bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anxiety, Depression, Loneliness, Spirituality, and Social Support in Older People During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Widiani Esti , Hidayah Nurul , Hanan Abdul 
Published: January 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the threat of death. Some older people feel they are not ready to face the end of their lives, so psychosocial problems arise, such as loneliness, anxiety, and depression. This research study aims to explore some psychosocial aspects, namely spirituality, social support, depression, anxiety, and loneliness in the elderly during the pandemic. The research design was cross-sectional. The total sample was 142 people selected using the purposive sampling method. Data collection used various scales to look at spirituality, depression, anxiety, and loneliness. The results showed that median spirituality and social support scores were high. The median depression and loneliness scores were mild. The average anxiety score for the elderly was normal. Based on the Pearson and Spearman correlation tests, relationships were shown between spirituality and anxiety scores, social support and anxiety scores, anxiety and depression scores, and loneliness and depression scores. The elderly need spirituality and social support when facing the end of life, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, to prevent the emergence of psychosocial problems. Social support and high spirituality must be maintained, even though the pandemic has subsided, in case such a health crisis occurs again.

Abstrak
Kecemasan, Depresi, Kesepian, Spiritualitas, dan Dukungan Sosial pada Lansia Saat Pandemi COVID-19. Pandemi COVID-19 mengancam banyak jiwa. Sebagian dari lansia merasa belum siap menghadapi akhir kehidupan seperti kematian sehingga muncul masalah psikososial seperti kesepian, cemas, dan depresi. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui aspek psikososial lansia yaitu spiritualitas, dukungan sosial, depresi, kecemasan, dan kesepian selama pandemi COVID-19. Desain penelitian yang digunakan adalah cross-sectional. Jumlah sampel sebanyak 142 orang yang dipilih dengan metode purposive sampling. Pengumpulan data menggunakan berbagai kuisioner untuk melihat spiritualitas, depresi, kecemasan, dan kesepian. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa median skor spiritualitas dan dukungan sosial termasuk tinggi. Nilai median depresi dan kesepian tergolong ringan. Rata-rata skor kecemasan lansia adalah normal. Berdasarkan uji korelasi Pearson dan Spearman, ditunjukkan hubungan antara skor spiritualitas dan kecemasan, skor dukungan sosial dan kecemasan, skor kecemasan dan depresi, serta skor kesepian dan depresi. Lansia membutuhkan spiritualitas dan dukungan sosial dalam menghadapi akhir kehidupan maupun saat pandemi COVID-19 untuk mencegah munculnya masalah psikososial. Dukungan sosial dan spiritualitas yang tinggi harus tetap dijaga, walaupun pandemi COVID-19 sudah mereda, agar mampu bertahan jika krisis kesehatan muncul kembali.
Kata Kunci: depresi, dukungan sosial, kecemasan, kesepian, spiritualitas
Family Caregivers’ Preparedness with Death And Dying: An Ethnographic Study
Authors: Rochmawati Erna , Wiechula Rick 
Published: January 2024

Death and dying is a complex process and influenced by belief and culture. Understanding the cultural practice is therefore important to enable providing quality end-of-life care. This paper focus in reporting how family caregivers prepare and deal with death and dying within palliative care context. This study was a contemporary ethnographic study that deriving data from observations and informal interviews. Field observation and informal interviews were conducted over three months with 21 patients’ relatives. Data was analyzed using ethnographic data analysis framework. Dealing with death and dying relates to how this was experienced and managed by the patient’s relatives. Three subthemes emerged: secret, ritual practices at end- of-life, and respect. Ritual practices at end-of-life demonstrate how religious and cultural influence during the event. The findings of the current research have identified the practice during death and dying of family caregivers that include fulfilment of patient’s wishes. An understanding of integral cultural element to death and dying is important to enable providing quality palliative care and end-of life care.

Abstrak
Kesiapan Keluarga dalam Kematian dan Akhir Hayat: Penelitian Etnografi. Kematian dan akhir kehidupan adalah proses yang kompleks, dan dipengaruhi oleh kepercayaan dan budaya. Oleh karena itu, memahami praktik budaya penting untuk dapat memberikan perawatan akhir kehidupan yang berkualitas. Penelitian ini berfokus dalam melaporkan bagaimana keluarga mempersiapkan dan menangani kematian dan kematian dalam konteks perawatan paliatif. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian etnografi kontemporer yang mengambil data dari observasi dan wawancara informal. Observasi lapangan dan wawancara informal dilakukan selama tiga bulan dengan 21 kerabat pasien. Analisis data menggunakan kerangka analisis data etnografi. Berurusan dengan kematian dan sekarat berkaitan dengan bagaimana hal ini dialami dan dikelola oleh kerabat pasien. Tiga subtema muncul; rahasia, praktik ritual di akhir kehidupan dan rasa hormat. Praktik ritual di akhir hayat menunjukkan bagaimana pengaruh agama dan budaya selama acara berlangsung. Temuan penelitian saat ini telah mengidentifikasi bagaimana praktik selama kematian dan sekarat pengasuh keluarga. Pemahaman tentang elemen budaya integral kematian dan sekarat penting untuk memungkinkan memberikan perawatan paliatif berkualitas dan perawatan akhir hidup.
Kata kunci: agama/spiritualitas, akhir kehidupan, etnografi, keluarga yang merawat, kematian dan akhir hayat, praktik ritual
GSDMD suppresses keratinocyte differentiation by inhibiting FLG expression and attenuating KCTD6-mediated HDAC1 degradation in atopic dermatitis
Authors: Zhong Yi , Huang Taoyuan , Li Xiaoli , Luo Peiyi , Zhang Bingjun 
Published: January 2024

Background
Recent studies have shown that activated pyroptosis in atopic dermatitis (AD) switches inflammatory processes and causes abnormal cornification and epidermal barrier dysfunction. Little research has focused on the interaction mechanism between pyroptosis-related genes and human keratinocyte differentiation.

Methods
The AD dataset from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) was used to identify differently expressed pyroptosis-related genes (DEPRGs). Hub genes were identified and an enrichment analysis was performed to select epithelial development-related genes. Lesions of AD patients were detected via immunohistochemistry (IHC) to verify the hub gene. Human keratinocytes cell lines, gasdermin D (GSDMD) overexpression, Caspase1 siRNA, Histone Deacetylase1 (HDAC1) siRNA, and HDAC1 overexpression vectors were used for gain-and-loss-of-function experiments. Regulation of cornification protein was determined by qPCR, western blot (WB), immunofluorescence (IF), dual-luciferase reporter assay, co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP), and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP).

Results
A total of 27 DEPRGs were identified between either atopic dermatitis non-lesional skin (ANL) and healthy control (HC) or atopic dermatitis lesional skin (AL) and HC. The enrichment analysis showed that these DEPRGs were primarily enriched in the inflammatory response and keratinocytes differentiation. Of the 10 hub genes identified via the protein-protein interaction network, only GSDMD was statistically and negatively associated with the expression of epithelial tight junction core genes. Furthermore, GSDMD was upregulated in AD lesions and inhibited human keratinocyte differentiation by reducing filaggrin (FLG) expression. Mechanistically, GSDMD activated by Caspase1 reduced FLG expression via HDAC1. HDAC1 decreased FLG expression by reducing histone acetylation at the FLG promoter. In addition, GSDMD blocked the interaction of Potassium Channel Tetramerization Domain Containing 6 (KCTD6) and HDAC1 to prohibit HDAC1 degradation.

Conclusion
This study revealed that GSDMD was upregulated in AD lesions and that GSDMD regulated keratinocytes via epigenetic modification, which might provide potential therapeutic targets for AD.
Homeostatic, Glucolytic and Lipolytic Presentations Before and after Soccer Game
Authors: Solomon Agoro, Eni-Yimini , Peter Alabrah, Waibode , Simeon George, Gborienemi , Martins Wankasi, Mieebi 
Published: January 2024

Soccer is a worldwide game played for health, entertainment and economic purposes. The effect of soccer activities on homeostatic, glucolytic and lipolytic biochemical parameters were estimated before and after 90 minutes of a full-time game. Twenty-two (22) male soccer players from a second-tier squad took part in the investigation. The biochemical parameters which included serum electrolytes, plasma glucose, serum proteins and lipids were analyzed using standard WHO-approved methods. All data were analyzed using student t-test on SPSS 23 version. The study showed that there was a significant increase in the concentrations of glucose & a decrease in potassium (p<0.05) after the soccer game. The other parameters analyzed were not significant. In conclusion, glucose and potassium concentrations should be monitored before and after regular exercise to avoid possible adverse outcomes associated with hypoglycaemia and/or hyperkalemia.
Packets’ Congestion Management with Fuzzy Admission Control Policy for Differentiated Service Networks
Authors: Akinwale Adio T. , Sodiya Adesina S. , Akinleye Simeon A. , Gbadebo Adegbuyi D. 
Published: January 2024

This study presents a priority-based admission control system for ensuring stability in a differentiated service network using a fuzzified admission policy. Packets of varying sizes of data were transmitted from N sources through a traffic conditioner which categorizes the packets into two independent sources, consequently classifying them into “high” and “low” priorities. While class A packets are not denied admission into the buffer, this is not the case with packets of class B. Arrivals from both sources follow a Poisson distribution process of\(\alpha\)(k) = (\(\lambda\) /k!)e -\(\lambda\) . It is assumed that r > h / \(\mu\) in order to avoid a situation in which a class B arrival is denied admission while the system is empty. The arrival rates \(\lambda\) 1 \(\in\) [02\(\mu\) ) and \(\lambda\)2 \(\in\) [02 \(\alpha\)) serve as fuzzy inputs with four linguistic values while the output is a decision, d. Simulation started with an initial state, zero and system performance for the first 300time units was monitored. Results indicate that the admission controller admits arriving class B packets provided that the value of y ≤ 4 while it denied admission to arriving class B packets when y > 4, thus giving a threshold policy of y=4 . Arrivals denied admission are dropped and transmitted to the “tree manager” via the bottleneck router. These packets are arranged as nodes in an AVL tree structure which adopts tree properties to manage and transmit nodes to the buffer based on node rotations.
Study of Genetic Drifts in Some Fat Mass and Obesity Associated Gene Variatiants in Type 2 Diabetics in Some Ethinic Groups Residing in Delta State, Nigeria
Authors: Osere H. , Brown H. , Elechi-Amadi K. N. 
Published: January 2024

Aim: Detailing and distribution of some predominant FTO genes among subjects with diabetes mellitus selected from Igbo, Ika, Ijaw and Isoko tribes of Delta state, Nigeria.
Study Design: Case-control, observational study.
Place and Duration of Study: Federal Medical Center, Asaba, Delta State and Safety Molecular Pathology Laboratory Enugu, Nigeria, between March 2020 and Febuary 2022.
Methodology:100 subjects (20 diabetic and 5 non diabetic from each of the four tribes; age range; 28-74 years) Venous blood was collected for the assay of FBS, Hb1ac and molecular assay of four variants of FTO (Fat Mass and Obesity Associated) gene. Results obtained were statistically analysed.
Result: The genotypes identified in the subjects were AA, GA, GG, AC, CC, TT, and AT. AA (Ijaw 17, Urhobo 18, Ika 18, Igbo 19) and GG (Ijaw 17, Urhobo 18, Ika 19, Igbo 18) had highest level of occurrence in all tribes. Recombinant genotype and recessive allele had higher number of subjects as compared to the originating genotypes. Hardy- Weinberg statistics demonstrated significant genetic deviations in rs2388405(AA -0.12 x2 =0.0002, GA 0.12 x2=0.002) rs201041270(GG-0.12 x2 =0.0002, GA 2.12 x2=0.002), and rs8050136 (CC -0.34 x2 =0.001, AC 2.32, x2=0.05) proving a chance of finding new SNP in the studied population with a probability of 2.25 as seen in the odd ratio of T allele in Igbo tribe.
Conclusion: Statistically significant genetic drifts exist in the studied population.
Clinicopathologic Features and Factors Related to Survival of Patients with Small Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Hepatic Resection
Authors: Chen Jui‐Yu , Chau Gar‐Yang , Lui Wing‐Yiu , Tsay Shyh‐Haw , King Kuang‐Liang , Wu Chew‐Wun 
Published: February 2003

AbstractHepatic resection for small hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) offers patients a chance of cure but is associated with a significant tumor recurrence rate. We characterized 145 resected small HCCs and defined patients who would most benefit from hepatic resection. A retrospective study was conducted of 485 HCC patients who had undergone curative resection. The clinical features and survival rates of patients with HCCs ≤ 3 cm (group 1, n = 145) were compared with those of patients with HCCs > 3 cm (group 2, n = 340). Compared with group 2 patients, group 1 had worse liver function, a higher frequency of hepatitis C infection, and a lower α‐fetoprotein level. The 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year disease‐free survival rates of group 1 were better than those of group 2 (82%, 59%, and 42% vs. 56%, 39%, and 31%, respectively) (p < 0.001). From the sixth postoperative year onward, the proportions of disease‐free survivors were not significantly different between the two groups (32% vs. 31%). By multivariate analysis, factors influencing small‐HCC patients’ outcomes were tumor centrally located (p = 0.003), indocyanine green retention rate > 10% (p = 0.017), and albumin level < 3.7 g/dl (p = 0.004). A clinical risk scoring system incorporating these factors correlated closely with the patients’ outcomes and it may be used to select patients who would most benefit from hepatic resection.
Etiology of the Resting Myoelectric Activity of the Levator Ani Muscle: Physioanatomic Study with a New Theory
Authors: Shafik Ahmed , Doss Sameh , Asaad Soheir 
Published: February 2003

AbstractOf all the striated muscles in the bodies of mammals, only the pelvic floor muscles, which include the levator ani (LA), have resting electric activity. The cause and function of this resting myoelectric activity are not exactly known. The current study investigated the effect of intraabdominal pressure (IAP) and visceral weight on the electromyographic (EMG) activity of the LA, seeking to elucidate its cause and function. A series of 18 subjects (12 women, 6 men, mean age 38.6 years) were subjected to laparoscopic cholecystectomy for calcular cholecystitis. Prior to cholecystectomy, the resting LA EMG and IAP were recorded with the patient in the recumbent and erect positions. During laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the IAP was elevated by CO2 insufflation in increments of 5 cm of H2O, and the LA EMG activity was recorded for the recumbent and vertical positions during inflation and after deflation at the end of the operation. In 5/18 patients in whom laparoscopic cholecystectomy was extended to open cholecystectomy, the IAP and LA EMG were also registered. The study also included histologic examination of the LA muscle from 15 cadavers (7 adults, 8 neonates). Levator ani EMG increased (p < 0.05) on standing. At operation, IAP elevation was associated with a significant increase of LA EMG activity. On deflation, the IAP and LA EMG activity level returned to the pre‐insufflation state. In open cholecystectomy, the IAP was zero and the LA EMG recorded no activity for the recumbent position, but there was an activity for the vertical position. Histologically, the lateral part of the LA in the adult cadavers consisted solely of skeletal muscle fibers. Proceeding medially, smooth muscle fibers started to appear and gradually increase until, at the midportion, the LA split into two layers, a deep layer consisting of smooth muscle fibers and a superficial layer consisting of skeletal fibers. In neonates, the LA was composed of purely skeletal muscle fibers. The LA EMG activity seems to be related to both the IAP and the visceral weight. It is probably attributable to the presence of smooth muscle bundles in the LA muscle. The LA EMG activity increased with the elevation of the IAP and visceral weight, which resulted in increased muscle tone to oppose the augmented pressure or weight. This effect seems to be mediated through the straining‐levator reflex. A chronic increase of IAP or visceral overload is suggested to affect muscle integrity and function.
Fractures in Patients with Primary Hyperparathyroidism: Nationwide Follow‐up Study of 1201 Patients
Authors: Vestergaard Peter , Mosekilde Leif 
Published: February 2003

AbstractParathyroid hormone (PTH) increases bone turnover and may thus increase fracture risk. As PTH secretion is increased in primary hyperparathyroidism, surgical cure may prevent fractures. We studied fracture risk before and after diagnosis in patients treated surgically and conservatively for primary hyperparathyroidism. All 1201 patients with newly diagnosed primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) between 1982 and 1996 in Denmark were identified through the Danish Hospital Discharge Register. Each patient was compared with three age‐ and gender‐matched controls randomly drawn from the background population. Those who were treated surgically (n = 841; mean age 58.6 ± 14.6 years) were significantly younger than those who were not (n = 360; 65.5 ± 16.8 years; 2p < 0.01); they had higher plasma ionized calcium (1.58 ± 0.16 vs. 1.50 ± 0.10 mmol/L; 2p = 0.03) and tended to have lower lumbar spine bone mineral Z‐scores (–0.72 ± 1.35 vs. 0.05 ± 1.05; 2p = 0.06). Before diagnosis, fracture risk was elevated in both those who subsequently underwent surgery [incidence rate ratio (IRR) 1.45, 95% CI 1.05–1.99] and in those who did not (IRR 1.59, 95% CI 1.10–2.29). After diagnosis, no difference in fracture risk was present between surgically and nonsurgically treated patients. The risk of death was significantly lower in the operated patients than in those who did not have surgery (RR 0.58, 95% CI 0.47–0.73). No differences in fracture risk could be demonstrated between those who had and those who did not have surgery, taking age, gender, and previous fractures into account.
Analysis of Failure in Living Donor Liver Transplantation: Differential Outcomes in Children and Adults
Authors: Goldstein Michael J. , Salame Ephrem , Kapur Sandip , Kinkhabwala Milan , LaPointe‐Rudow Diane , Harren Patricia , Lobritto Steven J. , Russo Mark , Brown Robert S. , Cataldegirmen Guellue , Weinberg Alan , Renz John F. , Emond Jean C. 
Published: February 2003

AbstractOver the past decade we have reported excellent outcomes in pediatric living‐donor liver transplantation (LDLT) with recipient survival exceeding 90%. Principles established in these patients were extended to LDLT in adults. To compare outcomes in donors and recipients between adult and pediatric LDLT in a single center, we reviewed patient records of 45 LDLT performed between 1/98 and 2/01: 23 adult LDLT (54 ± 6.5 yr) and 22 pediatric LDLT (33.7 ± 53.5 months). Preoperative liver function was worse in adults (International Normalized Ratio [INR] 1.5 ± 0.4 vs. INR 1.2 ± 0.5; p = 0.032). 4 adults (17%) met criteria for status 1 or 2A. Only 1 child was transplanted urgently. Analysis included descriptive statistics and Kaplan‐Meier estimation. Donor mortality was 0% with 1 re‐exploration, 2.4%. Median hospital stay (LOS) was 6.0 days (range, 4–12 days). Donor morbidity and LOS did not differ by sex, extent of hepatectomy, or adult and pediatric LDLT (p = 0.49). In contrast, recipient outcomes were worse for adults. Adult 1 year graft survival was 65% (3 retransplants [ReTx], 5 deaths) vs. 91% for children (1 ReTx, 1 death) p = 0.02. Graft losses in adults were due to sepsis (n = 3), small for size (n = 2), suicide, and hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT), whereas in children graft losses were due to portal thrombosis and total parenteral nutrition (TPN) liver failure. Biliary leaks occurred in 22% of adults and 9% of children. Hepatic vein obstruction occurred in 17% of adults and in none of the children. Median LOS was comparable (adult, 16.5 days (range, 7–149 days); child, 17 days (range, 10–56 days), p = 0.2). Graft function (total bilirubin (TBili) < 5mg/dl, INR < 1.2, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) < 100 U/l) normalizing by day 4 in children and by day 14 in adults. Adults fared worse, with an array of problems not seen in children, in particular, hepatic vein obstruction and small‐for‐size syndrome. Biliary leaks were diagnosed later in adults and were lethal in 3 cases; this was later avoided with biliary drainage in adult recipients. Finally, use of LDLT in decompensated adults led to death in 3 of 4 patients, and should be restricted to elective use.
Decline in Popularity of General Surgery as a Career Choice in North America: Review of Postgraduate Residency Training Selection in Canada, 1996–2001
Authors: Marschall Jeff G. , Karimuddin Ahmer A. 
Published: February 2003

AbstractThere has been a perception that fewer medical students are currently pursuing careers in general surgery. To investigate the validity of this premise we reviewed the Canadian Residency Matching Service (CaRMS) database from 1996 to 2001 and identified recent trends in graduates’ selections. Three surgical specialties–general surgery, orthopedic surgery, obstetrics and gynecology—were chosen for analysis as “poor lifestyle” specialties. They were compared to anesthesia, diagnostic radiology, and ophthalmology, which were chosen as representative “good lifestyle” specialties. Linear regression and chi‐square analyses were performed to identify significant changes in applications to each specialty. A negative trend in first‐choice applications to all three “poor lifestyle” specialties was observed, whereas all three “good lifestyle” specialties experienced increased first‐choice applicants. Potential factors influencing medical student residency selection are discussed, emphasizing the reduced number of first‐choice applicants to general surgery.