bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of canine adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells for neurological functional recovery in a rat model of traumatic brain injury
Authors: Jiang Wenkang , Luo Huina , Zhao Mingming , Fan Quanbao , Ye Cailing , Li Xingying , He Jing , Lai Jianyi , He Shi , Chen Wojun , Xian Weihang , Chen Shengfeng , Chen Zhisheng , Li Dongsheng , Chen Ruiai , Wang Bingyun
Published: March 2024

Background

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common condition in veterinary medicine that is difficult to manage.Veterinary regenerative therapy based on adipose mesenchymal stem cells seem to be an effective strategy for the treatment of traumatic brain injury. In this study, we evaluated therapeutic efficacy of canine Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs)in a rat TBI model, in terms of improved nerve function and anti-neuroinflammation.

Results

Canine AD-MSCs promoted neural functional recovery, reduced neuronal apoptosis, and inhibited the activation of microglia and astrocytes in TBI rats. According to the results in vivo, we further investigated the regulatory mechanism of AD-MSCs on activated microglia by co-culture in vitro. Finally, we found that canine AD-MSCs promoted their polarization to the M2 phenotype, and inhibited their polarization to the M1 phenotype. What’s more, AD-MSCs could reduce the migration, proliferation and Inflammatory cytokines of activated microglia, which is able to inhibit inflammation in the central system.

Conclusions

Collectively, the present study demonstrates that transplantation of canine AD-MSCs can promote functional recovery in TBI rats via inhibition of neuronal apoptosis, glial cell activation and central system inflammation, thus providing a theoretical basis for canine AD-MSCs therapy for TBI in veterinary clinic.
The role of DGAT1 and DGAT2 in regulating tumor cell growth and their potential clinical implications
Authors: Deng Boer , Kong Weimin , Shen Xiaochang , Han Chao , Zhao Ziyi , Chen Shuning , Zhou Chunxiao , Bae-Jump Victoria
Published: March 2024

Lipid metabolism is widely reprogrammed in tumor cells. Lipid droplet is a common organelle existing in most mammal cells, and its complex and dynamic functions in maintaining redox and metabolic balance, regulating endoplasmic reticulum stress, modulating chemoresistance, and providing essential biomolecules and ATP have been well established in tumor cells. The balance between lipid droplet formation and catabolism is critical to maintaining energy metabolism in tumor cells, while the process of energy metabolism affects various functions essential for tumor growth. The imbalance of synthesis and catabolism of fatty acids in tumor cells leads to the alteration of lipid droplet content in tumor cells. Diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 and diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2, the enzymes that catalyze the final step of triglyceride synthesis, participate in the formation of lipid droplets in tumor cells and in the regulation of cell proliferation, migration and invasion, chemoresistance, and prognosis in tumor. Several diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 and diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2 inhibitors have been developed over the past decade and have shown anti-tumor effects in preclinical tumor models and improvement of metabolism in clinical trials. In this review, we highlight key features of fatty acid metabolism and different paradigms of diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 and diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2 activities on cell proliferation, migration, chemoresistance, and prognosis in tumor, with the hope that these scientific findings will have potential clinical implications.
Childhood adversity and psychopathology: the dimensions of timing, type and chronicity in a population-based sample of high-risk adolescents
Authors: Zarchev Milan , Grootendorst-van Mil Nina H. , Bouter Diandra C. , Hoogendijk Witte J. G. , Mulder Cornelis L. , Kamperman Astrid M.
Published: March 2024

Background

Research on childhood adversity and psychopathology has begun investigating the dimension of timing, however the results have been contradictory depending on the study population, outcome and how adverse life events (ALEs) were operationalized. Additionally, studies so far typically focus only on a narrow range of psychiatric diagnoses or symptoms. The current cross-sectional study aimed to examine the association between timing, type and chronicity of ALEs and adolescent mental health problems.

Methods

Adolescents from a population-based cohort oversampled on emotional and behavioral problems (mean age 14.8; range 12–17, N = 861) were included in the current analysis. Primary caregivers were interviewed on what ALEs adolescents experienced. ALEs were defined in two ways: (1) broad operationalization, including school difficulties, parental divorce, and family sickness; and (2) physically threatening abuse only, including physical and sexual violence. After looking at lifetime ALEs, we turned to chronicity, timing and sex differences. We focused on overall psychiatric symptoms as well as specific domains of emotional and behavioral problems, assessed using the Youth Self Report (YSR) and psychotic experiences assessed using the Prodromal Questionnaire-16 (PQ-16). A series of linear models adjusted for sociodemographic and parental factors were used.

Results

Lifetime ALEs were associated with all types of psychopathology, with relatively bigger effect sizes for broad than for physical ALEs. The latter associations were found to be more robust to unmeasured confounding. The 9–12 age period of experiencing both broad and physical ALE’s was most saliently associated with any psychopathology. Girls were more at risk after experiencing any ALEs, especially if the adversity was chronic or ALEs took place after the age of 12.

Conclusions

Broad as well as physical ALEs are associated with psychopathology, especially ALEs experienced during the 9–12 age period. Physical ALEs may be more useful in investigating specific etiological factors than broad ALEs. Sex differences may not emerge in lifetime measures of ALEs, but can be important for chronic and later childhood adversity.
Iso-mukaadial acetate and ursolic acid acetate bind to Plasmodium Falciparum heat shock protein 70: towards targeting parasite protein folding pathway
Authors: Opoku Francis , Govender Penny , Shonhai Addmore , Simelane Mthokozisi BC
Published: March 2024

Plasmodium falciparum is the most lethal malaria parasite. P. falciparum Hsp70 (PfHsp70) is an essential molecular chaperone (facilitates protein folding) and is deemed a prospective antimalarial drug target. The present study investigates the binding capabilities of select plant derivatives, iso-mukaadial acetate (IMA) and ursolic acid acetate (UAA), against P. falciparum using an in silico docking approach. The interaction between the ligands and PfHsp70 was evaluated using plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis. Molecular docking, binding free energy analysis and molecular dynamics simulations were conducted towards understanding the mechanisms by which the compounds bind to PfHsp70. The molecular docking results revealed ligand flexibilities, conformations and positions of key amino acid residues and protein-ligand interactions as crucial factors accounting for selective inhibition of Hsp70. The simulation results also suggest protein-ligand van der Waals forces as the driving force guiding the interaction of these compounds with PfHsp70. Of the two compounds, UAA and IMA bound to PfHsp70 within the micromolar range based on surface plasmon resonance (SPR) based binding assay. Our findings pave way for future rational design of new selective compounds targeting PfHsp70.
Two stents’ dislodgement in the left main coronary artery: a case report
Authors: Arous Salim , Zahidi Hatim , El Ghali Benouna Mohamed , Habbal Rachida
Published: March 2024

Background

Stent dislodgement is a life-threatening complication that can result in coronary artery embolization, stent thrombosis, acute myocardial infarction, and even death. Severely angulated, heavily calcified, and previously stented coronary arteries are associated risk factors. With the development of different lesion preparation techniques and the drug eluting stent era, the reported incidence of stent dislodgement has decreased to < 1% in the last few years.

Case presentation

We report a case of a 64-year-old Moroccan man complicated during percutaneous intervention in the left main artery by the loss of two stents. This complication was successfully managed by passing the stent’s balloon into the stent and then fully expanding it. In our case, the device’s characteristics were involved and could play a role in such complications, but it is still not well understood.

Conclusions

The main treatment option is stent retrieval with different available techniques. If retrieval of the stent is impossible, crushing it against the blood vessel wall could be considered.
Oak leaf morphology may be more strongly shaped by climate than by phylogeny
Authors: Martín-Sánchez Rubén , Sancho-Knapik Domingo , Alonso-Forn David , López-Ballesteros Ana , Ferrio Juan Pedro , Hipp Andrew L. , Peguero-Pina José Javier , Gil-Pelegrín Eustaquio
Published: March 2024

Key message

Despite been grown under the same climate, oak species are able to correlate with looser, but still identifiable, leaf morphological syndromes, composed by morphological traits with an ecological role in their respective macroclimates.

Context

Environmental restrictions imposed by climate have been shown to modulate leaf morphology. A reduction of leaf area in hot and dry climates reduces overheating because of a thinner boundary layer. Lobed shapes enhance hydraulic conductivity and faster cooling. Elongated leaves drain more quickly under high precipitation. Trichomes may help to reduce the effects of excessive sun exposure in hot and dry environments. Leaf mass per area (LMA) increases in stressful environments.

Aim

To assess the influence of global climate and clade on oak leaf syndromes comprising morphological traits with ecological roles.

Methods

We analyzed seven morphological traits in 141 oak species grown in a botanical garden, characterized into five macroclimates, and explored the partial effects of clade and climate.

Results

We found significant associations between macroclimate and every morphological trait measured. Temperate species tend to have large, obovate, lobed, malacophyllous leaves. Species occurring in dry habitats usually present small, rounded, pubescent, sclerophyllous leaves. Warm and wet climates induce the development of slender, lanceolate, glabrous leaves with an acuminate apex.

Conclusion

The functional roles of the different morphological traits are partially confirmed in genus Quercus as a response to the different macroclimates, where different leaf syndromes can be distinguished.
Appropriate Prescribing for older adults with Multimorbidity (Pro-M): protocol for a feasibility study
Authors: Tang Jia Ying , Teng Poh Hoon June , Chen Christine Yuanxin , Tan Keng Teng , Ang Wendy , Lau Sabrina , Ang Alexis Guat Cheng , Kyaw Kay Khine , Tay Xin Yong , Lim Wan Min Stephanie , Espeleta Wrenzie Del Valle , Lin Huimin , Ding Yew Yoong , Lun Penny
Published: March 2024

Background

Potentially inappropriate prescribing is common among older adults with multimorbidity due to various reasons, from concurrent application of multiple single-disease clinical guidelines to fragmentation of care. Interventions such as medication review have been implemented worldwide to reduce inappropriate prescribing for older adults. However, the implementability of such interventions are underexplored in the outpatient clinics in Singapore’s public hospitals. Hence, the Pro-M study aims to assess the feasibility of implementing a physician-pharmacist collaborative care intervention in geriatric medicine outpatient clinics to facilitate appropriate prescribing for older adults in Singapore.

Methods

This is a single-arm, non-randomised feasibility study using a pre-post evaluation design. This study consists of two parts: (1) implementation phase of the intervention (6 months) and an (2) evaluation phase (3 months). Eligible patients will be recruited from geriatric medicine outpatient clinics at two public hospitals in Singapore through convenience sampling. The main components of the Pro-M intervention are: (1) pharmacist-facilitated medication reviews with feedback on any medication issues and potential recommendations to physicians, and (2) physicians communicating changes to other relevant prescribers. The evaluation phase will involve surveying and interviewing physicians and pharmacists involved in the implementation of the intervention. A mixed-method approach will be employed for data collection and analysis. The quantitative and qualitative findings will be triangulated and reported using Proctor’s implementation outcomes: appropriateness, penetration, acceptability, fidelity, feasibility, and sustainability. A basic cost analysis will be conducted alongside the study.

Discussion

This is a phase 2 study to test the feasibility of implementing an intervention that was co-created with stakeholders during phase 1 development of an intervention to optimise prescribing for older adults with multimorbidity. The implementation will be assessed using Proctor’s implementation outcomes to provide insights on the process and the feasibility of implementing medication reviews for older adults with multimorbidity as a routine practice in outpatient clinics. Data collected from this study will inform a subsequent scale-up study.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05756478. Registered on 06 March 2023.
The efficacy and safety of cannabidiol (CBD) in pediatric patients with Dravet Syndrome: a narrative review of clinical trials
Authors: Aderinto Nicholas , Olatunji Gbolahan , Kokori Emmanuel , Ajayi Yusuf Ismaila , Akinmoju Olumide , Ayedun Abiola Samuel , Ayoola Oluwapelumi Ikeoluwa , Aderinto Noah Oluwaseun
Published: March 2024

Background

Dravet Syndrome (DS) is a rare and severe form of childhood epilepsy that is often refractory to conventional antiepileptic drugs. Emerging evidence suggests that Cannabidiol (CBD) offer therapeutic benefits for DS. This review aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of CBD in pediatric patients with DS based on data from ten clinical trials.

Methods

A review was conducted to identify clinical trials assessing the efficacy and safety of CBD in pediatric patients diagnosed with DS. PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and relevant grey literature were systematically searched for relevant articles up to October 2023, and clinical trials within the last 10 years were included. The search strategy incorporated controlled vocabulary terms and keywords related to "Cannabidiol," "Dravet Syndrome," and "pediatric patients."

Results

The analysis revealed promising efficacy outcomes. Notably, CBD demonstrated substantial reductions in seizure frequency, with some patients achieving seizure freedom. The findings emphasised the consistency of CBD's efficacy across different patient subgroups. The safety profile of CBD was generally acceptable, with adverse events often being manageable.

Conclusion

This review consolidates evidence from multiple clinical trials, affirming the potential of CBD as a promising treatment option for pediatric patients with DS. While further research is needed to address existing knowledge gaps, CBD's efficacy and acceptable safety profile make it a valuable addition to the therapeutic tools for DS.
Dietary patterns in relation to glioma: a case–control study
Authors: Nemati Mohammad , Shayanfar Mehdi , Almasi Fatemeh , Mohammad-Shirazi Minoo , Sharifi Giuve , Aminianfar Azadeh , Esmaillzadeh Ahmad
Published: March 2024

Although the association of individual foods and nutrients with glioma have been investigated, studies on the association of major dietary patterns and glioma are scarce. The aim of this study was to examine the association between major dietary patterns and risk of glioma in a group of Iranian adults. In this hospital-based case–control design, we recruited 128 newly diagnosed glioma cases and 256 controls in Tehran from 2009 to 2011. A Willett-format-validated 126-item semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) was used to assess participants' dietary intake. Factor analysis was used to identify major dietary patterns. We identified 3 major dietary patterns using factor analysis: high protein, vegetarian and western dietary pattern. After several adjustments for potential confounders, adherence to the high protein dietary pattern was inversely associated with risk of glioma (OR: 0.47; 95% CI: 0.23, 0.95). Consumption of vegetarian dietary pattern was also associated with a reduced risk of glioma (OR: 0.16; 95% CI: 0.07, 0.34). Greater adherence to the western dietary pattern was associated with a greater chance of glioma (OR: 3.30; 95% CI: 1.52, 7.17). We found that high protein, vegetarian and western dietary pattern were significantly associated with glioma risk. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.
A longitudinal qualitative study on Iranian university lecturers' identity reconstruction during the COVID-19 pandemic through text-mining: a dynamic approach
Authors: Shobeiry Maria
Published: March 2024

This research addressed the critical gap in understanding the procedure of professional identity reconstruction among university lecturers in Iran during the pandemic. Over the course of two academic semesters, this study utilized a dynamic theoretical framework to investigate the intricacies of how 41 Iranian university English teachers reconstructed their professional identities. Data were collected through a dynamic methodological framework, comprising: semi-structured interviews conducted monthly, focus group interviews held every 3 months, and participants' reflective journal entries collected every 2 weeks. Text mining techniques and content analysis, through KH Coder 3.0, were employed to explore the nuanced aspects of teachers' identity reconstruction, focusing on contextual elements, agency, and pedagogical practices. The use of KH Coder 3.0 software for word co-occurrence and word association analysis revealed that university lecturers reconstructed their professional identities in response to the challenges posed by two main factors: (1) adapting to new educational contexts and (2) overcoming difficulties in teacher–student communication caused by the abrupt shift from traditional in-person education to online schooling. Through their practical experiences, educators emerged as proactive problem solvers, receptive adapters, and confident professionals. These findings carry implications for educational institutions and teacher educators, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing pedagogical systems that encourage teachers to excel in hybrid teaching contexts, fostering proficiency in online communication and virtual teaching methods.
Are changes in patient-reported outcomes prognostic for diffuse large B-Cell lymphoma survival? Results from the GOYA trial
Authors: Yan Jessie T. , Bel Célia , Trask Peter C. , Lo Ernest
Published: March 2024

In this hypothesis-generating analysis, we examined whether longitudinal changes in patient-reported outcomes (PROs), such as symptoms, over time would be prognostic for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) who were newly treated with obinutuzumab (G) in combination with CHOP (G-CHOP) or rituximab (R) with CHOP (R-CHOP), in the GOYA Phase 3 trial (NCT01287741). Our results show that from the study baseline to cycle 3 day 1, every 1-point increase (worsening) in fever symptoms was associated with a 41% higher risk of death (hazard ratio [HR], 1.41; P = 0.01). Every 1-point increase (worsening) in lumps or swelling symptoms was associated with a 27% higher risk of disease progression or death (PFS events) (HR, 1.27; P = 0.01) and a 29% higher risk of death (OS events) (HR, 1.29; P = 0.02). No significant associations were observed between survival and changes in other symptoms, such as itching. Our study suggests that changes in some PROs are related to survival in DLBCL patients.
Concurrent spontaneous coronary dissection and reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome during postnatal care
Authors: Yoon Sang Gon , Song Yeo-Jeong , Song Yun-Seok , Park Jino , Kim Seunghwan , Kim Dong-Kie , Kim Ki-Hun , Kim Doo-Il , Kim Hyun Kuk , Lee Dong Ah
Published: March 2024

Background

Pregnancy-associated spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) and reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) are rare conditions that may occur during pregnancy and the postpartum period. The coexistence of both diseases may pose a risk to patients, potentially resulting in a variety of complications and clinical manifestations. This is considered the first case of a patient who successfully recovered from a critical condition in the postpartum period, with contemporaneous SCAD and RCVS.

Case presentation

A 33-year-old female with no known medical history was referred to the emergency department after experiencing cardiac arrest, which occurred 1 week after giving birth to her third child. She complained of sudden anterior squeezing chest pain, accompanied by a headache, and eventually collapsed due to ventricular fibrillation with seizure. She was successfully resuscitated after receiving basic life support. She showed an alert mentality and did not experience any further seizure events or additional neurological symptoms. Although vital sign remained stable, the level of highly sensitive troponin I was significantly elevated. Electrocardiography revealed sinus rhythm with T-wave inversion at V1-4, while chest computed tomography (CT) demonstrated severe aspiration pneumonia. The patient was admitted to the intensive care unit due to a high requirement of O2 supply. A consultation with the neurologic department and a brain magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) were conducted for the thunderclap headache. The brain MRA demonstrated stenosis in the basilar artery, the right M2 segment, and bilateral A1 segments, along with sulcal hyperintensity on post-contrast fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) suggesting blood–brain barrier breakdown due to vasoconstriction. Formal echocardiography showed regional wall motion abnormality in the left anterior descending artery (LAD) territory. After the improvement of pneumonia, a coronary angiography was performed, revealing diffuse luminal narrowing from the mid to distal LAD due to a long segmental, extensive dissection. We decided to maintain the medical therapy. A follow-up coronary CT angiography performed 6 months later revealed complete remission of the dissected coronary vessel, and a brain MRA checked 3 months later showed resolved vasoconstriction of the relevant cerebral vessels.

Conclusions

The physicians must be aware of pregnancy-associated complications in certain patients. Clear diagnoses and proper treatments are required in pregnant patients who may be exposed to multiple acute conditions, in order to reduce complications and achieve favorable outcomes.
Arytenoid adduction asymmetry among patients with laryngeal disorders
Authors: Bamigboye Babatunde Akinola , Akinola Moses Ayodele , Ogunbiyi Agboola Adebowale , Somefun Abayomi Oladapo
Published: March 2024

Background

Arytenoid asymmetry is usually an incidental finding during video-pharyngo-laryngoscopic examinations, and few otolaryngologists have described the clinical implications of this among patient with laryngeal disorders.

Aim

The aim of the study is to document the prevalence of arytenoid adduction asymmetry in patients who had video-pharyngo-laryngoscopy and determine if there is any possible association between arytenoid adduction asymmetry and hoarseness.

Methods

This is a retrospective descriptive study involving patients who had video-pharyngo-laryngoscopic examinations for various indications. The medical charts and video-pharyngo-laryngoscopic examination findings recorded in the stored database in ENT outpatient departments of two institutions over a 2-year period were retrospectively reviewed for age, sex, occupation, presenting complaint, and indication for video-pharyngo-laryngoscopic findings and diagnosis. Arytenoid adduction asymmetry was defined in relation to the position of the corniculate cartilages, cuneiform cartilages, and aryepiglottic angle. All the variables in the data were analyzed using Statistical Product and Service Solution (SPSS) version 25.

Results

A total of 152 out of 209 patients had complete information needed for the review, 59 were males and 93 females with age range 20–91 years, and mean age was 46 ± 15.5 years. The overall prevalence rate for adduction asymmetry was 44.7%. Arytenoid asymmetry was seen commonest among the 5th and 6th decades of life and highest among the professional voice users (55%), while the male-to-female ratio was 1.6:1.

Hoarseness constituted 40.1% of all indications for video-pharyngo-laryngoscopy, with 71% of patients with hoarseness having a primary laryngeal lesion, 26% had laryngopharyngeal reflux, and 3.3% were due to pubertal voice changes. A significant association was found between arytenoid asymmetry of the male gender P-value 0.027 and hoarseness P-value 0.026.

Conclusion

Arytenoid adduction asymmetry is prevalent in the 5th and 6th decades of life, among patients with hoarseness resulting from unilateral primary laryngeal disorders.
Validation of an Updated Algorithm to Identify Patients With Incident Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer in Administrative Claims Databases
Authors: Patel Sandip Pravin , Wang Rongrong , Zhou Summera Qiheng , Sheinson Daniel , Johnson Ann , Lee Janet Shin
Published: March 2024

PURPOSE

Real-world lung cancer data in administrative claims databases often lack staging information and specific diagnostic codes for lung cancer histology subtypes. This study updates and validates Turner's 2017 treatment-based algorithm using more recent claims and electronic health record (EHR) data.

METHODS

This study used Optum's deidentified Market Clarity Data of linked medical and pharmacy claims with EHR data. Eligible patients had an incident lung cancer diagnosis (January 2014-December 2020) and ≥one valid histology code for lung cancer 30 days before to 60 days after diagnosis. Histology and stage information from the EHR were used to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV). We evaluated the Turner algorithm using cohort 1 patients diagnosed between June 2014 and October 2015 (step 1) and between November 2015 and December 2020 after approval of immunotherapies (step 2). Next, we evaluated cohort 2 patients diagnosed between November 2015 and December 2020 using an updated algorithm incorporating the latest US treatment guidelines (step 3), and compared the results for cohort 2 (Turner algorithm, step 2 patients). Furthermore, an algorithm to determine early NSCLC (eNSCLC; stage I-III) versus metastatic or advanced/metastatic non–small cell lung cancer (stage IV) was evaluated among patients with available histology and stage information.

RESULTS

A total of 5,012 patients were included (cohort 1, step 1: n = 406; cohort 1, step 2: n = 2,573; cohort 2, step 3: n = 2,744). The updated algorithm showed improved performance relative to the previous Turner algorithm for sensitivity (0.920-0.932), specificity (0.865-0.923), PPV (0.976-0.988), and NPV (0.640-0.673). The eNSCLC algorithm showed high specificity (0.874) and relatively low sensitivity (0.539).

CONCLUSION

An updated treatment-based algorithm identifying patients with incident NSCLC was validated using EHR data and distinguished lung cancer subtypes in claims databases when EHR data were not available.
Selective Dorsal Scapular Nerve and Long Thoracic Nerve Blocks for Rescue Analgesia in Scapulothoracic Arthrodesis Surgery: A Case Report
Authors: Gürkan Yavuz , Şimşek Doğa , Güllü Buğra , Manici Mete , Darçin Kamil , Yürük Batuhan , Demirhan Mehmet , Eren İlker
Published: March 2024

Scapulothoracic arthrodesis (STA) surgery is performed to stabilize the scapula in patients with facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (FSHD). Postoperative pain could be a major problem even while using erector spinae plane block (ESPB). We performed a preoperative ESPB with an intraoperative ESPB catheter, but rescue analgesia was needed for pain in the periscapular area in the postoperative period. The patient’s pain score was reduced by applying an ultrasound-guided dorsal scapular nerve (DSN) and long thoracic nerve (LTN) block. Selective DSN and LTN blocks can be effective in enhancing postoperative analgesia in STA surgery.
Frequency of psychosocial stress and its relationship to safety attitude towards nurse’s performance at tertiary care hospitals
Authors: Wahid Abdul , Badil  , Washdev  , Sabir Hussain
Published: March 2024

Background & Objectives: Psychosocial stress has a detrimental effect on nurses’ work performance. A safe working environment is significant in providing nurses with safe and satisfactory care. The objective of study was to assess the frequency of psychosocial stress of nurses and determine the relationship between psychosocial stress of nurses and safety attitude towards nurses’ performances at Tertiary Care Hospital, Karachi.

Methods: Analytical cross-sectional study was conducted at Dr. Ruth KM Pfau Civil Hospital, Karachi, and Dow University Hospital Karachi for six months, from December 2020 to May 2021. A total 260 participants were approached by a non-probability purposive sampling. Pearson’s correlation was used to establish the relationship between the psychosocial stress of nurses and different parameters of their safety attitude. The Chi-square test was applied for the association between demographic factors of nurses with their psychosocial stress levels. A p-value of ≤0.05 was considered as significant.

Results: The majority of nurses, 180 (69.2%), described poor health, while 54 (20.8%) had good health, and only 10% (26) of nurses reported their best health status. Three parameters were negatively correlated and statistically significant with psychosocial stress, namely: teamwork (r-0.13<0.002), job satisfaction (r-0.15<0.028), and perception of management (r-0.34<0.000). The result of the study indicated that gender (P-value<0.000), marital status (P-value<0.0037), and institution (P-value <0.005) were significantly associated with safety attitude score.

Conclusion: Most of the nurses had poor health, which was significantly related to teamwork, job satisfaction and perception of management, and stress recognition.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.5.7913

How to cite this: Wahid A, Badil, Washdev, Hussian S. Frequency of psychosocial stress and its relationship to safety attitude towards nurse’s performance at tertiary care hospitals. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(5):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.5.7913

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.
Correlation of uric acid with microalbuminuria in Type-2 diabetic patients with normal creatinine
Authors: Zeb Saima , Babar Bakht , Bibi Samina , Akbar Shah Muhammad
Published: March 2024

Objective: To find the correlation of serum uric acid with microalbuminuria in Type-2 diabetic patients with normal creatinine.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolic diseases, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, Pakistan from 1st April, 2022 to 30th September, 2022. Total 160 diabetic patients between the age of 30 and 65 years were enrolled in the study. Type-2 diabetic patients with microalbuminuria between 2.5 and 30 mg/mmol were included. The demographic details of patients were recorded in the questionnaire after taking consent. Fasting Uric acid, lipid profile and glucose along with creatinine and HbA1C were estimated from patient’s venous blood samples. Ratio of albumin to creatinine (ACR) in the random spot urine sample was used to detect microalbuminuria.

Results: Out of 160 participants enrolled in the study there were 86 (54%) males and 74 (46%) females with the mean age of 50.15 ± 11.1 years and BMI of 20.93 kg/m2. Ninety six (60%) of the patients had Type-2 DM for less than five years, while remaining 64 (40%) were more than five years diabetic. Mean serum uric acid calculated was 6.85±2.06(mg/dl), while microalbuminuria was calculated as 8.02±0.78 (mg/mmol). The Pearson correlation of serum uric acid and microalbuminuria based on sex and age was statistically significant(p<0.05).

Conclusion: We found that uric acid level was significantly associated with microalbuminuria in people with Type-2 diabetes with normal serum creatinine. Uric acid level can be a potential screening tool for early detection of DKD.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.5.8208

How to cite this: Zeb S, Babar B, Bibi S, Shah MA. Correlation of uric acid with microalbuminuria in Type-2 diabetic patients with normal creatinine. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(5):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.5.8208

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.
Diversity of uropathogens and their antibiotic resistance among diabetic patients presented to MTI-Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar
Authors: Masood Adeela , Bilal Muhammad , Badshah Salim , Khan Yaseen
Published: March 2024

Objective: Our objective was to quantify the number of various bacteria that frequently cause UTI in diabetes patients as well as to gauge their susceptibility and resistance to antibiotics.

Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Internal Medicine Ward of Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan from June 2021 to December 2021, Patients with confirmed diabetes were included in the study; however, participants receiving antimicrobial medications for a maximum of 14 days were excluded from the study. Resistance of Escherichia coli, Candida, Pseudomonas, E. faecalis, Klebsiella, P. mirabilis and Staphylococcus was asssessed using ciprofloxac, ceftazidime and meropenem.

Results: The findings highlighted the the prevalence of Escherichia coli in 38.8% of patients, Candida in 19% of patients, Enterococcus faecalis in 11.8% of patients, Pseudomonas in 10%, Klebsiella in 9.5% patients, Proteus mirabilis 6.2% patients and Staphylococcus was found in 5.2% patients. According to the overall sensitivity and resistance of antibiotics in microorganisms, Meropenem showed 89.6% sensitivity and 10.4% resistance. Ciprofloxacin showed 38.9% sensitivity and 61.1% resistance and ceftazidime showed 22.7 sensitivity and 77.3% resistance.

Conclusion: UTIs were very common in diabetes patients, and Escherichia coli was the most common uropathogen found. Compared to male patients, more female patients had infections. The uropathogens showed a significant degree of resistance to ceftizidime and ciprofloxacin.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.5.8275

How to cite this: Masood A, Bilal M, Badshah S, Khan Y. Diversity of uropathogens and their antibiotic resistance among diabetic patients presented to MTI-Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(5):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.5.8275

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.
Evaluation of continuous blood purification in patients with urosepsis caused by ureteral calculi and heart failure after catheterization
Authors: Fan Xing , Li Zhe , Gao Yan , Zhang Hai-song , Bi Zhao-yu
Published: March 2024

Objective: To detect the continuous blood purification (CBP)’s application value in patients with urosepsis caused by ureteral calculi and heart failure after catheterization.

Methods: This is a clinical comparative study. Sixty patients with ureteral calculi complicated with heart failure and urosepsis were admitted at Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University from January 2021 to March 2023 randomly split into control and experimental group(n=30). Based on conventional treatment after indwelling the DJ tube, the experimental group was treated with CBP therapy. The control group dealt with conventional anti-inflammatory, oxygen inhalation and other treatments only. Compared and analyzed in terms of alterations in blood inflammatory factors, cardiac function, BNP prior to and after therapy, blood pressure, blood WBC recovery time, and so on.

Results: TNF-a, CRP, and PCT levels in the control and experimental groups were substantially more prominent than the average reference value prior to treatment. They decreased considerably at distinct time points after therapy, with substantial distinctions (p< 0.05). A more meaningful decrease was noticed in the experimental group in comparison with the control group (p< 0.05). BNP and cardiac function were improved in both groups prior to and after therapy, and the amelioration of indexes in the experimental group was more substantial than that in the control group after therapy, with statistically considerable distinctions. The improvement time in experimental group was earlier than in the control group, with statistically substantial differences.

Conclusion: Patients with urosepsis complicated with heart failure after indwelling DJ tube have their inflammatory factors improved significantly, with more thorough excretion by using conventional treatment combined with CBP therapy.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.5.8386

How to cite this: Fan X, Li Z, Gao Y, Zhang H, Bi Z. Evaluation of continuous blood purification in patients with urosepsis caused by ureteral calculi and heart failure after catheterization. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(5):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.5.8386

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.
Seroprevalence of Hepatitis-E Virus-Immunoglobulin G and its association with Chronic Liver Disease
Authors: Memon Muhammad Sadik , Kadir Bushra , Kamani Lubna , Chandio Ayaz Ahmed
Published: March 2024

Background & Objective: Viral hepatitis is a major public health concern in low-middle income countries. Hepatitis-E infection (HEV) is found globally but most prevalent in low-income countries especially those with poor sanitation systems, access to clean drinking water and health services. Superinfection with HEV in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) can cause severe hepatic decompensation leading to increased morbidity and mortality. To determine the frequency of seroprevalence of Hepatitis-E virus Immunoglobulin g (IgG) and its association with chronic liver disease.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Asian Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad, Pakistan from January till May 2022. A total of 196 patients of aged ≥ 18 years, presenting in gastroenterology clinics were included in the study after informed consent.

Result: Among 196 patients, one third of patient were male (73.5%). Out of which 162 (82.7%) had liver disease and 34 (17.3%) were without liver disease. The median age of patient was 45 (33-51) years. The overall seroprevalence of HEV IgG among study population was 69.4%. HEV IgG was present in 114 and 22 in CLD and non CLD patients respectively. Multivariable regression shows no association between seroprevalence of HEV in CLD and non-CLD patient (AOR 1.02, 95% CI 0.45-2.313).

Conclusion: Our study showed high frequency of HEV seropositivity. No difference was observed in HEV seropositivity among CLD and non-CLD patients.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.5.8448

How to cite this: Memon MS, Kadir B, Kamani L, Chandio AA. Seroprevalence of Hepatitis-E Virus-Immunoglobulin G and its association with Chronic Liver Disease. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(5):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.5.8448

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.
Effect of ABO blood group on the severity and clinico-pathological parameters of COVID-19
Authors: Asad Lareb , Mirza Talat , Kumar Santosh , Khatoon Ambrina
Published: March 2024

Background and Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need to understand the factors affecting disease severity. Prior research has indicated the potential roles of the ABO blood group system in disease susceptibility and progression. Our objective was to investigate the association between ABO Blood groups and the severity of COVID-19 and clinicopathological parameters.

Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted across three locations of Ziauddin University Hospital, including COVID-19 outpatient departments (OPDs), wards, and intensive care units (ICUs) from May 2020 to December 2020.The study utilized a non-probability convenient sampling technique with a sample size of 120 PCR-positive adult patients, as calculated by OpenEpi with a 95% confidence interval. Patients were excluded if they were under 14, intellectually impaired, post-chemotherapy or radiotherapy, or had a malignant condition. Disease severity was determined based on clinicopathological parameters and associated with blood group data using ANOVA and Chi-square tests in SPSS version 21.

Results: A significant association was found between the ABO blood groups and COVID-19 severity. Blood group-A was notably overrepresented in patients with severe COVID-19 and correlated with higher inflammatory markers and coagulation parameters.

Conclusion: ABO blood group, particularly Blood Group-A significantly associates with the severity of COVID-19. This finding suggests the potential utility of ABO blood group typing as a predictive marker for disease severity, which could contribute to personalized patient management strategies. Further research is necessary to understand the mechanisms underlying this association.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.5.9037

How to cite this: Asad L, Mirza T, Kumar S, Khatoon A. Effect of ABO blood group on the severity and clinico-pathological parameters of COVID-19. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(5):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.5.9037

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 genome sequence of the 6-spot burnet, Zygaena filipendulae (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Boyes Douglas , Crowley Liam M. ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective, Skojec Chelsea , Plotkin David , Kawahara Akito Y. ,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: March 2024

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Zygaena filipendulae (6-spot burnet; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Zygaenidae). The genome sequence is 365.9 megabases in span. The majority of the assembly (99.99%) is scaffolded into 31 chromosomal pseudomolecules, with the W and Z sex chromosomes assembled. The complete mitochondrial genome was also assembled and is 15.6 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl has identified 12,493 protein coding genes.
Phrasal Coordination Relatedness Logic
Authors: Francez Nissim
Published: March 2024

I presented a sub-classical relating logic based on a relating via an NL-inspired relating relation Rcss. The relation Rcss is motivated by the NL-phenomenon of phrasal (subsentential) coordination, exhibiting an important aspect of contents relating among the arguments of binary connectives. The resulting logic Lcss can be viewed as a relevance logic exhibiting a contents related relevance, stronger than the variable-sharing property of other relevance logics like R. Note that relating here is not “tailored” to justify some predetermined logic; rather, the relating relation is independently justified, and induces a logic not previously investigated.
El arte de ver el futuro
Authors: Otero Cardona Jesús Gilberto , Iregui-Bohórquez Ana María , Núñez Amortegui Héctor Mauricio , Monzón Carolina , Mayorga David
Published: March 2024

Desde hace 20 años, el Banco de la República viene consultando a los principales actores económicos sobre sus pronósticos frente a lo que ocurrirá con la economía colombiana. Estas predicciones se han convertido en un elemento clave para definir la política monetaria del país.
How Much Can Machines Learn Finance from Chinese Text Data?
Authors: Zhou Yang , Fan Jianqing , Xue Lirong
Published: March 2024

How much can we learn finance directly from text data? This paper presents a new framework for learning textual data based on the factor augmentation model and sparsity regularization, called the factor-augmented regularized model for prediction (FarmPredict), to let machines learn financial returns directly from news. FarmPredict allows the model itself to extract information directly from articles without predefined information, such as dictionaries or pretrained models as in most studies. Using unsupervised learned factors to augment the predictors would benefit our method with a “double-robust” feature: that the machine would learn to balance between individual words or text factors/topics. It also avoids the information loss of factor regression in dimensionality reduction. We apply our model to the Chinese stock market with a large proportion of retail investors by using Chinese news data to predict financial returns. We show that positive sentiments scored by our FarmPredict approach from news generate on average 83 basic points (bps) stock daily excess returns, and negative news has an adverse impact of 26 bps on the days of news announcements, where both effects can last for a few days. This asymmetric effect aligns well with the short-sale constraints in the Chinese equity market. The result shows that the machine-learned prediction does provide sizeable predictive power with an annualized return of 54% at most with a simple investment strategy. Compared with other statistical and machine learning methods, FarmPredict significantly outperforms them on model prediction and portfolio performance. Our study demonstrates the far-reaching potential of using machines to learn text data.

This paper was accepted by Kay Giesecke, finance.

Funding: This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grants 71991471, 71991470, and 72204049], the National Key Research and Development Program [Grant 2020YFA0608604], the Shanghai Pujiang Scholar Project [Grant 21PJC010], the Shanghai Science Project [Grant 23692119300], and the China Postdoctoral Science Project [Grants 2019M650076 and 2020T130107].

Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.01468 .