bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Association Between Leukocyte Parameters and Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Pu Ting-yi , Cui Man , Li Hao-di , Gao Xi , Liu Ding-hua
Published: October 2024

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of disorders with a high incidence which can lead to the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. Chronic low-grade inflammation has been implicated in the development of metabolic syndrome. Inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein have been proved to be associated with MetS, but they are often used in disease diagnosis rather than in routine health screening. Instead, leukocyte is a convenient inflammatory marker. However, the association between leukocyte-related parameters and MetS remains unclear. Therefore, we aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the association between leukocyte parameters and MetS. Materials and Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Web of Science were searched for articles published from September 2012 to September 2022 for studies on the association of leukocyte with MetS patients. Outcome data were extracted and the standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. STATA software version 16.0 was utilized to conduct meta-analyses and assess publication bias. Results: A literature search of all major databases retrieved 2661 studies. After screening, 11 studies were analyzed including a total of 13301 MetS patients. Pooled analysis showed that elevated leukocyte level was significantly associated with MetS (SMD = 0.31, 95% CI (0.23-0.38), Z = 8.07, P <0.001). Conclusion: Elevated leukocyte level may be a potentially useful clinical marker for predicting the possibility of developing MetS in healthy populations.
Influence of Mental Health Curriculum Form on College Students’ Academic Adaptation: Chain Mediating Effect of Social Adaptation and Self-Efficacy
Authors: Liu Jingyuan
Published: October 2024

Background: Mental health education is an education that improves the psychological quality of college students and promotes the harmonious development of their physical and mental health. Objective: The present study explores the influence of mental health curriculum forms on the college students’ academic adaptation and the chain mediating effects of social adaptation and self-efficacy. Methods: The levels of academic adaptation, social adaptation and self-efficacy of students in the group counseling curriculum (N = 14) and the traditional teacher teaching curriculum (N = 24) were measured twice before and after the curriculum. Results: (1) the group counseling was better than traditional teacher teaching mental health curriculum in improving the college students’ academic adaptation; (2) the form of the college students’ mental health curriculum affected students’ academic adaptation through the indirect path: curriculum form → social adaptation → self-efficacy → academic adaptation. Conclusion: The results show the effects of different mental health curriculum forms, and reveal the internal process of how mental health curriculum improving the college students’ academic adaptation. Our findings provide an important reference for improving college students’ academic adaptation by increasing group counseling forms to promote the improvement of social adaptation and self-efficacy. That is, to promote their social adaption and self-efficacy, for which group counseling makes the big sense.
Operation of the Doctrine of Sovereign Immunity in Contemporary World: Nigeria in Focus
Authors: Abegunde Babalola , Femi Ogunlade Zacheaus , Adetifa Kayode
Published: October 2024

In Nigeria, the sovereign power resides in the people, hence, Section 14 (2) (a) of 1999 Constitution provides that: “Sovereignty belongs to the people of Nigeria from whom the government through this Constitution derives all its power and authority.” In Nigeria, the people are the sovereign and the people exercise sovereignty through their electoral vote, and by way of constitutional government in accordance with the Constitution which is the express will of the people for the regulation of government and national life. The provisions of the Constitution are binding on all authorities and persons throughout Nigeria. The sovereignty of the people is called constitutional sovereignty. However, people usually confer upon an elected sovereign all the rights necessary to ensure peace and protection for each member of the society. Immunity is the exemption of a person or body from legal proceedings or liability. This paper examined inter-alia, the concept of sovereign immunity, which shields the actions of state in respect of its domestic affairs. This is deskbased research which relies on both primary and secondary sources of data. This paper reveals that the concept is no longer immutable in the contemporary time. The paper rounds up with concluding remarks.
Roosting and Breeding Ecology of Birds in Shola Sky Island Forests: A Systematic Review and Analysis
Authors: Port Keny Jeyanth New
Published: October 2024

The Shola Sky Island forests, located in the Western Ghats of India, are unique ecosystems renowned for their high elevation, isolated patches of evergreen forests, and rich avian biodiversity. Understanding the roosting and breeding ecology of birds in these forests is essential for their conservation and management. However, a comprehensive synthesis of the existing literature on this topic is lacking. This systematic review aims to fill this knowledge gap by analyzing and summarizing the available research on the roosting and breeding ecology of birds in the Shola Sky Island forests. The review focuses on various aspects of bird ecology, including roosting site selection, roosting strategies, breeding phenology, nest site selection, nesting behaviors, and factors influencing non-roosting and breeding behaviors. The literature search encompasses studies conducted in the Shola Sky Island forests, covering a wide range of bird species and their ecological requirements. Findings from the review highlight the importance of specific habitat characteristics, such as vegetation structure, microclimate, and resource availability, in influencing bird roosting and breeding behaviors. The availability of suitable roosting sites and nesting habitats within the forest plays a crucial role in determining the distribution and abundance of bird species. Factors such as food availability, altitudinal movements, social interactions, and territoriality also impact non-roosting and breeding behaviors in these forests. Furthermore, the review emphasizes the challenges posed by habitat fragmentation, climate change, and human activities to the roosting and breeding ecology of birds in the Shola Sky Island forests. Understanding these threats and their implications for bird populations is essential for effective conservation and management strategies.
Transparency as a Determinant of Financial Performance in State-Owned Commercial Enterprises in Kenya
Authors: Bett Benaihia , Andemariam Kifleyesus , Abraham Kiflemariam
Published: October 2024

State-owned commercial enterprises (SOCEs) in Kenya register below-par output in fiscal standards. Many explanations have been proffered for this state of affairs, including competition and fluctuations in the local and global economies. Additionally, it is important to examine how factors internal to these enterprises shape their financial performance. As such, this study aimed to examine the role of transparency as a corporate governance strategy in the fiscal output of state-owned commercial enterprises as anchored by legitimacy theory. Further, the study adopted explanatory research design. It targeted 476 board members and 379 corporate executives from 46 SOCEs in Kenya. The sample size was 295, consisting of 142 corporate executives and 153 board members, who were selected via stratified random sampling. To collect primary data, a questionnaire and document analysis were deployed. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics. Test for relationship between variables was done using covariance-based structural equation modelling (CB-SEM) along with Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS) software. The study results revealed that transparency (estimate = 1.946, critical ratio = 3.676, p < 0.001) positively and significantly influenced the financial performance of SOCEs. It was thus deduced that transparency was a determinant of SOCEs’ fiscal output in Kenya. Therefore, SOCEs should deploy centralized real-time monitoring of financial performance through dashboards, build data management capacities and adopt business intelligence and data analytics technologies that allow for data driven and intelligence-based decision-making by the SOCEs’ board and corporate executives.
Effects of National Government Administration Soft Approaches on Countering Violent Extremism in Garissa County, Kenya
Authors: Mwalimu Timothy , Muna Wilson
Published: October 2024

The threat of violent extremist groups across the globe cannot be ignored as it is a multi-national problem. Appropriate response strategies need to be put in place by governments and regional economic blocks to mitigate the potential threats within the framework of Countering Violent Extremism (CVE). Research findings have revealed that, there is limited documented research done on the effectiveness of the CVE strategies being employed by these parties in countering the terrorism menace. Further, it reveals lack of a single consensus pathway to violent extremism, which in turn has proven complex especially in designing best practices for CVE in Kenya. Kenya is continuously under the threat of Al-Shabaab terrorist organization which has claimed attacks within the Kenyan boundaries. This study, therefore, sought to explore the success of national government use of soft approaches and the mitigation measures to make it achieve its objectives of ensuring a secure environment to her citizens. The study used class theory of terrorism and the rational choice theory to provide the necessary theoretical background. Descriptive research methodology was employed for this study and the respondents were drawn from the national government officers in Garissa County. The research reached out to 44 respondents from the national government, Garissa County. Key Informant Interviews (KII) and Focused Group Discussion (FGD) was used to acquire required data. Collected information underwent thorough cleaning, editing, and thematic grouping for qualitative analysis. Key finding from the study showed that Life skill trainings enhance CVE programmes and are very important interventions for reducing repetition and radicalization to violent extremism among children and youth offenders in Kenya to improve safety and security. Community engagement initiatives have created safe, mentored spaces for individuals to freely express themselves and challenge one another's beliefs. The study also underlined the greater role played by media in the fight against radicalization and VE. The study concludes that government should embrace partnership across board, put in place soft approaches, conduct threat analysis so as to adopt right strategies and also, address root causes of VE. Key recommendations include: Partnership for VE mitigation, Strengthening the capacity of institutions involved in CVE, Identification and addressing the local pull and push factors and addressing grievances that may lead to radicalization and recruitment.
Maximizing Efficiency in the Computation of Generalized Harmonic Numbers Through Recursive Binary Splitting
Authors: Palacios-Vélez Oscar , Pedraza-Oropeza Felipe
Published: October 2024

In this article, an efficient algorithm is implemented in Mathematica for the exact calculation of Generalized Harmonic Numbers (GHN). This is achieved through the combination of two methods. The first method is binary division, where terms formed by the powers of the reciprocals of odd and even numbers are summed separately. The second method is a recursive function that iterates the same sequence of operations until all calculations are completed. Within each cycle, the algorithm processes half of the remaining terms, a feature that significantly improves its efficiency. The computer code is notably concise, consisting of only 11 lines, depending on how they are counted. A remarkable event occurs when the argument is a power of two, as the code condenses into a single line. The most distinctive feature of this algorithm lies in the fact that to calculate the GHN for an argument ‘n’, it requires only the terms formed by the reciprocals of odd numbers. This provides a clear advantage over algorithms that use the complete numerical sequence of the reciprocals of all numbers from 1 to n. An intriguing aspect of this algorithm, is the unexpected discontinuity in the powers of two within the denominators of the common factors across each layer. Contrary to expected, these do not form a continuous sequence from 0 to number of layers − 1.
Kota Doriya: Current Trials and Challenges
Authors: Pramanik Ananya Mitra , Anand Garima , Jha Girija , Basu Supriya Choudhury
Published: October 2024

Kota Doriya is a fabled woven fabric originating from India. It has a unique weave structure and is woven using a technique which makes it different from the rest. This research aims to document the journey of the magical Kota Doria which is disguised in mystery and folktales. The woven Kota Doriya has been awarded the Geographical Indication tag by UNESCO in July 2005. This article elucidates on the techniques adopted by the weavers, which makes the Kota fabric a unique fabric and a testimony to the superior weaving traditions of India. The ‘Ansari’ Muslim community of the Hadauti region largely practices this weaving apart from other regions like the Bundi and Baran districts of Rajasthan. With the large-scale advent of the mechanised loom and synthetic yarns, cheaper imitations of Kota have posed a serious threat to the survival of this craft. Through this research, the timeless Kota fabric will be studied and the current trials and challenges will be assessed. This study is conducted through a combination of secondary, as well as, primary research methods including a case study on the master craftsman of Kota Doriya weaving.
Co-creation of a step-by-step guide for specifying the test-management pathway to formulate focused guideline questions about healthcare related tests
Authors: Tuut Mariska K. , Gopalakrishna Gowri , Leeflang Mariska M. , Bossuyt Patrick M. , van der Weijden Trudy , Burgers Jako S. , Langendam Miranda W.
Published: October 2024

Background

Guideline development on testing is known to be difficult for guideline developers. It requires consideration of various aspects, such as accuracy, purpose of testing, and consequences on management and people-important outcomes. This can be outlined in a test-management pathway. We aimed to create and user-test a step-by-step guide for guideline developers for designing a test-management pathway.

Methods

Developmental design with a co-creative strategy. We created a draft step-by-step guide, that was user tested in a workshop with 19 experts, and by interviewing 7 guideline panel members.

Results

Our proposed guide consists of five blocks of signalling questions: patients/population, index test(s), current practice/comparison/control, people-important outcomes, and the link between testing and outcome(s). The user testing led to refinement of the signalling questions, the use of inclusive terminology, and addition of a test-management pathway figure with detailed explanation.

Conclusions

The step-by-step guide for formulating focused guideline questions regarding healthcare related testing can help in identifying relevant characteristics of the population, tests, and outcomes and to create a test management pathway. This should facilitate the formulation of evidence-based guideline recommendations about healthcare related testing.
In vitro determination of genotoxicity and cytotoxicity induced by stainless steel brackets with and without surface coating in cultures of oral mucosal cells
Authors: Ahuja Dhruv , Jose Nidhin Philip , Kamal Rozy , Panduranga Vinaya , Nambiar Supriya , Isloor Arun M.
Published: October 2024

Background

Orthodontics is a speciality of dentistry that uses a plethora of devices made from myriad materials to manage various malocclusions. Prolonged contact of orthodontic appliances with oral tissues can lead to cellular damage, highlighting the need for biocompatible materials to mitigate health risks.

Objectives

To analyze the genotoxicity and cytotoxicity produced by metal brackets and coated metallic brackets with polymeric and nanoparticle coatings in oral mucosal cells.

Materials & methods

The current study compares the toxicity of 3 different types of orthodontic brackets with control groups of oral mucosal cells. Each of the three treatment groups consisted of 10 samples of orthodontic brackets: stainless steel brackets(Group 1), nanoparticle-coated brackets(Group 2), and polymeric-coated brackets(Group 3) exposed to corrosion eluates employing an oral biomimicry model. Two types of oral mucosal cells- Human Gingival Fibroblasts and Buccal Epithelial Cells were used to study the cytotoxic and/or genotoxic effects of the elutes. Intergroup comparisons were conducted using one-way analysis of variance, while scanning electron microscopy evaluated surface characteristic.

Results

The interaction between metal ions and oral mucosal cells showed no statistically significant difference for toxicity assays between the three groups(p > 0.005). However, polymeric and nanoparticle-coated groups showed reduced cellular differentiation when compared with conventional stainless-steel brackets.

Conclusion

This in-vitro study shows that polymeric or nanoparticle coating of conventional metal brackets aids in enhancing corrosion-resistant characteristics of orthodontic appliances and reduces the toxic oral environment created by metal release in the oral cavity.
Individual, community and health systems factors influencing time to notification of tuberculosis: situating software and hardware bottlenecks in local health systems
Authors: Chilala Sandra Beauty , Silumbwe Adam , Zulu Joseph Mumba , Tetui Moses , Bulawayo Maio , Chewe Mwimba , Hangoma Peter
Published: October 2024

Background

Despite several global interventions, tuberculosis (TB) remains a leading cause of death affecting millions of people globally. Many TB patients either have no access to quality care or go undetected by national health systems. Several multilevel factors account for under-detection of persons with TB. This study sought to explore patient-related software, community and health systems software and hardware factors influencing time to notification of TB in Lusaka District, Zambia.

Methods

This was an exploratory qualitative case study that adopted a software and hardware lens of conceptualizing health systems. Data were collected from across three sites – urban and peri-urban areas: Chongwe, Kafue, and Lusaka – within Lusaka Province, Zambia. Sixteen key informants - TB corner nurses, community TB treatment supporters, and TB program managers - were interviewed. Six focus groups were held with TB patients. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

The study identified factors influencing timely TB notification, categorized into software and hardware elements.

Patient-related software elements, including TB knowledge and awareness, and health-seeking behavior, are crucial for prompt notification among TB patients.

In the community health system, software elements like social stigma and undesirable community attitudes towards contact tracing, and hardware elements such as unbalanced schedules, excessive workload and limited capacity of community TB treatment supporters contribute to delayed TB notification.

In the formal health system, software elements like negative attitudes of health providers towards TB patients and demotivation of TB staff, and hardware elements such as high diagnostics and transportation costs, outdated diagnostics in primary care facilities, and slow referral mechanisms, can also delay TB notification.

Conclusion

Delays in time to TB notification are influenced by a combination of software (attitudinal and behavioral) and hardware (resource-related) elements across TB patients, community health systems, community TB treatment supporters, health providers, and TB staff. Addressing these factors, particularly social stigma, negative attitudes, and resource constraints, is crucial to improving timely TB detection and treatment.
Survival, morbidity, and quality of life in pulmonary arterial hypertension patients: a systematic review of outcomes reported by population-based observational studies
Authors: Reinders Stefan , Didden Eva-Maria , Ong Rose
Published: October 2024

Background

Comprehensive summaries on real-world outcomes in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)—a rare, incurable condition, are lacking.

Main body of the abstract

We conducted a systematic literature review to describe current survival, morbidity, and quality of life (QoL) outcomes in adult and pediatric PAH patients. We searched Medline and Embase electronic databases, clinicaltrials.gov, and encepp.eu entries, and grey literature to identify outcome estimates for right-heart catheterization-confirmed PAH patients from population-based observational studies (search date: 25 Nov 2021). Data were synthesized using a narrative approach and post-hoc subgroup meta-analyses were conducted to explore adult survival by region, disease severity, representativeness, and study period. The search yielded 7473 records. Following screening and full text review, 22 unique studies with 31 individual reports of outcomes were included. Studies were mostly national registries (n = 21), European (n = 13) and covering adults (n = 17); only six had systematic countrywide coverage of centers. Survival was the most frequently reported outcome (n = 22). Global adult 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival ranged from 85 to 99% (n = 15), 65 to 95% (n = 14), and 50 to 86% (n = 9), respectively. Subgroup meta-analysis showed that 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival in Europe was 90% (95% CI 86–94%; n = 8), 78% (95% CI 68–86%; n = 8), and 61% (95% CI 49–72%; n = 6), respectively; 1-year survival in North America was 88% (95% CI 83–93%; n = 3) and 3-year survival in Asia was 85% (95% CI 82–88%; n = 3). No difference in survival between regions was observed. Subgroup analysis suggested higher survival in patients with better baseline functional class; however, interpretation should be cautioned due to large subgroup heterogeneity and potential missingness of data.

Short conclusion

This review describes current disease outcomes based on well-defined and representative PAH populations. There is an overall lack of follow-up data for morbidity and QoL outcomes; survival estimates for pediatric patients are scarce and may not be generalizable to the current treatment era, although publications from large pediatric registries became available after our search date. This study demonstrated a remaining unmet need world-wide to improve long-term prognosis in PAH in the current era.
Upper airways changes associated with orthodontic molar distalization by Pendulum appliance in adolescent patients: a multicenter retrospective cephalometric study
Authors: Serafin Marco , Kinzinger Gero , Hourfar Jan , Mantellini Valentina , Fastuca Rosamaria , Caprioglio Alberto
Published: October 2024

Objectives

The purpose of this multicenter retrospective study was to perform a two-dimensional analysis of upper airway changes in adolescent patients following molar distalization with the Pendulum appliance.

Materials and methods

The study involved the cephalometric analysis of 88 patients, retrospectively categorized into two groups: skeletal Class II with a dental Class II molar relationship (36 patients, mean age 12.6 ± 1.1 years) and skeletal Class I with a dental Class II molar relationship (54 patients, mean age 12.3 ± 1.2 years). Changes were observed using lateral radiographs before (T0) and after Pendulum appliance removal (T1); treatment time averaged 7 months. Upper airways were subsequently analyzed by tracing lateral radiographs. The Shapiro-Wilk test showed a normal distribution of the data, therefore parametric tests were used for statistical analysis. Intragroup changes between T0 and T1 were evaluated using paired t-tests, and intergroup differences were assessed using independent student t-tests; statistical significance was set at 0.05.

Results

Statistically significant differences were observed in the skeletal measurements that characterized both groups, particularly in ANB and Wits appraisal, at T0 (P < 0.001). After molar distalization, Class I and Class II groups reported no statistically significant differences with changes almost equal to zero between timepoints (P > 0.05). Additionally, intergroup comparisons of airway changes at T1 did not show statistically significant differences (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

The Pendulum appliance does not significantly change the upper airway dimensions in Class I and Class II malocclusion patients, thereby minimizing potential respiratory risks.
Theta-gamma-coupling as predictor of working memory performance in young and elderly healthy people
Authors: Abubaker Mohammed , Al Qasem Wiam , Pilátová Kateřina , Ježdík Petr , Kvašňák Eugen
Published: October 2024

The relationship between working memory (WM) and neuronal oscillations can be studied in detail using brain stimulation techniques, which provide a method for modulating these oscillations and thus influencing WM. The endogenous coupling between the amplitude of gamma oscillations and the phase of theta oscillations is crucial for cognitive control. Theta/gamma peak-coupled transcranial alternating current stimulation (TGCp-tACS) can modulate this coupling and thus influence WM performance. This study investigated the effects of TGCp-tACS on WM in older adults and compared their responses with those of younger participants from our previous work who underwent the same experimental design. Twenty-eight older subjects underwent both TGCp-tACS and sham stimulation sessions at least 72 h apart. Resting-state electroencephalography (EEG) was recorded before and after the interventions, and a WM task battery with five different WM tasks was performed during the interventions to assess various WM components. Outcomes measured included WM task performance (e.g., accuracy, reaction time (RT)) and changes in power spectral density (PSD) in different frequency bands. TGCp-tACS significantly decreased accuracy and RT on the 10- and 14-point Sternberg tasks and increased RT on the Digit Symbol Substitution Test in older adults. In contrast, younger participants showed a significant increase in accuracy only on the 14-item Sternberg task. Electrophysiological analysis revealed a decrease in delta and theta PSD and an increase in high gamma PSD in both younger and older participants after verum stimulation. In conclusion, theta-gamma coupling is essential for WM and modulation of this coupling affects WM performance. The effects of TGCp-tACS on WM vary with age due to natural brain changes. To better support older adults, the study suggests several strategies to improve cognitive function, including: Adjusting stimulation parameters, applying stimulation to two sites, conducting multiple sessions, and using brain imaging techniques for precise targeting.
Are the self-stigma and perceived stigma of patients treated with methadone or buprenorphine still a problem fifty years after the marketing authorization for opioid agonist treatment? The observational STIGMA study
Authors: Pinhal Mélanie , Schreck Benoit , Leboucher Juliette ,   STIGMA-group, Abesdris Julie , Barrangou-Pouyes-Darlas Malcolm , Eyzop Emeline , Galantai Valentine , Kunze- Lucie Robert , Lambert Sylvain , Prétagut Stéphane , Verholleman Audrey , Victorri-Vigneau Caroline , Laforgue Edouard-Jules , Grall-Bronnec Marie
Published: October 2024

Background

In the context of the opioid overdose crisis, understanding the barriers to seeking, attaining and remaining in treatment for patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) is a public health issue. To date, very few studies have assessed the “self-stigma” (i.e., the internalization of negative societal attitudes and stereotypes about oneself, leading to self-judgment) and “perceived stigma” (i.e., the belief that others hold negative attitudes towards oneself due to a particular condition) experienced by patients with OUD receiving opioid agonist treatment (OAT), and none have done so in France. Our study aimed to quantify self-stigma, explore some aspects of perceived stigma, determine the factors associated with greater self-stigma and examine whether the level of self-stigma was related to a delay in seeking care.

Methods

The STIGMA study was a monocentric, cross-sectional study. The data were collected in a French hospital addiction medicine department. Participants were outpatients with current or past OUD who were still receiving or had received OAT. A questionnaire assessing sociodemographics; OUD characteristics; perceived stigma; and quantification of self-stigma by the Self-Stigma Scale-Short, was administered.

Results

A total of 73 questionnaires were included in the analysis. Nearly two-thirds of the patients had a “moderate to high” level of self-stigma. These patients were significantly younger at OUD onset and were significantly more likely to have at least one dependent child than patients reporting a “very low to low” level of self-stigma. Nearly half of the participants experienced perceived stigma from a healthcare professional regarding their OUD or OAT, and nearly one-third of the participants were refused care from a healthcare professional because of their OUD or OAT. Moreover, a quarter of the sample reported delaying care due to fear of being stigmatized. We did not find a relationship between self-stigma levels and a delay in seeking care.

Conclusions

Our study highlights the need to detect stigma and to improve training in addiction medicine.
New high-resolution prototype versus standard spectralis optical coherence tomography in patients with central serous chorioretinopathy
Authors: Ferro Desideri Lorenzo , Hennebert Luc , Subhi Yousif , Zinkernagel Martin , Anguita Rodrigo
Published: October 2024

Purpose

To assess the accuracy of High-Resolution OCT in detecting biomarkers associated with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) compared to standard OCT.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study involving CSC patients who underwent High-Resolution and standard OCT during the same visit. Using the SPECTRALIS High-Res OCT device (Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany), macular B-scans were obtained and compared with those acquired using a SPECTRALIS HRA + OCT device (Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany). Qualitative assessments were performed, and statistical analyses compared the performance of both OCT modalities.

Results

Thirty-one patients diagnosed with CSC were included with a mean age of 56.3 years (± 10.2). Among them, 29% (n = 9) were classified as acute CSC (aCSC), while 71% (n = 22) had chronic CSC (cCSC). High-Resolution OCT outperformed standard OCT in detecting microstructural changes in the outer retinal layers, including a higher prevalence of disrupted interdigitation zone (IZ) (29% vs. 6%, p = 0.003) and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) disruption (12% vs. 2%, p = 0.0024). Intergrader agreement was high (Cohen’s Kappa = 0.85).

Conclusion

High-Resolution OCT demonstrates promise in identifying critical biomarkers associated with CSC, particularly disruptions in the IZ and RPE. Further validation in larger cohorts is required to confirm their clinical relevance in patients with CSC.
Correlations among quality of life, spinal mobility, and disease activity in early-treated axial spondyloarthritis: a single-center cross-sectional study
Authors: Khampaen Tinh , Kafaksom Thanuchporn , Dechapaphapitak Nichapa , Tongdee Nattakirana , Chevaisrakul Parawee
Published: October 2024

Background

Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) significantly impacts patients’ lives. The ASAS-OMERACT guideline was formulated for the multidimensional evaluation of axSpA patients, employing a specific set of tools. Given the pivotal role of patient perception, comprehensive correlation among these tools, especially concerning quality of life, may provide a clinically relevant perspective and enhance treatment efficacy in the early stages of the disease. This study aims to investigate the correlation among disease activity, functional ability, and quality of life in early-treated axSpA patients. In addition, the association between high disease activity and clinical characteristics was explored.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary hospital in Thailand. Patients diagnosed with axSpA according to ASAS classification criteria and receiving treatment from rheumatologists within three years of onset of symptoms were included. Clinical and laboratory data were retrieved from a hospital database. Disease activity was assessed using the Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score with ESR or CRP (ASDAS-ESR/CRP) and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI). Spinal mobility was measured using the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI), while quality of life and function were evaluated using the ASAS Health Index (ASAS-HI) and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), respectively. The correlation between these measurements was analyzed using the Pearson correlation coefficient (r). Additionally, factors associated with high disease activity (ASDAS/CRP > 2.1) were explored using multivariate regression analysis.

Results

Sixty-six patients (41 males; mean age 49.3 ± 13.3 years) were enrolled between April to December 2022. Disease activity (ASDAS-CRP) was significantly inversely correlated with spinal mobility (BASMI), function (BASFI), and quality of life (ASAS-HI). High disease activity was associated with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m^2) and a longer duration of symptoms before treatment (≥ 2 years).

Conclusion

In early-treated axSpA patients, ASDAS-CRP showed significant correlations with functional ability, quality of life, and spinal mobility. High disease activity was associated with obesity and a longer pre-treatment symptom duration in our study. Early treatment may enhance patients’ function, mobility, and quality of life, with weight reduction being possibly beneficial for obese axSpA patients.

Clinical trial number

Not applicable.
Decarceral Archetypes / Arquétipos Decarcerais
Authors: Alves Tamires Maria
Published: October 2024

This chapter critically maps policies to confront mass incarceration in the city of Rio de Janeiro, focusing on measures to prevent and combat torture. Prison systems in Rio de Janeiro are commonly described as spaces for human rights violations. The chapter explores the struggle between the prison and civil society–based anti-torture organizations, specifically the State Mechanism for Preventing and Combating Torture in Rio de Janeiro. This is a pioneer technical laboratory for the promotion of public security policies at a global level, with an analytical method applicable to the eradication of torture in asylum spaces, and influences prison abolition activism.
The Social Life of Corpses / Vida Social dos Mortos
Authors: Medeiros Flávia
Published: October 2024

Death and life are carried out through the institutional construction of the dead and through the presence (or absence) of papers and bodies. This chapter presents an ethnography of organizing, classifying, and controlling dead bodies. Public institutions, such as the offices of the civil police of Rio de Janeiro and the courts, are used here to describe and analyze mechanisms that work toward a politics that kills and lets die. The chapter highlights a civilian whose body disappeared inside the Medical-Legal Institute to discuss how forgetfulness and deletion (re)produce death and suffering by the state. The description and ethnographic analysis of the management of deaths and the institutional building of the dead demonstrate how the dead are produced by race and violence, as well as by the technical-bureaucratic and moral practices that express the centrality of death in the daily lives of the living.
Travestirevolutionary Occupy Movements / Ocupações Possessórias Travestirevolucionarias
Authors: Siqueira Indianare
Published: October 2024

This autobiographical chapter describes the revolutionary trans activist who founded CasaNem, an LGBTQIA+ urban squatter effort that occupies unused buildings to repurpose them as trans housing collectives and centers for community education, health, and human rights promotion. The movement subverts normative economic transactions so often unchallenged in increasingly gentrified cities. The chapter highlights travesti, a gender identity in Brazil that refers to someone who identifies with the female gender but does not identify as a woman nor seek to change their genitalia. The word, highly stigmatized in the past, has been resignified by segments of the contemporary trans movement. Transvestigênere moves beyond travesti and transsexual—terms originally created by a cisgender society to refer to transgender bodies. The chapter serves as a manifesto for a squatter/occupation-based radical social movement, centering revolutionary notions of sex work and travesti sociability.
Bandungian Futurities / Futuridades Bandungianas
Authors: Bissio Beatriz
Published: October 2024

Bandung principles are still in force and can inspire policies and strategies of the Global South in the twenty-first century. This chapter argues for the continued relevance of the Bandung Conference, which defined racism as one of the most perverse legacies of colonialism, and centers how some experiences in Rio de Janeiro can be interpreted as a way to extend and animate the relevance of Bandung through Global South solidarity mobilization. Using Bandungian logic to imagine futures is not some kind of postpandemic enlightenment, since the metaphor would represent a rescue of Eurocentrisms and the divorce between rationality and spirituality, as well as a pseudo-science of white supremacy. The era being born must in fact be novel. Brazil has experienced the erosion of its institutions, economy, environment, public health, and democracy. In the struggle to forge new futures, after the pandemic and authoritarianism, Rio could function as a laboratory.
The perception of mayors of the Douro Demarcated Region about tourism development
Authors: Pinto Diogo Miguel , Pina Helena , Samora-Arvela André , Barreiros João Pedro
Published: October 2024

This research aims to understand how local authorities consider tourism a sustainable development vector and identify critical areas of improvement. This work addresses the perception of the mayors of municipal chambers in the Demarcated Douro Region (DDR; Portugal) regarding issues related to the region’s tourist sector, precisely challenges and opportunities associated with promoting sustainable development in regional tourism. The surveys were conducted with mayors throughout the DDR, employing a structured questionnaire to collect data on their perspectives. The analysis revealed that mayors consider tourism, especially wine tourism, gastronomy, and promoting natural and cultural heritage, significant drivers for the region’s devel- opment. However, challenges such as poor accessibility, lack of private investment, and demographic issues have also been identified. The study highlights a strong disposition among municipalities to cooperate in the seasonality approach of tourism and promote the DDR as a comprehensive and diverse tourist destination. The findings emphasise the need for improvements in transport infrastructure, innova- tion support, entrepreneurship, and the importance of cultural and sporting events for the attraction of tourists throughout the year. This paper provides valuable information on the perspectives of local DDRs on tourism by offering planning guidance and promot- ing more sustainable and inclusive tourist practices.
Comparison of the effects of transperitoneal and retroperitoneal robot-assisted partial nephrectomy
Authors: Tao Meiman , Cheng Kang , Xu Wei , Qian Zhounan , Pan Peng
Published: October 2024

Objective: To compare the effects of transperitoneal and retroperitoneal approaches for robotic assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC).
Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study on RAPN at Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University. Between September 2020 and February 2024, the included patients underwent either transperitoneal approach or retroperitoneal approach. Perioperative status, stress response, quality of life, and incidence of complications were compared between the groups.
Results: A total of 105 patients were included in this analysis, with 54 patients in the Retroperitoneal group, and 51 patients in the Transperitoneal group. The retroperitoneal approach was associated with significantly better perioperative indicators compared to the transperitoneal method (P<0.05). After the surgery, serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell count (WBC), and cortisol (Cor) in the Retroperitoneal group were lower than in the Transperitoneal group (P<0.05). The quality-of-life scores of patients in the Retroperitoneal group were higher (P<0.05), but no statistically significant difference in the incidence of complications between the groups (P>0.05).
Conclusions: Compared with the transperitoneal approach, the retroperitoneal method of RAPN is equally safe and is associated with improved perioperative status, lower stress response, and better quality of life for RCC patients.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.10.10613
How to cite this: Tao M, Cheng K, Xu W, Qian Z, Pan P. Comparison of the effects of transperitoneal and retroperitoneal robot-assisted partial nephrectomy. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(10):2202-2207. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.10.10613
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.
Outcomes of acetaminophen infusion on visual analogue scale with varying pain intensity during labour, A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Najeeb Wajeha , Komal Naima , Noor Mudassar , Khan Muhammad Alamgir , Abeera Chaudry
Published: October 2024

Objective: Acetaminophen (Paracetamol) is the most widely used analgesic. We aimed to determine its efficacy in labour with varying pain intensity, to make labour less painful for women.
Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted on primigravida’s in their active phase of first stage of labour at Pharmacology department of Army Medical College, National University of Medical Sciences in collaboration with Gynecology department of Pak Emirates Military hospital, Rawalpindi. It was a registered trial with trial number of IRCT20220308054220N1. Duration of study was from May 2022 to October 2022. Patients were divided into two groups, Group-I received two doses of I/V 100 ml normal saline whereas Group-II received I/V two doses of 1000 mg acetaminophen in 100 ml normal saline. Calculated sample size was 130, 65 in each group. Visual analogue scale was used as a tool for data measurement. Data was analysed using split plot anova test.
Results: Mean VAS in acetaminophen infusion group was found to be less than placebo for 1st dose, but this effect was apparent only one hour after 2nd dose intervention. The difference in means between groups was statistically significant only for 1st dose with p-value of 0.003 (for second dose p-value 0.21). In acetaminophen infusion group, for both doses mean VAS decreased as an immediate effect of drug, but then it increased with time. The difference in VAS between intervals had p-value of <0.001 for 1st dose and 0.005 for 2nd dose.
Conclusion: Acetaminophen is an effective non opioid labour analgesic in active phase of first stage of labour.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.10.8425
How to cite this: Najeeb W, Komal N, Noor M, Khan MA, Chaudry A. Outcomes of acetaminophen infusion on visual analogue scale with varying pain intensity during labour, A randomized controlled trial. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(10):2163-2169. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.10.8425
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.
Relationship between trauma, post-traumatic stress and post-traumatic growth for police officials: A path analysis
Authors: Azeem Azra , Rauf Nelofar Kiran
Published: October 2024

Background & Objective: Police officials tend to face a high frequency of potentially traumatic incidents due to nature of their job. A dichotomous distinction among these traumatic incidents is witnessing of threat or harm to others and the experiencing of threat or harm directly to oneself. Previous research suggests that different types of traumas (direct and indirect) exposure can produce different levels of negative responses including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and positive outcomes such as posttraumatic growth (PTG) in police officials and other law enforcement agencies officials. Our objective was to study post-traumatic stress and post traumatic growth among police officials.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study conducted from January 2019 to December 2022. The sample consisted of 400 police officials (having direct and indirect exposure of war trauma) who participated in war on terror in FATA Pakistan. Non probability purposive sampling technique was used for sample selection. Relationship among trauma, PTS (Post traumatic stress) and PTG (Post traumatic growth) was assessed.
Results: Findings from the present study indicated that stress played vital role in paving pathway from trauma to growth (β =0.08). Study results also confirmed that moderate level of stress is linked with positive changes like posttraumatic growth. R-square change in linear relationship among stress and posttraumatic growth was 0.59 but in curvilinear relationship among stress and posttraumatic growth R-square change was 0.77 which is higher than linear relationship which confirmed the curvilinear relationship between stress and growth and these findings proved that moderate level of stress after war trauma exposure produced higher levels of post traumatic growth. Conditional indirect effect of exposure to trauma on growth is highly significant (***p < .001) so the role of stress as mediator has been confirmed.
Conclusion: The study provided initial evidence that after trauma exposure levels of posttraumatic stress which is experienced play a significant role in the promotion of PTG. Moreover, the results from the present study also revealed the possibility of positive changes in behaviors facilitated by moderate exposure of trauma and stress.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.10.8897
How to cite this: Azeem A, Kiran N. Relationship between trauma, post-traumatic stress and post-traumatic growth for police officials: A path analysis. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(10):2223-2227. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.10.8897
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.