bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nature’s therapeutic power: a study on the psychophysiological effects of touching ornamental grass in Chinese women
Authors: Hassan Ahmad , Deshun Zhang 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe health of city residents is at risk due to the high rate of urbanization and the extensive use of electronics. In the context of urbanization, individuals have become increasingly disconnected from nature, resulting in elevated stress levels among adults. The goal of this study was to investigate the physical and psychological benefits of spending time in nature. The benefits of touching real grass and artificial turf (the control activity) outdoors with the palm of the hand for five minutes were measured. Blood pressure and electroencephalography (EEG) as well as State-trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) scores, and the semantic differential scale (SDM) were used to investigate psychophysiological responses. Touching real grass was associated with significant changes in brainwave rhythms and a reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared to touching artificial turf. In addition, SDM scores revealed that touching real grass increased relaxation, comfort, and a sense of naturalness while decreasing anxiety levels. Compared to the control group, the experimental group had higher mean scores in both meditation and attentiveness. Our findings indicate that contact with real grass may reduce physiological and psychological stress in adults.
Challenges facing Palestinian crime scene investigators
Authors: Khalilia Walid Mahmoud , Ricard Simon , Rabaia Abd Al Latif , Arès Mathieu , Crispino Frank 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Crime scene investigation (CSI) in general means the standard procedures and techniques used for processing and reconstructing of scene of crime. In Palestine, the competent authorities delegated by law to carry out the task of research and investigation of crimes and inspection at the crime scene are the officers granted by law the status of the judicial police. CSIs face numerous challenges that affect every worker involved. These challenges arise from legal, administrative, security, and technical aspects. This study aimed to point out the challenges faced by field police personnel during CSI in Palestine. To achieve the aims of this study, a validated and reliable questionnaire was developed. The study sample consisted of 354 crime scene investigators and officers affiliated with the Palestinian Civil Police (PCP) across all governorates of the West Bank.

Results
In addition to the training of CSI officers, and shortage of equipment, the findings of this study indicate that there are many challenges amplified by the Israeli occupation facing PCP officers concerning crime scene management and technical procedures during CSIs such as the collection, transportation, and storage of forensic evidence. Overlapping responsibilities and difficulties in coordinating specialized agencies working at the crime scene are also factors that should be better studied.

Conclusion
This study invites decision-makers within the Palestinian police agencies to prioritize efforts to address the significant challenges encountered by workers at crime scenes. They should give special attention on enhancing training programs and providing the necessary tools and devices for effective crime scene work. It also recommends Palestinian representatives at international stage to highlight the obstacles facing workers at crime scenes due to the occupation.
Isolation of Pasteuria penetrans, an obligate hyper-parasite, infecting root knot nematode, Meloidogyne spp. from the rhizosphere of pulses in India
Authors: Jagadeeswaran Rajendran , Singh Bansa , Dubey Jyotirmay 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Pasteuria penetrans is a mycelial, endospore forming, obligate, bacterial parasite that has shown enormous potential for biological control of root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne spp. In the present study, the effort has been made to isolate effective and high temperature tolerant indigenous strains from pulse rhizosphere in India.

Results
Surveys were carried out in four different agro-climatic zones and collected 106 root-knot nematode infected soil and plant samples from pulses rhizosphere. Of these, we observed Pasteuria spore attachment on root knot nematode juveniles from seven samples: three from Varanasi, two from Salem and one each from Deoria and Kushinagar. The pure cultures of these seven isolates (named as IIPR-Pp-1 to IIPR-Pp-7 from single infected female, respectively) were developed in 7 cm pot and soil-less CYG medium. The nematode host species was identified as Meloidogyne incognita by perineal pattern and confirmed by sequencing of ITS region. The host range study with M. incognita and Heterodera cajani showed the spore attachment was specific to M. incognita revealed that the species of the parasite was Pasteuria penetrans. SEM study on morphometrics of Pasteuria spores belong to two groups. In vitro assay on endospore attachment assay with pre-treated endospores at 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 and 70 °C revealed that maximum number of endospore attachment of all isolates was observed at 30 °C followed by 40 °C, and the least number of them was observed at 60 °C and above. The isolate Pp3 exhibited maximum number of spore attachments among all isolates at 30 °C treatment (14) and 40 °C treatment (10.67). Endospore attachment assay with pre-treated J2 at 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 and 45 °C revealed that maximum number of attachment of all isolates was observed at 30 °C treatment, and no attachment was observed at 40 °C and above.

Conclusion
Pasteuria penetrans isolate IIPR-Pp3 exhibited high temperature tolerance and can be used further to develop Pasteuria-based biopesticide for management of root-knot nematode, M. incognita in pulses.
Effects of acute cannabis inhalation on reaction time, decision-making, and memory using a tablet-based application
Authors: Brooks-Russell Ashley , Wrobel Julia , Brown Tim , Bidwell L. Cinnamon , Wang George Sam , Steinhart Benjamin , Dooley Gregory , Kosnett Michael J. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Acute cannabis use has been demonstrated to slow reaction time and affect decision-making and short-term memory. These effects may have utility in identifying impairment associated with recent use. However, these effects have not been widely investigated among individuals with a pattern of daily use, who may have acquired tolerance. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of tolerance to cannabis on the acute effects as measured by reaction time, decision-making (gap acceptance), and short-term memory.

Methods
Participants (ages 25–45) completed a tablet-based (iPad) test battery before and approximately 60 min after smoking cannabis flower. The change in performance from before to after cannabis use was compared across three groups of cannabis users: (1) occasional use (n = 23); (2) daily use (n = 31); or (3) no current use (n = 32). Participants in the occasional and daily use group self-administered ad libitum, by smoking or vaping, self-supplied cannabis flower with a high concentration of total THC (15–30%).

Results
The occasional use group exhibited decrements in reaction time (slowed) and short-term memory (replicated fewer shapes) from before to after cannabis use, as compared to the no-use group. In the gap acceptance task, daily use participants took more time to complete the task post-smoking cannabis as compared to those with no use or occasional use; however, the level of accuracy did not significantly change.

Conclusions
The findings are consistent with acquired tolerance to certain acute psychomotor effects with daily cannabis use. The finding from the gap acceptance task which showed a decline in speed but not accuracy may indicate a prioritization of accuracy over response time. Cognitive and psychomotor assessments may have utility for identifying impairment associated with recent cannabis use.
Screening of GHSR, GHRHR, GH1 genes in isolated growth hormone deficiency disease in Egyptian patients
Authors: Ammar Tamer H. A. , Al-Ettribi Ghada M. M. , Abo Hashish Maha M. A. , Farid Tarek M. , Abou-Elalla Amany A. , Thomas Manal M. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Isolated growth hormone deficiency (IGHD) is a hereditary disorder that causes significant short stature. GHD has a reported incidence of 1/4000–1/10,000 births. It is caused by mutations in the major somatotroph axis genes, involving GH1, codes for growth hormone, GHSR, and GHRHR, codes for growth hormone secretagogue receptor and growth hormone-releasing hormone receptor, respectively.

Aims of the study
The present study aims to examine the clinical phenotype and investigate the genetic etiology of ten Egyptian patients with type I isolated growth hormone insufficiency.

Patients and methods
Patients recruited for the study were clinically diagnosed by two provocation tests and were subjected to a thorough history, clinical examination, and anthropometric measurements. Sanger sequencing and mutational analysis of the three genes, GH1, GHSR, and GHRHR, was our approach, performed in all enrolled IGHD patients. The variants identified were analyzed using the biological, population, sequence variants, and clinical genetics databases. Prediction of the pathogenicity of the novel variants was done by in silico prediction tools following the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines.

Results
Sanger sequencing revealed a previously reported pathogenic mutation (NM_000823.4: c.1069C > T; p.Arg357Cys) in the GHRHR gene in one patient and a novel frameshift variant (NM_198407.2: c.1043dup; Ser349Leu fs*6) in the GHSR gene in another patient. This is the fourth report highlighting the autosomal dominant inheritance of the GHSR mutation as a cause of isolated growth hormone deficiency. A number of previously reported variants, but of rare frequency, were identified in this study. In our IGHD cases, 90% of the patients were underweight, 50% had anemia, and 80% showed hypovitaminosis D.

Conclusion
Our findings broaden the mutational spectrum underlying the IGHD in Egyptian patients and point out the importance of mutation screening of the GHSR and GHRHR genes. This study also acknowledges the autosomal dominant mode of inheritance of the GHSR mutation as a cause for dwarfism.
Frequency of neuro-imaging in the emergency room in patients with vertigo: A cross-sectional study at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan
Authors: Baig Mirza Noor Ali , Kapadia Nazir , Raheem Ahmed , Ismail Madiha 
Published: February 2024

Objective: To determine the frequency of neuro-imaging and the prevalence of positive findings in patients with vertigo visiting an emergency room of a low-middle-income-country, Pakistan.
Methods: This is a retrospective cross-sectional study conducted in the emergency room of the Aga Khan University Hospital, a 550 bedded tertiary care teaching facility located in Karachi, Pakistan. The frequency of neuro-imaging in patients visiting emergency room with vertigo during 20 years (2000-2020), their findings and disposition was calculated in percentages. A cost-analysis was performed in Pakistani Rupees & US Dollars to estimate the financial burden.
Results: During the emergency room visits for vertigo, neuro-imaging (CT scans, MRIs, or both) was conducted for 159 patients, accounting for 70.98% of the cases. Out of these, 64 individuals (40.25%) received a positive diagnosis, which included acute infarcts, hemorrhages, metastases, space-occupying lesions, and meningeal enhancements. Interestingly, among those with negative findings, the 98 patients faced significantly higher costs, amounting to Rs.4,108,000 ($22,449), in contrast to the positive cases, which incurred Rs.2,496,600 ($13,642).
Conclusion: The frequency of obtaining neuro-imaging tests in patients with vertigo were significantly high in our study. In addition, there was a significant financial burden associated with neuro-imaging especially for our low-middle-income country.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.4.7029
How to cite this: Baig MNA, Kapadia N, Raheem A, Ismail M. Frequency of neuro-imaging in the emergency room in patients with vertigo: A cross-sectional study at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(4):582-588. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.4.7029
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.
Safety of fasting in diabetic and non-diabetic patients with stable chronic kidney disease during Ramadan
Authors: Haroon Anita , Riaz Musarrat , Rabbani Bushra , Saeed Ammarah 
Published: February 2024

Objective: To assess the safety of fasting in diabetic and non-diabetic patients with stable CKD during Ramadan.
Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted at three secondary and tertiary care hospitals of Karachi during the month of Ramadan from 25th March to 7th May 2022. Patients who met the eligibility criteria were assessed pre-Ramadan, and their baseline blood pressure, serum urea, creatinine, electrolytes, uric acid, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were documented and tracked over the course of Ramadan and up to one week post-Ramadan. Deterioration in renal functions (defined as a rise of ≥30% in serum creatinine from the baseline or the decline of ≥25% in eGFR from the baseline) was observed during the month of Ramadan.
Results: A total of 68 patients (34 males and 32 females) with the mean age 58.7±12.16 years were included in the study. Out of 66 patients, 38 were diabetic and 28 were non diabetic. Majority 23(34.8%) were stage-3a and 23(34.8%) were stage-4 followed by stage-3b in 14(21.2%), stage-2 in 3(4.5%) and stage-5 in 3(4.5%) patients respectively. Statistically significant improvement in pre and post Ramadan values of systolic and diastolic blood pressure, serum creatinine and uric acid levels were found in both diabetic and non-diabetic group (P value <0.0001).
Conclusion: Our study shows no worsening of renal functions in both diabetic and non-diabetic patients with stable CKD who intended to fast.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.4.7989
How to cite this: Haroon A, Riaz M, Rabbani B, Saeed A. Safety of fasting in diabetic and non-diabetic patients with stable chronic kidney disease during Ramadan. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(4):563-567. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.4.7989
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 efficacy of daily and alternate day maintenance treatment of GERD with Vonoprazan 10-mg using Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Symptom Assessment Scale
Authors: Rasheed Tazeen , Zuberi Bader Faiyaz , Ali Faiza Sadaqat , Hussain Sana , Kumar Pawan , Saleem Anoshia 
Published: February 2024

Objectives: To compare efficacy of 10-mg of vonoprazan daily & on alternate days by Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Symptom Assessment Scale (GSAS)
Method: This prospective interventional cohort was done at Department of Medicine/Gastroenterology Dow Medical College, Karachi, Pakistan during the period August 2022 & January 2023. Potential participants fulfilling inclusion and exclusion criteria were asked to fill out GSAS questionnaires after their written consent. Patients were allocated in to two groups using random tables. Group-A was given Tab Vonoprazan 10-mg daily for two weeks. Group-B was given Tab Vonoprazan 10-mg on alternate day. GSAS was scored by totaling scores across symptoms and then they are divided by the total number of non-missing symptom scores. Both groups were assessed week-0 & week-2.
Results: Only 90 proformas that were completely filled were included, Group-A had 30 males and 15 females while Group-B had 29 males and 16 females. No significant difference in score was found in GSAS score at week-0 except that in item ‘gurgling’ while at week two there was no significant difference between any of the items. Total GSAS score were significantly lower at Week-2 than at week-0 (p = <.001).
Conclusions: Vonoprazan of 10-mg on alternate day is equally effective as 10-mg daily in maintenance of GERD patients at two weeks.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.4.8063
How to cite this: Rasheed T, Zuberi BF, Ali FS, Hussain SM, Kumar P, Saleem A. Comparison of efficacy of daily and alternate day maintenance treatment of GERD with Vonoprazan 10-mg using Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Symptom Assessment Scale. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(4):623-628. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.4.8063
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.
Pregnancy-induced hypertension awareness, knowledge and its risk factors: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Peter Bulelwa Beatrice , Okafor Uchenna Benedine 
Published: February 2024

Background and Objective: Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) has severe implications for maternal morbidity and mortality; thus, boosting pregnant women’s awareness and knowledge of this medical condition is crucial for improving the mother’s and foetus’s health. This study assessed the awareness and knowledge of PIH and its risk factors among pregnant women in Mdantsane, South Africa.
Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 249 conveniently selected and consenting pregnant women attending antenatal care clinics in Mdantsane, Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, South Africa. A self-designed questionnaire was utilised to collect data. Descriptive statistics, chi-square (χ2) test and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed. The significance level was 0.05.
Results: Over 50% of the women were knowledgeable about PIH and associated risk factors ((χ2=4.92; p = 0.04). The prevalence of PIH was 51.8%, and married women were more aware of the PIH risk factors (71.1%). Women with previous pregnancies were more likely to be aware of PIH (OR = 17.1, 95%; CI = 9.09 to 32.15) compared to first time mothers. Women in age group 36-45 were 2.5 times more likely to be aware of PIH (OR = 2.5, 95% CI: 1.19–3.24) compared to women aged <35 years. Likewise, women aged 36-45 years were two times more likely to be knowledgeable about risk factors for PIH (OR = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.14–2.81) compared to women aged <35 years. Married women were more likely to be aware of PIH risk factors (OR = 2.70, 95% CI = 1.35-5.47) than unmarried women. Moreover, pregnancy increases the likelihood (OR=12.8, 95% CI: 6.97-23.58) of being aware of PIH risk factors. There was a significant difference between the mean ages of women who knew about PIH risk factors and those who do not (t=3.49, Mean difference = 3.49, p=0.0001, 95% CI (2.54; 4.44)).
Conclusion: The prevalence of PIH was high. Age, history of PIH, previous pregnancy, and marital status were predictors of PIH knowledge/awareness and risk factors for PIH. Context-specific health education programmes during prenatal visits are crucial to improving pregnant women’s knowledge of PIH.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.4.8247
How to cite this: Peter BB, Okafor UB. Pregnancy-induced hypertension awareness, knowledge and its risk factors: A cross-sectional study. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(4):629-636. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.4.8247
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.
Different doses of atorvastatin in the treatment of patients with cardiorenal syndrome Type-2: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zhang Ermiao , Xu Tao , Zhang Bin , Meng Lei 
Published: February 2024

Objective: To assess the cardiorenal protective effects of different doses of atorvastatin in patients with cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) Type-2.
Methods: Medical records of 113 patients with CRS Type-2, admitted to First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University from August 2021 to August 2022 and treated with atorvastatin, were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were retrospectively grouped based on the dosage of atorvastatin. A total of 38 patients who received 10mg/day atorvastatin were selected as a Low-dose group, 36 patients who received 20mg/day atorvastatin comprised a Medium-dose group, and 39 patients who received 40mg/day atorvastatin comprised a High-dose group. Cardiac function indicators (Left ventricular end-diastolic dimension [LVEDD], left ventricular end-stage systole diameter [LVESD], and left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF]), renal function indicators (creatinine [SCr], serum uric acid [SUA], heme oxygenase-1 [HO-1], urinary albumin [UALB]), and inflammatory factors (Serum interleukin-6 [IL-6], hypersensitive C-reactive protein [hs-CRP], and tumor necrosis factor -α [TNF-α]) were compared between the three groups.
Results: After the treatment, levels of renal and cardiac function indicators, and inflammatory factor indicators of the three groups were significantly improved compared to the before-treatment levels. The degree of improvement in the Medium-dose and the High-dose groups was significantly higher than in the Low-dose group (p<0.05). There were no significant differences in all cardiorenal function indicators and inflammatory factors between the Medium-dose and the High-dose groups after the treatment. During the treatment process, no adverse events were reported in all three groups.
Conclusions: In the treatment of patients with CRS Type-2, medium dose (20mg/day) atorvastatin can have the same therapeutic effect as the high dose (40mg/day) treatment. Medium dose has a good protective effect on the heart and kidneys of the patients, and helps to reduce inflammatory reactions and improve heart and kidney function.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.4.8706
How to cite this: Zhang E, Xu T, Zhang B, Meng L. Different doses of atorvastatin in the treatment of patients with cardiorenal syndrome Type-2: A retrospective cohort study. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(4):568-571. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.4.8706
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.