bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vitro assessment of multipotential therapeutic importance of Hericium erinaceus mushroom extracts using different solvents
Authors: Suleiman Waleed Bakry , Shehata Reda M. , Younis Ahmed M.
Published: September 2022

Infectious disease is one of the major threats to humans and it is the second leading cause of death worldwide. Edible mushrooms have many nutritional and medicinal values to human health. The medicinal properties of edible mushroom extract in inhibiting pathogenic microorganisms had advantages over the use of chemically synthetic antimicrobial compounds due to less unwanted side effects and can combat microbial resistance. This study hypothesized that the polarity affects the extraction quality ofHericium erinaceusfruiting bodies which was prepared and subsequently affects its activity as an antimicrobial against six tested microorganisms, including MRSA, andStreptococcus mutans,Enterobacter cloaca,Salmonella typhimurium, andCandida lipolytica; antiviral against Hepatitis A virus (HAV) virus; antioxidant using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay; and anti-inflammatory potential. So, the mushroom was quantitatively evaluated to assess its content of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, carbohydrates, protein, nitrogen, and oil. The current research clarified here that aquatic extract has a significant activity as an antioxidant (IC50 = 53.7 µg/mL) and antiviral (IC50 = 24.97 µg/mL), while ethyl acetate extract showed a reasonable antimicrobial activity rather than all tested extract against tested microorganisms. Unfortunately, all extracts under investigation possess low anti-inflammatory action according to the adopting protocol. The superior results of both water and ethyl acetate extracts were later investigated by HPTLC and GC–MS for preliminary prediction of the chemical constitution of those extracts.H. erinaceusmushroom succeeded to establish promising antimicrobial, antiviral, and antioxidant activities while it has low anti-inflammatory activity. Both HPTLC and GC–MS could identify the chemical constituents of the mushroom crude extract.

Graphical Abstract
CT patterns and serial CT Changes in lung Cancer patients post stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT)
Authors: Al-Umairi Rashid , Tarique Usman , Moineddin Rahim , Jimenez-Juan Laura , Kha Lan Chau , Cheung Patrick , Oikonomou Anastasia
Published: September 2022

Background

To evaluate computed tomography (CT) patterns of post-SBRT lung injury in lung cancer and identify time points of serial CT changes.

Materials and methods

One hundred eighty-three tumors in 170 patients were evaluated on sequential CTs within 29 months (median). Frequencies of post-SBRT CT patterns and time points of initiation and duration were assessed. Duration of increase of primary lesion or surrounding injury without evidence of local recurrence and time to stabilization or local recurrence were evaluated.

Results

Post-SBRT CT patterns could overlap in the same patient and were nodule-like pattern (69%), consolidation with ground glass opacity (GGO) (41%), modified conventional pattern (39%), peribronchial/patchy consolidation (42%), patchy GGO (24%), diffuse consolidation (16%), “orbit sign” (21%), mass-like pattern (19%), scar-like pattern (15%) and diffuse GGO (3%). Patchy GGO started at 4 months post-SBRT. Peribronchial/patchy consolidation and consolidation with GGO started at 4 and 5 months respectively. Diffuse consolidation, diffuse GGO and orbit sign started at 5, 6 and 8 months respectively. Mass-like, modified conventional and scar-like pattern started at 8, 12 and 12 months respectively. Primary lesion (n = 11) or surrounding injury (n = 85) increased up to 13 months. Primary lesion (n = 119) or surrounding injury (n = 115) started to decrease at 4 and 9 months respectively. Time to stabilization was 20 months. The most common CT pattern at stabilization was modified conventional pattern (49%), scar-like pattern (23%) and mass-like pattern (12%). Local recurrence (n = 15) occurred at a median time of 18 months.

Conclusion

Different CT patterns of lung injury post-SBRT appear in predictable time points and have variable but predictable duration. Familiarity with these patterns and timeframes of appearance helps differentiate them from local recurrence.
Evaluating Palin Stammering Therapy for School Children (Palin STSC 8–14): protocol for a feasibility randomised controlled trial comparing Palin STSC(8–14) with usual treatment
Authors: Millard S. K. , Murphy S. , Barton G. , Leathersich M. , Mills G. , Rixon L. , Shepstone L. , Sims E. , Joffe V.
Published: September 2022

Background

Having a stammer can have a significant effect on a child’s social, emotional and educational development. With approximately 66,000 children in the UK having a stammer, there is a need to establish an adequate evidence base to inform clinical practice. We describe a feasibility trial to explore the effectiveness of a new therapy programme for children aged 8–14: Palin Stammering Therapy for School Children (Palin STSC(8–14)). Preliminary data from the Michael Palin Centre, where the programme was developed, indicate that Palin STSC(8–14) is effective in reducing stammering frequency and impact for children, with beneficial effects for parents too. We will investigate the feasibility of the methods required for a definitive randomised controlled trial to investigate the application of this therapy by NHS speech and language therapists (SLTs), compared with ‘treatment as usual’ (TAU), beyond the specialist context in which it was developed.

Methods

This is a two-arm feasibility cluster-randomised controlled trial of Palin STSC(8–14) with TAU control arm, and randomisation at the level of the SLT. Quantitative and qualitative data will be collected to examine the following: the recruitment and retention of therapists and families, the acceptability of the research processes and the therapeutic intervention and the appropriateness of the therapy outcome measures. Assessments will be completed by children and parents at baseline and 6 months later, including measures of stammering severity; the impact of child’s stammering on both children and parents; child temperament, behaviour and peer relations, anxiety; quality of life; and economic outcomes. There will also be a qualitative process evaluation, including interviews with parents, children, SLTs and SLT managers to explore the acceptability of both the research and therapy methods. Treatment fidelity will be examined through analysis of therapy session records and recordings.

Discussion

The findings of this feasibility trial will inform the decision as to whether to progress to a full-scale randomised controlled trial to explore the effectiveness of Palin STSC(8–14) when compared to Treatment as Usual in NHS SLT services. There is a strong need for an evidence-based intervention for school age children who stammer.

Trial registration

ISRCTN. ISRCTN17058884. Registered on 18 December 2019.
Multislice CT angiography as a roadmap for pedicle selection prior to breast reduction surgery
Authors: Zakhary Noura Yousef , Mubarak Amr Ahmed , Elkhadrawy Osama Helmy , Ismail Elsayed Mandour
Published: September 2022

Background

Accurate knowledge of breast arterial supply on individual basis is crucial prior to breast reduction surgery to minimize the risk of post-operative necrosis of nipple-areola complex which is a well reported complication. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to test the ability of multislice CT angiography to delineate the dominant arterial supply of nipple-areola complex to facilitate accurate breast pedicle selection to improve patient outcome.

Results

Twelve patients underwent multislice CTA of both breasts to delineate dominant arterial supply to NAC, internal mammary artery was the dominant arterial supply in most of breasts (87.5%) based on CTA findings and hence superomedial pedicle was the commonest pedicel chosen. None of patients experienced NAC necrosis postoperatively while minority of patients (16.6%) exhibited decreased NAC sensation bilaterally.

Conclusions

Multislice CT angiography is a useful pre-operative tool to minimize the risk of post-operative necrosis of nipple-areola complex in patients undergoing breast reduction surgery.
Exploring the Impact of Language Concordance on Cancer Communication
Authors: Bregio Celyn , Finik Jackie , Baird Morgan , Ortega Pilar , Roter Debra , Karliner Leah , Diamond Lisa C.
Published: September 2022

PURPOSE:

Patients with cancer who have limited English proficiency are more likely to experience inequities in cancer knowledge, timely care, and access to clinical trials. Matching patients with language-concordant clinicians and working with professional interpreters can effectively reduce language-related disparities, but little data are available regarding the impact of language-concordant interactions in oncology care. This study aimed to assess the use of the Roter Interaction Analysis System (RIAS) in language-concordant and -discordant interactions for patients with non-English language preference presenting for an initial oncology visit at four New York City hospitals.

METHODS:

We used the RIAS, a validated tool for qualitative coding and quantitative analysis, to evaluate interactions between 34 patients and 16 clinicians. The pairings were stratified into dyads: English language-concordant (n = 12); professionally interpreted (n = 11); partially language-concordant (n = 4, partially bilingual clinicians who communicated in Spanish and/or used ad hoc interpreters); and Spanish language-concordant (n = 7). A trained Spanish-speaking coder analyzed the recordings using established RIAS codes.

RESULTS:

Spanish language-concordant clinicians had almost two-fold greater number of statements about biomedical information than English language-concordant clinicians. Spanish language-concordant patients had a higher tendency to engage in positive talk such as expressing agreement. The number of partnership/facilitation-related statements was equivalent for English and Spanish language-concordant groups but lower in professionally interpreted and partially language-concordant dyads.

CONCLUSION:

Language concordance may facilitate more effective biomedical counseling and therapeutic relationships between oncology clinicians and patients. Future research should further explore the impact of language concordance on cancer-specific health outcomes.
The Future of State All-Payer Claims Databases
Authors: Blewett Lynn A. , Mac Arthur Natalie Schwehr , Campbell James
Published: September 2022

State policy makers are under increasing pressure to address the prohibitive cost of health care given the lack of action at the federal level. In 2020, the United States spent more on health care than any other country in the world—$4.1 trillion, representing 19.7% of the nation's gross domestic product. States are trying to better understand their role in health care spending and to think creatively about strategies for addressing health care cost growth. One way they are doing this is through the development and use of state-based all-payer claims databases (APCDs). APCDs are health data organizations that hold transactional information from public (Medicare and Medicaid) and private health insurers (commercial plans and some self-insured employers). APCDs transform this data into useful information on health care costs and trends. This article describes states' use of APCDs and recent efforts that have provided benefits and challenges for states interested in this unique opportunity to inform health policy. Although challenges exist, there is new funding for state APCD improvements in the No Surprises Act, and potential new federal interest will help states enhance their APCD capacity so they can better understand their markets, educate consumers, and create actionable market information.
Molecular inhibition of RAS signalling to target ageing and age-related health
Authors: Laskovs Mihails , Partridge Linda , Slack Cathy
Published: September 2022

The RAS/MAPK pathway is a highly conserved signalling pathway with a well-established role in cancer. Mutations that hyperactivate this pathway are associated with unregulated cell proliferation. Evidence from a range of model organisms also links RAS/MAPK signalling to ageing. Genetic approaches that reduce RAS/MAPK signalling activity extend lifespan and also improve healthspan, delaying the onset and/or progression of age-related functional decline. Given its role in cancer, therapeutic interventions that target and inhibit this pathway's key components are under intense investigation. The consequent availability of small molecule inhibitors raises the possibility of repurposing these compounds to ameliorate the deleterious effects of ageing. Here, we review evidence that RAS/MAPK signalling inhibitors already in clinical use, such as trametinib, acarbose, statins, metformin and dihydromyricetin, lead to lifespan extension and to improved healthspan in a range of model systems. These findings suggest that the repurposing of small molecule inhibitors of RAS/MAPK signalling might offer opportunities to improve health during ageing, and to delay or prevent the development of age-related disease. However, challenges to this approach, including poor tolerance to treatment in older adults or development of drug resistance, first need to be resolved before successful clinical implementation.
Running Every Time, Planking Sometimes: Youth Adherence to a Neuromuscular Training Program
Authors: Räisänen Anu M. , van den Berg Carla , Owoeye Oluwatoyosi B.A. , McKay Carly D. , Emery Carolyn A.
Published: September 2022

Introduction/Purpose

Neuromuscular training warm-up programs are effective in reducing sport and recreation injuries when adherence is adequate. To understand how to improve adherence, it is important to analyze different measures of adherence, such as the utilization of different exercises and components.

Methods

The intervention arm of a randomized controlled trial in junior high school hysical education (PE) was included in this study. After one school was excluded because of inadequate adherence data, five schools (32 classes) were analyzed. For 12 wk, the schools implemented the Implementing a School Prevention Program to Reduce Injuries Through Neuromuscular Training (iSPRINT) program comprising 15 exercises in four components (aerobic, agility, strength, balance). Utilization fidelity, cumulative utilization (program/component/exercise), and utilization frequency (program/component) were calculated.

Results

An iSPRINT session was conducted (i.e., ≥1 exercise out of 15 was performed) during 858 out of 1572 (54.6%) PE classes. Utilization fidelity was 13 (Q1, Q3: 7, 14) out of 15 exercises. Between the five schools, utilization fidelity ranged from 5 to 14 exercises. The most frequently utilized exercise was the forward run (96% of all iSPRINT sessions), and the least frequently utilized exercise was forward running with intermittent stops (36%). Utilization frequency of different exercises in individual schools varied from 9% to 100%. On average, the program was conducted twice a week. Out of all the iSPRINT sessions, 98% included aerobic, 89% included agility, 90% included strength, and 78% included balance exercises.

Conclusions

On average, the schools adhered well to the program, and all components were implemented to some extent. This indicates that there are no program components or exercises that are systematically underperformed. With adherence varying between the schools, it is important to take into account that the implementation context may differ across school environments and barriers to maximizing adherence require consideration.
Baba Şiddetine Uğrayan “Ben” in Utanç Karmaşası
Authors: Parlak Simel , Canel Azize Nilgün
Published: September 2022

Bu araştırmada, çocukluk süresince babalarının şiddetine uğrayan veya şahit olan kadınların bu deneyimlerine ilişkin utanç algısı ve babalarına ilişkin algıları ortaya konulmaya çalışılmıştır. Araştırmada fenomenolojik yaklaşımlardan biri olan yorumlayıcı fenomenolojik analiz kullanılmıştır. Çalışma grubu, ölçüt örnekleme ile seçilen dört kişiden oluşmaktadır. Ölçüt olarak; çocukluk döneminde babanın şiddetine uğramış olmak veya şahit olmak, evli olmak, çocuk sahibi olmak ve annelik-kadınlık rolleri üzerine düzenlenen psikodrama yaşantı grubuna katılmış olmak şeklinde belirlenmiştir. Katılımcılarla yarı yapılandırılmış görüşmeler yapılmış ve elde edilen verinin analiz edilme sürecinde yorumlayıcı fenomenolojik analiz aşamaları izlenmiştir. Çocukluk süresince babalarının şiddetine uğrayan veya şahit olan kadınlarla yapılan görüşmeler sonucunda şiddet uygulayan babaya yönelik tepkiler, şiddet yaşantısını paylaşmaya dair utanç ana temalarına ulaşılmıştır. Araştırmaya katılan tüm katılımcıların babaları ile ilgili anlatıları, babalarının kendi zihinlerinde istenmeyen ve utanılan babalar olduklarını göstermektedir. Babanın çocuk üzerinde arattığı aşağılama, küçük görme vb. hareketlerinin kişide utanç yaratmış olması, çeşitli kişilik yapıları üzerinden daha sonraki araştırmalarda incelenmesi gereken bir durumdur.
Türkiye’de Mesleklerin Kirlilik Düzeyleri ve Türlerinin Sınıflandırılması
Authors: Sever Melih , Özdemir Seyhan
Published: September 2022

Bu çalışma, Türkiye’de kirli iş tanımını ve sınıflandırmasını yapmak ve literatüre kirli iş kavramını kazandırmak üzere yapılmıştır. İki aşamadan oluşan çalışmanın birinci aşamasında 321 kişiye online anket yoluyla ulaşılmıştır. Ankette Türkiye meslek sınıflandırması araştırmasında kullanılan meslekler düşük ve yüksek prestijli olarak ikiye ayrılmış, 36 farklı (kirli ve kirli olmayan) meslek katılımcılara sınıflandırması için iletilmiştir. Çalışma tasarımında kirli işler; sosyal, fiziksel, ahlaki ve kirli iş olmayan şeklinde ayrılmıştır. Katılımcılardan kirli işleri sınıflandırması istenmiştir. Tasarlanan kirli iş sınıflandırmalarının örneklem üzerinde çalışıp çalışmadığını tespit etmek için yapılan analizlerde sadece 17 meslek katılımcılar tarafından kirli olarak sınıflandırılmıştır. Çalışmanın ikinci aşamasında ilk aşamada kirli olarak sınıflandırılmayan meslekler tekrar 130 katılımcıya aynı yöntemle sorulmuş ve tek bir meslek haricinde sonuçların tekrar ettiği görülmüştür. Sonuçlar, hem fiziksel kirlilik türünde yüksek bir mutabakatı hem de ahlaki kir türünün bir mesleği kirleten ana faktörlerden biri olduğu konusunda bir fikir birliğini göstermektedir. Türkiye bağlamında sosyal kirli iş kavramının tam anlaşılamadığı veya kirli olarak algılanmadığı bulgular arasındadır. Çalışma ulusal literatüre kirli iş kavramını kazandırması ve kirli iş türlerine göre Türkiye’deki meslek sınıflandırmalarını gerçekleştirmesi açısından önemlidir.
Hervieu-Léger Sosyolojisi: Gelenek, Din ve Hafıza İlişkiselliğinde Bir Sekülerleşme Analizi
Authors: Dereli Mustafa Derviş
Published: September 2022

Modern dünyada dinin geleceği meselesi, sosyolojik tartışmaların merkezinde yer almaktadır. Modern dönemlerde kurumsal yapısı, etkinlik alanı ve toplumsal hayattaki pratik karşılığı gibi hususlarda dinin önemli değişimlerle karşı karşıya kaldığı şeklinde yaygın bir kanaat bulunsa da bu değişimin mahiyetine ve gelecekteki yönelimine dair farklı bakış açıları söz konusudur. Literatürde genel olarak “sekülerleşme tartışmaları” olarak yaygınlaşan ve çoğunlukla din sosyolojisi disiplini çerçevesinde seyreden bu fikir işçiliğine dikkat çekici görüşleriyle önemli katkılarda bulunan araştırmacılardan biri Fransız din sosyoloğu Daniéle Hervieu-Léger’dir. Hervieu-Léger gelenek, kuşak ve hafıza üçgeninde dine ve dindarlığa yeni tanımlar getirmesi ve bu analizleri üzerinden sekülerleşme tartışmalarına farklı bir ufuk kazandırması bakımından yabancı literatürde hatırı sayılır araştırmalara konu yapılmasına rağmen Türkçe yazında kendisine neredeyse hiç yer bulamamıştır. Hervieu-Léger sosyolojisinin hangi sacayaklar üzerinde yükseldiği ve sekülerleşme tartışmalarında nasıl bir konum aldığı araştırma sorusuna odaklanan bu makale, bir din sosyoloğu olarak Hervieu-Léger’in entelektüel portresini çizmeyi hedeflemektedir. Hervieu- Léger’in Türkçe literatürde ilk kez bir çalışmanın doğrudan konusu haline getirildiği bu makalede, kendi çalışmalarının yanında onun düşüncelerine olumlu-olumsuz eleştiriler yönelten eserler de literatür taraması yöntemiyle incelenmiştir. Sonuç olarak gerek odaklandığı kavramlar gerekse yaptığı analizler bağlamında Hervieu-Léger sosyolojisinin Türkiye özelindeki sekülerleşme tartışmalarına yeni bir açılım sunabileceği fikrine ulaşılmıştır.
Correlation between serum SIRT1 and EZH2 expressions and peritoneal function in patients with diabetic nephropathy undergoing peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Zhu Qi , Hu Haiyan , Xia Fang
Published: September 2022

Objectives: To determine the correlation between the expression of silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) and enhancer of zeste two polycomb repressive complex two subunit (EZH2) and peritoneal function in patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN) and peritoneal dialysis.

Methods: One hundred forty patients with DN underwent peritoneal dialysis in Hanchuan People’s Hospital from April 2016 to January 2019 were divided into four groups according to the duration of peritoneal dialysis. The levels of SIRT1 and EZH2 in serum were measured. The ratio of dialysate to plasma creatinine (D/Pcr) and the concentration of cancer antigen 125 (CA125) in peritoneal dialysate were determined. The ratio of urea clearance to urea distribution volume (Kt/V) of dialyzer was calculated. The correlations between SIRT1 and EZH2 expressions and peritoneal function were analyzed.

Results: With the prolongation of peritoneal dialysis, serum SIRT1 expression, Kt/V, Ccr and CA125 decreased, while EZH2 expression and D/Pcr increased in patients with DN undergoing peritoneal dialysis. Pearson’s correlation analysis showed that SIRT1 expression was negatively correlated with D/Pcr while positively correlated with Kt/V and CA125, and serum EZH2 expression was negatively correlated with Kt/V and CA125 while positively correlated with D/Pcr. ROC analysis demonstrated that SIRT1 and EZH2 expressions had certain diagnostic value for the poor prognosis of patients with DN undergoing peritoneal dialysis.

Conclusion: Serum SIRT1 and EZH2 expressions in patients with DN undergoing peritoneal dialysis are closely related to their peritoneal function. They have certain diagnostic value for the poor prognosis of patients with DN undergoing peritoneal dialysis.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.8.5527

How to cite this:Zhu Q, Hu H, Xia F.Correlation between serum SIRT1 and EZH2 expressions and peritoneal function in patients with diabetic nephropathy undergoing peritoneal dialysis. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(8):---------.  doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.8.5527

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Application and clinical efficacy of Sufu medical chitosan hydrogel dressing in radiation skin damage caused by radiotherapy for cervical cancer
Authors: He Xiaodan , Hu Xiufen , Dong Xiaojing , Li Shenjie , Ni Yali  
Published: September 2022

Objectives: To investigate the benefits of Sufu medical chitosan hydrogel dressing(Sufu) in the prevention and control of radiation skin damage during radiotherapy for cervical cancer as a combined modality.

Methods: Ninety-seven cervical cancer patients who underwent radiotherapy at the Cancer Hospital of China Medical University between May 2017 and November 2018 were recruited according to given inclusion and exclusion criteria. The patients were assigned to a control group (n=48, washing the perineal area with normal saline) and an observation group (n=49, application of Sufu onto the site of radiotherapy in addition to washing the perineal area with normal saline). The treatment regimens for the two groups continued until the end of radiotherapy. A comparison of the RTOG (Radiation Therapy Oncology Group) grading of acute radiation-induced skin reactions (ARISRs), pain intensity (measured by the verbal rating scale (VRS)) and post-treatment wound healing was drawn between the two groups.

Results: In the observation group, 81.6% (40/49) of the patients had radiation dermatitis, which was significantly lower than the incidence rate (95.8%, 46/48) in the control group (P <0.05). The observation group was at higher risk of radiation dermatitis when given a high radiation dose, while the control group was more likely to have radiation dermatitis when administered with a moderate radiation dose (P <0.05). The median time of occurrence of pain and the median time of onset of skin reactions were significantly later in the observation group as compared with the control group (P <0.05, respectively). In the observation group, the pain relief rate was 92.50% at Day-3, and the wound healing rate was 95.0% at Day-7, significantly higher than in the control group (73.9% and 80.4%) (P <0.05, respectively).

Conclusions: During radiotherapy for cervical cancer, Sufu can effectively prevent and control radiation-induced skin and mucous membrane damage, delay the onset of radiation dermatitis and substantially reduce the incidence rate, relieve radiation dermatitis and pain and promote wound healing.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.8.5569

How to cite this:He X, Hu X, Dong X, Li S, Ni Y. Application and clinical efficacy of Sufu medical chitosan hydrogel dressing in radiation skin damage caused by radiotherapy for cervical cancer. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(8):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.8.5569

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
COVID-19 related fears and adherence to infection control protocol amongst immunocompromised transplant recipients: A case study
Authors: Muazzam Amena , Naz Hafeeza , Irfan Khadija , Mahmood Zulaikha
Published: September 2022

Background & Objective: Transplant recipients are at a high risk of critical COVID-19 illness due to chronic immunosuppression and their underlying medical condition. Our objective was to study the COVID-19 related fears and adherence to infection control measures in solid organ transplant recipients during COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: A descriptive study was conducted during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic (April- August 2020) in Punjab, Pakistan, as a part of province wide COVID-19 awareness drive 754 recipients registered at Punjab Human Organ Transplantation Authority (P-HOTA) for solid organ transplant were contacted telephonically and administered a self-constructed questionnaire. The participants’ response was linked to demographic, anthropometric and disease characteristics available in organizational data base.

Results: Seven hundred fifty four patients who had undergone transplant or were on list during the time period 2018-2020 were identified from data base of PHOTA. 648 patients were contacted while 80 were found to have expired post- transplant and 26 recipients were still on the waiting list. The median age was 31-40 years, with male predominance (5:1). A majority of patients (93%) were found to be well informed about corona infection and its impact on their illness (89%) but (59%) of the recipients had a fear score 25-34(severe) of acquiring infection with female predominance (61%). All the recipients adhered to measures like wearing masks, frequent hand washing and maintaining safe distance .65.9% patient’s preferred online consultation while (77.9%) patients left their shoes outside their house.

Conclusion: During the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic Solid Organ Transplant patients seemed well informed of COVID-19 infection and adhered to precautionary measures against the infections. About 78% of recipients reported that their health and quality of health care (61.1%) during this period remained the same while 3.4% reported of being infected or a contact history with COVID-19 patients

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.8.5590

How to cite this:Moazzam A, Naz H, Irfan K, Mahmood Z. COVID-19 related fears and adherence to infection control protocol amongst immunocompromised transplant recipients: A case study. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(8):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.8.5590

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Estimation of serum iron, serum lipids and serum liver enzymes in celiac disease patients of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Ikram Ullah Muhammad , Alsrhani Abdullah , Atif Muhammad , Shaukat Irfan , Hussain Shahid , Ejaz Hasan
Published: September 2022

Objectives: To evaluate the serum biochemical levels in celiac disease (CD) patients.

Methods: It was a cross-sectional study carried out on 70 subjects, including 40 patients with CD and 30 healthy controls. This study was conducted at Jouf University from November, 2020 to October, 2021. The collected blood specimens were used to perform serum iron, serum lipids, liver enzymes, and human tissue transglutaminase IgA antibodies (anti-HTTG). The hematological parameters including hematocrit and MCV were determined to establish the diagnosis of iron deficiency.

Results: Serum iron was significantly lower in patients as compared to the controls. Serum iron, serum HDL, blood hematocrit and MCV were significantly lower in patients than in controls (p = 0.000). Serum levels of liver enzymes (ALT and AST) and serum human tissue transglutaminase antibodies (anti-HTTG) were significantly higher in patients than in controls (p = 0.000). The correlation studies established the negative correlation of anti-HTTG IgA with serum iron (r = -0.991, p = 0.000), hematocrit (r = -0.967, p = 0.000) and MCV (r = -0.946, p = 0.000) in patients.

Conclusion: The serum iron was remarkably reduced in CD patients. A negative correlation was found between anti-HTTG IgA and serum iron, while a positive serum iron was correlated with hematocrit and MCV in CD patients.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.8.6237

How to cite this:Ullah MI, Alsrhani A, Atif M, Shaukat I, Hussain S, Ejaz H. Estimation of serum iron, serum lipids and serum liver enzymes in celiac disease patients of Saudi Arabia. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(8):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.8.6237

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
The menace of self citation: An audit of two years from journals of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Authors: Ahmed Mian Saad , Zafar Umema , Zafar Hamna , Shahid Ullah Maryam , Ali Khan Feroz
Published: September 2022

Objective: To assess the author and journal self-citation amongst journals of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted from January 2021 to July 2021. In total, manuscript published in 10 journals of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, either recognized by the Higher Education Commission or Pakistan Medical Commission, in the years 2018 and 2019 were included in the present research. All types of manuscripts were analyzed using a pre-designed data extraction table. Results were extracted, analyzed and appropriate statistics were applied.

Results: About 1235 manuscripts published in 68 issues over a period of two years’ time were analyzed. The majority of manuscripts were 1039 (84.1%) original articles followed by case reports 90 (7.3%). Author self-citation came out to be 11.26% and journal self-citation was 6.5%. The same institute’s author affiliation came out to be 40.6%.

Conclusion: The trend of author self-citation was found to be high while that of journal self-citation was low when compared with already prevalent literature.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.8.6571

How to cite this:Ahmed MS, Zafar U, Zafar H, Shahid-Ullah M, Khan FA. The menace of self citation: An audit of two years from journals of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(8):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.8.6571

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
How to restore your voice? - rehabilitation methods after laryngectomy
Authors: Borowik Joanna , Brodowski Wojciech , Basta-Arciszewska Katarzyna , Pawłowski Piotr , Swora Aleksandra , Żelazny Przemysław , Bróż Sebastian , Sygacz Oliwer , Filipczak Joanna , Dankiewicz Sara
Published: September 2022

Introduction: The voice is an unique communication tool, characteristic of each person alone. Lacking the ability to communicate through it, can negatively affect mental health. It turns out that voice and speech rehabilitation after surgery is widely used and allows patients to improve their functioning, giving them a chance to live a normal life.Aim of the study: The purpose of the study was to review the knowledge of voice and speech rehabilitation options for patients after laryngectomy and the results of the methods used. The text is intended to educate professionals and patients who are undergoing surgical treatment and experience concerns about their future functioning.Materials and Methods: Scientific articles were reviewed using the PubMed database using the keywords: voice rehabilitation; total laryngectomy; speech disorders.State of the art: Prevalent methods of voice and speech rehabilitation in patients after total laryngectomy include the teaching of esophageal speech, tracheoesophageal speech and the use of an artificial larynx. Of these, esophageal speech appears to be the least effective method. Under certain circumstances, an artificial larynx may be the optimal choice among certain groups of patients. Numerous studies cited prove tracheoesophageal speech to achieve the best results measurable by commonly used indicators. Summary: Total laryngectomy is not a sentence for patients. Effective rehabilitation significantly improves the quality of life and communication. It is difficult to unequivocally indicate which method of voice and speech rehabilitation is most beneficial for patients - the choice should be tailored to the individual and its preferences and chances. In his work, the specialist should seek a compromise between obtaining the best acoustic results and acceptance of the method by the patient.
New Opportunities and Challenges for Health Professionals in the era of Artificial Intelligence – Review
Authors: Warchoł Konrad , Jasiura Adam , Zając Marlena , Wójcik Aleksandra , Giżewska Kamila
Published: September 2022

Introduction and purpose: Modern medical knowledge has grown to a vastness incomprehensible for a single health professional to learn and accommodate. The usage of modern information technologies comes to help, one of them being artificial intelligence, a branch of computer science aimed at developing solutions to perform tasks similar to the human brain, but more efficient and complex, without actual human intervention.  The goal of this review is to provide reader with the knowledge how artificial intelligence is applied in various branches of medicine.

Brief description of the state of knowledge: In the fields of infectious diseases, including COVID-19 diagnostics, radiology, dermatology and surgery, works lean toward the statement, which suspect application of AI is beneficial for medical practitioners. Programs help to develop statistical models for virus spreading and the creation of antiviral solutions. The radiological application involves the analysis of images to aid radiologists in diagnosing certain features, similarly to dermatology, where eg. AI can identify malignancy of skin nevi. In the department of surgery, predictive algorithms can help in choosing operation methods and improve outcomes.

Conclusions: Usage of AI assistance in the medical field has proven to be successful, but it is yet to be commonly encountered in everyday work. Programs need to be further developed and made more approachable to users without expertise in the IT field. AI may also prove useful in the process of education of health professionals.
Materiały do dziejów polskiego językoznawstwa II : Jan Baudouin de Courtenay. Teksty mniej znane
Authors: Skarżyński Mirosław
Published: September 2022

W 2011 r. w serii „Biblioteka LingVariów” ukazały się Materiały do dziejów polskiego językoznawstwa, na które złożyła się korespondencja pięciu polskich lingwistów przełomu XIX i XX w. – Jana Baudouina de Courtenay, Jana Łosia, Kazimierza Nitscha, Jana Rozwadowskiego i Henryka Ułaszyna – pochodząca ze zbiorów warszawskiego Archiwum PAN i krakowskiego Archiwum Nauki PAN i PAU, opracowana przez Annę Czelakowską i piszącego te słowa. Był to w pewnym sensie „produkt uboczny” kwerend prowadzonych w obu archiwach w innym celu. Okazało się jednak, że da się wyodrębnić spory (choć zapewne niekompletny) zbiór korespondencji grupy uczonych, w zasadniczej swej części odnoszący się do początków naukowego językoznawstwa w Polsce i przynoszący wiele interesujących informacji o ich pracy, działalności organizacyjnej, także opinii, których nie spotka się w tekstach publikowanych, czyli oficjalnych. Uznaliśmy, że takie materiały źródłowe warte są opublikowania, nawet jeśli obecnie tylko bardzo nieliczni badacze interesują się przeszłością polskiej lingwistyki, a wśród młodszych czy znacznie młodszych kolegów spotyka się często dość dziwne przekonanie, że warto czytać tylko nowe i najnowsze teksty, co czasem prowadzi do fascynacji pozornymi odkryciami… Ameryki. Wydając wspomnianą edycję listów grupy krakowskiej (Łoś, Nitsch, Rozwadowski) i osób „wspomagających” (Baudouin, Ułaszyn), nie planowano kontynuacji, dlatego nie ma ona – obecnie dopiero zasadnego – numeru jeden. Dziś trzeba ją uznać za tom I, niniejszą książkę traktując jako tom II, z podtytułem Jan Baudouin de Courtenay. Teksty mniej znane.
Rywalizacja czy integracja? : procesy i organizacje integracyjne w regionie Azji i Pacyfiku na przełomie XX i XXI wieku
Authors: Grabowski Marcin
Published: September 2022

Ostatnie 25 lat, czyli okres od zakończenia zimnej wojny, to nieustanny wzrost znaczenia re­gionu Azji i Pacyfiku w świecie, jak również stopniowego budowania coraz ściślejszych po­wiązań instytucjonalnych, ale też rywalizacji między państwami narodowymi i poszczegól­nymi koncepcjami integracyjnymi w tym regionie. W monografii, opierając się na podejściu systemowym oraz teoriach integracji regionalnej, przedstawiono procesy i ugrupowania in­tegracyjne w regionie Azji i Pacyfiku. Uwzględniono modele biegunowości w tym systemie, biorąc pod uwagę rolę mocarstw regionalnych, pokazano ewolucję transnarodowego wymia­ru integracji oraz przedstawiono analizę czterech podstawowych wymiarów integracji go­spodarczej, a przede wszystkim zaprezentowano dwa modele integracji regionalnej. Z jednej strony jest to integracja w regionie Azji i Pacyfiku, egzemplifikowana przez Forum Współpra­cy Gospodarczej Azji i Pacyfiku (ale też faworyzowane przez USA Partnerstwo Transpacyficz­ne - TPP), z drugiej zaś integracja w regionie Azji Wschodniej, gdzie centralną organizacją pozostaje Stowarzyszenie Narodów Azji Południowo-Wschodniej (ASEAN), zamierzające do końca 2015 roku utworzyć Wspólnotę ASEAN i stanowiące podstawę do ugrupowań takich jak ASEAN Plus Trzy, Szczyt Azji Wschodniej czy Forum Regionalne ASEAN.
¿Para qué sirven las políticas de la memoria?
Authors: Lefranc Sandrine , Gensburger Sarah
Published: September 2022

“Quién olvida su pasado está condenado a repetirlo”. Este lema ha generado la multiplicación de políticas de memoria desde finales de la década de 1990, en todo el mundo. Estas políticas normalizadas deben permitir a todos los ciudadanos aprender “las lecciones del pasado” y construir sociedades pacíficas. En lugar de la tranquila cohesión social que esperaban, los países que han adoptado tales medidas, sin embargo, han enfrentado discriminaciones persistentes, populismos y terrorismos de todo tipo. Los estudios sobre memoria histórica tampoco cuestionan la necesidad y el impacto de las políticas de memoria en el comportamiento social. Este libro —publicado también en francés, inglés y árabe— rompe con la literatura existente y aporta una perspectiva crítica sobre la creencia demasiado consensuada de la eficacia de la política de la memoria para construir sociedades pacíficas, ya sea en una democracia estable o tras un conflicto político violento.
Improving Software Development Effort Estimation with a Novel Design Pattern Model
Authors: Subbiah Chidambaram , Hupman Andrea C. , Li Haitao , Simonis Joseph
Published: September 2022

A U.S. Midwestern Fortune 500 financial services firm develops software capabilities in-house and requires predictions of project needs for efficient resource allocation decisions across the many projects operating simultaneously. The company develops a novel prediction tool based on the projects’ required software development tasks as described by firm-specific design patterns. The firm provides these predictions within a set of estimates based on industry standard function count methods as well as firm-specific predictive models based on function points and on initial labor assignments. Company management is thus equipped with predictions from multiple methodologies and multiple information sources, enhancing the firm’s ability to predict project needs. Managers aggregate the forecasts, with prediction performance estimated to improve by 35%–49%, measured relative to estimates of the absolute percentage error of the prior method. The improved predictions provide a significant advantage to planning decisions and efficient internal operations. Insights to how managers aggregate the set of forecasts and insights to how the models contribute to the scaled value of information are discussed and further illustrate the benefits of the approach.

History: This paper was refereed. This paper was accepted for the Special Issue of INFORMS Journal on Applied Analytics—Decision Analysis.
Information sharing at the new birth visit to reduce health inequalities: A survey
Authors: Fawkes Emma
Published: September 2022

Health inequalities and the subsequent negative long-term impact on children's health are prevalent in the UK. One way to try to reduce these inequalities is through educating families and health visitors are at the fore in being able to support this. A survey was carried out to identify what information local parents would like to receive at the face-to-face new birth visit by the health visitor; in what format they would prefer to receive it; and how often they would like to receive it. An online survey was designed and distributed to parents to obtain the answers to these questions. The survey results showed that parents would primarily like to receive information on caring for their baby and on postnatal depression. It is concluded that health visitors can support the goal of reducing health inequalities by providing parents with relevant information in an accessible format and that this can be reiterated at core contacts.
Use of a bilayer biodegradable synthetic dermal matrix for the management of defects arising from necrotising fasciitis
Authors: Barker Timothy , Wagstaff Marcus , Ricketts Sophie , Bruscino-Raiola Frank
Published: September 2022

The aim of this article is to provide a brief overview of necrotising fasciitis, including causative factors, incidence, diagnosis and clinical outcomes. Various surgical treatment options are outlined, including methods of soft tissue reconstruction after wide excision of infected and necrotic tissues. The role of dermal matrices, including a synthetic biodegradable temporising matrix made of polyurethane, are described in terms of wound bed preparation, surgical application and clinical outcomes.
Platelet-rich fibrin accelerates skin wound healing in pressure injuries: a rat model
Authors: Zhang Tao , Wang Jia , Le Kai , Guo Yifan , Zhu Bin
Published: September 2022

Objective:

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) plays a role in promoting wound healing by releasing cytokines, chemokines and growth factors, and by inducing proliferation and activation of cells. A pressure injury (PI) is a treatable but serious and costly disease with adverse outcomes for the patient. However, traditional PI treatments are time-consuming, with limited effectiveness. Thus, we aimed to investigate the effects and mechanisms of PRF on skin wound healing in PIs in vivo in a rat model.

Method:

PRF was prepared from the blood of male Wistar rats. A rat model for PI ischaemia/reperfusion injury was established by placing a magnet onto the back skin, where a magnetic steel plate had been previously implanted. The rats were randomised into two groups: the control group was treated with sterile gauze dressings and the iPRF group received additional PRF. Skin wound healing rate was calculated and a CD31/Masson's trichrome stain performed.

Results:

In this study, 16 rats were allocated to the two groups (n=8 in each group). PRF improved the skin wound healing rate of PIs in the rats; haematoxylin and eosin staining and CD31 staining showed that the number of capillaries increased significantly in the wound. However, Masson's trichrome staining showed no increase in fibrotic tissues after PRF treatment.

Conclusion:

In this in vivo rat model for PI, PRF accelerated skin wound healing by increasing angiogenesis in the wound.
Validating a Scale for Measuring Preschool Teachers’ Competence in Promoting Children’s Language Development in Vietnam: An Exploratory Factor Analysis
Authors: Vu Thuy Thi , Dinh Viet-Hung
Published: September 2022

The role of preschool teachers in supporting children’s language development is unquestionably substantial. To ensure the quality of preschool teachers’ performance in this specific task, various assessing instruments have been developed and justified in recent years. This study joins such efforts by investigating a new scale based on the “Framework for assessing preschool teacher competence in promoting children’s language development” proposed by a previous research. The scale’s psychometric properties are examined with a sample of 685 Vietnamese preschool teachers. The results supported the four-factor model suggested by the original authors and confirmed its reliability and validity. Finally, further usages of the scale are discussed.