bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Demographic and clinical variables in the dengue epidemic in Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Saad Saira Mushtaq , Khan Malik Ihsan Ullah , Khan Muhammad Tahir , Husain Aamir 
Published: September 2023

Objectives: To identify the latest trends in the clinical picture and severity of the disease, which will help better understand and manage dengue.
Methodology: It was a cross-sectional, hospital-based study performed in the tertiary care hospitals of Punjab from August 21 to December 2022, in which serologically and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) confirmed patients with dengue infection, were enrolled. Demographic and clinical variables were recorded on a pre-tested Performa, processed and presented in frequency and percentages, and graphs were generated. Mean and standard deviation was used to present continuous variables.
Results: Out of a total of 580 patients, 472 were diagnosed with Dengue Fever (DF) and 108 with Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF). About 79.31% of the patients were male and 20.69% were females. The mean age of patients was 32.5±9 years. Among the clinical features the percentage of high-grade fever, body aches, and vomiting were the highest. The liver function profile showed that serum bilirubin, Serum aspartate transaminase (AST), serum alanine transaminase (ALT,) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels were markedly raised.
Conclusion: This study showed that with time the trends in the presentation of dengue are slowly shifting, which will help us better manage the disease burden in the future.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.6.7383
How to cite this: Mushtaq S, Khan MIU, Khan MT, Husain A. Demographic and clinical variables in the dengue epidemic in Punjab, Pakistan. Pak J Med Sci. 2023;39(6):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.6.7383
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 a Doula instrument combined with auricular acupuncture and acupoint application on numerical rating scale scores, labour time of puerperae with a natural delivery and Apgar scores of the newborns
Authors: Sun Bing , Ren Jing , Yang Ying , Yang Chunhong 
Published: September 2023

Objective: To determine how a combination of auricular acupuncture, acupoint application and the Doula instrument affects numerical rating scale (NRS) scores, labour time of puerperae and the Apgar scores of newborns during natural delivery.
Methods: This is a retrospective study. From January 2021 to December 2022, clinical data were collected from 90 healthy primiparae who completed natural delivery at Baoding Maternal and Child Health Hospital. They were divided into two groups based on different perinatal intervention methods. While the Doula instrument was used for the control group’s perinatal intervention, the study group received a combination of auricular acupuncture, acupoint application and the Doula instrument during their perinatal period.
Results: The NRS score of the study group was lower than that of the control group, demonstrating that their intergroup difference is statistically significant (P < 0.05). The incubation period, the active phase of the first stage of labour and the time of the second and third stages of work are shorter in the study group than in the control group (P < 0.05). Intergroup comparison of their one and five minutes Apgar scores demonstrates no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05). Expression levels in the study group are higher than in the control group five minutes after delivery (P < 0.05).
Conclusions: In this case, a perinatal intervention comprising auricular acupuncture, acupoint application and the Doula instrument was used for puerperae undergoing natural delivery.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.6.7451
How to cite this: Sun B, Ren J, Yang Y, Yang C. Effects of a Doula instrument combined with auricular acupuncture and acupoint application on numerical rating scale scores, labour time of puerperae with a natural delivery and Apgar scores of the newborns. Pak J Med Sci. 2023;39(6):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.6.7451
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
The effect of Dapagliflozin on renal functions in hospitalized patients with Acute Heart Failure
Authors: Gilani Syedah Fauzia Fatima , Ali Dr. Shabana , Siddique Dr. Muhammad Bilal , Farhat Dr. Kulsoom , Noor Dr. Mudassar , Waqar Dr. Farzana 
Published: September 2023

Objective: To evaluate the influence of dapagliflozin on renal functions and diuretics use in patients with acute heart failure (AHF).
Methods: This comparative analytical study was conducted at Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology, Rawalpindi from July 2022 to November 2022. Patients were distributed equally in two groups i.e. Dapagliflozin and Conventional Groups, where patients received dapagliflozin added to conventional therapy for AHF and, only conventional therapy for AHF respectively. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), serum creatinine were measured and compared on admission, after 48 hours and on discharge. Weight loss during hospitalization, daily dose of furosemide and length of hospital stay was also recorded. Quantitative parameters were analyzed using t-test or Mann Whitney U test accordingly.
Results: There were no significant baseline differences in renal functions. A modest decline in eGFR was observed in both groups after 48 hours. However, the variation in values of eGFR remained similar among both groups after 48 hours (p-value 0.365) and on discharge (p-value 0.768). Whereas, patients subjected to dapagliflozin treatment exhibited a more profound diuretic response expressed as greater weight loss (p-value < 0.001), achieved at comparatively lower doses of loop diuretics. Moreover, they also had a shorter duration of hospital stay (six vs eight days, p-value <0.001).
Conclusion: Institution of dapagliflozin did not cause any significant deterioration of renal functions, whereas; it was associated with improved diuretic response as depicted by more pronounced weight loss at comparatively lower doses of loop diuretics.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.6.7525
How to cite this: Gilani SFF, Ali S, Siddique MB, Farhat K, Noor M, Waqar F. The effect of Dapagliflozin on renal functions in hospitalized patients with Acute Heart Failure. Pak J Med Sci. 2023;39(6):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.6.7525
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.
Osteoarthritis knee and modifiable cardiovascular risk factors: play in tandem
Authors: Wagan Abrar Ahmed , Paras  , Bhutto Abdul Qadir , Asghar Ammad 
Published: September 2023

Objective: To know the frequency of modifiable cardiovascular risk factors in knee osteoarthritis patients.
Method: Cross sectional study was done at Department of Rheumatology Indus Medical College, Tando Mohammad Khan from March 25, 2022 to November 24, 2022. Total 246 Osteoarthritis of knee cases with (Kellgren-Lawrence grad-II and above) on x-ray, were selected after demographic details, blood pressure, body mass index and physical examination was done, 5ml of venous blood was drawn by phlebotomist, sent for fasting blood sugar, serum lipids analysis and Framingham 10years risk score was calculated afterward for each participant.
Results: In this study males (126) and females (120). Overall (78%) had risk factors, Patients having one CVD risk factor were (22.8%), two risk factors in (21.1%), three in (21.5%), four (9.8%) and five factors in (1.6%) while frequency of modifiable cardiovascular risk shows obesity (45.5%) hypertension (40.2%) intermediate to high risk of framingham score (40%) diabetes mellitus (25%), smoking (17%), high low density lipoproteins (8.1%). In males obesity(54.2%), hypertension (47.5% ) and (45.8%) were on medication, diabetes mellitus(31.7%), smoker(31%), high risk FRS(39.2%), K-L grade-IV (58.4%) and in females: obesity (42%), hypertension (43.7%) and (40.5%) were on medication, diabetes mellitus in (19%), smoking (4%), high risk FRS (13.5%), K-L Grade-4 (42%), significant association of diabetes mellitus, smoking, FRS and K-L grades with gender (p<0.05).
Conclusion: In OA knee there is high prevalence of modifiable cardiovascular risk factors and together these imposes a major health risk for future cardiac events and disability.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.6.7596
How to cite this: Wagan AA, Surahyo P, Bhutto AQ, Asghar A. Osteoarthritis knee and modifiable cardiovascular risk factors: play in tandem. Pak J Med Sci. 2023;39(6):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.6.7596
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.
Patient-reported outcomes of taste alterations and quality of life in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Li Jie , Shao Xiaoqian , Yu Rongling , Shi Lingyun , Xu Dejing , Yu Xiaoyan 
Published: September 2023

Objective: To investigate patient-reported outcomes of taste alterations and quality of life (QoL) in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).
Methods: In this single-center retrospective study medical records of 191 patients with NPC undergoing chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in the Department of Radiotherapy, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2021 to December 2021 were reviewed. A total of 120 patients met eligibility criteria and were included. The taste alterations and QoL at multiple time points during radiotherapy (RT) were compared.
Results: There were significant differences in the intensity of taste, discomfort, phantogeusia and parageusia or overall taste alterations at multiple time points during CRT (p-Value<0.001). These four parameters were significantly higher two or four weeks after CRT, or at the end of CRT compared to before CRT (p-Value <0.001). The intensity of taste, discomfort, phantogeusia and parageusia or overall taste alterations were all significantly higher four weeks after CRT compared to two weeks after CRT (p-Value <0.001), and at the end of CRT compared to four weeks after CRT (p-Value <0.001). The chemotherapy-induced taste alteration scale (CiTAS) scores were highest at the end of CRT (p-Value <0.001). There were significant differences in QoL at multiple time points during CRT (p-Value <0.001), and each parameter differed significantly at various time points (p <0.05). The QoL of all areas at the end of CRT were significantly higher than those before CRT, or two or four weeks after CRT (p-Value <0.001).
Conclusions: In patients with NPC undergoing CRT, taste alterations increasingly worsen as treatment progresses, with poor QoL outcomes.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.6.7830
How to cite this: Li J, Shao X, Yu R, Shi L, Xu D, Yu X. Patient-reported outcomes of taste alterations and quality of life in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Pak J Med Sci. 2023;39(6):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.6.7830
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 single intravenous injection of esketamine on quality of recovery during early period after modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer: A retrospective study
Authors: Fei Guofang , Yan Wei , Yao Huaqi 
Published: September 2023

Objective: To assess the impact of a single esketamine intravenous (IV) injection on the quality of recovery during early period after modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer.
Methods: This retrospective study included 80 patients who underwent modified radical mastectomy under general anesthesia in Huzhou Maternity & Child Health Care Hospital from March to October 2022. All patients were between 35 to 55 years, weighting between 45 and 70 kg and Grade-I or II according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA). Patients were grouped based on the type of pain management used. Patients (n=40) who were given 0.25 mg/kg esketamine single IV injection prior to completion of the surgery were assigned to Group-E, and patients (n=40) who were not treated with esketamine, comprised the control Group-C. Patients’ data, such as education years, operation time, blood loss, the 9-item Quality of Recovery (QoR-9) scores before the anesthesia induction (T0), one (T1) and two hours after the extubation (T2), the 40-item Quality of Recovery (QoR-40) scores one (D1) and two days after the surgery (D2), and the rate of adverse reactions were assessed in both groups.
Results: Compared with T0, the QoR-9 scores at T1 and T2 were markedly lower in all patients. Compared to Group-C, the QoR-9 scores at T1 and T2 in Group-E were considerably increased (P<0.05). Similarly, the QoR-40 scores on D1 and D2 in Group-E were significantly higher compared to Group-C (P<O.05).
Conclusion: Single intravenous injection of esketamine can improve the quality of the recovery of breast cancer patients during the early period after the modified radical mastectomy.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.6.8057
How to cite this: Fei G, Yan W, Yao H. Effect of single intravenous injection of esketamine on quality of recovery during early period after modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer: a retrospective study. Pak J Med Sci. 2023;39(6):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.6.8057
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.
Clinical effect of glucosamine hydrochloride combined with compound osteopeptide injection for knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Liu Mo Han , He Kang , Liu Fengxia 
Published: September 2023

Objective: To investigate the clinical efficacy of glucosamine hydrochloride combined with compound osteopeptide injection for knee osteoarthritis (KOA).
Methods: We retrospectively collected clinical data of 82 patients with KOA admitted to Shandong Weifang People’s Hospital from April 2019 to September 2022. According to the treatment records, 35 patients received an intramuscular injection of compound osteopeptide (control group), and 47 patients received an injection of glucosamine hydrochloride combined with compound osteopeptide (observation group). We compared clinical efficacy, WOMAC scores, inflammatory factor and CD4+ and CD8+ levels, and the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups.
Results: The observation group’s total efficacy (95.74%) was significantly higher than the control group’s (80.00%; P<0.05). Treatment led to a significant reduction in WOMAC scores in both groups. In addition, the levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05); while the levels of CD4+ and CD8+ were significantly higher in the observation group (P<0.05).
Conclusions: Compared with compound osteopeptide injection alone, glucosamine hydrochloride combined with compound osteopeptide injection is more effective for patients with KOA, with improved level of inflammatory factors and immune function.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.6.8151
How to cite this: Liu MH, He K, Liu F. Clinical effect of glucosamine hydrochloride combined with compound osteopeptide injection for knee osteoarthritis. Pak J Med Sci. 2023;39(6):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.6.8151
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.
Efficacy and safety of Telitacicept in patients with IgA nephropathy
Authors: Liang Dongrui , Li Xiaodong 
Published: September 2023

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.6.8393
How to cite this: Liang D, Li X. Efficacy and safety of Telitacicept in patients with IgA nephropathy. Pak J Med Sci. 2023;39(6):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.6.8393
Operative vaginal deliveries – a relic of the past or a promising prospect?
Authors: Skotalczyk Magdalena , Łokczewska-Bojar Aleksandra , Kuziemkowska Daria , Łącka-Majcher Anna , Tarsa Grzegorz , Kępka Przemysław , Sudelska Katarzyna , Ben Rhaiem Rami , Kuźma Jan , Sawińska Zuzanna 
Published: September 2023

Introduction: Growing development of obstetrics and gynecology was followed by a decrease in the frequency of operative vaginal deliveries. This occurrence has been observed over the years, coming hand in hand with an increasing popularity of caesarean sections. Operative vaginal deliveries include vacuum deliveries and forceps deliveries, which both may be an alternative to some cases of emergency caesarean sections.
Aim of the study: The aim of our study was to depict the most important aspects of operative vaginal deliveries, analyze their complications, and to try to compare the consequences of mentioned techniques. Careful analysis of these issues can facilitate the decision-making process in obstetric practice.
Materials and methods: A review of the current literature was made in the accessible PubMed and Google Scholar database, using the keywords: „operative vaginal deliveries”, „forceps delivery”, „vacuum delivery”. Moreover, textbooks concerning obstetrics and gynecology were reviewed in terms of operative vaginal deliveries.
Conclusions: Both forceps and vacuum deliveries have variety of uses, especially in cases of slowed progress of the second stage of labor. They both have distinct differences, the analysis of which may help the obstetrician to choose the best possible method for each case. These techniques may prove to be a useful tool in preventing unnecessary caesarean sections and their complications, especially when performed by experienced doctors.
Pruritus. Pathomechanism, management and novel treatment
Authors: Józefiak Maciej , Kania Joanna , Sobkiewicz Piotr , Kania Krzysztof , Niekurzak Karolina , Jędrak Maciej 
Published: September 2023

Introduction
Itching is an unpleasant sensation that is commonly experienced in the general population. It accompanies many diseases. This sensory experience is burdensome and significantly reduces the quality of life. The mechanism of itching is complex. It involves receptors, the histaminergic and non-histaminergic pathways, cytokines, neuropeptides, neurotransmitters, proteases, and enzymes. External factors such as temperature or capsaicin also influence itching.
Aim of the study
This review presents the current state of knowledge regarding therapy in the treatment of itching. Also aims to show that it is a complicated process. Pruritus is a very bothersome sensory sensation and is a common symptom.
Material and methods
This review was based on scientific books on human physiology and dermatology were used, which are listed in the bibliography and available data collected in the PubMed and Google Scholar database. Using key words: itch, management, pathogenesis, pathophysiology, pruritus, therapeutics, treatments.
Conclusion
The latest research on itching has led to a better understanding of this complex mechanism. As a result, there is a possibility of discovering new, innovative treatment methods that are targeted at specific elements of this process or work systemically. Understanding the broad etiology assists in identifying the cause and in implementing an appropriate therapeutic strategy. Further research will enable improvements in treatment and enhance patient comfort.
Pancreatic cancer - diagnosis, risk factors and treatment. Literature review
Authors: Olczyk Krzysztof 
Published: September 2023

Pancreatic cancer is a highly aggressive tumor. Due to the lack of characteristic symptoms, it is usually detected in the advanced stage. Resection of the tumor is possible only in 10-20% of all patients, which significantly extends and improves the quality of their life. Therefore, new diagnostic methods are sought to detect PCDA at an early stage. Biomarkers are also increasingly being used in the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, as well as genetic testing to better identify those at risk and use screening among them. Despite the development of treatments for pancreatic cancer, it still has a low 5-year survival rate, so there is a constant need for research into more effective therapeutic modalities.
Stress syndromes of the elbow joint region (golfer's/tennis elbow) - a review of the recent literature
Authors: Zwolski Maciej , Puchalski Krzysztof , Klocek Konrad , Hajduk Aleksandra , Mrozek Łukasz , Kostecki Bartosz , Szumlas Zuzanna , Jurek Aleksander , Tekielak Anna 
Published: September 2023

Introduction and Purpose: Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow are two stress syndromes of the elbow joint region which have received much attention due to their effects on everyday and sporting activities. This review intends to provide an up-to-date summary of the pathophysiology, clinical manifestation, diagnostic techniques, and treatment options for the two conditions.
State of Knowledge: Recent research has emphasized the complexity of these diseases, connecting various causes to their emergence. The current study also shows how inflammation, tendon degradation, and neural involvement contribute to these disorders. Imaging advancements, such as ultrasound and MRI, have improved the diagnostic process by allowing visualization and recognition of underlying disorders. To ensure proper management, differential diagnoses, such as nerve compression syndromes and other musculoskeletal diseases, must be carefully evaluated. Rest, physiotherapy, NSAIDs, and corticosteroid injections are important first-line treatments. Novel therapeutic interventions, such as PRP therapy and ESWT have recently been studied as supplements or alternatives to traditional procedures. The exercise-based rehabilitation in controlling and preventing recurrence is also emphasized. Although surgery is reserved for the most difficult cases, advances in minimally invasive techniques have resulted in better outcomes.
Conclusion: Recent literature has significantly contributed to our understanding of elbow stress syndromes. The synthesis of recent research provides clinicians with valuable insights into optimal management strategies. Although, further research is crucial to improve diagnosis, develop new treatments, and raise the standard of care for those affected by these conditions.
Petit territoire et marchés des groupes de presse locale
Authors: Joux Alexandre , Amiel Pauline 
Published: September 2023

Alors que la PQR joue la carte de la concentration pour faire face notamment à la baisse de la publicité, le Groupe La Provence ne peut pas mobiliser ces leviers. Confronté à un marché local limité, il parvient toutefois à augmenter ses recettes publicitaires grâce à une stratégie de diversification. Il déploie un ensemble d’activités en ligne, mais aussi des « hubs » thématiques qui mobilisent les acteurs du territoire. Toutes ces activités sont fédérées sous une marque-ombrelle, « La Provence », portée par l’expertise de la rédaction qui sert ici à crédibiliser les nouveaux projets. Les synergies ainsi créées permettent à la régie de proposer une offre de communication globale qui essaime même au-delà de son petit marché.