bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of DNA evidence in criminal justice system: Indian legislative perspectives
Authors: Srivastava Ankit , Harshey Abhimanyu , Das Tanurup , Kumar Akash , Yadav Murali Manohar , Shrivastava Pankaj
Published: November 2022

Background

The scientific and technological advances along with the changing socio-economical standards of society have posed new challenges to the criminal justice system. With the changes in society and technology, there is also an increase in crime rate. Forensics provides the scientific proofs beyond the shadow of reasonable doubt and thus significantly contributes in criminal as well as civil investigations and legal matters.

Main body of the abstract

Discovery of DNA has opened new avenues and the advancement of DNA technology and its introduction into the court of law has provided extensive aid in the resolution of civil and criminal disputes. In India, the DNA technology was first introduced in a paternity dispute in 1989. However, the need for legislation and guidelines to support grounds for the use of DNA profiling for forensic purposes in India has been recognized for some time now. In July 2019, the DNA Technology (Use and Application) Bill 2019 was introduced in the Indian parliament.

Short conclusion

Herein, this article is focused on the current aspects of DNA based evidence in the Indian Criminal Justice system along with the associated issues, highlighting the need for specific DNA based legislation.
Colletotrichum species pathogenic to strawberry: discovery history, global diversity, prevalence in China, and the host range of top two species
Authors: Ji Ying , Li Xue , Gao Qing-Hua , Geng Chunnv , Duan Ke
Published: November 2022

Anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum species, is one of the most destructive diseases affecting strawberry production worldwide. Fungi of the genus Colletotrichum, being ancient and co-evolved with flowering plants, rank eighth among the top ten economically important fungal pathogens and have diversified to adapt to various hosts. Since it was first reported in United States in 1931, strawberry anthracnose has spread globally, resulting in devastating economic, social, and ecological consequences. In a sense, to produce organic strawberry is impracticable largely because of this disease. Colletotrichum species pathogenic to strawberry have been widely characterized. The review focused on providing an accurate inventory of Colletotrichum species pathogenic to strawberry via revisiting the discovery history scrupulously over 90 years. A total of 23 Colletotrichum species clustered into five species complexes and two singleton taxa were accepted as strawberry pathogens with global occurrence illustrated. The relative prevalence of distinct Colletotrichum species associated with strawberry was systematically analyzed in China. Finally, the host range of the prevailing C. fructicola and C. siamense, also the top two Colletotrichum species causing serious damages on the earth was summarized, with a goal of diagnosing accurately and improving anthracnose management in agricultural ecosystem.
Cytogenetic evaluation of primary amenorrhea: a study of 100 cases at tertiary centre
Authors: Pritti Kumari , Mishra Vineet , Patel Hetvi , Patel Kushani , Aggarwal Rohina , Choudhary Sumesh
Published: November 2022

Background

Amenorrhea is the absence of menstruation in women of reproductive age. The physiology of menstruation and reproduction has a strong correlation with the expression of the X chromosome. Early referral for cytogenetic evaluation is recommended for the identification of underlying chromosomal aberrations in amenorrhoea patients. This study aims to estimate the frequency and types of chromosomal abnormalities in primary amenorrhoea (PA) patients in western India and correlate their hormonal profile and sonographic findings with chromosomal reports.

Patients and methods

Clinical features of 100 patients along with their hormonal profile and sonographic findings were recorded. Karyotyping was done after taking informed consent from the patients. Molecular cytogenetic technique was used to confirm marker chromosomes and ring chromosomes.

Results

The results revealed 89% of PA with normal female karyotype (46,XX) and 11% with different abnormal karyotypes. Majority of females with normal karyotype were having Mullerian defects and among them most of them were categorized under Rokitansky syndrome. Among the abnormal karyotype constituents, 27.3% numerical abnormalities, all were Turner syndrome; pure and mosaic. Four cases (36.4%) showed male (XY) karyotype. The other four cases (36.4%) showed structural abnormalities, among which three cases showed X-associated structural abnormality and one case showed balanced translocation.

Conclusion

This study emphasizes the need for cytogenetic analysis as an integral part of the diagnostic protocol in the case of PA for precise identification of chromosomal abnormalities; and for appropriate reproductive management. Early detection of abnormalities is necessary for guidance to reproductive options and genetic counselling.
Impact of COVID-19 on children
Authors: Amin Ulfat Amin , Parveen Asmat Parveen
Published: November 2022

Background

The COVID-19 global pandemic has spread throughout the world, posing an extremely dangerous health risk for almost everyone. While dealing with such a large-scale viral disease, the healthcare infrastructure is under strain. Young adults who were thought to have been clinically affected fared better than their older counterparts. This pandemic has affected millions of children, especially those from low-economic backgrounds, who are otherwise highly susceptible and underprivileged. Children of frontline workers and single parents face particular challenges. Children from disadvantaged backgrounds are more vulnerable to infection and may experience long-lasting negative effects of the pandemic, such as child labor, child trafficking, child marriage, sexual exploitation, and even death. To lessen the psychological negative effects of COVID-19 on children and adolescents, parents, physicians, psychologists, social workers, and hospital administrators, government and non-governmental organizations have essential responsibilities to play. Priority one is to ensure that all children from all socioeconomic strata have access to the necessities of life, including social security, health care, and education. Moreover, some positive changes may result from the global crisis. This research paper discusses the potential consequences of this pandemic. 

Some of the hypotheses being investigated while looking at the low case fatality rate among pediatric age groups include the peak of immunity and differences in immune system response. The vulnerability of the comorbid pediatric age group, on the other hand, is comparable to that of their older counterparts. During the severe acute respiratory syndrome and Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome outbreaks, similar results were observed. The inoculation of a mother during pregnancy was found to be effective in protecting her progeny.

Results

This is a review article, thus not applicable.

Conclusions

Children are quite discouraged when school is abruptly stopped, when planned outings are canceled, when they are confined to the house, and when they are afraid of the unknown with regard to the continuing epidemic. Even though almost all studies suggest that COVID-19 has a relatively mild clinical manifestation in children, one must be cautious due to the novel coronavirus’s rapid mutation rate. More research is needed to determine the relationship between COVID-19 and pediatric age groups.
Diagnostic accuracy, reliability, and reviewer agreement of a new proposed risk prediction model for metastatic cervical lymph node from head and neck squamous cell carcinoma using MDCT
Authors: Alsowey Ahmed Mohamed , Amin Mohamed Ibrahim , Ebaid Noha Yahia
Published: November 2022

Background

Nine-point risk scoring system for metastatic cervical lymph nodes has been developed to be incorporated into clinical practice for further management and better prognosis for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). It is based on suspicious computed tomography (CT) scanning findings. This study aimed to assess the risk scoring system validity and reliability for diagnosing cervical lymph node metastasis from head and neck squamous cell carcinomas.

Results

The intra-class correlation (ICC) was utilized to assess the inter-observer agreement. We had 102 malignant lymph nodes and 60 benign lymph nodes based on histopathological results. Based on a lymph node (LN) based analysis regarding the LNs categorized as scores 4 to 9 for diagnosing metastatic cervical lymph nodes, the risk scoring system had a sensitivity, specificity, and an accuracy of 89.2 to 91.2%, 68.3 to 70%, and 82.1 to 83.3%, respectively, depending on the observer. The inter-reviewer agreement (IRA) for the total score was excellent (ICC = 0.936). The optimal cutoff value for diagnosing metastatic cervical lymph nodes was > score 3.

Conclusions

Based on imaging findings, a risk scoring system for diagnosing metastatic cervical lymph nodes from head and neck squamous cell carcinoma was validated. This risk scoring system is a valuable guide for better decision-making.
The urine albumin creatinine ratio is one of the predictors of acute kidney injury in hepatitis C-related cirrhotic hepatic encephalopathy
Authors: Shahbah Hossam , Osman Osman Mohamed , Mostafa Sadek , Mohamed Abdelgawad Saied , Alashkar Ahmed , Radwan Mohamed Saad-Eldeen , Hussein Mohammed Salah , Alaboudy Alshimaa , Eliwa Ahmed , Elbahrawy Ashraf , Abdelhafeez Hafez
Published: November 2022

Background/objective

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a main manifestation of acute decompensation in liver cirrhosis. Recently, systemic inflammation was proposed as a key mechanism in the development of acute kidney injury (AKI) in cirrhotic patients. The urine albumin creatinine ratio (UACR) is considered a marker of systemic inflammation in a variety of clinical settings. Here, we aimed to evaluate the role of the urine albumin creatinine ratio in the early prediction of AKI in HE.

Patients and methods

Sixty-seven consecutive patients presented with cirrhotic HE, and 59 age- and sex-matched cirrhotic patients with no history of HE served as controls. HE was defined and graded by the West Haven criteria. The severity of liver cirrhosis was evaluated by the Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) score, and model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score. The incidence of AKI that developed during hospital admission and the in-hospital mortality rate was estimated among HE patients. In addition, predictors of AKI were analyzed.

Results

The mean age of HE patients was 58.09±12.26 years; 36 (53.7%) were males, and 31 (46.3%) were females. Among HE patients, 16 (23.9%) developed AKI during hospital admission. The in-hospital mortality rate among HE patients was 22 (32.8%), the in-hospital mortality among HE-AKI patients was 81.3% (n=13/16), and UACR levels > 91.5 mg/g identified HE-AKI with 81.25% sensitivity (AUC = 0.85, P ≤ 0.001).

Conclusions

Patients with cirrhotic HE are at high risk of AKI. HE-AKI patients had a high rate of in-hospital mortality. Estimation of UACR at hospital admission is suggested for the early detection of patients with HE-AKI.
Comparison of the effects of high-intensity interval training and moderate-intensity continuous training on indices of liver and muscle tissue in high-fat diet-induced male rats with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Sini Zahra Koohestani , Afzalpour Mohammad Esmaeil , Ahmadi Mohsen Mohammadnia , Sardar Mohammad Ali , Khaleghzadeh Homa , Gorgani-Firuzjaee Sattar , Hofmeister Martin , Akaras Esedullah , Azimkhani Amin
Published: November 2022

Background

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most prevalent chronic liver diseases. It is shown that moderate to high physical activities can play a crucial role in improving this disease.

Aim

The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on the levels of the myonectin in serum and tissue levels and fatty acid transport protein 4 (FATP4) in male rats with NAFLD.

Materials and methods

Thirty-three male rats were randomly divided into five groups: high-fat diet to confirm NAFLD induction (n = 5), normal diet sedentary (n = 7), high-fat diet sedentary (n = 7), high-fat diet with HIIT (n = 7), and high-fat diet with MCIT (n = 7). Induction of NAFLD was performed by feeding rats for 12 weeks with a high-fat diet containing 60% fat. The training protocols were performed in five sessions per week for 8 weeks. The HIIT group has performed 4 × 4 min interval running on a treadmill up to 80–95% maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and then recovered at 50–60% VO2max. The MICT protocol has performed up to 50–60% VO2max for 50 min. myonectin and FATP4 were also measured by the animal Elisa kit (Zellbio, Germany) with a sensitivity of 0.02 ng/L. Insulin resistance was evaluated by the insulin resistance homeostasis assessment index using the following formula (HOMA-IR): “fasting glucose (mg/dl) × fasting in insulin (mg/L) ÷ 405”. One-way ANOVA analysis of variance was utilized for statistical analyses and Tukey’s post hoc test at a significant level of p < 0.05.

Results

The 8-week intervention showed that both HIIT and MICT positively influenced the serum myonectin and FATP4 levels (p < 0.05). Moreover, there was a significant difference between the trained groups in tissue levels of the myonectin and serum levels of FATP4 (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Altogether, both HIIT and MICT can lead to valuable adaptations and recovery of NAFLD in male rats.
Relationship between adjustment disorder symptoms and probable diagnosis before and after second lockdown in Israel: longitudinal symptom network analysis
Authors: Levin Yafit , Bachem Rahel , Goodwin Robin , Hamama-Raz Yaira , Leshem Elazar , Ben-Ezra Menachem
Published: November 2022

Background

There is cumulative evidence of the importance of exploring the change of dynamics between symptoms over time as reflective of consolidation of psychopathology.

Aims

To explore the interactions between symptoms of ICD-11 adjustment disorder before and after the second lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic in Israel and identify the most central symptoms and their concurrent and prospective associations with probable adjustment disorder.

Method

This is a population-based study drawn from a probability-based internet panel. A representative sample of the adult Israeli population was assessed at two time points (T1, pre-second lockdown, n = 1029, response rate 76.17%; T2, post-second lockdown, n = 764, response rate 74.24%). Symptoms of adjustment disorder were assessed by the International Adjustment Disorder Questionnaire (IADQ).

Results

Although the overall strength of associations at the two measurement points was similar and two same communities were found, there was a significant change in their structure, with a more consolidated network at T2. The most central item was ‘difficult to relax’ in both networks. Cross-sectionally, all symptoms of failure to adapt significantly predicted adjustment disorder. ‘Worry a lot more’ (preoccupation) and ‘difficult to adapt to life’ (failure to adapt) at T1 significantly predicted this diagnosis at T2.

Conclusions

Adjustment disorder symptoms consolidated during the second lockdown of the pandemic. In line with the ICD-11 conceptualisation of adjustment disorder, both preoccupation and failure-to-adapt symptoms have prognostic validity. This highlights the importance of identifying and targeting adjustment disorder symptoms during a period of stress such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Glial Cell Missing Homolog 2 Mutation Causing Severe Hypoparathyroidism: Report of Two Cases With Novel Mutations
Authors: Singhania Pankaj , Ghosh Arunava , Das Debaditya , Bhattacharjee Rana , Roy Ajitesh , Chowdhury Subhankar
Published: November 2022

Hypoparathyroidism is a common encounter in endocrinology practice. A thorough search for the etiology is generally futile, and most cases are labeled as idiopathic. Familial idiopathic hypoparathyroidism is a large chunk of these idiopathic cases. Here we present 2 cases who presented with features of hypocalcemia and were eventually diagnosed with hypoparathyroidism. Our first case is that of a middle-age woman who presented with spontaneous tetany and perioral numbness. She had very low serum calcium values, low serum magnesium, hypokalemia, hypercalciuria, and undetectable parathormone levels. She was initially managed with parenteral calcium, magnesium, and oral potassium chloride, which was shifted to oral replacements once stabilized. Focused exome sequencing for causes of hypoparathyroidism and hypocalcemia revealed a frameshift mutation in glial cell missing homolog 2 (GCM2) (NM_004752.4) on chromosome 6, c737dupA variant (p. Asp246Glufs*25) located at exon 5. The second case presented is that of a 1-month-old infant presenting with hypocalcemic seizures, severe hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, and low parathormone levels. The infant was stabilized with parenteral calcium and trial of subcutaneous teriparatide for further improvement. Oral calcium and calcitriol were instituted once stabilized, and teriparatide was tapered off. Focused exome sequencing revealed a homozygous mutation involving GCM2 (ENST0000379491.5) on chromosome 6, variant CM2 chr6:10876558_10877139insT located on exon1-2. Both of these mutations are novel and underscore the profound effect of GCM2 on parathyroid gland development in infants and maintenance in adults.
Pheochromocytoma-induced Subarachnoid and Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Agoubi Lauren L , Khot Sandeep P , Failor R Alan , Zern Nicole K
Published: November 2022

Pheochromocytomas are rare adrenal tumors that are often diagnosed in workup for endocrine causes of refractory hypertension, as an incidental imaging finding, or in patients with classic symptoms of headache, palpitations, and/or diaphoresis. We describe a case of pheochromocytoma presenting in a 63-year-old woman with spontaneous and multifocal subarachnoid and intracerebral hemorrhage without underlying vasculopathy. The patient previously had no documented episodes of hypertension and took no regular medications. She experienced sudden-onset severe headache and presented with hypertensive crisis. Cranial imaging showed bifrontal and right temporal convexal subarachnoid and intracerebral hemorrhage of unknown etiology. Cranial arterial catheterization showed no vascular malformation underlying the site of hemorrhage. Given concern for potential malignant etiology, cross-sectional body imaging was performed that revealed a 7-cm right adrenal heterogeneous mass. Biochemical workup demonstrated markedly elevated plasma metanephrine and normetanephrine levels, diagnostic of pheochromocytoma. She underwent α- and β-blockade, and evaluation with a multidisciplinary team including repeat intracranial imaging to ensure resolution of the intracranial bleeding before definitive surgical management. She then underwent successful laparoscopic adrenalectomy. This case demonstrates that the workup of cryptogenic intracranial hemorrhage and hypertensive crisis should include evaluation for catecholamine-secreting tumors.
Expression and Clinical Significance of Thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor in the Subtypes of Papillary thyroid carcinomas
Authors: Shen Wei , Zhang Shanshan , Li Qinghuai
Published: November 2022

Objective: To investigate the expression of TSH receptors (TSHR) in various subtypes of Papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTC) by immunohistochemistry.

Methods: Retrospective analyses were carried out to the clinical data of 108 PTC patients randomly admitted into the Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University from March 2020 to December 2020. The archived paraffin blocks of the 108 cases as well as 18 contiguous normal thyroid tissues (control group) were taken from the Department of Pathology of The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University. The pathological types of all PTC tissues were detected and the expression of TSHR was determined.

Results: TSHR expression was 86.11% positive in PTC tissues; with 85.00% positive in classical group; with 75.86% positive in micro group; with 84.61% positive in follicular group; with 83.33% positive in oncocytic group; with 50.00% positive in invasive group. TSHR expression was 100% in normal thyroid tissues. So TSHR expression in normal thyroid tissues is significantly higher than that in PTC; TSHR expression in microcarcinoma is stronger than in the other subtypes; there is no significant difference among the other subtypes.

Conclusions: TSH suppression works better on microcarcinoma than on the other subtypes. And the effects on non-invasive subtypes are better than on invasive subtypes.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.1.6096

How to cite this: Shen W, Zhang S, Li Q. Expression and Clinical Significance of Thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor in the Subtypes of Papillary thyroid carcinomas. Pak J Med Sci. 2023;39(1):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.1.6096

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 Daratumumab combined with Chemotherapy on Immune Function in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma and Observation of its Clinical Efficacy
Authors: Zhang Ye-hua , Xu Feng , Xu Chang-qing , Zhang Zi-tan , Jiao Zong-jiu
Published: November 2022

Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and immune function of Daratumumab combined with chemotherapy in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM).

Methods: Eighty patients with RRMM treated in Xingtai People’s Hospital from January, 2020 to December, 2021 were randomly divided into two groups. Patients in the study group were treated with Daratumumab combined with PAD regimen, while patients in the control group were provided with PAD regimen alone. Further comparison was performed on the therapeutic effects, adverse drug reactions, the levels of T lymphocyte subsets CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ and CD4+/CD8+, the positive expression rate of CD38 and the expression level of Notch-1 on the membrane of plasma cells between the two groups.

Results: The overall response rate in the study group (67.50%) was significantly better than that in the control group (45.00%). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups. After treatment, the reviewed levels of CD3+, CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ were obviously higher in the study group than those in the control group, while the positive expression rate of CD38 and the expression level of Notch one on the membrane of plasma cells were both lower than those in the control group (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Daratumumab combined with a PAD regimen is a safe and effective approach that has a definite curative effect on patients with RRMM, which can improve immune function significantly and result in no significant increase in adverse reactions.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.1.6667

How to cite this: Zhang Y, Xu F, Xu C, Zhang Z, Jiao Z. Effect of Daratumumab combined with Chemotherapy on Immune Function in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma and Observation of its Clinical Efficacy. Pak J Med Sci. 2023;39(1):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.1.6667

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.
Comparison of pain relief and limb function improvement after extracorporeal shock wave therapy and thermomagnetic therapy in the treatment of low back pain
Authors: Wu Tao , Wang Dun , Zhang Xia , Li Junmei , Yuan Bo
Published: November 2022

Objective: To compare the rehabilitation effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) and thermomagnetic therapy (TMT) in patients with low back pain (LBP).

Methods: As a single-centre retrospective observational study, clinical data of patients with LBP who received rehabilitation treatment in our hospital from January 2020 to May 2021 were retrospectively collected. Based on the treatment mode, the patients were retrospectively divided into two groups: the control group (patients received core muscle training + TMT, n=51) and the observation group (patients received core muscle training + ESWT, n=56). The general data of the patients were collected and the groups were matched for age, gender and pain duration. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score of pain, improvement of limb function, β-endorphin (β-EP), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and nitric oxide (NO) were compared between the two groups before and after treatment.

Results: The VAS scores of the observation group were lower than those of the control group at one, two weeks and one month after the treatment (P<0.05). After the treatment, the proportion of mild limb dysfunction in the observation group was 57.14% (32/56), which was higher than 35.29% (1 /51) in the control group. The proportion of patients with severe and obvious disorders was 0 and 5.36% (3/56), respectively, which was lower than 11.76% (6/51) and 5.88% (3/51) in the control group (P<0.05). After the treatment, levels of NO and PGE2 in the observation group were lower, and the level of β-EP was significantly lower than in the control group (P<0.05).

Conclusions: A combination of core muscle training and ESWT can effectively improve the analgesic effect of the treatment and promote greater improvement of limb function in patients with LBP.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.1.6668

How to cite this: Wu T, Wang D, Zhang X, Li J, Yuan B. Comparison of pain relief and limb function improvement after extracorporeal shock wave therapy and thermomagnetic therapy in the treatment of low back pain. Pak J Med Sci. 2023;39(1):---------.  doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.1.6668

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.
Effects of storage duration of suspended red blood cells before intraoperative infusion on coagulation indexes, routine blood examination and immune function in patients with gastrointestinal tumors
Authors: Lan Xiaofei , Chen Yan , Bi Qihua , Xu Weihong , Huang Jun
Published: November 2022

Objective: To investigate the effect of storage duration of suspended red blood cells (SRBC) before intraoperative infusion on coagulation indexes, routine blood examination and immune function in patients with gastrointestinal (GI) tumors.

Methods: We divided clinical data of one hundred patients with GI tumors who underwent surgical treatment in our hospital into two different groups according to the storage duration of SRBC use for intraoperative infusion. The short-term group (n=50) had patients with SRBC storage durations shorter than two weeks, and the long-term group (n=50) had patients with storage durations longer than two weeks. We compared the coagulation, immune function, routine blood profile, electrolyte levels and adverse reactions assessment results between the two groups.

Results: Compared with before transfusions, the levels of fibrinogen (FIB) and activated partial prothrombin time (APTT) after blood transfusions were higher than those before transfusion (P<0.05). The levels of hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (HCT) in the two groups after blood transfusions were also higher than those before transfusion (P<0.05). However, the levels of CD4+ decreased and those of CD8+ increased in both groups after the blood transfusions. In addition, the levels of CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ in the short-term group were higher than those of the long-term group (P<0.05) while the CD8+ levels were lower than that of the long-term group (P<0.05). After the blood transfusions, the potassium ion (K+) levels in the two groups increased, and those in the long-term group were higher than in the short-term group (P<0.05). The sodium ion (Na+) levels in the two groups increased after the transfusions, and the short-term group had higher levels than the long-term group (P<0.05). Finally, the incidence of adverse reactions in the short-term group (4.00%) was lower than that in the long-term group (18.00%) (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Intraoperative infusion of SRBC with storage duration longer than two weeks increases the risk of perioperative adverse transfusion reactions, which implies that the storage duration of SRBC should be strictly controlled in clinical practice to reduce the risk of blood transfusion.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.1.7031

How to cite this: Lan X, Chen Y, Bi Q, Xu W, Huang J. Effects of storage duration of suspended red blood cells before intraoperative infusion on coagulation indexes, routine blood examination and immune function in patients with gastrointestinal tumors. Pak J Med Sci. 2023;39(1):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.1.7031

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.
Ασφάλεια και αποτελεσματικότητα της Φεσοτεροδίνης σε ασθενείς με νευρογενή υπερδραστήριο εξωστήρα εξαιτίας Κάκωσης Νωτιαίου Μυελού (ΚΝΜ) ή Σκλήρυνση κατά Πλάκας (ΣκΠ)
Authors: Κωνσταντινίδης Χαράλαμπος
Published: November 2022

Οι ασθενείς με Σκλήρυνση κατά Πλάκας και με Κάκωση Νωτιαίου Μυελού εμφανίζουν συχνουρία, επιτακτικότητα, επιτακτική ακράτεια, νυχτουρία σε συνδυασμό με αδυναμία πλήρους κένωσης της ουροδόχου κύστης ως αποτέλεσμα της νευρογενούς δυσλειτουργίας του κατώτερου ουροποιητικού. Η Νευρογενής Υπερδραστηριότητα του Εξωστήρα σε συνδυασμό με δυσσυνέργεια ή υπερδραστηριότητα του σφιγκτηριακού μηχανισμού αποτελούν τα συχνότερα ουροδυναμικά ευρήματα σε αυτές τις περιπτώσεις. Η αντιμετώπιση βασίζεται στην αντιμουσκαρινική αγωγή στοχεύοντας στον έλεγχο των ενδοκυστικών πιέσεων και στην εφαρμογή διαλειπόντων καθετηριασμών στοχεύοντας στην περιοδική και πλήρη κένωση της ουροδόχου κύστης σε συνθήκες χαμηλών πιέσεων. Αν και όλα τα αντιμουσκαρινικά φάρμακα χρησιμοποιούνται στην κλινική πράξη, δεν υπάρχουν αρκετές μελέτες για την αποτελεσματικότητα τους σε αυτό τον πληθυσμό ασθενών.Σκοπός της προοπτικής αυτής μελέτης είναι η διερεύνηση της ασφάλειας και της αποτελεσματικότητας της Φεσοτεροδίνης 8 mg στην αντιμετώπιση της Νευρογενούς Υπερδραστηριότητας του Εξωστήρα σε ασθενείς με Σκλήρυνση κατά Πλάκας ή Κάκωση Νωτιαίου Μυελού. Οι ασθενείς αξιολογούνται με ουροδυναμική μελέτη πριν και 3 μήνες μετά από την χορήγηση Φεσοτεροδίνης (8mg X 1). Παράλληλα μελετάται η επίδραση στην Ποιότητα Ζωής με τη συμπλήρωση του ερωτηματολογίου SF-Qualiveen προ και μετά τη θεραπεία. Προκειμένου να προσδιοριστεί η ασφάλεια της αγωγής έγινε καταγραφή των ανεπιθύμητων ενεργειών, όπως δυσκοιλιότητα, ξηροστομία και ταχυκαρδία.Από τους 137 ασθενείς που συμπεριλήφθηκαν στη μελέτη, 124 (68 άνδρες και 56 γυναίκες) την ολοκλήρωσαν. 95 με Κάκωση Νωτιαίου Μυελού (60 παραπληγικοί και 35 τετραπληγικοί) και 29 με Σκλήρυνση κατά Πλάκας. Όλες οι ουροδυναμικές παράμετροι βελτιώθηκαν με στατιστικά σημαντικό τρόπο σε όλες τις ομάδες των ασθενών. Επιπρόσθετα σημειώθηκε στατιστικά σημαντική βελτίωση της Ποιότητας Ζωής σε όλους τους τομείς του ερωτηματολογίου SF-Qualiveen σε όλες τις ομάδες των ασθενών. Αναφορικά με τις ανεπιθύμητες ενέργειες, σημειώθηκε ήπια ξηροστομία καθώς και επιδείνωση της δυσκοιλιότητας, αλλά κανένας ασθενής δε χρειάστηκε να διακόψει τη θεραπεία λόγω των ανεπιθύμητων ενεργειών.Η Φεσοτεροδίνη 8 mg είναι ασφαλής και αποτελεσματική σε ασθενείς με Σκλήρυνση κατά Πλάκας και Κάκωση Νωτιαίου Μυελού καθώς μειώνει την μέγιστη εξωστηριακή πίεση (Pdetmax) και αυξάνει τη λειτουργική χωρητικότητα και τη διατασιμότητα της ουροδόχου κύστης. Παράλληλα βελτιώνει την Ποιότητα Ζωής των ασθενών αυτών.
Υποκλινικός ασκίτης (grade I)
Authors: Θεοδωρακόπουλος Θεόδωρος
Published: November 2022

Εισαγωγή: Δεν υπάρχουν διαθέσιμα δεδομένα αναφορικά με τη φυσική ιστορία του ασκίτη βαθμού 1 και της εξέλιξης του σε βαθμό 2/3 σε ασθενείς με κίρρωση. Ο σκοπός της παρούσας μελέτης ήταν να διαλευκάνει αυτό το θέμα, να εκτιμήσει την ανάπτυξη των κύριων επιπλοκών που σχετίζονται στενά με την ανάπτυξη ασκίτη και να αναγνωρίσει προγνωστικούς παράγοντες επιβίωσης σε αυτούς τους ασθενείς. Μέθοδοι: Καυκάσιοι κιρρωτικοί ασθενείς με ασκίτη βαθμού 1 αναλύθηκαν αναδρομικά. Κανένας από τους ασθενείς δεν ελάμβανε διουρητικά κατά τη διάγνωση. Οι ομάδες ελέγχου αποτελούνταν από 145 κιρρωτικούς με ασκίτη βαθμού 2/3 και 175 κιρρωτικούς χωρίς ασκίτη. Αποτελέσματα: Έναρξη διουρητικών πραγματοποιήθηκε σε 58 ασθενείς με ασκίτη βαθμού 1 στην ένταξη από τον θεράποντα. Στο τέλος της παρακολούθησης, 29 ασθενείς δεν είχαν ασκίτη, 33 ασθενείς είχαν ασκίτη βαθμού 1 και 38 ασθενείς είχαν ασκίτη βαθμού 2/3. Καμία μεταβλητή δε βρέθηκε να αποτελεί ανεξάρτητο προγνωστικό παράγοντα ασκίτη βαθμού 2/3. Επτά ασθενείς εμφάνισαν αυτόματη βακτηριακή περιτονίτιδα ενώ ήταν υπό θεραπεία με διουρητικά. Εκείνη τη στιγμή μόνο ένας ασθενής είχε ασκίτη βαθμού 1. Το ποσοστό επιβίωσης ήταν παρόμοιο μεταξύ όλων των ομάδων που μελετήθηκαν. Συμπεράσματα: Αυτή η μελέτη υποδεικνύει ότι η παρουσία ασκίτη βαθμού 1 δεν αποτελεί προάγγελο ασκίτη βαθμού 2/3 σε ασθενείς με κίρρωση. Συνεπώς, οι ασθενείς με ασκίτη βαθμού 1 δε χρειάζονται ειδική θεραπεία με διουρητικά.
Construction of microfluidic biochips with enhanced functionalities using 3D femtosecond laser direct writing
Authors: Cheng Y. , Liao Y. , He F. , Qiao L. , Sugioka K. , Midorikawa K.
Published: November 2022

The extreme nonlinear interaction betweenfemtosecond laser pulses and large-band-gapmaterials has enabled three-dimensional (3D)microfabrication inside transparent materials. In thepast decade, this technique has been used forcreating a variety of functional components in glassmaterials, including microoptics, microfluidics,microelectronics, micromechanics, etc. Using thesebuilding blocks, femtosecond laser microfabricationalso allows for construction of highly integratedmicrodevices. Here, we provide an overview of ourlatest progress made along this direction, includingfocal spot engineering and nanofluidic fabrication.In particular, we show that 3D micro-/nano-fluidiccomponents with arbitrary geometries can bedirectly formed inside glass. This opens uppromising prospects for a broad spectrum ofapplications based on compact and complex 3Dmicrofluidic networks. Our work shows that thistechnique holds promise for fabricating 3D hybridmicro-systems, such as Lab-on-a-chip devices andMicro Total Analysis Systems in the future.
Colour Sensor White Balance Influence on White-Light Interferometer Resolution
Authors: Kalyanov A. , Lychagov V. , Smirnov I. , Ryabukho V.
Published: November 2022

Impact of a sensor color balance on white-light fullfieldoptical coherence tomography (FF-OCT)resolution is investigated in the paper. Full width athalf magnitude (FWHM) of a coherence pulse wascalculated for various white balance (WB) settings.Simulated dependence of FWHM on WB of asensor and experimental data are shown in thepaper. The minimum interference pulse width canbe achieved by the proper color balance coefficientschoice. And in this case the pulse is narrower thaneither one registered by colour image sensor withWB based on light source emission spectrum or bymonochrome image sensor.
New Circulation System of Laser Gas Mixtures
Authors: Yamshchikov V.A. , Khasaya R.R. , Khomich V.Yu. , Urlichich Yu.M.
Published: November 2022

The electrohydrodynamic flow in air, being formed at issue of ions from plasma of the high-frequency barrier discharge is investigated. It is shown that velocity of a flow is proportional to intensity of electric field between the emitter and a collector of ions. All solid-state pulse generator with voltage of U f = 0-12 kV and pulse repetition rate of f = 10-25 kHz is applied to feed the plasma emitter. It is experimentally established that the increase in high voltage and frequency of the plasma emitter feeding leads to increase velocity of a gas flow. The circulation system with a gas flow rate more than 15 L s–1and velocity more than 1.6 m s–1 was proposed for electric-discharge lasers.
Powder technology and innovative fiber design enabling a new generation of high-power single-mode-fiber laser sources
Authors: Dauliat R. , Gaponov D. , Jamier R. , Schuster K. , Grimm S. , Valette S. , Benoit A. , Salin F. , Roy P.
Published: November 2022

By simultaneously providing ultra large mode effective area (ULMA) and close to diffraction limited laser beams, Yb-doped double-clad photonic crystal fibers have become key components for power scaling in fiber laser systems. Despite their advantages, such fibers suffer from some drawbacks among which tremendous fabrication complexity and arising costs, high bending losses and poor integrability. In this paper, we show how the REPUSIL technique, which is an alternate synthesis method to produce high-quality doped-silica, enables the design of a new generation of ULMA rare-earth-doped fibers. Some examples of innovative fiber designs will be shown and commented together with a first experimental demonstration of all-solid Yb-doped double-cladding fiber fabrication. The thermal effects, which play a major role at high power laser level and drastically compromise the single-mode regime, are also investigated. The very first experimental results for the fiber and laser characterization are given.
All-Fiber Thulium-Doped Mode-Locked Lasers Based on the Nonlinear Amplifying Loop Mirror
Authors: Chernysheva M.A. , Krylov A.A. , Kryukov P.G. , Arutyunyan N.R. , Pozharov A.S. , Obraztsova E.D. , Dianov E.M.
Published: November 2022

We  report  on  thulium-doped  all-fiber  lasers  based on the nonlinear amplifying loop mirror and mode-locked by both a semiconductor saturable absorber (SESAM) and  single-walled  carbon  nanotubes (SWCNT).  An  intracavity  and  external dispersion management was realized with the aid of a passive germanium-silicate fiber.  SESAM  mode-locked laser  generates  as  short  as  230-fs  pulses with maximum  average  output  power  of  106 mW, corresponding to a 3.7 kW peak power and almost 2 nJ  pulse  energy.  In  contrast  to  SESAM-based laser,  the SWCNT  mode-locked  laser  generates 450-fs  pulses  of  mW-level  average  output power respectively.
Tumour cell suppression by spiroleucettadine through dual regulation of cell cycle and apoptosis
Authors: Watts Ben , Berry Maddie , Bland Abigail , Badart Michael , Hawkins Bill , Ashton John
Published: November 2022

Background: Spiroleucettadine is an alkaloid originally derived from the yellow Leucetta sea sponge. Spiroleucettadine has previously been shown to inhibit the growth of various cancer cell lines and has a high anti-proliferative activity against a non-small cell lung cancer cell line (H522). The mediators of these anti-proliferative effects have not been determined. Therefore, in this study we measured changes in cell death and cell proliferation and their immediate protein mediators in response to spiroleucettadine, toward the aim of ultimately determining target(s) for spiroleucettadine in cancer cells and a more precise description of its mechanism of action.

Methods: We used flow cytometry to investigate changes in the cell cycle apoptosis and Western blot to investigate associated protein changes following exposure of H522 cells to varying concentrations of spiroleucettadine.

Results: We found evidence for cell cycle arrest at G2/M and associated increases in cyclin B1 expression and CDK1 phosphorylation, as well as an increase in apoptosis alongside marked increase in Bim expression, consistent with activation of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway

Conclusions: Any targets for spiroleucettadine that may be proposed are constrained to those with mechanisms of actions that lead to G2/M arrest, induction of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway, and changes in the expression of associated proteins.
Estimating the costs associated with the implementation of a best practice model of care for recurrent miscarriage clinics in Ireland: a cost analysis
Authors: Flannery Caragh , Burke Lee-Ann , Gillespie Paddy , O'Donoghue Keelin
Published: November 2022

Background 

Recurrent miscarriage (RM) affects 1%-5% of the reproductive age population. Given increasing calls for dedicated recurrent miscarriage clinics (RMC), decision makers will require data on the resultant budgetary implications. The aim of this study was to identify the potential costs to the Irish healthcare system of implementing a best practice RMC model of care. 

Methods 

A ‘best practice’ RMC was developed as part of the RE:CURRENT Project. A micro-costing approach was employed by identifying, measuring, and valuing resource usage by unit costs for the RMC for ≥2 consecutive losses. Per patient costs were estimated using two care pathway scenarios: typical and complex. Per patient costs were extrapolated, using population data and published prevalence rates for RM, to estimate the total cost to the Irish health system. A sensitivity analysis was also performed. 

  

Results  

The cost for a RM patient who has another pregnancy after receiving investigations, treatment and reassurance scans ranges between €1,634 (typical) and €4,818 (complex). For a RM patient who does not conceive again, costs range from €1,384 (typical) to €4,318 (complex). Using population estimates for ≥2 losses, the total cost to the Irish health service ranges from €20,336,229 (complex) to €61,927,630 (typical) for those who progress to pregnancy, and from €7,789,437 (complex) to €22,480,630 (typical) for those who do not progress to another pregnancy. Together, the total cost of the proposed best practice RMC is €112,533,926 with an average cost per patient €1,871.  

Conclusions 

This study advocates for a new model of care for RMCs in Ireland and provides a set of cost estimates at the patient and healthcare system level. While future studies should explicitly consider the cost effectiveness of this or similar models of care, this analysis provides a valuable first step in providing a detailed breakdown of the associated costs and budget implications.
­Barriers faced by medical students in seeking mental healthcare: A scoping review
Authors: Berliant Maria , Rahman Nabiha , Mattice Christopher , Bhatt Chirayu , Haykal Kay-Anne
Published: November 2022

Background: Medical students commonly exhibit mental health issues. Despite the availability of professionals on medical campuses, seeking help continues to be a challenge for some students. Our review aimed to identify the barriers medical students face when seeking professional mental healthcare.

Methods: A Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) search was created for articles using PubMed, Embase, and PsychINFO databases to identify articles specifically about medical students and their barriers to professional mental healthcare. Inclusion criteria included articles in which barriers to mental healthcare were either the primary variable or one of multiple study results. No date limits were imposed. Reviews, pilot projects, or articles that did not address barriers to mental healthcare faced by medical students or focused on veterinary or dental students were excluded. A total of 454 articles were identified and screened by title/abstract and then full text. Data were extracted from 33 articles using an independent framework. Barriers identified were compiled and reported. 

Results: From a total of 33 articles, the most identified barriers were fear of negative effect on residency/career opportunities, fear of confidentiality breach, stigma and fear of shaming from peers, lack of perceived seriousness/normalization of symptoms, lack of time, and fear of documentation on academic record. Students also preferred to seek care outside of their institution from fear of their provider being an academic preceptor. 

Conclusions: Many of the barriers to mental healthcare faced by medical students relate to a fear of academic and career reprisal, and fear of confidentiality breach. It appears that despite recent efforts to decrease stigma surrounding mental illness, many medical students struggle to seek appropriate support. Access to mental healthcare can be improved by increasing transparency regarding what information will be displayed on academic records, dispelling common myths about mental healthcare, and increasing awareness about resources available for medical students.
A living mapping review for COVID-19 funded research projects: 21 month update
Authors: Bucher Adrian , Antonio Emilia , Grund Henrike , Jabin Nusrat , Jones Chantel , Kifle Meron , Khader Susan , Boily-Larouche Genevieve , Lay Morgan , Norton Alice
Published: November 2022

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has resulted in an unprecedented research response, demonstrating exceptional examples of rapid research and collaboration. There has however been an ongoing need for greater coordination, with limited resources for research and the shifting global pandemic.

Methods: The UK Collaborative on Development Research (UKCDR) and Global Research Collaboration for Infectious Disease Preparedness (GloPID-R), two funder coordination groups have collaborated to develop a live database of funded research projects across the world relating to COVID-19. Drawing data continually from their members and further global funding bodies, as of 15th April 2022 the database contains 16,353 projects, funded by 319 funders, taking place across 157 countries representing an investment of at least $6.2 billion. To our knowledge it is one of the most comprehensive databases. The database is aligned to the World Health Organisation and GloPID-R Global Research Roadmap: 2019 Novel Coronavirus and the UN Research Roadmap for the COVID-19 Recovery. It is being used by the WHO, governments and further policy makers, research funders and researchers.

This living mapping review aims to supplement the database by providing an open accessible and frequently updated resource summarising the characteristics of the COVID-19 funded research portfolio. Both descriptive and thematic analysis are presented and updated frequently to aid interpretation of the global COVID-19 funded research portfolio.

Results: In this version eight analysis we provide an updated detailed descriptive analysis of the database (on data from three months after version seven) and focus our thematic analysis on research gaps, research areas in need of coordination, study populations and research locations (with a focus on resource-limited countries).

Conclusions: As the global funding response to COVID-19 plateaus, this living mapping review helps both funders and researchers to prioritise resources to areas where there is continued unmet research need.
Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), is the disease still dangerous?
Authors: Rogulska Karolina , Kapczuk Patrycja , Zioło Anna , Sarna Angela , Jacek Roksana , Grzeszczak Konrad
Published: November 2022

Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV)  belongs to the family Flaviviridae. Flaviviruses are 50 nm viruses having a membrane envelope with an RNA genome. The vector of TBEV is the common tick (Ixodes ricinus) prevalent mainly in Europe. Tick-borne encephalitis is endemic in 27 countries in Europe. According to the National Institute of Hygiene, there are several hundred cases per year in Poland. Diagnosis of TBEV may be based on serological tests, molecular tests, cerebrospinal fluid examination. Prevention of tick-borne encephalitis is based on several aspects and the most important are the non-compulsory vaccinations. TBEV is a disease characterised by the risk of many complications, which can be irreversible. Fortunately, thanks to developments in vaccinology, vaccinations are available to prevent infection or reduce the severity of the disease.