bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The relationship between negative life events and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) among Chinese junior high school students: the mediating role of emotions
Authors: Jiang Zhongliang , Wang Zhiyi , Diao Qidi , Chen Jie , Tian Geng , Cheng Xiaojing , Zhao Miao , He Long , He Qiang , Sun Jin , Liu Jintong
Published: November 2022

Background

Adolescent non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is common and adolescence is the most common period of first self-injury, and the occurrence of NSSI is influenced by negative life events and emotional symptoms. The mediating role of emotional symptoms in the interaction between negative life events and NSSI has not been carefully investigated yet.

Methods

For middle school students in three schools in a Chinese province, the Adolescents Self-Harm Scale was used to investigate NSSI, the Adolescent Self-Rating Life Events Check List was used to investigate adolescent negative life events, and the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale and Self-Rating Depression Scale were used to assess their emotional symptoms. After the description of general data and the test for differences between groups, the relationship between negative life events, emotional symptoms and NSSI was analyzed using Pearson correlation analysis. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the mediating role of emotions in negative life events and NSSI.

Results

A total of 2376 junior high school students completed this survey, which revealed an annual NSSI prevalence of 37.1% (n = 881) and a higher prevalence of NSSI among girls and rural adolescents. Among adolescents who developed NSSI, 67.4% (N = 594) used multiple means of self-injury. The most common means of self-injury was hair pulling (51.0%), and the most common NSSI purpose and external factors/events were venting bad emotions or feelings (57.5%) and poor academic performance (44.9%), respectively. Negative life events, emotional symptoms and NSSI were positively associated (P < 0.05). Structural equation modeling with negative life events, emotional symptoms and NSSI as variables showed that the model-fit index matched the data well, with RMSEA = 0.073, AGFI = 0.945, GFI = 0.980, CFI = 0.985, NFI = 0.982, TLI = 0.968, IFI = 0.985, and negative life events, emotional symptoms (anxiety, depression) and NSSI all had direct effects with standardized path coefficients of 0.16, 0.19, and 0.23, respectively, with negative life events playing an indirect role in NSSI through emotional symptoms and emotional symptoms playing an incomplete mediating role in negative life events and NSSI.

Conclusion

The prevalence of NSSI was higher among Chinese junior high school students. Both negative life events and emotional symptoms were direct risk factors for NSSI. In addition, negative life events were also indirect risk factors for NSSI, and emotional symptoms played an incomplete mediating role in the relationship between the effects of negative life events and NSSI. This indicates that the combination of reducing the frequency of negative life events while maintaining individual emotional stability during adolescent development can effectively reduce the prevalence of NSSI in adolescents.
Relationship between measurements of ipsilateral capitellum and prosthetic radial head size
Authors: Sun Weitong , Jiang Xieyuan , Zha Yejun , Gong Maoqi , Li Ting , Hua Kehan , Xiao Dan , Lu Shuai
Published: November 2022

Background

Selecting the correct size of head component is challenging in radial head arthroplasty, particularly in comminuted fractures. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between measurements of the ipsilateral capitellum and the prosthetic radial head size, which may be used to predict the size of the radial head prosthesis preoperatively.

Methods

Our study enrolled all patients who underwent radial head arthroplasty at Beijing Jishuitan Hospital. Demographic, injury-related and radiographic data were collected. The prosthetic radial head size was recorded from the surgical notes. Three-dimensional models of preoperative CT scans were reconstructed, on which the lateral capitellar diameter, the capitellar width and the width between the capitellum and trochlea were measured. The correlations between measurements of the ipsilateral capitellum and the prosthetic radial head size were evaluated, and linear regression equations were established.

Results

The study enrolled 37 patients, with an average age of 42.8 ± 11.5 years and a male–female ratio of 20:17. The median diameter of the radial head prostheses was 22 (20, 22) mm. The average lateral capitellar diameter was 20.71 ± 1.93 mm, the mean capitellar width was 14.90 ± 1.40 mm, and the mean width between the capitellum and trochlea was 19.29 ± 1.78 mm. The lateral capitellar diameter (R = 0.820, P < 0.001), the capitellar width (R = 0.726, P < 0.001) and the width between the capitellum and trochlea (R = 0.626, P < 0.001) were significantly positively correlated with the size of the radial head prosthesis. The linear regression equation between the lateral capitellar diameter and the size of the radial head prosthesis was calculated and defined as follows: D = 7.44 + 0.67*d (D: diameter of radial head prosthesis; d: lateral capitellar diameter; and adjusted R2 = 0.719, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

There are positive correlations between the anatomical parameters of the ipsilateral capitellum and the prosthetic radial head size. The lateral capitellar diameter can be measured on three-dimensional CT preoperatively to predict the size of the radial head prosthesis intraoperatively.
Age-related changes in mechanical properties of semitendinosus tendon used for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Authors: Akazawa Takuto , Miyamoto Naokazu , Nishio Hirofumi , Miyamoto-Mikami Eri , Kinoshita Mayuko , Kobayashi Yohei , Nagao Masashi , Takazawa Yuji
Published: November 2022

Background

Hamstring tendons are a popular choice for autografts in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. However, there is increasing evidence that hamstring tendon autografts carry a high risk of revision and residual instability in young patients. To elucidate the reasons for the inferior outcome of the reconstructed ACL with hamstring tendon autografts in young patients, we investigated the Young’s modulus and the extent of cyclic loading-induced slackening of the semitendinosus tendon used for ACL reconstruction across a broad range of ages.

Methods

Twenty-six male patients (aged 17–53 years), who were scheduled for ACL reconstruction surgery using the semitendinosus tendon autograft, participated in this study. The distal portion of the harvested semitendinosus tendon, which was not used to construct the autograft, was used for cyclic tensile testing to calculate the Young’s modulus and the extent of slackening (i.e., increase in slack length).

Results

Spearman correlation analysis revealed that the Young’s modulus of the semitendinosus tendon was positively correlated with the patient’s age (ρ = 0.559, P = 0.003). In contrast, the extent of tendon slackening did not correlate with the patient’s age.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that the Young’s modulus of the semitendinosus tendon increases with age, indicating that the semitendinosus tendon used for ACL reconstruction is compliant in young patients.
Functional outcomes of all-inside arthroscopic anterior talofibular ligament repair with loop suture versus free-edge suture
Authors: Feng Shi-Ming , Shao Chang-Qing , Sun Qing-Qing , Oliva Francesco , Maffulli Nicola
Published: November 2022

Background

Anatomic repair of anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) is used to manage chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI). However, the optimal suture configuration used to repair the ATFL is not yet determined. It remains unclear whether suture configuration affects clinical outcomes in such patients.

Purpose

To compare the functional outcomes of all-inside arthroscopic ATFL repair using either a loop suture and or a free-edge suture configuration in CLAI patients.

Study Design

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included 71 patients with CLAI who had undergone an all-inside arthroscopic ATFL repair procedure with either loop suture (n = 36) or free-edge suture (n = 35) from February 2016 to July 2018. Comparable pre-operatively, the Visual analogy score (VAS), American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society scoring system (AOFAS), Karlsson Ankle Functional Score (KAFS) scoring system, Anterior Talar Translation (ATT) and Active Joint Position Sense (AJPS) were used to evaluate postoperative ankle function.

Results

There were no postoperative wound complications, implant reactions, or neurological or vascular injuries. Postoperative hospitalization, VAS, AOFAS, KAFS, AJPS and the time of return to sport were similar between the loop suture group and free-edge suture group. Requiring a longer procedure time, patients with loop suture configuration achieved better ATT.

Conclusion

All-inside arthroscopic ATFL repair procedure for CLAI treatment provides better ATT and comparable functional outcomes when a loop suture configuration is used instead of a free-edge suture configuration. A statistical difference in ATT was observed. Given the relatively short follow-up, it is questionable whether this will have any clinical relevance.
Totally endoscopic non-robotic excision of aortic valve fibroelastoma: a case report
Authors: Batool Sadia , Patoir Arnaud , de Meaux Amelie , Vola Marco
Published: November 2022

Background

Papillary fibroelastomas (PFEs) are a rare subtype of benign primary cardiac tumours, which are most commonly found on the aortic valve. Although median sternotomy is still used frequently there has been different attempts to remove the aortic valve PFEs minimally invasively using robotic and Mini sternotomy approach.

Case presentation

We report herein a case of totally endoscopic non robotic removal of PFE of aortic valve.

Conclusions

The encouraging intra and post-operative outcomes and fast recovery using totally endoscopic approach for removal of PFE shows the potential benefits of this technique.
Late-onset rheumatoid arthritis has a similar time to remission as younger-onset rheumatoid arthritis: results from the Ontario Best Practices Research Initiative
Authors: Li Xiuying , Cesta Angela , Movahedi Mohammad , Bombardier Claire
Published: November 2022

Background

The prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in persons 60 years or older is estimated to be 2%. Late-onset rheumatoid arthritis (LORA) is traditionally defined as the onset of RA after the age of 60 years. Compared to younger-onset rheumatoid arthritis (YORA) which occurs before the age of 60 years, LORA has unique characteristics and disease manifestations. To date, few reports have addressed LORA and the prognosis of LORA patients remains unclear. We compared the clinical characteristics, time to remission and treatment regimen at remission between LORA and YORA patients.

Methods

This prospective cohort study used a registry database in Ontario, Canada from 2008 to 2020. Patients were included if they had active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease (≥1 swollen joint) and were enrolled within 1 year of diagnosis. LORA was defined as a diagnosis of RA in persons 60 years and older and YORA as a diagnosis of RA in persons under the age of 60. Remission was defined by Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28) ≤2.6. A multivariable Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate time to remission.

Results

The study included 354 LORA patients and 518 YORA patients. The mean (standard deviation) baseline DAS28 score was 5.0 (1.3) and 4.8 (1.2) in LORA and YORA patients, respectively (p=0.0946). Compared to YORA patients, the hazard ratio for remission in LORA patients was 1.10 (95% confidence interval 0.90 to 1.34 p=0.36) after adjusting for other prognostic factors. For patients who reached remission, LORA patients were less likely to be on a biologic or Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor (16% vs. 27%) and more likely to be on a single conventional synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (csDMARD) (34% vs. 27%) than YORA patients (p=0.0039).

Conclusion

LORA and YORA patients had similar prognosis in terms of time to remission. At remission, LORA patients were more likely to be on a single csDMARD without a biologic or JAK inhibitor.
Prognostic significance of systemic immune-inflammation index in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a meta-analysis
Authors: Zeng Zesheng , Xu Shengen , Wang Dingting , Qin Gang
Published: November 2022

Background

Previous studies have investigated the prognostic value of the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). However, the results have been inconsistent. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the prognostic significance of SII in NPC through a meta-analysis.

Methods

The PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were thoroughly searched. The pooled hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to evaluate the prognostic value of the SII for survival outcomes.

Results

A total of six studies comprising 2169 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled analyses indicated that a high SII was significantly associated with worse overall survival (OS) (HR= 1.69, 95%CI= 1.36–2.09,P< 0.001) and progression-free survival (PFS) (HR= 1.60, 95%CI= 1.29–1.98,P< 0.001) in patients with NPC. Subgroup analysis showed that SII was a significant prognostic marker for PFS but not for OS in NPC.

Conclusion

Our meta-analysis demonstrated that a high SII could be an efficient prognostic indicator of OS and PFS in NPC. In our opinion, SII could be used to predict long-term and short-term outcomes in patients with NPC. Furthermore, we suggest that SII be applied to help individual patients with NPC assess the prognostic risk.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42022321570
A systematic review of the purposes of Blockchain and fog computing integration: classification and open issues
Authors: Alzoubi Yehia Ibrahim , Gill Asif , Mishra Alok
Published: November 2022

The fog computing concept was proposed to help cloud computing for the data processing of Internet of Things (IoT) applications. However, fog computing faces several challenges such as security, privacy, and storage. One way to address these challenges is to integrate blockchain with fog computing. There are several applications of blockchain-fog computing integration that have been proposed, recently, due to their lucrative benefits such as enhancing security and privacy. There is a need to systematically review and synthesize the literature on this topic of blockchain-fog computing integration. The purposes of integrating blockchain and fog computing were determined using a systematic literature review approach and tailored search criteria established from the research questions. In this research, 181 relevant papers were found and reviewed. The results showed that the authors proposed the combination of blockchain and fog computing for several purposes such as security, privacy, access control, and trust management. A lack of standards and laws may make it difficult for blockchain and fog computing to be integrated in the future, particularly in light of newly developed technologies like quantum computing and artificial intelligence. The findings of this paper serve as a resource for researchers and practitioners of blockchain-fog computing integration for future research and designs.
Influence of multiple stenoses on thrombosis formation: an in vitro study
Authors: Flores Marcial Helem B. , Choi Jiseob , Ham Donghwi , Kim Junghyun , Jeong Pyeongho , Choi Jinho , Park Woo-Tae
Published: November 2022

Multiple lesions in the same vessel is one of the most common situations found in patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases, this complicates not only the assessment of the severity of each one but also their treatment. To date, the effect of multiple stenoses on different parameters has been simulated by numerical studies. Few others have implemented in vitro platforms for their investigation. However, visualization of thrombosis formation in this kind of lesion is still needed. This in vitro study monitors the formation of thrombus inside microchannels having one, two, and three stenoses. Whole blood was perfused through each channel at high shear rates (> 12,000 s−1), generating thrombosis. Flow changes across each lesion as well as the final percentage of aggregations were monitored. Thus, the location where total occlusion could be produced was found to be the first stenosis for all the cases. Less flow reaching the second and third stenoses was observed which demonstrates that aggregations were growing at the first one. This was verified by measuring the percentage of aggregations at the end of the test.
Developing and evaluating training for pharmacists to offer a pharmacy-led public health service in primary care
Authors: Peletidi Aliki , Kayyali Reem
Published: November 2022

Background

Currently in Greece, no formal organisation offers post-academic education to pharmacists. To improve the clinical practice of pharmacists, there is a need for training that will educate them on how to approach and consult their patients. The study aimed to evaluate the training required by pharmacists to offer a pharmacy-led weight management service in Greece.

Methods

The study consisted of 3 phases. During the first phase educational needs of the participating pharmacists were identified. A pre-training quiz was given consisting of 14 questions to investigate the participating pharmacists’ knowledge on guidance, causes and facts of obesity. The second phase comprised the training design and delivery. The final phase dealt with training evaluation (27 questions in total), which included the perceived rating of knowledge and confidence levels pre- and post-training, and a post-training quiz (the same as the pre-training quiz). The post-evaluation questionnaire and the quiz (pre- and post-training) results were entered into SPSS Version 23 for statistical analysis.

Results

The mean total quiz score was 6.38 (SD = 2.56) pre-training compared to 11.92 (SD = 1.20) post-training (P < 0.001). Nearly all community pharmacists, 96.2% (n = 25) stated that they had an excellent/good experience and 88.5% (n = 23) strongly agreed/agreed that their expectations were met.

Conclusions

Training delivered was well received and it enhanced participants’ knowledge on the topic. Limitations include the small number of participating pharmacists and investigation of short-term training effects only. Due to the positive outcomes of the training, however, it has the potential to become a model for Greek pharmacists to offer different pharmacy-led public health services.
The role of the immune microenvironment in bone, cartilage, and soft tissue regeneration: from mechanism to therapeutic opportunity
Authors: Xiong Yuan , Mi Bo-Bin , Lin Ze , Hu Yi-Qiang , Yu Le , Zha Kang-Kang , Panayi Adriana C. , Yu Tao , Chen Lang , Liu Zhen-Ping , Patel Anish , Feng Qian , Zhou Shuan-Hu , Liu Guo-Hui
Published: November 2022

Bone, cartilage, and soft tissue regeneration is a complex spatiotemporal process recruiting a variety of cell types, whose activity and interplay must be precisely mediated for effective healing post-injury. Although extensive strides have been made in the understanding of the immune microenvironment processes governing bone, cartilage, and soft tissue regeneration, effective clinical translation of these mechanisms remains a challenge. Regulation of the immune microenvironment is increasingly becoming a favorable target for bone, cartilage, and soft tissue regeneration; therefore, an in-depth understanding of the communication between immune cells and functional tissue cells would be valuable. Herein, we review the regulatory role of the immune microenvironment in the promotion and maintenance of stem cell states in the context of bone, cartilage, and soft tissue repair and regeneration. We discuss the roles of various immune cell subsets in bone, cartilage, and soft tissue repair and regeneration processes and introduce novel strategies, for example, biomaterial-targeting of immune cell activity, aimed at regulating healing. Understanding the mechanisms of the crosstalk between the immune microenvironment and regeneration pathways may shed light on new therapeutic opportunities for enhancing bone, cartilage, and soft tissue regeneration through regulation of the immune microenvironment.
Steroid Profiling in the Amniotic Fluid: Reference Range for 12 Steroids and Interest in 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency
Authors: Pourquet Anne , Teoli Jordan , Bouty Aurore , Renault Lucie , Roucher Florence , Mallet Delphine , Rigaud Chantal , Dijoud Frédérique , Mouriquand Pierre , Mure Pierre-Yves , Sanlaville Damien , Ecochard René , Plotton Ingrid
Published: November 2022

Context

Determination of steroid levels in the amniotic fluid gives some insight on fetal adrenal and gonadal functions.

Objective

Our objectives were to establish reference ranges of 12 steroid levels throughout pregnancy and to compare them with steroid levels from pregnancies with fetuses presenting with 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD).

Methods

Liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was applied to 145 “control” amniotic fluid samples from gynecology activity (12 + 6 to 32 + 4 gestational weeks, GW). The following steroids were analyzed according to gestational age and compared to 23 amniotic fluid samples from fetuses with classic 21OHD confirmed by molecular studies: delta-4-androstenedione (D4), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP), 11-deoxycortisol (11OH), 21-deoxycortisol (21OH), corticosterone, deoxycorticosterone (DOC), testosterone, pregnenolone, 17-hydroxypregnenolone (17Pregn), cortisol, and cortisone. Chromosomal sex was determined by karyotype and gestational age by biometric measurements.

Results

Analysis of control samples showed a statistically significant difference for D4 and testosterone levels according to fetal sex. Cortisol, corticosterone, and DOC had lower concentrations before 20 GW than after 20 GW, whereas 17Pregn and pregnenolone had higher concentrations before 20 GW. This allowed us to establish age- and sex-dependent reference values. We observed higher 21OH, 17Pregn, D4, and testosterone levels in females with 21OHD than female controls. The ratios 17OHP/17Pregn, D4/DHEA, and 11OH/17OHP appeared discriminant for the diagnosis of 21OHD.

Conclusion

Our study provides information on fetal steroidogenesis and suggests reference values for 12 steroids during pregnancy. This allows a prenatal diagnosis of 21OHD within 24 hours and might be useful in the diagnosis of other variations of sex development.
Pacing Behavior Development in Adolescent Swimmers: A Large-Scale Longitudinal Data Analysis
Authors: MENTING STEIN GERRIT PAUL , POST AYLIN KIM , NIJENHUIS SEBASTIAAN BENJAMIN , KONING RUUD HANS , VISSCHER CHRIS , HETTINGA FLORENTINA JOHANNA , ELFERINK-GEMSER MARIJE TITIA
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This study aimed to use a large-scale longitudinal design to investigate the development of the distribution of effort (e.g., pacing) in adolescent swimmers, specifically disentangling the effects of age and experience and differentiating between performance levels in adulthood.

Methods

Season best times and 50-m split times of 100- and 200-m freestyle swimmers from five continents were gathered between 2000 and 2021. Included swimmers competed in a minimum of three seasons between 12 and 24 yr old (5.3 ± 1.9 seasons) and were categorized by performance level in adulthood (elite, sub-elite, high-competitive; 100-m: n = 3498 (47% female); 200-m: n = 2230 (56% female)). Multilevel models in which repeated measures (level 1) were nested within individual swimmers (level 2) were estimated to test the effects of age, race experience, and adult performance level on the percentage of total race time spent in each 50-m section (P < 0.05).

Results

In the 100-m, male swimmers develop a relatively faster first 50-m when becoming older. This behavior also distinguishes elite from high-competitive swimmers. No such effects were found for female swimmers. Conversely, more experienced male and female swimmers exhibit a slower initial 50-m. With age and race experience, swimmers develop a more even velocity distribution in the 200-m. Adolescent swimmers reaching the elite level adopt a more even behavior compared with high-competitive. This differentiation occurs at a younger age in female (>13 yr) compared with male (>16 yr) swimmers.

Conclusions

Pacing behavior development throughout adolescence is driven by age-related factors besides race experience. Swimmers attaining a higher performance level during adulthood exhibit a pacing behavior that better fits the task demands during adolescence. Monitoring and individually optimizing the pacing behavior of young swimmers is an important step toward elite performance.
Association of the BB genotype of the ABO gene with the risk of acute myocardial infarction in hospital-based study
Authors: Yousuf Farzana Abubakar , Azam Iqbal , Tareen Asal Khan , Kazmi Khawar , Muhammad Jibran Sualeh , Iqbal Mohammad Perwaiz
Published: November 2022

Objectives: The ABO gene locus has been identified to be associated with myocardial infarction in patients with coronary heart disease. The primary focus of this hospital-based study was to explore the relationship of ABO blood groups and ABO genotypes with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in Karachi, Pakistan.

Methods: In a comparative cross-sectional study, an equal number of adult AMI patients and healthy controls (n=275 in each group; age range 30-70 years, both males and females) were recruited from the Aga Khan University and NICVD, Karachi, with informed consent. The blood samples were analyzed for ABO blood groups and other biomarkers. PCR followed by RFLP techniques were employed for determining the ABO genotypes. Multinomial regression was used to evaluate the association of genotypes with the risk of AMI.

Results: Thirteen different combinations of ABO genotypes were observed while the O2O2 and A2A2 genotypes were not detected. No significant association based on the distribution of blood groups A, B, O and AB among AMI patients and healthy individuals was observed. The odds of AMI were 3.32 times in subjects with BB genotype as compared to subjects with OO genotypes after adjustment of age, gender, body mass index, heart rate, total cholesterol, and waist circumference [AOR (95% CI) =3.32 (1.36-8.08), p-value =0.008].

Conclusion: Our hospital-based study indicates that ABO genotype BB was significantly associated with the risk of AMI. This harmful effect of the BB genotype could have a possible relationship with AMI’s development in the Pakistani population.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.1.5905

How to cite this: Yousuf FA, Azam I, Tareen AK, Kazmi KA, Muhammad JS, Iqbal MP. Association of the BB genotype of the ABO gene with the risk of acute myocardial infarction in hospital-based study. Pak J Med Sci. 2023;39(1):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.1.5905

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.
Splenic artery transposition for hepatic arterial supply in living donor liver transplantation
Authors: Ullah Kaleem , Dogar Abdul Wahab , Uddin Shams , Bilal Hafiz
Published: November 2022

Objective: To determine the safety and outcome of splenic artery(SA) transposition in extra-anatomic hepatic arterial reconstruction (HAR) in living donor liver transplantation(LDLT).

Methods: We retrospectively compared the outcome of the ten liver recipients who underwent HAR with the transposed splenic artery (SA group) with a matched cohort of 40 recipients who underwent HAR with the standard hepatic artery (HA group) between March, 2019 and December, 2020 at liver transplantation department, Pir Abdul Qadir Shah Jeelani Institute of Medical Sciences, Pakistan. The comparison of recipients’ and donor demographics, operative and graft characteristics, post-operative labs, Doppler ultrasound(USG) findings, and complications, along with 30-day mortality, and 1-year survival were reported for both groups.

Results: The mean age of patients in the SA group was 42.80±7.510 and in the HA group was 43.73±8.171 years. The common indication of LDLT was viral hepatitis in both groups. The operative duration was longer in the SA group (597.50±41.3156 min) than in the HA group (530.75±66.502 min) with a significant p-value= 0.004. Similarly, blood loss was also more in the SA group (1635±226.139 ml) than in the HA group (1477.50±270.316 ml) (p-value= 0.096). The incidence of biliary and vascular complications, early allograft dysfunction, acute cellular rejection, 30-day mortality, and 1-year survival were comparable in both groups. Post-operatively splenectomy was not needed in any SA group recipients.

Conclusion: The SA is easily approachable, suitable, and safe for HAR in the difficult situation of hepatic arterial flow inadequacy during LDLT due to its appropriate length, and good blood flow.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.1.6351

How to cite this: Ullah K, Dogar AW, Shams-ud-Din, Bilal H. Splenic artery transposition for hepatic arterial supply in living donor liver transplantation. Pak J Med Sci. 2023;39(1):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.1.6351

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 effect of psychological distresses caused by COVID19 in healthcare professionals on happiness
Authors: Köksoy Serkan , CAN Belkıs
Published: November 2022

Background and Objective: COVID-19 has been negatively affecting the world for a long time. This situation can trigger mental problems such as uncertainty, anxiety, stress and depression throughout the society. The aim of our study was to search the effect of the psychological distresses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare workers (HCWs) on happiness.

Methods: This study was conducted as a descriptive and cross-sectional study in a medical school hospital in Isparta-Turkey and the data for it were collected between January and March 2022. Sociodemographic form, Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS), Covid-19 Related Psychological Distress Scale (CORPD) and Oxford Happiness Questionnaire Short Form (OHQ-SF) were used for the data collection.

Results: A total of 326 people, including 62(19%) physicians, 127(39%) nurses, 39(12%) officers and 98(30%) others, participated in the study. Between OHQ-SF and CAS, it was found to be r2=0.008, f=2.76 and p=0.098. Between OHQ-SF and CORPD, it was found to be r2=0.11, f=3.55 and p=0.06.

Conclusion: In the HCWs, it was found that CORPD was related with the variables of gender and get vaccinated, CAS was related with the variables of economic status, profession and get COVID-19, and OHQ-SF was related with economic and marital status. It was found that anxiety and psychological distress did not affect the level of happiness. It is recommended to follow up the negative effects of the pandemic, such as anxiety, fear on the future lives, professional functions, and family life of the HCW.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.1.6448

How to cite this: Koksoy S, Can B. The effect of psychological distresses caused by COVID19 in healthcare professionals on happiness. Pak J Med Sci. 2023;39(1):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.1.6448

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.
Placental transport of Erythromycin and its effect on placental inflammatory factors
Authors: Elbiss Hassan , Nawal Osman
Published: November 2022

Objective: Erythromycin is used for prevention and control of infectious perinatal morbidity. It has been hypothesised that erythromycin crosses the placenta and has an effect on the production of placental inflammatory factors. We evaluated the transport of erythromycin in an ex-vivo closed perfusion system of the placenta and determined its effect on the production of placenta inflammatory markers.

Methods: In 2013, a prospective basic science study was conducted at the placental laboratory of College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates. Six term placentas from uncomplicated pregnancies were studied using the ex-vivo dual closed-loop human placental cotyledon perfusion technique. Erythromycin was added to the perfusate in the maternal compartment. Samples were obtained from the maternal and fetal up to 240 minutes.

Results: The reference antipyrine was detected in the fetal circulation in the first 15 minutes after addition of the drug. At this point the mean antipyrine was 49.90±2.10µg/ml in the maternal perfusate and 7.1±1.56µg/ml in fetal perfusate. The fetal and maternal concentration became similar at 120 minutes. The transfer of antipyrine from maternal to fetal compartment was 98.66%. The differences between perfusion groups were non-significant that indicates the perfusion of placentas was comparable. After media exchange in both sides, erythromycin was added to the maternal perfusate. The experimental period of four hours was continued with medium circulation on both maternal and fetal circulation. The concentration of erythromycin decreased in the maternal circuit by 36.4% and increased in the fetal circuit by 65%. The concentration of IL-6 in the maternal circuit was normal.

Conclusion: Erythromycin crossed the placenta and did not inhibit the production of IL-6. Future studies are needed concerning neonatal adverse effects and the development of antibiotic resistance.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.1.6683

How to cite this: Elbiss H, Osman N. Placental transport of Erythromycin and its effect on placental inflammatory factors. Pak J Med Sci. 2023;39(1):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.1.6683

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.
‘We’re messing up capitalism through collaboration’: transformative labour agency in German worker-led companies
Authors: Grenzdörffer Sinje Marlene
Published: November 2022

From a labour geography perspective, workers are capable of (re)shaping economic spaces, commonly understood as ‘labour agency’. This article conceptualises and discusses German worker-led companies (WLCs) as sites of ‘transformative labour agency’. It demonstrate how workers consciously alter work and production structures through collective ownership and decision-making. In concert with post-growth research, empirical findings show how workers in German WLCs intentionally align their work structures with socioeconomic transformations beyond economic growth. Examples for transformative labour agency are reductions in working time, definitions of work that include unpaid labour and social reproduction as well as limitations on private profit generation. The article explores how far collectively managing decision-making and ownership can be understood as a way of ‘commoning labour’. It further analyses how German WLCs prefigure post-capitalist work practices in a capitalist present despite institutional constraints.
Natural high ambient temperature-induced respiratory hypocapnia without activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in lactating goats
Authors: Semsirmboon Sapon , Do Nguyen Dang Khoa , Chaiyabutr Narongsak , Poonyachoti Sutthasinee , Thammacharoen Sumpun
Published: November 2022

Background and Aim: Activation of breathing, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and plasma antioxidant defense are adaptive mechanisms in lactating dairy goats fed during the summer season. However, an excess of these responses can interfere with the gas exchange. This study aimed to investigate the effect of natural high ambient temperature (HTa) on blood gas parameters and their relation to the HPA axis and antioxidant defense.

Materials and Methods: Six mid-lactating goats were included in this study and were fed in individual pens for 2 weeks. The data on ambient conditions, physiological responses, and blood chemistry were measured for two sampling days (D7 and D14), 1 week apart during the late summer season. On this two-sampling day, the main physiological responses to HTa, including respiration rate (RR), rectal temperature (Tr), blood gas, and blood chemistry, were measured in the morning and afternoon.

Results: Goats from both D7 and D14 increased RR and Tr significantly according to morning and afternoon periods. In addition, goats were at the hypocapnia stage during afternoon panting without a change in blood pH and bicarbonate levels. Interestingly, HTa-induced hypocapnia was not accompanied by an increase in plasma cortisol levels. Finally, ΔTa was negatively correlated with changes in glutathione peroxidase activity.

Conclusion: The natural HTa (ΔTa; 5–8°C) in this study activated evaporative heat dissipation and was high enough to induce respiratory hypocapnia. Importantly, this ΔTa did not activate the HPA axis but was correlated with a change in antioxidant defense. Therefore, under natural HTa in tropical conditions, respiratory hypocapnia is the first line of physiological response in goats within a specific range of natural ΔTa (5–8°C).
Fostering the Development of Civil Society in Albania, the Role of the EU Policies
Authors: Pacukaj Sokol
Published: November 2022

The present study analyzes the current state of the civil society in Albania and the European Union policies concerning the integration of Albania in the EU. Despite the country in recent years has made significant progress towards achieving some of the requirements needed in order to proceed towards European integration, further improvements are needed in many areas. Among them, the development of civil society is one of the most complex and urgent. The process of fostering socio-economic development in the country is intrinsically related to the involvement of civil society in the public spheres.  Greater participation of civil society organizations in public life improves the quality of democracy and helps to strengthen public support for EU membership.

Keywords: civil society, development, EU, Albania, Stabilization and Association Agreement
ATTRACTION OF CULINARY TOURISM DESTINATIONS TO PROMOTE SUSTAINABILITY DEVELOPMENT DURING THE PANDEMIC
Authors: Purnomo Agustina Multi
Published: November 2022

Culinary tourism had the most extensive product portfolio and was one of the tourism sectors most affected by the pandemic in Indonesia. The website was a specific communication tool for promoting tourism. The study objective was to examine how the government's promotion of culinary tourism in official website content strengthens the sustainability of culinary tourism development during the pandemic. This study used qualitative content analysis on the official tourism promotion website of the Indonesian government, namely https://www.indonesia.travel. Two hundred twenty-four articles on the "Culinaries'' and "Culinaries & Wellness" links were analyzed in seven data groups and 17 keywords. The placement and number of keyword analysis on the website found that tourism promotion had identified culinary resources but not enough to promote culinary as a tourist attraction. Business actors with small capital have not been promoted adequately, and promotion has not offered virtual culinary tour packages and online purchase messages sufficiently. It was concluded that the promotion of culinary tourism still required improvement to strengthen it’s sustainability during the pandemic. The government must promote culinary tourism by increasing the messages specifically for culinary tourism, information on culinary tourism attractions, business actors, local food, small-capital business actors, supporting online promotion, and integrating culinary tourism into other tours.
INVESTIGATING HOW THE NATIONAL ONLINE MEDIA REPORTED THE LGBT COMMUNITY DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Authors: Hindarto Isni Hindriaty
Published: November 2022

At the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, intolerance against sexual minority groups (SMGs) were recorded in online media. SMGs were accused of spreading the coronavirus. This study aimed to determine the extent to which online media took sides in reporting LGBT issues during the first year of the pandemic. News balance analysis was performed using the “Westerstahl” Concept of objectivity for the coverage of Republika, CNN, and Kompas online.  The measurement of media balance was carried out by employing the content analysis method that is used forsame-topic news, which also measures the sources of bias, news tendencies, and source’s representation. Previous research suggested that Republika chose to highlight LGBT’s negative sides. The results of the present study negate this assumption. It was also found that there was no discrimination against SMGs as has often been claimed in the comments on social media. This result may not be surprising for Kompas or CNN. It can even be said that when the outbreaks began, no media coverage associated the pandemic with SMG discrimination. The imbalance was found not in the online news pages but in what the viewers who chose to offer comments concerning the imbalance in LGBT news on social media had to say. At the same time, reader hesitation about offering comments on online media forums is interesting and calls for further research.
Characterization of a potent plant growth promoting fungal strain Aspergillus fumigatus MCC 1721 with special reference to indole-3-acetic acid production
Authors: Mukherjee Biyas , Roy Sanchali , Parvin Nasrin , Tarafdar Santanu , Dutta Sikha
Published: November 2022

In the present study, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) producing plant growth promoting fungus was isolated from rice field of Purba Bardhaman district, West Bengal, India. Among the isolated 6 strains, AP2 (Aspergillus fumigatus) was selected as best-performing plant growth promoting fungal strain as it was an efficient indole-3-acetic acid producer as well as exhibits different plant growth promoting ability viz, phosphate solubilization, siderophore production, ammonia and hydrogen cyanide production etc. Media and different growth conditions (pH, temperature, concentration of sodium chloride) were optimized for augmentation of the indole-3-acetic acid production. The genus of the selected isolate AP2 was identified as Aspergillus fumigatus both by 18S rDNA sequence-based homology and MALDI-TOF analyses of ribosomal protein. Plant growth promoting ability of Aspergillus fumigatus has been confirmed by measuring different morphological and biochemical growth parameters in Trigonella foenum-graecum L. So, AP2 (Aspergillus fumigatus) can be considered as novel plant growth promoting fungal strain that can be applied as bio-inoculants on agricultural field.
Singularity for a nonlinear degenerate hyperbolic-parabolic coupled system arising from nematic liquid crystals
Authors: Hu Yanbo
Published: November 2022

This article focuses on the singularity formation of smooth solutions for a one-dimensional nonlinear degenerate hyperbolic-parabolic coupled system originating from the Poiseuille flow of nematic liquid crystals. Without assuming that the wave speed of the hyperbolic equation is a positive function, we show that its smooth solution will break down in finite time even for an arbitrarily small initial energy. Based on an estimate of the solution for the heat equation, we use the method of characteristics to control the wave speed and its derivative so that the wave speed does not degenerate and its derivative does not change sign in a period of time.
»Inderseelefolgen«: wie August Kopisch die Commedia übersetzt
Authors: Costadura Edoardo
Published: November 2022

Riassunto

L’articolo esamina una traduzione tedesca della Commedia sinora trascurata dalla critica: quella del poeta e pittore August Kopisch (1799–1853), comparsa nel 1842. Rifacendosi alla critique des traductions di A. Berman, l’autore delinea il ›progetto‹ di traduzione di Kopisch nel contesto del rinnovo della traduzione letteraria in atto in Germania a cavallo fra Sette- e Ottocento. Come A. W. Schlegel e Philalethes (Giovanni di Sassonia), Kopisch si prefigge di aderire al dettato, ovvero al »ritmo dei pensieri« di Dante, mirando a »seguire nell’anima« il testo della Commedia. Attraverso l’analisi comparata di alcuni luoghi dell’Inferno (III) e del Purgatorio (XXX) nelle traduzioni coeve di A. W. Schlegel, di Philalethes et di Kopisch, l’articolo intende mettere la traduzione di quest’ultimo alla prova dei suoi assunti ›letteralisti‹ o ›sourcistes‹, e rivalutarne la rilevanza nella storia delle traduzioni tedesche della Commedia.
Giorgio Pasquali und die Filologia dantesca
Authors: Meier Franziska
Published: November 2022

Riassunto

L’articolo parte dall’ipotesi che l’università di Gottinga, innanzitutto il suo dipartimento di filologia greca e antica, abbia avuto un qualche ruolo nel rinnovamento della filologia dantesca quale Michele Barbi l’aveva richiesto e promosso lungo la sua carriera. La figura di chiave per evidenziare questa connessione sorprendente è Giorgio Pasquali che prima della prima guerra mondiale giunse a Gottinga dove proseguì i suoi studi, fece la abilitazione e fu nominato professore. Lo scoppio della guerra poi lo costrinse a ritornare in Italia, a Firenze dove avrebbe praticato e propagato la nuova metodologia filologica tedesca. È vero che fin dall’Ottocento gli storici e filologi italiani s’ispirarono alle metodologie filologiche tedesche. Pasquali, tuttavia, andò oltre confrontandosi con i raffinamenti che Ulrich von Wilamowitz-Moellendorf aveva apportato allo studio e all’edizione dei testi antichi. Nel 1934 Pasquali pubblicò la monografia Storia della tradizione e la critica del testo che non ebbe soltanto un impatto sulla filologia greca e latina in Italia, ma anche sul giovane Gianfranco Contini e, a modo suo, su Michele Barbi in maniera notevole.
Das Lachen im Himmel
Authors: Detering Heinrich
Published: November 2022

Riassunto

La sorprendente inclusione dell’imperatore pagano Traiano nel Paradiso di Dante solleva la questione della giustificazione, della preistoria e delle conseguenze di questa elezione miracolosa, del rapporto tra »predestinazione« e »grazia«. Il presente saggio sostiene che un’idea di umorismo, non esplicitamente menzionata, ma scenicamente rappresentata, fa da sfondo alla concezione dantesca della grazia divina. L’argomentazione si serve del romanzo L’eletto di Thomas Mann, testimone della ricezione della Divina Commedia da parte di uno scrittore che vi ricorre più volte anche nel contesto di altri quesiti estetico-religiosi. Basato su una leggenda medievale, il romanzo di Mann condivide infatti con l’episodio di Paradiso XX lo stesso motivo (Traiano viene »riscattato« da papa Gregorio) e costituisce dunque un’aiuto per l’interpretazione della scena.