6% (sensitivity 86.1%, specificity 96%) in the dual positive cases (immunoglobulin M with nonstructural 1 antigen). Besides, high HFLC% also shows a strong correlation with platelet count with a Spearman correlation coefficient of −0.6.

CONCLUSIONS:
The result of our study shows that a specific cutoff of HFLC% can not only help us to suspect dengue fever but also predict the risk of thrombocytopenia in already diagnosed dengue patients. The sensitivity and specificity of HFLC% varied with the serological status of the patients which depend on the days of fever on presentation.
Comparison between Tubeless Mini-Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy Versus Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery for the Treatment of 2 to 3Cm Renal Lithiasis
Authors: Lee Ya-Che , Jou Yeong-Chin , Cheng Ming-Chin , Shen Cheng-Huang , Lin Chang-Te 
Published: August 2022

Purpose:
To assess the outcome and safety of tubeless mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mini-PCNL) and retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) to treat patients with renal and upper ureteral stones between 2 and 3 cm.

Materials and Methods:
Between July 2017 and June 2020, 140 patients underwent tubeless mini-PCNL and RIRS for renal stone size between 2 and 3 cm were enrolled in this study. The outcome was determined immediately after operation on plain radiograph kidney, ureter, and bladder and sonography. Various patient and stone characteristics including perioperative outcomes and complications were evaluated. SPSS version 16. Institutional Review Board of Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, approval number 2021037.

Results:
Stone-free rates after the procedure were achieved in 78.4% of patients for the tubeless mini-PCNL and 36.4% of patients for the RIRS Group (P < 0.001). However, the stone-free rates at 3 months after surgery were 78.4% for the tubeless mini-PCNL and 68.2% of the RIRS Group (P = 0.172). The mean operative time per patient was 88.6 ± 27.4 min in the tubeless mini-PCNL group, and it was 129.1 ± 44.8 min in the RIRS groups (P < 0.001). The average hospital stay is 3.4 ± 2.0 days in the tubeless mini-PCNL group and 1.9 ± 1.8 days in the RIRS group (P < 0.001). The postoperative infection rates for the tubeless mini-PCNL and RIRS groups were 9.5% and 6.1%, respectively (P = 0.456). Blood transfusions were needed in one patient in the tubeless mini-PCNL group.

Conclusion:
Tubeless mini-PCNL and RIRS are safe and effective methods for medium-sized renal calculi. Tubeless mini-PCNL compared to RIRS offers the better outcome of higher stone-free rate and lower operation time, but with longer hospital stay and stone-free rate (3-month postoperative).
Care Seeking and Treatment of Febrile Children with and without Danger Signs of Severe Disease in Northern Uganda: Results from Three Household Surveys (2018–2020)
Authors: Awor Phyllis , Kimera Joseph , Brunner Nina C. , Athieno Proscovia , Tumukunde Gloria , Angiro Irene , Signorell Aita , Delvento Giulia , Lee Tristan , Amutuhaire Maureen , Opigo Jimmy , Kaggwa Flavia Mpanga , Kagwire Fred , Nakiganda Juliet , Burri Christian , Lengeler Christian , Hetzel Manuel W. 
Published: August 2022

ABSTRACT.
Identification, stabilization, and prompt referral of children with signs of severe febrile disease (danger signs) in rural communities are crucial for preventing complications and death from severe malaria, pneumonia, and diarrhea. We set out to determine the treatment-seeking practices and treatment patterns for children < 5 years of age with an acute febrile illness, with or without danger signs of severe disease, in a highly malaria-endemic area of northern Uganda. Three household surveys were conducted from November through December each year in 2018, 2019, and 2020. Overall, 30% of the children in the study were reported to have had a WHO-classified danger sign including convulsions, unconsciousness/unusually sleepy, inability to feed or drink, and vomiting everything. Only half of the children in this study sought care from a health provider. However, significantly more children with danger signs of severe disease sought and received treatment and diagnostics from a health provider, compared with those without danger signs (adjusted odds ratio: 1.6, 95% confidence interval: 1.2–2.0; P < 0.01). In the total population studied, care seeking in the public sector was 26% and similar to care seeking in the private sector (24%). Community health workers were used as the first source of care by 12% of the children. Approximately 38% of the children who were reported to have danger signs of severe disease requiring prompt referral and treatment did not seek care from a health provider. Understanding and addressing barriers to accessing healthcare could contribute to better treatment seeking practices.
Health Service delivery and training at Makerere University College of Health Sciences: The role of the academic health centers’ network
Authors: Nakanjako Damalie , Byamugisha Josaphat 
Published: August 2022

Academic Health Centers provide a network of clinical training facilities for high quality service delivery, within clinical training and research settings. At an academic health/medical center, education, research, and clinical care are combined to provide the best possible clinical care, which uses cutting-edge technologies, resources and therapies other community hospitals may not have available.This paper summarizes the network of teaching hospitals for health care training in the last century of Makerere University College of Health Sciences, its local and regional impact, lessons learned and future of actively engaging the network of academic health centers to expand clinical training and research opportunities to meet the needs of the 21st Century populations.Medical schools and training hospitals need to integrate of their roles in research, education, and patient care to provide evidence-based interventions and innovations to both treat illness and improve health.
Keywords: Academic Health Centers; Clinical training; Health care delivery; Health professions education.
Drugs and alcohol Use patterns among those seeking care in urban rehabilitation centres before and during early months of COVID-19 in Uganda
Authors: Mbona Tumwesigye Nazarius , Ocama Ponsiano , Basangwa David , Matovu Flavia , Abbo Catherine , Wamala Twaibu , Biribawa Claire , Namanda Cissie , Blessing Joshua , Twesigomwe Ronald 
Published: August 2022

Introduction: There is a rise in alcohol and other drug (AOD) abuse in the country but details of the practice are scanty. This paper provides characteristics of clients in the rehabilitation centres, their AOD related practices before and early months of COVID-19, and correlates of repeat treatment.
Methods: The study was conducted in 10 rehabilitation centres in Kampala Metropolitan area. Characterization of AOD clients involved descriptive analysis while comparison of AOD related practices pre-and during COVID-19 lockdown was carried out using interrupted time series analysis. Modified Poisson regression model was used to analyse the repeat treatment.
Results: The clients were mostly male (85%), single (57%) and had attained secondary education (84%). Nearly a third of them (29%) were unemployed while 68% were aged between 15-34 years. The commonest substances used were alcohol (52%), cannabis (19%), cocaine (13%) and opioids (8%). The commonest sources of substances were street dealers (52%) and friends (37%). COVID-19 did not change the pattern of AOD use except for Opioids. Repeat treatment was associated with being male, seeking care in private facilities, being casual labourer/self-employed.Conclusion: Intervention programs should target the educated, the unemployed, young men, their friends, street drug dealers and AOD hotspots.
Keywords: Covid 19; substance use; rehabilitation centres; drugs; alcohol; interrupted time series; modified Poisson regression.
Clinical observership as an aid to learning and understanding of human embryology
Authors: Tijani Ahmed Adekilekun , Alese Margaret Olutayo , Adetunji Adedeji Enitan , Oluwadiya Kehinde Sunday 
Published: August 2022

Hands-on learning approach such as ‘Clinical observership’ is globally applicable in learning. This study evaluated clinical observership as an aid to pre-clinical medical students’ understanding of human embryology. Students were grouped into A and B; group B took calls as studentobservers in the labour ward of Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital in addition to taking regular classes in embryology while group A was the control group. Previously validated selfadministered questionnaires were used to test students’ intelligence quotient and knowledge of embryology before and after lectures and clinical observership. The short-term effect of clinical observership was tested by comparing the pre-field and post-field responses of the studentvolunteers while the long-term effect was tested by evaluating their performance in the first professional exams after the completion of pre-clinical program. The perception of group B participants on the observership program was assessed with a pre-tested questionnaire. There was no significant difference (p=0.4162) in the IQ between the control (77±1.2) and the experimental group (79±1.4). There was no significant difference (p= 0.0795) in the mean preobservation test score between the control (33±1.7) and the experimental group (38±1.7). However, a significant increase (p=0.0282) was observed in the mean post-observation test score in the experimental (29±2.4) when compared with the control (22±1.9). Although there was an increase in the mean score in the MBBS exam in the experimental group (59±2.7) when compared with the control (57±2.0), it was not statistically significant. On the perception of the method in improving learning, majority of the students were affirmative. Clinical observership enhances the learning of embryology hence we recommend its incorporation into the teaching methods of embryology in medical schools.
Anatomical investigation on the craniofacial and ocular morphometrics of the male Western Cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis)
Authors: Ayodeji Azeez Idris , Kazeem Ekeolu Oyetunde , Levi Usende Ifukibot , Abiola Adejumobi Olumuyiwa , Adefunke Adetogun 
Published: August 2022

The heron species, Cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) can be found all over the world. In the South-Western region of Nigeria, they are colonial, white in colour, and are seen in open lands and around water bodies. Morphometric data are important parameter in the assessment of functional morphology, hence we here present for the first time, data on the craniofacial indices of cattle egret. The cranium, nasal, orbital and beak morphometric indices and correlation data of the cattle egret were investigated on the fresh specimen and macerated skull of the male cattle egrets, using the GraphPad Prism. The height of the cranium was 33.92±0.970 cm, while the cranium length and breadth were 52.92±1.800 and 34.48±1.714, respectively. The right eye socket length, 36.17±5.636 and breadth, 31.67±2.160 were slightly greater than the left eye socket length, 35.92±4.128 and breadth, 31.00±2.757. There was a strong positive correlation between the right eye socket breadth and the left eye socket breadth (r=0.940), and also, a very strong positive correlation was found between the right and the left eye socket length (r=0.981). Results showed the foramen magnum length and breadth to be 19.17±0.753 and 18.83±0.753, respectively, however, a low positive correlation was recorded between the foramen magnum length and breadth (r=0.059). A strong positive correlation was observed between the upper beak length and the lower beak length (r=0.901), while similar values were recorded for the nasal breadth and length, respectively. Data generated from this study will prove useful in comparative, regional and clinical anatomy and could also help in identifying archaeological remains of the cattle egrets.
Variations in Ocular Biometrics Related to Refractive Errors Among Adult Patients Attending the University Teaching Hospitals-Eye Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia
Authors: Ng’andu Albertina , Krikor Erzingatsian , Mutati Grace Chipalo 
Published: August 2022

Coordination among anatomical components (Ocular biometrics) of the eye [corneal and lens power (CP/LP), anterior chamber depth (ACD), lens thickness (LT), and axial length (AL)] determine the refractive state of the eye. Ocular biometric measurements are crucial for the selection of the correct IOL and prescription of power to achieve the desired refractive outcome after cataract surgery and refractive errors respectively. This was a cross-sectional study conducted at University Teaching Hospitals Eye Hospital in Lusaka– Zambia; from April to June 2021, to assess the relationship between ocular biometrics and refractive errors. The study involved the measurement of refractive errors and ocular biometrics (Axial length, Lens power, Lens thickness, anterior chamber depth, corneal dioptric power, corneal radius, and Pupil size) in 205 study participants aged between 16 and 60 years of which 64 (31.2%) were males and 141 (68.8%) were females. Refractive errors were measured with a KR-9600 auto keratore fractometer whilst Ocular biometric parameters were done using an Optilex 780 marvels 11 A/B Scan Dell ultrasonography machine and autokeratometry. Out of 205 recruited study participants, 135 (65.9%) had refractive errors. The proportion of types of refractive errors were 66 (48.9%), 39 (28.9%), 19 (14.1%), and 11 (8.1%) for myopia, presbyopia, astigmatism, and hyperopia respectively. Variations of ocular biometrics among participants showed that mean values of anterior chamber depth, axial length and pupil size were greater in myopic study participants (2.7 mm, 23. 9 mm, and 4.39 mm respectively). Mean Lens thickness was much thicker in Presbyopia (3.95+/-0.65) while Lens power varied across all types of REs. Ocular biometrics related to refractive errors were axial length, anterior chamber depth, and lens thickness. Axial length and anterior chamber depth associated strongly with Myopia while lens thickness was more linked to Presbyopia. Age (16 and 47) years, inheritance, and childhood-onset associated strongly with Myopia while Presbyopia increased with increase in age.
Teachers’ attitudes to work and effective teaching of english language in primary schools in akpabuyo local government area of cross river state, nigeria
Authors: Aniah, Solomon Agwanyang,  , Anashie, Annastasia Iwang,  , Offem, Odim Otu,  , Ushie, Grace Ikel,  
Published: August 2022

The study was carried out to examine the relationship between teachers’ attitudes to work and effective teaching of English Language in primary schools in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria. Variables as they affect teachers’ effective teaching of English Language were briefly surveyed to provide multidimensional explanation. The sub variables of teachers’ development attitudes to work considered in this study were teachers’ attitude towards grading and questioning techniques. The design adopted for the study was ex-post-facto. The population of the study comprised all the teachers in the 15 public primary schools in the study area. Purposive sampling technique was used to collect data and the sample size was one hundred and eight (180) teachers, 80 males and 100 females. The measuring instrument was a questionnaire which the researchers administered on 180 teachers drawn from six (6) public primary schools in the study area. Pearson Product Moment Correlation analysis revealed that the teachers’ attitudes to work such as attitudes towards grading and questioning techniques correlate positively with effective teaching of English Language. Based on the findings of this study, it was recommended that government should ensure that more efficient and competent teachers are recruited to teach in the primary schools. Also teachers should change their attitudes towards grading system, they should stop scoring pupils “zero of something” no matter how bad the child’s work is.
Socio-Demographic Characteristics and Blood Parasites Among Blood Donors in Two Communities in Delta State, Nigeria
Authors: Lemy E.E. , Edafemakor A.G. , Egwunyenga A.O. 
Published: August 2022

A six months' study was conducted to determine the occurrence of blood parasites in blood donors in Eku and Abraka, Delta State. Random sampling was adopted for blood samples collection alongside socio-demographic characteristics. Laboratory analysis using thick and thin films were carried out on samples. The result showed that 59(29.5%) were positive for blood parasites; 46(23.0%) for Plasmodium, 5(5.0%) for Trypanosoma, and 8(4.0%) for microfilaria. Parasite prevalence was highest in the age-group 45-49 years. Female showed relatively higher prevalence (30.6%) compared to male (29.3%). There was no significant difference in blood parasites prevalence based on gender of the subjects. Blood group B had the dominant prevalence (51.7%). With respect to occupation, self-employed donors had higher prevalence (38.9%). In addition, the rural-urban prevalence was skewed towards rural blood donors (39.7%) with no statistical difference, in respect to residence. PCV of donors showed no clear patterns and there was no association between PCV and prevalence of blood parasites (p>0.05). The results therefore indicate that there is relatively high prevalence of blood parasites among the blood donors which call for the attention of the authority concerned.
Characterization of Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Cytotoxic Activity and Chemical Composition of Punica granatum Rind Extract
Authors: Lee Seong Wei  , W Wendy , YFS Julius , FS Desy , AK Zulhisyam 
Published: August 2022

This study was carried out to characterize antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of Punica granatum rind extract as well as its chemical composition. The main objective of the present study is to reveal the medicinal values of P. granatum rind. Antimicrobial property of P. granatum rind extract was revealed by using two-fold broth microdilution method against Aeromonas hydrophila, Escherichia coli, Edwardsiella tarda, Flavobacterium spp., Klebsiella pneumonia, Salmonella typhi, Vibrio alginolyticus, V. parahaemolyticus, V. cholerae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa whereas the antioxidant activity of the plant extract was determined with ?, ?-diphenyl-?- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging method. Cytotoxic activity of the plant extract was evaluated with Colorimetric MTT (tetrazolium) assay against a human breast cell line (MCF-7). Chemical compounds of the plant extract were screened and identified by using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results of the present study showed that the MIC values of P. granatum rind extract ranged from 3.91 to 15.63 mg/l against the tested bacterial isolates. The value of IC50 of the plant extract against DPPH and MCF-7 cell line was 0.144 ± 0.087 ppt and 0.54 ± 0.03 ?g/ml, respectively. A total of 14 chemical compounds were successfully identified from P. granatum rind extract and the major compound was Hexanamide, N-phenyl (68.52%.). The findings of the present study indicate promising medicinal values of the plant extract.