bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlative study between apparent diffusion coefficient value and grading of cervical cancer
Authors: Ghardon Sally Safwat Lotfy , Hemida Reda , Borg Mohamed A. , Sallam Hany F. , Ahmed Hala Maher 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background
Studying cervical cancer is critical as it is the third most common gynecological malignancy. Therefore, a precise preoperative evaluation of the characteristics of the disease as well as prognosis may significantly aid in the diagnosis of cervical carcinoma as well as planning of its treatment.

The purpose of the study
To investigate if the value of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) could be interpreted as a prognostic indicator to predict cervical cancer aggressiveness prior to management.

Results
The value of ADC for high- and low-grade cervical cancer was statistically significantly different. Patients with histological grade I had significantly higher ADC in comparison with those with grade II (1.04 ± 0.07 vs. 0.82 ± 0.02 × 10−3 mm2/s; p < 0.001) and those with grade III (1.04 ± 0.07 vs. 0.67 ± 0.05 × 10−3 mm2/s; p < 0.001). In addition, patients with grade II had significantly higher ADC in comparison with those with grade III (0.82 ± 0.02 vs. 0.67 ± 0.05 × 10−3 mm2/s; p < 0.001).

Conclusions
Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is one of the non-contrast imaging modalities which is identical for quantitative as well as morphological information. Combined DWI with apparent diffusion coefficient value can perform better in detecting cervical cancer and grading.
Role of interventional radiology in management of post-liver transplant anastomotic complications
Authors: Maaty Mohamed El-Gharib Abo El , Ibrahim Ayman Mohamed , Soliman Ahmed Hassan , Mohamed Alaa Hamdy 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background
Liver transplantation is considered to be the treatment of choice in cases of end-stage liver disease; however, as a major procedure, the operation is fraught with complications. The etiology, symptoms, and diagnostic methods for arterial, portal, and biliary issues are thoroughly discussed. Interventional procedures such as balloon angioplasty and stent placement in the arterial and portal systems, as well as biliary interventional procedures, are described.

Results
In our study, we reviewed 25 cases of post-living donor transplanted liver, with anastomotic complications including biliary stenosis 40%, hepatic vein stenosis 20%, portal vein stenosis 16%, biliary leakage 16%, and hepatic artery stenosis or pseudo-aneurysm 16%. We had 10 cases of biliary stenosis, 7 of which were successfully treated with the insertion of an internal/external drain, and one case failed. Two patients died. We had four cases of hepatic venous obstruction with successfully implanted stents and a perfect outcome, efficacy, and patency rate of 100%. We also had two cases of hepatic artery stenosis that were perfectly managed by stent placement, with a patency rate of 100%. We came across two cases of hepatic artery pseudo-aneurysm. One case failed due to large sac size, while the other was successful. Finally, in our study, we had a 100% success rate in 5 cases of portal vein stenosis in the early postoperative period.

Conclusions
Percutaneous IR was effective treatment for hepatic vein occlusion, portal vein stenosis, hepatic artery stenosis, and anastomotic biliary stricture after living donor liver transplantation. The interventional radiology team is now an integral part of the multi-disciplinary care of transplant patients. As new interventional instruments are developed and experience is gained, the outcomes of interventional treatments will continue to improve.
Diagnostic validity of serum YKL-40 as a non-invasive diagnostic marker of oesophageal varices in cirrhotic hepatitis C virus patients
Authors: Hanno Abdelfattah , EL-Kady Ali M. , Bedewy Essam , Abo Elwafa Reham A. , Ahmed Mohammed S. 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background
Liver cirrhosis is the last phase of chronic hepatitis C virus infection. During the compensated phase, portal pressure is still below the point where varices start to form. On the contrary, decompensated individuals have clinically significant portal hypertension. YKL-40 protein is categorized as an inflammatory protein and is related to various different variables in expressing the severity of hepatic fibrosis, including hepatic venous pressure gradient. The objective of this research was to evaluate the diagnostic validity of serum YKL-40 in cirrhotic hepatitis C virus patients as a predictive non-invasive marker for the diagnosis of oesophageal varices and to compare it to other non-invasive clinical, laboratory, and ultrasonographic parameters, as well as endoscopy with and without treatment modalities.

Results
The present research was done on 80 participants visiting the Tropical Medicine Department at the Main University Hospital in Alexandria; they were divided into four groups, group I (n = 20) cirrhotic patients with no oesophageal varices, group II (n = 20) with small varices, group IIIa (n = 20) with large varices, and group IIIb same patients of group IIIa but after disappearance of varices by band ligation and medical treatment with carvedilol and group IV as apparently healthy control. YKL-40 in serum was evaluated using ELISA. Serum YKL-40 was statistically significantly higher in all cirrhotic patients than healthy controls (p = <0.001). Furthermore, it was statistically significantly greater in patients with small varices compared to those without varices (p = <0.001) and in large varices rather than no varices or small varices (p < 0.001) and (p < 0.001) respectively. However, there was no statistically significant difference between IIIa and IIIb (p = 0.881). In all tested groups, there was no correlation between serum YKL-40 and FIB-4 or APRI. However, only participants in group I exhibited a significant negative correlation between serum YKL-40 and AST/ALT ratio, whereas subjects in groups II and IIIa exhibited no significant correlation.

Conclusion
Serum YKL-40 could be used as a sensitive non-invasive predictor for diagnosis and grading of oesophageal varices but not for follow up after treatment.
Agents that can be used in medical treatment of meconium ileus and comparison of their efficacy
Authors: Madenci Hasan 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background
Aim: This study was conducted to determine the efficacy of medical agents currently used or potentially used in the medical treatment of meconium ileus and to contribute to the medical treatment of meconium ileus.

Materials and method
In our study, meconium causing meconium ileus or normal meconium obtained voluntarily from healthy newborns at birth was used. A total of 2 g meconium sample was placed in each test tube. Six experimental groups were formed by adding saline solution, N-acetylcysteine, amidotrizoate, pancreatic enzymes, fibrinolytic enzyme, and probiotic bacteria on the meconium samples. All experimental groups were kept at 36 °C and over 90% humidity for 6 h. The resulting mixtures were centrifuged at 2500 rpm for 5 min.
The solid gel-like part and the liquid part were separated. The volumes of the liquid portions and the weights of the gel portions were measured. Gels were placed on a glass substrate to compare the flowability of the gel portions. After 30 min, how much the gel-like meconiums moved from the starting point was recorded. Liquid volumes were measured in milliliters (ml), weights in grams (g), and distance in millimeters (mm).

Results
It was determined that the solid part weights of N-acetylcysteine and amidotrizoate groups increased, while the solid part weights of the other groups decreased. It was determined that the decrease in solid part weights was mostly in the probiotic bacteria group. Test correlation between liquid fraction volume and solid weight was statistically determined. The group that moved the most on the glass substrate was the N-acetylcysteine group.

Conclusions
Our study also showed that the gastrographin and NAC groups do indeed attract liquid to solid meconium. They cause an increase in solid part weight. Probiotic bacteria and pancreatic enzymes were found effective in terms of movement on the glass surface in the meconium samples they were applied to. The fibrinolytic enzyme produced for in vivo environment was found to be ineffective in the in vitro environment in our study.
We think that pancreatic enzymes and probiotic bacteria can also be used in the medical treatment of meconium ileus.
Avoiding electromechanical instability or loss of tension of dielectric elastomer generators with position-controlled cycles for enhanced energy harvesting
Authors: Fan Peng , Zhu Zicai , Lu Tongqing 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
The maximum energy density of a dielectric elastomer generator (DEG) represents the potential energy harvesting capacity, which is determined by the material failure modes. The maximum energy density and the failure modes of DEGs in a force-controlled energy harvesting cycle have been evaluated. However, the position-controlled energy harvesting cycle that is widely used in DEGs has not been investigated. This paper explores the energy harvesting capacity of DEGs with rigid and flexible connections in a position-controlled cycle. The failure modes in a position-controlled cycle are analyzed and the electromechanical instability of DEGs with rigid and flexible connections is mainly focused on. On this basis, we study the maximum energy density of DEGs with diverse connections under different loading configurations. The results show that, compared with the force-controlled cycle, the position-controlled cycle can enhance the energy harvesting capacity of DEGs due to the avoidance of electromechanical instability or loss of tension. The conclusions and methods can help to evaluate the energy harvesting capacity and provide a safe region for the optimal design of DEGs in a position-controlled cycle.
DNA Methylation in Gestational Diabetes and its Predictive Value for Postpartum Glucose Disturbances
Authors: Ballesteros Mónica , Gil-Lluís Pilar , Ejarque Miriam , Diaz-Perdigones Cristina , Martinez-Guasch Laia , Fernández-Veledo Sonia , Vendrell Joan , Megía Ana 
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Context
DNA methylation in the diagnosis of gestational diabetes.

Objective
To assess the value of DNA methylation in the diagnosis of gestational diabetes (GDM) and in the prediction of maternal postpartum glucose disturbances.

Methods
Two-stage observational study performed between July 2006 and December 2010, at University Hospital. Forty-eight randomly selected pregnant women formed the discovery cohort (24 with GDM and 24 controls) and 252 pregnant women (94 with GDM and 158 controls) formed the replication cohort. GDM women were re-evaluated 4 years postpartum. The main outcome measures were GDM, type 2 diabetes or prediabetes at 4 years postpartum.

Results
We identified 3 CpG sites related to LINC00917, TRAPPC9, and LEF1 that were differentially methylated in women with GDM and abnormal glucose tolerance; and sites associated with LINC00917 and TRAPPC9 were independently associated with an abnormal glucose tolerance status 4 years postpartum after controlling for clinical variables. Moreover, the site associated with LINC00917 and the combination of the 3 sites had the highest predictive values.

Conclusion
Our results suggest that some of these sites may be implicated in the development of GDM and postpartum abnormal glucose tolerance.
Boreal Plants That Enchant
Authors: Baker Janelle Marie 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThis article describes moments of plant-induced enchantment during community-based environmental monitoring and ethnographic research in Treaty No. 8 sakâwiyiniwak territories. These multispecies ethnographic encounters while collaborating with Elders and friends from Fort McKay First Nation and Bigstone Cree Nation describe how sakâwiyiniwak ecological care is rooted in kinship. Moments of enchantment, or intense moments of noticing and “plant-thinking,” inspire new appreciation of the boreal forest and the many familiar plants that grow within it, illuminating the magic of muskeg tea, frog’s pants, and aspen. Written in the style of lively ethnography, this article focuses on plants of sakâwiyiniwak ceremonial, nutritional, and medicinal use. These plants are often overlooked or are described as nuisance weeds, despite being indigenous plants, by settlers whose decisions and natural resource extraction activities have a direct effect on the survival and well-being of these plants and larger ecosystems. Enchantment brings attention to the deep-seated settler biases against certain types of plants that are common or abundant or, more specifically, not of current commercial value.
A motor neuron disease mouse model reveals a non-canonical profile of senescence biomarkers
Authors: Torres Pascual , Anerillas Carlos , Ramírez-Núñez Omar , Fernàndez Anna , Encinas Mario , Povedano Mònica , Andrés-Benito Pol , Ferrer Isidre , Ayala Victòria , Pamplona Reinald , Portero-Otín Manuel 
Published: August 2022

ABSTRACT
To evaluate senescence mechanisms, including senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), in the motor neuron disease model hSOD1-G93A, we quantified the expression of p16 and p21 and senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) in nervous tissue. As SASP markers, we measured the mRNA levels of Il1a, Il6, Ifna and Ifnb. Furthermore, we explored whether an alteration of alternative splicing is associated with senescence by measuring the Adipor2 cryptic exon inclusion levels, a specific splicing variant repressed by TAR DNA-binding protein (TDP-43; encoded by Tardbp). Transgenic mice showed an atypical senescence profile with high p16 and p21 mRNA and protein in glia, without the canonical increase in SA-β-gal activity. Consistent with SASP, there was an increase in Il1a and Il6 expression, associated with increased TNF-R and M-CSF protein levels, with females being partially protected. TDP-43 splicing activity was compromised in this model, and the senolytic drug Navitoclax did not alter the disease progression. This lack of effect was reproduced in vitro, in contrast to dasatinib and quercetin, which diminished p16 and p21. Our findings show a non-canonical profile of senescence biomarkers in the model hSOD1-G93A.
Frequency of resistance to first-line antiretroviral therapy observed among HIV patients
Authors: Khan Feroz , Bilal Muhammad , Yaseen Khan Muhammad , Fareezuddin Mian 
Published: August 2022

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the frequency of first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) resistance among HIV patients and to identify the factors affecting the drug resistance.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over a sample of 162 HIV-positive patients attending the Medicine Department of Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar-Pakistan, from July 2020 to January 2021. Blood samples were collected for phylogenic profiles to determine first-line antiretroviral therapy resistance.
Results: The frequency of ART resistance was detected in 64.8% of the enrolled HIV patients. Factors such as patient age, gender, comorbidities, and smoking status had no significant impact on drug resistance. While only body mass index (BMI) significantly affected ART resistance among HIV patients. The drug resistance mutations M184V and K103N were detected in the nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), respectively, whereas the mutations G73SC and I47VA were detected in the protease inhibitors (PIs).
Conclusion: There is a high frequency of resistance to first-line antiretroviral therapy among HIV patients presenting to the selected healthcare facility in Peshawar. Furthermore, we found no significant factors impacting ART resistance among HIV patients other than BMI.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.7.6144
How to cite this:Khan F, Bilal M, Khan MY, Fareezuddin M. Frequency of resistance to first-line antiretroviral therapy observed among HIV patients. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(7):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.7.6144
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.
Prospects for using charity lotteries in social marketing
Authors: Evgenievich Barykin Sergey , Bozhuk Svetlana , Kozlova Nelli , Krasnostavskaia Nataliia , Mehta Reena , Vinokurov Stepan , Nimenia Inga , Vasilievna Kapustina Irina , Naumova Elena , Dedyukhina Natalia 
Published: August 2022

Background: The purpose of this work is to study the prospects of using charity lotteries as a marketing tool for involving consumers and employees in charitable activities. Methods: The research methodology is based on the principles of the theory of planned behavior by Ajzen. Results: The study confirmed that behavioral intention is correlated with actual behavior. Subjective norms factors have the most significant influence on behavioral intention. Conclusions: Correlation analysis allowed us to establish a weak effect of socio-demographic characteristics (Age, Gender, Capital Status, Ownership of Home, Educational Qualification, Employment, Annual Income) on behavior. The experience of participating in the lottery in the past also turned out to be insignificant. There is reason to believe that Russian consumers' decision to participate in the charity lottery is impulsive or due to pressure from their surroundings.
Observation of SARS-CoV-2 genome characteristics and clinical manifestations within eight family clusters from GH and GK clades in Jakarta, Indonesia
Authors: Ibrahim Fera , Natasha Augustine , Yasmon Andi , Fithriyah Fithriyah , Karuniawati Anis , Rahmawaty Rivia Gina , Saharman Yulia , Sudarmono Pratiwi 
Published: August 2022

Background: SARS-CoV-2 rapid mutation generates many concerning new strains. Although lockdown had been applied to contain the disease, the household remains a critical place for its transmission. This study aimed to assess the variation of SARS-CoV-2 strains and their clinical manifestations within family clusters in Jakarta, Indonesia. Method: Naso-oropharyngeal swab specimens from family clusters positive for SARS-CoV-2 were collected for whole-genome sequencing. Their baseline data, symptoms, and source of infection were recorded. The whole-genome data was then analyzed with the bioinformatics program to evaluate the SARS-CoV-2 genome characteristic and submitted to GISAID for strain identification. The phylogenetic tree was built to observe the relationship between virus strain within the family cluster and its clinical manifestation. Result: This study obtained eight family clusters from twenty-two patients. Half of the cluster's source of infection was a family member who had to work at the office. The infection rate ranged from 37.5% to 100%. The phylogenetic tree showed that the same virus within a cluster could generate various clinical outcomes. Five clusters had one family member with pneumonia, while others had mild to no symptoms. Four breakthrough cases were detected in this study, which were infected by the virus from GH and GK clade. Conclusion: Our study observed the SARS-CoV-2 transmission to the household setting through the workplace, which might become a common pathway if the pandemic status is removed. Although vaccination is expected to reduce the burden of COVID-19, adequate control measures remain essential, given that breakthrough infections are evident.
Physical, psychological, academic, and sexual abuse of university students in five Latin American countries: characteristics and association with student satisfaction: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Mejia Christian R. , Castro Diego J. , Torrejon Naysha , Chacon Jhosselyn I. , Fernandez-Espindola Lorena , Martinez-Cornejo Isaac 
Published: August 2022

Background: A high rate of student abuse has been reported in various studies; however, few studies substantiate the seriousness of the issue in Latin American contexts. This study aimed to characterize the abuse of university students in five Latin American countries and its association with student satisfaction. Methods: An analytical transversal study was conducted, in which 2,141 undergraduate students from Paraguay, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, and Panama were surveyed. A validated questionnaire was applied to evaluate four types of abuse (Cronbach's Alpha: 0.90): psychological, physical, academic, and sexual. In addition, students’ perception of satisfaction of four items in the university environment (Cronbach's Alpha: 0.85) was also analyzed. Results: It was found that the older students were, the more dissatisfied they were with “logistics” (aPR: 1.02; 95% CI: 1.00-1.04; p-value; 0.014) and the top-third segment of those who perceived “sexual abuse” were more dissatisfied with the teaching provided by their universities (aPR: 1.23; 95% CI: 1.00-1.52; p-value: 0.048). Moreover, those who were most dissatisfied with the agreements were part of the top-third segment of those who perceived sexual abuse (aPR: 1.16; 95% CI: 1.03-1.32; p-value: 0.016) and those in the country of Panama were less dissatisfied with “agreements” (RPa: 0.70; 95% CI: 0.66-0.073; p-value<0.001). The countries of Colombia (aPR: 0.08; IC95%: 0.01-0.59; p-value: 0.014) and Panama (aPR: 0.57; 95% CI: 0.52-0.64; p-value<0.001) were less dissatisfied with investigation programs. Conclusions: The perception of ‘sexual abuse’ was the only risk factor statistically associated with dissatisfaction with teaching and agreements.
Case Report: Role of transesophageal echocardiography in a patient with an initially misdiagnosed acute pulmonary embolism
Authors: Daghmouri Mohamed Aziz , Oueslati Maroua , Tarhouni Mohamed Amine , Faten Olfa , Zakhama Sameh , Rebai Lotfi 
Published: August 2022

Background: For the diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism, chest computerized tomography (CT) angiography is considered as the gold standard. However, echocardiography could be useful especially in cases of high suspicion with normal CT scan or for patient with hemodynamic instability. Case presentation: We present a case of a 47-year-old man admitted to the intensive care unit with a diagnosis of respiratory failure and hemodynamic instability 24 hours after closed fracture of the right leg. Before his admission, a thoracic CT angiography was done but did not show any sign of acute pulmonary embolism. During the first hours, he presented a bad evolution with a respiratory status which failed to respond to high dose of vasopressor, oxide nitric and ventilatory support. Therefore, due to the poor echocardiographic window, transesophageal echocardiography examination was done in emergency. It revealed high-probability diagnosis of massive pulmonary embolism based on right ventricular dysfunction and the presence of thrombus in the right pulmonary artery. Anticoagulant therapy (non-fractioned heparin) was administrated immediately achieving a favorable clinical outcome with rapid withdrawal of dobutamine, nitric oxide and norepinephrine. Conclusions: This case illustrates the fundamental role of transesophageal echocardiography in a critically ill patient with shock due to high-probability pulmonary embolism. Echocardiography allows the initiation of adequate treatment without further delay.