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Background/aim: Despite advancements in surgical methodologies and the extensive perioperative and postoperative care administered to recipients, the prevalence of complications requiring early relaparotomy following living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) remains persistent. This study sought to analyze the determinants influencing relaparotomy occurrences in the initial 30 days following LDLT. Additionally, it was aimed to evaluate the impact of early laparotomy on both graft and patient survival within this distinct patient cohort. Materials and methods: The study encompassed recipients (n = 535) aged 18 years and older who underwent primary LDLT at our institution from January 2019 to December 2021. Exclusion criteria involved patients necessitating early retransplantation. Early relaparotomy was specified as surgical intervention within the initial 30 days following LDLT. Results: The study enrolled a total of 535 patients, among whom 85 (15.9%) underwent early relaparotomy. The median age of the patients was 54 (range: 41-60) years, with a predominant male representation (66.2%). Univariate analysis comparing the laparotomy and nonrelaparotomy groups revealed statistically significant differences in the creatinine (p = 0.043) and sodium (p = 0.025) levels, graft side (p < 0.001), etiology (p = 0.005), and blood loss (p = 0.012). In the multivariate analysis, creatinine (p = 0.039; OR = 1.668; 95% CI = 1.027-2.709) and left lobe graft (p < 0.0001; OR = 3.611; 95% CI = 1.960-6.652) emerged as independent risk factors for relaparotomy. Conclusion: The primary causes of early relaparotomy following LDLT include postoperative bleeding, biliary leakage, and vascular complications. Preoperative elevation in creatinine and sodium levels, the presence of Budd-Chiari syndrome, utilization of a left lobe graft, and intraoperative blood loss are identified as risk factors associated with early relaparotomy after LDLT. Patients undergoing early relaparotomy exhibit inferior survival rates compared to those who do not. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In this study, we aimed to determine post-traumatic growth and depression levels in renal transplant recipients and the relationship between these two variables. Design and Methods: The study was conducted with a descriptive, cross-sectional, and correlational design. The data for the study were collected at the organ transplant unit of a research and training hospital located in the west of Turkey. The sample of the study included 122 kidney transplant recipients (n = 122). A Sociodemographic Information Form, the Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG) Inventory, and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were employed to collect data. In the analyses of the data, descriptive statistics, ANOVA, an independent-samples t-test, post hoc tests, and Pearson correlation tests were used. Results: As the ages of the renal transplant recipients increased, their depression scores decreased, while their PTG scores increased. Higher depression levels were identified in the female participants compared to the male participants and in those with a low income compared to other income groups. The lowest PTG levels were found in the recipients who received their kidney transplants from third-degree relatives. Age, gender, economic status, and time of transplant were predictors of depression. The identity of the donor was the most significant predictor of PTG (62% explanation rate). A strong and inverse correlation was found between depression and PTG (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Post-traumatic growth was found to decrease depression. However, while poor economic status led to depression, high economic status did not lead to a significant change in PTG. As education levels increased, PTG decreased, but education status did not have any significant effect on depression. On the other hand, there was a negative correlation between PTG and depression. The results obtained in this study are valuable and important in terms of understanding depression better and determining PTG as a significant factor that could alleviate it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the effects of the spiritual well-being levels of surgical nurses on care satisfaction in liver transplant recipients after transplantation. The sample in this cross-sectional study consisted of 69 surgical nurses working in the organ transplant centre of a research and training hospital in Turkey and 79 liver transplant recipients. The data of this study were collected between 1 August 2020 and 30 August 2021. The "Three-Factor Spiritual Well-being Scale" and the "Newcastle Satisfaction with Nursing Scale" were used for data collection. A statistically significant relationship was found between the spiritual well-being levels of the surgical nurses and the care satisfaction levels of the transplant recipients. Surgical nurses should be capable of treating patients holistically and be knowledgeable enough to support the mental health of patients. High levels of spiritual well-being in surgical nurses contribute to increased satisfaction with care among organ transplant recipients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical and laboratory changes of ischemia and reperfusion injury in the remnant livers of donors with and without Pringle maneuver. Furthermore, we evaluated the recipients who have been transplanted with liver grafts from these donors. Methods and Materials: A total of 108 patients (54 living liver donors and 54 liver recipients) who underwent donor hepatectomy and recipients who living donor liver transplantation, were included in this randomized double-blind study between February 2021 and June 2021. The donors were divided into two groups: Pringle maneuver applied (n = 27) and Pringle maneuver not applied (n = 27). Similarly, recipients with implanted liver obtained from these donors were divided into two groups as the Pringle maneuver was performed (n = 27) and not performed (n = 27). Blood samples from donors and recipients were obtained on pre-operative, post-operative 0 h day (day of surgery), post-operative 1st day, post-operative 2nd day, post-operative 3rd day, post-operative 4th day, post-operative 5th day, and liver tissue was taken from the graft during the back table procedures. Liver function tests and complete blood count, coagulation tests, IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, TNF-α, and β-galactosidase measurements, and histopathological findings were examined. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the parameters of biochemical analyses for ischemia-reperfusion injury at all periods in the donors with and without the Pringle maneuver. Similarly, there was no statistically significant difference between in the recipients in who received liver grafts harvested with and without the Pringle maneuver. There was no statistically significant difference between the two recipient groups in terms of perioperative bleeding and early bile duct complications (p = 0.685). In the histopathological examinations, hepatocyte damage was significantly higher in the Pringle maneuver group (p = 0.001). Conclusions: Although the histological scoring of hepatocyte damage was found to be higher in the Pringle maneuver group, the Pringle maneuver did not augment ischemia-reperfusion injury in donors and recipients that was evaluated by clinical and laboratory analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four studies investigated the impact of a recipient's perception of a helper's motivation (autonomous vs. controlled) on the recipient's subsequent prosocial intentions, alongside testing a mediational mechanism. Study 1 employed a questionnaire method to assess the relationships between participants' lay theories of helper's prosocial motivations (i.e., the degree of autonomy), their dispositional gratitude and their prosocial tendencies. Studies 2–4 manipulated a helper's autonomous versus controlled motivation within hypothetical scenarios (Studies 2 and 3) and within recalled events (Study 4), testing the effect of the helper's motivation on the recipient's prosocial intentions towards the helper (Studies 2–4), a bystander (Study 3) and others in general (Study 4) as well as the mediating role of gratitude. The findings consistently demonstrated that perceiving helpers as having autonomous motivation led to heightened intentions among recipients to engage in prosocial behaviour, which was mediated by increased feelings of gratitude. These effects remained robust after controlling for relevant factors including participants' demographic information, social desirability bias and perceptions of egoism within helpers. Our findings highlight the role of perceived helper's autonomous motivation on recipient's prosocial behaviours, which enhances the knowledge regarding reciprocity and pay‐it‐forward behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: Induced endometrial injury is a technique described that have positive impact on implantation. The aim ofthis study was to investigate whether hysteroscopic endometrial fundal incision (EFI) in oocyte recipients before embryotransfer increases pregnancy and live birth rates or not.Materials and Methods: A prospective study was conducted between 2014 and 2019 at an in vitro fertilization (IVF) unitin Greece. As part of the protocol, hysteroscopy and EFI were offered to all the egg recipients and the outcomes comparedwith those from an older cohort from the same Unit not undergoing hysteroscopy.Results: In total, 332 egg recipients participated in the study; 114 of them underwent EFI prior to embryo transfer. Bothgroups were similar in terms of age, years of infertility, duration of hormone replacement treatment (HRT) and numberof blastocysts transferred. In the EFI group, minor anomalies were detected and treated in 6.1% (n=7) of the participants.Moreover, pregnancy test was positive in 73.7% of the women in the hysteroscopy group compared to 57.8% in the nonhysteroscopygroup (P=0.004). Live birth rate was also higher (56.1 vs. 42.2%, P=0.016) in the EFI group compared tothe non-hysteroscopy one.Conclusion: Apart from the obvious benefit of recognizing obscured anomalies, requiring surgical correction, it appearsthat in oocyte recipients prior to embryo transfer, EFI might improve uterine receptivity and reproductive outcomes.

In Islamic teachings, Zakat is a pivot approach for dealing with social issues like poverty in society by allocating a specific amount of wealth to the recipients as an obligation to those who can have a Nisab. This research makes an effort to assess the collection and disbursement system of zakat in Pakistan and Malaysia. The variables that make up this research are as: Firstly, reliable legal sources have been reviewed to describe the history of the zakat system in both countries. Secondly, the collection and disbursement system of Zakat has been outlined sequentially. Thirdly, the merits and drawbacks of the Zakat systems in both countries have been brought to light. Finally, the two countries zakat practices have been compared, with the goal of determining which is better. As a result, Pakistan's Zakat system needs to be rectified in comparison to Malaysia. However, it is encouraging that the proportion of Zakat collected in both countries is increasing year after year. But unfortunately, Pakistan has not been able to completely get rid of poverty and Malaysia is slightly less. It is hoped that this study will be crucial in highlighting the elegance of the Islamic Zakat system as well as a beneficial advancement in the Zakat system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Induced endometrial injury is a technique described that have positive impact on implantation. The aim of this study was to investigate whether hysteroscopic endometrial fundal incision (EFI) in oocyte recipients before embryo transfer increases pregnancy and live birth rates or not. Materials and Methods: A prospective study was conducted between 2014 and 2019 at an in vitro fertilization (IVF) unit in Greece. As part of the protocol, hysteroscopy and EFI were offered to all the egg recipients and the outcomes compared with those from an older cohort from the same Unit not undergoing hysteroscopy. Results: In total, 332 egg recipients participated in the study; 114 of them underwent EFI prior to embryo transfer. Both groups were similar in terms of age, years of infertility, duration of hormone replacement treatment (HRT) and number of blastocysts transferred. In the EFI group, minor anomalies were detected and treated in 6.1% (n=7) of the participants. Moreover, pregnancy test was positive in 73.7% of the women in the hysteroscopy group compared to 57.8% in the nonhysteroscopy group (P=0.004). Live birth rate was also higher (56.1 vs. 42.2%, P=0.016) in the EFI group compared to the non-hysteroscopy one. Conclusion: Apart from the obvious benefit of recognizing obscured anomalies, requiring surgical correction, it appears that in oocyte recipients prior to embryo transfer, EFI might improve uterine receptivity and reproductive outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) has been shown to achieve excellent oncological outcomes with a low rate of complications in patients with prostate cancer. However, data on RARP in renal transplant recipients (RT) are dispersed. A literature search was conducted through April 2023 using PubMed/Medline, Embase and Web of Science databases. The primary aim was to evaluate the safety, oncologic and clinical outcomes of RARP in RT recipients. The secondary aim was to identify surgical technique modifications required to avoid iatrogenic damage to the transplanted kidney. A total of 18 studies comprising 186 patients met the inclusion criteria. Age at the time of treatment ranged 43–79 years. Biopsy results showed a high prevalence of low- and intermediate-risk disease. Operative time ranged between 108.3 and 400 mins, while estimated blood loss ranged from 30 to 630 mL. Length of hospital stay ranged from 3 to 6 days whereas duration of catheterization was between 5 and 18 days. Perioperative complication rate was 17.1%. Overall positive surgical margin rate was 24.19%, while biochemical recurrence was observed in 10.21% (19/186 patients). Modifications to the standard surgical technique were described in 13/18 studies. Modifications in port placement were described in 7/13 studies and performed in 19/88 (21.6%) patients. Surgical technique for the development of the Retzius space was reported in 13/18 studies. Data on lymphadenectomy were reported in 15/18 studies. Bilateral lymphadenectomy was described in 3/18 studies and performed in 4/89 (4.5%) patients; contralateral lymphadenectomy was reported in 7/18 studies and performed in 41/125 (32.8%) patients. RARP in RTRs can be considered relatively safe and feasible. Oncological results yielded significantly worse outcomes in terms of PSM and BCR rate compared to the data available in the published studies, with an overall complication rate highly variable among the studies included. On the other hand, low graft damage during the procedure was observed. Main criticisms came from different tumor screening protocols and scarce information about lymphadenectomy techniques and outcomes among the included studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to solve the problem of selecting social assistance recipients in the Nagori Moho area, Java Marajah Bah Subdistrict, Jambi, Simalungun District; in order to obtain the right targeted recipients of social assistance, the Nagori office carries out the selection of its residents, this selection is carried out by implementing a computer-based decision support system (DSS). The decision support system uses the PSI method. The criteria used in this method consist of economic condition, income, jobs, age, and dependents of the school children. The results obtained from this research are recommendations for the population receiving aid with results consisting of rank 1 with the alternative value S_Purba with a value of 0.9286, then rank two with the alternative F_Azhar with a value of 0.7599, and rank 3 is Jumiati with a value of 0.7163. This decision support system can make it easier for the Nagori office to select residents worthy of assistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of luteal blood perfusion and corpus luteum (CL) area on the conception rate and occurrence of pregnancy loss of recipients in a large-scale fixed-time embryo transfer (FTET) program. Multiparous Brangus cows (n = 1700) at 45 days postpartum and body condition scores (BCS) between 2.5 and 4.0 (3.0 ± 0.3) were used in this study. On a random day of the estrous cycle (day −10), the females received progesterone and estradiol based on the FTET protocol. On day 7, 1465 recipients had at least one CL and were evaluated using B-mode ultrasound for the CL area (cm2) and color Doppler for the luteal blood perfusion score (I/low-vascularization area <40% of the CL; II/medium-vascularization >45% to < 50%; and III/high-vascularization >50%). Immediately after CL evaluation, each recipient received a single fresh embryo (blastocyst stage) ipsilateral to the CL, in vitro produced from a commercial laboratory. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed at 30 days and repeated 60 days later to evaluate pregnancy loss (30–90 days). Ultrasound evaluation and embryo transfer were performed by a single technician. For data analysis, in addition to luteal blood perfusion groups, recipients were retrospectively ranked according to CL area into small (<3 cm2; 2.63 ± 0.01), medium (>3 to < 4 cm2; 3.44 ± 0.01), and large (>4 cm2; 4.77 ± 0.03). Data were analyzed using a logistic regression model (P < 0.05). The overall conception rate was 44.2% (648/1465), influenced by the luteal blood perfusion score [ P = 0.03; high 48.4%a (134/277), medium 44.6%a (427/958), and low 37.8%b (87/230)] but not by CL area ranking [ P = 0.37; large 41.8% (225/538), medium 45.2% (276/610), and small 46.4% (147/317)]. There was no interaction between the luteal blood perfusion score and CL area ranking (P = 0.81), and the BCS did not affect the results of this study (P = 0.51). In terms of pregnancy loss up to 90 days, there was no effect on the CL area ranking (P = 0.77), but the flow score showed an effect [ P = 0.03; high 3.6%b (5/139), medium 9.3%a (44/471), and low 10.3%a (10/97)]. The conception rate and occurrence of pregnancy loss in the FTET program in beef cattle are related to luteal blood perfusion but not CL size. • Doppler ultrasonography contributes to pregnancy success in FTET program. • CL area/size does not affect the conception rate and pregnancy loss in FTET program. • Luteal blood perfusion influences the conception rate and pregnancy loss in FTET program. • There is no interaction between the luteal blood score and CL size. • High blood flow score results in a higher conception rate and lower pregnancy loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aims to examine the effect of general health status on the psychological well-being of liver transplant recipients receiving immunosuppressive therapy. Methods: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out with the participation of 116 liver transplant recipients at the organ transplant institute of a research and practice hospital. We used personal information form, general health questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12), and psychological well-being (PWB) scale to collect data and performed the data analysis using statistical packed for the social sciences 25.0 by IBM. Results: Of the participants, 50% were women and between the ages of 51-64 and 52.6% had less income than their expenses; 75.9% of the recipients had a chronic disease, 33.6% had diabetes mellitus, and 25.9% had coronary artery disease. The GHQ-12 total score was high for psychiatric disorders, while the PWB scale score was moderate. There was a statistically significant, positive, and strong relationship between general health and PWB (p<0.05, r=0.022). Conclusion: General health and PWB are two important factors that mutually affect each other. Recognizing the poor psychological state of liver transplant patients and improving their general health contributes to a good postoperative period. During the post-operative period, liver recipients should be carefully monitored, and their psychological state should be improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical and laboratory changes of ischemia and reperfusion injury in the remnant livers of donors with and without Pringle maneuver. Furthermore, we evaluated the recipients who have been transplanted with liver grafts from these donors. Methods and Materials: A total of 108 patients (54 living liver donors and 54 liver recipients) who underwent donor hepatectomy and recipients who living donor liver transplantation, were included in this randomized double-blind study between February 2021 and June 2021. The donors were divided into two groups: Pringle maneuver applied (n = 27) and Pringle maneuver not applied (n = 27). Similarly, recipients with implanted liver obtained from these donors were divided into two groups as the Pringle maneuver was performed (n = 27) and not performed (n = 27). Blood samples from donors and recipients were obtained on pre-operative, post-operative 0 h day (day of surgery), post-operative 1st day, post-operative 2nd day, post-operative 3rd day, post-operative 4th day, post-operative 5th day, and liver tissue was taken from the graft during the back table procedures. Liver function tests and complete blood count, coagulation tests, IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, TNF-α, and β-galactosidase measurements, and histopathological findings were examined. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the parameters of biochemical analyses for ischemia-reperfusion injury at all periods in the donors with and without the Pringle maneuver. Similarly, there was no statistically significant difference between in the recipients in who received liver grafts harvested with and without the Pringle maneuver. There was no statistically significant difference between the two recipient groups in terms of perioperative bleeding and early bile duct complications (p = 0.685). In the histopathological examinations, hepatocyte damage was significantly higher in the Pringle maneuver group (p = 0.001). Conclusions: Although the histological scoring of hepatocyte damage was found to be higher in the Pringle maneuver group, the Pringle maneuver did not augment ischemia-reperfusion injury in donors and recipients that was evaluated by clinical and laboratory analyses.

Simple Summary: Due to gene pool insufficiency, it is clear to use the best breeds of sheep for meat. Multiple Ovulation and Embryotransfer Technology (MOET) is applied to improve the genetic and production performance of high-value ewes. This article presents cryoresistance data for Charollais sheep embryos, considering the stage of embryo development and the freezing method. No significant differences in survival rate and morphological structure between cryopreserved and fresh embryos were found. But, cryoresistance largely depended on embryonic development stages. Thus, cryopreservation of embryos at the 6 days after insemination was more effective than freezing 2–3-day embryos after insemination. The data obtained is believed to make assisted reproductive technologies (ART) more effective and cheaper. This article will be interesting for farm producers, breeders and researchers. This article presents data from experiments to determine the cryoresistance of Charollais sheep embryos, depending on the stage of embryo development and the method of freezing, as well as the results of embryo transfer. The study design consisted of a study on the cryopreservation of ewe embryos at different developmental stages (early, 2–8 blastomeric and late, at the morula/blastocyst stage), two cryopreservation protocols (slow freezing and ultra-fast vitrification), and embryo transfer of cryo- and fresh embryos. Embryos from Charollais sheep donors (n = 12) were recovered after induction of superovulation. The embryos were recovered surgically (laparotomy) on days 2 and 6 after insemination. Before there was transfer to recipients, part of embryos was cryopreserved using standard slow freezing and ultra-fast vitrification methods. The average ovarian response was 7.54 ovulations per donor, and 5.83 embryos per donor were collected. No effect of the cryopreservation method and embryo development stage on the preservation of the morphological structure of embryos was found. There were no significant differences in the survival rate of cryoembryos at different development stages, frozen using different techniques, and after transfer to recipients. Differences in cryoresistance between embryonic developmental stages in favor of the morula/blastocyst stage were found (survival after thawing 86.4% vs. 75.0% in early embryos). At different stages of development, the survival rate of fresh embryos (45.8%) compared to cryopreserved ones (30.2%) was significantly higher (p < 0.05), while among fresh ones, the best survival rate (50.0%) was observed after the transfer of morules and blastocysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Researching recipient feedback is one of the important actions to enhance the quality of the communication process. This study was conducted to provide some solutions to improve the effectiveness of Dalat University’s enrollment communication process by analyzing student feedback. A survey was conducted in 2021 with a sample of 655 students from Dalat University. The results showed that students mainly knew about Dalat University through word of mouth and the Facebook channel, and that tuition fees, the benchmark, and geographical location were the main reasons students chose the university. In addition, most students showed an interest in receiving content in the form of short videos. The research results can be applied by the communication department of Dalat University and can contribute to the field of university communication research, which has not received much attention in Vietnam.

The explosive success of TikTok is one of a long list of phenomena that are transforming audiovisual relationships, creation, and consumption (Gómez-García; Vicent-Ibáñez, 2022). At the same time, social networks are demonstrating a capacity for outreach, awareness, and activism through innovative narratives that impact the audience. Therefore, we ask if and how, in addition to entertaining and being a place to find the latest trends, TikTok can help promote health activism linked to blood donation -an act of social responsibility- the collection of which has been in sharp decline for years (Carter et al., 2011; Huis-in 't-Veld et al., 2019). Through multimodal discourse analysis (Kress, 2012), we determine the characteristics, significance, and communicative resources of the tiktoks that the platform grouped under the hashtag #donasangre [#DonateBlood], ultimately comparing them with the perception and relationship that a large group of young university students expressed in focus groups. Among the results, we highlight how content on TikTok is reinterpreted and appropriated, as well as the false myths perpetuated among young people that keep them from donating and reinforce the importance of health institutions taking an active role in the online conversation and integrating narrative innovation into their content creation dynamics. Qualitative analysis of comments (6,215) revealed that there is an audience that "comes together" (Juris, 2012) and whose members reaffirm their status as donors and whose experience tempers the idea of donating being stressful and scary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Growing evidence suggests multiple pathophysiological mechanisms linking red blood cells (RBC) transfusions to thrombosis. This study examined blood donor, component, and recipient factors which may be associated with thromboembolic outcomes following RBC transfusion. Methods: We utilized the Recipient Epidemiology Donor Evaluation Study‐III (REDS‐III) database on patients transfused in 12 hospitals between 2013–2016. Stratified Cox proportional hazards regression models with time‐dependent exposures were used to examine associations of donor and component modification characteristics on venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients transfused RBC units. Results: 59,603 patients were transfused 229,500 RBC units during 79,298 hospitalizations with post‐transfusion VTE occurring in 1869 (2.4%) of patients. In adjusted regression analyses, a per RBC‐unit risk of VTE was present for gamma irradiation (HR = 1.03; 95% CI: 1.02–1.03), female donor sex (HR = 1.01; 95% CI: 1.00–1.01), storage duration greater than 5 weeks (HR = 1.01; 95% CI: 1.01–1.02), AS‐1 storage solution (HR = 1.01; 95% CI: 1.00–1.01), and apheresis‐derived collections (HR = 1.01; 95% CI: 1.01–1.02). Among recipient factors, male sex (HR = 1.03; 95% CI: 1.02–1.04), pre‐transfusion hemoglobin level (HR = 0.94; 95% CI: 0.94–0.94), body mass index strata (HR = 1.11; 95% CI: 1.08–1.14), and principal diagnoses including malignancy (HR = 1.13; 95% CI: 1.10–1.16), cardiac arrest (HR = 1.38; 95% CI:1.07–1.77) and hip fracture (HR = 1.59; 95% CI:1.53–1.66) were associated with VTE in adjusted analyses. Discussion: We identified several donor, component, and recipient‐specific factors associated with VTE in transfused hospitalized adult patients. In adjusted models, the dose‐dependent associations of donor and component‐specific factors with VTE were modest and unlikely to be clinically significant in the majority of transfused patients. Additional mechanistic and clinical studies linking blood donor and component factors with thrombotic outcomes are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Journalistic autonomy is a prerequisite for the public function of journalism. Although most journalists in Western democracies indicate particularly low political or economic influences on their work, there is evidence that recipients assume that journalism is driven primarily by political and economic interests. These perceptual discrepancies can be problematic as perceived influences on journalistic work are known to reduce recipients' media trust. Hence, this study addresses the extent to which recipients perceive influences on journalistic work, how their perceptions differ from that of journalists, and which variables explain recipients' perceptions. A representative online survey of German recipients (n = 1000) and the representative sample of German journalists of the Worlds of Journalism Study (n = 775) demonstrate that recipients perceive stronger influences on journalistic work than journalists do, especially in regard to politics and economics. Furthermore, recipients who display higher levels of anti-elitism, selective exposure and media literacy assume stronger influences on journalistic work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article studies the Ars praedicandi of Alan of Lille (1117-1203), who makes a series of sermons available to preachers that serve as models for preaching according to different circumstances. The first chapters are dedicated to the definition of preaching, to the formation of the preacher, to the need for him to be trained in sound theological doctrine, to be faithful and prudent, to have a virtuous and exemplary life for the faithful. The second part of the work describes the specific recipients of the preaching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectiveTo investigate the kidney transplantation knowledge of kidney transplant (KT) candidates and recipients, and to explore the related influencing factors.MethodsFrom March to July 2022, a total of 170 KT candidates and 270 KT recipients were investigated in two tertiary and Grade A hospitals in Hunan Province, China, using demographic questionnaires and the Kidney Transplant Understanding Tool (K-TUT). Multiple linear regression was used to explore the influencing factors of related knowledge of kidney transplantation.ResultsThe scores of kidney transplantation knowledge of the two groups were 50.67 (Ranged: 0–63) and 52.79 (Ranged: 0–62), indicating a middle level of knowledge. Education level and whether they have received health education were significantly associated with the knowledge level of kidney transplantation in both KT candidates and recipients. In addition, age and fertility status were only significantly associated with the knowledge level of kidney transplantation in KT recipients.ConclusionOur finding shows that the knowledge level of KT candidates and recipients is not optimistic, which suggests that healthcare providers should pay more attention to the health education of this population. In addition, future health education interventions should consider the education level, age, and fertility status factors affecting kidney transplantation knowledge in KT candidates and recipients.

This paper summarizes the current research on the letter to Colossians. It proposes the status quaestionis of the most significant interpretations concerning the identity of the addressees, archaeological research, epistolary introduction, Christology and theology of the letter. Comparative studies of the cities in the Lycus Valley suggest that the recipients of the letter were people scattered throughout the region, but unlike Laodicea and Hierapolis, only the humblest city in the valley was mentioned in the initial greetings. Numismatics and epigraphy highlight Colossae's secondary role. However, since the tell of ancient Colossae had not yet been excavated, scholars await further archeological evidence. Regard ing the epistolary introduction, current studies focus on the understanding of hope and the use of memory. The various attempts made to identify the opponents and the error of Colossians illustrate the methodological difficulties in studying the letter. For a suitable historical reconstruction of Paul's opponents, they may need a more balanced approach, distinguishing thoroughly both the historical situation and rhetorical situation. The exegetical-theological studies on the Christological Hymn of the last twenty years are fewer in number than those of a socio-historical nature. However, among the former, those that focus on the rhetoric and argumentation theory offer a holistic perspective more suited to understanding the letter. Rhetorical studies on the Christological Hymn of Col 1:15-20 have made it possible to overcome the one-sided perspective based on the correction of a possible heresy contained in the letter. Recent rhetorical and theological studies have also contributed greatly to identifying the features of the Christological μυστήριον. The study of the Christology of universal lordship has helped researchers to clarify the distinctive aspects of the letter's soteriology and eschatology. If diachronic exegesis has multiplied the hypotheses about the composition of the letter, the synchronic approach has offered a better articulated perspective on the mystery of Christ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Bordón: Journal of Education / Revista de Pedagogía is the property of Sociedad Espanola de Pedagogia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Based on more than ten years of author’s experience in international technical assistance programs, the paper considers the problem of ensuring the sustainability of their outcomes. The author substantiates the position that international technical assistance in Ukraine significantly helps the development and modernisation of certain social spheres. However, effectiveness may vary depending on specific projects/programs and specific project teams. In addition, the author argues that international technical assistance in Ukraine requires greater coordination from the government and the direct participation of representatives of relevant ministries to be able to scale, monitor and evaluate effectiveness. The article provides an example of a specific local development tool proposed and tested over the six years of the USAID/DOBRE Program that can be scaled up at the national level. Experts’ attention may be drawn to the classification of factors that hinder the sustainability of international technical assistance programs/projects in Ukraine regarding aid recipients, donor organisations and the state. The author analysed the positions of Ukrainian scientists and the international donor organisations’ approaches on the content of the concept: outcomes sustainability of international technical assistance programs and investigated the criteria for determining their effectiveness. The concept of “The phenomenon of the financial absolutism illusion” was discovered and introduced into scientific circulation for the first time. The author also outlined the socio-psychological barriers that prevent Ukrainian communities from reaping the full benefits of local development instruments provided by donor countries. In addition, the author proposed some practical measures that will optimise the process of providing international technical assistance in Ukraine.

This research article shows a broad analysis of the situation of migrants in the city of Cúcuta - Norte de Santander (Colombia) and the representations that the receiving citizens have in this border context. The methodological approach of this study was framed from the qualitative-hermeneutic paradigm where the life story was used as a basis for collecting information. The results of the research show that the discourses of the subjects under study legitimise violent actions towards the Venezuelan migrant population. Furthermore, it shows that in the border municipalities, residents naturalise the current situation, to the extent that it seems that the events that occur in this border context are isolated from the reality of those who do not migrate, describing them as "something normal". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Orthotropic liver transplantation (OLT) offers a therapeutic choice for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. The poor outcome of liver transplantation is HCV recurrence. Several genome-wide associated studies (GWAS) have reported many genetic variants to be associated with HCV recurrence. Seven gene polymorphisms formed a cirrhosis risk score (CRS) signature that could be used to distinguish chronic HCV patients at high risk from those at low risk for cirrhosis in non-transplant patients. This study aims to examine the association of CRS score and other clinical parameters with the probability for HCC emergence and/or the rate of HCV recurrence following liver transplantation. Results Seven gene polymorphisms, forming the CRS, were genotyped by real-time PCR using allelic discrimination protocol in 199 end-stage liver disease patients (79 child A, 43 child B, and 77child C), comprising 106 patients who encountered liver transplantation. Recipient CRS scores were correlated with HCV recurrence (HCV-Rec) at the end of the third year after OLT. Around 81% (39) recipients with low steatosis (LS; < 3.5%) donor percentage revealed no HCV recurrence (non-Rec) (p3.5% [OR, 46.07; 95% CI, 1.5–1407.8]. Conclusions Accordingly, the CRS score seems to be less useful to predict HCV recurrence after OLT. ALT and donor steatosis (exceed 3.5%) can significantly promote the HCV recurrence post-OLT. Moreover, the combination of MMF and CNI positively heightens HCV recurrence.

Discrepancies in donation and transplantation by sex and gender have previously been reported. However, whether such differences are invariably the inevitable, unintended outcome of a legitimate process has yet to be determined. The European Committee on Organ Transplantation of the Council of Europe (CD-P-TO) is the committee that actively promotes the development of ethical, quality and safety standards in the field of transplantation in Europe. Whilst the ultimate objective is to shed light on the processes underlying potential gender inequities in transplantation, our initial goal was to represent the distribution by sex among organ donors and recipients in the CD-P-TO Member States and observer countries. Our survey confirms previous evidence that, in most countries, men represent the prevalent source of deceased donors (63.3% in 64 countries: 60.7% and 71.9% for donation after brain and circulatory death, respectively). In contrast, women represent the leading source of organs recovered from living kidney and liver donors (61.1% and 51.2% in 55 and 32 countries, respectively). Across countries, most recovered organs are transplanted into men (65% in 57 countries). These observations may be explained, at least in part, by the higher burden of certain diseases in men, childbearing related immune sensitization in women, and donor-recipient size mismatch. Future research should establish whether gender-related socially-constructed roles and socioeconomic status may play a detrimental role reducing the access of women to transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective In our study, we investigated the relationship between spiritual well-being and adherence to immunosuppressive therapy after liver transplantation. Method We conducted this descriptive and cross-sectional study with the participation of 131 liver transplant recipients after they had received their transplants. Data collection was carried out using a Personal Information Form, the Spiritual Well-Being Scale and the Immunosuppressant Therapy Adherence Scale. The IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 25.0 was used for the statistical analyses. Results While 73.3% of the patients were at the ages of 45–64, 72.5% were male, and 39.7% had been using immunosuppressive medication for a period between 6 months and 1 year. The rate of corticosteroid use among the patients was 30.5%, and the rate of antimetabolite use was 21.4%. A positive and significant relationship was found between adherence to immunosuppressive treatment and spiritual well-being (B = 0.425, p = 0.017). Conclusion Spiritual well-being is an inexpensive, effective and easy strategy to increase adherence to immunosuppressive treatment. Awareness should be raised in physicians and nurses about the importance of spiritual well-being, and they should be encouraged to support spiritual well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Living donor liver transplantation was first developed to mitigate the limited access to deceased donor organs in Asia in the 1990s. This alternative liver transplantation option has become an established and widely practiced transplantation method for adult patients suffering from end‐stage liver disease. It has successfully addressed the shortage of deceased donors. The Society for the Advancement of Transplant Anesthesia and the Korean Society of Transplant Anesthesia jointly reviewed published studies on the perioperative management of live donor liver transplant recipients. The review aims to offer transplant anesthesiologists and critical care physicians a comprehensive overview of the perioperative management of adult live liver transplantation recipients. We feature the status, outcomes, surgical procedure, portal venous decompression, anesthetic management, prevention of acute kidney injury, avoidance of blood transfusion, monitoring and therapeutic strategies of hemodynamic derangements, and Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocols for liver transplant recipients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to improve the seed germination and plantlet development of honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos) using two types of edaphic substrate (peat and peat+sand) and different chemical substances. Breaking physical dormancy for some forest seeds is a challenge for researchers and forest managers in order to obtain a homogeneous germination on larger areas. Germination percentage of honey locust seeds were investigated by using different chemical treatments as follows: calcium hydroxide; concentrated solution of sodium 4-nitrophenolate; solution with a content of auxines; copper sulphate; potassium permanganate and concentrated sulfuric acid. The highest percentage of seed germination was obtained when the seeds were immersed in an aqueous solution of sulfuric acid (14%), followed by 12.5% (concentrated solution of sodium 4-nitrophenolate) and 12.3% (solution with a content of auxins). The lowest values (5%) were recorded when copper sulphate was used. Regarding the different types of studied substrates, the highest percentage of germination was obtained on peat + sand. As regards to seedling development, the highest values were obtained on the peat + sand substrate, with seeds treated with sulfuric acid (15.0 cm). The concentrated solution of sodium 4-nitrophenolate and solution with auxins recorded also high values, 15.2 cm, respectively 14.9 cm. The lowest values for seedling height (11 cm) was noted when seeds were treated with potassium permanganate.

Aim In our study, we examined the relationship between gastrointestinal system problems and adherence to immunosuppressant therapy after liver transplantation. Method We performed this study as descriptive and cross-sectional research with the participation of liver transplant recipients. In the data collection, we used the Personal Information Form, the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale, and the Immunosuppressant Therapy Adherence Scale. In the data analysis, we utilized the IBM Statistical Package for Social Science 25.0. Findings In our study, it was discerned that, of all liver transplant recipients (n = 331), 45.9% were aged 45–64 years, 77.3% were male, and 93.4% were married. Besides, 36.9% of liver transplant recipients were utilizing immunosuppressive agents for 1 month – 89 days. Next, it was identified that liver transplant recipients mostly used tacrolimus (67.4%), mycophenolate mofetil (65.6%), and prednisolone (76.7%). It was found that tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, biological agents, and other immunosuppressants were associated with the development of gastrointestinal system problems. Conclusion The management of gastrointestinal system disorders is extremely importance to ensure that liver transplant recipients can adhere to immunosuppressant therapy. The awareness of liver transplant recipients about gastrointestinal system disorders and complications should be increased and their management should be assisted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study retrospectively analysed the effects of different environmental factors such as the photoperiod, temperature/humidity index of 19 years of a commercial embryo transfer programme performed in central Italy. From 340 donors of different breeds and aged between 2 and 25 years, 576 embryos of an excellent or good quality were obtained by uterine flushing on days 7–8 after ovulation. The embryos were transferred to 259 recipients, aged between 2 and 16 years, and belonging to different breeds. Both the donors and the recipients were employed for several cycles/years. At the time of transfer, the recipients were in diestrus, from day 4 to day 8 after ovulation, and were classified as excellent or good based on clinical examination findings. Out of the total number of embryos transferred, 437 pregnancies were obtained at 14 days (75.9%), with 48/437 (10.1%) embryonic losses at 40 days; with no significant differences among years. Significant differences (p <.05) were observed between 14‐day pregnancy rates for transfers performed during the spring transition and breeding seasons (77.1%) compared to those performed during the autumn transitional season (57.9%). No effect of temperature/humidity index was found on pregnancy rates or pregnancy losses after the transfer to the recipients (p >.05). Embryo transfer during autumn was less successful than the transfers performed during the spring transition and the breeding season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports focused on adult heart transplant (HTx) recipients with COVID-19 suggest an increased risk of severe disease, however; it is unclear if this holds true for pediatric HTx patients, given the typically milder course of illness in children in general with COVID-19. We sought to rapidly implement a system for multi-center data collection on pediatric HTx candidates and recipients, with the aim of describing the patient population and infection related outcomes. The Pediatric Heart Transplant Society (PHTS) is a multi-center collaboration that seeks to improve the outcomes of children who are listed and undergo HTx. The society consists of pediatric HTx centers in North America (n = 53), UK (n = 2), and Brazil (n = 1). In response to the pandemic, PHTS developed a web-based platform to collect COVID-19 specific data on pediatric HTx candidates and recipients. Non-PHTS centers were also invited to submit data. Data fields included pre-and post-HTx patient characteristics, presumed versus documented infection, need for hospitalization (including ICU and ventilator use), treatments administered, and 30-day outcome (resolution, death, sequelae, and or unresolved) Data collection was initiated on 4/30/20. As of 03/15/21 there were 225 patients [19 pre-HTx and 206 post-HTx, median age 14 years (IQR 7, 18)] reported from 41 centers. Hospitalization occurred in 42% (n = 8) of the pre-HTx and 21% (n=43) of the post-HTx patients. Among the patients listed for HTx, 21% (n = 4) required ICU and 10.5% (n = 2) were mechanically ventilated. Among post-HTx patients, 7% (n = 14) required ICU and 1% (n = 3) were mechanically ventilated. At 30 days, the majority of patients had resolution of symptoms (94.7% pre-HTx, 95.6% post-HTx). One death was reported in a post-HTx patient prior to 30 days from onset of COVID-19 illness. These data demonstrate the ability to rapidly adapt the PHTS data collection infrastructure in response to a novel infection and represent the first known multi-center report of characteristics and early outcomes for patients listed and following pediatric HTx with COVID-19. Hospitalization appears to be more common for both candidates and recipients due to COVID-19 than for the general pediatric population though stays were short and mortality minimal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Huele and colleagues started a debate on the comparison between embryo donation and double donation. Although I largely agree with their final conclusion, I believe that the perspective of the recipients needs to be added to get a more complete picture. The present contribution focuses on that perspective and advances other arguments to balance the two methods. The main argument in favour of double donation is the difference in perceived meaning for the recipients compared to surplus embryos. The main arguments in favour of embryo donation are the fair distribution of scarce resources (i.e. donor gametes) and the principle of non-maleficence through the avoidance of unnecessary oocyte donation cycles. The balance would be to put both treatments on an equal footing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been observed that a subset of dative verbs that can express causation of possession such as cwu- 'give', ceykongha- 'offer' and cikupha- 'pay' may be found in the double accusative frame as well as in the DAT(ive)-ACC(usative) frame in Korean. These verbs contrast with transfer of possession verbs such as kennay- 'hand' and phal- 'sell' and verbs of sending and throwing, which are found in the DAT-ACC frame only. This paper presents a meaning-based account of the limited productivity of the dative/accusative alternation in Korean dative verbs. Building on Croft et al. (2001) and Levin (2004, 2008b), I argue that the semantic classes of dative verbs form an implicational hierarchy pure caused possession > transfer of possession > caused motion, which ranks verbs in terms of the degree of the compatibility with a caused possession event type. I suggest three criteria for compatibility between verb meaning and constructional meaning and show that the analysis of verb–construction pairings proposed here, when combined with an account of variation, provides a unified explanation for verb distribution patterns observed for ditransitive constructions within and across languages and the morphosyntactic expression of recipients of dative verbs in Korean. It accounts for the limited productivity of the dative/accusative alternation in dative verbs in Korean as a consequence of choosing the cut-off point at the highest end of this hierarchy, thus explaining why only the verb class that is most compatible with the caused possession event type, i.e. pure caused possession verbs, may be used ditransitively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genomic selection combined with in vitro embryo production (IVEP) with oocytes from heifer calves provides a powerful technology platform to reduce generation interval and significantly increase the rate of genetic gain in cattle. The ability to obtain oocytes with developmental competence from calves has been recognised for more than 60 years. There is renewed interest in the potential of this reproductive technology as the beef and dairy industries seek to identify and multiply animals that satisfy consumer demand for efficient utilisation of natural resources, with minimal environmental impact and high product quality. Heifer calves show a good follicular response to FSH stimulation and oocytes can be recovered by ovum pick-up (OPU). However, the efficiency of OPU/IVEP remains lower for calves compared with peripubertal heifers and cows, in both indicus (Zebu, Bos indicus) and taurus (Bos taurus) breeds. Indicus cattle generally have more follicles, yield a greater number of oocytes, and have a better IVEP outcome, compared with taurus cattle. The treatment of prepubertal heifers with bovine somatotrophin (bST) and propylene glycol before OPU/IVEP has yet to show a major improvement in embryo production. Holstein (taurus) dairy heifers derived from different reproductive technologies (AI, MOET, OPU/IVEP) showed a similar age at puberty and first-lactation milk production. OPU/IVEP Holstein embryos transferred to beef or dairy cows likewise yielded heifers with the same performance. The gains in productivity that can be achieved with strategic use of OPU/IVEP in heifer calves make this a relevant and highly important reproductive technology in cattle breeding. Ongoing optimisation of the technology is needed for the potential of OPU/IVEP in young donors to be fully realised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Kindness, a basic element of morality, has been observed to have a greater impact on individuals' general well-being, societal development, and integration of humanity. However, despite its phenomenal acceptance in all religions and cultures worldwide, the concept remained understudied. Therefore, qualitative research was planned to explore the phenomenon of kindness, its enabling factors, inhibiting factors, and to identify the recipients of kindness in Pakistani adolescents. An interview guide was developed in Study 1 through two Focus Group Discussions with eight girls and eight boys of 18 and 19 years to achieve the objectives. The interpretative phenomenological analysis method developed seven questions for the interview guide and then finalized through committee approach and pilot testing. In the main study, in-depth interviews were conducted on a total sample of 14 adolescents. Among which 50% were girls between 18 and 19 years (M= 18.5, SD= 0.51). The data were collected from Rawalpindi and Islamabad using a convenient sampling technique and analyzed through thematic framework analysis. The results suggested that Pakistani adolescents conceptualized kindness as benefitting oneself and others with goodness and withholding harm. Religion and socialization were reported as the prime enabling factors for being kind. In addition, the availability of resources and the perception of the recipient's deservedness also determined kindness. Among the inhibitory factors, self-detaining tendencies, family and peer pressure, and non-availability of resources emerged. It is hoped that the present study may enhance the understanding of kindness for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The individualistic nature of learning nowadays, coupled with the global spread of English, has contributed to the rise of shadow education in English. This study focuses on one of its forms, one-on-one private tutoring in English (PTE); more specifically, it explores this privately purchased service through the eyes of its recipients, learners of English. The aim of this study is to uncover the nature of the PTE that the learners experienced and the perceived role of this type of education in their lives. The study investigates the learners’ lives from early childhood to their entry to university, deploying a narrative interview as a data-gathering instrument. Twenty respondents were interviewed; then the qualitative analysis of the interviews was conducted using open coding. The findings of the study suggest that PTE supplements formal education in the course of the students’ lives. Its role in learners’ lives is linked to remedial or enrichment purposes. Children’s involvement in PTE is initiated either by their parents or by the children themselves for a variety of purposes reflecting all kinds of their needs. Concerning those who provide PTE, they constitute a diverse group including both native and non-native speakers of English; however, nothing is known about them and about the quality of their service. Furthermore, the study identified two specific features of PTE: the demand for PTE for primary school pupils and the phenomenon of the native speaker tutor.

Objectives: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a progressive disease that, left untreated, is typically fatal. The purpose of this investigation was to detect Leishmania sp. infection in hemodialysis patients who had received multiple blood transfusions at a private clinic in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul state, Midwest Brazil. Methods: Fifty randomly selected volunteers were interviewed for collection of demographic, socioeconomic, and epidemiological data. Indirect immunofluorescence (titers positive when ≥1:40) and rK39 immunochromatographic tests were employed for serological investigation. Results: Males predominated (60%). Age ranged from 20 to 77 years. Most subjects reported being on hemodialysis for at least one year (94%) and 84% were candidates for kidney transplantation, 67% of whom were on the waiting list. Leishmania sp. infection was detected in 32%. Contact with infected dogs was the only variable associated with infection. Conclusions: Under immunocompromised conditions, VL is opportunistic and potentially fatal. Despite existing risks, screening for VL is not performed in asymptomatic donors and recipients. The detection of anti-Leishmania antibodies in these patients reinforces the need for infection screening before immunosuppressive treatment is initiated to reduce not only the risks of VL development and severity, but also mortality rates in cases of reactivation of latent infection.

Since December 2019, increasing attention has been paid to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) epidemic in Wuhan, China. SARS-CoV-2 primarily invades the respiratory tract and lungs, leading to pneumonia and other systemic disorders. The effect of SARS-CoV-2 in transplant recipients has raised significant concerns, especially because there is a large population of transplant recipients in China. Based on the current epidemic situation, this study reviewed publications on this virus and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), analyzed common features of respiratory viral pneumonias, and presented the currently reported clinical characteristics of COVID-19 in transplant recipients to improve strategies regarding the diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 in this special population.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Given the complexities of the health care system and the importance of the subject and effects of health literacy in all aspects of care, defining specific health literacy in this context seems necessary. The purpose of this research was to explain the concept of hospital health literacy (HHL), its definition, and the related dimensions using the qualitative research method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An exploratory qualitative design was used. Exploratory, open-ended, and face-to-face interviews based on the interview guide were used to elicit participants' perspectives between July 2021 and January 2022. By using the content analysis method, researchers coded transcripts and collated these codes into sub-categories and then merged them into the main category and explored the dimensions of the concept. RESULTS: A total of 23 service providers and 25 service recipients were included in the study. Analysis of qualitative data led to the identification of 6 categories and 25 sub-categories including cognitive literacy, functional (basic) literacy, communicative literacy, behavioral literacy, media literacy, and emotional literacy. CONCLUSION: The findings of the present study provide a deep understanding of the concept of HHL that could be applied to develop valid and reliable measurement tools for assessing HHL among a variety of populations. Also, it is hoped that the present attempt can be useful to guide future research and interventions as well as to provide a clear base for planning, implementing, and evaluating interventions aimed at promoting individuals' health literacy in health settings.

Objective: Tacrolimus intrapatient variability (Tac IPV) has been considered a marker for post-graft risk. We investigated pre-transplant psychometric testing to predict Tac IPV after living kidney transplantation., Methods: Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) examined during pre-transplant evaluation by 102 recipients were analyzed. Subjects were divided into two groups, low IPV (L-IPV) and high IPV (H-IPV), by cutoffs of Tac IPV: median of 24 and value of 30. T-scores of MMPI-2 scales were used to analyze difference between L-IPV and H-IPV using independent t-tests. Stepwise multiple logistic regression was used to test whether MMPI-2 scales affected Tac IPV. Confusion matrix of logistic regression was used to explain statistical power. Cutoff values of significant scales for H-IPV were analyzed by constructing receiver operating characteristic curves., Results: Hysteria (Hy) and depression (D) scale scores and Tac IPV were associated in IPV 24 (odds ratio [OR]: 1.08, p<0.01 for Hy; OR: 0.93, p<0.01 for D) and IPV 30 models (OR: 1.09, p<0.01 for Hy; OR: 0.92, p<0.01 for D). Paranoia (Pa) scale scores were associated with Tac IPV in IPV 24 model (OR=1.10, p<0.01) and were significantly higher in H-IPV 24 (p<0.01). F1 scores of confusion matrix in IPV 24 and 30 models were 0.70 and 0.71, respectively. Cutoffs of Hy, D, and Pa scales were 51, 57, and 47, respectively., Conclusion: MMPI-2 profile is suggested as a predictor for high Tac IPV after living kidney transplantation.

Background: Orthotropic liver transplantation (OLT) offers a therapeutic choice for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. The poor outcome of liver transplantation is HCV recurrence. Several genome-wide associated studies (GWAS) have reported many genetic variants to be associated with HCV recurrence. Seven gene polymorphisms formed a cirrhosis risk score (CRS) signature that could be used to distinguish chronic HCV patients at high risk from those at low risk for cirrhosis in non-transplant patients. This study aims to examine the association of CRS score and other clinical parameters with the probability for HCC emergence and/or the rate of HCV recurrence following liver transplantation. Results: Seven gene polymorphisms, forming the CRS, were genotyped by real-time PCR using allelic discrimination protocol in 199 end-stage liver disease patients (79 child A, 43 child B, and 77child C), comprising 106 patients who encountered liver transplantation. Recipient CRS scores were correlated with HCV recurrence (HCV-Rec) at the end of the third year after OLT. Around 81% (39) recipients with low steatosis (LS; < 3.5%) donor percentage revealed no HCV recurrence (non-Rec) (p<0.001). CRS score could distinguish between child A, child B, and child C only at the low-risk group. Among the HCV Rec group 27% (8/30), 40% (12/30), and 33% (10/30) fell into the high, moderate, and low CRS risk groups, respectively. Stepwise logistic regression evinced two features more likely to be seen in HCV-Rec patients: abnormal ALT [OR, 1.1; 95% CI, 1.02–1.2] and donor steatosis >3.5% [OR, 46.07; 95% CI, 1.5–1407.8]. Conclusions: Accordingly, the CRS score seems to be less useful to predict HCV recurrence after OLT. ALT and donor steatosis (exceed 3.5%) can significantly promote the HCV recurrence post-OLT. Moreover, the combination of MMF and CNI positively heightens HCV recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]